Issue 6, Vol. 62

highlights May 2022

PROPE R THE F TY OF DOE

IN THIS ISSUE

K ATTAC C BLI ON PU ON TI EDUCA

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES Page 11

STAFF VS. STUDENTS SHOWDOWN Page 23

Issue 6, Volume 62 | Coral Gables SHS | 450 Bird Road, Coral Gables, FL 33146

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highlights

Issue 6 Vol. 62 May 2022

What

is

your

opinion?

Contents

editorial board

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

features

5

6

news

10

staff writers

11

opinion

13 publication policy highlights

sports

18

highlights highlights

14

highlights

21

the scene

25

highlights highlights

contributors

2 preview

insight

28

26

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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HE LAST TIME THE highlights CLASS WAS FULLY in person was my freshman year. Now a senior and Editor-in-Chief, my hope was to make this publication how I remembered it and what brought me back all four years.

To recap, highlights once again wins an All-Florida ranking, of course.

way you handle everyone’s business will also be remembered.

Isa, formerly known as pencil girl and track star, now Managing Editor can be added on to that list. I have seen the nonstop dedication to your work for the past three years, whether it be with your writing and now with your breathtaking covers.

Your ability to balance your work ethic with fun will allow high-

to date, baby Alejandro sightings, the return of printed issues, topped with a bit of birthday buddies and ice cream celebrations. I leave with

lights

To our graduating seniors, thank you for your dedication in this chaotic year. Mark country. Have fun in Spain! Alia, you are one-of-a-kind, as shown through your extravagant ideas that can never seem to be explained on paper. Alana, better named Slaylana, you slay. Alexa, while I don’t see you in class often you have been able to pull off the stories you have been assigned. DeeAnne & Andrea, the highlights besties, I loved to see what you have both created especially together. Greg, as cliche as it may sound, highlights wouldn’t be the same without you. Just some highlights ha, you have claimed your own corner, won most talented in Mr. Coral Gables representing us and will still eat our burnt popcorn.

Grace, you seem to overcome any obstacle whether it is getting stuck in the cabinet or more recently your computer being stuck in a safe.

To those who are leaving us, your impact in highlights will not be forgotten. Alexandra, our scene queen, your ideas and design will severely be missed. Olivia, your kindness is infectious; it always boosted the class spirit. Both of you, don’t forget to stop by and visit us.

To our new board, I have nothing but high hopes for all of you.

Juan, your writing is poetic. Lenox, your design is gravitating. The way you both tackle complex topics will make you a great Insight editor, and The Scene Editor respectively. Georgia, Ava and Emily mentaries so there is no doubt that your sections will thrive under you. Santi, your energy is unmatched, paired with Carolina’s calmness and skill will make you both the online dream team. Manuel, where’s the highlights camera? No, but seriously make sure to keep track of your belongings and produce great video content for next year.

To our returning board, Cristel, if you’re not in class, you are probably at an away game in Hialeah Gardens getting coverage. You have managed to revamp our social media page, gaining 1,000 + followers, thank you. Alexander, you have managed to produce a great sports section.

Just stay away from Q and A layouts next year. Marcela, thank you for catching all of our mistakes and saying it in the nicest voice possible. Ralph, besides your Miller Ale House order being stuck in our head, the

us laugh and don’t forget about us if you become Tik Tok famous.

MJ, you really know how to liven up an FSPA event. All jokes aside, I have never seen an opinion section run so smoothly through my time here. Your leadership and passion has proven that you are ready to be next year’s Editor-in-Chief. Please continue to inspire your writers and editors and don’t ever stop with your sarcastic jokes.

Marta, I wouldn’t have wanted to continue this highlights journey without you. Who would have thought we intimidated freshmen who were playing video games during summer production breaks would be where we are now? I have never met anyone who is as expressive as you and it’s admirable. Please don’t ever change. After many breakdowns, questionable inside jokes and late night calls we Natalia, nothing could have prepared me for how close we would get working together throughout this year. Not only are you one of times you always found a way to see the light at the end of the tunnel and calm my very nervous self down. There is no one else I would rather have had as my EIC. I know that you will do great things at UPenn. Just don’t hit anyone else in the parking lot on your way out.

Gonzo, you have listened to our stories, our problems and arguments, unethical or not, and I couldn’t thank you more for it. You are truly like our second mom.

We will miss you!

To our staff, thank you for bearing with us. It has been a pleasure working with you all. Please enjoy the rest of your time in highlights and high school in general, it really will be over sooner than you think. h

NATALIA PALLAS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MARTA RODRIGUEZ MANAGING EDITOR

higlig!s 3 letter

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features 5

/ DeeAnne Montero

SENIOR TRIP

highlights

BY ANDREA DELGADO, STAFF WRITER

Green thumbs, Painters and Landscapers

GABLES GARDEN PROJECT

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HAT BEGAN AS A SMALL seed in the curious minds of juniors Marina Devine and Lucia Chico has now grown into “The Gables Garden Project;” a foundation with the goal of beautifying Gables and promoting sustainability among its students.

Inspired by their love for gardening and the school, Chico and Devine held events such as their Paint the Rain event and the building of

place on May 21, 2021. It involved re-tiling in the garden. Following this they have held seminars about sustaining the progress that they have made.

They primarily promote and announce their events and messages through their social media account, where they post regular updates on the work already done and also information about future projects and service opportunities.

Courtesy of Marina Devine

service opportunities to students and learning more about the environment around them.

This event was organized to paint and decorate rain barrels. These are used to collect rain for watering and later use.

Their main mission at the school is to “plant the seed of sustainability” and the project hopes to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious Gables High.

They hope to inspire students to be more green by shopping for their gardening needs more sustainably, promoting small businesses and environmentally conscious products and promoting eco-friendly habits such as starting a garden and reducing your carbon footprint.

Through their research they found the importance and the impact that just one garden can have in a local environment. These gardens

are known as pollinator patches, and are meant to attract local pollinators and promote plant growth. In one of their events they created a pollinator patch in the city of Coral Gables.

They were inspired by not only their love for gardening, but their appreciation of the school.

“I was walking down the school’s garden in the 2000s building and I noticed that the area was largely abandoned and in disrepair.

I wanted to improve the school and promote sustainability,” Chico said.

The club gives students the ability to beautify the school through a green thumb.

They have planned a few events to help improve the school. Typically these events occur right after school so that as many students are available to participate as possible.

between the 2000 building, they have planted Along with this the mulch and soil used is environmentally friendly and will be able to sustain the garden for years to come. Their latest project was the starting of their produce garden. The goal was to promote sustainability by growing your own food and produce.

Since they are not their own club, they work with different organizations and clubs.

The Garden Project is actually a subsection of the PACE club at the school. Some of their projects have been sponsored by the NHS and Gables Earth. Along with these clubs, they have worked with the Miami-Dade Urban Horticulture Organization to spread their reach in Coral Gables. By working with a multitude of clubs and organizations they have been able to spread their message and reach out to more students in the community.

“The goal is to plant, produce and sell this produce around the school and at the local Coral Gables farmers market to create awareness and income for further projects,” secretary William Beardslee said.

The seedlings for the garden have been planted by the childcare building. This will continue their mission to allow the school’s

Courtesy of Marina Devine

A GREEN THUMB: Courtesy of Marina Devine

6 features

Interact

french honor society

Sitting right outside the small theater that serves as Ms. Barrow’s classroom, Gables Interact has left their mark in the shape of potted plants and greenery. As a club focused on amplifying student action and community service within the school, Gables Interact has added gardening onto its repertoire of activities. According to the report titled “The Impact of Learning Spaces on Student Success” students learn better in environments that encourage interaction and feel welcoming.

