Issue 3, Vol. 65

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editorial board

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor

Copy Editor

Business Manager

Social Media Manager Adviser

Features News Opinion Sports

The Scene Insight Online

Julia Volman

Hazel Grosell

Nathalie Schwart

William Hardie

Anaïs Jamali

Melissa Gonzalez

Arwen Law

Lily Goron

Alicia Fajardo

Olivia Simon

Emilia Kohnstamm

Alyssa Dopico

Isabela Duarte

staff writers

Audrey Schwart

Bridget Lopez

Chyler Campbell

Ciara Burton

Ella Levin

Genesis Barahona

Hailey Martinez

Juan Chavez

Lily-Jade Lecoultre

Milegny Salas

Maria Ardila

Natalia Quick

Paloma Morales

Samantha Sears

Stacy Urbina

Samantha Gonzalez

Elias Barraza

Brianna Garcia

Jessica Kapxhiu

Adobe Stocks

LinkedIn DeviantArt

Carnegie Hall

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

Samantha Gonzalez works a shift at Chilli-N Nitrogen Ice Cream, refecting on her time playing Papa’s Freezeria.

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CELEBRATING SENIORS: During the boys soccer team senior night, Coach Michel Fotso makes a speech refecting on each senior’s growth and contributions to the team.

ON STAGE: Seniors Eilyn Gonzalez and Genessis Largaespada perform with the Bhangra Club at the annual Bridge for Peace event.

Maria Ardila/highlights

Milegny Salas/highlights

Not your average hall pass

Gables teachers integrate a creative twist to their classes’ bathroom passes, making each mandatory slip their own

BY WILLIAM HARDIE, BUSINESS MANAGER

THE GO GOAT - DRESNER

“[ e unique hall pass] provides class spirit and class humor; we all have our individual air, while adhering to the rules,” language arts teacher David Dresner said. “It is like having a class mascot, we call it the go-goat or on-the-go-goat.”

“I think it is funny when people see you walking around in the halls [with the pass],” senior Felipe Pereira said. “[ e pass and Dresner] look identical — a goat with a goat; sometimes students even grab Dresner by accident.”

THE SANITARY HOOK - PASTERIS

“I like the idea of being hands-free when you go to the bathroom, especially a public bathroom,” mathematics teacher Juan Pasteris said. “I created the hall pass to have a hook attached to it so the students can hook it to the stall door, do their business, wash their hands and then retrieve it; that makes for a sanitary experience.”

THE MARVEL(OUS) PASS - DIAZ

“People know who we are when they see our students,” United States history teacher Carlos Diaz said. “ ey are more likely to return to class because they are being identi ed by other administrators, teachers and sta members.”

“I think it’s creative and versatile,” junior Eva Alemarie said. “I would rather have a unique hall pass because it adds character.”

THE HALL STRUMMER - CANALES

“I tried to think of the most outlandish thing that I could think of to convince people not to leave my class,” music teacher Jonathan Canales said. “I think it for sure has an e ect on the kids; they think it is embarrassing walking around with the full guitar.”

A new face at Gables

Dedicated to success, Assistant Principal Stanley Nelson brings passion and experience to his frst year at Gables

BY OLIVIA SIMON, SPORTS EDITOR

JOINING THE GABLES FACULTY

this year as an Assistant Principal, Stanley Nelson brings years of experience in school leadership to the Cavalier administrative team. Nelson hopes to set the tone for his frst year by learning the names and faces of as many students and staf members as possible, embracing the atmosphere and spirited culture of Gables.

Although this is Nelson’s frst year at Gables, he has been an educator for 28 years. Nelson has served 12 of his 28 years in education as an administrator. He previously served as an Assistant Principal at South Miami Senior High School when Gables’ principal, Anthony Balboa, was working as an English teacher. Working for Miami-Dade County Public Schools has been Nelson’s lifelong commitment, showcasing his dedication to improving the high school experience for all students.

Managing the ongoing construction of Gables’ campus has been fulflling for Nelson, as contributing to such an important aspect of the community on a daily basis has allowed him to forge a deeper bond with the school. Additionally, Nelson’s position has enabled him to form more personal connections with Gables’ students by communicating with them during lunch and in between periods.

“Although Mr. Nelson has a pretty intimidating presence, he’s always around the pavilion during lunch interacting with the students,” senior Jose Perez said.

Even though Nelson has not yet experienced a standout moment as a part

HALLTALK

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

of the Gables staf, he looks forward to the opportunities and experiences that lie ahead. The dynamic and unpredictable nature of his role provides many opportunities for memorable experiences.

“As an administrator in a high school, there is no average day,” Nelson said. “Each day brings about new challenges and situations to solve.”

Despite Nelson no longer being in the classroom, he fondly remembers that his favorite part of teaching was witnessing the enthusiasm his students felt when they learned new concepts and successfully implemented them in their everyday lives.

When approaching a task or problem, Nelson maintains a calm, collected and composed demeanor. This mindset is refected by his personal mantra: Failure is never an option when we learn from our experiences. His ability to remain focused and levelheaded allows him to efectively manage administrative responsibilities and pursue school improvements that beneft both the students and staf at Gables.

“I think our school’s vibe has defnitely improved since Nelson started working here,” sophomore Joshua Shekarkhar said. “He’s really chill and a nice addition to Gables.”

For Nelson, this career opportunity has highlighted exactly what makes Gables so unique: the unwavering dedication every member of the Cavalier community has to their school. Nelson always looks forward to the pep rallies and other school events. Watching the students gear up in spirited

“In my past life, I was defnitely a Sour Patch Kid.”

“Am I weird for getting baby fever from Frankenstein’s monster?”

“I don’t need a nap, I need an entire life reset.”

LOCKED IN: Assistant Principal Stanley Nelson prepares to take on another day at Gables.

outfts and cheer while the Gablettes dance team captivates the gym serves to remind him of the importance of his work.

“I love the atmosphere and culture here in Cavalier Land,” Nelson said. “It’s good to see students having school spirit.”

On a personal note, Nelson is a fanatic of all Miami sports. He can be found rooting for the Hurricanes on Saturday, the Dolphins on Sunday and the Cavaliers every day of the week.

With the addition of Nelson to the Gables faculty, the school will surely undergo many positive changes as a result of his passion and dedication to the betterment of the Cavalier community.

h

“Yet again, humbled by the 9k stairs.”

“I would be an amazing dolphin, I can just feel it in my soul.”

“I swear I have claustrophobia when I walk around in the hallways.”

OliviaSimon/highlights

From virtual kitchens to real jobs

Gables students in the food industry nostalgically share the impact of Papa’s Games on their work experience

BY PALOMA MORALES, STAFF WRITER

EMERGING FIRST ON NOV. 9, 2006, Flipline Studios developed the notorious video game franchise, Papa’s Games, where Papa Louie, the video game’s titular character, was born. After the release of their frst game, Papa’s Pizzeria, the franchise’s popularity skyrocketed due to the engaging and realistic elements of a

workplace the games ofer. Flipline Studios released a total of 17 games, such as Papa’s Freezeria and Papa’s Cupcakeria, all taking place in a diferent restaurant setting.

These games quickly became a staple of many students’ childhoods, ofering interactive ways to simulate a workplace environment. Players are tasked with taking food orders,

preparing a variety of menu items, adding the requested toppings and ensuring quality service all at the same time.

While balancing academics and their jobs, Gables students share how these simulations enhanced their understanding of the workforce, preparing them to work in their respective felds.

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Junior Samantha Gonzalez was ofered a position at Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream in March of 2023. She spontaneously accepted the job, seeking work experience at a place with familiar faces from her school.

Throughout her time working, she has refected on the lessons she learned from playing the various versions of Papa’s Games and how they continue to shape her work habits today.

“When you’re in elementary school, you don’t really know what the real world is yet,” Gonzalez said. “For example, you don’t know how to manage money, and Papa’s [Games] open the eyes of students to give them insight to how the world actually works. It establishes the growth mindset for youth.”

Gonzalez manages the ice cream supply, ensuring everything runs smoothly, especially during busy weekends. The game has taught her leadership, teamwork and self-reliance, which she applies daily at work.

Senior Joshua Estevez landed his frst job working for Misha’s Cupcakes at their Coral Gables location, appreciating its fexible schedule and convenient location, which is near his home.

Upon refection, Estevez identifes similarities between a typical day at Misha’s and his elementary school days playing Papa’s Cupcakeria. He shares that he developed many unanticipated skills back then, which he continues to use while working today.

“It helped me understand the fast-paced nature of working in a food environment and how to manage multiple tasks at once,” Estevez said.

At Misha’s, Estevez decorates and bakes cupcakes, much playersw in Papa’s Cupcakeria. He enjoys the challenges of managing customers’ orders while applying skills he honed through the game, from multitasking to ensuring the correct cupcake toppings are added.

Design by Arwen Law/highlights CourtesyofSamanthaGonzal

StacyUrbina/highlights

CourtesyofEliasBarraza

Senior Elias Barraza was invited to work at McDonald’s in January of 2024. Barraza was excited to begin working, not only for the source of income, but also for more responsibility. He praises Papa’s Burgeria for giving him a glimpse into what a typical day in the workforce entails.

“Papa’s Burgeria helped me understand how to manage multiple orders at once, how to keep everything organized and how the workplace functions overall,” Barraza said.

Barraza is grateful for the game’s insight, which gave him the confdence to step into the job and pursue his goals. He wants to work his way up through the ranks, focusing on mastering skills like coordinating staf, cooking burgers and excelling in customer service. He developed the foundation for these workplace skills while playing Papa’s Burgeria as a kid.

Hunting for job opportunities in Coral Gables, junior Brianna Garcia applied to three diferent locations along Miracle Mile. She was ofered a position at Imperial Tea, a Chinese restaurant serving sushi and bubble tea.

Recalling her experience playing Papa’s Sushiria, Garcia believes the game accurately represents the workplace and has positively infuenced her job performance.

“I think all the [Papa’s Games] have infuenced some part of how I view the work life,” Garcia said. “It shows a lot of the multitasking aspects of having a job and how determined you should be to get your job done quickly and efciently.”

