Issue 2, Vol. 63

highlights

editorial board

Maria Jose Cestero

Sports

Scene

Online

Isabella Morales Marcela Rondon Rafael J. Sans, Jr. Cristel Cantarero Manuel Espinoza Melissa Gonzalez Georgia Rau Emily Kardjian Ava Volman Alexander Brazda Lenox Balzebre Juan Fajardo Carolina Castro & Santiago Giraldo

staff writers

Adrian Perez Adriel Cortes Alyssa Dopico Anais Jamali Austin Yagoda Camila Perez-Clavarino Chiara Abad-Sanchez Divya Dave Francesca Rico Hazel Grosell Isabela Duarte

Julia Volman Lily Goron Lucas Betancourt Micaela Montero Nathalie Schwart Saryn Moore Samantha Sears Sela Peña

Sofa Rodriguez Valentina Araujo Valentina Ponton

contributors

publication policy

highlights is the offcial student-produced news magazine at Coral Gables Senior High School published and produced by highlights staff members. highlights has been established as a designated public forum for student journalists to educate and inform their readers on issues of concern to their audience and dissemination of news and ideas to the entire school community. As the producer of a scholastic publication, highlights subscribes to the responsibilities set forth by the National Scholastic Press Association Code of Ethics for scholastic journalists and advisers.

According to Miami-Dade County Public School Policy, student media is not subject to prior review by administration or district personnel and as such, all content is determined by and refects the views of the student staff members only. highlights welcomes reader feedback. All letters should be addressed to highlightscghs@gmail.com with the subject line “Letter to the Editor.” highlights reserves the right to publish any letter sent.

features

in the

news

As voting season arrives, here are the political views of Fla. gubernatorial candidates Ron DeSantis and Charlie Crist

vs. Teams

overconsumption

Teacher coaches Maxwell Wood, Yvette Camacho and Michel Fotso share why the choose to take-on both jobs at once

frst Croqueta Bar

of Heaven Sanctuary

the cover:

in the news

your point of

on a topic published in highlights with an email titled “Letter to the Editor.” We reserve the right to publish any letters sent to this

Juan

Luke Savage Christy Concepcion

Sofa Rodriguez/highlights

Emily Kardjian/highlights

fall festivities

EVERY SO OFTEN, AMERICA’S news channels are fooded with raging citizens fghting for an idea they believe in. It’s a cycle of social conficts gaining attention in the news industry and slowly diminishing until they are brought up again.

The most common theme throughout these protests is groups of people urging other citizens to stand up and help make a change, most notably by voting. Yet even though we live in a representative democracy, it seems as if voting is a power that is frequently undermined.

What most people do not realize is that the problems that exist in society are a direct result of letting certain offcials into offce. We are the only people that can make a change. We cannot always rely on others to do the work for us, therefore carefully choosing who we want

from the editors

to represent us in offce is vital for progression.

Before reaching the polls, it’s important to understand what each candidate stands for on various issues. That way, you can elect those that refect beliefs that match your own. For the Florida election specifcally, to view an unbiased preview on each of the candidate’s policies, read pages 10-11.

And if you are like me, waiting until the day that you are legally allowed to vote, there are still numerous ways you can get involved to make a difference. Whether that be by pre-registering to vote, participating in protests or even volunteering at polls, getting a head start on the election process is never a negative thing to do.

On a more minimal scale, spreading information across social media can help promote awareness on certain issues, as

long as the information presented is factual.

For those of you that are 18-years-old or older, use your power wisely and effectively.

Reach the polls as an informed citizen ready to cast a ballot. Do your research and choose the candidate that you think will have the most positive infuence on society. Form your own opinions and do not let others’ perspectives infuence your own.

But most importantly, make the effort to actually vote. As a student, child, citizen and member of the future generation, I encourage you to please vote. The future of our community is in your hands.

Sincerely,

Isabella Morales

Managing Editor

STRUMMING AWAY: Senior Julieta Vega and junior Francisco Martinez promote the National Spanish Honor Society at club fair.

GETTING HYPED: At the frst pep rally of the year, senior and co-host Helena Macedo runs onto the court to excite the crowd.

CHEERFUL CAVS: At the football game vs. Braddock, juniors Ludvig Fellstrom, Jayden Solomon and Jacob Ligenfelser cheer the team on from the sidelines.

PROUDLY POSING: Junior Giovanni Bernile pours water over senior Parker D’Alemberte at a car wash hosted by the wrestling team that aimed to raise funds for head coach Thomas Hardy.

Valentina Ponton/highlights

Cristel Cantarero/highlights

Cristel Cantarero/highlightsMarcela Rondon/highlights

Exceptional developments

h featuresThe Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program aids in career exploration with its new adaptations

BY ISABELA DUARTE AND CHIARA ABAD-SANCHEZ, STAFF WRITERS

MANY STUDENTS ARE unsure about how to prepare for a career. Fortunately, Gables has programs that can help with career preparation, offering classes, magnets and academies with real opportunities such as

CavShop

Forgetting school supplies at home is a natural mistake made by many students. However, the new mini supply store run by Autism Spectrum Disorder and ESE teacher Ivette Feeney and her students aims to make mistakes like these less of an inconvenience for students at the school.

In addition to school necessities, the shop also sells spirit supplies such as posters, balloons and necklaces for students to purchase. Updates for new items in stock can be found on their Instagram, @feeneys_class.

Feeney’s class is ensuring the student body is prepared for the day that lies ahead while creating a fun learning environment for her own students. Students that buy from the CavShop can receive extra credit from some teachers such as Reinoso, Delgado and Fleita.

The store started as an idea to fundraise for the ESE students’ end of the year ban uet and feld trips. Though these activities were a routine in Feeney’s syllabus, they were becoming

highlights

ON THE JOB: Sarah Koriman organizes the earring display on the CavShop counter.

feld trips and events to e plore their interests. pecifcally, the ceptional tudent Education department has taken measures to prepare their students for professional careers with developments such as the CavShop and student teachers. The CavShop provides ESE

students with jobs and serves a necessary service to Gables. A student with much love for helping others, Mia Aguilar also contributes to the department through teaching, helping both the students and herself prepare for the future.

more of an economic challenge. Moreover, in addition to fundraising, the store also provides ESE students with meaningful job experience where they learn valuable skills such as customer service, money handling and attention to detail. The fact that the shop is cash-only makes the job more hands-on. The store serves as a stepping stone for student employees to start branching out as they enter the job market.

“We haven’t had an on campus program for them to get job experience, so being that this is is the frst is really great, eeney said.

Throughout the summer, students cleaned, painted and decorated the room with balloons, posters and pictures of them putting the shop together in order to create a nice ambiance for other students.

The store opened in room 2153 on Sept. 15 after having a small opening on Sept. 6 for uniform exchange. After the lengthy process of setting up the store, Feeney enthusiastically waited for the grand opening with high hopes for both the store and her students.

The store’s employees are returning ESE seniors seeking employment experience in a safe and familiar environment. In addition

to opportunities at Gables, students can also use programs like Project Victory, which help students with work related disadvantages get more job experience.

“Working at the CavShop can help us be better employees as we learn customer service skills, student employee arah oriman said.

The supply store also provides uniforms donated by Gables alumni for students who may need them. If a student is found out of uniform, they can temporarily exchange the clothes they are wearing for the available uniforms. As long as the uniforms are clean when returned, no fee is charged.

“The store’s uniform exchange option prevented me from suffering severe consequences like detention for being out of uniform, which was ama ing, freshman Christian Tomas said.

After such success with the CavShop after only a few weeks, the department is excited to see the long-term positive impacts it makes on the employees, current ESE students and the general student population at Gables.

WARM WELCOME: Students are greeted with balloons and a colorful sign at the entrance.

FOLDING FUN: Sofa Missagia folds polos in preparation for uniform exchange.

Mia Aguilar

Inspired by an affection for education and helping others, junior Mia Aguilar has begun to follow her passion by becoming a student aide for Autism Spectrum Disorder and ESE teacher Ivette Feeney.

An already well-rounded student, Aguilar is in the Academy of Finance, a member of the girls’ fag football and basketball teams in addition to being the president of Best Buddies, a club that promotes friendship between its members with developmental disabilities and those without via FaceTime, text or in person.

Additionally, since she was eight years old, Aguilar has been writing novels, having already published numerous children’s books, young adult novels and romance novels, such as “Love on the Brain,” available on Amazon.

During Aguilar’s sophomore year, she entered room 2156 for a Best Buddies presentation and the students were instantly captivated by her personality and attitude towards teaching. After this initial connection, she returned to the class more often, spending lunches and free class periods socializing with the students. Over time, Aguilar’s friendship with the department blossomed into a stronger relationship.

“I love engaging with them, and over time I got this teacher feeling,” Aguilar said.

Since Aguilar was young, she’s wanted to be a teacher or a daycare worker. Now, she has made her younger self’s dream a reality.

Feeney works with students who have developmental disabilities in classes that are changed according to what the student is expected to learn, based on their diagnosis. She also teaches transition skills geared towards deferred students returning after their senior year. Most of the students have already graduated but are still passionate and eager to learn, with ages ranging from 15 to 22 years old.

Feeney is very particular about letting people into her classroom. She believes that Aguilar is the perfect ft for a student aide

HALLTALK

The highlights staff records what students are talking about in the halls.

because she is patient, mature and has a gift that cannot be taught. Aguilar specifcally helps students with speech, reading, math, science and art, typically one-on-one. She makes sure to encourage students to answer questions even when they are not sure and she explains everything thoroughly to ensure understanding.

“Mia is very patient and mature for her age, and she has very good tact with the students and knows how to work with them. I’m very grateful to have Mia work with our kids,” Feeney said.

The students see Aguilar as their teacher

assists Sofa Missagia with a reading assignment.

Despite her natural talent and love for teaching, Aguilar has also experienced challenges. When she frst started, she walked in blind, meaning she had no idea how to communicate with each student effectively. Her biggest concern was not knowing if they would be triggered by anything she would say or if there were certain ways to teach. After spending more time with each of them, she discovered their individual characteristics, which helped her learn how to cater to each of them differently.

One student Aguilar helps with speech impediments is Swan Guardiola, a deferred student who graduated in 2022. Aguilar has worked with her most of the time she has spent aiding Feeney’s class. They have been able to build a strong relationship, as Guardiola constantly looks forward to dancing to Usher with Aguilar at the end of class.

“My favorite activity to do with Ms. Mia is drawing and painting smiley faces and hearts,” Guardiola said.

and often call her “Ms. Mia.” Seeing her students happy because they answered a question correctly or understood the material given in class makes Aguilar proud of both them and herself.

“Teaching students with speech problems made me love what I did everyday. I walked into the classroom with a passion and I want to continue that passion,” Aguilar said.

“My astrologist told me to threaten nuclear war.”

“He’s not the kind of guy that you want to argue with, you just want to put him on mute.”

“Is javelin throwing in track & feld like catch?”

When Aguilar graduates, her goal is to become a speech pathologist or speech therapist and open a pathology clinic for kids on the spectrum. The experience of being Feeney’s aide not only inspired this dream but kickstarted it, as she has already gained knowledge and passion in the area.

