Issue 6, Vol. 63

editorial board

Maria Jose Cestero

Isabella Morales

Marcela Rondon

Rafael J. Sans, Jr.

Cristel Cantarero

Manuel Espinoza

Melissa Gonzalez

Georgia Rau

Emily Kardjian

Ava Volman

Alexander Brazda

Lenox Balzebre

Juan Fajardo

Carolina Castro & Santiago Giraldo

staff writers

Adrian Perez

Adriel Cortes

Alyssa Dopico

Anais Jamali

Austin Yagoda

Camila Perez-Clavarino

Chiara Abad-Sanchez

Divya Dave

Francesca Rico

Hazel Grosell

Isabela Duarte

Julia Volman

Lily Goron

Lucas Betancourt

Micaela Montero

Nathalie Schwart

Saryn Moore

Samantha Sears

Sela Peña

Sofa Rodriguez

Valentina Araujo

Valentina Ponton

contributors

Tamya Wallace

publication policy

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

4 CARS under new CAP advisor

11

2023 features Interact’s new Pen Pal with Haiti initiative aims to foster students’ intercultural connections skills in a fun way.

6 Gables’ Charm Department opinion

news

12 Climate change and the Willow project

14 Words from the way out sports the scene

As the year comes to an end, highlights recaps the 2022-2023 school year for all sports.

23 Shopping and gaming at FURIA

26 A perfect summer day

On the cover:

20 insight 28 The rise of Artifcial Intelligence

What is your opinion? Tell us your point of view on a topic published in highlights with an email titled “Letter to the Editor.” We reserve the right to publish any letters sent to this email.

Juan Fajardo/highlights

Emily Kardjian/highlights

Valentina Araujo/highlights

Cheryl Fiffe

Thinking about how to start this, it became clear to me that I would never be able to summarize my time as Editor-in-Chief in so few words. We took back our title of CAF & DM feld day champions, we found our (platonic) soulmates and, of course, we once again became one of the best newsmagazines in Florida. Though I am convinced I will never be able to ft this year in a mere letter, I will try to give our readers the highlights

To our senior staff, both new and old, I hope your time in highlights will serve you in college and beyond. Francesca, your eye for detail made you a superstar news and secret blog writer. Lucas, your eloquent writing style is one I am sure I will not see again. Thank you for keeping the Korea Korner™ alive. Sofa, our days of studying (or not) for biology are over. I am sure your determined yet kind mentality will help you fourish once we graduate. Mica, you helped created one of my favorite stories in highlights history. Adriel, whether you are skating, writing, drawing or voice acting, I hope your time in highlights is one you do not forget. Austin, your contributions throughout your four years have been invaluable and have helped to make highlights a success.

To Lenox, from being this year’s Scene Queen to exceling at all of your seemingly endless list of extracurriculars, I am simply in awe of your abilities, talents and grace. Remember me when you are changing the world.

To our senior editors, you have truly redefned your positions this year. Ralph, thank you for always keeping a positive attitude and being our one and only Elvis. Make sure you make the swamp’s business your business. Cristel, thank you for discovering your passion through highlights, and for inspiring others to do the same. Most importantly, thank you for growing with me these past four years. Marcela, my deepest regret is not getting to know you sooner. Your abilities as a copy editor cannot be overstated and I will miss our constant routine of singing, eating and laughing no matter where we are. Do not forget to visit me.

To our returning board, you have all proven yourselves to be invaluable assets to highlights Juan, seeing your growth this year has been inspiring. Thank you for always working hard and facing every issue with a desire to improve. Ava, I am excited to see the future that lies ahead of you. Your columns, in-depth edits and brilliance has made you an invaluable editor, leader and friend. Alex, thank you for always answering (sooner or later) my endless stream of messages. I am incredibly proud of the work you have created. Santi, you are a force to be reckoned with and a ferce leader. Remember me when you are President. Caro, from Online to The Scene, I know you will create a section that refects your work ethic and passion for what you do. Manuel, you have re-defned content this year. You will forever go down

LETTER Frøm thë Ëdïtørh

Maria Jose Cestero

MARIA JOSE CESTERO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

in highlights history, and I am grateful I was there to see you achieve your goals.

To next year’s board, I leave confdent that highlights will produce yet another All-Florida year under your guidance.

Emily, the hardest part about making you EIC was the realization I will not be there to see you next year. This year, my biggest accomplishment is being able to not only call you a talented and intelligent editor and sucessor to the throne, but my close and dear friend. Do not stay at the Richter too late next year (at least not without me).

Georgia, your natural leadership and charisma made making you Managing Editor an effortless task. Your creativity and dedication this year made Features a consistently beautiful section and I know your talents will make the magazines next year just as spectacular. You and Emily will be unstoppable.

Camila, your (kinda weird) love for grammar makes you a perfect Copy Editor. Make sure you update the script for your sitcom next year. Nathalie, business is now your business. You are ballin’ bigger than LeBron (get it?). Anaïs, though you have big shoes to fll, I am confdent that you will meet and exceed my expectations. Do not let Cristel hack into the Instagram account next year. Julia, your eye for design made you a perfect sucessor to Features. I know you will go far in highlights and beyond. Divya, though you never managed to get the clap on time, I know you are reserving your energy for your section next year. Alyssa, when should I expect my snickerdoodle care package? I know your portrait-drawing abilities will make Online a beautiful section next year.

Isa, I would not have survived this year without you by my side. From breaking records to running highlights with me, you can do it all. Thank you for all the laughs, memories and nights spent stressing over deadlines. I have learned so much from your presence, and I know it is not even the half of it. There is no one I am more in awe of.

Gonzo, so much of the person I am is because of you. Thank you for pushing me to work hard and letting me steal all of your snacks. I will keep your stories and life lessons close to my heart as I go into the next phase of my life and beyond. Thank you for all that you do for me and highlights

Love, Maria Jose

Maria, I know what MJ actually stands for: Marshmallow Jalapeño. Why? Because that describes you perfectly. A softie who brings warmth into highlights while being a ferce, spicy leader that will never allow a team to fail. Between the constant sighs and the 30-second dance parties, you are the epitome of an authentic leader. I am proud to say that I was the Managing Editor for the best EIC I have ever seen.

Love and appreciate you always, Isa

Isabella Morales

ISABELLA MORALES MANAGING EDITOR

CAP and CARS The College Admissions Readiness Symposium preps soon-to-be seniors

BY ALYSSA DOPICO, STAFF WRITER

AS THE END OF THE YEAR approaches, juniors at Gables prepare for the formidable process of college applications. Fortunately, students have the opportunity to join the College Admissions Readiness Symposium. The CARS program, run by Gables’ new College Assistance Program Advisor Sofa Sanz de Acedo, provides participants with the knowledge and preparation they need to hit the ground running when college applications start.

CARS is essentially a bootcamp that helps students get a head start on multiple components of the college and fnancial aid application process. The program is available only to current juniors and occurs May 31 through June 2. Participants will write their personal statements, which tell colleges about them as an individual, build a college list, learn about fnancial aid and more through various workshops.

CARS builds the foundation of applications, facilitating a head start on the process so that incoming seniors will only have

by the numbers

supplements left to work on the following year. Since the process can be daunting for students, taking advantage of this early start is extremely helpful.

“I did CARS last year because I was worried that I would fall behind in the college application process. I hoped to get a better understanding of the application process, and I did,” senior Kysa Mesa said.

Starting this year as the new CAP Advisor, Sanz de Acedo has made a large impact on students, guiding them as they take the next step towards their future. The opportunity to come back to her alma mater to offer this guidance to students drew Sanz de Acedo to the position of CAP advisor, one that she has enjoyed occupying this past school year.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with students and guiding them through the college process. This position was completely new to me, but I have learned a lot and hope I can continue to share my expertise with students and parents,” Sanz de Acedo said.

Through her work with students undergoing the application process, Sanz de Acedo has learned that while there is no exact formula to get into the perfect school, there is still much more that goes into the decision process than people may think, primarily the fact that each student has a unique case. Working with each applicant, Sanz de Acedo has learned how to take family life and fnancial situation into account.

As the CAP Advisor, Sanz de Acedo has taken on the organization of the CARS program. By creating a detailed schedule, curriculum and assignments for participants in collaboration with teachers and volunteers, she has made sure that it will run smoothly.

“Being prepared, thinking about colleges and taking time to work on your applications can ease the stress that comes along with applying to colleges,” Sanz de Acedo said.

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h features

highlights surveyed 225 students in May 2023 regarding CARS at Gables and its effcacy.

96% of students believe that CARS will help students prepare for the college application process.

