Issue 3, Vol. 60 by highlights Newsmagazine

N O V 2 0 1 9

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s a f w e

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IN THIS ISSUE Behind the Numbers, pg. 21 Miami Art Deco, pg. 26

Coral Gables SHS | Issue 3, Volume 60 | 450 Bird Road, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Thomas Morcillo / highlights

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highlights

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

Alexandra Torres Estelle Erwich Alexander Sutton Ruben Escobar Grace Rodriguez Melissa Gonzalez Natalia Pallas Hanna Ebrahimi Oraida Rodriguez Kevin Monjarrez Sara Ebrahimi Arianna Peña Aya Hamza & Isabella Villarroel

staff writers Isabella Ahumada Camila Aitken Lisbeth Arrieta Barbara Borja Mercedes Debesa Dilan Denham Sharon Florez Alia Gamez Sandra Hanuschik Laura Hernandez Miguel Lemus Alma Martinez Jonathan Mesa

In this issue

Isabella Morales Thomas Morcillo Melanie Nunez Alexa Orozco Celine Perez Addys Plata Nataly Rabelo Marta Rodriguez Isabel Quintanilla Maya Shah Emma Vela Gregoire Winston Austin Yagoda

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

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Jonathan Mesa / highlights

Features 4 Breast cancer survivor shares her story 6 Underappreciated staff of Gables

News 9 Program to fight school shooting threats 10 Mental health days in schools proposed

Opinion 12 Life 360 harms familial relationships 15 College board scams students

Sports

18 Natali Perez takes up rowing 22 Fair Pay-to-Play Act

The Scene 23 A La Folie Cafe 25 A taste of Puerto Rico: Mofongo Restaurant

Insight 28 FAFSA and the middle class

fall recap

pictures

Sharon Florez / highlights

BULLY-FREE ZONE: On Oct. 23, the Unified Champion Schools of Gables club held an anti-bullying event to spread awareness.

Isabella Morales / highlights

AMERICA MONDAY: Seniors Marisol Hernandez, Janelle Lora and Emily Cabrera show their pride for the first day of spirit week.

Sharon Florez / highlights

PUMPKIN PAINTING: IBHS members paint pumpkins at the club’s monthly meeting and Halloween event.

Barbara Borja / highlights

TOUR TIME: Students pose on UNC Chapel Hill’s football field during college tour after receiving a tour from Gables alumn.

in memoriam BY ALEXANDRA TORRES AND MARTA RODRIGUEZ

Courtesy of Cavaleon

ongtime teacher James Bolinger was known for his unconventional rules. As a political enthusiast, Bolinger always encouraged his students to challenge the status quo and become involved in their government. He taught Government and Economics alongside Antonio Paz for 15 years and played an integral role in all those around him. On Nov. 14, Bolinger passed away in his home from a heart attack. One of the greatest memories Paz has of him was when their students started to complain about not having good textbooks and Bolinger told them they should email a government representative explaining their situation.

Two days later, boxes of textbooks flowed into the school, filling his classrooms’ walls and every student was smiling. “Jim Bolinger was a realist. His sharp brilliance will not be forgotten in these hallways,” history teacher Oscar de Armas said. The day before Bolinger passed, he had come to school to turn in his retirement papers. However, his health had been putting a strain on his life in his final years. “He was one of my brothers. I’ve lost a little oomph in my teaching. The only saving grace I have is that I was blessed to have him as a friend, I was blessed to have learned from him as a colleague and we had some amazing times together,” Paz said.

features

A Teenage survivor survivor

After battling breast cancer at the age of 12, freshman Amanda Nuñez opens up about her emotional and physical path to survival BY ALEXANDRA TORRES, EDITOR-IN-CHEIF

EEMINGLY ENDLESS HOURS of chemotherapy and pitiful comments regarding the depths of a life-threatening illness seem unimaginable for most middle schoolers. Yet, a fear of diagnosis has lingered in freshman Amanda Nuñez for as long as she could remember as a direct result of her family’s long history with breast cancer. At the mere age of 12, she got the news she hoped would never come — she had developed stage 1 breast cancer. Despite her initial shock, Nuñez’s mom’s deep understanding of the diagnosis due to her training as a surgeon brought her relief as she was able to better understand the long medical journey she would embark on. It was the physical and emotional exhaustion, however, that nobody could prepare her for. A large mass was detected in Nuñez’s left breast in 2017 through an ultrasound at Baptist Hospital. Held back by a stigma surrounding serious illnesses, Nuñez chose not to immediately disclose her diagnosis with her friends. The comfort she felt with her girlfriend at the time, however, allowed

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

her to open up and eventually tell more people. “At first everyone treated me with pity

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AT FIRST EVERYONE TREATED ME WITH PITY AND ACTED AS IF I WAS EXTREMELY SICK, SO I TRIED TO REMAIN STRONG SO MY TEACHERS WOULD TREAT ME LIKE ANY OTHER STUDENT. AMANDA NUÑEZ, FRESHMAN

and acted as if I was extremely sick, so I tried to remain strong so my teachers would treat me like any other student,” Nuñez said. Nuñez had a lumpectomy performed —a surgical removal of a discrete portion or “lump” of breast tissue — and began chemotherapy soon afterward to remove the rest of the cancerous cells left in her body. The physical and emotional strain that the chemotherapy had on her caused her to turn

to her friends for support. As time passed, Nuñez was able to expand her circle and garner support from those who had also been diagnosed with breast cancer — some of whom were her family members. Nuñez’s maternal grandmother had also been diagnosed at an early stage, and although she lived in Cuba, she was able to serve as Nuñez’s backbone given that her perseverance exemplified how to be a strong woman. While she was in the hospital, some of the fondest memories Nuñez has are the ice cream parties her family threw for her every Friday. Although the chemotherapy often hampered her appetite, the weekly celebrations allowed her to strengthen her bond with her mom and cousins. “Even though I wouldn’t want to eat, I was still okay with it and I would put ice cream all over my cousins’ face and we would laugh… they were pretty good memories,” Nuñez said. One of Nuñez’s closest friends, Samantha Cabrera, became her safety net as

“If two vegans get in a fight, is it still considered beef?”

“You’re sitting hematoma!”

“Does anyone have makeup wipes so I can clean my feet?”

“We’re ethical chismosas. We hear things and don’t repeat them.”

“I have a strong immune system, so there’s no way I can get pregnant.”

“Wait...people don’t celebrate the Fourth of July in other countries?”

features my last,” Nuñez said. Reflected in her family’s perseverance, Nuñez realized that it is often the difficult times that one goes through that draws out their true strength. As Nuñez battled cancer, this became evident and the strength she possessed all along came to light. Ultimately, cancer taught her that no matter how hard

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THE DIAGNOSIS TAUGHT ME THAT I’VE BEEN A STRONG PERSON THROUGH MOST OF MY LIFE AND THAT EVEN THOUGH I GOT EXTREAMLY SAD WHEN I HAD CANCER, IT WAS NOT GOING TO TAKE ME DOWN. AMANDA NUÑEZ, FRESHMAN

something is, she would fight twice as hard. “The diagnosis taught me that I’ve been a strong person through most of my life and that even though I got extremely sad when I had cancer, it was not going to take me down,” Nuñez said. “After I was cured I made a promise to myself that I wasn’t going to let unimportant things take me down.”

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she encouraged Nuñez to disclose her fears and concerns. “Even through her worst times, I would try and do anything to make her laugh and make her feel her best until she finally was able to,” Cabrera said. The strength that Nuñez portrayed during her time with cancer inspired Cabrera and displayed her friend’s perserverance and strength. “My friends would always tell me how strong I am and when I would mention that my hair was going to fall out because of the chemotherapy, they would just say ‘don’t worry you’ll just wear a wig’ to try to cheer me up. It always worked,” Nuñez said. A factor that played a role in Nuñez’s battle with cancer was her dad’s absence. Although Nuñez came to the United States from Cuba at the age of 10, her father, Armando Nuñez, had to stay behind. Despite the distance, her dad still formed an integral part of her support system. Before every chemotherapy session, her dad would call her and remind her of the strength he knew she possessed to help her stay positive. Despite having such a strong support system, the strenuous nature of her situation did not completely hit Nuñez until after her surgery. Once she began the chemotherapy treatment, Nuñez had to fully succumb to reality and not only help herself, but also help her family cope with the repercussions of the disease. “The worst part of it was seeing the people that were important to me impacted by what I was facing in my life,” Nuñez said. The trials Nuñez faced as a result of the diagnosis went far beyond her physical health. Because she was diagnosed at such a crucial point in her life, the time she spent in the hospital instead of at school with friends stymied her growth, both academically and socially. Despite this, Nuñez feels as though she was lucky to have caught the cancer early and was thus still able to participate in a lot of activities that commonly shape one’s middle school experience. Her battle with cancer also taught her countless lessons that she hopes to use to empower other cancer patients and survivors to continue fighting, regardless of how intractable their circumstances may appear. “Even after everything, some good things came out of it — [cancer] taught me to appreciate life more and live every second of it as if it were

Nuñez’s medical history, however, extends beyond breast cancer. A year before she was diagnosed with cancer, she was diagnosed with scoliosis so severe that she had to have metal bars surgically implanted to align her spine. Despite the common portrayal of scoliosis as a trivial ailment, Nuñez believes that her experience with it was somewhat tougher and more draining than cancer. This was because she had to relearn how to walk, something so seemingly unimportant yet inherently life-changing. According to Nuñez, the day she found out she was cancer-free was the best day of her life. “I was smiling the whole week, nothing could ruin my mood. I immediately told everyone who knew I had cancer,” Nuñez said. Before her diagnosis, Breast Cancer Awareness Month was just like any other month for Nuñez. It has now become one of the most meaningful months of Nuñez’s year as she takes pride in celebrating her health with the people that supported her through some of her darkest hours. She uses her voice and experience to emphasize the importance of young women performing self-checks and having mammograms done periodically. Ultimately, although emotionally and physically challenging, Nuñez’s experience with cancer instilled a newfound determinism in her that pushes her towards achieving her dream of becoming a criminal defense attorney. She hopes to use the strength she has inherited to change the lives of others currently going through similar challenges so that they know they are not alone in their fight. Although cancer was only one of many obstacles Nuñez will face in her life, she now knows not to let anything get in her way, because if she could fight cancer, she is strong enough to fight anything. h

THE UNSUNG HEROES OF GABLES 6

features

To better appreciate the role members of the school’s staff have on the campus, highlights explores the obstacles they encounter daily BY NATALY RABELO AND ISABELLA MORALES, STAFF WRITERS

AINTAINING A SCHOOL OF nearly 3,200 students is no easy task. Despite the obstacles it may entail daily, the members of the staff who accomplish this feat often go without a “thank you.” From the nutritious food served at numerous cafe lines throughout campus to the safety brought by guards patrolling the hallways, the efforts of our school’s employees often go

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unnoticed. Cafeteria workers start their shifts as early as 4:30 a.m. and do not leave the campus until they assure that every hungry mouth is fed. Similarly, janitors and security guards patrol school grounds in order to ensure a safe and tidy environment. This determination to provide a polished educational space with endless opportunities for students to better themselves give advantages

to the student body that enable them to work in comfortable conditions. Whether it be through the use of a spatula, a broom or a walkie-talkie, staff members such as the school’s Food Service Manager Lacretia Strickland, lead custodian Nelson Jimenez and security monitor Yaneth Gonzalez go above and beyond to make the school a comfortable atmosphere for every Cavalier.