“If I get to walk in there every day and help and inspire kids as I do here, I’m content,” Aguilar said. h

“Do you think my Rolling Loud pass could work as an ID?”

“She may be prettier, but I bet she posts all of her BeReals late.”

“Some people just don’t understand the highs and lows of FIFA card trading.”

TEACHING STUDENTS WITH SPEECH PROBLEMS MADE ME LOVE WHAT I DID EVERY DAY. I WALKED INTO THE CLASSROOM WITH A PASSION AND I WANT TO CONTINUE THAT PASSION.

MIA AGUILAR, JUNIOR

“

Chiara Abad-Sanchez/highlights HELPING OUT: Mia Aguilar

Hooked on crocheting

Sophomore Caitlin Savage uses her unique creative outlet to help both herself and the environment around her

BY NATALIE SCHWART, STAFF WRITER

ASINGLE THREAD AND hooked needle are used to create looped stitches, which are then interlocked to create the art of crocheting. Though it simply began as a way for sophomore Caitlin Savage to occupy her time during the COVID-19 pandemic, it quickly turned into a creative outlet and hobby that helps her deal with stress and gives her a sense of motivation to overcome challenges.

“I use crochet as a way to release stress. It relaxes me because it gives me time to relax and think. While my hands are busy crocheting, it becomes a subconscious pattern that gives my mind space to process other things like watching a movie or listening to music,” Savage said.

From bucket hats to stuffed animals, Savage aspires to use her talents to captivate the world. In addition to taking requests for items to make, she makes beautiful pieces for friends and family.

Savage’s friends have been touched by the effort and intricacy that go into her gifts, one being a stuffed bee. The complex stitch work and patterns never fail to make someone smile.

“It was such high quality, I thought she bought it from a store. I was so surprised and moved by the fact that she made something so nice for me,” sophomore Naomi Galex said.

Her favorite piece she has ever

made is a strawberry bucket hat. While she does not regard it as the most impressive piece she had made, it is very close to her heart because of the complex designs as well as the fact that it was one of the frst big projects she completed on her own, that is, without any help from the internet.

Crocheting helps Savage develop skills that she would not have had prior, such as memorization and concentration, since crocheting requires focus and awareness of the different stitches and patterns. It also improves memorization skills because the number of stitches made must continue in a consistent pattern. These skills allow her to be a successful person in many areas of life, both in and out of school.

In addition to crocheting, Savage has many other hobbies that occupy her time, such as cooking and reading. She feels that being productive in free time is an added bonus while doing something that brings happiness.

“Essentially, crocheting makes me happy since it allows me to express myself in a unique way. I adore the fact that I can release these creative ideas through a special medium of art,” Savage said.

A future goal for Savage is using her skill for the greater good, selling her pieces and donating the profts. She wants her hobby to progress to a point in which it is not only beneftting herself, friends and family, but also her community.

“I support environmental causes through organizations such as 4Ocean, Greenpeace

Rau/highlights

CourtesyofLukeSavage

and the Rainforest Alliance because they strive to improve the health of our planet,” Savage said.

Savage is an avid member of both Interact and Key Club, already holding a board position in both. Savage is also an active member of Gables Earth, which she uses as an outlet to express her passion for the environment. She hopes to use her involvement in these clubs to help communities in need.

Savage recommends crocheting to anyone who is looking for a new hobby. While she acknowledges that the activity may appear to be challenging, she has also learned that after overcoming the obstacles, it is well worth it, as one is able to make virtually anything they put their mind to creating, just as she has. h

The crocheting starter pack

Scissors Yarn

Projects for beginners

Crochet hook

- Baby blanket - Scarf - Scrunchie

BY EMILY KARDJIAN, NEWS EDITOR

NEWS REVIEW IN BRIEF

BY SAMANTHA SEARS, STAFF WRITER

RISING REAL ESTATE

Miami has always been popular for retirees and snowbirds, but now foreign investors are leading to increased home prices as they present high offers to ensure their acceptance by real estate agents. While still remaining large, increase rates have dropped since 2021. In addition, costs have been impacted by an increase in cash offers. Due to their convenience for realtors and sellers, fewer locals’ offers are getting accepted.

“I believe that the prices in Miami’s housing market will continue to skyrocket, making it harder for the working class to find a home,” English teacher Gerardo Couzo said.

DIGITAL AP TESTING

In-school digital Advanced Placement exams will soon be offered for seven courses as of 2023, including Computer Science Principles and World History. They will be administered on the same schedule as paper-based exams. Though digital tests are offered to all schools, they are not mandatory. Schools can opt out and administer the paper-based exam or offer both, according to College Board. This transition has been long awaited since the digital advancements made it to the SAT.

“I think digital testing will help with the free writing section of the test. Due to handwriting issues, it has been harder to get a good score. This will make it easier,” AP Psychology and World History teacher Lauren Noval said.

Congrats, Cavs!

Congratulations to junior Amalia Garrido for her eighth-place finish in the junior varsity race at the Youth Fair Invitational Cross Country meet on Sept. 9, 2022.

Congratulations to teacher Gabriel Rodriguez for beginning the publishing process for his upcoming book, “Periodic East.”

MAGAZINES FOR TEENS

News magazines such as Vogue and The Huffington Post are catering to teenagers for the first time since the 2000s by creating teen sections. In doing so, they aim to help youth stay informed and form their own opinions. Instead of catering to adults, these sections will discuss subjects such as pop culture and trends relevant to teenagers. A recent study conducted by Microsoft concluded that the average attention span has shrunk by 25% over the last few years. Featuring these topics will help teens stay focused on articles’ content instead of struggling to finish them.

“Having a concise area that tells me everything will make it easier to digest information,” freshman Katherine Sanchez-Garcia said.

h h

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Congratulations to the Coral Gables JROTC for placing in three out of their five events at the Raiders competition on Sept. 24, 2022.

Emily Kardjian/highlights

Posing on the Gables track, junior Amalia Garrido holds her medal and celebrates earning eighth place in her junior varsity race at the Youth Fair Invitational Cross Country meet.

COVID-19 protections lose funding

Moving forward, no additional federal funding will be allocated towards COVID-19 testing, treatment or vaccinations

BY LILY GORON, STAFF WRITER

OUSE DEMOCRATS HAVE officially decided to strip additional COVID-19 funding used to fight the pandemic by providing vaccines, tests and masks, after Democratic and Republican lawmakers were unable to reach an agreement on how to allocate it.

Previously, the supply money was used to provide funds to fight the pandemic, but was emptied as COVID-19 testing increased and vaccines became less accessible. After much debate, it has been decided that there would be no more funding money distributed for this purpose.

A few weeks ago, Congress voted on a new COVID-19 regulation which denied the allocation of $22.5 billion aimed towards potentially ending the pandemic. The bill was signed by President Joe Biden, and according to press officials informed of the decision, there are no known reasons as to why the COVID-19 funding was not accepted. Yet, without this funding, the Biden administration will not be able to supply citizens with treatments to fight the virus.

H h“If this is how we go about things during a pandemic, we will definitely end up running into another,” senior Ihtzel Michel said.

Because of the lack of funding, hospitals and doctors’ offices will not be reimbursed for testing, treating or vaccinating uninsured patients for COVID-19 as of April 5. This further damages communities unable to afford healthcare.

“I think this will last for a few months until enough protests happen or someone higher up decides that enough is enough and Americans need COVID-19 tests. Everyone needs them at some point and if someone can’t buy one, then that can be an incredible recipe for disaster,” junior Hassan Shahid said.

Due to the predicted lack of funds, the U.S. has already started to transition certain COVID-19 products to commercial markets. Some companies, such as Eli Lilly & Co., have also announced that they would sell COVID-19 antibody treatments directly to health providers, states and territories in need to be able to keep the medicine available.

Medicine and COVID-19 related items such as masks will not be bought, as The White House has stated that there will not be enough funding for the government and medical services to buy them. If another dose of the vaccine is needed, testing capabilities will further decrease. Furthermore, an increase in purchases of antibody treatment and preventative treatment for those with weakened immune systems would significantly impact this vulnerable part of the population. In addition to vaccine export organizations, major research and development of COVID-19 treatments would be largely affected.

“Congress should allocate funds to educate the public and prevent another severe outbreak of COVID-19 or other pathogens,” IB Chemistry teacher Elizabeth Kiely said.

To combat this issue, the federal government has been able to come to an agreement that manages to secure the funding needed for children under four years old to be vaccinated or tested and to offer a fourth booster shot to the immunocompromised, according to CNN. Any other measure beyond that, however, would require further approval from Congress.

Despite the rejection of additional funding, America has an already settled emergency fund for situations in which money cannot be provided. According to CNN, out of America’s $1.9 trillion in funding, $300 billion remains unobligated while $240 million is set to be distributed for cities and states to operate with.

As well as refusing to use COVID-19 funding money, House Representatives have also blocked $15 billion in new pandemic funds over some concerns that it would come from state aid. This is major because the use of state aid money would mean losing money in states’ main trust funds.

a quick timeline

Compiled by Emily Kardjian/highlights

IF THIS IS HOW WE GO ABOUT THINGS DURING A PANDEMIC, WE WILL DEFINITELY END UP RUNNING INTO ANOTHER. IHTZEL MICHEL, SENIOR

“

Emily Kardjian/ highlights

Meet Florida’s gubernatorial candidates:

With the primaries concluded, both DeSantis and Crist are upcoming voting season draws near, highlights presents a comprehensive

BY DIVYA DAVE, STAFF WRITER Background

FORMER GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST IS ONCE AGAIN RUNNING FOR FLORIDA Governor after defeating Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried in the August primaries. Crist previously served as the 44th governor of Florida from 2007-2011. He served as a Republican and is now the Democratic candidate for the upcoming 2022 election. He changed his party affiliation from Republican to Independent in 2010 and then to Democratic in 2012. Prior to this, he was elected to serve one term in the Florida Senate in 1991 and later became Florida’s first elected Republican attorney general in 2003.

Plan for office

If Crist is successful in winning the office against DeSantis, he will focus greatly on education. To emphasize this, he chose Karla Hernandez, the president of the Miami-Dade teacher’s union, as his running-mate. Crist has also expressed his plan to declare an emergency teacher shortage as part of his “Freedom to Learn’’ initiative, according to The Capitolist. Thus far, Crist has also highlighted his support for faculty and staff in Florida’s schools. Crist wants to invest $5.5 billion to help increase teacher pay and also work towards including a state employee health plan for schools’ staff.

Apart from this, Crist would like to automatically allow anyone with a driver’s license the right to vote. His main theme is to promote voting rights for all citizens in Florida. Indeed, he would like to make Election Day, the first Tuesday in November, a state holiday, while also giving more people like felons who have completed their sentences the right to vote.

“I believe that everyone should be encouraged to vote and have a say in key decisions that will affect them and their community because every vote counts,” sophomore Brianna Bustamante said.

Moreover, another project Crist has is his seven-point plan aimed at reducing cost of living. This plan calls for a new Insurance Commissioner to assist with rate increases and for the creation of an insurance fraud task force, according to Florida Politics. Crist also wants to increase the affordable housing inventory and limit corporations from turning homes into rental properties.

