Issue 5, Vol. 64

spring in sum

ACTING WITH PASSION:

WINNING GRIN: Sophomore Yasemin Obuz

THOUGH OFTEN OVERLOOKED, language is, in my opinion, one of the most incredible feats of humanity. As infants, we listen to our parents and siblings and slowly gather the meaning of each sound. Soon enough, we

began communicating with others. We learn; we connect.

For some, the connection part of language can be a process. Miami harbors immigrants from all over the world and welcomes them with many parts of their culture—food, language, the arts and everything else imaginable. Adapting to such an environment, Gables becomes a place to teach others how to connect with their peers. As part of that process, English for Speakers of Other Languages teacher Jennifer Chapman imparts

INDUCTEES:

SUNSHINE STANDOUTS: highlights

from the managing editor

her own knowledge of English on her students, in addition to bonding with them through yoga

However, with the increased use of of language is, and will likely continue to on technology for schoolwork, worrying themselves and teachers about the implications

We also learn to manipulate language — to argue, inform and express. Over time, we formulate sentences to change their meanings. With social media, the dissemination of these words is rampant.

Further, despite the assumptions about slang — that it is a sign of disrepect or a lack of education — these words carry a short yet

is best described by the Urban Dictionary

and I simply love to partake in it with other yappers, including fellow lover of the term

To me, every issue of highlights is an ode to language. This one examines the many uses it has in our world: learning, connecting and all of the above.

h

Sincerely,

Georgia Rau Managing Editor

deep history that tells us a great deal about the

Courtesy of The Cavaleon highlights highlights highlights

Walking the runway

The Fashion Design course inspires ingenuity bringing visionary apparel to Gables’ halls

BY MARIA ARDILA, STAFF WRITER

LTHOUGH MOST PEOPLE associate the word “fashion” with clothing, it is a broad term that encompasses how people dress, wear accessories, posture themselves and other personal styling choices that affect outward appearance, individuality and selfconfdence. At Gables, students in the Fashion Application and Design course show off their experience and creativity in each of their projects, designing clothes that are functional and unique to each student’s aesthetic.

Organized by senior Avani Tembe and assisted by senior Zachary Middleton, an impromptu fash mob fashion show was held during frst lunch on Feb. 22. Participants showcased student-crafted designs from their class’s Jean Up-cycle Project. Denim from old jeans was recycled and repurposed into new items such as bags, jackets and dresses.

These designs have been submitted to the Fashion and Sketch Design exhibit in Arnold Hall for the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition. Under the 2024 Spaceventure theme, students participated in each of the three categories: business casual, formal/

MODELING: Senior Avani

Tembe shows off her up-cycled jean jacket made in Pattern Design Techniques class.

evening and up-cycle/recycle. Students sent their pre-registered designs, which they then modeled on March 15.

“Managing the events, I have seen how all of the students put their personal styles and personality into their pieces,” senior Avani Tembe said.

Directed by Ayleen Monzon, the Design, Education and Hospitality academy leader and Fashion Design teacher, the elective course extends over four levels: Design Course Services, Principles of Fashion Design, Pattern Design Techniques and Design Specialist. The expertise gained increases in diffculty as one progresses through the levels, starting with lessons in hand-stitching and operating a sewing machine. Later, they are taught embroidery and hemming, begin to create apparel with guidance and fnally are given the liberty to troubleshoot experimental ideas.

As an additional level, the Art, A/V Technology and Communications is an internship in which students assist Monzon with level one students.

One of Monzon’s former Gables students, Joel Alvarez, who went on to become a fashion designer, taught her how to use the sewing machine and develop projects for the beginner levels. His assistance continues to infuence certain elements of the class today.

“I still teach projects he developed,” Monzon said. “I changed some things and started making some things my way, and I kept on adding to the material, but some things I never changed because the kids enjoy it.”

Immersed in mannequins and vibrant fabrics, the classroom environment never lacks inspiration. As a project-based class, students are constantly creating works, generally taking about a month and a half worth of classes to complete each one. Monzon encourages her students to take full advantage of their passions and incorporate popular trends into their projects.

“When I have them do clothes, I try to do something they’re going to enjoy and really use,” Monzon said. “Sewing is a lost skill, and I think that it is essential to know how to sew.”

One of Monzon’s second-year students,

STRUTTING: Fashion students parade their jean up-cycle pieces during frst lunch on Feb. 22.

senior Elisa Huget, learned through this course that a career in fashion is her goal and aims to major in fashion merchandising.

As a Fine Arts and Applied Arts course, the class suits students who set out to fnd their creative passion or express themselves. For others, it aids in honing their artistic talents for the purpose of expanding on specialized knowledge, helping heighten their understanding of visual composition and design principles. This versatility can be valuable in careers that require attention to detail, visual communication and creative problem-solving.

“This course set my baseline, I learned everything I know about fashion design from it,” Huget said.

As complicated as the course may sound, creating a fashion design is a routine process that starts with an idea that is then brought to life. Monzon’s class focuses on development of fashion-related technical skills and is a great foundation in design for students. The elegance in the work fashion students do in the feld can be seen in the glamorous pieces of art they present.

5 h

Design by Julia Volman/highlights

Courtesy of The Cavaleon

Maria Ardila/highlights

Working double duty

ESOL teacher and track coach Jennifer Chapman pursues

her teaching and ftness passions on and off campus

BY STACY URBINA, STAFF WRITER

WHETHER IT BE THROUGH

teaching at LA Fitness or being an EdFed leader, Jennifer Chapman, a track and feld coach and English for Speakers of Other Languages teacher, has found many ways to contribute to her community.

After teaching English for over 20 years at various schools, Chapman decided to take on a physical education position alongside her English classes. While working at her last school, Chapman was co-workers with current Gables principal Tony Ullivarri. After

DAYS OFF: Jennifer Chapman, when not teaching or coaching, practices her ftness passion at LA Fitness as a yoga instructor.

HALLTALK

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

discovering that Ullivari accepted the principal position at Gables, Chapman decided to follow him to the school, as the coaching position at her current school was removed. With no mainstream English or physical education teaching positions available at Gables, Chapman agreed to take on the challenge of becoming an ESOL teacher despite not being profcient in Spanish.

“What I love about teaching ESOL students is that I’m getting to learn Spanish as they are learning English,” Chapman said. “It’s incredible how much I’ve learned in this classroom, even just by hearing them talk.’’

Beyond teaching at Gables, Chapman is also one of the EdFed summer internship leaders. She helps Gables students explore their future career options, make their resumes and get work experience that will prepare them for a career in their feld of interest. These internship opportunities encompass a variety of areas, including hospitality, nursing, criminology and marketing.

“A favorite aspect of having Chapman as a teacher is her ability to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment,’’ junior Alex Hernandez said.

Aiming to incorporate her ftness lifestyle into her work life, Chapman decided to take on the position of head track coach at Gables. Working alongside her co-head coach, Michel Fotso, Chapman fnds a connection between what she loves most outside of school and her Cavalier community.

Furthermore, Chapman has found ways to use her passion for ftness off campus as a

“I’m not the sharpest knife in the electrical socket.”

“Before AP season, Heimler appears in my dreams.”

“Only my student aide gets a donut. I don’t trust the rest of you.”

GIVING DIRECTION: Jennifer Chapman provides instruction to to her track and feld runners as they begin an afterschool practice.

yoga instructor at LA Fitness. Chapman has found peace and tranquility in seeing and helping others progress in their athleticism journeys.

“Chapman is one of the coaches that really makes a difference on the feld,’’ sophomore Jasmin Abu said. “She pushes you while always looking out for you.’’

Though Chapman has many responsibilities with both her positions at Gables and her interests outside of school, she consistently fnds time to help others and herself progress and grow.

“I’m not cooked, I’m burnt to a crisp for this project.”

“Why is soccer called that anyway? You don’t play in socks.”

“There is no need for my dog to have a panic attack after sleeping all day.”

Stacy Urbina/highlights

Stacy Urbina/highlights

Surviving study season

As Gables

approaches the

end-of-year testing season, highlights offers Cavaliers tips and tricks to prepare for exams

BY JULIA VOLMAN, FEATURES EDITOR

EVERY YEAR, AS TESTING season approaches, students often become extremely overwhelmed and struggle to navigate the workload and stress. Students, especially those taking Advanced Placement and International

Baccalaureate classes, endure the endless hours of revision that accompany exam season each year. Though, to nagivate this turbulent area effectively, there are various measures that Cavaliers can take. Whether it is discovering the perfect study spot, having

Study Tips and Resources

SAT REVISION

• Practice SAT tests are available on the College Board website, accompanied by answer keys to check one’s work.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

• Online seminars are available for purchase, such as Heimler’s Ultimate Review Packets, for AP history courses; less in depth videos are posted on

YouTube and available to all.

• Practice multiple choice and free response tests are available on AP Classroom.

IB TESTING

• Resources for practice tests are available on platforms such as revisionvillage.com.

• Review work done throughout the entirety of the year to maintain a cumulative understanding of the topics.

Coral Gables Branch Library

Only a 13 minute walk from Gables’ campus Study Locations

University of Miami Richter Library

Free to Gables’ IB students, $5 day pass available for others. Enter through San Amaro Dr for access to parking

Cafes and coffee shops near you

Starbucks Coffee locations

Offers seating, tables and refreshments

Barnes & Noble Cafes

Enjoy a baked good while you study or read

access to the correct resources and revision materials or being equipped with certain study must-haves, there are an abundance of ways to make the testing process easier. highlights has compiled lists of tips and reccomendations for readers to have in the upcoming months.

Study

Must-haves

• The essentials: a laptop or other device and course materials such as textbooks

• Snacks: fuel your brain

• Water: staying hydrated enhances concentration

• Headphones: cancelling outside noise will help limit distractions

• A study partner: help keep each other accountable and bounce ideas back and forth

GABLES NEWS IN BRIEF

BY WILLIAM HARDIE, STAFF WRITER

IB BOOTCAMP EVENT

IB Bootcamp was held for sophomores who are members of the IB Academy. Run by IB Coordinator Diana Van Wyk-Lamb and the IB Executive Council, the camp explains the requirements for the International Baccalaureate academy in detail to Pre-IB sophomores it was held on April 11 and 12. On day one, the IB Extended Essay was explained. On day two, Creativity, Activity and Service, a core part of IB, and assessments were explained. Theory of Knowledge exhibitions were presented. Students opened their ManageBac accounts, where their IB assignments will be submitted.