Garcia appreciates how the game teaches players to complete tasks with precision and efciency, achieving high-quality results. At Imperial Tea, she takes orders while preparing both food and drinks simultaneously, a challenge she learned to overcome from playing Papa’s Sushiria.

In addition to preparing pizzas, Kapxhiu is responsible for cleaning tables, taking orders and communicating with customers to ensure their needs are met quickly and efciently. While she credits the game for introducing her to the basics of work, her job at Forno Italiano involves so much more. PalomaMorales/highlight s h

Recently, sophomore Jessica Kapxhiu was introduced to the workforce through her family-owned business as a server, Forno Italiano Pizzeria. She was raised in the food industry environment, often accompanying her parents to their catering events as a child.

Also, since childhood, Kapxhiu has frequently played Papa’s Pizzeria, enjoying the technical aspects of the game.

“While playing Papa’s Pizzeria, I enjoyed the various topping options and how it demonstrated efciency,” Kapxhiu said. “However, I don’t think it has enforced workplace management because it can’t replicate how hard someone in the industry works.”

GABLES NEWS IN BRIEF

BY ALYSSA DOPICO, INSIGHT EDITOR

A PROVEN LEADER

After serving as interim president, Joseph Echevarria was named president of the University of Miami in a unanimous decision. His current work as president has eliminated all previous worries regarding his ability to fll the position.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1978, Echevarria continued his service to UM even after his graduation. He has held several leadership positions, including CEO of UHealth. As university president, Echevarria leads thousands of people in education, research and patient care.

“The way he has been able to make it to where he is now, coming from much simpler beginnings, serves as a representation of the University of Miami’s core values,” senior Melissa Sosa said.

As of Oct. 1, Gables has implemented a new attendance policy. This new rule requires that students bring a doctor’s note to excuse missed school hours after reaching 10 tardies. The policy will be enforced through monitoring a roster of students with 10 or more excused tardies to make sure that they follow the new attendance policy. The initiative intends to encourage students to maintain the best attendance possible while also ensuring the validity of students’ lateness.

“The fact that tardies were being excused when they walked in with a parent was being abused,” attendance offce attendant Mercedes Rodriguez said.

In an unprecedented show of support, the United Teachers of Dade union, representing Miami-Dade County teachers, remains certifed pending the results of their upcoming lawsuit. After being challenged by the Miami-Dade Education Coalition with new requirements for union certifcation, an 83% vote kept UTD certifed in an overwhelming victory, according to CBS News.

Additionally, UTD ratifed a new contract on Nov. 7, 2024, which provided the union with a number of improvements. Teachers will receive an average salary raise of 4.5% by Aug. 5, 2025, as well as healthcare cost protections and enhancements in workforce housing, wellness programs and travel reimbursements.

“It [UTD] provides certain rights that perhaps wouldn’t exist if the union wasn’t around like free lunches and certain salary benefts,” law studies teacher Julio Garcia said. h h h

Congratulations to Coral Gables Senior High School for receiving the MDCPS Green School of Quality Designation from the Green Schools Recognition Program for efforts in recycling, conservation, sustainability and green initiatives which were celebrated at the organization’s inaugural award ceremony on Oct. 29, 2024.

Posing for a photo, the Gablettes’ senior members proudly celebrate their performance after their final dance at the annual Fall Frolics show.

William Hardie/highlights

The shift in Florida standardized testing

Recent changes in AP and SAT testing have been made, including grading styles and a new reading format

BY CHYLER CAMPBELL, STAFF WRITER

TANDARDIZED TESTING IS an academic tool that has been used in Florida since 1998. This intellectual gauge ensures that students are ready to move along to the next grade level and assesses college readiness. Standardized tests, such as Advanced Placement exams and the SAT, are continuously evolving.

Testing updates began in 2021 with the primary objective to make the exams easier for students to pass, according to the Washington Post.

New SAT formatting for the reading section texts, additional questions in both sections and adjusted time allotments have assisted in the increase of Florida students’ test scores.

AP testing has sustained noticeable changes, refected in students’ higher scores. In 2023, 50% of students scored a one or two, while less than a quarter of students received a four or fve on AP tests. As of 2024, scores have signifcantly improved, with only 9% of students scoring a one, and half of testers achieving a four or fve, as per Forbes.

The College Board publicized an explanation in 2022, stating that they are rectifying the scores to ensure that results are more accurate.

The alterations to the standardized tests have been praised by students, parents and staff alike. Now that these changes are being implemented, teachers are receiving larger salary bonuses based on passing scores of a three or higher, as stated by Forbes.

“I don’t think there’s an easy way out of any of the tests, there has to be accountability,” art teacher Benjamin Groff said.

AP tests are not the only exams evolving. The SAT is a standardized test used to scale

I enjoy the changes that are being actively implemented into the testing system due to the simplicity of the questions and set up Leo Quintana, junior

college readiness. Previously paper-based, the test was transformed to a digital formating as of March 9, 2024.

Although the test is now digital, it is not a take-home test. Students complete the digital SAT under supervision at a local testing center, which is often their own school or another in the area, either during school hours or on weekends. This new format ensures that any progress students make while taking their test is not lost if technical issues occur.

“I enjoy the changes that are being actively implemented into the testing system due to the simplicity of the questions and set up” junior Leo Quintana said.

Other than moving away from paper-based exams, the SAT has undergone numerous updates. The length, both in material amounts and time allotments, has been shortened for students and educators. Instead of three hours, the test is now only two hours long. Additionally, lengthy passages have been replaced with succinct and precise excerpts. Students are also able to use a calculator during both portions of the math section from now on.

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The aforementioned updates help remedy test barriers, such as time constraints, as per The College Board. Score reports now provide more information for each portion of the test and promote community college options and scholarship opportunities.

“I hope to see better scores for me and other students as well as easier questions and less diffcult ones, ” junior Julie Fonseca said.

Testing in Florida is evolving in many ways, and will continue to do so as long as testing is a state requirement. Changing the way tests are set up and how the district scores them helps to notice the strengths and weaknesses of the system that need to be improved on, not only for district testing but for the way students receive information as well. This ensures that the new assessment system is fair and benefts both students and teachers alike.

84% of students reported a better experience with the digital SAT compared to the paper SAT.

Source: The College Board

97% of students said the Bluebook testing app was easy to use.

Source: The College Board

95% of students said they felt more comfortable testing on their own digital device rather than school borrowed ones.

Source: The College Board

Conservative educational reforms for Florida

New legislation targets woke ideologies, reshaping Florida’s college of courses available to students

BY NATHALIE SCHWART, COPY EDITOR

IN RESPONSE TO AND IN compliance with a new state law presented by Manny Díaz Jr., Florida’s education commissioner, which targets certain higher education classes for being “too woke”, Florida’s public universities are reducing the number of general education courses they offer in the upcoming academic year, according to the Miami Herald.

As per Forbes, these changes are motivated by Florida law SB 266 which stipulates that core courses must steer away from any identity politics and must remain truthful to the historical event that occurred.

If Florida universities fail to abide by these rules, they could lose state funding. This would be unfavorable for the universities, as they rely primarily on state and government funding in order to subsidize the price of tuition for students.

Additionally, courses cannot be based on the idea that systemic sexism, racism, oppression and privilege are intrinsic in the United States, and that they led to increased political, social and economic inequities in history.

“I don’t think [the new law] will greatly affect the amount of applications, at least not in the near future,” CAP adviser Sofa Sanz De Acedo said. “Public Florida schools are attractive to both students and families for many reasons, but primarily because of their affordability and their high academic ratings. These changes may not infuence applicants.”

Additionally, the Principles of Sociology

course has been removed from all general education curriculums by Florida universities. State representatives, who lean conservatively, deemed the subject to be fundamentally liberal.

There are many other courses that are at risk of being removed, including courses highlighting the topics of gender, race and diversity.

“To me, a change in the curriculum might have had an impact as to whether I would apply to Florida schools,” senior Alejandra Alberti said. “But, because I live in the state of Florida, I would still be applying to its institutions regardless of curriculum.”

Furthermore, as per the Florida Department of Education, the state board of education in Florida has implemented strict regulations restricting using public funds for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. DEI programs aim to embrace the different identities and perspectives that people bring to a campus community.

DEI includes three components. Diversity relies on respecting the differences of the staff, faculty and students on campus. Equity is based on treating everyone fairly and providing equal opportunities. Inclusion aims to allow a place for diverse perspectives and people.

When Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the law, he mentioned that, in his eyes, DEI stands for Discrimination, Exclusion and Indoctrination. He believes that these initiatives have no place at Florida Universities and should be removed.

As per The New York Times, in response

students speak-up

to this law, on March 1, 2024, the University of Florida fred 13 full-time DEI staff members and ended administrative appointments related to DEI for 15 faculty members. The university indicated that these employees were allowed and encouraged to apply for and would receive special consideration for new jobs within the university.

The University of Florida eliminated the role of chief diversity offcer and canceled all DEI-related contracts with outside vendors. Before its elimination, the offce received approximately $5 million in funding, which has been redirected toward faculty recruitment.

As per the University of Florida’s studentrun newspaper, The Independent Florida Alligator, between when the law took effect in March 2024 and June 2024, 25 faculty members left the university’s Levin College of Law. This included all fve African American faculty at the law school.

“ I think obviously politics is always going to play a role in education because we have things like the department of education’’ senior Anthony Fajardo said. “You’re always going to have a set of rules on what students learn and you can’t get away from that, even if you tried to, but I do think that in the classroom political beliefs should stay away from education, and that is really refected in a lot of our teachers here at Gables.”

This law will have many educational effects on students, staff and faculty in Florida public universities across the state. This begs the question as to whether or not politics and education should go hand in hand.

“ Getting rid of DEI programs only serves as a regression from the positive movements that have occurred. Augustin Desbois, senior “ “ It’s a limitation, especially because I want to learn about the world, not only what hasn’t been erased. Carina Gomez, senior “

Florida universities

college courses to remove certain contents and limiting the variety

quick facts

Since 2023, 65 cases of AntiDEI legislation by Republican politicians have been introduced in 25 states and the U.S. Congress.