In addition, Crist has expressed plans in relation to reproductive rights and has shown himself to be in favor of widespread abortion access. After his nomination, Crist promised to sign an executive order protecting abortion rights in Florida on the first day of his administration being active. This would stop state agencies from interfering with abortion access, according to Florida Politics.

“Reproductive rights are an extremely important issue that are being unjustly infringed upon, and it is crucial that we continue to fight for the rights to our own bodies as women and as a collective society,” senior Mia Cabrera said.

students speak up “ “ PEOPLE SHOULD VOTE BECAUSE IT IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION THE PUBLIC MUST MAKE Lucia Novo, Sophomore

“ “

MIAMI IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND WE’RE IN A RECESSION THAT WILL HOPEFULLY GO BACK DOWN IN NOVEMBER Luz Morales, Senior

PARTY: DEMOCRAT

candidates: Charlie Crist and Ron DeSantis in the running to become Florida’s next governor. As the comprehensive rundown of both candidates and their campaigns

Background

Ron DeSantis is the current governor of Florida and the Republican candidate for the 2022 elections. Prior to his involvement in state politics, DeSantis served in active-duty service for the U.S. Navy. DeSantis was honorably discharged from active duty in 2010 and elected to Congress in 2012. DeSantis was named Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security for the House of Representatives, ran for Senate in 2016 and has now served as Florida Governor since 2019. Some of his notable achievements as governor have included leading the state throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and boosting the state’s minimum teacher pay to make it the ninth highest in the nation.

Plan for office

RON DESANTI S

FL ORID A GO VERNOR

REPUBLICAN

to campaign

volunteer on either

official website.

DeSantis is Florida’s current governor and is running for a second term. Many of his goals are of military focus and he has already enacted several policies on them. For example, he launched the Hometown Heroes Housing Program to help those in the military and veterans buy their first home. Another objective of DeSantis’ is fighting against special interest groups such as those by pharmaceutical companies. According to The Hill, he has already developed a plan to safely import prescription drugs from Canada to decrease Floridians’ medication costs.

Furthermore, many of DeSantis’ goals and achievements from his current term would be carried into the next, particularly those relating to education. DeSantis believes that students below grade four are not mature enough to learn about topics relating to gender and sexuality, according to NPR News. The “Parental Rights in Education” bill, House Bill 1557, signed in March 2022, will restrict teachers from discussing these topics in the classroom, as stated by the Tampa Bay Times.

Apart from this, DeSantis’s wife Casey DeSantis stated that millions from his budget will support families in Florida with a payment of $450 per child. More importantly, he has already contributed to the passing of House Bill 7045. This bill added to the Family Empowerment Scholarship by creating educational opportunities for low-income children through the expansion of school choice, which allows public funding for education to be used for broader purposes. According to the Florida Department of Education, an addition to the law provides funds to students with unique abilities.

“I think [DeSantis] is a good governor and has made many helpful impacts through his term in Florida, including the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program,” junior Dianie Gomez said.

If DeSantis wins the gubernatorial election, he has a few key ideas for office, among them his plan relating to gun rights. Aiming to protect the Second Amendment, DeSantis has promised to push for a bill allowing Floridians to carry firearms publicly without need of a permit or training.

“Some changes that I’d like to see in Florida are affordable housing, as well as more public transportation, and particularly a lower crime rate,” junior Alejandro Borjas said.

h

voter information

VOTE

to vote by October 11, 2022 on registertovoteflorida.

day in Florida is on Nov 8, 2022.

Emily Kardjian/highlights

Compiled by Emily Kardjian/highlights

STAFF-ED: Schoology Switch

Miami-Dade County Public Schools has switched from Microsoft Teams to Schoology, despite Teams’ efficiency

This article reflects the opinion of the highlights 2022-2023 staff. Written by staff writer Adrian Perez.

MICROSOFT TEAMS, AN extremely yy well-designed communication platform, has been replaced by an inconsistent maze of tabs and mouse clicks known as Schoology.

On Aug. 11, 2021, Miami-Dade County Public Schools unveiled Schoology in a tweet and established it as the district’s primary classroom platform for this school year, despite Teams’ convenience, efficiency and appealing design. Ever since schools began exploring how to implement learning from home, the use of digital school hubs has risen and MDCPS has been trying new management platforms. As a result, students have beem forced to adjust to foreign apps for the past two school years.

MDCPS’s goal by introducing Schoology is to organize teachers’ resources in one place, including their access to communication with their students. This was done in an effort to create a holistic online classroom with all the resources teachers could possibly need, making online learning exponentially more effective.

the Schoology site stem from its disorganized user interface (UI). The ideal UI keeps a simple layout and groups related materials, making it effortless to navigate the site, according to the U.S. General Services Administration Technology Transformation Service and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

However, Schoology disregards these principles by cramming files, assignments and discussions in the center of the screen and surrounding it with various tabs labeled with distinct icons of multiple colors on all sides. This disorganization leads to an increased cognitive load and takes focus away from the most important content, according to Eyequant.

DID YOU KNOW?

Since the start of the 20222023 school year, Schoology has been used by more than 70,000 students in MiamiDade County.

Source: Miami-Dade County Public Schools

“Schoology was made as part of the county’s plan to put teachers’ gradebook, attendance and other resources in one place,” Principal Tony Ullivarri said.

However, due to the switch, teachers have had to completely relearn how to assign work, post announcements and publish materials, while students struggle to find the latest reminders and submit assignments. Searching for the most efficient platform by throwing more and more sites at students and educators each year is only making school more confusing and stressful, whereas sticking to a single platform would build familiarity with its interface and make online learning more effective.

“I have a teacher who hasn’t even been able to have us turn in our assignments. Also since it’s a county switch, I have siblings in middle school who are struggling to navigate with it considering we all used Teams and that’s what we got comfortable with,” sophomore Luna Santiago said.

Many of the difficulties students face using

by the numbers

highlights surveyed 393 students in September 2022 regarding Schoology’s effectiveness.

of students believe Schoology will be an insufficient learning platform for the 2022-2023 school year.

Unsurprisingly, this makes it easy for students to miss reminders from teachers, as they have to go through multiple tabs and scroll through several announcements to find the class updates they need to complete their schoolwork.

On the other hand, Teams neatly displays all posts from teachers and students in one tab and clearly displays any recent activity, as well as uses the same template for assignments as posts with similar icons to keep a uniform layout throughout the site.

Even if the complicated format of Schoology is disregarded, it still might not have a future as a lasting educational platform due to the never ending cycle of switching online learning sites MDCPS seems to follow. Furthermore, by the time students graduate, solely education-based platforms like Schoology will become obsolete, and students will likely be using more professional platforms commonly used in workplaces, such as Teams. If students were to continue to use Teams consistently, their familiarity with the app could benefit their careers.

In MDCPS, there already was the perfect set of services with all the resources a student might need, both presently and in their futures. Instead of forcing the use of a school-based platform, Miami-Dade county can simplify students’ lives by sticking to the platform that does exactly what students and teachers need. h

of students find Microsoft Teams

the best learning platform for communication with teachers and administrators

of students prefer Microsoft Teams as the primary learning platform of Miami Dade County Public Schools.

of students have not used Schoology prior to the 2022-2023 school year.

Compiled by Ava Volman/

Denied healthcare, denied rights

As of August 21, transgender Floridians will no longer have access to gender-affirming care through Medicaid

COMMENTARY BY ALYSSA DOPICO, STAFF WRITER

GBTQ+ rights have been put under attack yet again, this time with a law severely restricting access to gender-affirming care for transgender Floridians.

Recent legislation in Florida has slowly been erasing the progress made in the last few decades towards equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. As of Aug. 21, transgender Floridians will be unable to receive genderaffirming care such as voice therapy, surgeries and hormone therapy under Medicaid funding, which is a partnership between state and federal government that provides healthcare for low-income Floridians. This new legislation will make it extremely difficult for transgender people to secure the care they desperately need, inevitably resulting in a decline in the mental health of thousands of transgender Floridians.

Before the effects of this ban can be truly discerned, it must be understood what trans people who experience dysphoria go through. Someone who identifies as transgender is anyone whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.

Trans people often experience dysphoria, which is defined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as psychological distress that is a result of the misalignment of one’s gender identity and their assigned gender. If

Lit is left untreated, gender dysphoria generates massive amounts of distress which affect people’s ability to function in work and school environments and leads to intense anxiety, depression and risk of suicide, according to the APA. These extreme consequences will inevitably arise amongst transgender Floridians due to this restriction.

“Gender affirming healthcare like puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, gender affirming surgeries and more are an essential for trans people; it is not something that can be taken away from them without serious repercussions,” junior and GenderSexuality Alliance vice-president Moon Anderson said.

Approximately 9,000 people are receiving gender-affirming care in Florida and a majority are enrolled in the Medicaid program, an estimate showed in a 2019 study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. Due to the ban, all of these people will be financially restricted from receiving the care they need, forcing them to endure gender dysphoria with no safe means to escape its harm. Undoubtedly, there will be a massive rise in suicide rates among trans teens, as 40% of trans people attempt suicide within their lifetime, which was demonstrated by a study done at the University of Pittsburgh.

This ban will be harmful even for trans people who do not need gender affirming healthcare. Transgender youth will experience both their rights and those of their peers being

speak up

relentlessly attacked and stripped away by the very same lawmakers that are supposed to protect them. This ban just adds to the overwhelming sense of hopelessness trans youth have when it comes to being accepted, much less welcomed, by others.

On top of that, this ban is yet another method of oppression that is being used to limit the rights of LGBTQ+ people even further. Recently, conservative lawmakers have been passing legislation that chips away at the efforts of LGBTQ+ activists who have tirelessly fought for equal rights. From discrimination in sports against transgender people, to the various bills restricting LGBTQ+ discussions in educational settings, to this ban on affordable transgender healthcare, lawmakers are making it progressively harder for LGBTQ+ people to be welcomed by society.

“There is already such strong anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric that I am worried it will just get worse from here. It feels like every month they are coming out with another ban,” senior and GSA president Luciana Calligari said.

The job of a lawmaker is to put rules into effect that intend to provide help to all citizens. In reality, their current actions are only harming transgender teens and society’s perception of them. These legislators argue that the laws they implement are in the best interest of today’s youth, but their actions clearly send a different message.

Peter Tullis, Sophomore

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“ TRANS YOUTH ARE GOING TO BE SCARED OF BECOMING COMFORTABLE IN THEIR OWN BODIES.

Auriane Lapierre, Junior

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The issue of celebrity culture and overconsumption Being some of the most influential people in the world, and materialism is an infection that spreads throughout society

COMMENTARY BY FRANCESCA RICO, STAFF WRITER

ROM TIKTOK stars like Addison Rae to celebrities such as Kylie Jenner, influencers use social media as a tool to show off their vast wealth or promote their own brands. However, this never-ending advertising plays a large role in overconsumption, or the excessive consumption of material items.

Not only are many celebrities accumulating countless amounts of arguably unnecessary products, they are also promoting them to their millions of followers. In turn, this generates the dangerous belief that one must frequently purchase new goods in order to stay with trends and gain a sense of status.