“We simplify the complex process to a level sophomores would be able to understand to ensure the success of our students,” junior and IB Executive Council member Michelle Hernandez said.

INSTAGRAM NEWS SOURCE

As stated on Instagram, the app is a photo and video sharing service that is not intended as a news outlet. There are over 64 million millennials and around 45.7 million Generation Z users on Instagram, as per Hootsuite’s Global State of Digital report. Only having short breaks to digest information, millennials fnd it appealing to be able to access both entertainment and news on one platform, especially one on which many spend their time. Some traditional news sources like The New York Times have created their own platforms within Instagram, thereby allowing people to fnd their news on social media.

“They can show you the things they want you to see. Instagram is full of rhetoric from individuals who lack expertise,” millennial teacher Maxwell Wood said.

Junior Tiffany Beh has been named a Carson Scholar, winning a $1,000 scholarship award.

Congrats, Cavs!

Congratulations to junior Tiffany Beh for being named a Carson Scholar. The Carson Scholar Fund awards 1,000 dollars to students in grades seven to 11 and looks at student’s academic and humanitarian qualities. Carson scholars must have a minimum GPA of 3.75. The humanitarian qualities are measured through each applicant’s community service achievements. Beh fts these qualities as a student and person, thus she was nominated and got the scholarship. As per the offcial Carson Scholars website, an interested student must be nominated by an educator at their school to be able to compete for the scholarship.

IN-SCHOOL TUTORING

This year tutoring has been offered at Gables by faculty members for subjects like mathematics and English. Flyers are posted around school showing where and when the tutoring is offered. Math tutoring is offered on Mondays in rooms 1215, 1202 and 1206 for Algebra 1, Algebra 1 ESOL, Geometry ESOL, Algebra 2 and Precalculus. On Wednesdays, Algebra 1 takes place in room 1202, while Geometry is taught in room 1206. English tutoring is on Thursdays with English, flm and creative writing teacher Gabriel Rodriguez in room 2128.

“Ideally the tutoring will help students become more confdent in the work they are presenting,” Rodriguez said.

h h

22 IB Brunch May

23

ourtesy of ofa an de Acedo.

New police systems in MDC schools

Miami-Dade County is implementing CERA, a new software to help students video call with police and get aid

BY SAMANTHA SEARS, STAFF WRITER

STAND WITH PARKLAND IS an organization that was created by the parents of the victims of the school shooting on Feb. 14, 2018, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County. The organization aims to advocate for safety in public schools through reforms meant to reduce school shootings and put systems in place to minimize their harm in the case that they do occur.

s per the offcial Stand with arkland website, the organization has successfully implemented mental health screenings, support programs and responsible frearm ownership reform. One of the activist group’s latest safety pro ects was frst launched on eb. and is known as the Critical Event Response Applications software, according to the offcial illage of Biscayne ark website.

he CE software consists of an app developed by former Hallandale Beach police ma or Edward cGovern, who was one of the offcers who responded to the ar ory Stoneman ouglas shooting. CE ’s ultimate goal is to allow students or victims of a masscasualty event to video call with police to get medical help or report a suspect’s location, according to Axios.

rior to the Columbine shooting, offcers were required to wait outside however, offcers are now required to respond [to the threat] immediately, get the ob done and make sure everyone gets home safe,” school resource offcer yle Gurt said.

In comparison to other safety systems already in place, CE offers a better means of communication between frst responders

42% of school resource offcers reported having received specialized training from national or state organizations.

Source: National Association of Student Resource Offcers

and witnesses to emergency situations. The methods most often used previously were 911 and two-way radio, which were both prone to miscommunication and delayed response time. CE ’s use of video in their emergency calls allows for information about locations,

counties have committed to deploying the new software as a part of a $500,000 grant.

n olice E plorers, we have an abbreviation for a suspect’s physical characteristics called B . believe CE would be very helpful in quickly reporting the suspects’ BOLO,” sophomore Juan Sainz said.

Before the Columbine shooting, offcers were required to wait outside however, offcers are now required to respond [to the threat] immediately, get the job done and make sure everyone gets home safe.

Kyle Gurtz, school resource offcer “

injuries and perimeter points to be better relayed to those responding to the scene, as per the CE website.

CE has begun to roll out with the Hallandale Beach Police Department’s push to implement the software in 2023. The Biscayne ark olice epartment has begun using the software with the help of a federal grant, according to CE ’s website. ive other departments across Miami-Dade and Broward

65% of chool Resource ffcers carry a conducted energy device or a taser.

Source: National Association of Student Resource Offcers

Furthermore, measures have increasingly been taken to give students in iami ade County Public Schools access to wellequipped school resource offcers after recent events of school violence within the area and across the country. According to CBS News, offcers in iami ade go through e tensive, year-round training on the use of force, deescalation of dangerous situations and crisis intervention. This training is aimed at ensuring that offcers are ready to respond to crisis situations in schools, regardless of what they may be.

“We are the only school district in the country right now who has an entire police force dedicated strictly to the school board,” assistant principal Richard Martinez said. “I think that it is an imperative part of our safety protocol here. think that ffcer Gurt does an amazing job and that his presence here is important and assists when any student has a problem.”

Through the implementation of programs including CE , iami ade continues to progress toward its goal of improving student safety on public school campuses. By working to prevent further crises and reduce the harm in icted by them, the county and its resource offcers hope to help students feel safe at school.

43% of schools in the United States currently have a School Resource ffcer

Source: American Civil Liberties Union

The rise of artifcial intelligence and its

impact

Recently, new technology softwares, such as artifcial in the lives of students, who use it to complete

BY SOLAL BENKEMOUN, STAFF WRITER, AND GEORGIA RAU, MANAGING EDITOR

IN AN AGE OF ARTIFICIAL intelligence, programs like ChatGPT work their ways into schools, resulting in restrictions against AI and measures being put in place to control students’ use of it. With this in mind, students wonder how to approach AI in an ethical manner.

As per International Business Machines, AI is advanced technology that allows computers and different machinery to recreate human intelligence and the human capacity for problem-solving. Students have begun to experiment with such programs. In fact, a recent ACT survey reports that, out of over 4,000 students in grades 10 through 12, 46% admit to using AI. Students may use the tool to complete digital home learning assignments, study for tests or complete research.

“The use of AI becomes more apparent everyday,” sophomore Valeria Cifuentes said.

What many do not realize is that AI has maintained a looming presence in most Americans’ lives for some time. For one, Apple’s “Siri,” a voice-enabled virtual assistant powered by AI, was created in 2011. However, today’s more advanced models can create data based on predictions and training, as per Forbes. Put simply, generative AI is much more like the human mind than its predecessors.

OpenAI explains that ChatGPT specifcally, a commonly used program, is a language learning model, meaning it models its responses from human demonstrations. However, ChatGPT isn’t connected to the internet, causing it to produce incorrect

answers at times, including harmful or biased content. Further, when one enters data into the program, it may be used to train AI models. While this is available to opt out of, educators worry that data entered in ChatGPT, like one’s original academic paper, will become part of

USA Today reports that schools are looking into the banning of GenAI due to plagiarism and cheating concerns, as it may serve some students as a shortcut for writing essays or completing other work.

Students need to understand that what the AI application produces does not belong to the student and may result in plagiarism since it is not the student’s authentic work.

Tony Ullivarri, principal “

AI’s knowledge set and then regurgitated to other individuals with similar prompts.

Dangers with GenAI seem extensive, especially in academic settings. Firstly, biases pose a threat in classrooms already, and with the implementation of AI in schools, this bias may be perpetuated. According to Brokkings, software used to predict a criminal’s risk of reoffending inaccurately mark Black individuals as future criminals. This same bias could be assigned in academic papers if AI is prompted to write something on such topics.

students speak up

“ “ AI can be extremely benefcial in certain instances, and it is great that our future is headed that way. Stacey Sime Lanang, junior D ivy a Dave/highlights

“Students need to understand that what the AI application produces does not belong to the student and may result in plagiarism since it is not the student’s authentic work,” Principal Tony Ullivarri said.

Despite these concerns, many believe that it’s worth using AI in academic circles, but that there is a correct and ethical way to do so. The New York Times reports that, in one U.S. classroom, English teacher Cherie Shields told students to ask ChatGPT to write an outline before writing their essays by hand. Shields explained that this gave them a deeper understanding of the essay topic and how to obtain an adequate response from AI models.

For students looking to use AI in an ethical manner as a supplementary learning tool, for example, as a research assistant, many academic formats approve the use of programs like ChatGPT if the application is cited correctly. Turnitin, which is used by schools like Gables to monitor AI usage in assignments, says that citing AI is an important factor in academic integrity. The tool’s blog explains that indicating AI usage in the body of the paper is important, as well as including it in any bibliography or works cited.

Many educators and students consider the use of AI inevitable, as its accessibility is growing. Because of this, methods of using AI in an academically honest way are available.

“ “ The constant use of AI in academic coursework can severely hinder a student’s ability to learn.

Chrisondria Marks, senior

impact on education

artifcial intelligence, have become extremely prevalent complete their assignments, affecting their learning

Source: Forbes

of Americans state that they interact with artifcial intelligence several times a day.

Source: Pew Research Center

of high school students state they use artifcial intelligence on school and non school related assignments

Source: American College Testing website

Source: Forbes A

of Americans are more concerned than excited about the increasing use of artifcial intelligence in daily life

Source: Pew Research Center

of teachers worry that students use artifcial intelligence for written assignments the most

STAFF-ED: Myths in digital wellness

Health misinformation is wildly prevalent in social media, leading many users to believe dangerous misconceptions

Written by staff writer Isabela Duarte. This article refects

TRENDS SHIFT OVER DECADES

and they have presently landed on a very specifc body type unachievable by most without extreme weight loss methods. With viral videos and popular health creators encouraging unhealthy habits, anyone with access to the internet is pushed into dieting culture under the pretense of health.