This is just what Interacts garden accomplishes according to treasurer Bernardo Andrade.

“I believe that what we are doing [beautifying the school] is necessary to foster students’ best efforts in school,” senior Andrade said. the patio. They start before the academic year begins to improve the school’s visuals before students and staff arrive. This year, the club has focused on bettering the school through an environmental lens. In addition to making a greener school through their garden in the patio, the club collects trash left behind such as wrappers, cans and papers by the cavalier population. In fact, Gables Earth and Interact have collaborated in the past to further plant greenery within school grounds.

Aside from planting roots for a better school, Interact focuses on leaving behind a legacy of dedication and perseverance. This year, a tragedy struck the school in the early days of 2022. Two beloved students passed away in a car crash, leaving behind their own memories of their lives as students. Interact built a memorial in their honor, hoping to leave a permanent marker of their time at the school. Intercats prerogative, as shown in their trademark “Interact Monday” meetings,

In recent years, the French Honor Society (FHS) expanded its influence outside of the club advisor, Madame Rouit’s classroom and into the rest of the 9000 building. Starting in 2015, the club undertook a beautification project to update what was at the time, the newest building on campus by painting classrooms. It has been left as an annual tradition; every year in the second semester, the club reveals what teachers they will be gifting with such a project.

Members of the club can sign up to volunteer on this project, burning off a Friday afternoon and a Sunday morning to improve their home away from home.

The French Honor Society’s endeavor is not as simple as it sounds, the process to be chosen for this remodeling has been historically long and tedious. There is only room to improve two classrooms of the building a year, and there are over 24 in the whole building. Even as hopeful teachers play the waiting game to revamp their classrooms, there was a two year delay during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a two year pause, junior Brianna Babani, Treasurer of FHS, and junior Samuel Sommer resuscitated the project as part of their Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) project for the IB program.

“I think this has been the best year [for FHS because] we have been the most organized and have had the most activities compared to any other year,” Rouit said. “We have had a huge impact on the nine classrooms we painted where teachers are even asking us to paint for them next year”.

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A DIFFERENT LOOK: FHS members Isabella Morales, Carla Nuñez (left), Samuel Sommer and Melanie Garcia (right) paint Mr.Nelson’s room blue.

HALL TALK

The highlights staff records what students are talking about during class sessions.

Alia Gamez / highlights

Courtesy of Madame Rouit

Courtesy of Madame Rouit

is to aid the student community.

SERVICE ABOVE SELF: Interact club

members work towards beautifying their meeting location in the front of the school.

“You know how they say opposites attract? Maybe similarities attract.”

“I used to eat deodorant. They were just so soft and creamy looking.”

“I completely forgot that I have aides.”

“There are only two inescapable things in life: death and Yaneth.”

“Call me Lebron James because I am the King.”

“My water tastes too smooth today, don’t talk to me.”

features 7

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News Review

BY JUAN FAJARDO, STAFF WRITER

Alexandra Torres / highlights

In Brief

Vice City Given a Gloomy Alias living a posh lifestyle comes at a high price tag. Yet, the exorbitant rate at which prices in Miami are rising has caused the city to be dubbed the most unaffordable city in the country, according to The Daily Mail. Such a title is causing many to express concerns for the future of all the citizens of Miami.

“Many people living in affected areas will have to seek better opportunities elsewhere,” sophomore Vincenzo Domecq said.

Jeter Parts With Marlins The class of 2021 celebrates an impromptu “Cap and Crocs” event, sporting graduation caps and Crocs on May 27, 2021.

and overall baseball royalty could likely bring changes of equal magnitude to the Marlins who hope to remain competitive in the major league.

Class of 2022 Graduates On May 31 at 9 a.m., the class of 2022 will have their graduation ceremony at the Watsco Center at the University of Miami. Such a day and place will serve to commemorate the four years of all-nighters and procrastination, broken records and high achievements by which this class will be remembered. And despite the cliché of it all, for the seniors, this day will encompass what it means to be a Coral Gables Senior High School Cavalier.

“I feel thrilled that a new chapter in all our lives is going to begin,” senior Abigail Felan said.

EXTRA CONTENT AT @highlightscghs Seniors show their pride at the annual Senior Pep Rally on Apr. 27, 2022.

Scan this code for more content!

Cristel Cantarero / highlights

30

31

Memorial Day

Graduation

May

Congrats, Cavs!

Congratulations to juniors Leonardo Grisard Caldeira de Andrada and Carlos Clinche for being accepted to the United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar progam.

Congratulations to sophomore Catalina Quinteros for making the 2022 U-16 United States National Field Hockey Team.

3

May

June Freshman Field Trip to Animal Kingdom

CHECK OUT OUR CONTENT PAGE Death to Dog Racing Dog racing’s past attraction should no longer be tolerated as a form of amusement and entertainment in today’s world.

Photo Courtesy of NBC News

8

June

Last Day of School

Missed past issues of highlights?

Visit

issuu.com/gableshighlights

news 9

Ketanji Brown-Jackson makes history

Ketanji Brown-Jackson’s rise to the Supreme Court makes

BY AVA VOLMAN, STAFF WRITER

O

woman nominated to join the

been ultimately determined and her nomination is already being rejoiced by many as a step towards a more representative judicial system. beginnings, although she now seems larger than life due to her newfound position on the United States Supreme Court. She is originally from Florida, as she grew up in Miami-Dade County. She attended Miami founder of Amazon and Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States.

Jackson was the 1988 class president and made a lasting impact on the school through her prowess in the debate club, a hint towards aspirations to become a judge dated all the way back to her time in high school, as she already had her mind set on the future. “[Debate] was an experience that I can say without hesitation was the one activity that best prepared me for future success in 2017 lecture at the University of Georgia. and positions throughout her career as a judge

Harvard University for her undergraduate degree and Harvard Law School, both times recognized as magna cum laude.

African-American woman to ever be offered a position on the United States Supreme Court.

Her selection as justice is an effort to create a Supreme Court that is more representative

quick facts Ketanji Brown-Jackson is the

minority status brings a new perspective to the court on race and gender that may not be Jackson will prove the value of diversity in the United States judicial system and continue to break the limits as a Supreme Court Justice.

Supreme Court.

“

BROWN-JACKSON IS THE SIXTH WOMAN, FOURTH PERSON OF COLOR AND FIRST BLACK WOMAN ON THE SUPREME COURT. THIS IS MONUMENTAL — SHE FAIRLY REPRESENTS OUR MELTING POT OF A NATION. BEATRIZ CARVALHO, SOPHOMORE

on the Supreme Court. This is monumental — she fairly represents our melting pot of a

Jackson was an editor of the Harvard Law a position on the U.S. Supreme Court following the extensive Senate hearings on judicial positions, including the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

the law and the Constitution as they were originally intended, yet apply the principles of the modern day to ensure that fairness

incredibly intelligent, but also incredibly kind. I know she will be an asset to the court and I look forward to her tenure on

extensive experience in leadership positions throughout her live have proven critical in preparing her for this position. Her historic nomination is seen as not just a victory for herself, but for the American people. h

10 news

Supreme Court.

Source: The New York Times

SOARIN’, FLYIN’...

COMPILED BY TIFFANY BEH, STAFF WRITER

The h denotes where members of the highlights staff will pursue higher education.