These brands and celebrities do not have the best interest of the people they are selling to in mind; their main concern is themselves. According to PRLab at Boston University, the main goal of public relations (PR) packages is to promote a product that leads to an increase in a brand’s audience and makes a profit. Celebrities do not consider the harm they may be causing to their audience by enforcing the belief that overconsumption is necessary for their desired lifestyle.

For instance, Addison Rae

billion people are as consumers.

Fregularly promotes her beauty company, ITEM Beauty, and posts PR packages and brand partnerships, ranging from wellness brands to other beauty companies, on various social media platforms for her audience of more than 80 million people.

Rae’s and other celebrities’ endless parading of products from a variety of brands normalizes the idea that one should be consuming products at a rapid rate. This is evident as the TikTok tags #haul and #unboxing have a total of 25.5 billion views and 45.6 billion views, respectively, as of September 2022. The idea that overconsumption is necessary to live in the modern world has now taken over the minds of average people.

“Many celebrities make a lot of their income from selling their lifestyles,” senior Edglhys Lopez said. “This makes it so the people that look up to these celebrities are dead set on emulating a lifestyle that is normally very materialistic.”

cannot afford to be buying as much as wealthy celebrities.

Celebrities use their wide influence to their advantage as they come out with multiple brand partnerships, well aware of how loyal fans will quickly purchase the products. In October 2020, when Justin Bieber’s collaboration with Crocs was released, the shoe line sold out in only 90 minutes with each pair of shoes selling for $60. Similarly, singer Bad Bunny’s September 2020 Crocs line sold out in 16 minutes. These are just a few examples of the hundreds of times a fashion brand and celebrity’s partnership has quickly sold out, revealing the huge influence celebrities have on their audience’s rate of consumption.

“A materialistic mindset can be dangerous for people who aren’t wealthy because it can foster a sense of uncertainty or even failure for not being able to have as many material items as celebrities,” junior Stacy Henriquez said.

Source: The World Counts

One horrifying issue with this glorified overconsumption is the fact that it is causing most harm to the middle and lower classes. According to Pew Research Center, 50% of the U.S. population are in the middle class and 29% are in the lower class, as of 2021. The endless promotion of all types of brands, from high-end to fast fashion, affects this part of the country’s population the most as they are the majority, and thus targeted in brand advertising. The normalization of overconsumption and materialism may ultimately affect the average person who

of the world’s natural resources are being consumed at an unsustainable rate

Source: Environmental Funders Network

In addition, the overconsumption celebrities endlessly promote is damaging to the mental health of their audience. In the last 20 years, as celebrities and social media have become more influential in society, the idea of status has been shaped and changed around celebrities and social media. According to PRLab at Boston University, celebrities are carefully selected by brands based on who their audience is and what they tend to have influence on.

Today, the more Instagram followers one has, the more resources, products and brands they have access to. One of the most obvious examples of this is the Kardashian family, who quickly rose to fame in the late 2000s and went from being socialites to having influence over trend and fashion cycles.

According to the American Psychological Association,

million unpaid laborers are currently being forced to create consumer products.

Source: The World Counts

overconsumption

celebrities’ shameless overconsumption society and needs to be put to an end

materialistic people tend to experience more unhappiness than those who are not materialistic. Overconsumption can lead to internal and external struggles; it affects people’s self-esteem, causing their selfworth to dwindle if they cannot afford to live the incredibly extravagant lives that many celebrities sell. Their relationships may fail if they focus too much on pursuing the means to live such a life rather than focusing on pursuing smaller, more meaningful goals and fostering relationships.

Materialists have unrealistic beliefs surrounding what consumer goods can bring to and do for their lives, relationships and overall happiness, according to the APA. Ultimately, materialism is mentally draining for those who fall victim to it and results in despair and dissatisfaction, not everlasting joy.

“Celebrities are big culprits of overconsumption, splurging thousands, and even millions, on lavish homes, cars and food; much more than what any one person needs,” senior Diego Gomez said.

Arguably the biggest effect of the promotion of overconsumption is the way it negatively impacts the environment. The world has entered a climate crisis that is mainly led by large corporations and the wealthy who are responsible for a large amount of carbon emissions, such as Exxon Mobil, according to a paper published in the Nature Communications scientific journal.

Wealthy people evidently consume more energy than middle and lower income people, whether through their lavish travel or incessant purchase of materialistic goods. Their promotion on social media of this overconsumption seems to encourage their large audience to attempt to over consume to a similar extent.

For instance, in July 2022, Kylie Jenner posted a photo on Instagram of her and partner Travis Scott next to both of their private jets captioned: “you wanna take mine or yours?” According to The Washington Post, the private planes celebrities use produce 480 times more

carbon emissions than the average person does annually. Her flaunting of their private jets amidst a worldwide climate crisis reveals what little awareness she has of the negative impact private jets have on the planet.

The world’s carbon budget is the maximum amount of carbon emissions that can occur annually that would result in reducing climate change. According to Vox, from 1990 to 2015, the top 10% of the world’s population, those who made $38,000 a year or more, used 31% of the carbon budget. The 1% percent of the world from 1990 to 2015, those who made $109,000 or more a year, used 9% of the carbon budget. The effects of this have already begun to develop at a faster rate than scientists previously predicted, as seen through the sea level rise and increase in heat waves, according to NASA. By promoting materialism and overconsumption, celebrities are promoting environmental harm.

Luckily, within the last couple of decades, some celebrities have begun to use their platform to promote climate activism rather than overconsumption. For instance, Leonardo DiCaprio is on the board of multiple environmental organizations, such as the World Wide Fund for Nature, and was assigned the prestigious role of the United Nations Messenger of Peace for Climate Change in 2014, according to Together Band, an environmental organization.

If celebrities understood and cared about the insurmountable damage caused through their current practices and decided to do something about it, maybe the world would begin to veer towards antimaterialism. A shift in celebrity lifestyles would promote happiness and health for the entire planet, rather than instant gratification from consumer goods and lifelong disappointment for many. h

Capybara Craze

COMMENTARY BY AVA VOLMAN, OPINION EDITOR

There is one animal that is just superior to the rest. A creature so incredible that it simply is the best thing to have graced this planet. Time and time again, they always, and I mean always, pull up. By now, you’ve probably already guessed what this mythical creature is: the capybara.

You probably have heard of capybaras, as they are the most revered thing to ever grace the face of the internet. Even more iconic than Kendall Jenner or Trisha Paytas, the capybara is the star of my feed on every single social media platform I own. They have catapulted to internet fame and won’t stop until they have taken over the world with their cuteness.

I am not alone in my undying devotion to capybaras. Many others feel the same as me about their superiority to literally everything else. I mean, it is impossible to dislike the capybara. Scientific studies have shown that they are the most swag creature on planet Earth.

When asked about his feelings on the single best animal of all time, yearbook life editor Jonathan James Brazda said, “They bring happiness to my heart,” a sentiment one cannot help but agree with.

The capybara also just so happens to be my kryptonite. I often find myself staring off into the distance, thinking of the wonder that is the beautiful capybara, until I am jolted back into reality and realize I have missed the past fifteen minutes of TOK and have no idea what a PT is. Yet, I can’t seem to stop myself from spiralling further into my capybara craze, no matter how much my grade point average suffers. It’s an addiction I don’t want to recover from.

I have some fantastic news for all of you, my devoted fans. This weekend, I will be traveling (pulling up, one might say) to the single greatest place in the world, Jungle Island, to see the capybaras. I just hope the experience lives up to all of my dreams.

The cost of Hulu’s true story releases Hulu creates content based on the lives of real people without any regard to how it will affect the victims

COMMENTARY BY CAMILA PEREZ-CLAVARINO, STAFF WRITER

HEN A person suffers through a traumatic event, it is clear that letting them recover privately to avoid any further anguish is the correct thing to do. However, this is an ethical code that Hulu cannot seem to follow through the production and release of true story shows.

The streaming platform constantly releases true story content such as “The Act,” “Pam and Tommy” and “The Girl from Plainville” without permission from the victims or the families these series are based on. This creates inaccurate perceptions of the events and those involved, does not provide any financial compensation for those affected and resurfaces victims’ trauma, which is ultimately used for Hulu’s financial gain.

One aspect many of Hulu’s “true story” shows have in common is that they are wildly inaccurate. “Pam and Tommy” is a Hulu original series based on the theft and sale of an intimate video of actress Pamela Anderson and musician Tommy Lee.

While Anderson did not want to comment on the show, an anonymous source claiming to be close to her told Entertainment Weekly that the show wrongfully made her seem docile, speaking about how the show’s version of Anderson was afraid to speak up for herself on the set of “Baywatch,” a series the real Anderson acted in. Anderson, the victim of a terrible crime, was also a victim of Hulu’s money-hungry tactics, which show viewers a version of her that is inaccurate and that she

Whas no control over.

The miniseries “The Act” is supposed to tell the story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a victim of her mother’s abuse, who committed the second-degree murder of her mother, which her boyfriend Nick Godejohn carried out. In “The Act,” there are countless inaccuracies that tarnish her name and reputation.

In an article in Law and Crime’s website, it is stated that Godejohn raped Blanchard after he murdered her abusive mother. Instead of showing this traumatic event, Blanchard is

DID YOU KNOW?

The family of Conrad Roy, a teenager who committed suicide due to the manipulation of his girlfriend Michelle Carter in 2014, spoke out about Hulu’s “The Girl From Plainville,” a series which was based on the infamous case.

Bustle states while they will continue to honor Roy and raise awareness for suicide prevention, Roy’s family has said that they are ready to focus on the next chapter of their lives. Hulu releases this type of content years, even decades, after the crimes occur, causing those affected to be unable to move past and forcing them to relive the worst moments of their lives.

“These people experienced more pain than anyone ever should. One terrible event should not take over their entire lives,” junior Linda Bohanan said.

Source: Bustle Magazine

depicted as feeling content after the murder. Viewers are left unaware of how abusive Godejohn was and inaccuracies destroy any chance of the viewer seeing Blanchard as the victim she is.

“The biggest issue is the lack of choice. The victims don’t choose to go through these experiences, and they don’t choose for their trauma to be used for these networks to profit off of,” English teacher Dr. Katrina Delgado said. “They are also given no choice in how they are portrayed.”

Another significant reason these releases are unethical is because they resurface trauma that the victims wish to leave in the past.

Furthermore, Hulu did not provide any financial compensation to those portrayed in their true-story series. According to In Touch Weekly’s website, Michelle Dean, the producer of “The Act,” originally promised Blanchard’s family 50% of the profits the show generated. However, Dean cut off contact with the family and they have been unable to get in touch with her since. To this day, they have received zero compensation from the 2019 series.

Hulu does not take into account the feelings of the people it hurts when streaming this type of content. After altering the audience’s perception of the victims, the platform inhumanely sells these stories at the emotional expense of grieving families, often failing to compensate those affected. It is time the platform stops prolonging suffering by producing these immoral shows.

Gypsy Rose Blanchard once said she was planning to pursue a lawsuit against the producers of “The Act.”