66% of students have attended or plan to attend CARS during their time at Gables.

98% of students believe that having CARS at Gables is benefcial to students.

35% of students expect the most helpful component of CARS to be writing the personal statement.

Georgia Rau/highlights

Alyssa Dopico/highlights

Compiled by Georgia Rau/highlights features 5

Student-led success

With guidance from Information Technology teacher

Niki Brown, students have launched their Croc Charm business

BY ANAÏS JAMALI, STAFF WRITER

MOST STUDENTS IN THE Academy of Finance want to prepare for careers in business or become fnancially literate. This year, Information Technology teacher Niki Brown was able to help her students apply the knowledge learned in class to create revenue with a new student-led business, the Charm Department, with help from the Miami-based program Junior Achievement.

During summer 2022, Brown reached out to Junior Achievement, a non-proft organization that partners with schools to provide help to students seeking a career in business with courses and volunteers, which was later instituted at Gables.

Through JA, Gables competes with 30 other schools for their business’ success. JA sent volunteer and entrepreneur Patrick Creegan to help guide students in a JA course where they were asked to implement their business ideas in real life circumstances.

Sophomore Daniel Pozo had the idea of selling Gables-themed charms for students’ Crocs in September 2022.

CAVALIERS

HALLTALK

The highlights staff records what students are talking about in the halls. 6 features

“Since Crocs are popular on our campus, I thought Daniel’s idea of selling croc charms was a clever idea which we could defnitely make a proft out of,” Brown said.

Since students at Gables are able to wear Crocs in sports mode, Pozo believed that Croc charms would generate school spirit. Students in Brown’s second period began investing into the business. The amount of money they invested is the amount of money they will receive from JA after the business breaks even, or when total cost and revenue is equal. Responsibilities are divided into fnancial, sales, marketing, production and leadership.

In March, the Charm Department placed in the Top 10 in the JA competition and moved forward to make a commercial video showing the benefts of the charms. In May, they were announced as the contest winner.

Senior Angel Cabrera designed the frst charm, white with a red CG logo, which communication technology and technical design teacher Veronica Garcia cleaned up and approved. Production of these charms started with Gables’ 3D printer. Creegan later reached out to the architecture and design program at UM, where they create more intricate designs with the software Rhinoceros 3D. Currently, there are four different options to choose from— the “CG” logo, the Cavalier mascot, the Cavalier Flag and a rectangular charm spelling out “Cavalier”. Since March 3, the charms were sold during lunch every day for $3 each.

“I bought a Croc charm

“I deleted all my social media apps. I still use the websites, they’re harder to get to.”

“No, I’m not from New York, but I speak the language.”

“Careful of short people. They’re able to reach for rocks more easily.”

SPIRITED SUPPORT:

because all my friends started wearing them and I am super satisfed with the quality and look of it,” sophomore Hannah Berumen said.

The Charm Department broke even within the frst week of sales and all investments made by students were spent on commissioning the designers from UM and materials to create the products. The Charm Department plans on expanding products to academy, sport and club logos. In addition, their Instagram account, @charmdept, is used to promote sales and inform students about the business.

“After our business broke even, it felt great that my idea had fnally turned into a reality, and that our business was starting to fourish. Since the start we were nervous, but confdent and hopeful,” Pozo said.

The Charm Department has quickly thrived and has been well received by the students around campus. Through these experiences, the students taking part in this business hope to take with them these invaluable skills that they have learned as they pursue business and entrepreneurship.

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“USC doesn’t believe me when I say I’m broke!”

“You know naps prevent old age, right? Especially when you’re driving.”

“There should be Grammarly for speaking out loud.”

Sophomore Nicolas Delgado purchases a Croc charm.

Anaïs Jamali/highlights

Georgia Rau/highlights

Issues amplifed

Young artists expose local Miami issues through their performances at junior Jamar Howard’s art showcase

BY MANUEL ESPINOZA, CONTENT EDITOR

ACITY FAMED FOR ITS culture and art scene, Miami is arguably one of the most opportune places to cultivate a career in the arts. For young, activismdriven artists of all mediums, junior Jamar Howard has introduced the Miami Artist Movement, taking place on June 3 and giving the stage to these individuals to show why the arts are important and how they relate to today’s climate.

MAM’s overall mission is to spread awareness of the different social and economic issues in Miami through the display of works from young artists, exhibiting the expectation and reality of the city Cavaliers call home.

“I feel like we have this disconnect between what we say about Miami versus what we see in Miami,” Howard said.

Being involved at his school and community, the arts is familiar territory for the junior as he participates in Gables’ Troupe 0476, a drama group, and teaches dance during the summer at

Breakthrough Miami, an academic enrichment program for ffth to eighth grade students. Additionally, Howard was awarded “Most Talented” at this year’s Mr. Coral Gables pageant, an achievement he attributes to his dance performance skills.

The idea for the showcase started with a simple assignment from Howard’s AP English Literature class led by teacher Claudia Valencia, where students created advertisements promoting a made-up product or service that would help the community. Howard created MAM and noticed that this assignment could turn into something more and began building a team that was ready to bring his vision to life.

“Jamar is a really great student. He’s kind of interesting because he has this duality—when you see him on stage, he’s very talented and outgoing,” Valencia said.

Many issues signifcantly affect the Miami population. Notably, in areas like Coconut Grove, Little Haiti and Wynwood, gentrifcation has spread quickly year after year. According to the U.S. News & World Report, 70% of Gables students are economically disadvantaged, making such issues prevalent to the school and its population. Climate change, while felt on a global scale, severely impacts Miami, where the rising sea level cannot be ignored. MAM plans to address these conficts that Gables students go through each day.

“I believe art helps bring awareness to issues by making people face them headon,” Howard said.

In preparation for the upcoming performance, an audition process was held where artists displayed their perspectives on these issues with their art. Senior Amelie Chaskes works as the showcase acting director. With acting being her passion and career path, participation was a no-brainer.

“This is an awesome project and I am

excited about having the opportunity to contribute to it,” Chaskes said.

MAM was frst announced through their Instagram, @miami.artist.movement, aiming to reach different kinds of artists for the showcase. These artists include musicians, dancers, photographers and more. Different audition requirements were in place for each category, such as vocalists, who sang 16 bars from two contrasting pieces, while actors recited two minutes of both comedic and dramatic monologues.

By speaking to art teachers about different artists they know, Howard has built connections with some more established professionals in Miami, who he hopes will help him establish his own platform. Through the showcase, these young artists have the ability to network.

Howard’s friends support his growth and are proud of him for following his vision to set up this showcase and are confdent that things will go well.

“It would be a great opportunity for him to exhibit the great talent he has along with the other artists participating,” junior Madison Mendoza said.

The event’s details and fnal location will be posted on MAM’s Instagram as logistics are fnalized. All audiences are invited to watch the showcase at no cost. Come June 3, Howard’s team is confdent they will open up the minds of others about Miami’s most prevalent matters.

Julia Volman/highlights

Manuel Espinoza/highlights MAM FOUNDER: Junior Jamar Howard looks forward to his upcoming showcase.

NEWS REVIEW IN BRIEF

BY SAMANTHA SEARS, STAFF WRITER

AN AWAITED REOPENING

Miami-Dade Public Library’s Coral Gables branch will reopen May 2023. The library has been under renovation since April 2021 for a variety of improvements. The facility has experienced the installation of impact-resistant windows and a new heating and cooling system. Moreover, upgraded technology includes enhanced Wi-Fi capabilities, desktop computers and touchscreen displays, allowing for easier use of the library’s resources, Coral Gables Magazine reports. This renovated library will provide Gables students with a place to work and study.

“The library reopening will serve as a place for Gables students to study, especially because it is so accessible,” freshman Kate Kuryla said.

STOPPING SAVINGS

In March 2022, the Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021 with the goal of making Daylight Saving Time last year round; however, it did not pass through the House of Representatives. A year later, Sen. Marco Rubio has reintroduced the act in the Senate, where states have the option to opt out of clock changes, according to a press release by Rubio. The senator proposed this bill due to the increases in heating and cooling bills that DST causes annually. The abolishment of DST would eliminate extra bills.

“If Daylight Saving Time were abolished, it would help my family save money and improve my sleep schedule,” junior Gloria Zaky said.

FAFSA UPDATES

In December 2020, Congress passed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Simplifcation Act for the 2023-2024 school year. FAFSA is the form that makes students eligible for federal fnancial aid for higher education. This act makes the FAFSA available earlier in the year, giving students and families more time to gather and submit the information they may need. The new form is also cellphone-friendly, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Overall, these changes will help students apply for and recieve the aid needed to pursue higher education.