“I have gotten sucked into health TikTok, where I learn random fun facts that may or may not be true,” Gables Wellness president Saryn Moore said. “Although it sparks my curiosity, for confrmation I would need to go into a deeper dive of research.”

Users are made to believe they can achieve the “desirable body” through weight loss measures disguised as health measures. Subsequently, the weight loss market in the United States grew by 15% from 2020 to 2022, as reported by Business Wire.

One recently popularized method for rapid and possibly unhealthy weight loss is Ozempic, a weekly injection used to stimulate the pancreas to release insulin when glucose is present, such as after a meal, as defned by Ozempic’s informational site. Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk have admitted to using Ozempic and stated that it has helped them either maintain or lose weight without acknowledging the health risks, presenting the medication to the public as a

the opinion of the highlights 2023-2024 staff.

harmless weight loss strategy. The short-term effects include nausea, headaches and fatigue. In more serious cases, users of Ozempic for weight loss may experience loss of vision, heartburn and kidney failure, as reported by the injection’s informational site.

“Having famous people with such an impact promote something that could lead to serious side effects is dangerous. It takes away from the seriousness of the injection and its side effects,” sophomore Maykol Triana said.

Absurd diet trends such as low-fat, carnivore and juice diets have also become popularized. With these food restrictions, long-term health is not considered. Instead, the instant urge to ft society’s current body trend is prioritized above overall well-being.

The carnivore diet specifcally has attracted attention online. The diet consists of solely eating animal products including raw meat and sticks of butter. This poses specifc dangers, such as increased cholesterol levels and digestion issues, according to US News.

Moreover, social media presents unhealthy wellness trends masked as “glow up” and health tips. Videos specifcally centering on a creator’s daily diet, labeled “What I Eat in a Day,” tend to start with shots of the infuencers that emphasize their conventionally attractive body types, implying that viewers can look like them if they just take the supplements and follow the meal plans they are promoting.

I have gotten some

“To make sure medical advice is factual, research, research, research while making sure if it’s from accredited publishing sites and medical journals,” head athletic trainer Alexia Clark said.

Weight loss supplements such as Bloom, “fat-burning” green tea and gummies have also gained traction as weight loss solutions. With the pressure of outside appearances being inevitably tied to health, supplements are seen as an easy way out of the societal misconceptions associated with looking a certain way. Companies take advantage of this and advertise their products as means to drastic and healthy weight loss, which is medically impossible with pills, as reported by Poison Control, the national informational site. The promotion by social media platforms of these harmful products on social media encourages individuals to continue or start unhealthy habits, leading Instagram to release an apology in 2021.

While scrolling on social media, audiences must keep in mind that the advice shared by infuencers should be taken with a grain of salt; many content creators lack professional education on nutrition and only share what worked for them personally. Food rules, calorie tracking and a body image focus are often signs of toxic diet culture. It is important to consult professionals for a personalized plan that will help achieve personal goals.

h

“ “ I used to believe in all those nutritional powders that were popular online, but now I realize they are scams.

Nathaniel Woods, freshman

Mouseketeers lead a movement

Disneyland’s 1,700 character actors and performers are planning on unionizing for better working conditions and pay

COMMENTARY BY EMILIA KOHNSTAMM, STAFF WRITER

N 2024, Cinderella isn’t picky. She doesn’t want a handsome prince, or a sky-blue gown, or a pumpkin carriage that she can stride into in shining glass slippers. Today, the only thing she wishes for is stable staffng and fair pay. To secure these basic privileges, over 1,700 Disneyland character actors and parade performers from Main Street to Fantasyland have begun to unionize under the Actors Equity Association.

Although Disneyland is commonly referred to as the happiest place on earth, it doesn’t necessarily fulfll this illusion for its workers, whose well-being is not always prioritized. According to The Associated Press, in the past, wage disputes related to the park have gone to court. However, since rumors of the union have begun to spread, Disneyland character and parade performer pay has increased from $20 to $24.15 per hour, mentioned the Actors’ Equity Association.

Alongside insuffcient pay, employees also encounter other issues in their daily lives. Frequently, actors share costume pieces, like wigs. These items are not always thoroughly cleaned between uses or appropriate for California’s notorious heat. Additionally, performers have also brought up concerns about being asked to wear tights and make-up that don’t match their skin tones, according to AP News. Comfort in costumes

is a necessity, but at Disneyland, it is not always achieved.

The Actors Equity Association, which represents 51,000 stage managers and actors, has been the face of the character actors of Orlando’s Disney World since 1990, explained the New York City Central Labor Council.

“Unions back you up in sticky situations. They always vouch for us.” long time Disney World character Melissa Gonzalez said. “During Covid, if we didn’t have a secure union, we would have all been fred. It protected our benefts, sick time, etc. It saved my job and is one of the main reasons I’m still with the company today.”

Serving as a foundation for the current unifcation in Los Angeles, the character actor unionization that occurred in Disney World in Orlando has brought employees several privileges. Disney World character actors have enhanced job security and pay that directly relates to housing costs in the area, reported the Orange County Register.

“In theater we’re often told we’re

lucky to have a job.” theater teacher Tracey Barrow-Schoenblatt said. “Even though that is true to some degree, we still need to be afforded the same rights and courtesies that are guaranteed in other industries. We make a lot of people around the world happy.”

It is the character actors and parade performers that complete Disneyland’s enchanting environment. They’re present at shows, meet-and-greets and character dining experiences; they join intensely choreographed parades that traverse the sparkling streets. These character actors are incredibly talented and devoted, and they deserve as much respect as any everyday flm or stage actor.

According to CBS News, union cards have already begun circling across Disneyland. Hopefully, the developing union, which has dubbed itself “Magic United,’’ will be able to resolve the current issues plaguing its members and address future concerns. If the stars align, Cinderella will hold on to her wish past the strike of midnight.

opposable thumbs

Notes App

-Alyssa Dopico,

Online Editor

-i as a Plural Ending

“How do you sleep at night with the word ‘radii’ on the loose?”

-Julia Volman, Features Editor The Oscars

“Jimmy Kimmel should have gotten slapped.”

-Juan Chavez, Staff Writer h

The impact of Florida laws: the death of diversity

Recent laws aimed at curbing diversity in public effect, and administrators and educators all around

COMMENTARY BY SANTIAGO GIRALDO, ONLINE EDITOR

RECEIVING A

public education has been a blessing for all the people raised within the Miami-Dade public school system and those who come from all around the world to form part of it. The integrity of this opportunity has been threatened in recent years as Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Florida legislature have made it their mission to completely reshape ho specifc educational topics are taught inside of schools, particularly the history of minorities and race in general.

With the passing of the “Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees,” or Stop WOKE Act, in 2022, the teaching of critical race theory was banned in Florida. According to C e s, this la has been re ected in the Florida Department of Education’s decision to include that slavery as benefcial to enslaved African Americans in their renewed African American History curriculum for 2023.

Thus, instead of learning critically about how governmental systems have previously

shown prejudice toward minorities in this country, Florida students are now going to be forced to learn falsehoods like slavery being benefcial to enslaved people. his is all in the name of ending “wokeness” and accurate understandings of historical events–knowledge that is necessary to ensure these events are not repeated in the future.

“It is important to tell the whole story and not just fragmented pieces of a historical event,” Advanced Placement History teacher Aaron Miller said.

Additionally, the Parental Rights in Education Act, passed in 2022 and expanded in 2023, allows any member of a Floridian community to object to any classroom or library book describing sexual content from kindergarten to grade 12 and impose a ban, as stated by Politico. Yet, instead of remaining within the law’s guidelines, school districts have been forced to review and remove books that do not have anything to do with sexual content.

NPR demonstrated this when the Bob Graham Education Center, a K-8 school in Miami-Dade County, had to remove a poem

by the numbers

1,600 Over books were under investigation with the risk of being banned during the 2022-2023 school year,

13 of which are dictionaries and encyclopedias.

by the 2017-2018 United States poet laureate Amanda Gorman titled “The Hill We Climb,” because it was reported for promoting hate speech. However, upon further inspection, there was no hate speech, as it was a poem about the progression of America throughout time that just happened to be written by a black oman. his is unsettling as the ramifcations of the recent laws that have been passed seem to marginalize unrepresented communities further and seek to promote book banning, something unheard of in America’s vibrant democracy.

This issue worsens when getting speakers to visit campus to talk to students. The Parental Rights in Education Act has also forced schools to require parental consent for every guest speaker who visits a public school. This has led to unfortunate consequences as schools like Coral Way K-8 Center, which distributed parental consent forms due to the speaker reading a book by an African American, according to the Washington Post.

This event led to national controversy over the potential racist ramifcations of the law, as it is strange that a book would

300 Roughly books were removed from the shelves of Florida school libraries in the 20222023 school year.

diversity in public education

public education have now taken around the state must now comply

denote the need for parental consent just for being written by an African American. According to the Orlando Sentinel, this led DeSantis to argue that claims of a Florida book ban were hoaxes and that school districts were misinterpreting the new law. Yet, several administrators have pursued options, like the incident at Coral Way, to avoid risking their jobs.

In reference to Gables, the way these laws are enforced can be seen with Politicare and the current library remodeling. Political Activism and Civic Engagement Club (PACE) members sought to invite a speaker who may have been considered inappropriate to bring on campus under this current law.

“GirlUp had this speaker that was going to talk about reproductive rights, but we could not allow the speaker to come because of Desantis’ law, which intended to promote parental rights,” senior PACE Co-President Emmanuelle Desmet said. “Yet, instead of doing what it was intended to do, it has sheltered minors from experiencing another political perspective without their parent’s approval.”

To resolve this situation, the club would have had to provide permission slips to all Politicare attendees, which could have been up to 400 students. Due to the diffcult nature of the situation, the club uninvited the speaker.