A eulogy for Quizlet

With Quizlet+ being the latest premium service for users, studying successfully now has a price tag attached

COMMENTARY BY MANUEL ESPINOZA, CONTENT EDITOR

EARLY beloved, we are gathered here today to bid farewell to everyone’s greatest ally. An application so kind to help those in need understand their lessons at school or get help for an assignment. Let us take this moment to reminisce about the wonders and history of our late ally, Quizlet.

Online studying resource Quizlet has launched their new premium service, Quizlet Plus. This service may seem as though it contains neat features such as no ads and offline use, yet several red flags were raised when Quizlet Plus also included unlimited use of the learning methods, such as Learn and Test Mode, that used to be completely free for all users. These features created a wellrounded study session for any student looking to pass their next test.

As a result, students who use the standard version of Quizlet are limited to the basic resources such as flashcards and match mode along with only being able to utilize Learn and Test Mode a specific amount of times.

Unable to afford the wonderful premium

Dworld of Quizlet Plus for just $7.99 a month? That’s a shame, but no worries! There is Quizlet Plus at home, which is what I like to call creating flashcards out of actual paper.

Many classes have exams where studying includes memorization of words and phrases. During stressful times, students had Quizlet to rescue them from the uncertainties of the material. They were able to access the flashcard feature on Quizlet, which allows for digital flashcards to be created and studied.

In an article written by the Harvard Education Magazine, Quizlet creator Andrew Sutherland mentions how half of the students in the United States use Quizlet. The website has clearly made an impact for students around the world, including our own Cavaliers.

“Quizlet has helped me understand answers to questions regarding the topics I study,” sophomore Celina Richardson said.

Ladies and gentlemen, what we are witnessing here is Quizlet kindly letting us know that our resources are being limited. Meanwhile their financial income,

thanks to their new premium service, has a nice, giant plus coming its way.

There are still opportunities for teachers to make interactive lessons using just the free version of Quizlet. Teachers still have the ability to create content that students can use through the learn and test features. They also can utilize Quizlet Live in the classroom, a feature that allows a teacher to create a game where students join through their devices and compete in trivia regarding class material.

“Quizlet is very good for students to create good study habits especially with all the flashcards and methods available to them,” law studies teacher Julio Garcia said.

Although moving on from something I have loved so deeply is painful, Taylor Swift’s breakup songs have prepared me for this. It is just really hard having to get over a treasured companion. From the moment we met Quizlet, it showed us that it was not like the other platforms (I am looking at you Brainly). Forget it, I have a whole school year ahead of me and I cannot afford to mope about Quizlet’s monetary greed. I wish everyone else the best of luck finding other online resources. Simply put, we believed, they lied.

opposable thumbs

Queen Elizabeth’s Death

Acrylic Nails

Ava Volman/highlights

Caffeine Addiction

“I feel so bouncy and funny and jumpy.”

-Austin Yagoda, Staff Writer

“She would have loved Toy Story 6.”

-Juan Fajardo, Insight Editor

“Thwy nake it hatd to typr.”

-Camila Perez-Clavarino, Staff Writer

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Sp rtshighlights briefs

BY ANAIS JAMALI, STAFF WRITER

Udonis Haslem plays 20th season

Udonis Haslem, forward for the Miami Heat, is continuing his 20th and final season in the NBA at 42 years old.

Haslem announced that the reason for his return was that it was important to him and his father, who passed in August 2021, to reach 20

NBA postpones games on Election Day

The NBA will not hold games on Election Day, Nov. 8, to encourage fans to vote in the midterm elections. It is unusual for the NBA to do this, as the league typically only halts their schedule for major holidays.

The executive director of the NBA’s social justice coalition said that voting

Recap of the U.S. Open

The U.S. Open, a Grand Slam tennis tournament, took place in New York for its 142nd consecutive edition. This tournament ran from Aug. 29 to Sept. 11. Serena Williams played the final match of her career against Ajla Tomljanovic on Sept.

upcoming events

Oct.

Bowling vs. South Miami @ Bird Bowl

athlete spotlight

Christy Concepcion,

The tragedy behind the tournament Global sporting events have an infamous streak for their host countries’ controversial construction habits

COMMENTARY BY SARYN MOORE, STAFF WRITER

PORTS FANS from all over the world travel to support their country’s team at the World Cup and Olympics with the confidence of collectively bringing home the trophy with all its societal glory. They embody their enthusiasm with raging and exciting screams throughout the stadium. Yet, within the same stadium’s walls lie much quieter, oppressed noises, which emanate from the exhaustion of its builders.. It is inhumane to ignore the injustice and carry over the silence to the 2026 World Cup, as Miami will be one of the host cities.

For the first time, this year’s World Cup is being hosted in a Middle Eastern country, Qatar. With a $220 billion budget, $4 billion of this total is being allocated for refurbishing and constructing the stadiums, while the rest is being used to build infrastructure in preparation for the expected 1.2 million tourists, according to Front Office Sports. To take on this task, thousands of guest-paid workers from Bangladesh and Nepal have been hired by Qatari contractors to build the stadiums. However, the title “paid workers” is being debated considering the poor conditions, awful treatments and low wages these migrant workers have been enduring in the process.

“Many organizations, including governments, turn a blind eye to the dark underbelly that exists — forced labor. FIFA and other international profit organizations should take a stand, unfortunately, they don’t,” chair of the social studies department Stephanie Cosgrove said.

SThese laborers are clocking in excessive hours to exhausting points. According to the Guardian, many Nepalese workers are dying every day from sudden heart attacks After the further investigation was conducted on the back-to-back deaths of the workers, the evidence proposed that the reasoning was strongly tied back to the contractors. The exploitation and abuse of the stadium builders by their bosses contributed to detrimental outcomes and has been compared to modernday slavery, as identified by the International Labor Organization.

“The conditions in Qatar are gruesome and putting workers through this doesn’t make up for the fact that it’s a big competition,” junior Keller Evans said.

Furthermore, the cycle of entrapment is endless for these workers. According to Amnesty International, a human rights organization, workers’ passports are being confiscated by their employers. Without this, they are unable to leave the country without the permission of their employer. Qatar set out to combat this and promised freedom through the Kafala System, but it still allows the migrants’ employers to have authority over their legal status and visa, ultimately still controlling their ability to go home.

Typically, the World Cup is played over the summer but this year, due to the ruthless heat in Qatar, it was postponed to late November, a courtesy for fans and players that was not extended to the workers, according to ESPN. An average summer day in Qatar can

range from 95-113 degrees Fahrenheit, and playing in these scorching temperatures can very easily result in death without the proper precautions.

Qatar is not the first host country that has had alarming reports on its labor force treatment during major sporting events. When Tokyo received the torch for the host of the 2020 Olympics, an Olympic stadium worker committed suicide after working almost 200 hours of overtime in the previous month, according to Phys.org. Later that year, 14 workers were injured on site and one was crushed to death by a crane.

Most of these sites are built for thousands of people to fill for a month straight, but just after the games finish and society re-adjusts from hyper-focusing on the games, most of these stadiums and structures are either repurposed to cater to other large events or simply abandoned. The Maracana stadium in Brazil used for the 2014 World Cup, the site of the 2004 Winter Olympic Games in Mt. Ignam and Sarajevo’s 1984 Winter Olympic Games site are some examples of structures and stadiums that have evidently been abandoned.

It is very important to take into account the ethical patterns these events commonly follow, as Miami will be one out of the 16 cities hosting the 2026 World Cup. Viewing the bigger picture of these beloved sporting games and the negative effects that they create is crucial. It is indisputable that the sacrifice of workers’ health and well-being should not be the price for the temporary glory of a country, especially when it represents such a respected event.

FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022

Alexander Brazda/ highlights

Double Lives

These teachers showcase how dedicating their time both in the classroom and on the field can be tough, yet rewarding

BY SOFIA RODRIGUEZ AND VALENTINA ARAUJO, STAFF WRITERS

FROM RUNNING AROUND THE school and grading papers to standing under the hot sun and running practices, teachers Maxwell Wood, Yvette Camacho and Michel Fotso live double lives due to their strong passion for

both coaching and teaching.

With adrenaline rushing through their bodies as they transition from teaching to coaching, these teachers have the opportunity to develop their skills in both professions at the same time as expanding relationships with

their students.

Together, these three teachers take on the challenges of coaching swimming, water polo, bowling, cross country, soccer and track and field, creating lifetime memories with the students they spend every day with.

Waterpolo & Swimming- Maxwell Wood

As he enters his second year of teaching, Maxwell Wood, known by his athletes as

Wood is extremely passionate about what he does. During spirit week last year, he dressed up everyday to get his students to participate with the rest of the school. From dressing as Julius Caesar to being in full University of Florida alumni merch to show off his school spirit, he never fails to make a student laugh whenever they are having a difficult day.

“With his collection of dad jokes and one of a kind personality, Woody is always one to bring upon a smile from anyone,” senior Christian Sanchez said.

His favorite book series, “Lord of the Rings,” by J. R. R. Tolkien inspires him everyday. He implements the overall message of the novel in his teaching, coaching and through his posters, explaining that the future is in one’s hands and it is up to them to choose

“I’m always here to help my athletes and students, but it’s important that they are able to make decisions for themselves to ensure their future is bright,” Wood said.

Wood also works hard to ensure his athletes are prepared for the future by nominating a swim captain for the boys and girls teams who are responsible for what happens throughout the season. This method can be also seen in his teaching style when he allows students to speak their opinions during the discussions. Both his students and the captains of his teams open him up to new ideas or suggestions that could help the class or team improve as a whole, without having to make all the decisions himself.

Wood continues to impact his students’ and athletes’ lives in the pool and at school, making these places feel like their second home and inspiring them to try their hardest to succeed, no matter how big or far away the end goal is.

Bowling- Yvette Camacho

As she divides her time between being an English teacher, debate teacher and the school’s bowling coach, Yvette Puig-Camacho constantly looks for ways to improve herself to help both her students and her athletes.

Throughout her career as a teacher and coach, she has been fortunate enough to interact with students who have inspired and guided her. She strives to give back to her students by helping them reach their full potential inside the classroom and their true passion outside of it.

Camacho has been teaching for over 18 years and has had past experience being a girl’s volleyball coach. Although she had to leave coaching behind for a few years in order to take care of her newborn child, she always felt a need to guide and train others. Her time away from coaching not only allowed her to focus on family, but also helped her gain insight on how to better handle mood swings and behavior from her athletes.

Within the time period that she wasn’t coaching, Camacho would spend her time bowling with family and friends, one of them being former bowling coach, Stephen Campagna. After being in the position for two years, he informed Camacho that he could no longer train the team and offered the position to her.

“Unexpectedly, the proposal to be a bowling coach came and I thought, ‘why not?’ It sounds like a good idea,” Camacho said.

Many of the school’s bowlers are looking forward to what the season has in store, especially with a new coach in charge. As Camacho transitions into her role of being a mentor, her athletes understand the importance of being patient and are eager to help ease the change for her.

“I am very excited to be training with Ms. Camacho, as the most important thing for her is to be responsible and organized,” senior and co-captain of the team Samuel Sommer said.