Two thousand, four hundred the orders for all the food delivered to meals a day, 1,200 hungry campus and does so in accordance with students and endless hours of what she knows the students will want preparation are no surprise to eat. From the slushy machines placed to the school’s Food Service throughout school to the $0.25 cookies that Manager Lacretia Strickland, students rush the lunchroom for, Strickland who has actively embraced her role in providing for the students since 2015. Nearing her 20th year as a public school employee for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Strickland began working at the school in 2015 and has been serving students ever since. Her HAPPY TO HELP: Lacretia Strickland happily serves typical day starts with an hungry students freshly made cookies during lunch. Thomas Morcillo/highlights early wake-up call and a long drive to campus, in which she prepares herself for a nine to 10-hour shift, making sure does her best to ensure that everything breakfast and lunch are prepared the students want and like is available. “I have to constantly ask my for all students. While this often entails many challenges, she cashiers what the children like. There never fails to respond with a is a standardized menu that we have positive attitude and a warm smile. to go by but I add perks so that I know Strickland places her focus that the children are going to eat,” on the needs and wants of the Strickland said. “They like chicken, so students. She is always searching I order different types of it: hot chicken, for new recipes and makes a chicken wings, chicken nuggets, etc.” Strickland’s dedication to her job variety of foods to ensure every taste palete is satisfied. She places stems from her love of children. As a

mother of eight, she finds satisfaction knowing that her laborious efforts ensure all students will go home fed, despite any financial or difficulties they may have. “We never turn a child down, when it comes to eating. In school, if you’re hungry, you can’t focus. It even trickles down to where students do extracurricular activities and are here until 5 or 6 p.m. and haven’t eaten all day. It makes me question how they’re functioning. They’re wearing their bodies down,” Strickland said. Due to a shortage of staff, she also spends countless hours working hands-on in the kitchen alongside her staff to assure that no child goes home hungry. Strickland prioritizes her staff and the students to make sure that she does everything she can to provide for the wellness of the school. She helps her staff with meal preparations daily and even comes in on off days in hopes of alleviating their workload. She disregards her income because she knows that thousands of students are dependent on her five days a week, every week, to get the meals they need to survive the day. “The one thing that makes my day is coming in and looking at my numbers to see that we fed one more child than we did the day before,” Strickland said.

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features Maintaining a spotless floor, clean classrooms and garbage-free halls are all pivotal tasks to the maintenance of the school that are under the supervision of lead custodian, Nelson Jimenez. Since 2011, Jimenez’s dedication to the school has been broadcasted through the pride he takes in assuring the student body has a clean place to learn, as well as through him completing small tasks that are not part of his job description. “Late one Friday night I came to school to pick up some tents from my classroom for Interact. I soon realized though, that I left my keys in my car and it was locked,” English teacher Margarite DePaola said. “Mr. Jimenez came on his golf cart and was able to unlock my car...He saved the night.” Working from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Jimenez spends his time cleaning classrooms, mopping hallways and supervising the nine

other custodians under his direct power to make sure they are doing their jobs correctly. “I’m always cleaning the school.

of the many tasks Jimenez and his colleagues complete. However, they are often faced with much larger challenges. For instance, now with the construction going on around the campus, maintaining a clean environment for students is much more difficult. “With construction, there’s a lot of work to be done. There’s a lot of dirt going around, which means that we have to clean more. Until they finish SPOTLESS SURFACE: Nelson Jimenez constructing the new buildings, sweeps the hallways during second lunch. nothing is going to be back to Addys Plata/highlights normal,” Jimenez said. Jimenez’s dedication to When students enter the next day, the Cavalier cause is the epitome that’s why it’s all nice and organized of what it means to be a leader. The for them. During lunch, I also school’s motto, Dirigo, meaning supervise students. I keep an eye on “I lead,” thus perfectly sums up them to guarantee that they are secure his character, given his efforts to and where they need to be,” Jimenez perpetually improve the school. said. “I have been here for 8 years Picking up empty water bottles and I won’t stop until my life is from the floor or scraping dried taken from me. I would never pieces of gum off desks are some leave Gables,” Jimenez said.

Walking into school, students to class, check their uniforms and their frantically scavenge through the piles IDs because it’s my job,” Gonzalez of papers, folders and empty gum said. “In my opinion, if you’re not wrappers in their backpacks in search going to do the job right or give all of of their IDs. As they desperately plead your effort, go find another place to be.” that it will suddenly appear in their Despite placing all her efforts hands, they soon realize that it is too late. Before they know it, school security monitor Yaneth Gonzalez appears, arms crossed, and delivers her now-infamous catchphrase: “Y el ID?” Although that is what comes to mind when most students think of Gonzalez, there is much more to what she does both on and off-campus SECURING OUR SAFETY: Yaneth Gonzalez that oftentimes goes unnoticed. speaks with security guards through her monitor. A normal day for Gonzalez Isabella Morales/highlights typically means getting to the school at 5:30 a.m. and leaving at around 7:30 p.m.. Gonzalez towards her position at the school, traverses the campus to ensure the Gonzalez also balances multiple other safety of students. Although that occupations. As one of the caretakers occasionally entails catching kids at a nursing home, a babysitter, a for not following the dress code or cashier at a community kitchen and reprimanding others for not wearing Fienberg-Fisher Elementary in Miami their IDs, Gonzalez is determined to Beach, a house cleaner and a security take action for the protection of pupils, guard at Miami Killian Senior High as she takes her job very seriously. School, Gonzalez is almost always “It’s a matter of doing what I’m giving back to others. Not to mention, supposed to do. I bring [students] back she is the mother of two children.

“Gables as a whole and the students present here have taught me very valuable lessons that I go home and pass on to my own children,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez’s dedication to her job is often misinterpreted as malice to students who are punished for not abiding by the school’s policies, yet she does her best to help students battling their own obstacles by lending them a helping hand and being a person they could talk to. “I speak to students, and although not many people realize it, when they have problems, I would go and speak to their teachers or to the counselor to see if they can get extra help. Whenever I see students crying or simply going through a tough time, I give them advice and try to help them,” Gonzalez said. As Gonzalez continues to improve the overall quality and atmosphere of the school, she is one of many staff members whose actions can sometimes go unnoticed. However, with the amount of dedication she puts into her job and the countless hours she works, Gonzalez should no longer be only remembered by her one-lined phrase. h

g y o an nz e a t l h e z

NEWS REVIEW

8 news

BY GREGOIRE WINSTON, STAFF WRITER

CALENDAR DECEMBER Cavmun Model United Nations conference

7th

Junior class trip to busch gardens

13th

Mr. Coral Gables pagaent

19th

Winter break begins

24th

CONGRATS

PROGRAMMING CLUB MERGES WITH ENGINEERING CLUB Following the leave of the previous programming clubs supervisor, the club has merged with the engineering club. As of now, the engineering club is under the supervision of its new advisor, physics teacher Roberto Del Valle, who claims will keep an eye on the club for years to come. “I want to have a welcoming environment, where students can feel that they can do anything, even if they know absolutely nothing, and I want them to think that they can contribute to the club,” Del Valle said.

THE ACT REGULATION CHANGE ALLOWING SECTION RETAKES The American College Testing (ACT) college admissions test will experience a considerable change to its format in the near future. Students who have taken the test and want to increase their overall scores will be able to retake a single subject section of the ACT test, instead of retaking the entire three-hour exam. The subjects that can be retaken include mathematics, science reasoning, English and reading. The change is expected to begin in the September 2020 school year.

TEACHERS GET A RAISE IN STARTING SALARY Florida teachers will now receive extra funds by the start of the 2020-2021 school year. The new funds will raise Florida to the second rank in the country, with an average salary of $47,500 per year for starting teachers according to Governor Ron DeSantis. “Something needs to be done because a lot of teachers are leaving the sector, and while new teachers are coming in, it is clear that most teachers can’t make ends meet,” special needs education teacher Iris Pooler said.

Want to read more? Check out more great stories online!

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16 year old Greta Thunberg inspires strikes for world climate and starts changing activism

Lady Cavaliers - Volleyball Despite a loss, seniors say goodbye in the last home game.

Congratulations to Shannon Singleton and Margarite DePaola for receiving the school’s Teacher of the Year award and Rookie Teacher of the Year award respectively. Congratulations to our Coral Gables Silver Knight nominees, whose community-impacting projects have been selected to represent the school. The nominees are Daniel Toll, Richard Smithies, Eduardo Caldera, Alexander Sutton, Lia Sanchez, Dayanna Ortega and Isabel Jean.