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Grace Rodriguez / highlights

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES BASED ON THE highlights SENIOR SURVEY

École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (FR) Emerson College Emmanuel College Emory University Florida A&M University Florida Atlantic University American University Florida Gulf Coast University h Appalachian State Florida Institute of University Technology Arcadia University Florida International Arizona State University University Auburn University Florida Polytechnic Barry University University Belmont University Florida Southern College Bentley University Florida State University Berklee College of Music Fordham University Boston College Full Sail University Boston University George Washington Bryn Mawr College University Catholic University of America Georgia Institute of Claremont McKenna College Technology Clemson University Georgia State University Columbia University Gettysburg College Connecticut College h Hamilton College Cornell University Hampshire College Davidson College Haverford College DePaul University Dickinson College Hofstra University Duke University Indiana University

Instituto de Empresa (ES) Istituto Marangoni (IT) John Cabot University Johns Hopkins University Liberty University Life University Limestone University Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Lynn University Marquette University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Mercer University Miami-Dade College Middlebury College Middlesex Community College Missouri Baptist University New College of Florida New York University North Carolina A&T State University Northeastern University Nova Southeastern University Occidental College Pace University Paul Smith’s College Penn State University Pomona College Rice University

Rochester Institute of Technology Roger Williams University Rollins College Savannah College of Art and Design h Santa Fe College Scripps College Skidmore College Southeastern University St. Louis University (SP) St. Thomas University Stanford University Stetson University Stockholm School of Economics (SE) h Suffolk University Syracuse University Temple University Universidad de Salamanca (ES) h Universidad Europea de Madrid (ES) University of Alabama University of Arkansas University of California h University of Central Florida University of Denver h University of Florida University of Georgia

University of Kansas University of Louisville University of Massachusetts h University of Miami h University of Michigan University of Minnesota University of New Orleans University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Florida University of Notre Dame h University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of South Carolina University of South Florida University of Tampa University of Tennessee University of Texas University of Utah University of Vermont University of Washington University of West Florida University of Wisconsin Vanderbilt University Vassar College Wake Forest University Washington State University Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College Wells College Wesleyan University West Virginia University Williams College Yale University

news 11

STAFF-ED: The test-optional dilemma

Though colleges claim be test-optional, this reveals itself to be a misleading label as test scores are still considered

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OR THE PAST TWO YEARS, colleges have increasingly shifted to become test-optional. This means that students are not obligated to submit standardized test scores with their application. However, the legitimacy of the test-optional label has been called into question as submitting test scores continues to provide applicants with an advantage among their competitors.

Previously, most schools required all applicants to submit standardized test scores, usually from the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT). However, the Los Angeles Times states that over 1,000 colleges’ applications did not require test scores during the 2020-21 school year.

While some institutions will make this policy permanent, others have made it clear that it is a temporary measure.

When a college places itself under the label of test optional, it implies that a student has the choice of submitting test scores without it harming their application. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as many schools seem to take test scores into heavy consideration when viewing a prospective student’s application.

According to the New York Post, 90% of Georgetown’s admitted applicants submitted their test scores. Along the same vein, only 56% of those who applied to Vanderbilt University last year included test scores in their application but they made up over 60% of those admitted.

“Though test-optional schools claim to be at being accepted into different schools if you choose to opt out of submitting scores,” senior Bradley Ramjewan said.

Some colleges truly do not take tests

into account when viewing a potential candidate’s submission, going under the label of “test-blind.” NBC News states that being test-blind means that scores will not be considered at all during the admissions process, a practice that has been adopted by some of Cornell University’s colleges wamong others.

However, schools with this policy are few and far between, most of them implementing the test-optional method despite its inequities.

The label of test-optional is also misleading in the fact that, though schools themselves may not force students to submit test scores, are often tied (at least partially) to SAT and

DID YOU KNOW?

More than two-thirds of the 2,330 bachelor-degree institutions in the U.S. have shifted to a test-optional admission policy for 2022.

Source: National Center for Fair and Open Testing

Maria Jose Cestero/highlights

ACT results. This means that students who withhold their scores when applying are often studies. For many, paying for college out of pocket is simply not a realistic option.

The Washington Post explains that standardized testing will not be optional until it is no longer interwoven with aid programs like it is in systems such as Florida’s, where the Florida Bright Futures merit scholarship requires a certain test score to qualify.

“Tests shouldn’t be able to decide the outedge, especially if you already got into the school,” freshman Adam Abdulla said.

Though the argument can be made that test-optional policies give those with lower scores and those unable to take standardized tests an opportunity to have their applications reviewed, it still places them at a disadvantage in relation to their peers. This disadvantage is tion between socioeconomic factors and test scores is taken into account.

Wealthier families are more able to afford expensive tutoring aimed towards aiding students in passing the SAT and ACT and are more likely to have a larger amount of resources at their disposal.

This transfers into disparities in test scores and their submission, as can be seen by the fact that 53% of wealthier students submitted scores this past admissions cycle, as opposed to 39% of lower-income ones as stated by Forbes.

Test-optional admissions are not as voluntary as they seem, leaving students who do not submit their scores at a large disadvantage relative to the rest of their peers and exacerbating existing disparities in standardized testing. h

opposable thumbs

12 opinion

The Oscars

Stingrays

Haircuts

“Honestly, they slapped.”

“I want Steve Irwin back.”

“Best solution to a mental breakdown.”

-Isabella Morales, Insight Editor

-Alexander Brazda, Staff Writer

-Carolina Castro, Staff Writer

305 ‘till I die

As numbers starting with 305 begin to run out, is it time for a new area code?

CRYSTAL BALL

COMMENTARY BY ISABELLA MORALES, INSIGHT EDITOR

COMMENTARY BY MARÍA JoSÉ CESTERO, OPINION EDITOR

T

I am writing this on April 15, 2022, at approximately 10:30 a.m. At this moment in time, I am a high school junior at Coral Gables Senior High with a goal of pursuing a degree in Political Science and Economics in the future. Ah, there’s that word again. Future.

The most certain uncertainty that looms over all of us. If you would have told my seven year old self that, in the future, I would not be opening a cupcake factory run by elves I would have deemed you insane.

Yet, isn’t that the beauty of the future?

In middle school, I made plans to graduate with all my childhood friends. I was foolish enough to think that there was no other plan in store for me. Then in high school, just as my plans were coming into fruition, I moved and my world was turned on its axis. Who was I? What was I meant to do in a place like Miami?

So many questions, so many crises, so many sleepless nights desperately trying to re-build my life piece by piece like some grand puzzle I was meant so solve.

Two years later, however, I would truly understand that there is no way to predict the future. There is no way to stick to your own master plan.

Coming into my senior year of high school, the biggest lesson I have learned is that life will throw you in different directions over and over again. Though sometimes it may feel like there is no end or even point to this endless stream of

HIS IS MIAMI. The Magic City.

Cuba’s second capital.

Home to America’s worst drivers. But more notably, it is the 305.

Since 1947, 305 has been embedded into its of over 2.5 million Floridians’ phone numbers, according to burnerapp.com. However, with a growing population and a diminishing number of available numbers, it has been predicted that the possible combinations of 305 and 786 — which was introduced to Miami in 1998 — will run out by 2024. To combat this issue, action has been taken with the introduction of a new area code: 645.

What? 645? Isn’t the order of numbers supposed to be 4, 5, 6? What is this atrocity?

We can’t let this happen. 305 is a symbol of Miami culture. Everywhere you look in the city, the three numbers appear alongside each other. On billboards, across Miami radio sta-

of Instagram captions and even on the Pollo Tropical menu.

As a fellow Miamian, we all love being known as the 305. We love it more than when we know “bro” and when the beaches at Crandon Park have no seaweed in sight. heads, Pitbull, has been known to use 305 as a symbol in his songs and even to identify himself. The self-proclaimed Mr. 305 even said that he would “live and die for the city and [he] wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Miami and how special it is.” Preach, king! The value 305 holds is just a mere example of Miami’s value. The number 305 “May the 645 only be for the northeasterners that are plaguing our city. You can’t do 645 with anything; it’s wack. Maybe there will be an NFT for the 645, that’s the best they can do,” history teacher Oscar DeArmas said.