Source: Endangered Scholars Worldwide

The “Principles of Sociology” course averages an annual enrollment of over 8,000 students across the state’s largest public universities.

Source: Brown University

Florida’s 12 public universities that have adopted DEI reforms

1 in 8 graduating Florida high school students is not planning to attend a public college in the state.

Source: The Washington Post

Florida is home to the country’s second largest public university system, with over 430,000 students.

Source: Huffpost

Design by Lily Goron/highlights

Cooking, caring, career making Gables programs, such as Childcare and Culinary, provide extensive learning opportunities for students

Written by staff writer Natalia Quick. This article

AS SEVERAL OCCUPATIONS, such as cooking and teaching, lose their popularity, some students still strive to gain the vital knowledge necessary to work in these professions. Gables has taken the initiative to present students with programs such as Early Childhood Education and Culinary. In these programs, students acquire the necessary skills to fulfll the role of a teacher or cook working in a professional kitchen. By participating, students will have a higher chance of going into their associated felds by gaining direct, hands-on experience, sparking a lasting interest.

“My classes offer students an excellent opportunity to earn various certifcations that allow them to be employed in high-quality early learning centers,” Early Childhood Education teacher Lisette Delgado said.

To assist in a student’s experience, faculty can enroll their toddlers to be little Cavaliers. Students can interact with the kids while teachers have a convenient daycare option as a result of this program.

Along with the Little Cavalier program, Gables’ culinary classes also provide frsthand experience in the art of cooking and preparing a meal. By working in a professional kitchen environment, students develop skills in food preparation, safety and customer service, all of which are essential in the hospitality industry.

After completing this course, they are able to earn their ServSafe certifcation, authenticating their ability to work in kitchens without spreading foodborne illnesses.

According to Data USA, up to 30% of

refects the opinions of the highlights 2024-2025 staff.

students who take culinary courses in high school will later go on to work in professional kitchens, proving the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the feld. In Miami, specifcally, hiring chefs are looking for cooks

Natalia Quick/highlights GET ACTIVE: Junior Angelica Galeas guides little Cavaliers through a light arm circling activity.

with practical experience working in kitchens, as per Eater.

“I was given the opportunity to meet and work with a chef who teaches at the Florida Education Institute,” junior Camila Del Rio said. “We were able to work hands-on with her and learn how to make sushi. I feel like after

opposable thumbs

Noise Cancelling Headphones

this, I will defnitely be ready to follow this as my future career.”

In addition to early childcare and culinary classes, Gables’ Athletic Training program gives students hands-on experience in sports medicine during school sports games. By working closely with student-athletes and medical professionals, students gain a better understanding of injury prevention.

The offcial page for the Athletic Care and Prevention program states that, by participating, students are able to further explore athletic health in a way not available in the traditional classroom. Students will be more likely to go into this profession than someone who does not have that personal experience.

“We get to be on the sidelines of games and help athletes with stretches and treatments.” senior athletic training student Isabella Martinez said. “It’s a great way to see if we want to pursue this feld.”

This kind of experience is crucial for students entering the workforce. Unlike traditional college-prep courses, programs like Early Childhood Education, Culinary and Athletic Training provide experience that helps students transition into technical careers.

As more high schools emphasize STEM or traditional academics, it is equally important to recognize the benefts of vocational training. By engaging in career-focused education, students not only gain skills but also increase their employability and career readiness, ensuring they are well-equipped for life after high school.

“Overhyped until you get the hype”

- Stacy Urbina, Staff Writer

“Sorry what? I didn’t hear you”

- Emilia Kohnstamm, The Scene Editor

Missing Homework Assignments

“Let’s not and say we did”

-

Alyssa Dopico, Insight Editor

Health at the forefront

HIP’s student-focused curriculum emphasizes inclusivity and support

COMMENTARY BY LILY-JADE LECOULTRE, STAFF WRITER

HIGH SCHOOL

students are often told they are living some of the best years of their lives, but this sentiment overlooks the challenges they face, particularly regarding mental health. Addressing these issues is critical, which is why the Health Information Project was created. The program provides a groundbreaking peer-to-peer model that challenges the traditional approach to health education, making it more effective and relatable for today’s youth.

Founded by Risa Berrin in 2009, the Health Information Project empowers high school juniors and seniors to teach freshmen about health topics in a supportive, inclusive environment, according to behip. org, an online resource for struggling students. Unlike conventional health classes, which can feel clinical and impersonal, the program’s peer-led discussions foster trust while building a sense of community.

Project lies in its ability to create a safe space for students to talk openly. Younger students often feel more comfortable discussing personal issues with peers rather than adults.

“It’s really reassuring to talk to someone who recently went through the same things as me,” freshman Elise Raurell said. “It makes it easier to open up and actually take their advice.”

This dynamic makes health education more accessible, especially for freshmen who are new to the high school environment.

The program’s curriculum covers essential topics like reproductive health, mental health, sexuality and substance abuse, as reported by the Miami Herald. This comprehensive approach is unmatched by many school programs, which often avoid addressing controversial yet critical issues.

“The HIP training has helped me handle sensitive topics by giving guides on how to deal with different issues,” senior HIP vice president Sebastian Druck said.

host a meeting to help newcomers into their roles as presenters.

This program equips older students to educate and, also, encourage their peers to seek help when needed which is a critical gap in traditional education. Many students may hesitate to approach teachers or counselors due to fear of judgment. Having peer educators makes the conversation feel more approachable and less intimidating, as it is more likely for them to have relatable experiences, as opposed to much older teachers or counselors.

The value of the Health Information

“HIP encourages inclusion, tolerance and kindness,” HIP Sponsor Sandy LealGarcia said. “Which in turn makes for a more positive school culture. Students have a huge support system ranging from our Peer Health Supervisor to the Peer Health Educators.”

Programs like HIP are essential. HIP’s innovative model empowers students to make better decisions by equipping them with knowledge and fostering a culture of support.

By prioritizing peer-led discussions and open communication, the program ensures that students feel heard and understood in ways that traditional health education available in schools cannot provide. As mental health challenges continue to rise among teens, initiatives like HIP prove that sometimes the best way to help students is to let them use their personal experiences, empathy and relatability to help each other.

Alicia’s Archive

The Story Behind Miami’s Name: From Native Roots to a Modern Metropolis

Commentary by: Alicia Fajardo, Opinion Editor

e name “Miami” is as vibrant as the city itself, but its origins go far beyond the bustling streets and sunny beaches we know today. e name “Miami” comes from the word Mayaimis, meaning “big water” in the language of the Calusa, the Native American people who once inhabited South Florida. It originally referred to Lake Okeechobee, the large freshwater lake to the north of the city, which was crucial to the Calusa’s way of life. e name traveled south when Spanish explorers mapped the region, adapting Mayaimis into “Miami,” though it still spoke to the connection between land and water.

As settlers arrived in the 1800s, Miami’s signi cance grew. It was rst a trading outpost, then later became a key point for Henry Flagler’s railroad expansion. When the city o cially adopted the name in 1896, it was in large part due to Julia Tuttle’s vision for a tropical paradise that would connect the U.S. to the Caribbean.

Today, Miami is known for its diverse culture, stunning skyline and beach resorts. But the name, which once referred to a vast, tranquil lake, still carries echoes of its early Native American roots—a reminder that Miami’s soul is deeply tied to the land and water that rst de ned it. It is a timeless connection that still pulses through the city’s rhythm today. h

Juan Chavez/highlights GETTING STARTED: Chiara Ortiz de Rosas and Andrea Rotondaro

Flexibility vs. consistency

Are rotating block schedules

the key to deeper learning and reduced

frequent classes?

COMMENTARY BY ELLA LEVIN, STAFF WRITER

ABLES operates on a block schedule, which is a system that organizes classes into odd days and even days. A rotating block schedule improves this system by changing the order of classes, giving students more time to complete assignments and teachers more time to plan lessons. This structure allows for deeper engagement with subjects and provides opportunities for more diverse teaching methods.

George Washington Carver Middle School, a feeder school to Gables, also uses a rotating block schedule. Unlike traditional middle school schedules with six to eight short periods, Carver’s schedule includes four classes per day. The frst period lasts 45 minutes daily, while the remaining six rotate are divided into odd and even days, and last 90 minutes each.

Schools in Miami-Dade County are not required to follow a uniform schedule, allowing each school the fexibility to adopt a system that works best for its students, whether it be a traditional schedule, block schedule or rotating block schedule.

“The rotating block schedule helps me better manage my workload because I’m not overwhelmed with seven classes every day,” freshman Adam Gold said. “Having more

time in class also means we can go deeper into the material instead of just rushing through everything.”

Longer class periods improve time management and academic performance, leading to better retention and higher test scores, according to the University of Connecticut. The schedule also provides more time for after-school activities, which contributes to a healthier balance between schoolwork and personal interests for students.

“Students can use the extra time between classes to complete assignments or study, which is especially helpful for AP and honors courses,” AP English teacher Richard Hudson said. “It also allows us to incorporate more in-depth discussions, hands-on activities and project-based learning instead of just relying on lectures.”

The rotating block schedule also ofers the fexibility for schools to adjust their academic focus based on what works best for their students. With fewer classes each day, both students and teachers have more time to engage in interactive, thoughtful learning experiences.

“I felt that Carver’s rotating block schedule made it a lot easier to keep track of all my tests and projects over longer periods of time,” sophomore John Gelety said.

Overall, the rotating block schedule improves focus, fosters deeper learning

students speak up

Ella Levin/highlights “ “ A rotating block schedule lowered my stress levels as a Carver student and made it easier to stay on top of my work.

Emma Saria, freshman

and enhances time management. This system ofers an ideal solution for balancing academic rigor.

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Ella Levin/highlights “

“ A rotating block schedule allowed me to balance my workload and changed my days a bit so it wasn’t always the same.