Undermining a greener Gables The city of Coral Gables turns away from solar panels because of how it will clash with city aesthetics

FOLLOW US ONLINE Read our online stories: www.cavsconnect.com/category/highlightssubmissions/ Instagram: @highlightscghs Twitter: @highlightscghs

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No joking matter

news

As the number of school shooting threats rise, a new campaign is started in hopes to reduce the threats. BY ISABELLA MORALES, STAFF WRITER

OR THE PAST several years, school safety concerns have been propelled into the limelight of national headlines. Various cases have been reported regarding threats made toward schools, with a significant amount in the state of Florida. As an effort to further protect students, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (FDJJ) has launched an awareness campaign called “It’s No Joke.” Since early September, the FDJJ has been taking action in an attempt to end the gun violence epidemic among youth, and now, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced that Miami-Dade County Public School (M-DCPS) officials have decided to collaborate with the FDJJ and deliver this same message to those across the school district. Multiple precautions to ensure the safety of students have been taken. After the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, former Governor Rick Scott signed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, which was done with an aim to increase gun restrictions, school security and safety. For example, an application called FortifyFL was created, which allows anyone to anonymously report potential threats made toward a school. In addition to that, M-DCPS police officials now have real-time access to various surveillance cameras in schools across the county, and nearly 1,100 school buses contain Global Positioning Systems (GPS), as claimed by WLRN-FM, a radio station licensed to M-DCPS. Although various measures have been taken, there are still

incidents that have occurred in school systems across Florida. For instance, in Miami Dade County, on Oct. 7, a 16-year-old was arrested after threatening to open fire at Miami Palmetto Senior High via Snapchat. Word quickly began to circulate social media and eventually reached the ears of the Palmetto Bay Police Department through numerous notifications about the threat reported on FortifyFL. During the 2018-2019 school year, social media was the most

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THESE THREATS DISRUPT THE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND MAY LEAD TO UNNECESSARY STRESS AND ANXIETY AND AN INCREASE IN ABSENTEEISM AMONG OUR STUDENTS. ALBERTO CARVALHO, MIAMI DADE SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT common source of the method of delivery for threats of violence, accounting for 38% of them, according to the Educator’s School Safety Network. “These threats disrupt the educational environment and may lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety and an increase in absenteeism among our students.” M-DCPS superintendent Alberto Carvalho said. “Any effort that reduces these incidents results in students feeling more secure and having a positive experience at school.” This campaign was started as an education and prevention initiative to stop students from

resorting to violence. The FDJJ strives to keep young people out of the juvenile justice system altogether by educating youth and their families about the severity of making threats. Starting the “It’s No Joke” campaign is just one of the ways they attempt to do so. Educating youth of the consequences of their actions is very important, as the severity of these threats continue to increase. Under Florida Statute 836.10, making any threats toward a person or a group of people with any sort of malicious intent is the equivalent of committing a second-degree felony, which can result in imprisonment, and will stay on record. “Not everything is a joke. People need to be aware of the consequences of their actions. Since we’re young and our minds arewWWWW still growing, we are all very vulnerable to being traumatized by these events. I wouldn’t want to be scared of going to school and think that I can be harmed,” senior Aaron Benitez said. Over time, threats to schools will perpetually cause violence and fear for students to face if a solution is not found. As M-DCPS and the FDJJ continue to push for solutions to solve these problems and find new ways to put a stop toward this growing danger, they have the potential to make schools the safe and protected learning environment they once were. “It really is no joke. A lot of kids and even sometimes adults make jokes about committing a crime at school. Now is not the time to do that, because there’s a lot of very serious things that have happened as a result,” Principal Adolfo Costa said. h

QUICK FACTS of

school shooters had communicated that they were in a time of crisis of Americans worry about a shooting at their school.

The of school shooters were students or former students at their school.

Since than

1970,

more cases

of school shootings have been recorded.

Source: The New York Times

news

Mental health help for students BY LAURA HERNANDEZ, STAFF WRITER

Symptoms of anxiety include nervousness, panic, increased heart rate and rapid breathing.

BILL WAS FILED BY Florida State Rep. Susan Valdes suggesting each district school board allow up to one mental health day for students per semester. The guardian of the child would have to sign a slip justifying the student’s absence. The child will then be marked as excused for the day they missed after that justification is evaluated by the school. The bill has not been given legislative approval in the senate yet but its creation has been recognized as a response to the growing emphasis on students’ mental health. A general concern for mental health is evident now by The World Health Organization’s recognition of depression as a critical public health issue. Voices behind the bill say it is meant to change the stigma around mental health, especially with Florida’s high suicide and homicide rates. Miami-Dade County has the highest suicide and homicide count in Florida with the state having

3122 suicides and 1292 homicides a year as sourced from a Florida Life Course Indicator Report. “A major reason students’ mental health is in decline in the first place is due to overworking. Instead of taking a sick day, by taking a mental health day students can be more honest about what they’re really feeling and what they need to focus on,” sophomore Sebastian Matta said. Youki Terada, a digital researcher for the George Lucas Educational Foundation, says taking breaks from work can help a student “refresh their focus,” “boost their memory,” “increase productivity” and play “a key role in accelerating cognitive abilities.” Terada’s study concludes that taking a break from a stressful situation can make a student calm and more emotionally equipped to tackle the same situation again. “The education system should provide more free resources for students to get the talk therapy

students a ce Gr

Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States among people ages 15-44.

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MENTAL HEALTH DAYS WILL GIVE US MORE ROOM TO PROCESS WHAT WE’RE GOING THROUGH AND GIVE US TIME TO DO LATE ASSIGNMENTS, RELAX AND PICK OURSELVES UP AGAIN BECAUSE WHEN YOU’RE BREAKING DOWN, YOU HAVE NO TIME TO EVEN THINK ABOUT PUTTING YOURSELF BACK TOGETHER.

MIGUEL ALEJANDRO HERNANDEZ PICADO, SENIOR

A “mental health day” bill is being proposed to the Florida Senate as a source of mental relief for students struggling with disorders and attention they need when dealing with anxiety and stress in school. Students who are overstressed may be more explosive and can become truant and miss school due to not being able to cope with the stress,” history teacher Sandy Leal-Garcia said. “If students are struggling they might not do well in school, attendance may be poor. It affects our school grade, attendance, and atmosphere of the classroom.” student services department chair Michaelyn Radcliff said. Taking a break from stress gives students a method to relax and focus on their health and prevent symptoms of high stress. Such can be concluded by education studies done by professionals from Mayo Clinic, a hospital chain with campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota, which saw high stress levels lead

to headaches, muscle tension and chest pain which directly relates to angry outbursts, restlessness, sadness or depression in patients. “People don’t know how to deal with their emotions and it makes the environment feel worse. We stress out too much, start too early and too many teachers don’t care about how we feel or how all the assignments they give affects us. No one is telling you how to deal with drama and no one, especially, is letting you sleep,” senior Miguel Alejandro Hernandez Picado said. The mental health day bill that was proposed to the Florida Senate is predetermined as a source of mental relief to students struggling with their mental health. They will allow students to take a break and work on their mental well being. In the future, such a bill may assist in changing the negative stigmas regarding mental health. h

news

Among female high school athletes in aesthetic sports, 41.5% reported disordered eating.

speak up

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MOST HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE UNDER A LOT OF STRESS AND HAVING A MENTAL HEALTH DAY MEANS WE CAN TAKE SOME TIME TO OURSELVES AND CATCH UP ON WORK BECAUSE MOST OF US, ESPECIALLY SENIORS, ARE UNDER A LOT OF STRESS WITH SPORTS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND COLLEGE APPLICATIONS.

JONATHAN GONZALEZ, SENIOR

ADHD can impact can impact sleep patterns, muscle tone, and emotional response. Source: National Eating Disorder Association Thomas Morcillo/highlights

opinion

Peeping or Parenting?

Parents of teenagers have resorted to using invasive tracking applications to spy on their teens. COMMENTARY BY SHARON FLOREZ

HE LIFE360 GPS tracking app: the most innovative way to create a lasting tear in a parent’s relationship with their adolescent. The moment parents decide to begin tracking their child’s location, they open doors to resentment and rebellious behavior, resulting in a counterproductive and destructive outcome. Life360 is an app mainly used to keep track of family members’ present and past locations, battery percentage and drivings speeds of the car they are in. In a survey done by the Pew Research Center, 16% of parents use tracking apps on their teenagers— and according to the company Life360, they have 18 million monthly users. In an article by the New York Times, psychologist Lisa Damour expresses her concern that “location tracking can, without question, damage the connection between parent and teenager,” nand according to empirical research published by the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, high intrusiveness of parents in teenagers’ lives have been linked with increased hostility and conflict between both parties. “The app is an unbelievably effective tool that could be used to ensure safety, but I do think that the app can be misused, to almost try to restrict w a child. It gets to a point in which it might not be necessarily age appropriate; that we are not giving our children enough freedom to explore on their own, which can ruin that parentchild relationship,” psychology teacher Scott Nelson said, “Hopefully the parent and child are building a bond of trust.” Giving a teenager the opportunity to be independent and to prove

themselves trustworthy plays an important role in them becoming responsible adults. While parents may be anxious about their children getting hurt, having the freedom to scrape their knees and make mistakes is an essential part of the process of growing up. Helicopter parenting is responsible for a parent-child relationship in which the adolescent is greatly dependent on the help of their parents as they transition into adulthood. Since they are so closely regulated from a young age, they n e v e r get the

opportunity to grow beyond what their parents put in front of them. A study published by the American Psychological Association found that controlling parenthood from the age of two led to a negative effect on a child’s emotional health and social ability seen as early as age five. Parents who turn to tracking their teenager only demonstrate the lack of trust they have in their child’s ability to

make the right decisions to protect themselves. Many parents, in an effort to keep their kids away from sex, drugs and parties, turned to monitoring them through Life360. With this app, they feel sure that their teenager is not lying to them about where they are, especially if a car accident were to occur. However, in response to the rising trend in downloads for Life360, teenagers have managed to discover and popularize various ways to outsmart the application. In an effort to free themselves of their parents’ controlling grasp, teenagers may leave their phones at the place they said they would be, fake their location with GPS spoofing, delete the app, or even download it in another device that will show a more “acceptable” location. All these behaviors create the opposite effect of what these apps promise parents: ensuring children’s safety. Despite what parents would like to believe, these apps are ultimately ineffective. Not only do teenagers end up finding a way to make the app useless, but the hostility in aparent-child relationship is heightened as a result of their use. Teenagers naturally feel uncomfortable with the idea of being surveilled at all times, especially when the decision to do so was made without the inclusion of their feelings. The lack of consideration for teenagers’ feelings is what creates frustration between the parent and the teenager, resulting from miscommunications or misunderstandings. If parents were to be more open and trusting with their children, the backlash from making such an excessive decision could be avoided completely. The only way teens can lead successful, independent lives is if the parents allow them the freedom to grow, intellectually and socially. Both the parent and the teenager must be on the same page .about boundaries, limits, responsibility, as well as privilege if teens are to transition into adulthood and rise to their fullest potential. h

opinion

acebook’s fiction

In an effort to make more money, Facebook is willing to put up misleading and untrue advertisements COMMENTARY BY CAMILA AITKIN

ACEBOOK has recently announced that it will not fact check political ads aired on their site. Although there are certain rules in place against the use of profanity, false buttons and advertising in certain states, the use of lies in political advertisements is still permitted. Since advertisers must pay money to the hosts of the website or service, Facebook is making a profit out of these political ads. Thus, Facebook is relying on the gullibility of its users in order to make money. In doing this, Facebook continuously lies to the public instead of fact checking the political ads for the sake of the users. One example of a false political ad is one democratic candidate, Elizabeth Warren introduced. She claimed that most television networks are not allowed to air untrue statements however, Facebook simply takes the cash without asking questions. As an example of just this, an ad she ran gave the impression that Facebook backed president Donald Trump, proving her point that Facebook is capable of serious misinformation. Some argue that social media is not a place for political propaganda whatsoever since it is mainly a platform for social interaction and a form of effective communication. “Mark Zuckerberg should not allow ads on Facebook because it is a place for socializing.” Said junior Dylan Polverine In allowing misinformation to spread, Facebook runs the risk of misleading the public for their own economic gain. Elizabeth Warren called out Zuckerberg, questioning him as to whether he would

choose to take the money and promote lies or hold himself to some sort of standard. “I think [Facebook] should allow ads because it’s important to keep people well informed and to give them a sense of judgement as to where they should lean politically, however it should remain truthful,” senior Daniel Toll said. “It should not be used to manipulate peoples’ opinions.” Facebook policies on advertising and fact checking are questionable. Even

“

IT’S IMPORTANT TO KEEP PEOPLE WELL INFORMED AND TO GIVE THEM A SENSE OF JUDGEMENT AS TO WHERE THEY LEAN POLITICALLY, HOWEVER, IT SHOULD REMAIN TRUTHFUL. DANIEL TOLL, SENIOR

Facebook’s employees agree that allowing ads with incorrect information would “increase distrust” on the social media platform according to their letter to the public. Although politics benefits from candidates having the freedom to think and speak freely without the intervention of a private company such as Facebook, it continues to promote their lenient policies that mislead the public about extremely important affairs and issues. Facebook claims that there will always be an

opposable thumbs Freshman “They are small and quaint, I shall keep them.