However, I will agree that because 645 is so numerically close to 647, it does add bonus points. Since 647 is the area code for Toronto, Canada, aka “The Six,” as dubbed by Drake, I think it is right to reluctantly accept our fate of 645 being in our lives. Yet, this himself and our Mr. 305 King come together to make the song of the summer. Drake, when “I Know You Want Me” was written.

It does not matter what the outcome will be, as 305 will always reign supreme. As Pitbull once said, he’s “been there, done that.”

Together, Miami, we will get through this terrible situation the same way we always do: rallying with our pots and pans on Calle Ocho. But then again, I can’t really argue against 645; my number starts with 786. h

”

DADE COUNTY ALWAYS, 305 ALL DAY tions, i

M A R I A’ S MISCHIEF

n

hundreds

Maria Jose Cestero/highlights

Pitbull, “Feel this Moment”

“

everything you experience has a purpose.

All the cries, laughs, disappointments and victories you experience are serving your truest self: the person you are going to become.

This is all my long winded way of pull you in a thousand different directions.

Go make questionable decisions with your friends, take risks, tell that person you like them, live and stop worrying about what is matter. There is no right way out of this endless maze we call living, so make your experience the best it can be.

With this, I pass the Opinion torch to none other than Ava Volman. Maria, out. h

opinion 13

highlights

Words

the

from

way

out

Ma

es Jose C ria tero/highlights

SOPHOMORES COMMENTARY BY ALEXANDRA ROA, THE SCENE EDITOR

O

NE YEAR down, three more to go.

Coming into sophomore year, students are nearing the halfway point of their high school career. Though this year will not be the most challenging for students, it is not the simplest in terms of workload and academic rigor.

As a sophomore, you still feel like a small familiarized yourself with the high school enopportunities that Gables has to offer. mal, yet your understanding of the way clubs enough comfort to muster up the courage to go for it. You need to take it upon yourself to go

may not know you are passionate about.

14 opinion

many graduation requirements for students of all academies. Sophomore year, and the summer going into sophomore year, are the best

“

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THERE IS A LONG ROAD AHEAD BUT YOU SHOULD FIND VALUE IN THE PRESENT FOR PEACE IN THE FUTURE. ALEXANDRA ROA, SOPHOMORE rience will be much better if it is an enjoyable task rather than a daunting burden.

In your sophomore year, you may take on more leadership positions. Though they do

look good on a college application, you need to choose leadership positions that you will away from my message it is to put aside the feelings of “What will look best for college?” and follow your instincts that are telling you to pursue a passion instead of a position.

Working towards a goal like attending colin taking your high school responsibilities, Your grades are important but academics need to try your best your sophomore year, grets or simply feel your performance could to progress.

There is still a long road ahead but you

through high school without taking the time to appreciate the moments of our youth. h

JUNIORS COMMENTARY BY MARCELA RONDON, COPY EDITOR

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your high school career there has been a dark cloud looming in the distance: your junior year. The infamous, dreaded year, characterized by strenuous workload and academically challenging courses, is actually quite simple to tackle. academic responsibilities to meet as you approach the college application season. The most important challenge you face is taking standardized assessment tests for college, such as the SAT or ACT. This year, you want not stress about it your senior year. also want to take challenging yet interesting enrollment classes. These classes offer the chance of obtaining college credit while also do not bite off more than you can chew — it is important that you do not strain yourself academically.

This year you will encounter those sleepless nights your predecessors often complained about. Whether it be to cram for a test

“

IT IS NOTHING TO FRET OVER. YOUR HIGHEST HIGHS AND YOUR LOWEST LOWS THIS YEAR WILL BE VALUABLE LIFE LESSONS THAT YOU WILL CARRY ON IN THE FUTURE. MARCELA RONDON, JUNIOR

can be countered through proper time management. At this point, you may be highly concerned as to how you will enjoy school and social life while prioritizing academics. in school. Join that club that interests you, or join that publication — the possibilities are endless. It has been long sustained that by ju-

While the prospect of prioritizing academdaunting, it is important to consider the effects on too much of a burden. Maintaining stable mental health is important during your junior year, as this could make or break you. and lows bound to occur, whether it be acayour highest highs and lowest lows this year on in the future.

h

SENIORS COMMENTARY BY GRACE RODRIGUEZ, NEWS EDITOR

O

year. The light at the end of the tunnel. The last episode before the season

how hard could that be? After three meticulous years in high school, surely this year should be a breeze. Right? ...Right?

Just like you would at Grad Bash, buckle up, because senior year is a ride. My intent with this analogy is not to scare you but rather mentally prepare you for the year that is comams, stress and chaos, but do not . You are not support as you all ride this rollercoaster together.

Scholarships are key if you intend on pursuing higher education. There are many scholno one has applied for them. On that token,

-

Senior year is characterized by spirit. Be sure to take lots of photos with your class-

else and tell you that sleep is “important for your brain.”

While true, would you rather sleep at

“

YOU ARE NOT ALONE, EVEN AFTER YOU GRADUATE. THE BONDS YOU CREATE NOW WILL HOLD YOU LIKE GLUE AND KEEP YOU STRONG FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. GRACE RODRIGUEZ, SENIOR

really risk being posted on @cghscaughtyouon some winks is to nap when you get home catch up on your sleep. after you graduate. The bonds you create now will hold you like glue and keep you strong for the rest of your life. happen. Senior year is full of decisions but place.

Now, will you throw your hands up in the air and enjoy the ride, or grab onto the handlebars and scream in fear? h

opinion 15

TWO-VIEWS: Personal safety or national p

F

OUR YEARS ago, Vlodymyr Zelensky never imagined himself being at the front of an Ukrainian resistance movement a g a i n s t Vladimir Putin’s Russia. As lead comedian for the show “Servant of the People,” Zelensky’s name in household entertainment was nothing compared to the pressure he faces today. After being elected in April 2019, the Ukrainian president currently faces what is probably the most daunting task of his political career: protecting his homeland against the threat of Russian invasion.

The morning of Feb. 24, Putin ordered a “special military operation” on Russian Television, aimed at sweeping control of the Donbas region, the capital Kyiv and eventually all of Ukraine. As Zelensky saw his country mounted by minimal preparation, a vastly weaker army and sheer brutality on Russia’s part, he acted in a way rarely seen through

those of the people who elected them, as seen with former President Trump protecting himself in the White House underground shelter while the Jan. 6 riots were taking place, standing in unison shows dedication and respect to Ukrainians nationwide.

This act of bravery can also be interpreted by many as a response to the barren foreign military presence being sent to Ukraine.

Indeed, as reports POLITICO, due to geopo-

front lines. Living in an underground bunker

to the front lines demonstrates both strength

litical tensions surrounding the possibility of Ukraine joining the European Union, and later the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Putin acted upon his impulses and halted the democratization of an additional ex-USSR satellite state. As a result, NATO has been unable to deploy troops directly into Ukraine, rather opting for deployment in Ro-

enemy. In a world where presidents are notoriously known to place their interests above

CNBC. The lack of troops prompted Zelensky to enlist himself as a soldier in the Ukrainian

YES

and consequently becoming the Kremlin’s main target, according to the Washington Post, is a political move used in the most nominal of circumstances in history.

“

SOFIA FELAN, SOPHOMORE

by the numbers

>2.5M Compiled by Maria Jose Cestero/highlights

16 opinion

Source: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

army, despite standing with 200,000 military personnel in comparison to Russia’s 900,000 active personnel, as reported by CNN. “Zelensky is right to stay in Ukraine, since he’s a very brave example of how presidents should act when their people are in danger no said.