While somewhat well-intentioned, The Parental Rights in Education Act has led to students being less civically engaged with their community and denying the student body the ability to think critically.

Regarding the library’s remodeling, to comply with the law, all the books that were in the library before the remodeling have to be reviewed to determine if they can remain. This review process should be open to students so that all can be engaged within the Gables community to seek what is best for all students.

In essence, Florida public education has changed a lot in the past few years, and those changes have signifcantly impacted schools. Now, in the upcoming November election, it is up to the Gables community to prevent these changes from further damaging public education. h

The subtle art of the troll

COMMENTARY BY AVA VOLMAN, OPINION EDITOR

Feeling bored with your day to day school life? Want to take your mind off your ever-growing workload? Need to create some interesting lore as fast as possible? If you have any of the aforementioned issues, I have the perfect solution: the subtle art of the troll.

A troll usually refers to an internet jokester. However, Cavaleon Editor-inChief Amalia Garrido and I have redefned the term to mean an elaborate prank to spice up an otherwise boring school day.

From orchestrating a fake promposal to creating an elaborate Instagram giveaway, Amalia and I have participated in our fair share of trolls. Our typical weekday consists of brainstorming a covert trolling operation and then doing the absolute most to execute it before the clock strikes 2:20.

“The perfect troll requires these three things: being clever, a good giggle and a troll companion. I can’t give away too much, because then what kind of troll would I be?” professional troller Amalia Garrido said.

Out of Florida’s

counties,

of them removed books in the 20222023 school year.

Our best troll to date has been our ongoing mission to convince a fellow classmate that they are actually a member of the Mormon church. From detailed clergy recruitment letters to daily spam emails to a suprisingly well photoshopped image of them holding the Book of Mormon, Amalia and I have invested months into probably the best troll we have ever trolled. Sorry you had to fnd out like this Adriaan.

“Yeah, Ava and Amalia troll pretty often. I like it. It’s cool. Sometimes I feel like they’re actually plotting against me by keeping me close. But that’d be a little OD, no?” confdant Saryn Moore said.

Keep your eyes out for our next troll; you never know where we’ll strike next. As for Saryn, she has no idea what’s coming for her.

h

Design by Ava Volman/highlights

TWO VIEWS: SCSI: Rehabilitation or public

With SCSI expanding its jurisdiction at Gables, whether SCSI is a practical punishment for the use

COMMENTARY BY MARIE WEISSON, STAFF WRITER

ROM USING notebooks and books to learn, students have now shifted to AI. Despite objections from students, the use of AI is dangerous for the educational development of students and has created a negative impact on education. It has made it easier for students to complete their school assignments with dishonesty. Therefore, it is clear that the School Center for Special Instruction (SCSI) is an appropriate and effective consequence of the bad use of artifcial intelligence in schools

SCSI is a disciplinary program that is designed to manage student behavior. At Gables, students must complete a series of community service-oriented tasks, such as removing litter from school premises. These actions are intended to correct students, having a positive effect since they can refect and learn to f their conduct

There are different types of detention, each depending on the severity of the case. At Gables, students who violate minor school rules, like not wearing uniform, are punished with after-school detention. If the severity increases, they must attend SCSI, and if administration does not see changes, e treme

DID YOU KNOW?

89% of students admit to using OpenAI’s ChatGPT to complete homework assignments.

Source: Forbes

measures are taken such as out-of-school suspension.

“CSI should be a learning tool. CSI is not a paint party,” Assistant Principal Patrick Curtis said. “When you go to CSI it should be, ‘I want to correct my behavior, so I am not here again.’’’

A controversial topic among students is the suspension due to the use of artifcial intelligence. Oftentimes when students use AI for their assignments, they present these as their own ideas. Presenting work done by another person is plagiarism and considered academic dishonesty, which should be penalized. As a result, teachers at Gables are checking AI in their assignments, especially for the students in the IB program. According to The Washington Post, teachers use AI writing detectors or Turnitin in order to prove the liability of their students’ assignment and to spot plagiarism. The new jurisdictions of the SCSI determine that if student assignments indicate a high AI use in completing them, these students will be sent to SCSI.

For many of these students, the use of AI seems very useful and effective for their assignments, however in the long term it is not enefcial ccording to he ational nstitutes of Health, AI leads to the loss of knowledge and decreases work ethic. This is because

by using these tools, students stop thinking and become more dependent on these apps to complete their assignments. SCSI hopes to students to not use AI again, so in that way they dont get SCSI, and will eventually help them learn to think for themselves.

“Using AI is not bad, but students have to learn how and when to use it,” senior Hassan Shahid said. “Instead of a tool for completing tasks, it should be used as a tool for improvement for their own skills.”

According to the Guardian, ChatGPT has no critical or moral understanding. When using this application, students do not learn from an application that uses the critical thinking necessary to succeed in school, much less apply their own thinking skills. By implementing SCSI as a punishment for using AI, students will stop being dependent on it and become better learners.

It is important to recognize that it is inevitable that technological advances will lead students to utilize AI. However, students must learn how to use this resource without committing plagiarism or committing academic dishonesty.

DID

YOU KNOW?

34% of all educators believe that ChatGPT should be banned in schools and universities.

Source: Forbes

DID YOU KNOW?

70% of all educators believe that the use of ChatGPT constitutes plagarism.

Source: Neuroscience News

humiliation?

Gables, administrators leave students questioning use of artifcial intelligence in completing assignments

COMMENTARY BY HAZEL GROSELL, STAFF WRITER

INCE THE one-room schoolhouse days, new resources like the internet have made it easier for students to neglect academic integrity. Currently, administrators are setting a precedent for how to confront academic misconduct in the age of artifcial intelligence, leaning on imperfect and arguably ineffective strategies like Gables’ in-school suspension program, SCSI.

Miami-Dade County introduced its take on in-school suspensions in 2015, emphasizing a new program called the School Center for Special Instruction. According to MDCPS’s Implementation Guide for Behavior, SCSI, commonly known by the student body as CSI, provides guidance services to misbehaving students, encouraging them to realign their priorities and focus on school. The goal of SCSI is to keep students on campus while separating them from the rest of the student body.

“The biggest disadvantage of CSI is that individuals who are struggling in school might end up in there and then miss class, but for the most part it is a good deterrent,” Assistant Principal Patrick Curtis said.

Administrators are now turning to ISS programs when setting precedents in academic

misconduct cases, adding fuel to the already subjective nature of SCSI by combining it with a relatively unexplored frontier: AI use in schools. As administrators crack down on AI use, the student body grows more suspicious of the AI detection software they employ to catch students.

Currently, Gables uses a progressive disciplinary plan that considers precedent, the student’s reputation and the administrator’s personal experience to craft a fair punishment. Unfortunately, this plan increases the infuence of the administrator’s disposition on the decision, leaving students especially vulnerable to personal bias now that administrators armed with unreliable AI detection software have little to no precedent to follow when drafting consequences for AI use.

“AI use is inevitable,” Assistant Principal Janine Leyte-Vidal said. “SCSI’s job is to act as a deterrent and prevent students from using artifcial intelligence and passing it off as their own. It is important to set a certain standard with the student body to make sure that plagiarism does not go unchecked.”

According to the Rochester Institute of Technology, poor time management is one of the main reasons for academic plagiarism. To think that overwhelmed, well-behaved students who plagiarized their assignment will grow from losing instructional time is short-

students speak up

“

“ There must be a better way to resolve this issue without disrupting students’ education.

Lucas Martinez-Miro, sophomore

sighted. In fact, this new expansion of SCSI’s jurisdiction into academic affairs neglects the principal purpose of ISS: to rehabilitate struggling students and provide them with the resources they need to get back on their feet. Furthermore, Gables’ administration will likely struggle to improve students’ academic habits in SCSI because the program was initially structured to act as a consequence of behavioral issues, not academic ones. As a result, it is unlikely that students will learn their lesson.

However, educators are already implementing more proactive strategies to prepare students for the changing tide of disciplinary action. This year, Gables hosted a mandatory assembly that covered the consequences of using AI to plagiarize and how to cite it ethically, illustrating a positive stream of communication between students and their superiors.

Now that AI is mainstream, giving students the tools they need to properly manage their time is crucial to eliminating AI use; removing them from their natural school environment is not the solution. Educating students on using artifcial intelligence ethically and providing them with every opportunity to correct their habits will be more effective than disciplining them post-offense.

h

“ “ Missing class is not an effective punishment for academic misconduct.

Chiara Abad-Sanchez, junior

SPORTS BRIEFS

BY MARIA ARDILA, STAFF WRITER

Courtesy of The NCAA

NCAA approves double contact

On Feb. 20, the NCAA unveiled rule changes for the 2024 women’s volleyball season. Among the new changes, they approved double contacts, meaning the ball may now come into contact with a player more than once with any part of their body on the team’s second contact.

The NCAA Women’s Volleyball Committee members debated on the implementation of the rule, as they believed it would bring more consistency to the game and reduce the number of calls. However, this

modifcation has received some backlash because experienced players who have perfected their plays to accommodate the previous rule are frustrated that their years of conditioning will be rendered useless. Nonetheless, the NCAA has reassured the players that the change would alter just a few calls.

“It will make games continue if offcials aren’t required to call doubles on setters setting their teammates,” head volleyball coach Monica De La Vega said. h

Miami Dolphins Hard Knocks

The latest season of the NFL and HBO-produced reality sports documentary series “Hard Knocks,” follows the Miami Dolphins throughout the second half of the 2023-2024 season.

“Hard Knocks: In Season with the Miami Dolphins” was directed by Steve Trout and stars head coach Mike McDaniel.

Every practice, eight players are wired. The flm crew also follows the players that they plan to mic during the games on their personal days

upcoming events

May

20 Staff

Volleyball game at 1 p.m.

off without being too exploitative. Through the show, the audience is able to see another side of the players, be it as simple as Zach Sieler and Christian Wilkins’ on-feld relationship or as intimate as being taken inside the home of Tyreek Hill.

“The exposure lets people see things they wouldn’t normally see, and naturally, it allows a little more insight into what really goes on behind the doors of a professional team,” head tackle football coach Frank Welsh said.