Gabrielle Boute, freshman

Design by Alicia Fajardo/highlights

reduced stress, or do they complicate learning with longer, less

COMMENTARY

BY HAILEY MARTINEZ, STAFF WRITER

ANY school districts use a block schedule, where students attend half of their classes one day and the remaining classes the next. While this approach was once popular, it has become outdated as education increasingly focuses on fexibility and personalized learning. The irregularity of block schedules makes it harder for students to retain information, and it often leaves them feeling overwhelmed.

The inconsistent nature of block scheduling means students struggle to recall lessons. According to Cross River Therapy, 45% of high schoolers report feeling stressed at school. As schools aim to create better environments for both students and teachers, their schedules should evolve to meet the needs of modern education.

Block schedules also add to students’ anxiety, particularly after long breaks, such as weekends or holidays. With classes on a rotating

schedule, students often forget which subjects they will have on any given day.

According to the American Federation of Teachers, the lack of consistent class time makes it difcult for students to retain their lessons. Those with time management struggles are especially overwhelmed by the constantly changing schedule, leading to stress and lower academic performance. This makes it harder for students to manage homework and projects, which are critical to their overall success.

Another major drawback of block scheduling is its impact on extracurricular activities and student commitments outside the classroom. Many students participate in sports, clubs, or part-time jobs that require a predictable routine. With a rotating schedule, students may struggle to balance their academic responsibilities with extracurricular demands, as assignments and study time fuctuate unpredictably.

“I don’t like rotating block schedules because they make it harder to remember when I have homework due or what we learned last class,” freshman Jazmin Martinez said.

Additionally, block schedules do not equally accommodate all subjects. Courses that require consistent practice, such as foreign languages, math and music, sufer when students do not attend regularly. Subjects that rely on sequential learning become especially difcult under this structure.

highlight s “I don’t really like rotating block schedules as it makes everything so much more complicated than it needs to be.

Ashley Hernandez, freshman “

“I think if classes were equally split up, school would be a lot easier,” junior Barbara Teixeira Dasilva said.

“Last year, I had all my hard classes on the same day, and that made everything feel more overwhelming.”

For teachers, block schedules create signifcant planning challenges. Maintaining continuity in lesson plans is difcult when class schedules shift unpredictably, and teachers struggle to adjust to these constant changes.

“I’d rather have all eight classes every day,” junior Katherine De Los Santos said. “You stay in your routine longer, and you don’t get fatigued from being in class for an hour at a time.”

A simple solution to these problems is a fxed schedule, where all classes meet every day, avoiding the confusion of rotating blocks. Fixed schedules also ofer a predictable structure, which benefts both students and teachers, allowing for consistent progress across subjects.

To ensure academic success and wellbeing, it is crucial to adopt a scheduling system that supports both learning and teaching in a consistent way. A fxed schedule promotes stability and adequately accomodates students’ attention span, leading to ultimately better learning outcomes.

Hailey Martinez/highligh t s “I fnd it really diffcult to remember the lessons because of the gaps I have in between them.

Victoria Fuller, sophomore “ h

Design by Alicia Fajardo/highlights

Alicia Fajardo/

Hindering holiday hoarding

The holiday season can be wasteful, but celebrating it in a more mindful way can lead to a better experience

COMMENTARY BY MILEGNY SALAS, STAFF WRITER

ETTING together with loved ones to celebrate and express gratitude does not have to involve excessive spending or waste. Many holidays often prompt high expenses and unnecessary spending due to a focus on material consumption. However, there are ways to celebrate that prioritize connection and appreciation over consumerism, offering meaningful moments without extravagant purchases.

Traditional holiday celebrations, particularly those centered around gift-giving, often lead to high costs and unnecessary waste. According to CNBC, the average American spends between $1,000 and $1,500 on seasonal festivities, including gifts, decorations and elaborate meals.

While generosity is a beautiful sentiment, the pressure to buy presents and keep up with trends often overshadows the true purpose of celebrating. A shift away from this standard allows for more budget-friendly, environmentally conscious alternatives.

For instance, celebrating with friends can be more relaxed and customizable, eliminating the pressure of elaborate hosting and expensive feasts. Potlucks are one way to reduce costs while also minimizing food waste, as everyone contributes a dish they will enjoy. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and reduces the strain of an individual’s fnancial responsibility.

quick

“Holding a Friendsgiving potluck with my friends and their families gave us all the opportunity to enjoy a bunch of different foods and celebrate being thankful to each other,” freshman Bella Domecq said.

Additionally, moving away from mass-

Angelina Castro, sophomore “

low-cost, meaningful gestures such as heartfelt letters or homemade crafts. Some choose to skip presents altogether, instead opting for quality time spent together. Whether it is a brunch, a movie marathon or enjoying each other’s company, the emphasis is on deepening relationships, not accumulating material possessions.

W hile my friends and I did buy the usual gifts and cookies, the real fun came more from spending time together and making memories with each other.

produced decor and single-use dinnerware benefts the environment. Many celebrants opt for reusable or DIY decorations, creating a more personal and sustainable atmosphere. The focus is on gratitude, storytelling and strengthening bonds with loved ones.

A focus on simplicity can also be found in holidays that celebrate friendship and selflove, like Galentine’s Day, which embraces

“While my friends and I did buy the usual gifts and cookies, the real fun of our Galentine’s party defnitely came more from spending time together and making memories with each other,” sophomore Angelina Castro said.

What sets these alternatives apart from traditional holidays is their fexibility and sustainability. There is no pressure to buy the perfect gift or decorate according to the latest trends. Instead, these celebrations foster creativity, intentionality and mindfulness.

“If I’m being honest, some of my favorite gifts I’ve ever gotten have been handmade cards or jewlery,” sophomore Antonella Oliveria said. “It means so much that someone took time to make me something special.”

In a world where consumerism often defnes celebrations, these alternative approaches offer a refreshing change. When thoughtfulness and creativity take the lead, fnancial stress subsides and there is more genuine holiday cheer. Being fnancially conscious reminds celebrants that the true value of a holiday is not found in the cost of gifts, but in the quality time spent with the people who matter most.

25%

more waste is produced by Americans between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve than the rest of the year.

Source: US EPA

83%

of all roses bought in the U.S. are bought in the week before Valentine’s Day.

Source: Vox h

Cashing in on casualties

As true crime becomes more mainstream, streaming services exploit victims for the sake of entertainment

COMMENTARY BY BRIDGET LOPEZ, STAFF WRITER

THE GENERAL public has always been morbidly fascinated with serial killers, consequently bringing forth a new genre of entertainment dubbed True Crime.

Currently, the most notable series within the genre on Netfix is Ryan Murphy’s “The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” which is one part of Murphy’s anthology “Monster.” However, when directors of True Crime dramas begin to sacrifce the validity of information for proft, ethics come into question.

The “Monster” anthology frst began after the release of “The Jefrey Dahmer Story” on Sept. 21, 2022. Instantaneously, the series received worldwide infamy for its interpretation of Dahmer’s story.

Although the show functioned as a new approach when it came to documenting the killer, Murphy faced backlash for not successfully contacting the victims’ families for their consent in the representation of the traumas they had faced.

Despite Murphy allegedly contacting those afected, according to an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, several living secondary victims of the Dahmer murders have come out stating that the director had not contacted them for consent.

Rita Isbell, the sister of victim Errol Lindsey, had been portrayed in the show due to her threatening to kill Dahmer during his trial. After the release of Dahmer, she appeared on “Dr. Phil” to confrm that she had not been contacted by the director to have her experience portrayed.

Ethically, this lack of contact with victims is disasterous. During the aforementioned interview, Murphy explains that the series’ main focus was to pinpoint what made society consider Dahmer a monster. This resulted in most of the series focusing on the impacts he left on his victims. Consent is necessary when creating a True Crime drama in this manner since it is dependent on an accurate depiction of victims’ stories.

“There should be more contact

with the families of victims because a lot of the time they don’t want their names out there,” senior Andrea Rotondaro said. “Contacting the families [of victims] could be hard, but you should go through that process if you’re willing to dedicate so much time to making this True Crime [series].”

Murphy’s anthology has recently experienced a resurgence with the release of “The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” on Sept. 19, 2024. The series is facing backlash in

terms of inaccuracies within scenes.

The series follows the lives of the titular Menendez brothers, who were charged with murder for killing their parents in their shared Beverly Hills mansion. The case gained notoriety due to countless theories made before and during the trial concerning their motive. Murphy’s approach utilizes these dramatized secondary sources as a base for the series instead of focusing on accounts provided by primary sources.

Andrea Rotondaro, senior “

C ontacting the families [of victims] could be hard but you should go through that process if you’re going to dedicate so much time to making this True Crime [series].

Many scenes, including ones that insinuated the existence of an incestuous relationship between the brothers, have been denounced as being based on inaccurate theories, as per Forbes. The reasoning behind including this kind of storyline, despite it originating from unreliable sources, is to demonstrate all sides of the story, according to E! News.

“I want something real to life,” International Baccalaureate psychology teacher Scott Nelson said. “Something somewhat factual and somewhat ethical. I am not going to watch a [True Crime] show that doesn’t follow those guidelines.”

The Menendez brothers’ resentencing hearing, originally scheduled for Jan. 30-31, 2025, has been postponed to March 20-21, 2025, due to the impact of recent wildfres on case preparations. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has announced his opposition to granting a new trial for Lyle and Erik Menendez, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1989.

“Crime documentaries are fascinating to watch, but I think making sure victims are involved, or at least have a say in how their stories are shown, should be a given at every point of the process,” senior Johan Meyer said.

Per Edison Research, 84% of the U.S. population above the age of 13 consumes True Crime. Due to this popularity, ethics play a big part in the accurate representation of cases. Serving as a medium that is easier to digest in comparison to a documentary, depicting crime through an unbiased lens is crucial.

Design by Alicia Fajardo/

SPORTS BRIEFS

BY ALYSSA DOPICO, INSIGHT EDITOR

Running to Victory

This year, the Gables Cross Country team had an eventful and successful season. From placing No.1 overall at the Florida National University Invitational meet to placing No.1 for girls and No.3 for boys at the GMAC Championships, the team has taken home many victories.