Moreover, volunteering himself as a soldier can be perceived as a political tactic. Presenting oneself as an active military soldier less than two years from the next election appeals to Ukrainians and who they will vote for once the war has ended. Zelensky’s fearless approach to stopping the Russian war-machine polishes his image and caters to his public perception.

In spite of a brutal, relentless war, Vlodymyr Zelensky has proved himself a worthy Ukrainian president. His involvement as an active member of the military while being president stands as a striking emblem for the leaders of tomorlights Cestero/high Maria Jose row. He serves as a representation sacriwhile living in an underground bunker.

h

$500M Source: POLITICO

passion?

E

ARLIER THIS YEAR, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky chose to remain in Kyiv as the city was bombarded with Russian armaments. His courageous actions have proven that Ukraine will not be taken down so easily and that he and the Ukrainian people will remain steadfast until the end.

While Zolinzky’s bravery is undeniable, his skill and charisma as a leader are far too As of Feb. 24, the Russian military has been pressing hard into Ukraine, even reaching the capital city Kyiv, where the attack is currently halted. Through it all, Zelensky has not budged from Kyiv, deing forces and rallying the citizens their home.

W h i l e this rallying has worked very well in recruiting citizens to the armed forces, the Russians have been relentlessly shelling the city as well as indiscriminately killing soldiers and unarmed civilians alike, increasing war crimes at a rapid pace.

73.22%

-

According to the Human Rights Watch (HRW), as of April 10, as many as 1,793 non-military civilians have been killed in Ukraine. Their constant bombing combined with Zelensky’s persistence has set up a possible worst-case scenario, in which the president is struck and possibly killed. Would it really be that bad if he were to evacuate, or is his presence too big of a motivator in Kyiv to lose?

While as of April 5 the Ukrainian military

“

defense. Rarely does a major world leader stay in the and it is especially unclear if there are other Ukrainian leaders who would be able to live up to such actions should the worst come to pass.

The longer Zelensky stays in one spot, the easier it will be for the Russians to take him out. Without him, the morale of both the military and the civilian volunteers would be majorly broken, as few other leaders have stepped up to his level of charisma and courage.

“Zelensky was able to inspire regular citi-

NO

is a good reason to stay back,” senior Alexander Tabares said. “He’s done a lot for Ukraine for his own safety.”

Outside of the current war in Ukraine, to prove themselves like Zelensky has. This is mainly because he has had so much time and

ALEXANDER TABARES, SENIOR has retaken the greater Kyiv area; Russian president Vladimir Putin has no intention of giving up and is most likely preparing his soldiers for another large-scale invasion.

Since Zelensky made it clear in a video he posted on his website that he’s not hiding, his loss would be devastating for the Ukrainian

During this time, however, he had called Ukraine, as it is still being struck by Russian air strikes. Though only time can tell how the situation unfolds, Zelensky has shown up for his country and well beyond deserves to evacuate Kyiv.

Armed with both weapons and a safe, supportive leader, the Ukrainian forces would have a much better chance at reclaiming their land and prosperity. h

23,455

Source: United Nations

Source: CNN

opinion 17

A YEAR IN SPORTS

BY SOFIA RODRIGUEZ, STAFF WRITER

Manuel Espinoza/ highlights

20 22 Cristel Cantarero/ highlights

Cristel Cantarero/ highlights Gregoire Winston/ highlights

Cristel Cantarero/ highlights

18 sports

Courtesy of the Gabriella Darcangelo

CROSS COUNTRY SWIMMING

GO

CAVS! BASKETBALL

SOCCER

WRESTLING

VOLLEYBALL

TENNIS

GABLETTES

CHEERLEADING h

sports 19

MLB: Rise of the Machines

Likely to be introduced into the MLB soon, new robotic

BY RAFAEL SANS JR., BUSINESS MANAGER

I

it will then likely migrate to the MLB.

20 sports

MLB.com lists a job opening for Data Operations personnel for the 2022 season for the Triple-A West league to “digitally score games from the ballpark.”

Source: ABC 13

“It’s not an easy task they [the umpires] do,” Gables varsity baseball team captain Justin Morina said. “Especially when games are on the line and their calls determine the outcome of the games.”

Ale xa n

of using the system for the MLB, the future of the ABS is uncertain but with its progression through the minor leagues, its introduction into the MLB in the near future is very probable. However, a demand for higher salries among players delayed the start of this year’s season. Therefore, the MLB would have to factor in increased expenditures to address problems like these prior to implementing ABS and other future developments.

Furthermore, if systems like these are to be used at the professional level, what could this mean for college or even high school?

Could Gables see “robotic

hts g hl i g / hi zda

through the Atlantic League before their introduction into other minor leagues and eventually, the MLB. Today, the system is being used in the Triple-A league which is the minor league immediately below the MLB. After reviewing its performance in the minor league and further assessment is

DID YOU KNOW?

Currently, the system has functioned properly in most games it was used in, yet there have been instances where its reliability has been questioned, causing it to not have been implemented in the MLB yet.

For example, in the summer of 2021, at a Barnstormer’s game, a part of the North Division of the Atlantic League in Pennsylvania, the ABS had a major glitch which led to 7% of calls made in the game to be false. This forced umpires to declare the calls according to the computer’s decision even if they believed it had made a mistake, which is one of their major frustrations, as stated in a CBS interview by umpire Fred DeJesus, who umpired at the game.

However, one of the main arguments that supporters of the ABS system continue to voice is that it decreases confrontation between umpires, players and coaches on the

Bra

this system when it was proposed to be used in the MLB. Typically, all new

“In theory, they [the robot umpires] should be accurate,” Gables Athletic Director Louis Romero said. “With that said, how the systems are deployed (location consistency park to park) for example can be a point of contention.”

r de

N RECENT YEARS, SPORTS organizations have begun to rely more on technology that reduces the necessity for human operators. In the MLB, umpires are key human operators.

Playing a traditional role in the sport of baseball, umpires make calls in the sport which rely on their human senses. The proposed shift from human umpires to these robotic umpires now is sparking controversy, with individuals believing that this change would alter the course of how the sport is played forever, and the reliability of umpires as a whole.

“Umpires could be sometimes reliable and sometimes not because every umpire is different,” varsity baseball player Jacob Diaz said.

The system being used to replace human umpires is known as the automated ball-strike system (ABS). A strike is when a batter misses a pitch thrown within the realistic boundaries for the ball to travel. A ball is when a ball is thrown in a manner that is unrealistic for the batter to hit which is outside these boundaries.

While many think that the system will deplete the umpire’s role completely, it will not. Upon the system making the call, it then sends an audio recording to the umpire through a headset where they proceed to state the call aloud.

According to CBS, a minor league known as the Atlantic

coming years?

h

Faculty vs Student Showdown

W

ighl igh ts

ITH THE VOLLEYBALL season long underway, both the junior varsity and varsity boys’ teams have become accustomed to bumping, setting and spiking their way towards victory against teams across the district. However, unique competition arose for the varsity team when it was announced that they would play against a select group of teachers

Man u

el E s

pin oza /h

“Students vs. Staff” volleyball game on April 13. Some faculty members that played are Maxwell Wood, Roberto Del Valle, Monica De La Vega and Tony Ullivari.

“My goal is to go in there and not completely embarrass myself so I hope I can accomplish that,” IB psychology teacher Scott Nelson said.”

Both varsity players and teachers had an hour and a half to make history happen and so when the game began,

both teams were ready to give it their all.

Considering they play for the school team, the varsity boys started off strong and seemed unstoppable.

However, the teachers surprisingly a small portion of the game by digging, passing and blocking attempted spikes from the students.

Despite their temporary lead, the varsity boys were able to regain momentum and go back ahead. By the score was 21-15 in the varsity team’s favor.

consist of creating a good platform with two arms to pass the ball and having appropriate footwork. They continued pushing, but the varsity team inevitably won the second set 21-15.