May 22 Spring Football game vs Coral Reef at 4 p.m. h

athlete spotlight

Brooke Lawson sophomore Sport: Soccer Accomplishments:

Lawson was named captain of this year’s varsity soccer team, has scored 19 goals throughout the season, led the school team to district fnals and began her 8th year playing travel soccer for Miami Breakers FC.

Courtesy of Brooke Lawson

Music’s motivating role in athletics

Listening

to music while exercising has been seen to improve

athletic performance but also create safety concerns

BY LILY GORON, STAFF WRITER

LISTENING TO MUSIC WHILE working out has been proven to be very benefcial. Studies have shown that the mere idea of working out is not enough to increase motivation, but reaching for this missing boost through rhythm and tempo instantly distracts from the stimulating task at hand, according to ResearchGate.

While some may think listening to music while working out could be a cause for distraction, there actually are many psychological and physical benefts. First, it increases motivation and therefore improves endurance and the quality of the workout through the increase of stamina, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Motivational music helps people push through fatigue, according to the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Finding the

right song with the right lyrics and tempo can aid athletes in completing exercises. Listening to music creates a rhythmic response and helps synchronize the movements with the tempo of the song, allowing for complete control of muscle movement and a greater endurance. Listening to music also creates movements improving repeatability and muscle control, according to the National Institute for Fitness and Sport.

However, there are a few negative effects of listening to music while performing physical activity. Although music has been shown to aid in athletic performance, it can also divert attention from preserving proper form or technique. Furthermore, the distraction enabled by listening to music may cause an athlete to disregard the pain their body is feeling, which may be benefcial in the short term but can have detrimental effects

afterward if the pain does not stop, according to the National Health Center for Research.

As an example of preventing possible safety risks, in 2007, the USA Track & Field administration banned the use of headphones and portable audio players at offcial races as a means to ensure safety and prevent runners from having a competitive edge, according to The Health Sciences Academy. Although people may argue that listening to music is both benefcial and harmful, its effects are not completely known, and eliminating the practice in general allows all of these competitions to be ruled equally.

While listening to music has many benefts regarding motivation and performance, there are potential safety concerns. It is preferable to fnd a balance that suits the physical activity and one’s rhythm to ensure that both focus and enjoyment are maintained.

27% of students fnd that pop is the most motivating genre of music to listen to while working out.

95% of students believe that choosing the right motivating music affects their workout positively.

61% of students have never experienced challenges or distractions related to listening to music while exercising.

Compiled by Lily Goron/highlights

Queen of the mat Junior Kamora Willis continues to excel in wrestling and rank high in local and regional district competitions

BY ARWEN LAW, STAFF WRITER

AFTER STEPPING ONTO THE wrestling mat for the frst time her freshman year, junior Kamora Willis continues to pursue her sport with a strong passion. Attending multiple competitions, Willis plans to take the maledominated sport of wrestling to soaring heights after winning this year’s district competition.

Previously a cheerleader in elementary and middle school, Willis originally aspired to follow her older sister’s footsteps, trying out for the Gables cheerleading team her freshman year. Despite her efforts, she did not make the team and knew she had to fnd another sport to dedicate her time to.

Afterward, Willis attempted track and feld but soon realized that the sport was not the right ft for her. As she continued to search, her cousin, junior Levon Johnson, suggested she try out for the wrestling team. Hesitant at frst, she attended the tryouts for the team. Stepping in front of her teammates, Willis admired the strength and passion the wrestlers had as she spectated the sport.

“When I frst heard about wrestling from my cousin, I thought it was just a sport for guys that was too violent for girls with all the slams, but when I joined, I developed a much better understanding,” Willis said.

Making it onto the team, Willis began practicing to become a wrestler, needing to change her diet and adapt to different sporting habits. Training every morning, she began running on the track to build stamina. She also started weight training to build her strength. Along with eating protein, Willis decided to eat more fruits, vegetables and carbohydrates

to further balance her diet.

Joining the team as a girl, Willis believed she would stand out from her teammates, since the team had a majority of guys. However, the welcoming wrestlers helped Willis fall in love with the sport and adapt to the new environment of physical activity and conditioning. She gained respect from her teammates and support from one of her

“Now, I’m extremely proud of how far she has gone, and I give all the credit to the hard work she puts in.”

Willis’ frst tournament her freshman year was at the Greater Miami Athletic Conference in Homestead, which she competed in individually. After qualifying for GMAC every year since she began, she made history in 2023 when she became the frst Gables female wrestler to win this tournament, following four consecutive wins.

Now, I’m extremely proud of how far she has gone, and I give all the credit to the hard work she puts in.

Thomas Hardie, wrestling coach “

leading role models, wrestling coach Thomas Hardie. Having grown up without a father fgure, Willis believes that Hardie flls that gap as a mentor and signifcant teacher in her life. Whenever Willis feels like giving up as a wrestler, Hardie is always able to bring up her spirits and encourage her to keep reaching for her goals.

“Whenever she was anxious or had a breakdown at matches, I always lifted her up and gave her a helping hand, ” Hardie said.

“When I went to GMAC and placed, that made a big impact on me. With no prior knowledge of wrestling and still qualifying for districts and regionals only in my freshman year, I knew wrestling had to be my sport,” Willis said.

Progressing into her junior year, she earned the title “Queen of the Mat,” meaning she placed frst and went undefeated at the Coral Park tournament. Improving her skills and learning new strategies, she was able to progress as an experienced wrestler. She continues to encourage prospective female wrestlers to join the team and step out of their comfort zone.

After graduating from Gables next year, Willis aspires to wrestle professionally and eventually become an Olympic athlete. Setting a goal for herself, she persists in leaving an athletic legacy for female wrestlers, demonstrating that anybody can excel in any sport despite the roadblocks that themselves or others may set for them. Inspiring future female wrestlers at Gables, Willis continues to be a role model for many that hope to earn achievements similar to hers.

REPRESENTING HER TEAM: From left to right, Willis poses alongside her female teammates, smiles for the camera as she is recognized at the wrestling team’s annual banquet and tackles her opponent to the ground as she secures a win in her home match.

Design by Alexander Brazda/highlights

Courtesy of Kamora Willis

Courtesy of Kamora Willis

Courtesy of Kamora Willis

Caitlin and Sabrina gain traction

WNBA and NCAA stars Sabrina Ionescu and Cailtin Clark

draw attention to the underappreciated skills of female players

BY NATHALIE SCHWART, BUSINESS MANAGER

ATIONAL COLLEGE ATHLETIC

Association star Caitlin Clark and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star Sabrina Ionescu are proving that they can erase women’s basketball stigma by breaking records and gaining media attention, inspiring women along the way.

According to ESPN, Iowa Hawkeyes star Clark recently declared for the WNBA draft after becoming the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer. She broke “Pistol” Pete Maravich’s 1970 record of 3,667 points across four years, reaching 3,685 points so far during her fourth season.

Clark is all about growing women’s basketball. Her efforts are needed because, according to Sports Business Journal, only 15% of total sports coverage is dedicated to women’s sports.

Due to her popularity, Clark has earned around $3.1 million in endorsements under the

players like Caitlin Clark’s and others’ current success making people take girls basketball more seriously,” sophomore and girls varsity basketball player Lauren Puig said.

The media attention surrounding Clark has drawn eyes to women’s sports. Clark and her team have broken attendance records for almost all of their games this season, with her record-breaking game attracting 4.4 million viewers in total. Even away games averaged twice as many spectators than those against non-Iowa opponents, meaning her impact is affecting other teams too.

“Two of my biggest inspirations are Caitlyn Clark and Sabrina Ionescu,” senior girls varsity basketball captain Savannah Virreal said. “Through their achievements, they are what motivates me to strive for greatness in college basketball and beyond.”

Ionescu, star guard for the WNBA’s New York Liberty, is also creating space for women to shine on the court. She holds the WNBA record for most three-pointers in a single season at 128. During the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, Ionescu’s success allowed her to face off against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry — the league’s alltime three-pointer leader — in a shooting contest. As noted by the NBA, Ionescu was initially supposed to shoot from the WNBA three-point line, which is closer to the hoop than the NBA line. However, she decided to

Billie Jean King @BillieJeanKing

Sheʼs made history!

Cheers to @CaitlinClark22, the new NCAA Womenʼs Basketball All-Time Leading Scorer.

If you play caitlin on sunday you gotta start guarding her on saturday

round

shoot on the NBA line to prove her skill and adaptability. Although Ionescu lost 26-29, she ranked among the top scorers in the history of this competition, even tying this year’s NBA three-point contest winner, Damian Lillard, in his fnal round.

While the WNBA only averages 500,000 viewers per game compared to the NBA’s 1.7 million, as per ESPN, this competition could be a stepping stone to more collaborations between the leagues. Over 5.4 million viewers watched the shootout, creating more awareness of the skills that WNBA players possess but often go unnoticed.

“Seeing how women’s college basketball has evolved over the last two years after watching these women break records, and their overall competitiveness really inspires and motivates me to improve my game,” senior girls varsity basketball captain Taylor Ravello said.

Nevertheless, the job will not be done until women athletes are afforded equal pay, NIL opportunities and media coverage. Women,

s getttttt it!! See ya at the 3 pt line @StephenCurry30

Design by Alexander Brazda/highlights

Shea Serrano @SheaSerrano

The greatest

we may see in a long time @sabrina_i20.

Karl-Anthony Towns @KarlTowns

Sabrina Ionescu

Bump, set, spike against the Sabres

On

March 14, Gables’

beach volleyball team competed against the St. Brendan Sabres at home

BY WILLIAM HARDIE, STAFF WRITER

AT CORAL GABLES SENIOR

High, the courts heated in the glaring sun as Gables’ beach volleyball team started their fourth game. Before this season, only local private schools had beach volleyball teams, but the recent addition of sand courts allowed Gables to become the frst public school in MiamiDade County to play the sport.