“I believe that these FAFSA changes will allow for an easier application process for future applicants,” senior James Valencia said.

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Congrats, Cavs!

Congratulations to Catharsis writers senior Luciana Callegari and sophomore Caitlin Savage for being Piano Slam semifnalists. Savage also won the grand prize in the High School Science category.

Congratulations to Coral Gables Cavaliers boys’ soccer Captain Jordan Bueso for making it onto the All-Dade Boys’ Soccer First Team.

Congratulations to the Police Explorers for placing in Traffc Stop, Crime Scene and Crisis Intervention events at the 2023 Law Enforcement Explorer Competition.

Congratulations to Melanie Garcia and Genessis Naranjo for receiving the Carnival Mentoring Scholarship.

Catharsis writers senior Luciana Callegari and sophomore Caitlin Savage pose after qualifying to perform at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts for the Piano Slam competition

Courtesy of Cheryl Fiffe

Up, up and away!

COMPILED

The h denotes where highlights seniors will be attending in the fall

Coral Gables Seniors’ College Acceptances

Al Miami International University

Amherst College

Appalachian State University

Arizona State University

Auburn University

Babson College

Barnard College

Barry University

Bentley University

Boston College

Boston University

Case Western Reserve University

Chicago State University

Clemson University

Colorado School of Mines

Colorado State University

Columbia College

Columbia University

Drexel University

Duke University

EDHEC Business School

Eckerd College

Elon University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical

University

Emerson College h

Emory University

Fashion Institute of Technology

Finlandia University

Flagler College

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida International University

Florida Memorial University

Florida Polytechnic University

Florida Southern College

Florida State University h

Fordham University

George Washington University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia State University

Greenville University

Hamilton College h

Hawai’i Pacifc University

High Point University

Hofstra University

Hollins University

IE University

Indiana State University

Indiana University

Ithaca College

Jacksonville University

King’s College London

LIM College

Louisiana State University

Loyola University

Lynn University

Marquette University

Marymount Manhattan College

McGill University

Miami Dade College h

Michigan State University

New College of Florida

New Jersey City University

New York Institute of Technology

New York University

North Carolina Central University

North Carolina State University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Nottingham Trent University

Nova Southeastern University

Pace University

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Parsons Paris at The New School

Parsons School of Design at The New School

Penn State University

Pepperdine University

Pomona College

Portland State University

Princeton University

Purdue University

Queen Mary University of London

Quinnipiac University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rollins College

Saint Leo University

Saint Louis University

San Diego State University

Santa Clara University

Santa Fe College

Savannah College of Art and Design

South Carolina State University

Southeastern University

Southern Methodist University

Spelman College

St.Johns University

St.Thomas University

Stetson University

Stony Brook University

Suffolk University

Syracuse University

Tallahassee Community College

Temple University

Texas State University

The New School

The Ohio State University

The University of Alabama

The University of Tampa

The University of Texas at Austin

The University of West Florida

Tufts University

Tulane University of Louisiana

United States

Naval Academy

University of Arizona

University of California Davis

University of California San Diego

University of California Santa

Barbara

University of California Santa

Cruz

University of Central Florida h

University of Chicago

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Denver

University of Denver

University of Dubuque

University of Florida h

University of Georgia

University of Greenwich

University of Kent

University of Kentucky

University of Maryland

University of Massachusetts

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of Mississippi

University of Missouri

University of New Haven

University of North Carolina at Asheville

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

University of North Florida

University of Northern Colorado

University of Notre Dame

University of Pennsylvania h

University of Pittsburgh

University of San Diego

University of San Francisco

University of Scranton

University of South Florida

University of Southern California

University of St Andrews

University of Vermont

University of Washington

University of Wisconsin

Valencia College

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Virginia State University

Voorhees University

Wake Forest University h

Washington State University

Wellesley College

Willamette University

Winthrop University

Woodbury University

Yale University h

As the class of 2023 prepares to embark on their next adventure, highlights presents their college acceptances

BY CHIARA ABAD-SANCHEZ, STAFF WRITER

Mental health in South Florida schools

As

a result of the pandemic and its effects on students, public schools are raising mental health awareness

BY FRANCESCA RICO, STAFF WRITER

AS A RESULT OF THE NEGATIVE effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the youth, Miami-Dade County is taking steps to increase the importance of mental health in schools. In March 2023, Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Jose Dotres began an expansion of mental health services at county schools, according to CBS News. Additionally, Broward County is also taking steps forward to help raise mental health awareness for students.

Currently, every school in MDCPS has at least one counselor that focuses on mental health to ensure that students have easy access to any resources they may need. At Gables, these counselors are Maria Bergouignan, Daraliz Collado, Fran Cosgrove, Daniel Finora, Leann Kurzner, Nattacha Lezcano, Beatrice Pedroso and Kevin Sepulveda. Students are assigned based on their academy.

“Our school system has actually brought back services it offered a decade and a half ago, such as the availability of TRUST counselors this year,” counselor Maria Bergouignan said. “The mental health specialists that we have were being added to all Student Services Departments just prior to the pandemic, and their numbers have increased since then.”

With this new expansion, MDCPS has increased the hours of the school district’s mental health assistance line, which provides immediate support for students in need. The line is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Additionally, according to the Miami Herald, the number of mobile response teams for mental health crises in Miami-Dade County will soon increase to four. This will allow people to message or call a line that will connect them with trained crisis counselors. The increase in teams will result in faster replies and support for those in crisis.

Foundation.

“I have noticed an expansion on mental health services in the school system in the last couple years,” senior Samuel Torres said. “The after-school club for mental health awareness that started last year is really important for people who need it.”

Gables has expanded on mental health services in the last few years since the pandemic. Beginning last year, the Social and Emotional After-School Roundtable club was established, sponsored by mental health coordinator Diana Flores. This club allows students to discuss their mental health struggles and seek ways to improve it.

”The schools I work directly with have shown great priority for mental health,” Flores said. “For example, when I call a student, teachers are very supportive. I have noticed teachers sending students to counselors in times of crisis.”

The pandemic affected the social and emotional maturity of students by repressing their ability to socialize. This has affected their overall mental health, as many did not learn how to handle the increased stress.

According to the CDC, in 2021, 37.1% of high school students reported having poor mental health during the pandemic. Additionally, 11.1% of children ages 3-17 years old received mental health care in Florida in 2021, according to Kaiser Family

28% 20%

Source: Mental Health

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Additionally, Gables will continue to increase mental health awareness through the creation of the Gables Wellness club, beginning next school year. This is being established by Gables Earth sponsor, Elizabeth Kiely, and Gables Earth board members. The club will focus on improving mental health through meditation and mindfulness.

Overall, the focus on mental health in education is increasing in South Florida, as schools begin to focus on balancing the importance of learning and maintaining one’s mental well-being as a student.

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50%

of Americans will be diagnosed with mental illness

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

by the numbers

of adults with mental illness report that they were not able to receive proper treatment

America

of adults living in the United States live with mental illnesss

THE SCHOOLS I WORK DIRECTLY WITH HAVE SHOWN GREAT PRIORITY FOR MENTAL HEALTH DIANA FLORES, MENTAL HEALTH COORDINATOR

Compiled by Emily Kardjian/highlights

Emily Kardjian/highlights

Connecting despite the distance Interact launches a pen pal program where members are able to exchange messages with students in Haiti

BY ISABELA DUARTE, STAFF WRITER

ONE OF GABLES’ SERVICE clubs, Interact, has been providing students with countless community service hours through donations and events for years. Recently, the club has expanded this pool of service opportunities for students through the Pen Pal with Haiti initiative, which entails having Gables students interact with Haitian students through messages about a variety of topics.

The initiative was born after Henryka Manes, the founder and executive director of EcoWorks International, a group focused on Haitian rural development, and a previous Interact guest speaker, approached them with the idea. Manes has been involved with the Haitian community for many years, her previous work including helping farmers living in poverty. Interact took on the opportunity to expand the club’s service events; they began with 20 club members who had previously signed up to be part of the initiative.

The initiative is evolving through different phases in order to help the students get comfortable with each other. At frst, students solely communicated virtually through a group chat, but they later began to write handwritten letters that were hand-delivered by Manes to the Haitian students.

The program involves Haitian students from the Patrice

Lumumba School, a community-based institution whose goal is to provide highlevel education to all students, regardless of their beliefs or fnancial situation. Moreover, students who left school early on due to aging out of the public school system are also able to continue their education there.

“Manes thought that the initiative could serve as a way to help bring the feelings of students up,” Interact sponsor Margarite DePaola said.