By this point, the players had already won, but for the sake of fun, a third set was conducted and the boy steam won with a very close score of 21-19.

Despite losing three sets to none, the team of Gables faculty team walked off the court with vibrant smiles on their faces as they put up a

“

ALYSIA D’ALEMBERTE, BOYS HEAD COACH

Gablettes performed a hiphop routine accompanied by classic music inspired by the teacher team.

As the game continued, teachers and faculty worked hard to ensure their win. Girls volleyball coach Monica De La Vega helped lead her fellow teachers by reminding them about the fundamentals of volleyball which

very own varsity team.

Considering it was such a success, the organizers of this year’s “Students vs.

Staff’’ volleyball game are already looking into hosting another game next year.

“I really hope that this can continue happening. My varsity and junior varsity boys were so happy for this to happen and it would really be nice to include more people next year,” head coach Alysia D’Alemberte said. h

SERVING HARD:

sports 21

Level-headed helmets

A drastic change has come to high school football in Florida as regional districts have been rearranged to be more fair

BY LENOX BALZEBRE, STAFF WRITER

F

ANS ARE BEGINNING TO YAWN while watching the most popular American sport and it is cause for great concern. High school football in South Florida has remained stagnant with the same games, predictions and outcomes for far too long. Football championships have been dominated by schools like Miami Central and Miami Northwestern. However, with the new

Gainesville Sun, metro area schools have won 89 percent of the state football championships within the past 10 years.

On Feb. 28, the vote to split the state in two divisions aside from the 1A rural division was made and will be placed into effect for the 2022-2023 school year.

a developed suburban division by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), a new season will kick off with The

rB de xan Ale

tune.

Prior to the new suburban division, districts were not divided by populations within counties, meaning that schools from a small suburban area could unfairly be faced up against a school from the biggest city in South Florida. These schools from smaller populations not only lack resources in comparison to schools in larger counties but also have less of a pool of exceptionally talented student athletes.

As the FHSAA began to notice that the eight most populated counties were winning state championships every year, they proposed to change the arrangement of the sports districts. For example, according to The

a/ zd ra

s e v e n l a r g e s t c o u n t i e s hi gh — Broward, lig hts Hillsborough, MiamiDade, Orange, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Seminole — will be placed in their own Metro division.

“Next year, we might have a better chance. Sure our rival Columbus won’t be in our district, but we’ll have more chances [of winning] overall with the teams we’re playing,” sophomore football team kicker

Gerald Escobar said.

However, some people are against the policy as they believe it is being implemented As claimed by Gainesville news press, the FHSAA Executive Director George Tomyn disagrees with the policy as he believes the decision requires more data collection and time in order to move forward.

On the contrary, if the policy was not initiated, district results would continue to be the same so there would be no diffeerence.

According to board member Charlie Ward in the report of the Orlando Sentinel, the policy will be in play for the next two years, allowing FHSAA to see the results and determine if they should remain.

“People complain about who they gotta play and this and that but in the end you still have to beat people, if you win all your games you’ll have nothing to complain about,” football coach Frank Welsh said.

Since the policy implements a more participate with fair competition and may feel more inclined to play all out. More schools may have the chance to grow in their division and games will be more entertaining for all.

Developing teams can advance, winning teams can put their skills to the test and all can

students speak up

”

Lucas Paez, Junior 22 sports

”

WHEN YOU HAVE THE TOP SCHOOLS PLAY AGAINST EACH OTHER IN THE DISTRICT, YOU MAKE FOR SOME GOOD GAMES.

“

WHEN THE TEAMS IN THE DISTRICTS CHANGE UP MORE IT INCREASES THE CHANCES OF MORE EQUALITY FOR SCHOOLS.

Ethan Kaddour-Moore, Senior

“

Just Ripe

The Strawberry Fields of Kendall offer freshly grown fruits and vegetables to customers during seasons of ripeness

BY FRANCESCA RICO, STAFF WRITER

I

MMERSION INTO THE ALL encompassing landscape at the Strawberry Fields of Kendall is made into an easy feat when one’s eyes land upon

The Strawberry Fields of Kendall are best known for their locally grown, organic strawberries that customers get to pick from the son for these berries peaking in the late winter months, January and February are prime time to pick strawberries as they are at their best matoes are available for customers to gather at the farm from the months of March until

-

engrossed, a feeling that can be rare for one cause they grow well in South Florida due to

development of land and construction of tall

“My favorite fruits and vegetables to buy from the Strawberry Fields of Kendall are the strawberries, watermelons and lettuce,” junior -

This escape from the bustle of the city allows customers to have an experience that is unique as it brings people closer to nature by giving them the experience of picking one’s

grocery store, and the experience of buying

“I like going to the Strawberry Fields of Kendall because the experience is different from what I usually experience,” junior Mar-

One of the most special aspects of the when different fruits and vegetables grow as For instance, watermelons are in season from May to September while lettuce is in seaers also learn about how produce grows and is farmed since they become part of the last step of the process of growing fruits and vegetables

Vegetables like yellow squash, sweet potatoes, zucchini, small eggplant, red peppers and

-

pricing is due to the maintenance of tending

be miles, making the customer feel completely

The Strawberry Fields of Kendall teaches customers about where one’s fruits and vegetables come from when purchasing from local farms, as well as the difference between consumers are not aware of what goes into getting produce ready for purchasing, thus the topics Upon highlighting these differences and information, the Strawberry Fields of Kendall allows customers to spend a beautiful day in nature amist the bustle of the city while enjoyh

SPECTACULAR STAND:

Francesca Rico/highlights

23 the scene

Travel to Thailand

What started as a hole in the wall, Lung Yai Thai Tapas has become the epicenter of Thai Cuisine in South Florida

BY MARK SNYDER, STAFF WRITER

W

ITH HUMBLE BEGINNINGS as a bar with a couple seats during a global pandemic, Lung Yai transformed an alleyway into an outdoor seating area by the addition of a few chairs on the sidewalk. When visiting Lung Yai, there is typically a long wait due to limited seating options, yet patrons are greeted by kind individuals that make it their goal to ensure customers are welcomed.

Once one is seated, a touchless menu is given to customers. At Lung Yai Tapas, the menu is full of options, such as Wok Stir Noodles, which are a traditional style of cooking noodles. Wok is a type of skillet with a narrow base and high steep sides that allows it to cook these type of noodles.

Meals include Pad See Ewe, a plate served and a brown sauce that is typically made with a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic and rice wine, giving it a tart and sweet taste. There is the Pad Kee Mao that is made ion, scallion, mushroom, bell pepper, tomato and basil lever also served with brown sauce.

These plates are all priced at $13.

The Pad Thai is served with sauteed rice noodles, egg, scallion, bean sprouts and topped with ground peanuts. The plate has a between a group of friends for $13. Lung Yai has Aa Haan Taan Len [appetizers] that include dumplings to be ordered steamed or

Mark Snyder/highlights.

DELICIOUS DUMPLINGS: A chili soy sauce accompanies pork dumplings to provide a contrast between the

24 the scene

with a soy vinaigrette dip that features a spicy Lung Yai also offers two savory soups called Tom Yum that can be ordered either with shrimp or chicken and are made with a clear broth mixed with lime juice, mushvored thai herbs, then topped with scallion and cilantro.

This soup is a good side dish or appetizer as it is more on the light side.

A similar soup, the Tom Kha, can also be ordered with either shrimp or chicken and is served with a coconut milk broth, lime juice, mushroom, galangal root, specially scallions and cilantro. However, the it is served with a coconut milk broth rather than a clear broth but would also make a good side dish.