Advancing to district meets, the Cross Country team has continued to impress throughout the season, with the boys’ and girls’ teams continuing to the States Championship for the third consecutive year on Nov. 16.

A Star Returned

NFL star Gregory “Buddy” Howell is returning to Gables, his alma mater, to coach football for the Cavaliers. Howell has played football throughout his life, starting at six, continuing in high school for the Gables team and professionally as a running back for the Los Angeles Rams.

After graduation, his career took him far, with one achievement being a Superbowl Victory with the Los Angeles Rams. Though he had an accomplished career, he always

Additionally, juniors Avril Donner and Jason Norona were nominated for the Miami Herald’s Student Athlete of the Week, with Donner being awarded the feature. Donner has broken the school record in the 5K, including at the regional and state competitions, with her most recent personal record set at a time of 19 minutes and 19 seconds.

“It’s very exciting and rewarding to fnally be achieving these placings and records, as this is what I have been working for since I started running,” Donner said. h

athlete spotlight

made sure to visit home in Coconut Grove and reconnect with where his story began, fnding the most peace and encouragement from his family. Now, he is an even greater inspiration and role model to young athletes as a highly accomplished football coach at Gables.

“It’s a blessing and I am very grateful to be able to come back and give all the knowledge I’ve received along my journey to the kids,” Howell said. h

Josefna Dellepere, senior Sport: Soccer Accomplishments:

Dellepere is the right wing and forward for the Gables varsity girls soccer team. The Uruguay National Team has contacted and invited Dellepere to play on their team.

March 19 March 20

PEP TALK: Gregory “Buddy” Howell prepares the football team to take on Southwest High School for their senior night.

Anaïs Jamali/highlights

Juan Chavez/highlights

Florida court blocks Title IX

In Florida, a legal battle over Title IX’s application in high school athletics ended with the legislation being blocked

BY GENESIS BARAHONA, STAFF WRITER

ON JULY 30, 2024, FLORIDA decided to block the new Title IX legislation that was supposed to take effect in schools throughout the state. This law guaranteed Florida students protection from discrimination in sports based on their gender identity or sexuality. With the rejection of this new law, transgender students who wish to participate in sports teams that align with their gender identity, rather than the sex they were assigned at birth, are unable to do so.

Title IX is a federal law passed in 1972 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding. The U.S. Department of Education expanded the Title IX law in April of 2024 in order to address issues related to transgender rights in schools, implementing changes to broaden protections and increase inclusivity for LGBTQ+ students by protecting against discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.

The law has been used to create more equal opportunities for women and LGBTQ+ students who face sex-based discrimination in educational settings. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Title IX serves to prevent everyone from exclusion or unfair treatment in any education program, including athletic programs, on the basis of sex.

“They are sacrifcing themselves for the

sport that they love; they should be treated equally,” junior wrestler Juan Sainz said.

According to Central Florida Public Media, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida would not follow the federal protections, instructing state schools not to implement the legislation. This decision could limit the participation of transgender students in high

school sports by requiring transgender students to compete in sports as the sex they were assigned at birth.

The ban of the Title IX law could also require transgender athletes to leave their sport in an effort to ensure that children compete on teams based on their sex assigned at birth.

Additionally, according to CNN, a similar act prohibiting transgender girls from competing in women’s sports teams at public schools in Florida was signed into law by DeSantis in

students speak up

GenesisBarahona/highlights“ “ I understand the Board of Education for wanting to prevent discrimination, but I get others’ feelings on why it was blocked.

Athziri Murillo, junior

GenesisBarahona/highlights

2021, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, as a response to concerns of possible biological advantages in sports. These decisions could change the landscape for transgender students in sports, with some arguing that these rulings reduce inclusivity while others say that they are necessary to promote fairness in sports.

“Every student should have the same opportunities and rights no matter their gender,” junior baseball player Alexander Gabarro said.

According to the American Psychological Association, requiring transgender youth to compete on teams based on their sex assigned at birth could remove a safe space for them and be detrimental to their mental health. On the other hand, per Cato Institute, some argue that allowing transgender athletes to play on teams that align with their gender identity is unfair, as these athletes could potentially have a physical advantage over other students.

“It is really important that everybody feels comfortable when playing the sport they like, sports are supposed to be fun,” junior soccer player Brooke Lawson said.

The court of appeal’s decision to block the new Title IX legislation has signifcant implications for high school athletes, as transgender students might face more exclusion. The implications of Title IX are often intertwined with ongoing debates about gender equality, fairness and individual rights in educational environments. h

“ A trans person’s presence and strength shouldn’t be seen as a risk or advantage solely because of their biological sex. Davnette Flores, junior “

Fantasy frenzy

Students sacrifce their academic duties and glue themselves to screens to manage fantasy football leagues

COMMENTARY BY ALICIA FAJARDO, OPINION EDITOR

IT IS 11:58 P.M., and Josh has a decision to make.

His Algebra II homework is due in two minutes, but his fantasy football team is one trade away from securing the league lead — the ultimate high school honor that warrants eternal bragging rights. Algebra can wait. Fantasy football, however, is serious business. Quadratic equations may be important, but they will not earn him any respect at his crush’s lunch table.

Fantasy football is more than a game. It invites fans to step into the role of a football team manager. Unlike traditional football, fantasy places players in control of their teams, creating a personal investment in the outcome of each week’s games and bringing an element of strategy to sports fandom.

Players combine statistics, performance and intuition to make every game count, driving engagement and connecting fans in leagues, adding a layer of community and competition. Winning in fantasy requires not just sports knowledge, but also the ability to take risks and anticipate outcomes — qualities that make the game endlessly engaging and uniquely personal.

Fantasy football has become a second sport, with just as much strategizing as the actual games. Dedicated team managers pour over player statistics with a level of focus they have never applied to a single class assignment. A simple study group for “The Great Gatsby” can quickly devolve into an indepth discussion about whether someone should start a running back who has not scored since week three.

“I’ve always considered fantasy to be a super fun strategy game,” sophomore Andres Rodriguez said. “Being able to build a community of friends to play it with has been amazing.”

Revolutionizing the high school art of procrastination, fantasy football has made science projects, essays and history papers all fall by the wayside in favor of fnding out who has the best chance of scoring touchdowns.

Why do math homework when there are matchups to analyze? Teachers, baffed by their students’ lack of focus, look out over a classroom of kids furiously scrolling through stats, giving a whole new meaning to the term student-athletes.

It is not just the time and focus, fantasy football has brought a new level of drama to the social scene. Rivalries erupt over trades gone

wrong, friendships are tested in nail-biting matchups and trash-talking is now an offcial extracurricular. Winning managers strut down the halls like they just won the Heisman Trophy, while managers of losing teams are subjected to the league’s ridiculous punishments. These punishments are not inherent to fantasy football, instead created by friend groups forming their own leagues, adding a unique twist to the game.

“If I were to give any advice to new fantasy players, it would be to just have fun,” sophomore Dillion Lara said. “No matter what, always be good to your team and enjoy the game as much as possible.”

For those lucky enough to win their league, fantasy fame brings instant high school clout. Forget making varsity — these champions are now legends. The school’s social hierarchy shifts with rankings, and winners bask in a new level of respect. Suddenly, they are the go-to advisors for all things football, students sidling up to them like they are some kind of oracle. Sure, they may have a mountain of overdue assignments, but that is the price of greatness. While strolling down the hall with the confdence of a seasoned coach, people notice.

“Winning fantasy is every sport enthusiast’s dream,” sophomore Alessandro Vendrame said.

At its core, high school fantasy football is exactly what students need. It is the perfect distraction, a socially acceptable reason to ignore homework and a constant source of drama that rivals any pep rally. Between setting lineups and tracking stats, fantasy football is as close as some kids will get to critical thinking outside of standardized tests. So, when Josh fnally submits his algebra homework at 11:59 p.m., he does it with the knowledge that fantasy glory, in this moment, is the ultimate prize.

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Alicia Fajardo/highlights

Design by Olivia Simon/highlights

Gablettes team moves supreme

highlights explores the Gablettes dance team’s practice strategy for their competition season

BY AUDREY SCHWART, STAFF WRITER

ABLETTES! ROLL CALL!

Start stretching! The song “I Love You, I’m Sorry” by Gracie Abrams starts to play. This is what an ordinary afternoon looks like for the Gablettes, the school’s award-winning dance team. Meeting Monday through Thursday from 2:20 to 6:00 p.m., this group showcases their talent and skill on a national level, emphasizing dedication and resilience in their routines.

Being a Gablette requires fortitude in many different areas, both mentally and physically. The Gablettes dance team has a set routine for every practice: report to the dance room at 2:40 p.m., change into their uniform, grab their slick back brush, apply gel to their hair, eat a quick snack and then get ready for roll call. Each practice starts with a roll call, then immediately transitions into stretching.

“My dance elective classes get the work done and get the choreography done during class, while the Gablettes are here on weekends and after school everyday,” Gablette dance coach Ericka Diaz said.

During motivated dancers stretching routine about 20 minutes. stretching, there Gablette in charge auxiliary cord playing songs. The choice of music sets the pace of their routine.

“I love listening to very hype music because it really allows me to dance at my highest performance,” freshman member Siena Sanchez said.

Although the Gablettes usually have a set routine for every day of the week, their schedule varies during competition season based on how far away they are from the performance. The closer the Gablettes are to the competition, the

longer practices are.

The Gablettes team uniform is iconic, given that it has remained unchanged since 1975. Both the red and white checkered costume and their red mesh top with black leggings ensemble are timeless, paying tribute to Gables’ school colors. While this quintessential costume is very wellknown, Gablettes report that it is somewhat uncomfortable, opting for a more relaxed practice uniform and reserving their checkers for performances.

To prepare for practice, the Gablettes pack their branded backpacks with all the essentials. Among these essentials is the Gablettes’ signature MAC lipstick in shade Diva, as the team believes it is of the utmost importance to use this specifc color of lipstick, expressing themselves on stage through its bright hue.