The initiative was specifcically started to give Haitian students an escape from their situations at home. Additionally, the initiative allows Haitian students an

DID YOU KNOW?

Source: US Department of Education

opportunity to practice their English skills with native speakers.

“I was able to discuss a Haitian student’s culture and family through our conversations which was important to me as it helped me get to know her and her background better.” sophomore participant Maria Freire Solis said.

Participating students can interact with the Haitian students through questions about topics varying from hobbies to their daily lives. The program also aims to have the participants bond, allowing them to form friendships and create communities where they can learn about new languages and cultures, thus broadening their perspectives.

Through their conversations, participants are given the opportunity to not only grow academically as they gain intercultural connection skills, but also socially, as they learn how to embrace each other in the process.

“The initiative allows our members interact with others and experience what other communities are like.” Interact Senior Executive Samantha Morales said.

As for the future, Interact hopes to expand this initiative and take a step toward its goal by recruiting more members. The club hopes that all of those involved will be able to continue to feel the positive impact that was caused by the program and branch out to different service projects.

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Pen pal programs have been found to improve writing ability and critical thinking

“

“ I CAN LEARN WHILE INTERACTING AND HAVING FUN, SO THE PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT TO ME AnnMarie Reyes, Junior

students speak up

“

“ THE INITIATIVE ALLOWS BOTH GROUPS TO PARTICIPATE IN ENGAGING CONVERSATIONS Natalie Muñiz, Junior

Emily Kardjian/highlights

The Willow Project

The Biden administration’s approval of the Willow Project reveals their true colors regarding the climate

AS MONSTROUS STEEL pipes slither toward a smoking metal tower, an Iñupiat mother and a polar bear can only look on mournfully. While they silently suffer, the brand new oil rig eats away at what used to be their home, poisoning the air they breathe and cracking the ice where they stand. This is the future of Alaska after the newly approved Willow Project, which is melting away any false perceptions of the Biden administration’s stance on climate change.

The Willow Project is a massive oil and gas drilling initiative developed by the oil company ConocoPhillips, which will span over a 23-million-acre federal oil reserve in Alaska. The area holds up to 600 million barrels of oil, as well as several indigenous Iñupiat villages and sizable polar bear and yellow-billed loon populations.

If this plan were to go through as currently proposed, the ecological consequences would amount to the release of 9.2 million metric tons of pollutant gases annually, according to The New York Times. Additionally, the

exposure to pollution and contamination that is likely to occur near the drilling site would have an enormous impact on the local Nuiqsut community, with ConocoPhillips concluding in its own investigation that there is a strong possibility the community will experience an increase in cancer, respiratory illness, as well as fetus and birth complications, according to Democracy Now.

disapprove of it, and a total of 38 local indigenous organizations have also spoken out against Willow, calling the drilling initiative a move which promotes corporate profts ahead of native Alaskans. With criticism of the Willow Project echoing from both their national and local constituents, it has become clear that the Biden administration approved this plan with self-serving motives in mind.

A major issue concerning the American electorate is gasoline prices, which have seen a dramatic increase while Biden has been in offce. The reasons for the uptick in gas costs are both diverse and complicated, but this has not stopped many from claiming that the president is to blame. Perhaps in a genuine concern for securing America’s energy independence, or as a means of distracting from the cost of flling up a car, Biden’s administration took the Willow Project, slimmed it down ever so slightly, and approved it despite knowing the ecological consequences.

“From what I have seen about the project, I’m concerned about the potential impact it will have on the environment,” Gables Earth sponsor Elizabeth Kiely said. “Oil and gas drilling can have negative environmental impacts, such as water pollution and habitat destruction, which could harm wildlife and ecosystems and may have long-term consequences.”

The public was well aware of the project’s negative consequences, and soon after an online petition went viral, amassing over 5 million signatures across an array of social media platforms. Shortly thereafter, practically every major news network ran coverage on the president’s approval of Willow, and while some reported critically on the project, others, like CNN and the Washington Post, pointed out its popularity with local Alaskans who will presumably receive greater access to job opportunities.

Yet, according to the Sovereign Iñupiat for a Living Arctic, those in the communities that will be affected by the project strongly

As a result, the Biden administration has alienated a large branch of its supporters and revealed enormous hypocrisy when it comes to their stance on climate change policy. This is especially jarring when considering the president’s 2020 campaign, during which he promised that no more drilling would occur on federal lands should he be elected, according to NPR. Going back on this fundamental campaign promise has not only angered climate activists, but indigenous activists as well, who are outraged at such a blatant betrayal that endangers their lives.

“This whole situation seems so bizarre,” senior Julie Maldonado said. “I don’t understand why Biden feels the need to approve of such a harmful project when it’s clear his supporters don’t support it.”

Though this may seem like an isolated event, it is but one instance of many when this administration has virtue signaled on a political position, only to later on either underdeliver or fat-out lie and act in complete opposition to some of their most valued campaign promises.

The Willow Project has unmasked the political theatrics in the Democratic party, their hypocrisy taking center stage, while upstage smoke rises from the Alaskan tundra, where yet another oil rig has made itself at home.

FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN ABOUT THE PROJECT, I’M CONCERNED ABOUT THE POTENTIAL IMPACT IT WILL HAVE ON THE ENVIRONMENT. ELIZABETH KIELY, GABLES EARTH SUPERVISOR

The ugliness of child beauty pageants

The destructive effects of child pageants on contestants prove how unethical these competitions really are COMMENTARY

BY CAMILA PEREZ-CLAVARINO, STAFF WRITER

N 8-YEARold girl stands on a stage alongside many others, all holding their breath in anticipation. She looks out to the judges, their faces blurring behind her unjustifably long false eyelashes, for what feels like hours before they fnally announce the winner — it is not her. She walks off the stage carrying the weight of her hefty gown and newfound insecurities. The world of child beauty pageants is a gilded one; behind the glittery makeup and sparkly dresses lies psychological damage that can follow the miniature contestants for decades after they hang up their sashes and tiaras.

As the name suggests, child beauty pageants often foster a misguided belief in the participants that their worth is dependent on their physical features. Because of the participants’ young age, they are much more vulnerable to the impacts of feeling inferior in the meaningless category of physical appearance they are taught to value. Therapist Madeline Lucas explains that children are more likely to internalize beauty standards, damaging the way they perceive themselves. This damage can last well past the time frame of a contestant’s pageant career. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, adults who had been childhood pageant contestants showed more body dissatisfaction than those who had not competed, placing them at a higher risk for

Amental health issues such as eating disorders or depression. At a developmental stage in their lives, the impressionable participants are taught to have a superfcial view of beauty, a lesson that is debilitating to young girls.

“Beauty pageants hurt participants by making them focus on their physical aspects instead of other qualities,” freshman Alexander Zabowski said. “What they learn stays with them for the rest of their lives.”

The tragedy behind these pageants further stems from the pressure put on the participants by their own parents. Whether they are motivated by a desire to live vicariously through their child or are trying to reap the fnancial benefts of a victory, parents have gone to extraordinary lengths to optimize their

daughters’ chances of success, often at the poor girls’ expense. The Learning Channel’s reality television series “Toddlers and Tiaras” has brought the reality of child pageantry to light. With each episode focusing on a select number of contestants, viewers look into what the girls suffer through at the hands of their own mothers.

For example, one mother was shown bleaching her 5- and 8-year-old children’s teeth despite their protests and attempts to evade her, admitting that she subjects her children to this process every week. Another mother would give her 6-year-old daughter Alana, known to fans as Honey Boo Boo, what she branded “Go-Go Juice.” This mystery drink was an exceedingly caffeinated combination of Mountain Dew and Redbull that Alana would drink before appearing on the pageant stage in order to keep her “energized and awake,” as her mother told Good Morning America.

“Parents are essentially sacrifcing the mental and physical health of their children to win a mere trophy,” sophomore Angelina Morff said.

While on the surface child pageants appear to be inconsequential opportunities for children to dress up and win prizes, when further examined, the reality of these seemingly glamorous events is much darker. Due to the ideas behind beauty pageants and often the parents’ wishes to fulfll their own ambitions through their children, child pageants create lifelong struggles for contestants, a sacrifce that can never be justifed.

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Ava Volman/highlights students speak up Ava Volman/highlights

“

“

HAVING THESE KIDS PARTICIPATE AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE IS NOT GOOD FOR THEM.

Sofa Jackson, Junior

Ava Volman/highlights

“ “ THEY ARE FORCED TO GROW UP TOO FAST. THEY DON’T GET TO EXPERIENCE A REAL CHILDHOOD.