-Grace Rodriguez, Social Media Manager

OK, Boomer

issue with political ads, regardless of how Facebook handles them. Although this may be true, Facebook could do its part in halting false propaganda and avoid maintaining these issues with political ads. Other media companies such as TikTok have banned political ads on their apps. This may be the best and most neutral position a social media company like Facebook could take. Instead of profiting from these political ads or risk misguiding the citizens of the United States, it might be wisest to eliminate all political propaganda in its entirety. “Social media is no place for political propaganda.” junior Isabella Castellanos said. “If I follow you, I want to hear from you, if not, I’m not interested,” The beauty of social media being able to follow whom you are interested in; whether it be friends from High school or presidential candidates. Seeing constant ads containing political propaganda can be tiring and confusing. All presidential candidates claim to have the best policies and morals. Being subject to all this information should push users to fact check the information for themselves; however, in reality most people simply digest the facts given to them and take them as the truth. It can be argued that facebook is not responsible for fact checking since it is not a government institution and is simply promoting freedom of speech. However, taking into account all the damage misguiding the public can cause debunks this excuse for allowing misinformation. If Zuckerberg’s ultimate decision is to allow political ads, the least Facebook could do is to fact check the information to ensure Facebook users are not getting the wrong idea or impression. By including lies in political ads, striving politicians seek unfair advantages for their future careers in the government. h

Sonic on Yom Kippur

“OK, Boomer”

“Gotta go fast.”

-Jonathan Mesa, Staff Writer

-Dilan Denham, Staff Writer

opinion

Two Views: LGBTQ+ Job Rights

The Supreme Court addresses sexuality-oriented workplace practices as issues of equality under the law come to light.

students speak up

COMMENTARY BY KEVIN MONJARREZ

c Ke

in M

onjarrez / h i gh lig

“YOU SHOULDN’T BE ABLE TO FIRE SOMEONE FOR SOMETHING THEY CAN’T HELP BEING.”

people, private business maintain their right to maintain these views, however misguided they may be. All too familiar already is the case in which the Supreme Court upheld the rights of Christian Bakers in Colorado to refuse service based upon sexual orientation. This is a similar case, and should be treated as such. Not that the decision matters in the first place, as a Supreme Court Ruling in favor is not only unnecessary but useless. Although Florida currently has no laws prohibiting discrimination based upon sexual identity, multiple municipalities do. However, the reality is, is that in these municipalities, getting justice for said discriminations is virtually impossible. Instead of openly rejecting an applicant because of sexual orientation or sexual identity, they now cite a different miscellaneous reason, and finding proper evidence that the cause of termination or refusal to provide employment proves extremely difficult. Not only this, but discrimination often proves a futal strategy when operating a business, eventually subject to forced reform, such as in the case of Chick-fil-a, or the extinction of their business when outcompeted by those who do not discriminate, who are consistently more appealing to an open market. With private entities, those that are succesful do not see color, orientation, or sex are those who ultimately prevail. While Adam Smith may have been misguided by his “Invisible hand” theory, it rings true in this scenario. The case put before the Supreme Court is one that is both not their place and simultaneously of little significance. Should people want to round out Title VII for formalities sake, then it should realistically be taken before Congress. Even so, this does little more than add words to a paper, as we continue taking on a problem that ,at worst, has a solution that sacrifices employer rights, and at best, has no solution. h

EGARDLESS of race, gender, or sexual orientation, everyone deserves their rights. When it comes to the Supreme Court’s ruling on whether employers will be able to hire or fire people based upon their sexual orientation or gender identity, all nine justices agree upon this fact. So the question remains, why has the Supreme Court neglected to make a ruling since the case’s first hearing in October? Simply put: it’s not that simple. In the end, if the gavel lands on the side of LGBTQ+ community, if it ever lands to begin with, the victory would be as sweet as it would be short, with the decision trampling over employer rights, the powers of the Supreme Court, as well as being pragmatically useless. First comes the main point of debate between the justices of the Supreme Court— interpretation. The liberal justices believe that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects individuals against discrimination, specifcally citing that the protection from discrimination based on sex extends to gay and transgender people, despite the fact that most federal courts have ruled that this protection does not encompass sexual orientation. The problem that this liberal interpretation poses, however, is that it essentially sets a precedent where, through extreme liberal interpretation, the Supreme Court is capable of acting like a legislature. Sex and sexual orientation are two distinct qualities, and conflating the two is a gross overstep of power by the Supreme Court. Even justice Gorsuch, a textualist who admits that Title VII could encompass sexual orientation, concedes that this would best be a case for Congress to implement such a large scale change. A ruling in favor of the LGBTQ+ community would also be limiting employers rights to religion. The US is a land of free thought, and free “isms”. There is racism, anti-semitism, sexism, classism, what have you. Thus, private

-Sebastian Juan, Senior

“THOUGH IT SOUNDS BAD, THE PRIVATE SECTOR SHOULDN’T BE FORCED TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT.”

-Javier de la Regata, Senior

“YOU CAN’T FIRE SOMEONE BECAUSE OF WHAT OR WHO THEY LIKE. IT’S NOT RIGHT.”

-David Zambrano, Junior

opinion

By the numbers 27% of transgender workers reported being fired, not hired or denied in 2016 -2017. 15-43% of gay and transgender workers have experienced some form of discrimination on the job. 10-28% received a negative performance evaluation or were passed over for a promotion because of their gender identity. Source: Center for American Progress

COMMENTARY BY CELINE PEREZ

HE FIGHT FOR LGBTQ+ rights has come a long way, but it is nowhere near over. Members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to face judgment and harassment in their everyday lives, especially in the workplace. Currently, more than half of all US states, including Florida, do not have any law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in private employment. However, a new case currently in front of the Supreme Court is providing a new chance at equality under the law. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the LGBTQ+ community, workplace discrimination will finally be outlawed nationwide, and no employer will be able to fire an employee because of the employee’s sexual orientation. However, the case has yet to be argued, leaving the future of the LGBTQ+ community in limbo . Firing someone solely because of their sexual orientation is blatant discrimination. Unless an employee’s identity somehow directly gets in the way of their work, companies have no genuine reason to fire them. In the Supreme Court’s recent meeting to hear the arguments of this anti discrimination case, the court’s four liberals condemned the firing of two gay men and a trangender woman, all of whom stated that they were fired because they are LGBTQ+ individuals. Their lawyer argued that they are protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans discrimination on the basis of sex. According to the Center for American Progress, 15% to 43% of LGBTQ+ employees have experienced discrimination or hostility based on sexual orientation while working. “Of course they should be protected under that right. Sexuality is a personal aspect of someone’s life and gender shouldnt be as big of a deal as people make it. If someone born as a girl wants to be called a man, just respect it. It’s not that hard,” senior Virgilo A Davila said. “It’s not fair.

Just because someone is not a part of/ not tending to all the rules of your religion, it shouldn’t justify hatred or prejudice.”. The reason an employee is dismissed from work should be because the employee is not fit to complete the duties of their job. Identifying as LGBTQ+ already puts a target on the backs of our society’s most vulnerable members, and their lives at work should serve as a safe haven from discrimination instead of as a place of constant fear. Yet, for the vast majority of LGBTQ+ individuals, work is just that: fear dominates the workplace, because in many places, it is still legal for employers to discriminate on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation. Those in favor of repealing these vital anti-discrimination laws usually invoke the First Amendment in their arguments. They say that the constitutional right to freedom of religion extends to employers, and that they may fire LGBTQ+ individuals if employing such a person violates the religious beliefs of the employer. It is wrong, they argue, to deny someone the right to practice their beliefs, even if that means that LGBTQ+ people could be put at risk of losing their job. This argument is fallacious, however, because one person’s right can never overcome another person’s right — therefore, an employer’s right to freedom of religion does not take precedence over a gay man’s right to keep his job, for example. Ultimately, the right of LGBTQ+ individuals to maintain a steady job lie in the hands of the Supreme Court. The justices should rule in favor of the LGBTQ+ community, and make discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity illegal. Laws like the Civil Rights Act protect people from racist or sexist discrimination, and ending homophobic discrimination is the next step towards truly attaining liberty and justice for all. h

opinion

SCAM-DARDIZED TESTING Student Information Commentary By:

ALEXANDER SUTTON

DOB:

3/27/2002

School Code:

100289

As standardized testing gets more popular every year, getting into college becomes more expensive. Is there a better way to test students’ scholastic aptitude?