Before the game, the 10-player team left class early to review footage of their past games. They went over previous mistakes with coach Frank Barrios, a professional beach volleyball player and Gables alumni. Eventually, the team made its way to the courts, bringing speakers, coolers and tents to fght the glaring sun and enjoy the competition.

“It feels amazing as an alumni and as an athlete to be able to give back to the school where volleyball started for me,” Barrios said. “We have a great group of girls, and I look forward to continue working with them.”

The tents, set up beside the court, kept players in the shade as they waited to play. Each team is divided into fve groups of two, allowing members to referee the others’ games as they wait for their turn instead of traditional offcials hired by the school and certifed by the state.

At around 1 p.m., their opponents arrived: the St. Brendan Sabres.

To start off the game, each school’s second and fourth best pairs played on adjacent courts. The second best pair features sophomore Bianca Benson and freshman Sadie Bosch-

“

I was disappointed that as a school we lost, but I was proud that my partner and I were able to win a game, especially since the sport is still very new at Gables.

Corina McDanal, sophomore

Bianchi, both members of the girls indoor volleyball team. Benson has been a varsity member and starter since her freshman year at Gables. Benson and Bosch-Bianchi fought hard against the Sabres, digging their hits and attacking the court, but their match ultimately ended in defeat.

BUMPING THE BALL: Senior Andrea Mase returns the serve as she passes the ball to teammate senior Audrey Noval, who hits it back over.

On the other court, senior captains Audrey Noval and Andrea Mase battled St. Brendan’s fourth team. Noval had a diving play that kept the ball from hitting the sand, allowing Mase to score a vital point. Despite Mase and Noval fghting hard to keep the ball alive, sometimes even putting their bodies on the line, they also lost.

After the frst two sub-matches had concluded, teams one and three took up the courts. Gables’ number one team includes sophomore Corina McDanal and freshman Natasha Macau. Like Benson, McDanal has been a varsity starter for the indoor team since her frst year in high school.

Macau, a freshman Cavalier, was a varsity member on the girls indoor volleyball team this past season. Macau has a family history in volleyball, as both her father and uncle play professional beach volleyball. McDanal and Macau were the only Cavaliers to best the Sabres, winning two out of three sets. The third team, consisting of sophomores Isabella Cruz and Angelina López-Lia Levi, also lost, leaving Gables with a score of 1-4 against St. Brendan.

“I was disappointed that as a school we lost, but I was proud that my partner and I were able to win a game, especially since the sport is still very new at Gables,” McDanal said.

h

DEFENDING AT THE NET: Sophomores Isabella Cruz and Angelina Levi prepare to return a serve from in the back of the court.

Isabela Duarte/highlights Isabela Duarte/highlights

Flight, favor and history

Bayshore Club offers a taste of Miami’s aviation past with fresh seafood, live music and waterfront ambiance

BY ANDREA MASE, STAFF WRITER

WHAT WAS ONCE A NAVAL air station and later a base for Pan American World Airway’s foat planes is now a scenic waterfront outdoor restaurant.

Inspired by its historic past, Bayshore Club perfectly combines the idyllic Miami tropical scene with the aviation aesthetic through its menu consisting mostly of seafood dishes and its dramatic curved roof.

Customers do not only witness history while at Bayshore Club, but they also get to experience live music and enjoy outdoor frepits, cabanas and ping pong tables. Overall, the Bayshore Club, located in Coconut Grove, is a relaxing place to spend a Saturday afternoon enjoying the waterfront view, live music and good food.

Bayshore Club opened in July of 2023 and is built on the historic site of Dinner Key, which was originally an island popular among boat travelers seeking a quick lunch. The island of Dinner Key was later connected to mainland Coconut Grove in 1914, where it later became the site of the frst continental naval air station in the U.S.

Starting in the 1930s, Dinner Key later became a base for Pan American World Airway’s foat planes otherwise known as Clippers. The original Pan Am terminal building instead now serves as the Miami City Hall, neighboring Bayshore Club. Inspired by this history, the Bayshore Club restaurant makes sure to highlight its aeronautical past.

“The concept of the restaurant is a throwback to the old age of aviation,” manager Luis Oliveros said. “The structure of the building itself refects that as well as the food refecting a waterfront restaurant.”

Being that it is a

waterfront property, guests are even allowed to arrive by sea. When frst arriving, they are welcomed by a foor to ceiling “Greetings from Miami” mural and a 360 degree bar, making the bar the center of the building. The open-air restaurant highlights a mid-century travel overhang that allows the breeze to still pass through, making visitors feel even more connected to the Bay.

Bayshore Club also offers a lawn with games like cornhole and ping-pong, as well as fre pits, additional seating and private cabanas. To make the experience of the restaurant even more special, live music plays weekly Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. from a variety of talented artists.

“I love the ambiance of Bayshore,” senior Veronica Montalvo said. “The open air

the sunset.”

Also creating menus for popular Miami restaurants like Yardbone, Root & Bone and Stiltsville Bar, the James Beard nominated chef, Jeff McInnis, created the Bayshore Club menu hoping to master classic seafood dishes to channel the waterfront ambiance. For McInnis, this meant plates like shrimp cocktail, smoked wahoo fsh dip and grilled local fsh tacos.

On the pricier side, there is the lobster roll served on brioche bread with pickled onions and heirloom tomatoes, as well as the WOW Cocktail Cooler, featuring blue crab cocktail claws, local red royal shrimp and housemade Bayshore Club sauce on a bed of ice inside a boat cooler.

Also featuring exemplary handheld items like the Kickin’ Grilled Chicken Sandwich and the Bayshore Club Burger, the classic menu is curated to offer something for everyone.

OCEAN BREEZE AND FRIENDS: Bayshore Club

is a waterfront location, drawing in all patrons to enjoy its breeze on a classic sunny Miami day.

On Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bayshore Club provides a brunch menu featuring dishes like a chorizo and cheddar cheese omelet, traditional benedict, medianoche french toast and more. Their happy hour on Mondays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. include smaller appetizers like Bayshore beef sliders and conch fritters for a lower price.

Bayshore Club is more than just a restaurant, it stands as a testament to the rich history of Coconut Grove. Beyond curated seafood dishes, the social offerings catered for guests create a multifaceted experience, complete with an homage to Dinner Key.

h

Design by Carolina Castro/highlights

Andrea Mase/highlights

Take fight with Sky Coffee

Elevate your coffee experience with Sky Coffee Buenos Aires, a converted plane right in Brickell

BY ALEXANDRA FELS, STAFF WRITER

AS ONE APPROACHES SIMPSON

Park in Brickell, the frst thing one might notice is a full-sized plane that is cut down in the middle of the park. Decorated with endless plane memorabilia, this airplane houses pilots and fight attendants greeting customers who, on any other occasion, would be getting ready to board their fight to Buenos Aires.

As the door of the plane opens, however, passengers are met by fight attendants serving coffee and pastries. They realize that this airplane is not preparing for takeoff, but rather serving an immersive coffee and cafe experience.

Located in one of the few quiet streets of Brickell is Sky Coffee Buenos Aires, a half sized McDonnell Douglas MD-88 aircraft turned into an immersive cafe experience. Before entering the airplane, you are greeted with metal detectors and fake luggage. Upon arrival, guests are promptly greeted by pilots and fight attendants, who then assist them with ordering at the counter and guide them to picturesque airplane seats.

When the order is ready, customers can enjoy their food on an outdoor patio that overlooks Brickell’s iconic skyline. It is the

perfect place to unwind and take a break from the busy streets of Miami, in a peaceful park sipping coffee.

While shopping for chairs for an airportthemed restaurant she hoped to open, owner Rosana Bentos instead stumbled upon the aircraft that would soon become Sky Coffee. This plane was previously used for Delta Airlines and took its last fight in 2019. It was sitting in the airport, out of use, and Bentos stumbled upon it while perusing airplane decorations, which is when she got the idea of putting the restaurant inside of the plane.

“The concept for Sky Coffee was developed as an accident,” the owner’s sister, Mariana Bentos, said.

Sky Coffee focuses on harvesting purely organic products from coffee and tea to local produce and cheese. They offer a wide variety of coffee, including their specialty, Tierra del Fuego, that features 24 karat gold fakes. Other specialty coffee infusions include rose petals and marshmallows, though they also have some familiar favorites like the iced coffee and iced matcha latte.

While Sky Coffee mainly focuses on coffee, they also house an extensive menu and bakery spanning from breakfast foods

BOARDING IN PROGRESS: The retired MD-88 aircraft transports patrons to a fight, loaded with excellent coffee and pastries.

to lunch meals and evening snacks. Their menu fuses Argentinian and French cuisines, offering traditional Argentine Medialuna and Cantimpalo sandwiches while also serving traditional French macarons and croissants.

“I ran into this coffee shop on my way to the grocery store and absolutely fell in love with the food and environment,” senior Catalina Quinteros said. “I love the diversity of the menu, especially the Argentinian food, because it makes me feel at home.”

Sky Coffee is one of the most unique experiences open in Miami, with a complete aviation immersion right in the middle of Brickell. Luckily, not only is the experience well-curated, but the food is picked out to perfection.

Sky Coffee Buenos Aires offers more than just a cup of coffee, it offers an unforgettable experience that provides an escape from the bustling life on the ground and instead transports you to a blissful fight in the sky without taking off. Well-equipped with warm and friendly pilots and fight attendants, every detail is carefully crafted. From the uniforms to the menu list mimicking outgoing fight schedules, it is a transformative experience that is diffcult to forget.

h 24 the scene

SWEET AND SOUR: Sky Coffee offers a variety of beverages, ranging from fresh lemonade to iced coffee with different infusions.

Design by Carolina Castro/highlights

Alexandra Fels/highlights

Alexandra Fels/highlights

High-altitude movie marvels Under the stars and

with more than just

entertainment, the Rooftop Cinema Club redefnes movie nights

BY JUAN CHAVEZ, STAFF WRITER

IN THE WORLD OF CINEMA, everyone expects to fnd themselves quietly enjoying a new release in an indoor theater while eating popcorn. The Rooftop Cinema Club, however, presents movies differently. With the showing of cult classics, specialized snacks and drinks and various social activities, the Rooftop Cinema Club puts a unique twist on the moviewatching experience.