Ana Barros, Freshman

WORDS ON THE WAY OUT

highlights members ruminate on the previous year while offering guidance to the incoming grade levels

Seniors

COMMENTARY BY ISA MORALES, MANAGING EDITOR

FTER 12 painstakingly long years of school, you have made it. Welcome to senior year the year flled with crowns, celebrations, senioritis and the fnal stretch. ounds eautiful does it not orry to urst your u le ut this eginning of the end is no fairytale. In fact, at times, you will feel like you are just getting started.

here is no dou t that senior year is flled with festivities to commemorate your hard work over the past four years. However, as many celebrations as there may be, there is still work to be done; you have not walked across that stage just yet.

If you let them, things can become very stressful very fast. From the uncertainty of college applications to the completion of your senior year assessments, at times you will feel trapped. Do not let yourself get to this point. There will be periods throughout the year that become so stressful, you subconsciously begin

Ato change your mindset from “I can’t believe I’m graduating this year” to “I can’t wait to graduate this year.” Do not let yourself make this mistake.

n oy your last frst day of high school. Even though you probably stayed up the night before to make your senior crown, try not to let the act of constantly snoozing your alarm clock become a habit; those tardies are going to add up quicker than you think. In fact, you will need to steer clear of the 10/20 rule in order to attend your last homecoming and prom. uch e periences will e waiting for you, so do not let them go to waste. Find the balance between life and school because, contrary to popular belief, your GPA does not actually freeze.

Yes, senior year has a heavy workload and can be overwhelming. But it is also your last few months in high school. Do not be naive and think that you have time to complete the things that you have been wanting to do these past three years. The harsh reality is, you do not. Go through senior year without regrets by making it the year that you want it to be. The worst thing you can do is graduate with the lingering thought of what if

Do not let the constant rush of being a senior get in the way of being present in the moment. ure may e you will wa e up late every morning and dread everything until the clock hits 2:20 p.m. But every precious moment you spend rushing through high school deters you from enjoying the time that you have. Appreciate it all: the Riviera parking lot lines, the crowded stairwells and even the pavilion’s bees. If not, you will miss it a lot more than you think.

“

JUNIORS

COMMENTARY BY EMILY KARDJIAN, NEWS EDITOR

JUNIOR YEAR IS widely regarded as the hardest year of high school by nearly all who have been through it. It is dreaded by all those approaching it, a reasonable fear when you consider the standardized tests, extracurriculars and increased academic pressure it contains. However, it is through this challenging process that you will mature into the best student you have ever been.

As is the case with any learning process, the beginning of junior year will be the hardest. Facing a new level of rigor and expectations can be a startling transition and may lead you to question your ability to reach the end unscathed. However, you will surprise yourself with how quickly you will adapt. In what seems like an instant, you will notice how drastically your time management has improved, your studying strategies have become more effective and your work has grown in effciency. When held to new standards, you have no choice but to adapt to meet them.

As you get into the rhythm of the year,

you will realize that it is not as bad as the stereotypes and horror stories have made it out to be. Though your workload will be high and there may be times of stress, the year is manageable as long as you prioritize your own needs and health. Though seemingly counterintuitive, placing yourself and your well-being as your priority is necessary when navigating through such a strenuous process. Whether your preferred method of selfcare is reading, spending time with friends or taking a bubble bath, setting time aside to do what makes you happy will be essential in warding off your junior-year anxieties. Additionally, having a strong support system will aid in the process. Forming bonds with others who share your stress and motivations will help you maintain your focus and drive — this is increasingly necessary as the year approaches its end.

Overall, you will survive your junior year. Though it may be the toughest year you have faced, you will quickly learn to adapt and overcome any challenge you may encounter to ensure your success. Once you reach June, you will look back and see just how much stronger you have become because of it.

SOPHOMORES

COMMENTARY BY NATHALIE SCHWART, STAFF WRITER

UTURE sophomores, get ready for the “ride” of your life. Tenth grade is the year of securing driver’s licenses, becoming the upperclassmen of the underclassmen and revving up for life in junior year.

The term sophomore is a portmanteau of the Greek words “sophos” for wise and “moros” for foolish. This word perfectly describes what it means to be in tenth grade. After being at Gables for an entire year, we have grown and become wiser, and yet we have not reached our full potential. This is the year for us to gain invaluable experience and grow as individuals.

For many students, sophomore year is the time when they decide what they want to do with the remainder of their high school experience, whether it be various electives, athletics, clubs and other activities. Now is the time to get out of your comfort zone and try things that you were too intimidated

opposable thumbs

Testing Season

“I’ll never know peace.”

-Francesca Rico Staff Writer Gators

“They climb fences.”

-Rafael J. Sans Jr, Business Manager Barbie and Oppenheimer

“Craziest double feature of all time.”

Fby freshman year. Find out what you are interested in and passionate about and take action.

Tenth grade is the year most people turn 16, meaning many will get their driver’s licenses. Getting your license as soon as you can will help you out more than you might think. Being able to have the freedom to drive places grants you the ability to be in control. The longer you wait, the longer you have to get rides with your friends, parents or even the bus. But make sure to schedule your DMV appointment in advance, as they are near impossible to get.

Sophomore year may still seem like the beginning of your high school experience, but in the blink of an eye, it will be over. It is important to cherish this year — whether it is hanging out with your friends, connecting with your teachers, joining new clubs, trying new activities or starting to plan for the future. Be sure to stay in the moment and always remember, go Cavs! Buckle your seatbelts sophomores, the best is yet to come.

-Marcela Rondon, Copy Editor highlights “More like slay-lights.”

-Lucas Betancourt, Staff Writer

Rugby

“Just say you like football.”

-Austin

Yagoda

Staff Writer

An era of modern evolution

The use of technology to alter evolutionary traits has given rise to questions regarding the morality of such practices

COMMENTARY BY DIVYA DAVE, STAFF WRITER

NATURAL extension of evolution, modern technology has challenged Charles Darwin’s theory on natural selection. By altering evolution, it has permitted those classifed as “unft” to persevere where they otherwise would not, saving countless lives. Despite this, many argue that there is a major violation of morals by “playing with fate.” However, they fail to see the benefts modern technology has given to human evolution.

Genome editing technologies have signifcantly contributed to lengthening lifespans. This process entails removing or adding DNA to the genome and can be used on a variety of cells, according to the World Health Organization. The idea of changing the core of what makes up a human goes against many people’s morality. Nevertheless, this piece of technology has already minimized many ailments that otherwise limited humans, such as HIV or cancer.

In the face of ethics and morals, this practice has proven to be true to those values, in terms of societal well-being and honesty. Despite what a multitude of people say, this technology will serve itself for the greater good in the long run. This invaluable research serves to promote good health and well-being to everyone on Earth, no matter a person’s economic status.

“Using DNA-altering technology can be

Aethical when it is used to optimize the quality of life for those who are susceptible to fatal illnesses or diseases,” junior Ava Cosgrove said.

Additionally, genome editing technology has also been used to “play God” and formulate plans to revive an extinct animal. According to the Wall Street Journal, geneticist George Church created a roadmap

evolutionary process. These advancements ultimately can expand the lifespans of entire species.

“I don’t think technology should change genetics. It’s unethical to mess with the natural makeup of humans,” sophomore Samira Martinez said.

Moreover, researchers have made great technological improvements in neural engineering. Using brain implants, scientists are able to decode brain signals and pair them with specifc movements, according to The New York Times. This study provides an approach to restore connection between the limbs of paralyzed patients and their brains. These patients have been given a second chance at life, outweighing any moral doubt that may arise.

“There are certain things humans cannot do or accomplish on their own,” sophomore Sofa Perez said. “Through the aid of technology, human evolution and life has improved exponentially and has become simpler.”

to revive the woolly mammoth, an animal that went extinct 4,000 years ago. Church explains that scientists sequenced the mammoth’s DNA from old bones. This alteration of genes could be imputed in the Asian elephant, giving it the mammoth’s ability to withstand arctic temperatures and allowing the Asian elephant to live longer.

With new research and technology, species may be revived in a form that is better suited for their environment, illustrating the necessity of technology in this

In the broadest sense, human enhancement through technology improves the pre-existing limitations of humans and expands upon evolution. It is crucial that technology remains an aid to society, bypassing the moral critiques it receives. In the end, these advancements are essential to eluding both physical and cognitive limitations. physical and cognitive form.