OU SHOULD NOT HAVE TO pay high prices for low-quality things. And yet, the modern education system is rife with overpriced products that run students broke, and take a particular toll on lower-income families. Graphing calculators, for example, usually go for around $200; they cost a tenth of that to manufacture. It costs less than $20 to print most high school and college textbooks — but they cost more than ten times that to buy in a bookstore. Printer ink cartridges? They can cost up to $50, although making them costs no more than a couple of dollars. Nowhere else, however, is education more overpriced than in the land of standardized testing. It costs $49.50 to register for the SAT. To take it with an essay portion, it will be an extra $15. To send SAT scores to a college — to electronically send four digits — costs $12 per college, or $31 for a “rush order,” if you want them to be sent more quickly — even though sending scores electronically is instant and costs less than a cent. To have your scores read to you by phone if you do not have internet access, it costs $15, and to have the exam hand-scored costs an extra $55. To take SAT subject tests, the base registration fee

is $26, and each test costs $22 on top of that (most upper-tier colleges require at least two subject tests in their application) — in addition to the other fees to send scores to colleges. AP

“

TO ME, IT’S A BIT EXCESSIVE. IT’S $60, AND PLUS PLUS PLUS, DEPENDING ON WHAT TEST YOU’RE TAKING. I DO FIND IT A LITTLE BIT EXPENSIVE AYLEEN MONZON, ENGLISH TEACHER

exams cost $94 to take per test, plus an extra $15 to send to colleges, or $25 for “expedited delivery,” which again is a cheap electronic process. To sign up for an AP exam after the deadline, it costs $40, and to cancel an AP exam, it costs $40 more, which may sound fair — but with the changing of the AP registration deadline from March to November, many people believe the deadline changes were

TESTING POLICY

A•

$1,711,131:

amount of money that College Board CEO David Coleman was paid in 2016.

B•

—

$0:

made purely to make more people pay the fees and generate more revenue for the organization. In Florida, the state Department of Education pays for students’ AP exams, effectively making them free; but in other states, lower-income schools with smaller budgets rarely have the wherewithal to pay for their students’ exams, and students who change their mind about taking an AP course have four fewer months to change their registration without financial repercussions. “All the tests are very costly, and some students struggle to even pay for one,” Jo Peterson, an AP English teacher, said. The College Board is the company responsible for administering the SAT and AP exams, and by the time a high school senior graduates, he or she has likely paid the College Board hundreds of dollars for exams required to enter college. Despite this, however, the College Board has legal status as a not-for-profit organization, giving it tax-exempt status. It has maintained its recognition as a not-for-profit even as its CEO makes upwards of a million dollars every year. According to the Nonprofit Explorer, the College Board made $1.068 billion in revenue in 2017, but spent only $927.8 million, leaving a $140 million surplus — quite a profit in most people’s view. Officially, however, not-forprofits are only eligible to maintain their status if “no part of the activities or the net earnings

BY THE NUMBERS

amount of money that College Board paid in taxes to the Federal Government in 2019.

C•

$1,067,701,847:

the College Board’s total revenue for the 2017 fiscal year.

Source: Nonprofit Explorer

opinion unfairly benefit any director, officer, for the second time,” Monzon said. or any private individual.” Though the “Your future shouldn’t be based College Board’s “exclusively charitable on a test. I feel that there’s so many purpose” is education, it should be obvious strong kids that don’t test well.” that the true reason it is able to maintain The solution to the ridiculous prices its tax-exempt status while still turning associated with standardized testing is a profit is due to loopholes in the U.S. simple — weaken the demand for testing Internal Revenue Code. These loopholes that educational institutions generate. need to be closed, and the government Some institutions, like the University should treat the College Board and other of Chicago and the George Washington “not-for-profit” testing organizations University, have stopped requiring any test as the for-profit corporations they are. scores at all in their applications. Going “To me, it’s a little bit excessive,” test “ t e s t optional” creates an center supervisor Ayleen Monzon said. ideal solution because it “It’s $60, and plus plus plus, depending allows students who on what test you’re taking. I do find it a naturally perform little bit expensive.” well on standardized If you want tests to reflect that to get accepted skill in their into college, it is nearly impossible to avoid p a y i n g money to the College 2,220,087 students, Board or a test prep agency in or 60% of the high school. Their inordinate class of 2019, took prices may the SAT, out of seem like a mere inconvenience 3,683,540 total high for most high school graduates in school students, but in actuality, lowerapplication, 2019. income students are while giving Source: College Board significantly burdened l o w e r- i n c o m e by the price tag of students and & NCES. standardized testing. people who are simply Part of the solution is fee nervous test-takers an waivers — papers the College opportunity to represent Board allows students to fill out, their uniqueness in more creative excusing them from paying the and less financially burdensome ways. tests’ unfair price tags. But fee waivers are The College Board’s reign over only part of the solution: even if they mean the standardized testing economy is that a lower-income student takes all exams a burden for students of all income totally free, they will be at a disadvantage backgrounds, and its tax-exempt status to a wealthy student who is able to fork over allows it to make huge sums of money thousands of dollars for test prep services. and line the pockets of its highest Studies have shown that wealthier executives, all without paying a cent students enjoy significant advantages to the U.S. government. As it stands, on standardized testing. SAT scores are the educational system in the United highly correlated with income according States is corrupt, with huge disparities to the Washington Post, and the likely between the amount of money that culprit, at least in part, is poorer students’ services cost agencies to provide inability to pay for pre-test tutoring that and how much those services cost helps test-takers get ahead. For example, consumers to buy — and only once we the Princeton Review, one of the most create an America where all colleges are popular SAT prep services, charges “test-optional” and testing agencies are $1324 for just 36 hours of instruction. considered for-profit corporations will “I think that maybe, okay, charge the college application process become the first time, and then give a discount equitable for everyone involved. h

DID YOU KNOW?:

Kevin’s Korner

Clicker Hero:

COMMENTARY BY KEVIN MONJARREZ

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hig h

Recently I have discovered the magic of clicker games, where a player pursues a higher and higher arbitrary score by clicking on monsters, bricks, dice, or cookies. In terms of gameplay, that’s all there is, clicking. In the case of Cookie Clicker, my clicker game of choice, I seek a larger and larger amount of cookies by clicking a large cookie that hovers innocently on screen, but these games are anything but innocent. Cookie Clicker has consumed my school, social, home life, and likely my soul. I can’t stop. Nothing makes my mouth water more than seeing my virtual cookie empire grow, not even a real cookie, as my digital cookies rise to numbers in the millions, nay, billions. I continue to abuse my mouse buttons as the inner big number goblin within me (who quite likes seeing big numbers) grows with greed. The process of making a number with no value beyond the realm of the arbitrary game has proven to be the most cathartic experience I’ve ever felt. Time slows to a standstill as I do nothing but bake my cookies through a series of digital clicks, commanding an army of digital grandmas who have sworn undying fealty to the “Kevin Kookie Making Process”™. At this point, I truly believe I have peaked, for I have built a candy civilization stronger than any ordinary Oompa Loompa or Wonka, for my cookies have conquered time itself. I have become no more useful than a cookie. I see the number of cookies rise, and the game sees the time I’ve wasted rise, almost as if it were playing a sick “Kevin Klicker” game. The metamorphosis is complete, as the hovering cookie on-screen becomes an essential part of me. I click the cookie and the cookie clicks me. I now lie in despair, contemplating life’s most important questions, between me and my laptop, who is the real Cookie Clicker? h

18 sports

Paddling across the finish line

Sophomore Natali Perez pursues her passion for watersports as a competitive rower for Miami Rowing Club BY LISBETH ARRIETA, STAFF WRITER

PUSHING THROUGH: Sophomore Natali Perez moves through the water with her team.

CONFIDENT CREW: Perez and her team team enjoy their win at the FSRA Sweep State

of N

ata

li P erez

TEAM TIME: Perez and her team stay focused at the 2019 FSRA.

RADITIONAL SPORTS LIKE basketball, soccer or track and field never caught the attention of sophomore Natali Perez. Perez has been rowing for two years with the Miami Rowing Club in Key Biscayne and she has fallen in love with the rigorous nature of the sport. Although rowing is not as popular as traditional sports, crew, it takes a similar physical toll, using oars to propel the boat. Perez’s passion for rowing resulted from a long standing interest in water sports. Before initiating her rowing career, Perez was part of a competitive swim club for four years. “I felt as if I did not really gain anything from swimming for so long. I knew I needed to dedicate my time into another sport, and rowing was the perfect option since my parents were already familiar with it and it is technically a water sport,” Perez said. Choosing to pursue the sport because of motivation from her father, who used to row with her current coach. “I enjoyed rowing very much as a child. I’m glad Natali chose to practice such a tough sport and is able to continue this tradition,” her father Jason Perez said. Perez’s dedication to rowing is demonstrated through her almost daily practices. She practices six times a week, except Sundays. A typical week of practice consists of an alternating schedule where on Mondays and Wednesdays she practices on land and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays she practices on water. On land days Perez begins her tough practices with weight training, a 2 to 3 mile run and finishes with completing a 5 kilometer distance with the ergometer, exercise machines widely used by competitive rowers. Perez attends regattas, which are competitions where her crew team rows. Her team participates in these events around once a month. She usually travels with her team and competes against other teams from Florida. From August to December, races are five kilometer distances, but from January to April, races are two kilometer distances. Perez and her team practice tapering before big races like national or state wide competitions to ensure their best performance possible. Before some

races, though, she is coached to race while tired to see how well her body is able to perform under these conditions. With that, Perez is able to acknowledge the progress she has made throughout the season and know what exactly what she needs to improve on for the next regatta. “Crew definitely encompasses that team aspect of a traditional sport. That team aspect has taught me many lessons about cooperation and the importance of combined group effort, since we need to propel the boat, simultaneously,” sophomore Perez said. Through the competitiveness that rowing requires, Perez has created a small group of close friends that push each other through tough practices and keep each other motivated. When beginning crew, she struggled to efficiently manage her academic life with her responsibilities as a competitive rower. However, she has been able to acknowledge the effects of procrastination and what it is like to not get enough sleep on a daily basis. Currently,she is committed to improving herself every day at practice and enjoys the benefits the sport has for her health in the long run. Throughout her time as a competitive rower, Perez has been able to see those who were able to use crew to their advantage when applying to college. “I have been fortunate enough to see my former older team mates that have been able to gain advantages when it came down to attending the college of their choice. Rowing competitively has allowed me to become aware of all the opportunities that may come my way senior year of high school,” Perez said. Around every three to four months, she is required to do an ergometer test in which members on her team complete a two kilometer distance on the erg machine. On the most recent erg test she has done, Perez clocked an eight minute and 13 second time, with the goal for sophomore female rowers to break eight minutes. Being able to compare her times from when she first began to row with her times now, has been her main source of motivation to continuously improve her skill and dedication to crew. h

sports

Cavaliers punt their way out of playoffs The varsity football team lost a tough match against the Columbus Explorers at the last playoff game of the season BY MARTA RODRIGUEZ, STAFF WRITER

N THE NIGHT OF NOV. 7TH, yellow buses filled with excited football players surrounded the field at Tropical Park. For the second time this season, the school faced their toughest opponent, the Christopher Columbus High School Explorers. Unfortunately, their efforts were overcome with a 14-50 loss against Columbus, making this their last game of the season. “Before the game I was more excited than nervous, but to distract myself I went over the plays in my head,” sophomore safety Darren McQueen said. Starting off strong, the Explorers scored a touchdown and a field goal during the first quarter, which put them ahead by seven points. However, their quick score motivated the school’s defensive linemen to toughen up, not letting the Explorers past them or get the ball. The school’s offense toughened up as well, executing more passes and making a few interceptions. Unfortunately, this was not enough to keep the Explorers away from the ball. As soon as they had the opportunity their wide reviewer grabbed the ball, sprinted down the field and scored another touchdown.