During competition season, the Gablettes take many precautions to ensure their success, including extra practices during the week and on Saturdays, even extending their training to lunch.

STUNNING SHOWCASE: On Oct. 25, 2024, the Gablettes performed at the Red-Out pep rally in the Gables gym.

practiced for months before being performed, it can be diffcult to balance school and dance.

STRIKING STANCE: Senior Victoria Sosa and junior Charlotte Rodermund gracefully conclude a Gables pep rally.

“I get as much homework done in class and fnish the rest after practice while still going to bed at a reasonable time,” senior Gablette co-captain Jaylene Hernandez said.

The team has earned plenty of accolades, the most recent of which being at the Universal Dance Association on Jan. 20, with the varsity and junior varsity teams placing top fve in the nation for kick. By winning the best kick line at the National Dance Alliance Regionals both last year and this year, it is evident that the Gablettes are a very competitive, accomplished team that puts a lot of hard work into their endeavors. The Gablettes team is iconic and their checkers are here to

Design by Olivia Simon/highlights

MilegnySalas/highli

Bringing CTE awareness to Gables

Athletic trainers at Gables are taking proactive steps to ensure athletes’ safety on and off the feld

BY ANAÏS JAMALI, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

CHRONIC TRAUMATIC encephalopathy is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head trauma, and is a common injury for contact sport athletes. While any form of brain trauma is concerning, CTE is considered more severe as it can lead to life-long symptoms. The athletic department at Gables is preventing this type of injury through cautious policies and safety measures.

Alexia Clark, head athletic trainer at Gables, prohibits athletes at Gables from continuing to play their sport after receiving three concussions. This policy ensures that athletes are supported throughout high school. Banning students from playing after three head injuries is the safest protocol, as multiple collisions can lead to more serious problems.

“I feel that the policies Gables has for CTE are really good,” senior Edward Trujillo said. “We wear guardian caps in football to cushion any impact, and Lex always checks for signs of it whenever something happens.”

More specifcally, CTE can cause a

buildup of an abnormal form of tau protein, found in cells that help stabilize neurons in the brain. According to the National Institutes of Health, this buildup can interfere with the function of the brain’s neurons, disrupting their transport system and communication.

CTE is usually seen in athletes who play physical contact sports such as football, soccer or wrestling. Symptoms of CTE are similar to those of dementia, including memory loss, aggression, impaired judgment and erratic behavior, as per Indiana University. This damage to brain cells leads to disruptions in specifc behavioral brain functions, negatively affecting mental health through the development of mood swings, violent outbursts or suicidal thoughts. High schoolers are more vulnerable to these symptoms, as their developing brains are more likely to be harmed by collisions, according to NIH.

“In my case, brain trauma I received as an athlete was always something I thought I could shake off, but it led to epileptic seizures for almost ten years of my life after I was done with football,”

social studies teacher Aaron Miller said.

At Gables, before a student is able to start playing a sport, they have to complete an online concussion test. When an injury occurs, results from the initial test allow trainers to compare current performance, giving insight on the severity of the collisions athletes endure. Clark’s strict protocol aims to prioritize long-term health over short-term gains. At every home sports game, the student athletic trainers and Clark are on standby next to the feld in case of any injuries.

“I know the consequences of brain injuries can be dramatic, especially at my age, which is why I try my best to avoid violent contact, wear protective gear and make safe decisions on the feld,” senior football player Evan Noval said.

Gables taking action to prevent long-term effects from CTE for young athletes is crucial because the impact can severely affect one’s physical and mental well-being. h

Every year, playing football is associated with a 15% increase in odds for a CTE diagnosis and a 14% higher chance of severe CTE for those who already have it.

Source: National Institutes of Health

Of high school and college athletes who received repetitive head injuries from contact sports and died before age 30, CTE was found in over 40%.

Source: ESPN

Design by Olivia Simon/highlights

Grove’s historic haven

A glimpse into Coconut Grove’s past through one of Miami’s community-centered historical state parks

BY ISABELA DUARTE, ONLINE EDITOR

HIDDEN AMONG THE busy streets of Coconut Grove, is a natural sanctuary overfowing with history, where relaxation comes easily, called The Barnacle. The state park offers amenities such as walking trails and pet-friendly spaces. These features make it an engaging attraction that stands out in the midst of city activities, where maintaining a moment of awareness with one’s thoughts and body is diffcult to do.

The Barnacle provides a place for visitors to clear their minds and unwind from fastpaced life. The state park expands across the property, providing a sea front view where yoga sessions are held every Monday and Wednesday, promoting wellness and grounding techniques. Through a variation of monthly events, such as live music, activities catered to pets and families and cultural events like the El Dia De Los Muertos celebration, they fnd a way to appeal to visitors with a wide range of interests.

“I enjoy visiting The Barnacle because there is always something interesting going on,” visitor Mila Alfonso said.

The park was originally home to Ralph Munroe, an infuential early settler and environmentalist. The house on the

property was built when he moved to Florida in 1891 after his wife’s passing, and the building was expanded as his family grew. The property also includes a tropical hardwood hammock, one of the few left in the county.

Located in 3485 Main Highway in Coconut Grove, the park operates Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $2; however, children under six can enter for free. Their affordable prices and long hours make it easily accessible for those looking for a nature-flled activity.

The on-site house’s history allows visitors to get a glimpse into how past Floridians interacted with the environment. The Barnacle is an example of 19th-century architecture, but with its own unique aspects, as it is built under structures that mimic barnacles and are attached to rocks.

The house perfectly refects Munroe’s lifelong dedication to preserving and respecting his natural surroundings. It is cherished among the members of the neighborhood, given that it acts as a natural sanctuary that mirrors the charm and distinctiveness of the area.

A tranquil escape from the bustling city for both residents and tourists, the Barnacle is a community gathering spot. Its

tall, old-growth trees create an ambiance perfect for events or small get togethers. By providing locals with a communal space, the park helps promote an overall feeling of togetherness and mutual love for the nature of the area.

“The Barnacle is a time capsule that lets you really experience and deeply connect to the origin of our history, even before the city of Miami came to be,” park ranger Catherine Berendsohn said.

The historic state park shows a perfect blend of culture and community values. Events like workshops, which are aimed at spreading awareness about the conservation of Miami’s natural habitats and plants, emphasize the principles surrounding nature. Additionally, the park provides artists with a platform through artisan fairs and outdoor concerts. With such events, The Barnacle furthers its impact on the local community by serving locals with a third space they can use for a plethora of activities, ranging from relaxation-centered to highly entertaining.

By keeping itself true to Munroe’s values and evolving alongside the community and their needs, The Barnacle has remained a vital space within the Grove, preserving Miami’s history and environment.

Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights

Isabela Duarte/highlights

THE BARNACLE HOUSE: The oldest residence in Miami-Dade, The Barnacle represents the intricate past and present of the area.

Nothing plain at Deli Lane

At Deli

Lane Cafe,

an infamous neighborhood staple, guests can enjoy a tasty meal with family or friends

BY CIARA BURTON, STAFF WRITER

ICHAEL MALER AND HIS business partner Jahn Kirchoff frst came together 36 years ago to develop a new and unique cafe for the Miami community known as Deli Lane Cafe & Sunset Tavern.

Maler and Kirchoff’s primary goal when they frst opened was to bring happiness to their customers through a full and diverse menu. There are a wide range of items, from a favorful salmon melt to a variety of pizzas, pastas and egg-based meals. The owners remain very focused on including an option for all.

As one walks by the cafe, they can observe the multiple seating areas Deli Lane offers, including outside tables with giant umbrellas to protect visitors from Miami’s burning heat. The outside area also allows customers to observe and enjoy the energy of South Miami. For those who struggle with the heat, Deli Lane also offers tables and air conditioning inside, with a lovely view of the open counter where their employees work.

Maler and Kirchoff previously owned three

FOR ALL:

other South Miami restaurants. However, after establishing Deli Lane, they decided to place full focus on the cafe and perfecting every element for customers. Soon after the pair made this change, the city began to enact renovations to the area, making it more walkable and allowing Maler and Kirchoff to expand the cafe’s seating area to have a bigger capacity for all.

“The city wanted to turn it into a more walkable environment,” Maler said. “They bricked the streets and narrowed the street, letting us put down tables and chairs.”

Both Maler and Kirchoff’s past experiences working at other restaurants infuenced the making of their Deli Lane menu. They had both developed a liking for brunchtype food, leading to the menu’s variety of omelets, wraps, toast and sandwiches.

“We had worked at a few different restaurants each, so we brought some of those items in and perfected them,” Maler said.

Maler also noted how his favorite item from the menu was the press duck sandwich, which has a unique taste that he enjoys, also commenting how it’s not a common dish in nearby restaurants.

“When I visited, I especially enjoyed the friendly service and great food,” junior Kate Kuryla said. “This restaurant defnitely stood out to me as a special place.”

Deli Lane menu items range from prices of $10 to $20, which is a necessary range as their cafe is a go-to restaurant for university and high school students. In fact, they offer a catering service for students, which was incredibly popular during the months of the

PERFECT PLATE:

Deli Lane’s all day breakfast items, like their eggs benedict with crispy tater tots, are standouts.

COVID-19 pandemic.

As night falls, Deli Lane also offer the possibility for other customers to join them at their adjoining Sunset Tavern, where they play music and have a pool table available.

The energy of the Deli Lane staff is welcoming because they see each other as a family. A portion of the staff comes from the three restaurants previously owned by Maler and Kirchoff, creating unity among many of the workers, and contributing to the overall pleasing environment.

“We brought back some of our best employees; some of my employees worked at all three stores,” Maler said.

The enchanting spot is located at 7230 SW 59th Ave and is open every day: Sunday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Deli Lane Cafe & Sunset Tavern represents Miami as a place that brings comfort and happiness to all customers, offering them the opportunity to sit and enjoy people-watching, complete homework and experience moments with friends and family. This all ties together in the Deli Lane cafe, the loving and diverse heart of the neighborhood.