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THROUGH THE AID OF TECHNOLOGY, HUMAN EVOLUTION AND LIFE HAS IMPROVED EXPONENTIALLY AND HAS BECOME SIMPLER. SAMIRA RAMIREZ, SOPHOMORE

Company communities

Amazon’s corporate communities raise questions about life versus work

COMMENTARY BY JULIA VOLMAN, STAFF WRITER

S THE American housing crisis becomes more severe, efforts are being made by corporations to combat the cost of living. However, some are using this hardship as a facade to hide their true, selfsh intentions. The multibillion- dollar corporation Amazon plans to build transportation-oriented developments in Arlington, Nashville and the Puget Sound, all of which are locations of Amazon Headquarters. These communities are being built to house employees closer to each other and their place of work, making production effcient but turning the quality of life for these employees into a dystopian reality that is more robot than human.

The disastrous disadvantages of Amazon’s working and living communities are vast, but most prominent is the unhealthy dehumanization of the Amazon Employees that this initiative will make a reality. Though promoted as an improvement to the way we integrate work and personal lives, this 21stcentury development feels all too familiar. Daily life for Amazon team members will be reduced to a monotonous work, home, sleep, repeat schedule that eerily refects the deplorable working conditions of the 18th century Industrial Revolution.

“If I lived in a community of solely Gables students and staff, I would feel controlled and stripped of my freedom. Nobody should have to live in those conditions,” sophomore Naomi Galex said.

The convenience these residential areas will provide is far more harmful than benefcial, as the extremely close proximity destroys a healthy boundary between personal and work hours and spaces for many

AVA’S ANTICS Finality

Aemployees. For example, managers and administration would naturally feel that calling in employees to work at unusual hours is less of an inconvenience than it normally would be, as employees reside within walking distance of their workplace.

According to the North Carolina Employment Security Commission, Amazon has a policy in place for full-time workers stating that they must be on-call to come in and work at least one shift of overtime per week. Furthermore, employees with fxed salaries are also subject to this regulation and are not paid overtime. This constant looming threat of work being so near is incredibly harmful to the well-being of Amazon employees.

Amazon has put immense funds into this project, starting with $2 billion to build these work communities. Many argue that this is a disgraceful use of Amazon’s funds, as the corporation is ranked as the secondlargest Fortune 500 company in the world. As such a powerful company, Amazon has the funds and opportunity to create this affordable housing in an ethical manner, while supporting their loyal employees with no ulterior motives, but instead, they choose to invest their money into roboticizing their workers in order to build these communities and make more money.

“There would have to be a very intentional design for the community so that employees feel that they have a workpersonal life balance,” Advanced Placement Human Geography teacher Stephanie Cosgrove said.

As this project creeps closer to fruition, Amazon must decide which they care for more: their devoted employees or the revenue these dystopian communities will bring.

48%

of Americans consider themselves workaholics.

Source: Apollo Technical Institute

COMMENTARY BY AVA VOLMAN, OPINION EDITOR

As the last day of school looms near, it seems my junior year is coming to a close. This year has been flled with challenges that I never thought I would face, and I have grown as a person because of them. I feel almost obligated to share a few pieces of advice with you all of what this year has taught me.

Know that this is the last time you will experience this part of your journey. As cheesy as it sounds, you will never again be right where you are right now, so take advantage of these moments. Do not let yourself idealize the person you want to be; be that person.

Take every opportunity you’re given. There will be times where you are unsure if you can step out of your comfort zone. Push yourself. Take the leap of faith towards fulflling your goals; you never know where they may take you. Do not let yourself one day think about what could have been. Make sure future-you is glad about what did happen.

Meet people outside of your bubble. It might be easy to let the people you met in your frst few years confne you, but don’t let this happen. There are so many people out there with so much to teach you. Who knows, you might meet some of the people who will shape who you are.

The biggest thing I have taken away from this year is that things will not always turn out as you hoped, and that’s okay. You can pour your heart and soul into something and in the end, it still might not pan out. My immediate reaction, and I think many might say the same, is to blame myself. I can fnd myself obsessing over what parts of me are too small, not enough. Realize that some things happen simply because they happen, not through any shortcoming of your own. Find the peace in that thought, and then this failure will build the foundation of a future success.

In short, I feel as if I have lived several lifetimes within the past nine months. Remember to savor the time you have. After all, you only go through high school once. h

Sp rts highlights brïëfs

BY LILY GORON, STAFF WRITER

New Pitch Clock in the MLB

A new pitch clock has been implemented in the MLB at the beginning of the 2023 season. Although the MLB has tried to avoid this change in the past years, the league decided to allow it as an attempt to speed up games, according to CBS Ssports.

The clock is started once

the pitcher catches the ball from the catcher and ends once he starts his delivery of it toward home plate. This clock gives the pitcher a total of 15 seconds to start his pitch, and with eight seconds left, the batter must be inside the batter’s box. If the pitcher violates the rule, an automatic

athlete spotlight

ball is called. If the batter violates the rule, an automatic strike is called.

“I think it makes the game a lot harder and more dependent on your instincts. You can’t spend much time thinking after every pitch,” outfeld baseball player and sophomore Kalel Sada said.

Mikaela Shiffrin New World Record

On Saturday, March 11, 27-year-old American alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin beat the all-time skiing record by winning her 87th title in Slalom, Sweden. Slalom skiing involves racing downhill between poles, generally at 50 miles per hour. The record was originally

set by Ingemar Stenmark, a male Swedish skier, who is widely regarded as the most successful alpine skier ever.

Shiffrin’s frst World Cup win dates back to December 2012, and so far this season, she has taken 13 World Cup victories, according to CNN news.

Baseball World Cup Recap

On March 21, Japan beat the U.S. in the fnals of the World Baseball Classic and secured the championship title. Japan has now won three of the fve World Baseball Classics. The U.S. came up short while trying to win the title again since their previous 2017 win, according to the

MLB offcial news.

The tournament concluded when Japanese pitcher Shohei Ohtani struck out his teammate from the Anaheim Angels Mike Trout. Ohtani was named MVP of the tournament.

LoanDepot park, home to the Miami Marlins, also

upcoming events

Breaking the record makes Shiffrin one of the greatest skiers and athletes of all time.

“Beating a world record is diffcult to attain and requires a lot of skills. Skiing in itself is intense and complex,” seasonal skier and sophomore Stacey Sime Lanang said.

Justin Bohanan, Senior Sport: Baseball

Accomplishments: Pitched a No-

became the frst stadium to host games in every round of the tournament, including the fnals.

“Japan’s win is a reminder that the world of sports is everevolving and that no team can stay at the top forever,” junior and baseball fan Hassan Shahid said.

24 May 18 July 2 Aug 25 Aug

Spring football game @ Ferguson

Free Athletic Physicals @ Gables gym

Concussion Workshop @ Gables

Football game vs. American High School

New Baseball Coach

Gables alum Antonio Rodriguez returns as head coach to pass on his skills to a new generation of baseball players

BY VALENTINA ARAUJO, STAFF WRITER

FULFILLING ONE OF HIS greatest dreams, former Gables student and baseball player Antonio Rodriguez has come back as the new head coach of the baseball team. Despite having only recently taken the position, he has been coaching for the past seven years, spending the frst year as an assistant coach at Archbishop McCarthy and the following six years as the head coach at iMater Academy. He is eager to share his expertise with the next generation.

“Being able to have the opportunity to be the head coach of my alma-mater is everything to me,” Rodriguez said. “I want the team to grow as a family.”

After being recommended by Phil Wisser and Alex Tamargo, his former assistant coaches from his previous coaching position, Rodriguez, who already had seventeen years of experience playing baseball, was ready to take over as the team’s new baseball coach as the old head coach Jesse Fernandez said goodbye to the team. Rodriguez brought along three additional assistant coaches, Chris Mederos, Tanner Mann and Alex Torres as batting, pitching and felding coaches. This is in order to help each player and give them the attention they need to improve each and every practice.

Although the team had already grown close to Fernandez, they were ready to recognize the new coach’s potential for

success and his disposition to help the team improve. Rodriguez has already demonstrated his willingness to build new connections

guys are my brothers, my family.”

Each practice begins with a different plan or focus. Rodriguez believes that everyone has a responsibility to carry out a specifc function every practice. He concentrates on the infelders and batting the most. Rodriguez worked incredibly hard and persisted in improving the feld with the help of everyone who was willing to volunteer. He got to work and began cutting the grass around the feld where they would be playing, as well as purchasing infeld sand, so that they could play safely. He further improved the team’s training conditions by cleaning the locker room and getting rid of any outdated equipment that made the space unappealing.

“Antonio brought to the team competitiveness, accountability, and leadership to this team,”senior pitcher Jose Guzman said.

with the players and commit his time to helping them succeed on the baseball feld. He made sure that his players knew he cared about their personal lives and problems and that they could turn to him for anything, being more than just a coach to his players.