On the rooftop of a parking garage in Miami Beach, the Rooftop Cinema Club goes beyond the conventional movie night by introducing a new type of way to watch movies. Audiences can view the biggest names in Hollywood under the open sky of Miami. This divergent approach allows people to experience movies in a way unlike anything else offered in the city.

The Rooftop Cinema Club’s main specialty to audiences includes classic and nostalgic movies of all genres, including the biggest names such as “La La Land,” “Mamma Mia” and “Forrest Gump.” They also play movies that have been recently making a name for themselves in Hollywood, such as “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”

The theater fuses the aesthetics of the tropical and paradisal vibe of Miami with the Hollywood red carpet feel it hopes to achieve. As the Rooftop Cinema Club graces South Beach with its presence, the venue seamlessly integrates the vibrant colors, lush greenery and laid-back elegance that defne the city’s coastal atmosphere.

“The ambiance of the

viewing legendary movies is your strong suit.”

The Rooftop Cinema Club goes beyond the conventional movie night expected by most, by curating a selection of gourmet snacks and beverages. At the concession stands, artisanal popcorn in exotic favors and a large variety of drinks are some of the culinary offerings found. As the sun sets near the beach, attendees can tune in to these movies with drinks and snacks to their own liking.

Movies are not the only form of entertainment offered at the Rooftop Cinema Club; board and lawn games are also found here, such as cornhole and Jenga, which add a playful dimension to the cinematic experience.

To experience these movies, customers wear designated headphones to listen live, which only adds to the immersive experience of the movie. With comfortable beach chair seating arrangements, customers are treated to an experience that visually and auditorily enlightens them. Immersion and comfort are

the primary values that the Rooftop Cinema Club does not fail to offer.

“Everyone here gets their own type of experience here when they listen through their headphones to block out all that ambient noise coming from the rooftop.” general manager Nick Samero said. “The adirondack chairs and snacks we offer give customers that nostalgic feel when watching movies or doing our outdoor activities.”

The pricing at the Rooftop Cinema Club is designed to be affordable, ranging from $20 to $26 in tickets. However, it is essential to note that for certain movies intended for mature audiences, students may need a parent or guardian to accompany them.

The Rooftop Cinema Club also offers a wide array of seating and watching choices, allowing for audiences to customize their own watching experience in an already unique atmosphere.

One can get lawn chairs that come in sets of two, perfect for any date night or friendly hangout. Solo chairs tend to cost more, and are typically located toward the middle of the ‘theater,’ allowing for the perfect relaxing experience one hopes for while escaping the Miami bustle. This variety helps the location continuously stand out in competition.

VIEWS FROM THE TOP:

The Rooftop Cinema Club allows patrons to take in the stunning view of Miami Beach all while enjoying a classic flm.

As a beacon of entertainment that has recently gotten its spark, the Rooftop Cinema Club transcends the traditional movie-watching experience, offering a cinematic adventure under the stars of South Beach that

Design by Carolina Castro/highlights

Juan Chavez/highlights

Miami metro meals

Explore Miami’s diverse culinary landscape through its conveniently easily accessible metrorail system

BY OLIVIA SIMON, STAFF WRITER

USING THE METRORAIL, OR any form of public transportation, is an effcient and cheap way to travel from place to place, especially in a metropolitan city like Miami. Being that there is a metro station so close to the school, Douglas Road Station, it is an incredibly common way for much of the Gables student body to get around.

This fact, along with the discounted price offered to students, makes it unsurprising that many consider the metrorail their primary means of transportation.

By taking advantage of the services

provided by these metrorails, anyone can have an amazing day out with their friends, making a stop at one of the various restaurants and activities near these stations, creating invaluable memories in a way that is both better for the environment and widely accessible.

For an insantly classic start to a metro trip around the city, visit the Bagel Emporium for their homemade bagels and other breakfast classics. Located near the University Metro Station, they provide a comfortable environment to enjoy a hearty meal with friends. From its wonderfully decorated

The Bagel Emporium

The Bagel Emporium, famous for their bagels and deli sandwiches, is an affordable classic in the Gables. Located at 1238 S Dixie Hwy, just a short walk from the University Metro Station, they prepare fresh meals using high quality ingredients daily, offering tasty, accessible meals. With the classic aesthetic of a vintage diner brought on by its red booths and checkered tile, the Bagel Emporium provides a great ambiance to enjoy a quality breakfast with friends.

Resembling a classic corner shop deli, the Bagel Emporium’s decorations provide a sense of nostalgia and exudes a warm, kind presence to all who dine with the tentative staff. The old-school decorations and furniture perfectly compliment the vibe and food, creating a perfect blend of factors that make for a relaxing breakfast hangout.

At the Bagel Emporium, customers

enjoy breakfast staples, including everything from bagels with lox to French toast, pancakes, omelets and traditional deli sandwiches. Their main specialties, though, are their smoked fsh platters and bagels. The platters, featuring a bagel, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions,

vintage interior, to its recognized classic breakfast meals, Bagel Emporium is one of the greatest ways to start off any day, and its easy accesibility from the metro station is the perfect addition.

For lunch, Akashi Japanese Restaurant, near the South Miami Metro Station, is a calming place to relax while enjoying authentic sushi and Japanese cuisine. Its kind staff and delicious meals make for a great lunch.

Finally, to dine by the Brickell Metro Station, visit MisterO1 and delight in their specialty pizzas. With a variety of favors to choose from, its ideal to end the day with.

cucumbers and a variety of cream cheese options, are easily one of their most popular dishes because of the salty taste of the fsh combined with their bagels made in-house.

Another classic of theirs is their variety of deli sandwiches, ranging from egg salad to philly cheese steak. These sandwiches are loaded with tasty ingredients and served in large portions, showcasing their infuence from classic-diner style restaurants and delis.

“I would recommend the Bagel Emporium to anyone who wants a great nova lox bagel and loves eating in a cozy environment; their food is the perfect portion size and always tastes fresh,” junior Sophia Pfrrmann said.

The Bagel Emporium caters to various palettes and age groups, making it a must-stop for all who crave a classic meal.

Overall, The Bagel Emporium is the best start to this metro adventure, and is great for all.

Design by Carolina Castro/highlights

Olivia Simon/highlights

Akashi

GOOD FOOD AND GOOD FORTUNE:

Akashi, apart from its spectacular dining options, is complete with several odes to Japan, such as the good fortune cat.

Established in 1993, Akashi sells a wide variety of authentic Japanese food and specialty sushi rolls. Located at 5830 S Dixie Hwy, only a fve minute walk from the South Miami Metro Station, their sushi bar chefs and culinary staff prepare fresh platters constantly,

Mister O1

MisterO1, famous for their artisanal pizzas, is a classic dinner spot for Miami locals. Located at 900 S Miami Ave, fve minutes from the Brickell Metro Station, their chefs use high quality ingredients imported from Italy or locally sourced, combined with delicate thin crusts to create beautiful, rustic pizzas. Aptly, the location’s motto is that it requires incredible attention to detail, quality, consistency and the fnest ingredients to create the best product possible.

Incorporating modern elements into their restaurant, MisterO1 is able to cultivate an amazing environment for a memorable dinner with friends. They are able to combine multiple styles of decor to create an elegant twist on a farmhouse-style location while still being emphasizing customer comfort.

Along with the wonderful atmosphere MisterO1 cultivates, its location in the Mary Brickell Center makes it a great place to walk around with friends and maybe even buy a dessert or pastry from the surrounding shops.

One of the many things that sets MisterO1 apart is their specialty pizzas. More specifcally, they collaborate with many Miami

providing their customers with quality meals at any available hour.

The Japanese word Akashi directly translates to bright stone and is also the name of a city in Japan that is known for its seafood and snapper, showcasing the type of food they primarily sell.

The owners decided on this name for their restaurant

as a symbolic representation of how Akashi is a gem in the sushi community. Since many customers primarily get takeout at Akashi, their traditional Japanese structure outside and modern cultural decor

inside provides a personal, specialized experience when eating there in person.

Interestingly, the restaurant also has an aquarium flled with vibrant plant life and fsh by the area where the chefs prepare the food.

Along with their sushi rolls, Akashi is known for their tuna tartare, a dish made of small pieces of raw tuna. The dish that Akashi is most known for, however, is their Alex #2 roll, which became their most sought after offering because of its distinctive combination of ingredients and favors. This roll has shrimp tempura, krab salad, masago, cream cheese, avocado, spicy mayo, eel sauce and crunch for $15.50. This is only one of the many exotic sushi offered at Akashi, each bringing their own unique taste and experience.

“I think the metro is underappreciated as a form of transportation in the area, as most of my employees use it to get to and from work,” owner Larry Chi said. “That is one of the main reasons why I close early at 9:15, giving everyone the opportunity to get home and spend time with family.”

Akashi is able to fuse culture with hospitality, making it the perfect second stop.

talents to create new and exciting varieties of pizza. Recently, they established a partnership with Caleb Martin, the small forward for the Miami Heat, creating a pizza topped with spicy salami, italian sausage, black truffe seasoning, honey and ranch dressing.

Other interesting items include the Coffee Pizza, inspired by cafecitos, which mixes sweet with spicy and adds a distinct coffee favor on top. Finally, their most iconic pizza is known as the Star Luca pizza. Formed from the classic dough and favors of a regular pizza into a distinct star shape with an elevated taste, this dish has won the Best Pizza Award in the World Pizza Championship for its out-of-the-box characteristics. “I love going out to dinner at MisterO1 on weekends

by riding there from the metro station near my house in Vizcaya,” freshman Darek Rodriguez said. “It’s a nice way to have a night out with friends and eat some authentic pizza.”

FRESH AND FLAVORFUL:

Mister O1 guarantees quality ingredients in all of its orders, seen especially in its charcuterie.