The Explorers were now ahead by 14 points, but this was a wake-up call for the Cavs. With successful plays from both the offense and defense, the Cavs scored a well-deserved touchdown field goal, making the game 147. From the field, smiles could be seen in the crowd as parents and kids stood up on the bleachers, stomping their feet against the metal as screams filled the air and the music started to play. The whole team ran towards the perimeter of the field as number 13, senior wide receiver David Busch, ran to his coaches, celebrating his touchdown. With a blow of the whistle, the Explorers once seized the ball. A Columbus offensive player grabbed the ball and sprinted towards the end zone, though he did not get very far. A Cavalier defender, sophomore safety McQueen chased him down and swiftly tackled him to the ground. After an incomplete pass and a tackle by Gables defense, the ball was passed to a Columbus receiver and he made his way into the endzone to score a touchdown, improving their score to 21-7. A few plays later, after numerous tries, senior running back Maurice Jones finally was able to grab the ball and run towards the end zone, scoring the second touchdown of the game, making the score 21-14.

Halftime arrived and both teams reconvened to talk strategy for the next two quarters. Players jogged back into the field a few minutes before the third quarter to warm up. After a signal by the referee, the ball was back in play. A few minutes into the third quarter, Jones, who was responsible for the second touchdown of the evening, was unfortunately injured. Before the referees could blow their whistles, Jones was already being tackled, even though he had already collapsed on the turf. A few minutes later Columbus made their third touchdown and field goal, rounding their score up to 28-14. With Cav morale weakening, Columbus was able to score more touchdowns over the school. Near the end of the game, Cavalier defense and offense began making improved plays, but it was too late. Columbus beat Gables 50-14, bringing them further into the playoffs and unfortunately ending the Cavalier football fall season. “I really wanted us to come out with the win but we missed it, everyone was really sad, especially the seniors,” junior Ezequiel Gamon said. “After losing this year, I really hope we can come back and win against Columbus next year for the Cav nation.” h

FIERCE FOOTBALL: The

varsity football team fights a difficult match against Columbus.

Marta Rodriguez/ highlights

20 sports

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

The school’s athletes share the stories behind the reasons why they chose their jersey numbers BY ALEXA OROZCO AND MARTA RODRIGUEZ, STAFF WRITERS

WAY FROM THE FIELD, TRACK or court, student athletes wear their jersey numbers more than just memories outside of the game. The numbers that they wear proudly on their jerseys often

mean more than two digits; they represent important events, people or things in an athletes life. Although the meaning of a simple even or odd number may not seem like much to a crowd, these numbers represent

aLANNA PEREZ

hts

The number 13 has always had a special place in junior Alanna Perez’s heart. Although many have a negative connotation for the number 13, as it is seen as a symbol of bad luck, Perez sees it as something that can bring happiness and forge unforgettable memories. When she first started playing volleyball, she chose the number 13, and since then it has brought her luck every time she plays. “My mom’s birthday also happens to be on the 13th, which seems to be another reason as to why 13 is my lucky number,” Perez said.

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CHLOE DE LA PAVA

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the individuality and background of each athlete. Through their unique connections to these athletes, these jersey numbers present the unique backgrounds of the school’s athletes.

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Senior Chloe De La Pava joined the softball team in her junior year and has since fallen in love with the sport. Being extremely close to her three sisters, De La Pava chose the number three to be on the back of her jersey to represent her love and care for them. De La Pava’s connection to her sisters helps her remain optimistic during games. “I chose my number three because I have three sisters and they all mean a lot to me so I wanted to find a way to represent them in the sport I love to play,” De la Pava said.

WALTER DANIELS

As the third person with his first name in his family, senior small forward Walter Daniels chose the number three as a tribute to his family. His number stands as a symbol of his family’s bond, when he steps out on the court. “The number reminds me of my grandfather, [the person] who I’m playing basketball for besides myself,” Daniels said. From the relatives that support him, to the teammates he plays with, basketball has taught Daniels what it is like to have a strong connection with others.

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Passed down from generation to generation, junior Alexander Bell Jr. considers his jersey number to be a gift, since many of his relatives shared the same number growing up. “[The number two has] been passed down from my uncle, to his oldest son, to his little brother, to me,” Bell said. Motivated to keep moving forward with the famous family number, Bell plans to play football after high school representing the number two on his back.

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As the child of a professional soccer player, senior Daniel Perez grew up loving the game. From a young age, Perez was motivated by his family members to excel in the sport. His jersey number, 11, comes from the birthdate he shares with his brother: he was born on June 11, and his brother on July 11. For Perez, the significance of the number is a sign of good luck and familiarity. “The number signifies a bond that I have with my brother. It feels nice to have something in common with him besides soccer,” Perez said.

ALEXANDER BELL JR.

sports

As a three year point guard for the girls varsity basketball team, senior Kacey Cruzata has always had a strong passion for being on the court. Inspired by her city and love for the Miami Heat, Cruzata chose the number three as a tribute to her athletic inspiration, Dwyane Wade. The number three helps her reflect on the excitement she felt watching Wade play growing up. ”I can constantly remember that [number’s] meaning every time I look at it and [remember] how it makes me feel,” Cruzata said. h

22 sports

Fair pay, fair opportunities

The newly passed Fair Pay to Play Act will give student COMMENTARY BY SANDRA HANUSHIK, STAFF WRITER

from getting any recognition from scouts or major league sport teams. In early October, gymnast Katelyn Ohashi came the organization as one of tremendous popularity earlier this year—gaining over 100 million views— and the NCAA forbade hungry manner of the organization. “It is really unfair that athletes could not promote themselves with their own names because the organization was getting most of the credit,” junior Neil Toloza said. By accepting acknowledgment for their successes, athletes would unrighteously be at risk for losing their source of education. The

training their entire lives beyond college, yet they are being handcuffed by these restrictions. From 2016 to 2017, the NCAA made over $1 billion dollars off of its athletes, while the students themselves did not get one cent. itself.

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The Fair Pay to Play Act gives students and progress their athletic careers. Although NCAA, it allows athletes to further establish themselves and increase their chances of continuing their careers after college. The Fair Pay to Play Act justly gives students the opportunity to attain scholarships from scouts and seek out business deals and promotions. With the bill in place, athletes would agents by seeking out business deals of their own since they would not be able to receive funding from their schools. Being able to post a video to social media with their name in the title, for example, would garner positive recognition, which would increase the likelihood career changing opportunities. According to the Washington Post, the bill could have negative effects on the athletes and the organization because opportunities and resources for student athletes participating in the Olympics could be reduced. Additionally, it could create an over-emphasis on money, as athletes may only end up striving for business deals rather than focusing on their love for the sport. However, these arguments are invalid because there are many other ways in which li igh /h athletes can sa e eb sD enter and compete cede Mer in the Olympics and athletes should be paid for their accomplishments. “The athletes deserve to get compensation for their time, hard work should be recognized,” junior Andres Arzola said. h ts

work; however, this is not the case. Rising tensions over student athletes not getting compensation for their name has rightfully pushed California state legislature to pass the Fair Pay to Play Act—a bill that allows athletes to seek business deals and promote companies without facing any consequences. Previously, due to the NCAA’s rules, if an athlete’s video went viral, their name could not be

NCAA argues that they do not pay their athletes because they are students or that the scholarships that most of these athletes received is enough compensation. However, their reasoning

S AN organization that regulates student athletes and offers both an education and training for students, most would expect the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to allow their athletes to

One Axe to Rule Them All

23 the scene

Extreme Axe Throwing is hitting the target by combining atypical sports and good old-fashioned bonding activities into one fun activity BY JOHNATHAN MESA, STAFF WRITER

Johnathan Mesa/ hig hlights

N THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN, JUST unconventional the nature of the space is. At a few blocks from Miami Dade College any given time customers can walk in and catch Wolfson Campus, a small building with experts in professional leagues refining their a plain outward exterior sits between two skills, or stumble upon a child celebrating their towering office buildings. The only hint of the tenth birthday. experience that awaits vistors is the sound of Fortunately, for those that are not experts at freshly fractured wood being vigorously split in the art of chucking axes, the staff is kind enough half echoing through the stairwell. to assist. Their “Axperts” are Extreme Axe-Throwing Miami differs there t o from other fun excursions. Extreme Ax-Throwing promotes the idea of connection and relaxation, by proxy of intense physical activity. Immediately upon entering, visitors encounter a large throne made out of ax heads. Standing as the tallest thing in the room, it holds a striking resemblance to the ‘Iron Throne,’ from the television show Game of Thrones. Its daunting presence invokes the spirit of competition and warfare from patrons, not to mention it makes for an impressive picture. Located at 540 N Miami Ave , anybody can walk in for a session at just $25 per person for an hour and a half during their regular hours of noon to midnight. They also boast a myriad of events from corporate AMAZING AXES: bonding activities to bachelorette A throne adorned with axe heads parties. The clientele at Extreme sits at the entrance of Extreme Axe Ax-Throwing prove just how Throwing Miami.

help any newcomer learn to throw like a pro. The manager, Kate Ruiz, says their main tip for new throwers is, to not focus on brute force. “Most people seem to think it has everything to do with strength when it’s really just about the technique,” Ruiz said. People like Ruiz are there to ensure everyone stays safe while also keeping their promise that clients will get to hit at least one target before they leave. Initially, there is no way to tell whether or not you will be an instant pro or an ax-throwing chump. But thanks to the Axperts, most customers can plant an ax into the target on their third try. “While the sessions are usually an hour and a half, it only takes about 20 minutes to teach a person or small group how to land an ax consistently,” Ruiz said. After planting an ax the first time, a rush of dopamine immediately develops the desire to throw another, and then another, and soon enough, time is up. Ax throwing is likely a completely n e w experience for most people, but Extreme Axthrowing Miami offers the opportunity to make unfamiliar into a new passion. For anyone stressed out, tense or bored this lounge is the best place to try something new with your friends, releasing any pent-up aggression at the same time. h

the scene

2LE DELICE FRANCAIS A hallmark of Miami restoration this cafe fuses culinary authenticity and ingeniosity to offer spectacular and affordable French cuisine BY GREGOIRE WINSTON, STAFF WRITER