Camacho believes that coaching and teaching go hand in hand, and she prepares accordingly for each of her responsibilities. As a teacher, she focuses on creating a welcoming and effective learning environment for all her students, while as a coach she puts effort into guaranteeing that she is familiar with the skills needed to make her athletes successful.

As for her plans for the future, Camacho wants to ensure that her athletes are patient with the sport, while also bringing more attention to to bowling in general. She looks forward to succeeding in her first season as a bowling coach.

Cross Country & Soccer- Michel Fotso

The most rewarding part of being a coach and teacher for Michel Fotso is standing beside young people and helping them reach their full academic and athletic potential. As a physical education teacher (P.E.) and coach of the track and field, boys soccer and cross country teams, Fotso has garnered great victories which help him stay passionate about his profession even after over 30 years.

“Many students come to me looking to improve their performance and willing to accept the sacrifice it takes to be successful. Not all students are the same, some need special attention, a lot of encouragement and incentive to grow and be successful in the classes,” Fotso said.

To ensure that each of his athletes are able to meet their designated goals, Fotso uses a different workout program for each sport he coaches.

“In cross country it is about a mile warmup and then, depending on the day, about four to six miles. The pace, judgment and speed are typically hard days made of interval training,” Fotso said.

In other sports such as soccer, he will focus on the control and dribbling of the ball, which are essential for the team to have a

victorious season.

As a P.E. coach, Fotso’s main focus is to transform his students into individuals who understand the full range of the sport, not just perform it. For this reason, Fotso dedicates time to teaching the theory, history and rules of whatever sport he teaches.

“I always wanted to be part of Fotso’s team because I love to run,” junior cross country runner Amalia Garrido said. “Fotso really helps me focus on track and speed training.”

Additionally, every year on his birthday, Fotso runs laps around the track according to the age he is turning. He has adopted this as a lifestyle, as he constantly plans and trains for this great challenge. He was initially inspired by his friend who would run with him and passed away of cancer. This demonstration of perseverance is one of the many ways Fotso motivates his students to stay determined and not make excuses.

“Be prepared to be dedicated, work hard to make no excuses and to represent the team with pride and dignity,” Fotso said. “I remind them that there is so much potential in them and that their attitude will determine their altitude.”

AlexanderBrazda/

Alexander Brazda/highlights

Criste l Can t arero/ highlights

Lenox Balzebre/ highlights

Shifting the bases of MLB history

BY SELA PEÑA, STAFF WRITER

IN BASEBALL, THE SHIFT, ALSO known as an infield shift, changes the defensive alignment of players from their traditional positions. This is a strategy used primarily against left-handed batters. However, on March 6, 2022, the MLB committee voted to ban the shift in the 2023 season. While some believe this ban is overdue, others are concerned about its effects.

The shift originated in the 1920s with outfielder for the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies, Cy Williams. He was a lefty pull hitter that played amazing offensively, so teams had to figure out a way to stop him from scoring as much as he did. The first team that used the shift against Williams was the Chicago White Sox.

In the shift, three infielders: third baseman, shortstop and second baseman, move to one side of second base to cover the ball. Lefty batters usually pull the ball down the firstbase line. The infielders shift in that direction because it is easier to stop a ground ball and get the out. It puts the defense at an advantage by limiting the possibility of players from the other team getting on base and scoring.

“When they put certain players where they are not supposed to be to cover for, say, a lefty, they put a shortstop next to second base,” senior baseball player Andrew Ravelo said.

The reason for the ban is to make the game more interesting, prompting fans to attend more games. According to Sports Illustrated,

game five of the 1948 World Series between the Boston Braves and the Cleveland Indians which had 86,288 fans present, baseball game attendance has faltered.

According to CBS, on average, a threehour baseball game has a total of 18 minutes of actual action, including time spent pitching and when balls are in play. The MLB banned the shift so batters can get on base and score quicker, increasing the action time and fan enjoyment.

In addition to banning the shift, the MLB is adding a pitch clock in an attempt to decrease the time it takes to pitch with empty bases. The 15 second timer with empty bases and 20 second timer with runners on the base would limit the time between pitches, making the game shorter.

“Since there are not a lot of statistics in high school baseball as in the major leagues, high school does not use shifts as much so if it were to be banned the effects would not be as drastic,” freshman baseball player Alex Pritchett said.

14 out of 30 teams, including the Miami Marlins and the Tampa Bay Rays, are getting less than 15,000 fans per game. Compared to one of the largest games in MLB history,

Though the ban has not yet been implemented in high school baseball, it is a controversial decision since the historic play affects many aspects of the game and young players will likely stop learning to use it because it will no longer exist in the future.

The MLB has made the decision to ban the shift, a strategy in baseball that has been around for nearly 100 years

AlexanderBrazda/

SINCE THERE ARE NOT AS MANY STATISTICS IN HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL AS THERE ARE IN THE MAJOR LEAGUES, HIGH SCHOOL DOES NOT USE SHIFTS AS MUCH, SO IF IT WERE TO BE BANNED THE EFFECTS WOULD LIKELY NOT BE AS DRASTIC.

ALEX PRITCHETT, FRESHMAN

“

A complex take on a classic Blends of cuisine are typical for Miami, but this blend of Hispanic foods and American cuisine is anything but typical

BY MICAELA MONTERO, STAFF WRITER

OFFERING A NEW TAKE ON a classic food item familiar to most Gables students, the new croqueta bar, Dos Croquetas, takes an innovative twist on the classic Cuban treat.

Labeled as “Miami’s First Croqueta Bar,” Dos Croquetas has created unique ways to eat croquetas. The typical croqueta is made out of creamy filling with some sort of flavoring such as ham, mushroom or fish that is covered with bread crumbs, making it crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.

However, not only does this restaurant provide classic choices, they also have come up with unique pairings. Some examples of these would be their mac and cheese, artichoke and cheese or bacon and cheddar options.

“My personal favorite was the chicken croqueta. They were simple and delicious,” senior Savannah Gongora said.

The croquetas are set at $2.20 each and come with an included suggested sauce pairing, such as the Mango Lime Sauce paired with the creamy spinach croqueta. Every extra sauce is set at $1, which is a bit steep for the quantity given. The other six options available are: dale, chile lime crema, Americano, verde, Dos ranch and mojo aioli.

“Even though I’ve only been once, I enjoyed the sauces and the different croquetas. At first I thought the flavor combinations sounded weird, but after trying them

all the choices were amazing,” senior Maria Fernandez said.

Not only can one order individual croquetas, but for a lesser price per croqueta Dos Croquetas offers a box with six or 12 croquetas, which includes one sauce to every individual croqueta for a price of $13.49 or $26.49 respectively.

the scene

Those with dietary restrictions have plenty flavorful options like the “Creamy Spinach” or the “Mexican Street Corn” croquetas for vegans and vegetarians. Their fresh dishes have a flavor combo for anyone.

“We mass produce our croquetas on a daily basis and supply it to our brick and mortar store on Bird Road. All of our croquetas are fried to order freshly daily,” general manager Liz Fernandez said.

If one wants to explore the bounds of the croqueta realm, there are

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plenty of other options that will still satisfy such cravings. From croqueta wraps to croquetas between arepas to even two croquetas between fried plantain “toston” buns, Dos Croquetas is sure to change a customer’s perspective on how the dish should be enjoyed.

After indulging in a myriad of croquetas flavors, it is time for dessert. Their most popular options are the “dulce bites” or sweet croquetas, which come with two sauce options: condensed milk or guava. The dulce bites are fried sweet treats and the options are dulce de leche, Oreos, arroz con leche or Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Dos Croquetas also have seasonal treats like the piña colada bites, which are only available during the summer months. To drink, they also offer vegan and regular milkshakes in chocolate chip, Nutella, salted caramel and tres leches flavors.

Located at 10505 SW 40th St., Dos Croquetas is a short ride from Coral Gables Senior High and offers plenty of places to sit inside to avoid the heat. They even have the classic Miami ventanita for those who want a quick takeout to meander around the mall with a croqueta in hand.

If enjoying one of their delicious croquetas at home is more appetizing, Dos Croquetas has international shipping and is also available on several food delivery platforms. For larger events, there are plenty of catering options to choose from in order to enjoy a variety of croquetas at a party or a function.

Their fairly reasonable prices, along with their creativity and suitable options for vegans and those with less restrictive diets, makes Dos Croquetas worthy of a visit.

LIGHTS & DELIGHTS: On the wall of Dos Croquetas hangs a sign that signals for customers to order at the window.

Isabella Morales/highlights

Cinema Central: Gables Art Cinema

BY ADRIEL CORTES, STAFF WRITER

DIVERSE FLICKS OF CLASSIC motion pictures are featured at the state of the art Gables Arts Cinema, providing independent and international films for all their guests, especially multicultural and multilingual individuals.

Owner Steven Krams has been involved in motion pictures ever since his childhood. Krams attended the University of Miami School of Radio and Television program to study film and later worked as a T.V. broadcaster in South Miami. Krams is also the owner of two well known companies, MagnaTech Electronic, a supplier and installer in cinema projection and sound systems in worldwide cinemas, and Continental Films and Digitals Lab, a premiere professional film and digital service provided in South Florida. Through all of the experience that Krams has, he put in the work to develop and run a new arts cinema located in Coral Gables to shine his love for film to everyone in the community.

Krams launched the cinema project in 2006. The city, along with the Coral Gables Community Foundation through its Perrin Fund administered by Mayor Don Slesnick, provided the funds for the construction of the theater.

To help complete the venue, major professional theater equipment has been contributed by a range of film industry companies and donors. The theater finished construction in 2009 and since then has been a small and intimate place to watch films with friends and family thanks to Krams.

“I have really enjoyed working with the City [of Coral Gables], making good friends with four mayors and many City [of Coral Gables] commissioners.” Krams said, “We [my wife, Midge, and I] enjoy so many wonderful friendships as a result of creating the cinema.” Krams said.

The cinema provides

different film programs, including their main films that usually play for one to two weeks for $8 for members and children and $12.75 for adults. The After Hours program is offered on weekends, playing underrated cult classics and extends the scheduled closing times until midnight for a reduced price of $5.

Some of the other programs include Family Day on Aragon, which features beloved classics for $5 for members, playing every second Saturday and Sunday mornings of the month. Perrin Slesnick Musicals from the 40’s to the present day play once a month on Tuesdays and are free for members. The National Theatre Live program plays recorded live performances from the London theater once a month from Friday to Sunday for $20 for regular patrons or $16 for members.

Hours of operations vary depending on the different programs showing but, they are always open from 3:00 to 9:30 PM seven days a week.

The cinema attracts film enthusiasts of all sorts. Employee and general manager Elizabeth Dedios is a cinema lover and appreciates the atmosphere that the Gables Cinema provides for casual film enjoyers.

“One of my favorite films that played at the cinema was ‘A Girl Walks Home Alone.’ It’s a Western-type film about a Persian vampire girl, shot in black and white. This film definitely highlighted my experience at the cinema and the

intimacy the small auditorium provided with the various selection of unpopular films,” Dedios said.