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Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights

Ciara Burton/highlightshtsCC3FF43F

SEATING

Deli Lane offers outdoor seating right on the bustling walking streets of South Miami.

Ciara Burton/highlights

Putting down roots

Kreative Gardens is a local shop that cultivates the green thumbs of plant enthusiasts and new plant owners alike

BY STACY URBINA, STAFF WRITER

LOCATED IN THE QUAINT neighborhood of Glenvar Heights, at 7247 SW 48 St., Kreative Gardens is a tranquil plant shop perfect for those who wish to make their home more soothing. The shop offers a variety of unique plant options.

Established in 2005, Kreative Gardens was created for individuals in search of plants that capture the admiration of nature enthusiasts. Owner Renee Molina was inspired by the mountains and atmosphere in her home country of Nicaragua, which infuenced her to open up a shop, bringing an up enough money to open her dream plant shop. However, she needed assistance. Molina offered her babysitter, Marta Moreya, a job at Kreative Gardens, and, now, Moreya has been working there for almost 17 years.

presentation, it serves as an alternative to a traditional plant pot and involves weaving a plant’s roots in organic material. This method requires little attention, made to teach plant beginners how to properly own a plant and satisfy all of its needs.

Kreative Gardens emphasizes their dedication to providing options for all in their variety of plant types. Customers can purchase items such as the Ponytail Palm plant, valued at $55 and native to Mexico, or the Peperomia plant, native to Central and South America.

These accolades represent the popularity and success of their unique twist on original plant care. Kreative Gardens has gained signifcant popularity since its original establishment, expanding over the past years.

“The way the plants are taken care of is very important and I noticed that it’s being done perfectly,’’ junior Cristhofer Moncada said. “’They look lovely and like they contain a lot of life.’’

Aside from their items for purchase, the shop overall exudes an intriguing energy, its maximalist interior organization and vibrant, botanical exterior calling in passerby.

ECLECTIC ARRAY: Kreative Gardens offers a myriad of options when it comes to plants and their pots.

Both plants represent some of the shops petfriendly options.

“When I came to this place, it already looked phenomenal from the start,’’ customer

Within the confnes of Kreative Gardens lies a book donation spot for the children of Nicaragua. Customers donate books, which are later directly given out on the yearly trip Molina plans with students from all around Miami, who can sign up to be a part of the

This initiative is meant to give the children receiving the donations a chance to explore true writing through the books given to them. Another donation opportunity inside Kreative Gardens is its collection of wooden fgures and decorations. These are

Rica. Molina plans trips during the summer to donate these items as well.

“I love plants because there are some that just purify you inside your house,’’ Moreya said. “It gives you tranquility, peace and it’s such a peaceful environment to work in.’’

One of Kreative Gardens’ most unique elements is their patented root orb potting system. This method was created by Molina and allows the plant within the “root orb” to live for one to four years. Designed to maintain plant health and provide an aesthetic

Additionally, options like the Golden Pathos plant and Money Tree plant are wonderful choices for beginners, as their care process is not demanding.

Kreative Gardens has won a variety of frst-place awards for producing and selling the aforementioned plants. The Tropical Plant International Expo and the Independent Garden Center Show have both bestowed awards upon Kreative Gardens.

Thanks to its extensive options, ingenuity, irreplicable energy and communityoriented goals, Kreative Gardens stands out as a top tier Miami plant shop.

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Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights

Stacy Urbina/highlights

Miami’s hidden gems

The 305 represents its diversity and ingenuity through its multipurpose spaces

BY MARIA ARDILA, STAFF WRITER

ONE OF MIAMI’S GREATEST traits is that its hidden gems are only ever a block away from being discovered. The city’s cultural heritage grants inhabitants and visitors rows of appetizing restaurants, business ventures and markets where vendors thrive. These camoufaged place are discovered via social media, advertisements or word of mouth.

Another way to discover small businesses is through the location within a location business model, which begins with a larger establishment that brings in foot traffc, attracting customers who are then drawn toward the varying services within the bigger business. This model is about more than making a proft. It introduces less commonly patronized businesses to customers by

Vintage Vibe

Vintage Auto Spa and Bistro Cafe

A sense of simple pleasure can be found in checking off the long procrastinated task of getting a car wash while simulatenously having access to a tasty lunch only a few steps away. This is a luxury unique to Vintage Auto Spa & Bistro Cafe, where the form and function of an automotive business meets food.

Vintage Auto Spa and Bistro is a 1950s style restaurant with an adjacent car wash business. Customers are able to dine in and enjoy a great meal on tufted leather armchairs, while their cars are being refreshed and revitalized.

“I think it’s very nice that I have my car just outside from where I’m sitting and enjoying my food,” senior Amelia Suarez said.

The auto spa takes pride in specializing in the restoration and maintenance of classic vehicles, while the restaurant inside focuses on entertaining all those who come through. The car wash and auto maintenance service brings in foot traffc and the bistro cafe hooks people in.

Orginally starting out as exclusively a premier car detailer, they incorporated the idea of the Bistro Cafe when the owner, Reynold Stewart, realized the potential of the commercial

placing them inside larger establishments in an inventive way. Despite their contrasting natures, the following locations, whose services range from botany to automobile amenities, offer a cohesive experience. This variety makes room for the unexpected. After all, sometimes the best things are hidden in plain sight.

activity generated from the auto spa. The restaurant is reminiscent of the 1950s. Inside, a leather couch, a vintage rotary dial telephone and a Mobilgas gas pump await, while guests can recharge and wait for their car. The black-and-white pictures along the walls give visitors a look into the past. Additionally, the walls and foors are lined with tiles, bricks and wood, all working together to embody the distinct interior decor of the time period.

Across the marble countertops, there are always friendly faces waiting for customers to order items such as an affogato coffee with scoops of Neapolitan ice cream stacked on a glass sundae dish.

Vintage Auto Spa and Bistro Cafe offers a vast menu, taking elements of Latin American cuisine as well as classic American

ANTIQUE ENERGY: Cozy leather chairs and satisfying snacks await at this unique bistro and auto spa.

dishes. From croquetas to buffalo wings, they do it all. The cafe also serves breakfast all-day, so one can enjoy a Cafecito with eggs benedict or a croissant at any time.

Expansive services, impeccable vibe and delicious snacks make Vintage Auto Spa and Bistro a must visit.

Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights

MariaArdila/highlight s

Maria Ardila/highlights

CRIMSON CONVERTIBLE: The interior decor of Vintage Auto Spa and Bistro Cafe refects its ‘50s vibe.

Navi Coffee and Flowers

Navi Coffee and Flowers is a motherand-son-owned coffee shop selling foral arrangements. The founder and co-owner, Razzy Ghomeshi, named the shop after his mother, Navideh Ghomeshi, the head foral designer.

The quaint shop is adorned with seasonal bouquets made by Navideh. Toward the corner of the shop, a glass case of fora holds many of Navideh’s creations.

Razzy and Navideh are of Iranian descent, and this can be seen in several of their menu options, including the Persian tea and house latte they serve, that both mix cardamom, saffron and rose water.

“It’s almost like the scenery and the fowers make the coffee taste better,” junior Lianet Alfonso said.

Navi’s relaxed atmosphere and understated ambiance attracts anyone looking for a quick pick-me-up. From cortado to matcha, the coffee and teas are fresh and can be taken with croissants or other pastries.

Something surprising on the menu is LIGER’S! Superior Cookies, which is a

spanish secret Lilies and lattes

El Carajo

Found behind a Mobil gas station off of South Dixie Highway, El Carajo is a Spanish restaurant tucked inside of an old gas station repair shop, complete with an operating convenience store. Founded by Richard Fonseca, El Carajo runs its own small world in the corner of the store.

Walking into the establishment, one will fnd a deli and bakery to their right and a cashier to their left. At the back of the store, the dimly-lit restaurant sits, busy with customers. Despite its unconventional location, situated behind shelves of motor oil, chips and packs of gum, El Carajo serves upscale authentic Spanish cuisine.

Highly recommended is the Tabla de Carne, a plate of angus beef, pork, ribeye, chicken and other selections of meat. There are also small dishes of tapas, such as the Chorizo al Vino, sauteed spanish chorizo in dry red wine, Boquerones, a seafood-based tapa of anchovies, piquillo peppers, mojo verde and olive oil and vegetable-based tapas, like the Pan Con Tomate, a ciabatta roll with garlic butter and tomato.

“It’s defnitely a unique atmosphere,

Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights

Miami-based business that specializes in bringing a Canadian edge to Miami’s cookies. Navi partners with Liger’s to sell their delicious cookies in the shop.

“The community has been so supportive and receptive,” co-owner Neela Ghomeshi said. “We have loved meeting so many interesting and incredible people.”

Navideh in Farsi, means good news, and it is living up to its name, this family-owned business has become an integral part of the Coconut Grove community, embodying the sentiment of hospitality.

Navi collaborates with sisters Daniella and Fernanda Quintero, Miami-based businesswomen, who provide freshly baked goods every morning, supplying the shop with items such as pistachio cake and black sesame tahini banana bread. Navi also nurtures a partnership with Morning Mile Run Club. In the morning, runners will meet at Navi before their running or walking event, and discounts are offered to the runners.

Apart from sharing their own culture with the people of Miami, Navi takes in the culture

but we felt very comfortable in the space,” sophomore Alejandra Cabrera said.

The Spanish style is inspired by the Mesquita of Cordoba, rustic and rural, with layers of visible brick arches and wooden wine cabinets. The restaurant is tight-kept and quiet, providing an intimate and comfortable environment.

“The atmosphere is fun and relaxed which people of most ages can enjoy,” co-owner Carlos Fonseca said. “Then add to that the fact it’s hidden in the gas station and you truly get a unique experience.”

Fonseca, who has retired and passed down the business to his sons Javier and Carlos Fonseca, got the idea for this restaurant on a trip to Italy. Traveling with his family on the autostrade of Italy, they stopped at a gas station that claimed to serve food, and Fonseca ended up having a gourmet meal.