“Antonio’s coaching has set a culture, a brotherhood that is much deeper even beyond the sport of baseball,” junior leftfelder Alexander Batista said. “These

His athletes feel that he has improved the environment for everyone by assisting them in becoming a strong team,both physically in their ability to play and mentally in their self-confdence. As the season progresses, Rodriguez hopes to leave a lasting impression on each athlete he works with while continuing to focus on leading the baseball team to growth and success.

“I like to guide these kids in the right direction, not only in the feld but in life,” Rodriguez said.

Alexander Brazda/highlights

ANTONIO’S COACHING HAS SET A CULTURE, A BROTHERHOOD THAT IS MUCH DEEPER EVEN BEYOND THE SPORT OF BASEBALL. THESE GUYS ARE MY BROTHERS, MY FAMILY. ALEXANDER BATISTA, JUNIOR

Valentina Araujo/highlights

BASKETBALL

The boys basketball team ended their season with a record of 12-11, while placing 2nd at an invitational tournament during Christmas break and 4th at the Gulliver Preparatory School friendly tournament. The girls team also improved their record during the season from previous years, ending with a record of 10-7.

SOCCER

This year, the boys soccer team qualifed and played in regionals for the frst time since 1981. In addition, coach Michel Fotso was named one of Miami-Dade’s best coaches while the team’s captain, junior Jordan Bueso, was named as a qualifer in the All-Dade frst team. The girls team made it to district fnals and were district runner-ups. The boys ended with a record of 10-6-1 (Win-Loss-Tie), while the girls ended 5-6-2.

VOLLEYBALL

This year the girls volleyball team made it to the district semi-fnal game. Ending with a score of 9-6, this was one of the best seasons they have had in the past four years. As for the boys, they have a current record of ten to six overall.

TENNIS

This year, the tennis team made it once again into districts during their season and will be participating in the regional fnals match. The girls team placed 3rd at districts while Nikolas Stoot, both a singles and a doubles player for the team, will be moving into the States competition alongside his teammate Henry Stroller.

BY SOFIA RODRIGUEZ, STAFF

Anaïs Jamali/highlights

Cristel Cantarero/highlights

Cristel Cantarero/highlights

GABLETTES

The Gablettes were titled the FDA Varsity Kick and Varsity Contemporary States Champions. At the Universal Dance Association Team Camp, they earned the team performance Superior Award adjudication as well as the 110% full out award.

WATER POLO

The girls water polo team was named district champions and later made it to their frst nationals game in a couple of years. The boys made it to their district game and placed top fve at the MAST invitational tournament.

TRACK & FIELD STAFF WRITER

This year the track team has had many athletes surpass their personal best times. Freshmen Luis Rodriguez, sophomore Andres Rodriguez and junior Anthony Fotso have been decreasing their times during their two mile competitions throughout the season with times under 12 minutes. In addition, freshman Avril Donner got the fastest 2 mile for the girls with a time of 12 minutes and 23 seconds at the Louie Bing Invitational meet.

CROSS COUNTRY

For the frst time in many years, both the girls and boys cross country team qualifed for the state championship in Tallahassee. Prior to that, the girls

PITCHING PERFECTLY: Sophomore

Julian Saveedra holds the fnal position as he fnishes his pitch across home plate and a strike is called.

Cristel Cantarero/highlights

Madness on the court

March served as both a time for Gables students to enjoy college basketball and learn about European History

BY SELA PENA, STAFF WRITER

MARCH MADNESS, ONE of the biggest basketball tournaments of the year, fnished in early April. While some fans simply watch the games to enjoy some classic basketball, millions of others virtually compete in the men’s and women’s tournaments in hopes of achieving the impossible: a perfect bracket. In addition to this tradition, the University of Miami (U.M.) made it to at least the “Elite 8” round in both tournaments, making the month of March an exciting one for Miami fans and Gables students.

Business magnate Warren Buffet offered $1 billion to anyone who could create a perfect bracket and predict the winner of every single game, as per Bleacher Report. Despite the odds of predicting every single game correctly, considering each game a 5050 bet, being 1 in 9.2 quintillion, according to the NCAA, every bracket creator goes into the tournament with high hopes that they will be the frst to accomplish the feat. The thrill of the challenge and the possibility of winning big keep people coming back year after year.

“The bracket shows how much support you are willing to potentially lose for your team. It says a lot about your support for a team” sophomore Alexander Contreras said.

U.M.’s men’s and women’s basketball teams both put on a great performance during March Madness, beating all odds and winning over fans

with their grit and determination. The men’s team, seeded ffth, made it to the Final Four for the frst time in U.M.’s history Meanwhile, the women’s team, seeded ninth, also had a strong run, making it all the way to the Elite Eight before falling to third-seed Louisiana State University (LSU), the tournament’s winner.

“I was hoping for U.M. to win the whole thing and I was still very proud that a school so close to us made it so far,” freshman Santiago Paguaga said.

As March Madness endured, Gables’ AP European History teacher Kathryn Landsea made her own similar bracket challenge right outside her classroom. Euro Madness, as it was called, allowed sophomore students to choose between many infuential people in European history in each round of the “tournament”. Although there were no defnite upsets in Euro Madness, it was an interesting way to incorporate education

into a popular event. The main reason Landsea created this is that it gave her students a way to review for the fnal AP exam while also connecting it to a popular event that many know about. In order for a winner to be chosen, Landsea had her students place a vote on who they thought the most signifcant individual in history was. Adolf Hitler was named the most infuential individual in the course.

“I think it served as a good review of major fgures in AP Euro and their accomplishments and contributions,” AP European History teacher Kathryn Landsea said.

On the sports side, March gave basketball fans something to watch anxiously in hopes of maintaining a good bracket or simply enjoying the game.

of NCAA March Madness brackets have ever predicted every game correctly

13 cities across the United States hosted games for the March Madness Men’s tournament

Compiled by Alexander Brazda

Gaming to fruition

The Brazilian E-sport organization, Furia, has entered Wynwood with an enticing shopping and gaming experience

BY SARYN MOORE, STAFF WRITER

WYNWOOD HAS A PIECE OF Brazilian culture presented in the multifunctional store Furia, a Brazilian E-sport organization that specializes in fan-favorite games and hosting tournaments for passionate gamers around the world. The store encompasses two culture-praising trends: video games and fashionable streetwear clothing.

The surrounding walls of the store are engulfed in Wynwood artists’ personalized graffti art that smoothly transitions into the inside. Furia expresses itself with a vibrant color scheme that highlights its logo, a panther’s head, which is artistically spraypainted on the walls. Customers are met with sculptures of ceramic and glass panthers that are showcased alongside their streetwear collection.

Furia has divided their store into two main sections: clothing and computers. Furia’s clothing line is featured at the entrance of the store and the Personal Computer setups for gamers to reserve for free, towards the back.

The merchandise is chicly pronounced throughout the store on racks,

containing common streetwear wardrobes, such as oversized Furia-themed jackets and customizable jean jackets. However, they are not typical pieces as they embrace a distinctive style towards their brand with trendy cuts and patterns as well as their well-crafted sweats with pronounced brand across the legs in vivid colors.

Most notably, Furia’s eccentric twist of PC stations changes the ordinary perception of its frst-glance clothing store. The E-sport company’s initial intention was to cross over its gamer culture into the heart of Wynwood for all to get a taste of the brand. The brand’s goal in establishing a presence in Miami is to further connect with its audience in a physical interactive setting rather than just digitally. The PC room is a dimmed-lit area with blue LED lights which creates a special setting for any game-loving local to reserve a PC and play for allotted periods of time with friends or simply individually.

“I have one [PC] at my house but it’s nowhere near as good as the ones in Furia and I wanted to try out their games and graphics that I wouldn’t be able to get at home,” junior Luciano Magaldi said.

Furia holds tournaments for anyone to join for an entry price of typically $5, but the actual reservations are $10 an hour and can

be made on the website. Furia is located at 173 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127 with the hours of operation from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. for the entire week.

With these late hours, Furia has a mini snack bar where one can purchase crunchy treats like Cheetos and Doritos while gaming. Customers can also watch others play on big screens when they hold tournaments at their store or watch other recorded tournaments involved with Furia’s organization.

Reclusive gamers who normally would not venture out for fear of not being accepted have a safe space where the common interest is to game allowing the lesser known gaming community to come together into something really special.

Whether it is from fulflling a shopping addiction and adding new staples to the closet or snacking while gaming with friends, Furia creates an environment where one can be at the edge of the seat competing or watching others compete. Regardless of one’s whereabouts in the store, one is bound to fnd something compelling that will leave them satisfed or yearning to come back.