From a customer standpoint, senior and president of Gables’ new film club Sarah Whalen has been a casual enjoyer of the Gables Cinema for their After Hours program and showings of cult classics.

“The more crowded the show is, the more fun it is to watch because the audience has great reactions and it’s strangely intimate because of how small the theater is,” Whalen said.

Located at 260 Aragon Ave., The Coral Gables Cinema holds a special place for the City’s local film enthusiasts. There is considerable impact for such a little theater on the community of Coral Gables. With its small hearth, it continues to thrive through the hearts of those in its community.

old, some foreign and all independent films are featured at the Coral Gables local cinema for everyone to enjoy

CINEAMATIC SCENE:The corridor is filled with posters of upcoming films.

THE STAND: Delights presented at the stand stay true to the homey experience offered.

Adriel Cor tes/highlights

Adriel Cor tes/highlights

Patch of Heaven

BY JULIA VOLMAN, STAFF WRITER

IMMERSED IN VIVIDLY COLORED butterflies and koi fish, the smell of morning dew along with the sound of running waterfalls and streams, the Patch of Heaven Sanctuary draws visitors in and captures their hearts.

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary functions as a non-profit nature preserve, open for visitors to enjoy. They are dedicated to conserving Florida’s natural beauty, educating visitors on how to appreciate their surroundings and utilize nature in mindfulness or finding calm with oneself.

“Patch of Heaven is a 20-acre forest and nature preserve that provides sanctuary to trees, bees, birds, bats, butterflies, beings and buildings, and we are committed to reconnecting humans to nature with one mindful walk, one breath and one tree at a time,” Patch of Heaven Chief Experience Officer and mindfulness entrepreneur Suzanne Jewell said.

As visitors stroll the perserve, they quickly realize there is no shortage of sites to enjoy. For one, the Casa Mariposa, an enclosed butterfly garden, is complete with eye-catching flowers and a magnificent waterfall.

One could explore lengthy trails or visit the Tea House gazebo that sits on a triple tiered lotus and turtle lagoon. Further into the preserve, one could take either a natural stone staircase that rises to an overlook or a walkway that leads to a lush 19-foot deep koi pond. Many of the walkways and plazas are beautifully adorned with statues and archways.

“Some aspects of Patch of Heaven such as the architecture and decor have an Asian influence which I think is cool to expose visitors to,” patron of Patch of Heaven Christina said.

These open-air passages lead to 10 acres of old growth forest to explore and meditate within. Three historic cabins can be found here, which belonged to Key Biscayne’s founders, the Matheson family. Weddings and ceremonies are often held at what employees call the “Tree of Life,” whose vast branches overhang creating the perfect venue.

Aside from the extensive greenery, the preserve offers a stable full of majestic horses with braided manes to pet. The sanctuary will

Julia Volman/highlights

soon be offering mindful equine workshops to visitors. Mindfulness and meditation retreats, as well as other spiritual events in their otherworldly environment are available for those who are interested.

Alongside striving to preserve and provide sanctuary to South Florida’s breath-taking

that this only occurs 47% of the time people are awake. Patch of Heaven in collaboration with Jewell is facilitating an experience to use nature as a tool in quieting our racing minds.

“Cortisol is a hormone that is emitted when you are in a state of stress and 20 minutes in nature is proven by Marycarol Hunter at the University of Michigan to drop your levels of cortisol. At Patch of Heaven we call it the ‘Nature Pill,’” Jewell said.

PATCH OF HEAVEN IS A 20-ACRE FOREST AND NATURE PRESERVE THAT PROVIDES SANCTUARY TO TREES, BEES, BIRDS, BATS, BUTTERFLIES, BEINGS AND BUILDINGS, AND WE ARE COMMITTED TO RECONNECTING HUMANS TO NATURE WITH ONE MINDFUL WALK, ONE BREATH AND ONE TREE AT A TIME PATCH OF HEAVEN CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER, SUZANNE JEWELL

natural beauty, the focus of Patch of Heaven is to reestablish the intrinsic connection between humans and the earth. Mindfulness is a therapeutic technique used to achieve mental focus on awareness of the present moment and calmly address one’s emotions and thoughts. Society relies heavily on using distractions like technology to forget their anxieties, however, Patch of Heaven offers a healthier and more sustainable way to relieve such stresses.

In today’s world, it is rare for the mind and body to align and for people to be present in the moment. In fact, a Harvard Lazar study shows

Patch of Heaven is building the first ever mindful pocket park where one will be able to take their 20 minutes in nature to decrease anxiety and increase tranquility. This immersive app-guided experience in the lush greenery of the sanctuary will teach visitors to use the surroundings to control emotions. Patch’s mindful pocket park aims to open to the public by December of 2022.

“This initiative is about instead of using technology as a distraction, using it as a guide into helping one understand how to practice mindfulness,” staff member Marco Fernandez said.

The Sanctuary is one of four nonprofit programs in Miami to be supported by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Miami program. They will assist in building and fundraising for the world’s first mindful pocket park.

They also have their own patio restaurant that serves carefully created beverages and dishes every weekend. Available items include everything from watermelon salad for $11.95 to croissant sandwiches for $12.95 to cobblers for $7.95.

This must-see spot is located at 21900 SW 157th Ave. and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays. Tickets are $20 per person for a self guided tour of the preserve and $35 each for a staff guided experience. This spectacular sanctuary is devoted to connecting humans with nature once again.

Visitors will benefit from partaking in the Patch of Heaven experience. Whether it be making beautiful memories, learning how to find tranquility within oneself, contributing to conserving South Florida’s hidden gem or simply enjoying a meal with the most surreal view, there is no desire to leave.

This hidden gem, located just 20 miles outside of the city, emulates the serenity and allure of visiting an exotic country

Little Haiti Cultural Center

Educating and entrancing South Floridians on Carribean customs, Little Haiti Cultural Center is a hub of Creole culture

BY HAZEL GROSELL, STAFF WRITER

THERE HAVE BEEN FOUR periods of major migration from Haiti to the United States. In the initial wave between 1972 and 1977, roughly 200,000 Haitians flocked to South Florida, settling in a small neighborhood now known as Little Haiti. As a result, their music, art, clothing and cultural habits streamed from their hearts to their hands and slowly Little Haiti transformed into the vivid cultural

sanctuary it is today.

At the core of this cultural integration, the Little Haiti Cultural Center (LHCC) formed at 212 NE 59th Terrace. Even today, its vibrant history and colorful doors welcome people of all ages and ethnicities, allowing Haitian Americans to connect with their roots and share their history with others.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, music blasts from the speakers on

Vintage 1804

Every booth at LHCC has some history behind its products. In fact, many faces, old and new, break into laughter, smiles and even tears when greeted by Roe Michel’s work. Michel is a vendor that illustrates the history of the Creole people and Haiti through his vintage T-shirt brand, Vintage1804.

Vintage1804 is a stand at LHCC whose name is in the heart of every person versed in Haitian history. Haiti gained its independence from France in 1804, becoming the first country to be founded by former slaves. Michel took inspiration from Haiti’s revolution and ingrained it in the name of his brand and his products. His goal is to empower and educate youth through fashionable tees and mentorship.

"The youth, even if they were not born in Haiti or came here when they were young, they're able to come to a place like this [LHCC] and learn about their culture," Michel said.

Though it began as a middle school hobby, Michel soon realized the potential of his artwork. He translated his passion onto the shirts of close friends and family. As the shirts began gaining popularity in his local

community, he began mass producing. His T-shirts are digitally designed and Michel uses screen-printing to transfer his art onto the tee. They are priced at $20 to $30, and are made with 100% cotton and 50/50 cotton blends. His best-selling shirt, “The Haitians,” showcases several of Haiti's heroes on the front, including Jean Jacques Dessalines, a leader in the revolution and the first ruler of an independent Haiti. He declared Haiti the first country to permanently abolish slavery and is known as the father of Haiti to not only Haitians but many citizens of the world.

“One of my proudest moments was a conversation with this Colombian grandmother. After about five minutes into the conversation, she began to cry and called her grandchildren over. Then she asked me to tell them the story of Haiti’s national hero Dessalines as she held one of our shirts in her hand,” Michel said.

Believing that there is a connection between each street, city and country and their stories are all intertwined, Michel's goal is to share his heritage to link these connections of the past with others willing to listen.

center stage vibrating through the bodies of those walking by LHCC. Groups of friends, couples and individuals dance and sing to Kompa, a popular type of jazz-based music, pausing briefly to hover over the array of items on display.

highlights spotlights four shops within LHCC that represents the culture shared with those willing to venture out into their Little Haiti neighborhood.

CODE: Scan the QR code to find Michel’s website for Vintage1804.

Hazel Grosell/highlights HAITIAN HUB: To check out more of Michel’s merchandise, visit @vintage1804 on Instagram.

Entrancing their customers to browse its selection, Peaceful Designer sells the epitome of cultural artwork. Ashley Petit, the founder, is a spirited character and graphic designer, as well as a book illustrator. Currently, Petit is working on two children’s books: “The Bear That Came From Japan” and “Daddy, How Do I?”

“My art and creativity is worthy of people’s attention and at this center, the Caribbean people can get their creativity and art into the world,” Petit said.

Nestled between the food stand and center stage, Peaceful Designer’s booth glows with explosive neon greens, purples and oranges that dominate her canvases. Petit prefers busy backgrounds rather than black canvas and was inspired by the animations and cartoons she watched as a child.

Petit’s art pieces range in sizes from the size of a hand ($3) to the length of a body ($200).

Petit’s love of bright pieces coincides with powerful messages that uplift and celebrate Haitian culture. Her art calls attention to the Black Lives Matter movement and encourages her supporters to make noise and not let society forget the crimes committed.

Although Peaceful Designer’s roots are firmly anchored in its booth at LHCC, Petit’s brand is branching beyond the physical world and into the internet. Through networking and social media, Peaceful Designer has flourished. Ashley Petit can be found on Instagram @peacefuldesigner305, TikTok @peacefuldesigner and on Facebook @ AshleyPetit, where she posts upcoming character designs and events.

Apparel Milon

Apparel Milon is committed to sharing the beauty of the Creole language with the world. Myriame Milon Pierre, the owner and founder, is of Haitian origin and her business is centered around T-shirts and mugs that are engraved with common Creole phrases and Haitian landmarks and flags. The shirts are roughly $20 and mugs are $10.

In 2016, when Pierre was taking a screen printing class at LHCC she created her first shirt. By the end of the course, Pierre’s work had been introduced to the community and applauded by both the instructors and other business leaders.

In February 2022, Pierre took their advice, invested in some T-shirts and opened her first kiosk at LHCC.

Apparel Milon educates LHCC’s customers about the origin and significance of Creole. Though Pierre’s impassioned stories and educational conversations are enough to garner public interest, her booth is decorated with colorful ornaments and T-shirts with simple, minimalistic designs.

“My shirts are imprinted with my childhood nickname [Milon] or common phrases such as our best-seller ‘too much talking,’” Pierre said.

By sharing these Haitian unique phrases, Pierre hopes to pass on the culture to those who care to learn.

With every item sold, a story is told sharing the Creole experience with those who treasure it and those who are new to it.