Design by Carolina Castro/highlights

Olivia Simon/highlights

Olivia Simon/highlights

Adapted from Minna Sundberg’s Indo-European & Uralic language family illustration

SLANG USE AND IDENTITY

Add in your favorite slang lineage

Connecting cultures and generations, slang helps develop shared identities while preserving the social values of its time period

LANGUAGE OFFERS A WINDOW into the ways society has evolved over time. Through this lens, one

culminate into what composes an individual or a group they identify with.

Though language may simply seem like a means through which humans communicate, one’s manner of speech demonstrates

Through variations of language, cultural roots shine through, as word usage is impacted by the environment an individual is raised in. Similarly, generational identities are apparent within a speaker’s terminology use.

way one uses the language options available to

each era left behind that can be understood through the history of language. This is most commonly seen in abbreviations, such as FOMO: fear of missing out. According to USA Today, the term FOMO was coined in 2004 as internet-speak, but its use has now been assimilated into everyday slang.

Whether these examples are demonstrated

amount of knowledge about sociocultural elements can be gained from a few syllables.

The generally understood meanings of certain terms can be distorted if lost when adopted by a different group. For instance,

SLANG CREATES IDENTITY

Language shifts as certain terms are adopted, interpreted and then exhausted by interacting communities. Thus, the question arises as to how society’s system of communication originated. According to the National Institutes of Health, language was initially developed to facilitate the learning

society uses language as a means to not only communicate basic ideas but to relate to others.

“My friends and I all adopt each other’s words, unintentionally taking them into our said. “At the moment our word is ‘boof,’ meaning silly, which can even be changed makes us closer, but it’s cute knowing I use the same words as the people I love.”

Online media platform posts and

popular personalities contribute to the arsenal of terms one is equipped with. With over 53 million TikTok views, the hashtag #alteredmybrainchemistry is a colloquial phrase used to describe when a situation or concept has had a lasting impression on an individual.

This knowledge then translates to others who the original content viewers interact with via in-person interaction and conversation. As anyone outside of these scopes is not reached, language begins to be interpreted differently by those who do and do not have this vital context.

“Over the past three or four years, the Gen-Z dialect has exploded with new lingo like never before,” International Baccalaureate Contemporary History teacher Oscar de Armas said. “I think it must be TikTok, which has led to a lot more terms coming out of nowhere.”

students speak up

“

“ It is interesting to see how language has changed over centuries and wonder how it will change in the future. Branko Martinez, sophomore

a vast difference can be seen in the ways in which generations utilize language. According to Words Rated, 28% of slang in the new age originates from social media. Therefore, the generations and individuals who are not present on these platforms get left behind.

The ways in which terms gain or lose popularity are unpredictable. As discussed by Andrew Lynch, a professor of Modern Languages and Literature at the University of

popularity are incalculable. A mystery lies in the shelf-life of these terms, as some have a trend cycle of a couple weeks and others stick around for decades. Yet, this phenomenon can be explained further by the term’s simplicity, or conversely, its complexity.

Within social circles and friend groups, terms can be created or adopted to establish a sense of connection among members. Whether these slang terms are jokes from social media or shortened versions of words, utilizing the same form of language as peers can more thoroughly assimilate individuals into their immediate environment.

The dynamic use of language is hard to keep track of, though certain terms can be better understood within the niche group they were created in or used most often within.

“Language and identity are inextricably tied and bound up together because of their indexicality,” Lynch said. “This is a primary concern of sociolinguistics. Indexicality is the qualities of language that would make someone be perceived as a certain gender, sexuality, ethnicity, socioeconomic class or age.”

“

“ Slang gives the possibility to understand people better. Today, people have developed more slang terms from music and movies. Ruben Cruz, senior

Design by Juan Fajardo/

Quick Facts

Compiled by Juan Fajardo/highlights

GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES

denotation, is demonstrated by the Generation Z term “lit,” that rose to popularity in the 2000s, being added to the Urban Dictionary in 2009. The meaning of “lit” transitioned from referencing a state of intoxication to a more generalized

“Language is always changing; personally, a trend in language I’ve observed is the use of the junior Sebastian Druck said. “My peers and I use this word way too often, though my parents’ generation never used ‘like’ in this context.”

Generation Alpha, each demographic has its own vocabulary characterizing the age range.

Baby Boomers, born between the years of 1946 and 1964, employ slang like “wet rag” to refer to someone who is a bore. Conversely, terms used by the younger Generations Z and Alpha, such as “rizz,” derived from the word charisma,

“

Language is always changing; personally, a trend in language I’ve observed is the use of word ‘like’ as a

As with the denotation of terms, the connotation of words also has the ability to shift. According to Michigan Public Media, the commonly used word “fantastic,” was originally used in a negative light to describe something as irrational or unrealistic in the early 1300s. Today, the term holds a positive connotation to convey something as holding incredible qualities. Many can feel this impact in the way that their word choice is not the same as the generations previously.

Sebastian Druck, junior

Slang terms are almost always generation-

to Millennials, Generation Z and even the new

Fast Company News reports, 30% of Generation

Generation Z coworkers. According to the Journal of Neuroscience, this phenomena can be attributed to brain plasticity. As the NIH explains, brain plasticity, or neuroplasticity, is the nervous system’s ability to change in response to stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions or connections. Studies show that brain plasticity gradually decreases as one gets older.

Though each generation has its own slang, younger generations’ plasticity allows them to adapt to learned information faster than older generations. As this demographic only has access to newer slang in their older years, their decreased brain plasticity does not allow them to bring these terms into their vocabularies as easily.

Popularity of Slang Terms According to Google Search

Design by Juan Fajardo/highlights

DEFINING SOCIAL GROUPS THROUGH SLANG

Similarly to how one’s age can characterize their language, different social subcultures exist with their own distinct use of informal language. Gamers have coined terms such as “NPC,” an acronym for “non-player character,” that originate from their hobby and are then generalized. In the case of the term NPC, the word is used to describe individuals who act in a bland manner.

Unsurprisingly, it is within the teenage years that individuals assimilate into an identity group and are the optimal age for acquiring the language they will use for the rest of their lives due to brain plasticity.

The vast array of terms available to speakers are used to create one’s social identity. For example, the word “Swiftie” alone was coined to describe pop musician Taylor Swift’s fan base and consolidates a group identity in only seven letters.

This characterization applies oppositely,

as individuals are presumptuously grouped by society with subcultures that speak the same way they do, even if they do not identify with the niche group.

For example, those that speak with a southern accent and use slang such as “ain’t” are grouped by society into the subculture of hillbillies; because of this they are characterized as uneducated. This presumed categorization can negatively affect how an individual is perceived. Yet, it may also create

subcultural grouping.

Additionally, cultural language not only refers to the different combinations of sounds

a person’s history. According to Florida International University, native Spanish speakers will utilize the phrase “get down from the car” rather than “get out of the car,” as the former is a direct translation from the Spanish phrase “bajar del carro.”

This traditionally incorrect phrase and others like it are still used by Hispanic English speakers, despite not making sense linguistically. As seen in South Florida, the interaction of the Spanish and English language has led to the creation of a new dialect, Miami English.

Furthermore, slang communication also refers to terms derived from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds to produce a term with

Notably, certain terms within the Spanish language are morphed from their literal meaning. Many Hispanic households refer to “gorda” or “gordo.” These terms are adjectives meaning skinny and fat, respectively. These terms lose their literal meaning and are now used as nicknames. In Hispanic culture, these terms often endear, rather than offend as may be perceived by another culture.

CULTURAL ISSUES WITH SLANG

be absorbed by groups they do not belong to and shifted away from their original meaning

English is a variation in speech that creates a social dialect rooted in Black cultural identity. JSTOR Daily explains that it is important to recognize Black English as an institutionally valid dialect, as it is one of the richest sources of vocabulary innovation in English. As this linguistic pattern is often generalized as modern-day slang, the line between pop culture language blurred.

According to Wolfglobal,

dialect as a contraction of

achieve a goal. This slang term in the Black community has been seized by other groups,

while doing the whitest thing imaginable.”

This appropriation has detrimental effects to the Black community as non-Black people use

When certain words are used that come from the Black community eventually they come upon social media and people start using them to troll.

Tommaso Bruce, senior

creator Tara Lynn. Sharing her experience of buying $10,000 Harry Styles concert tickets, Lynn explains that she must purchase ground

This appropriation of originally Black speech patterns into such contexts has led Lynn’s phrase to be popularized on Tiktok and even

“ h

that Black Americans face when they use their own dialect, according to the Pratt Institute Libraries. This viral meme and others’ similar appropriations have damaging consequences.

“When certain words are used that come from the Black community eventually they come upon social media and people start using them to troll,” senior Tommaso Bruce said. “Now if you use the word people will look at you as if you are being cringey.”

According to the College Hill Independent,

harmful, as there is a lack of acknowledgement about where these terms come from. The use of

of the cohort can lead to sentiments of language colonization and may expand the dialect’s scope to others, diminishing the shared understanding between cultures through language use.

from the editor

Everybody has a tell. Rolled syllables, unexpected often enough to decipher where a person is from, when they code-switch and what they do for fun. Sparing you the English lecture, diction reveals truth. Now, whether slang is intellectualized by etymologic studies or dismissed as a reduction of language, understanding how slang develops is vital to communication. A sign of aging is losing track of the words of the youth. Today, everybody has pet words: “Yo!” “What’s good?” “Chillin’ bro.” “u?” and in the freeto draw the line of fair use over words somebody else invented. Yet, as slang falls deeper into of terms and acceptance of origin in the lexicon.

Sincerely, Juan Fajardo Insight Editor

Design by Juan Fajardo/highlights

Find us online

Read our online stories at: https://www.cavsconnect. com/category/highlightssubmissions/

Look at our multimedia content on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook: @highlightscghs

What is your opinion? Tell us your point of view on a topic published in an email titled “Letter To The Editor.” We reserve the right to publish any letters sent to this email Want to advertise in our magazine? Have any questions? Email us! highlightscghs@gmail.com

lightbox

Speaking in the gym, Miami-Dade County

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava engages with Gables students and addresses local issues at the Political Activism and Civic Engagement club’s annual Politicare event on March 14.

Isabela Duarte/ highlights