The restaurant is well lit and has traditional Thai music playing on the speakers for customers to enjoy, making it feel like a small traditional restaurant in Thailand.

Located in a predominately Hispanic neighborhood, it is interesting to see a Thai

BALANCED BOWL: White rice and vegetables are combined to form the best selling bowl that leaves customers feeling satiated

restaur a n t adapt and become part of the community offering dishes that can be foreign to this community. Lung Yai does a phenomenal job on making people feel welcomed while cherishing traditional Thai plates.

On weekends, this restaurant has high to wait to be seated, but it is worth the wait.

Enjoy your trip to Thailand! h

Cupcakes with a heart

Bunniecakes has achieved the perfect vegan baked goods, cultivating a delicious and artistics business in Doral

BY GEORGIA RAU, STAFF WRITER

R

ECENTLY, DIETS SUCH AS veganism or gluten-free have become much more common. While

hub for the area’s best restaurants, as the estabthese,”

junior

Since then, she has gone on to not -

-

-

Genesis

-

h

Georgia Rau/highlights.

NOTABLE NEONS: Vibrant colors and comforting phrases adorn BunnieCakes’ walls to make customers feel welcome.

25 the scene

LONG LASTING LOVE: Hearts symbolize the loving environment fostered and care that goes into each baked good.

Seeking Serenity

Unwind and relieve some pressure with one of the oldest tricks in the book: yoga, a proven mood enhancer

BY MARCELA RONDON, COPY EDITOR AND CAROLINA CASTRO, STAFF WRITER

A

PRACTICE TYPICALLY SEEN to be highly regarded by valley girls and hippies, yoga has continued to prove itself in the face of its challengers.

Tried and true, multiple studies have been conducted to verify yoga’s incredible results on one’s health.

Catherine Woodyard tells the Internation-

al Journal of Yoga that yoga is calming and restorative, and is able to lower heart rate, decrease blood pressure, lower cortisol levels ibility and bringing an overall feeling of serenity, it is no wonder yoga has taken the world by storm.

As everyone navigates through the stress

they face in their daily lives, mini breaks are just what is needed to escape, even if just for a little over an hour.

Yoga is still no easy feat and getting into the groove of the different movements can is best in the early stages of becoming “zen.”

Places such as Casa Vinyasa and Goat Yoga in the 305 are able to accomplish just that.

CASA VINYASA In dire need of an escape from reality, many customers go to Casa Vinyasa daily in search of tranquility. Located in South Miami at 5901 SW 73rd Terrace, Casa Vinyasa is a refuge for any and all yoga-junkies, as well as beginners and those in between, hoping to get a good workout in while clearing their head of negative thoughts.

Founded by Melissa Echevarria and Lizzy Chiappy in 2018, this establishment was started on the premise of love. With a collective of over 1,000 hours worth of training, both Echevarria and Chiappy have gone to several workshops and have even visited different corners of the world to places such as Thailand, in order to become the best at what they do. One of the yoga capitals of the world, Phuket, Thailand is possibly the most authenbring these teachings to Miami is just one of the ways Echevarria and Chiappy are able to set themselves apart from other competition. “[Chiappy and I] share so many smiles at the personal connections created within this home and pinch ourselves silly for this is our true life’s passions and we are blessed to do it each day with love,” Echevarria said on the studio’s website.

The founders have also ensured this qualiof their instructors, having them go through a

200-hour training course to teach at their stusessions go through every aspect of yoga and the unique style of teaching they have practically trademarked — consisting of hands-on classes and constant reassurance. Making every student feel comfortable, focusing on the individual needs of a group and always keeping a positive attitude are some of the necessary attributes of a class leader.

If one were to ask a frequent, or even onetime, student how they felt after a session at Casa Vinyasa, it is almost guaranteed that they will give the same response: that it feels like a family as soon as one walks through the door; and this is the goal of the studio. Echevarria and Chiappy constantly seek to guarantee an environment in which students feel seen, heard, and cherished, according to their website and personal testaments.

“I think what makes [Casa Vinyasa] stand out is how they treat everyone like family and you’re just able to thrive in that environment, with everyone just trying to help better each other,” sophomore Marley Martinez said.

The most important aspect of yoga, however, is its impact on mental health, especially among younger generations. Helping relieve one may use at any given moment, yoga can help offer lifelong tips to use when in need of a break.

Casa Vinyasa offers an array of courses, including Power Vinyasa Vibes, Vinyasa Flow and Restorative Flow, all differing in speeds and temperatures, allowing for one to adjust to their skill level as the intensities rise.

Another unique element offered by Casa Vinyasa is its use of infrared heating, which raises the temperature of one’s body by directly warming the muscles, as opposed to typical heating systems that take a long time to end with the same impact.

Infrared heating is incorporated into most classes, though there are some that opt out of its usage, allowing for one to really curate their bility, as well as pain relief as one stretches out any muscles that may need it.

“I would recommend yoga to anyone my age, as I have found that it has given me someit has also helped me improve my physical health and overall strength”. While yoga may have its stigmas, anyone who attends Casa Vinyasa is able to better themselves in round yourself in a community that is always looking out for each other.

Carolina Castro/highlights.

26 the scene

PINTO’S FARM: GOAT YOGA IN THE 305 The tried and true exercise form of yoga, originating in the subcontinent of India, witnessed a large paradigm shift from a spiritual tice.

As years pass and yoga begins to become more ingrained into western culture, various yoga forms meant for fun and entertainment have emerged, including yoga with farm animals — goat yoga.

While yoga studios have risen in popularity over the past years, goat yoga has taken over by storm. Combining the healing power of nature and the grounding properties of yoga, goat yoga became highly popularized on social media as a therapeutic form of exercise. Apart from its peacekeeping traits, goat yoga has become popular among families and young children.

“I love goat yoga because it takes away some of the seriousness and intimidation that comes along with regular yoga,” instructor Stephanie Babain said.

Miami has its fair share of goat yoga studios and locations, including Goat Yoga in the 305 at Evelyn Greer Park. LocatGoat Yoga in the 305 is a family-oriented yoga session taking place at a local Pinecrest park and is open to all levels of guests, including children and more seasoned yogis.

Goat Yoga in the 305’s mission is to keep local community members active by providing them a chance to connect with nature and their physical health through im-

ees’ backs, lay down on the yoga mats and do other rambunctious activities. “[The goats are] just curious about everything; they visit everybody and they are really good about hanging out with people,” goat owner Emily Morgan said.

As the yoga sessions are hosted in an outdoor setting rather than a yoga studio, certain equipment needs to be brought by attendees, including yoga mats and sunscreen, since the lessons take place under the sun.

Yogis of all types are welcome to partake in the lessons, as the class follows a well paced levels of a certain pose and have fun enjoying the playful compan y of the

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/h i

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ht

Aiyana’s Empire Dairy Goats hosts the event every month as a way to collaborate with the community via the fun and relaxing exercise form of goat yoga. Due to their curious nature, the goats will often hop on attend-

s.

goats, as the nature of these classes allows for individual enjoyment of the yoga and the goats.

To attend classes, tickets must be purchased on the Eventbrite website and are $30 per person. Lessons are typically held every thirty days at the same location and last an average of ninety minutes with an additional thirty minutes reserved for playing, taking pictures with or feeding the goats.

Due to their unconventional settings, the yoga sessions vary on location and travel to different outdoor locations in the South Dade area.

Yet the outdoor setting provides a more welcoming environment for the goats as they feel more connected to their natural environment as it resembles a traditional landscape where the creatures can roam freely.

The hosts of the yoga sessions also provide leaves and other forms of foliage for er in the various ways Goat Yoga in the 305 allows for guests to connet with nature. While one is practiving their yoga poses, the goats will come up next to their mats and munch on leaves and grasses, demonstrating how the animals are able to eat and play.