Maria Ardila/highlights

BITES AND BEVERAGES:

Two unmissable Navi items are their cardomom latte and sesame tahini banana bread.

surrounding them. Navi hosts an art and design contest during Art Basel to feature a talented artist from the community, by showcasing a winning illustration on the Navi coffee cups during the month of December.

Navi is a place to enjoy the little moments, whether it is the frst sip of their coffee or the smell of fresh roses on a tranquil morning in this intimate shop.

MASTERFUL MAINS:

At El Carajo, main dishes like their grilled zucchini and chimichurri beef are just as good as their tapas.

In the early 1980s Fonseca purchased the property, then exclusively the repair shop. A few years later, Fonseca tore down the old building and built the current establishment. Finally, in 2005, El Carajo as it is today frst opened its doors.

At frst, El Carajo appears as a controversial name to native Spanish speakers. owever, the name is derived from the basketlike lookout platform found at the top of masts of old Spanish caravels. A product of passion, family and entrepreneurship, this classic Miami location will continue to serve the community as a staple as they have for over 40 years.

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MariaArdila/highlights

a changing mainstream

By Samantha Sears, Staff writer

Design by Alyssa Dopico/

As society develops further through technological innovation and changing ideas, art and media evolve along with it

WITH EACH TURN OF THE century, communication media has gradually changed form. An umbrella term that encapsulates most social media apps, podcasts and radio, communication media is intended to bridge the gap between cultures and time zones, aiding in social interaction and international connection despite obstacles. This is refected by the digitization of many forms of media, from art to music to news. While this progress is often benefcial, in that media is shared in a more eficient manner, it comes with the consequence of decreasing depth.

To understand the evolution of media and its adverse potential, it is imperative to consider the advancements that have brought society to this point. In the phone industry, the miniaturization of hardware such as the Large Scale Integration (LSI) device makes cell phones capable of processing large amounts of information in an instant, as per ScienceDirect, catalyzing the success of social media apps. LSI devices are the components that allow for the electrical

On top of these technological advancements created to optimize the spread of social media, each platform itself exists with the goal to keep users on it with a deceptive algorithm. This phenomenon is exceptionally common among teenagers.

“I doom scroll a lot and it honestly makes me feel bored and unproductive but nowadays it is so quick to give in that I easily fnd myself scrolling,” sophomore Sasha Goron said.

The content that people consume daily gives them dopamine boosts, in other words releasing a ‘feel good’ chemical which gives people sensations of satisfaction and motivation, according to Healthdirect. Doom scrolling, stimulating the secretion of this chemical so frequently, is what makes it so addicting.

The nature of social media and its rise to prominence refects the direction that the world is headed in terms of creativity. Backed by technological advances and fueled by demands for efciency, the realms of art, music and news are undergoing a drastic shift. What remains up for debate is

DID YOU KNOW?

80% of Americans receive their news from a digital device.

Source: Pew Research Center

from the editor

Media of all kinds has long been a central part of humanity. From the frst evidence of written word in Sumerian cuneiform, to the oil painted frescoes of the Renaissance, to the short form content that populates social media tooday, people have long been speaking their minds in a multitude of ways. The self expression and imagination of thousands reveals itself through centuries of art, literature and a variety of other methods people have used to record history and ideas.

Now the new normal for disseminating information, algorithmically distributed short form content promotes art, music and most other forms of media. The way self expression is presented to us has become more efcient in so many ways with this change. Yet, this new level of efciency has come at the cost of the humanity that comes with it. Artifcial Intelligence generated art, social media and digital streaming all deliver a product faster and sometimes with less error than our older, traditional analog methods of expression. Yet, the time taken and mistakes made by our creative processes are what give the fruits of our labor a soul. Why are we so eager to take this away for the sake of speed, views and popularity? This question has become increasingly important to our own printed publication as more forms of media join the digital world permanently.

Sincerely,

Alyssa Dopico, InsightEditor

ENGAGEMENT WITH ART

Art’s relationship with communication media is a prime example of the evolution of society and the potential drawbacks of these technological innovations.

The introduction of short-form content has impacted traditional media through a rise in sharing art on social platforms. Gables students that are enrolled in drawing, painting, ceramics and other visual arts courses are no stranger to this concept. Visual arts teacher, Benjamin Grof, often posts his students’ artwork on Instagram, making it accessible to all and increasing the exposure of students’ art. According to East End Arts, Instagram allows artists to enhance their engagement with others, advertise commissions online and provide their followers with a behind-thescenes look at the artist’s creative process.

Crowdfunding, which is promoted by posting on these apps, helps artists generate a steady stream of income even when in the middle of their creative processes while making an art piece.

“I used to run an Instagram and Etsy account,” junior Lauren Amador said. “I used the platform to gain commission and grow followers to help and view art.”

Although there are benefts to integrating communication media into this realm, there are some issues. Online art faces ethical implications as it encounters hurdles such as plagiarism, counterfeit works and the misuse of AI. AI itself has brought forth ethical questions on creativity and originality.

“I highly dislike the use of AI in the art world,” senior Dimitria Boutsis said. “AI

is not art. I will never believe it is and it is destroying the art world because people now think it is easy and at the touch of a button they can have art.”

While a useful tool in some cases, AI learns from its chats to enhance its outputs, meaning that it may give suggestions about art using other artist’s works when prompted to create a new art piece. Artists must remain constantly vigilant in order to prevent their art from being stolen by this new and unfamiliar threat. This contributes to the loss of creativity within society as a whole as users increasingly turn to the quick fx of AI art instead of appreciates the real creativity and time put into the work of human artists. The future of art as short form content and AI become further intertwining with media is undetermined.

Miguel Casanova, sophomore students speak up

Samantha Sears/highlights “ “ [Social media] has made music more accessible and viral, but sometimes it comes at the cost of depth and creativity.

Angela Estrada, senior

MEDIA’S REACH

Journalism is yet another facet of media that evolves with those who consume it. Its evolution demonstrates the expansion of the media’s reach. News outlets have transitioned from traditional newspapers and magazines to television and broadcast channels, even appearing on social media.

The frst appearance of digital news was in 1983 by a company named Knight Ridder, which had previously only sold newspapers, according to Time Magazine. Knight Ridder sent news directly to readers’ computers via a system known as Viewtron, an early version of the digital news systems we have today. These early digital news systems pioneered the way for the digital news that society knows today.

The technological advancements in digital news have led to a decline in physical media, such as magazines and newspapers. News outlets have struggled to maintain engagement with their physical newspapers, with subscription rates decreasing by 16% in 2022 alone, as per Pew Research Center.

SamanthaSears/highlights “ “ I think that this type of media has lowered my attention span honestly.

Digital subscriptions have struggled just as paper ones have, forcing news outlets such as The New York Times and Miami Herald to ofer frequent discounts.

“We haven’t been afected negatively from short-form content creation, rather,

DID YOU KNOW?

Transactive memory is the collective memory of a group of people. The internet accesses this information easily.

Source: Colombia News

we’ve learned to keep readers engaged on our own platforms that drive them to our stories on our site,” Raymond Dueñas, Director of Community Afairs for the Miami Herald, said.

The amount of time readers spend on

these websites has also decreased from about three minutes to only one and a half minutes, according to the Pew Research Center. The disinterest in these news outlets due to the ready availability of what seems to be credible news on social media has led to these decreases.

Since the early twenty-frst century, psychologists have argued that the internet is, at its core, a large transactive memory store. Transactive memory is the process by which one remembers information in groups, as noted by Carnegie Mellon University. In the case of communication media, however, users are treating the internet as a transactive memory store, causing them to forget easily accessible online information.

It appears that the conequence of easy news access through digital media has deeply impacted society, changing the way memory works on a mass scale. Just as changing technology spreads media’s reach, this evolution encroaches on societal limits.

THE SHIFT IN STORYTELLING

Music has long been a tool of expression, from the religious hymns of the Middle Ages to the confessional lyrics of modern singersongwriters today, with an expansive range of genres, styles and cultures infuencing music over time. Music has evolved with society, just as other forms of media have, steadily improving in quality.

The digitization of music has led to less potential for better music and less depth within it. For instance, bit rates impact the depth of sound in music as they denote the amount of information used to encode an audio signal, while bit depth denotes the amount of bits available in a system to represent the info in an audio signal, according to Landr. Vinyl records are often regarded as the best recording medium, featuring 24 to 32 bits of depth. Alternatively, CDs have a bit depth of 16. Unfortunately, most digital high-resolution audio platforms use either 16 or 24-bit depths, limiting them to less information than vinyl records. This has led to the decline of music quality as a whole due to the technological advancements made to digitize it.

of artists worry that AI will hinder their ability to generate income with their own art.

Source: Academy of Animated Arts

Design by Alyssa Dopico/highlights

“I think musical artists, they’re just like regular artists, they want their full vision to be seen,” music teacher Jonathan Canales said.

“

I think musical artists... want their full vision to be seen, and, because of the advancements we made, artists can do that now more than ever.

Jonathan Canales, music teacher

“And because of the advancements we made, artists can do that now more than ever.”

While the usage of physical media to

listen to music decreased with the spread of digitization and streaming, it has recently made a comeback with ongoing pop culture trends. This unique association with physical media has caused a rise in its popularity with Generation Z’s fascination with it and Generation X’s nostalgia for it. This has infuenced many popular artists to now make CDs, vinyl records and cassettes with new music releases. Social media has become a large marketing tool for musicians, with many marketing releases by posting videos on platforms such as Instagram to draw listeners in.

Musicians also often promote their songs by posting multiple videos a day in an attempt to sway social media algorithms and get as many people as possible to interact with their music. The rise of short-form content has also contributed to this marketing strategy because the algorithms that are necessary for it favor this format. Before the rise of short-form content singers’ and songwriters’ audiences would be reached through physical media, such as posters, rather than social media.

of Americans remain regularly reading printed news. Source: St. Bonaventure University

ArtSmart.ai

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After Cavaleon wins frst place at the annual CAF&DM academy feld day, sophomore Lou Palanque triumphantly holds up their trophy and celebrates with the rest of her publication, all adorned in Cavaleon spirit gear. Bridget Lopez/highlights