Ebene Naturals

Surrounding the center stage of music are stands decked with Haitian clothes, jewels and artwork. One of those businesses is Ébène Naturals, a Haitian, woman-owned brand, that sells natural hair and skin products to the masses.

Fayola Nicaisse, founder and owner of Ébène Naturals, formed her company after her daughter’s birth when it became apparent that Nicaisse and her two kids had eczema. The products they found in stores were unable to soothe the inflammation and the few that succeeded were not readily available. Her struggle to find effective products led Nicaisse to create Ébène Naturals. She spoke to the managers of the nearest Whole Foods and persuaded them to open a shelf for her natural hair and skin products.

“We have the most fragile hair, which is correct, but the products that they make for us are the harshest, which doesn’t make sense,” Nicaisse said.

Every ingredient in Ébène Naturals’ products

Peaceful Designer h

is vegan and organic, unlike those she found when her daughters were born. Nicaisse’s handmade products range from $8 to $70.

“Back then, everything that was made for curly hair was heavy, it was petroleum-based, it had sulfates, it had beeswax. I didn’t understand why our products had to be so greasy,” Nicaisse said.

During the time when Ébène Naturals had just been founded in 1999, cosmetic products made for and by Black people were unheard of. Ébène Naturals changed the cosmetic industry and raised the standard for Black hair and skin products in the U.S. The company has expanded and now sells products for men and women including body washes, bath bars, scrubs, lotions, toners and moisturizers.

The LHCC holds important meaning to Ébène Naturals founder, as she is a Haitian native, and allows her to express her Creole roots and nurture the Haitian community.

CULTURAL CREATIONS:

BEAUTY BOOTH: Beside the stand, a customer shops for Haitian care products

scene

Hazel Grosell/highlights

CULTURE CRAFTS: Made with love, the Haitian designed souvenirs integrate culture.

The contrasting colors and the motivational messages are displayed in Petit’s work.

ESCAPING THE NEGATIVE

Isabella Morales/highlights

BY LUCAS BENTANCOURT, STAFF WRITER

Despite a world of abundant

positivity, apathy grips media consumers as they are witness to news cycles dominated by negativity

AS THE BIG BOLD headline dashes across the screen, a bright crimson red foods what seems like every visible inch of the television. News just broke, and one can’t help but stare at the two somber-looking anchors, anxious to know what tragedy has befallen the world yet again.

This feeling of doom while reading, watching or listening to current events is commonplace among anyone who consumes news media regularly. Every news outlet, whether it be Fox News or The New York Times, routinely publishes stories that only seem to be negative.

At frst glance this might feel natural, for viewers live in a time when the world seems to have developed a fever which perpetually worsens.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the existential threat that is global warming are only some of the grim developments that the world fnds itslelf in. It is then only natural for journalists and reporters

to inform the public of these developments, an occupation which is both a job and a responsibility.

profts above all else, they send their journalists on an endless search for catastrophe, churning out endless coverage of tragedy.

With no good news in sight, it becomes easy to sink into an apathy and never see the light again. But it must be said that even in our time of seemingly infnite disaster, there remain some glvimmers of light to help positivity shine and provide hope.

DID YOU KNOW?

The average human is more physiologically activated by negative than by positive news stories.

Source: Princeton University

However, this still does not account for the lack of positive stories within media cycles. Good news seems to be totally lost in the past, buried there by a media who prioritizes negativity. This burial is no mistake either, news corporations tirelessly push gloomy stories to the forefront in a deliberate exploitation of the human psyche. Essentially, the more negative the story, the more people want to see it. Corporations have become keenly aware of this all too human tendency towards the negative. Seeking to maximize

A new global offensive against climate change has begun, combating with new technology and legislation. The workers of America are uniting, unionizing, with their countrymen in support.

New breakthroughs and discoveries are being made in spite of recent droughts, farmers have begun creating new agricultural innovations while archaeologists are unearthing lost geological and historical treasures.

These stories should be dug up from the forgotten depths and brought to light for all to witness. Here is some insight into the good news.

students speak up

LucasBentancourt/highlights “ “

NEGATIVITY IN THE MEDIA IS A BAD THING BECAUSE CHILDREN GROWING UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA ARE GOING TO GROW UP WITH ALL THAT NEGATIVITY.

Nathalie Nunez, Sophomore

LucasBentancourt/highlights “ “

I MOSTLY THINK THAT NEGATIVE MEDIA IN THE NEWS, WHILE IT’S INFORMATIVE, IT’S NOT REALLY HELPING THE MENTAL HEALTH OF PEOPLE.

Gianfranco Javier, Freshman

Juan Fajardo / highlights

So far, 2022 has been a year of nationwide labor momentum. From Florida to New York to California, workers in all industries have been uniting and organizing at an astonishing rate, with the frst nine months of the 2022 fscal year seeing a 58% uptick in union representation petitions, according to the Nation Labor Relations Board.

Some of these new unions have seen monumental victories, such as the Amazon Labor Union, which on April 1 became the frst Amazon union in history. Similar success has been seen in the service industry, with the unionization of a Starbucks in Buffalo, New York, acting as the catalyst for a wave of Starbucks workers fghting back against unfair labor practices their employers regularly engage in.

Apple workers have also gained stunning wins, and this pattern of a

UNION SOLIDARITY

triumphant labor force seems to be seeping into other industries, leaving workers of all kinds with hope for a future of more equality and less exploitation.

“I support the positive trend in U.S. labor protection movements, and I think it’s a bit obvious too,” senior Parker Grossman said. “Unless you’re a born billionaire, we’re all going to have to work to earn our keep, and I think it’s a given that workers’ rights should not be infringed upon by employers.”

But these victories have not come without pushback. Amazon and Starbucks have for years ruthlessly attempted to prevent their workers from bringing democracy to their workplaces.

Amid these recent developments, corporations have only increased their union busting efforts, fring their employees at the mere mention of the

word “union”, according to an unfair labor practice charge fled against Starbucks by Starbucks Workers United.

On top of this, modern media outlets not only fail to cover these abundant labor successes, but they also ignore the ongoing abuses inficted upon workers. Even when given the chance to report on negativity, the news refuses to stray from the wishes of the one percent.

However, American workers have something that their corporate overlords do not: solidarity. A recent Gallup poll found that around 71% of Americans currently approve of labor unions, the highest point since 1965.

With a supportive public and an optimistic workforce, it seems this new wave of national unionization is an unstoppable tsunami of unity and solidarity, wreaking havoc upon corporate exploitation and injustice.

DROUGHT WONDERS

It seems that, no matter where you turn, every major news outlet is reporting on an ongoing heat wave that has ravaged the entire world this summer.

While this is all certainly true and worth reporting on, there exists within this coverage an evident lack of positivity. For amid these horrors human innovation persists. One instance could be witnessed in the agricultural industry, which is seeing a dramatic decrease in crop yields as a result of these extreme weather conditions.

However, farmers have begun to turn towards drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum, leading to an increase in grain production rather than decreasing it, according to a recent USDA Foreign Agricultural

Service report. Sorghum, and other resilient grains like amaranth, have the potential to become dominant mainstream crops that may feed the mouths of thousands suffering from drought and extreme heat around the world.

Sprinkles of positivity in this world of negativity can also be found in the feld of archaeology as well. In the midst of these worldwide droughts, treasures of the past have begun to reveal themselves in dried up rivers and glaciers all around the world.

In Iraq, the drought aided archaeologists in unearthing a Bronze Age city called the Kemune, near the Mosul Dam. This ancient city, which was once one of the most important in the Mitanni Empire, is said to date

back approximately 3,400 years, according to the Universities of Freiburg and Tübingen.

Here in the United States, stunning dinosaur tracks were discovered in the parched Paluxy River in Texas. These never before seen fossils were hidden for around 113 million years prior to this drought, allowing for them to once again see the sun, according to Dinosaur Valley State Park offcials.

The discoveries continue over in China, where the water of the Yangtze River has dropped dramatically, revealing three 600-year-old Buddist statues atop a submerged island. The statues, newly discovered artifacts of China’s long and ancient culture, are presumed to have been built during either the Ming or Qing dynasties, according to Reuters News Agency.

Maria Jose Cestero

by the numbers

This past August, President Joe Biden signed H.R.5376 into law, dubbed the Infation Reduction Act. While the legislative feat has been called controversial by some, it is sure to accomplish at least one thing: begin a war against global warming.

According to The Associated Press, the Infation Reduction Act incentivises green energy sources such as wind and solar power alongside more sustainable modes of transportation in the form of electric vehicles.

By 2030, these efforts are set to cut America’s greenhouse gas emissions by around 1.1 billion tons, 40% less than its total emissions in 2008, according to the Department of Energy.

Though many have argued that this new legislative move is still not enough, and while there is certainly much more action needed to be taken, Biden’s move remains a historic victory in ecological preservation, signaling a future of conservation and environmental protection for the U.S.

In a similar light, Florida’s Energy and Climate Plan has become a source for good news by promising to slow the economic and social harms of climate by empowering its own residents, instituting programs that will both help promote renewable energy and help uplift communities in need.

With a special interest in education, the plan will introduce legislation that will incorporate energy effciency into Florida’s highschool curriculum. Therefore, entrusting the state’s future to those who are prepared to fght against the climate crisis.

In the short term, this plan will invest in the state’s internal action for mitigating innefcient energy use in state owned or leased land.

CLIMATE CHANGE A NEW KIND OF NEWS

Negativity in the news is by no means avoidable. Disaster, whether caused by humans or not, is a permanent reality in the world which should be discussed whenever it occurs. Nothing good ever comes of painting over tragedy and melancholy with blessings and joy. Yet, it’s often the heavenly picture that becomes distorted when saturated by sorrow

The news is meant to inform, to apprise the public of current affairs in an ever-changing world. What the media must recognize is that not all this change is bad. There are positive developments that are occurring every second, in every place on Earth. Even within a piece of negativity there is always some relief, some good news. The media’s perpetuation of negativity barrages onto their viewers a sense of apathy and despair, eroding the indomitable human spirit that has kindled all of history’s progress and innovation.

“If I may paraphrase an old line from Shakespeare, the fault lies not in our stars but in ourselves,” Samuel Terilli, Department Chair of Journalism and Media Management at the University of Miami said. “If we want to change the media, we have to change ourselves and what we expect of the media.”

There must be a revolution in the way news is reported, away from the destructiveness of negativity towards positive uplifting. The changes don’t need to be large, even the subtleties of a reporter’s choice of words or tone have the power to turn a negative story positive. Perhaps with a bit of effort, the news can attest to some of life’s beauty once more, and this bleak age of negativity can be left to the cold coffns of history h

Americans are very or moderately interested in new scientifc discoveries

increases in average clickthrough rate are observed when headlines include adjectives negative

the world’s energy is

of Americans feel stressed out after following the news regulary

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of Americans hold unions in a favorable view

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Compiled

Juan Fajardo/

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Parents learn about graduation requirements and tutoring opportunities at Open House. Open House took place on Oct. 3 from 5:30 - 7:45p.m. where parents met their child’s teachers and attended their classes.

Julia Volman/highlights