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With dishes such as the Niçoise Salad ($14), consisting of escabeche tuna steak, anchovies, cucumbers, eggs, roasted peppers, haricots verts, olives, tomatoes and potatoes, any customer dining in this restaurant will be instantly transported to Paris through its mesmerizing flavors, presentation and ambiance. The crepes, which can be ordered in either sweet or savory versions, are also a fan favorite at A La Folie. For instance, the Forestière crepe ($9), made with buckwheat flour, include Provençal mushrooms, sautéed in butter and garlic, and is served with tomatoes and mesclun salad. For those with a sweet tooth, the homemade caramel crepe ($4.50), topped with powdered sugar and a dab of crème chantilly, is the epitome of true bistro fare. A La Folie also serves several sandwiches, such as the

eña /h igh

OLIVER CORRE, OWNER OF A LA FOLIE CAFE

na P

“

IT IS NOT THE TYPICAL UPTIGHT FRENCH RESTAURANT,... WHEN [CUSTOMERS] COME BACK, THEY FEEL AT HOME.

well-known Croque Monsieur ($8) and Croque Madame ($9). The first of which is made up of layers of ham separated by a rich and creamy béchamel sauce, two slices of bread lightly toasted and topped with Swiss cheese, and the latter features identical ingredients, while adding another unique component: a poached egg. As its name suggests, the final section of the menu, titled “The Classics,” includes every French food lover’s dream: dishes like Mayonnaise Hard Boiled Eggs ($6) and Stuffed Brie Escargots ($8), all hallmarks of France’s culinary enginuity. “It is not the typical uptight French restaurant, it is more like a casual place where people can have a glass of wine, or a cup of coffee, and they can spend an hour reading magazines. It is overall comfortable, some customers have been coming for 19 years, and when they come back, they feel at home,” Corre said. Twenty five years into pursuing his passion for the beauty of French culinary arts, Corre believes he can persevere and thrive on Espanola way for years to come. Corre aspires for popularity, success and appreciation through his authentic, creative and comfortable establishment. A La Folie is a true French bistro. h

competition of other French restaurants. “My restaurant has authenticity, I created and built everything by myself, I built the whole restaurant with my hands when I was younger. I did the painting on the walls, the mosaic, everything in the restaurant with my own hands and I tried to create an authentic French place, and I think I did a pretty good job,” Corre said. Serving a variety of core French dishes, ranging from onion soup ($7) to sweet and savory crepes ($5.50-9), A La Folie interprets the extensively flavorful nature of French cuisine.

Ari

OIE GRAS, ESCARGOTS, QUICHE Lorraine...the French assortment of mouth-watering dishes are known worldwide for their gastronomic glory. While the culinary world constantly evolves, adopting many trends to better its chances at popularity and success, A La Folie Cafe in Miami Beach is countering this movement, taking French culinary authenticity to new heights. Located at 516 Española Way in the heart of South Beach, this French niche sublimely combines a charismatic environment with picturesque decor. Distant from the Ocean Drive mayhem, A La Folie encapsulates the traditional values of French cuisine. Upon entering the eatery, it is clear that this is a refuge from the chaos of Miami Beach, as seen by the tropical vegetation and colorfuly painted wooden chairs in the garden. Hung on the walls are iconic French posters, such as the “Follies Bergères,” depicting a cabaret located in an opera house in the heart of Paris, and the “Orangina” banner, an orange-flavored carbonated beverage served in France. The checkered tablecloths with lit candles imitate French brasseries and their charismatic presentation. Embroidered with an italicized and cursive “A La Folie,” the black and gold table umbrellas highlight traditional French culture, the colors referring to the Fleurde-Lys, the eternal symbol of France. Owner and founder, Olivier Corre, originally from Bretagne in the northwest of France, emigrated in 2000 to start restaurants in Boston, New York and Miami. Having had an early influence from his parents, who both worked in a restaurant, he assures the restaurant he has created can stand out from the

M a r v e lo u s Mo fo ngo

25 the scene

This Calle Ocho Puerto Rican diner successfully mixes contemporary trends with traditional Carribean cuisine BY MIGUEL LEMUS, STAFF WRITER

level of customer service, comfortability, presentation, and style that is not common in Miami,” Colon said. The most recommended and popular item among customers is the restaurant’s namesake, Mofongo ($15-$26). This typical Puerto Rican platter is made of deepfried mashed plantains mixed with garlic, chimichurri or criola sauces. Then customers can add either chicken, vegetables, shrimp, fried steak, octopus, ceviche or lobster. They have a vast array of appetizers and sides that are unique to Puerto Rican culture. One of the

Miguel Lemus

/ highlights

RIGINATING AS THE CENTER for incoming Cuban immigrants in the early 1960s, Calle Ocho has now become a place of cultural celebration for many Hispanics. With its mom-andpop shops and diversely rich restaurants, the street is now a mixing pot for all types of Carribbean, Central American and South American food. Mofongo Restaurant lies between multiple Cuban eateries, and stands out among its fellow competitors on Calle Ocho by serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. Open for almost a year and a half, Mofongo has stayed true to its Puerto Rican roots while offering up a piece of their culture to South Florida residents. Located at 1644 SW 8th St, Mofongo is open every day of the week, except on Mondays, from 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Upon entering, guests encounter a small, but vibrantly-decorated room. One’s eyes immediately gravitate towards a wall displaying a picturesque mural of the Puerto Rican landscape. The staff are dressed in the traditional Puerto Rican outfits, wearing long patterned skirts and white blouses. Numerous hand-painted pictures of the national flag, the national flower (the Flor de Maga) and famous figures such as Mariana Bracetti, who created the first Puerto Rican flag, decorate the walls. The comforting ambiance of this dive is established the first time the staff greets you with typical Puerto Rican hospitality. The manager of Mofongo, Jose Colon, explained that the restaurant’s tight-knit atmosphere reflects the village that he comes from. “We come from the city of Cayey where there is a little village. We decided to open up a restaurant on Calle Ocho to share our Puerto Rican culture. Mofongo has a different

SERVING IN STYLE:

Mofongo serves their namesake in a decorated barrel.

most ordered sides is the Aranitas ($4.50), fried and shredded green plantain patties. They also offer queso frito and while this is typical in many restaurants, Monfongo presents their queso alongside a salad and a side of sweet sauce to offer their own spin on this dish. Mofongo caters to all customers with different tastes and palates. Their unique presentation and food are what keep customers coming back to re-experience the comfortable atmosphere and food. “I typically never eat Puerto Rican food because there are not many places in Miami to go to, and my family is Honduran. However, when I went to Mofongo once, I was pleasantly surprised by the amazing customer service and taste in food,” senior Monserrat Alonzo said. “It’s the type of place that makes you want to go back because of the overall experience, not just the food,” Alonzo said. Prices at Mofongo range from $6 to $60 for one dish. Despite the steep cost, the remarkable presentation of the food, and most importantly, the delicious flavors they bring, makes the price reasonable. Mofongo has a unique and rustic twist in their plating, presenting the food in small wooden barrels reminiscent of old Carribean coastal towns where Mofongo originated from. The addition of Mofongo to Calle Ocho has brought hundreds of customers to its door since it has opened. Serving up presentation, taste and style, the restaurant does not shy away from authenticity and creativity. Mofongo stays true to their motto of “bringing the fresh taste to South Florida,” as their impeccable food and overall atmosphere do justice to their Puerto Rican roots. h

perusing the pa s t e l pa r a d is e the scene

highlights explores the iconic Art Deco district, a landmark that has characterized Miami Beach for years with its unique art and style BY ALIA GAMEZ, STAFF WRITER

district built in the 20th century. But the district was far from repaired. In the early 80s the area was considered dangerous and full of crime. “We would avoid being in the area at night at all costs. There was a lot of drugs and prostitution in the area. There were some small cafes but it was not like it is now,” Anibal Sanchez, a longtime resident of Miami Beach, said. Yet in 1984, a saving grace arrived:

Miami Vice. Filmed on South Beach the show opened with shots of Miami Beach accompanied by synth pop playing in the bakground. The show used the cocaine boom in Miami Beach to frame episodes full of drama and intrigue with beautiful visuals and trendy clothes. With five seasons playing in 77 different countries, the series boosted tourism in the area immensely, proving to investors and developers that the area was due for a well-deserved makeover. “John Collins started buying up properties and renovating them. He focused on the retro look of Art Deco and perserved it. It became an iconic part of Miami and I am glad he changed it to what it is now,” Sanchez said.

Alia Gamez/ highlights

HANCES ARE IF YOU LIVE IN Miami, you have visited Ocean Drive. Pastel blues, oranges and pinks popout against the white backgrounds of ultrasymmetrical buildings lining the oceanfront of Miami Beach. This Art Deco architecture is an iconic feature of the city, helping characterize Miami Beach as a colorful, retro paradise. Going through numerous evolutions this locale full of bright history displays how perfectly the past and present can fuse together. Originally from Paris, France, the Art Deco style was diffused to the United States in the late 1920s during the Great Depression. In 1926 the “Great Miami Hurricane” destroyed South Beach, but the cyclone also provided the city with a blank slate and an opportunity to rebuild Miami, with the hopes it would one day thrive again. Through the 1930s and 40s over 800 Art Deco buildings were completed and an aesthetic had been established. The intentionally simple style incorporated a tropical color palate to highlight the curved edges and prominent columns of the edifices. However, by 1970 Art Deco had lost its appeal. Soon citizens looked towards more modern designs and the 30-year-old buildings began to deteriorate. In 1976, Barbara Capitman and Leonard Horowitz founded the Miami Design Preservation League to repair these artifacts and classify the builings in the National Registry of Historical Places. Eventually Capitman and Horowitz acheieved their dream, and in 1979 the mile long stretch of buildings became the first ever historic urban

History

BRIGHT ON THE BEACH:

The famous Breakwater Hotel lights up as the sun sets on Art Deco Drive.

the scene

COLORFUL CONSTRUCTION:

A bright yellow eatery stands out in Miami Beach

Activities

OWADAYS, THE ART DECO District is full of activities, bistros, shops, museums and more, fit for tourists and residents alike. Located at 1116 Ocean Drive is the former Versace Mansion. Now the high end restuarant Gianni’s and hotel known as the Villa Casa Casurina, this exclusive location is noted for its spectacular effort at maintaining the original decor and feel of Gianni Versace’s former residence. One night at the hotel is in the $1,000 range and a meal at the restuarant can range from $50 and above. For a more affordable experience, tourists can check out Sugar Factory, a candy store and brasserie found inside the Hotel Victor at 1114 Ocean Drive, its retro sign and iconic pink umbrellas are sure to catch anyones attention. Frequented by celebrities such as the Kardashians, Rihanna, Pitbull and Nicki Minaj

this restaurant combines sweet and decadent dining. “I love how vibrant the whole area is. It is really beautiful and I have always kind of had a thing for architecture. It is just one of those places that feels so historic,” senior Tori Hyman said. Restaurants are not all that the district offers. Art Deco Tours offers $30 guided walks around the vicinity. Leaving from either the Wolfsonian Museusm (1 p.m. and 4 p.m.) or the Essex Hotel (10 a.m.) a guide will lead a group and discuss the different influences that have helped shape the style of Art Deco. The tour is two hours long and does not operate on Wednesdays or holidays. The Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) walking tour, also avaliable for $30, runs for half an hour and introduce patrons to not only Art Deco but also the styles of

Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern. “Basically we take visitors through those particular styles and explain the architectural features. We just try to educate them on the buildings that are in this particular area,” Andrea Schurman, a representative for MDPL, said. In addition to that MDPL works on preserving the cultural aspects of the area. “MDPL hosts a once a month culture crawl, an event open in Miami Beach with different activities such as dancing to music from the 30s and showcasing artwork,” Schurman said. Miami is full of countless iconic features. From the perfect beaches to the various cultures in the city, there is never a dull moment. Art Deco has become one of the qualities that help make Miami into the city it is now. The history and atmosphere of the region adds to the individuality of the Miami’s most cosmopolitan and retro district. h

A Quick Look into Art Deco 1923-1943 Art Deco Arrives in Miami from Paris, France

1984 Miami Vice Premieres and boosts tourism in Miami Beach

1976 The Miami Preservation League forms to protect Art Deco buildings Arianna Peña/ highlights

1991 All buildings in the district officialy become historic landmarks Source: Culture Trip, Greater Miami and the Beaches, Flashback Miami

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education. This current situation differs greatly from that of former generations, which paid only a fraction of what the price of higher education is now. Middle-class students who are stuck in the middle, as they do not qualify for as much financial aid, but also have no way to pay the amount expected by the EFC. The issue remains that middle-class students do not frequently qualify for financial aid, while those who do qualify rarely receive enough aid to make a notable impact on their overall debt. Nearly all middle-class students are left with no choice but to take out student loans, which can lead to extensive financial strain. Middle-class students, in contrast to students of different financial standings, are put at a financial disadvantage. In spite of various drawbacks associated with middle-class students applying to college, low-income students are by no means at an advantage. The federal government’s reasoning for providing the grand majority of state grant aid to low-income students has always been clear and understandable. Lowincome families, those earning less than $34,933, are not able to fully pay for the fees that

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INCE 1992, THE FREE Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — operated by the U.S. Department of Education — grants more than $120 billion in grants, workstudy funds and loans. has been highly regarded as defective, especially by the middle class students whose financial situation is inaccurately depicted by it. FAFSA calculates the strength of families’ financial mobility through the Expected Family Contribution (EFC): an estimated amount of money a family is in a position to spend on higher education. The EFC is then used to calculate how much institutional and governmental aid a student can receive. Thus, these numbers can intensely affect a student’s college options. O Considering that each student’s financial situation is vastly different and more complicated than a simple calculation, this system is inherently flawed. With college tuition rising exponentially, most students are fully dependent on financial aid, making FAFSA an indicator of their ability to access higher

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recession: from which many states are still recovering. A study conducted by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that state funding for higher education is at a staggering low. In 2018, Florida saw a 59% rise in average tuition costs at public, fouryear colleges since 2008. Despite the recession’s catastrophic impact on the federal government’s power, it must overcome these circumstances by revisiting its allocation of funds in the interest of the nation’s future.

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but a large percentage of it is earned through tuition discounts. According to the College Board, tuition discounts grew from $30 billion to more than $50 billion in eight years. According to the College Board, tuition discounts grew from $30 billion to more than $50 billion in just eight years. Tuition discounts are becoming more popular than privately funded, non-merit based scholarships. Although beneficial to institutions and the wealthier class, it further increases the imbalance of financial aid distribution. To guarantee that college remains feasible for middleO class students, the U.S.

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granting financial aid to students that do not depend on it to pursue higher education. The duality of lower and upper-class applicants who receive O the majority of federal aid propels the imbalance of higher-education opportunities among social classes even further. When turning to institutional aid, the financial support offered to first-year students tends to b e merit-based. Universities offer institutional aid mainly as an attempt to expand or diversify their current student population. This

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government needs to redirect funds from other agencies toward closing this socioeconomic opportunity gap. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, tuition inflation has risen by an average of 5.25% in the last two decades, meaning that the need for pragmatic s o l u t i o n s becomes more O critical by the day. Cuts to school funding resulting in higher college tuition directly resulted in the atrocious 2008 economic

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aid can prove to be advantageous to high-achieving middle-class students who did not qualify for financial aid through FAFSA. Marketed as scholarships, tuition discounts are becoming increasingly popular among middle-class applicants. This aid is used by many universities to entice prospective students to enroll and generally only goes to bigger income applicants who universities know will be able to afford college. Half of these families use some sort of scholarship money,

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The Office of Federal Student Aid uses the information found on FAFSA forms to calculate applicants’ financial need through their EFC, which is a measure of a family’s financial strength according to income, assets and benefits. Through this system, middle class applicants — those with a family income of more than $50,000 and less than $100,000 — are disadvantaged. These applicants find themselves earning too much to receive financial aid, but too little to afford the full cost of tuition. “I feel the EFC is flawed because many families really cannot spend the amount of money FAFSA says they can. In my situation, my family was not able to contribute to my college fees,” senior Pedro Luis Benitez said. The number represented by the EFC does not portray a family’s financial reality. Sometimes a family’s cost of living is higher than estimated by the

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minimize their collegiate debt. Hence, the group is discouraged from pursuing higher education. The Tax Policy Center reports that the one-fifth of households in America earning more than $100,000 was the group of Americans to get more than half of deductions for tuition, even though other families would have gone to college despite this financial help. A viable solution to the disadvantages of EFC is meritbased aid. In the state of Florida, high school students benefit financially from the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, a program organized by the Florida Department of Education and funded by the Florida Lottery. To qualify, students must meet certain academic requirements, such as a specific grade point average. Bright Futures, unlike FAFSA, is a form of federal financial aid that makes higher education accessible to students regardless of economic standing, which is pivotal for combating the rise in college tuition faced by prospective college students in recent years. Students must meet certain academic criteria to qualify.

According to Business Insider, the average college tuition for public 4-year universities has increased by $19.5 thousand since 1987, making financial aid a necessity for most applicants. The U.S. Department of Education has not made the necessary changes to ensure financial aid is proportional to the cost of living, indicating that it is becoming increasingly difficult for middle-class students to obtain a fair amount of financial aid that would limit their debt.To qualify, students must meet certain academic requirements, such as a specific grade point average. Bright Futures, unlike FAFSA, is a form of federal financial “Although I received some financial aid from FAFSA, it does not cover the full cost of my tuition and I fear that I will have to drop out if I do not manage to get the money I need to pay for my college classes,” Benitez said. Middle-class college applicants are evidently susceptible to a lack of financial aid due to the unrealistic expectations of the EFC, yet those who qualify still do not earn enough amount money to

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financial aid office due to certain expenses that are not taken into account by the FAFSA. For instance, the FAFSA does not make arrangements for parents that are still in the process of paying off their own student loans when their children enter college. “Just because FAFSA decides on an applicant’s EFC it does not always mean that applicant’s family can actually afford the full cost of tuition,” Driver said. Furthermore, some institutions do not have enough grant money to ensure that students will not have to pay more than their EFC. EFC is not concrete or factual and is generally not an accurate way of determining financial strength, producing an inappropriately negative effect on middle-class applicants who rely solely on financial aid to afford higher education. This arbitrary figure more often than not determines their educational futures.

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Ongoing financial troubles are inevitable and often time large-scale for middle-class students seeking a way to afford higher education. Moreover, government attempts to eliminate the disadvantages faced by students stuck in the FAFSA gap, this resolution only digs students deeper into financial ruin. Private scholarships from private donors, to which middle-class applicants fervently apply make up only 14% of all grant aid received. Still, a large portion of federal financial aid goes to students who are capable of paying for college, despite middle-class students frequently struggling to afford higher education. A disproportionate divide disadvantages students at the hands of the federal government and U.S. Department of Education: catering to both extremes of the socioeconomic spectrum. h

Student loans are often seen as the most viable option for students who are not eligible for financial aid. As opposed to standard loans, these loans can carry less interest than others offered by banks. Although seemingly a plausible solution, the reality of extensive financial debt sets in following graduation for most students, considering they now have to find a way to pay these loans back. When college tuition rises, student loans rise with it. Most middle-income students accumulate more student loan debt than other students, according to research conducted by Dartmouth sociology professor Jason Houle. This debt can cause extensive economic disadvantages for recent graduates looking for full-time jobs. These graduates tend to settle for lower-end jobs where they do not make nearly as much as they should given their qualifications and degrees.

Q&A with a

Financial Aid CounseloR highlights interviews Christian Magnan; the University of Miami’s Senior Advisor for Financial Literacy Q: Do you often deal with middle-class students who struggle to qualify for financial aid through FAFSA? A: We understand that everyone’s circumstances are unique and may not match the government predictions. For us in [financial aid], it can be a challenge at times for we are just the messenger and do not determine their EFCs. Q: Do you think that there should be a change in the way FAFSA calculates financial strength?

FAFSA FAST FACTS

A: I would like to see the maximum Pell Grant amount increase to match increases that have been seen with state school tuition rates. Pell Grants have changed very little over the past decade, while state school tuition rates have increased at a much higher rate.

FAFSA awards financial aid in the form of grants, work-study, and loans.

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A: Students should choose a school that they can comfortably afford over the 4 years but should never decide to not apply to a given school based on the sticker price. Many private schools will surprise low to middle income families with very generous award packages that could help them make that school a reality.

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A: Student loans are always the last resort option and should only be looked at when all free money and personal resources have been exhausted. If students need to borrow, as a general rule, students should not borrow more than what they expect to earn in the first year of their career.

E E E E E N N EE N N E N EN N N N E N E E E N NE ENE NN E EN N N E N NE N E N - SHEYLA HERNANDEZ, NE SENIOR

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Q: In your experience, what are the advantages and disadvantages of student loans?

Source: The U.S. Department of Education

EFC calculates a family’s financial strength and determines how much they will have to pay for college.

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Students Jonathan Torres (left) and Sarah Richards Montejo on the wrestling team prepared for the sound of the whistle to go head-tohead on Friday, Nov. 15 for their first scrimmage match of the year. Miguel Lemus / highlights