The empathetic nature of the goats along with their curiosity allows for a unique and memorable yoga experience. Their gentle yet mischievous nature guarantees attendees a moment to unwind and laugh at the goats’ many quirks and charming traits.

Setting itself apart from studio yoga, goat yoga is a sureture while also providing a fun and unwinding experience. h

Marcela Rondon/highlights.

SUN SALUTATIONS: Classes are given in broad daylight to allow yogis to soak up the sun and take in the vitamin D.

GRACEFUL GOATS: After class, attendants are welcome to bottle feed, hold, pet and take care of the goats.

27 the scene

PUBLIC SCHOOLS TARGETED WRITTEN BY SANTIAGO GIRALDO, STAFF WRITER

28 insight

Throughout this year, the Florida Legislature has enacted laws that target and may negatively affect public schools around the state

A

MAJORITY OF THE 2022 Florida Legislative session Ron DeSantis and the state

“

THIS MOVEMENT SHOULD FOCUS MORE ON RELEVANT THINGS LIKE FUNDING OR SCHOOL LUNCHES AND ACTUAL PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION POLITICS DIOSLYN OLIVIA, SENIOR

among the next generation, with regards to

students speak up Santiago Girald

ights g hl hi / o

”

”

”

What’s the purpose of not letting students have all information disposable if we’re here to learn without restriction?

The Legislature has got Schools should to focus on the real problems promote actual education and enlightened modes of thinking, facing Florida, like gun violence, affordable housing and access not backwards stone age to adequate healthcare. censored topics.

Julianna Guzman, Sophomore

Noé Rusconi, Sophomore

“

“

Julissa Villarreal, Junior insight 29

“

STOP W.O.K.E. The “Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees (W.O.K.E.) Act” is “a law intended to limit how workplaces and classrooms around the state handle discussions surrounding critical race theory,” according to CBS News.

With racial issues — especially slavery — building the foundations of Florida, it would be impossible to discuss the states’ history without mentioning the backbone of its formation and the cruelness that came alongside it. For instance, many cities in Florida, such as Miami Beach, were sundown towns, which were places that did not allow non-whites in or out of town after the sun went down.

Additionally, the horrendous consequences that state sanctioned racism had on ethnic and racial minorities in the state will no longer be highlighted in students’ textbooks. It is important for students to understand what has been done in the past to prevent it from recurring in the present or future.

“We try to teach things from a nonbiased perspective and in order to do that we have to explain all the sides to an argument

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for the student to make their own decision,” Advanced Placement history teacher Aaron Miller said. “So when you take out pieces of the story, it creates incomplete truths

“

WE TRY TO TEACH THINGS FROM A NONBIASED PERSPECTIVE AND IN ORDER TO DO THAT WE HAVE TO EXPLAIN ALL THE SIDES TO AN ARGUMENT FOR THE STUDENT TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISION. AARON MILLER, TEACHER that lead to dangerous conclusions. If we’re going to let kids think, we have to give them all the information to let them make a smart decision.”

Gov. DeSantis stated that the law was initially proposed because CRT involves “having oppressive ideologies imposed upon you without your consent,” according to Fortune. The law practically prohibits the promotion of CRT in students’ curriculum.

Yet, history is a prism in which at any angle someone looks through, the image that is seen can be viewed in a completely one angle, a well rounded perspective of history is lost and leaves future generations without a proper consensus about the past.

The state’s diverse population deserves to know what occurred to their predecessors, what happened that led them to take action Civil Rights Movement.

As philosopher George Santayana once said, “If one chooses not to learn history, one will be bound to repeat it.”

His words still stand the test of time as curriculums around the country are restructured to wipe out narratives of race.

Students deserve a well rounded education with information that is not withheld from them.

DON’T SAY GAY Earlier in 2021 the “Parental Rights in Education” bill was proposed by Florida’s legislative branch. Recently, on March 28, into action.

The law aims to ban the teaching of sexual orientation or gender identity in Florida public school classrooms. Some may view the bill as protecting students from inappropriate discussions, while others believe preventing such topics from being taught can subsequently cause students to feel isolated or confused.

Additionally, the writing of the law itself suggests that any classroom instruction that is not “age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students’’ is banned under to, “Don’t Say Gay” can technically apply to all classrooms with students of all ages.

The law not only targets students, but

as LGBTQ+ have begun to quit their professions, as reported by NBC News.

Nicolette Solomon, a Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) fourth grade teacher, believes “the law would erase her as an LGBTQ+ teacher, not allowing her to be herself.”

Similarly, the law targets schools, which is a safe space for many students as many children are able to express themselves openly without discrimination. Erasing that safe space would put the lives of hundreds of LGBTQ+ students at risk, as LGTBQ+ students are 3.5 times more likely to commit suicide compared to their heterosexual counterparts, according JAMA Pediatrics.

This can apply back to the school itself.

The Gables Paradigm club, or the GayStraight Alliance (GSA), may no longer be able to meet, as doing so can go against state regulation. This can also lead to representation of the LGBTQ+ community to diminish.

“It is business as usual, the day DeSantis

signed the law, I hung up the new inclusion Tracey Barrow said. “I intend to continue what I’ve been doing, to be there for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community. I will not shy away from anything that I’ve never shied away from before.”

Not only can parents sue schools for allowing such instruction to occur, but such suits will come out of the taxpayer’s pocket as judges who serve the state may grant retribution for legal costs to the person suing the school. The money that will be given from taxpayer dollars would increase the defunding of public schools.

Although discussions among students about the LGBTQ+ community are not banned, “classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur,” according to the bill. Essentially, the curriculum is being changed so students can speak about the LGBTQ+ community, but can not be taught about it.

CURRICULUM CHANGES More formally known as HB 1476, the “Curriculum Transparency” bill “requires school districts to be transparent in the selection of instructional materials, including library and reading materials,” as under review in public schools, which could lead to their potential removal. It would allow parents and school districts to review and potentially approve the selection of certain educational materials in a curriculum or school library.

Similar to the other laws mentioned, the primary idea of enforcing this law stemmed from the question of how involved a parent should be in deciding the education of their kids. According to Gov. DeSantis, parents should play “a fundamental role in the education of their kids.”

Many of the books being removed appear to involve “graphic content,” as stated by WPBF News. For instance, according to the Washington Post, “‘Gender Queer: A Memoir’ was removed from a

library in a Orange county school district.’’

This is another instance of parents going after books pertaining to LGBTQ+ topics branding them as “woke indoctrination”.

This is another instance of parents getting involved in the censoring of certain subjects because they may view it as being

DID YOU KNOW?

Source: Orange Observer News

Acts such as these are being used as education system in Florida, which amounts to 2,791,687 students as recorded by Datacenter.kidscount.org.

“It’s not reasonable to want a perfect curriculum, you can never please everyone.

Teenagers need to learn that the world is not perfect, in preventing students from having this information accessible to them, it sets them up for failure in the future,” FL-38 State Senator Jason Pizzo said.

Florida education is now the next target of minimizing the information available to students. When books are banned they are banned because people fear the message of those who will read it.

Such changes in curriculum are board members who believe in protecting

sensitive for their children. Previously, the only mention of parental rights in Florida was statute 61.13, where “an unmarried father has no legal rights to custody or time sharing until paternity is established.”

created between changing the curriculum in schools for the better and doing it because of politicized issues. Afterall, the proper education of children must be prioritized. h

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Principal Tony Ullivarri raises his hands to showcase his face, painted by senior Kennedy Martin-Jones for a competition at the last pep rally of the school year. Ullivarri won, after gaining the most amount of applause from the crowd.

Cristel Cantarero / highlights