Lenox Balzebre/highlights

Saryn Moore/highlights

Saryn Moore/highlights

Little Italy in the Grove

In the heart of the Grove, Farinelli 1937 serves Italian Cuisine perfect for a fne dining experience

BY MICAELA MONTERO, STAFF WRITER

SHARING A

BITE

IN THE Grove is a staple of a great weekend. Located in the heart of CocoWalk, Farinelli 1937 serve many Italian foods to perfection as it offers a relaxing and warm environment for a day out.

Farinelli’s location in coconut grove is perfect for a night out or an afternoon meal, due to their welcoming and relaxing environment. The vintage inspired furniture welcomes its guests with both indoor and outdoor seating, complete with a lovely view of the Coconut Grove streets.

A great spot for families, teens and couples, Farinelli’s attracts all kinds of people making it a perfect spot for the Gables student body. The name of authentic Italian restaurant Farinelli 1937 comes from its founder Maurizio Farinelli, who carried on his grandmother Alma Farinelli’s traditional restaurant in Bologna, Italy in 1937.

As an appetizer, they offer charcuterie boards or “Salumi e Formaggi” with several options of cheese and cured meats to choose from. Some options include the “jamón Iberico” or their aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Many of them are imported from Italy, so it’s a fne way to begin an authentic Italian meal.

They also have other options to share in their sides section, known as “Cicchetti,” that ranges from locally sourced seafood to fresh vegetables.

After the frst course, their main platter is served and Farinelli’s boasts about their unique pizza options, each made with care in their “custom-made copper-coated woodburning ovens.” Their most popular dish is off-menu, but available if one asks, and is black truffe pizza that is made with truffe paste, mozzarella, parmesan, goat cheese, shaved black truffe and truffe oil. All of their pizzas can also be made vegan upon request. Along with this, their salads hold options for vegetarians like the “Insalate Mista.”

On the menu, there are countless traditional Italian options such as their “Pagnotelli,” meaning sandwiches, which are made using pizza dough and in a variety of favor profles and styles. The bistecchina has grilled steak, roasted red peppers, grilled zucchini, pesto and chimichurri; for a higher cost these sandwiches can also be made gluten-free.

With all organic, free-range and antibioticfree ingredients, Farinelli’s provides the best for their visitors. Their herbs, which local school Palmer Trinity School often provides, are grown pesticide-free and without chemicals or fertilizers. The goal is to encourage sixth and seventh-graders to utilize their indoor

hydroponics/ aeroponics

garden and outdoor garden.

“By educating students about how food grows and where it comes from, we can empower them to make more thoughtful, environmentally conscious choices, minimize their carbon footprint, and most importantly, eat healthier,” Uribe said.

For dessert they offer bread pudding, cannolis and the classic biscotti with their most popular items being the Nutella pizza and tiramisu. If need be, customers are able to request that any of the desserts be gluten-free or add a side of ice cream.

“I’ve always enjoyed visiting the Grove and Farinelli’s has become a big part of that. I love their food and I am always down to go there,” junior Peter D’alincourt said.

. Located at 3197 Commodore Plaza in Miami, Farinelli’s offers an excellent dining experience that has attention to detail. Open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. everyday, their food creates a welcoming and pleasant experience that is defnitely worth the trip.

WHAT A VIEW: With dining space right off the sidewalk, one can eat a delicious meal with a breeze.

Micaela Montero/highlights

WELCOMING WALKIN: The walkway to the restaurant displays herbs to entice customers.

Micaela Montero/highlights

Mica

Lenox Balzebre/highlights

BY RALPH J SANS JR., BUSINESS MANAGER, AND VALENTINA PONTON, STAFF WRITER

UMMER IS OFTEN SPENT relaxing and away from all thoughts and notions of school and work. However, the typical relaxing mentality means re-watching every show ever made - twice.

Despite how attractive that may sound, there are much more favorable ways of relaxing. Arguably, the best way is to get

active and explore the city. Miami is vast with an abundance of activities, so much so that about 24.2 million people visited in 2021 alone, according to the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. Ergo, fnding something to do is not a diffcult task, but highlights has made it even easier by compiling a list of activities to do

this summer.

Mïåmï sümmër büçkët lïst Reviews and recommendations aplenty, highlights suggests some places for an epic and active summer Miami stay-cation S

highlights not only reviews a few places to venture to, the staff has also provided some recommendations for activities to boost a staycation. From free yoga to discounted park admissions, one can not claim their lack of activity on an empty wallet.

Clutch Burger is a unique burger restaurant with menu options that, as they say, are “Never Basic, Always Clutch.” The restaurant has made a name for itself with their high-quality burgers and diverse dishes.

Co-founder Steven Bradley’s love for food and the resturant scene inspired him to open.

“You’re not going to hit a home run with every burger, so we were constantly taking feedback from our guests for the frst six months,” Bradley said. “We just listened to our audience, adjusted our menu and now we got it down to a trim, welloiled machine.”

When it comes to dishes, Clutch Burger is known for very large portions, so bringing a friend or two along is a good idea. They pride themselves on their certifed Wagyu beef burgers, each having a unique twist.

Their “Clutch Burger,” consists of two 6-ounce grilled Wagyu beef patties, American cheese, taleggio cheese fonduta, arugula, tomato, hand-breaded onion rings and their signature Clutch sauce. Additionally, “The 305,” is a seared 6-ounce Wagyu beef and chorizo patty, Swiss cheese, pickled onions, crispy potato strings and cilantro garlic aioli all served between two fried tostones to give it a local Latino twist.

For those that are vegan or vegetarian, Clutch Burger has plant-based options. Their “The Impossible” burger incorporates a seared plantbased patty with honey caramelized onions, hummus, alfalfa sprouts, pea shoots and tomatoes served on a bed of arugula.

Now, a burger at Clutch Burger typically ranges from $15 to $20. However, considering

their use of Wagyu beef and gourmet toppings, the price point is a good deal. Aside from burgers, the restaurant shows other specialty dishes, such as octopus, yuca cheese bites and cod fritters.

But, the menu is not limited to savory dishes. The dessert menu includes cheesecake and their signature Clutch Milkshake, which is either a chocolate, vanilla, strawberry or Oreo shake with whipped cream, perfect for a hot summer day.

Furthermore, Clutch Burger is an impactful piece of the Gables community as they are heavily involved. For example they participate in culinary-related events like Tour of Kitchens or Burgerlicious and they started a program called Clutching Forward, which is aimed to feed frst responders

Clutch Burger also has some community engaging activities such as a Power Hour Comedy Show from 8 to 9 p.m. every other Wednesday.

On the frst Tuesday of every month, they also host a lively Gringo Bingo night where the crowd competes for prizes in an intense bingo match. All the proceeds go toward charity - donated to the Coral Gables Woman’s Club Dental Clinic and other good causes.

Located at 146 Giralda Avenue, Coral Gables, among an array of various restaurants in the area, Clutch Burger remains, as the restaurant’s motto says, “Never Basic, Always Clutch.”

Plåçës tø ëåt

- Clutch Burger

- Farniellies 1937

- Salt n'Straw

- Motek

- Arbetter's

- Icihimi

- Grilled Cheese Gallery

- Tran An

SCRUMDIDDLYUMPTIOUS: The delicious mountain of a burger is known as the Volcano.

WE JUST LISTENED TO OUR AUDIENCE, ADJUSTED OUR MENU AND NOW WE GOT IT DOWN TO A TRIM, WELL-OILED MACHINE.

STEVEN BRADLEY, OWNER

“

Bürgër

Ralph J Sans Jr/highlights

he ampong as frst purchased by Dr. David Fairchild in 1916 to serve as a winter home for him and his wife. Fairchild desired to cultivate many fruits, vegetables and other plants on the property. Today, The Kampong functions as a sanctuary under The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG), conserving a variety of diverse species.

Located at 4013 South Douglas Road, The Kampong is embedded within the Miami community. he ampong is one of fve NTBG gardens, with the other four located in Hawai’i.

Florida is home to 4,700 naturalized plants, according to the University of South Florida. The Kampong currently houses collections of fruit from Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and Central and South America, including candle fruit, peanut butter fruit, egg fruit, cocoplums and over 30 varieties of mango. Having such a high degree of plant diversity, Kampong allows for a wide range of botanical research, including FIU’s International Center for Tropical Botany where students studying

various environmental sciences can conduct their research on-site.

“The point of a partnership was to create a center to train the next generation of botanists,” operations manager of The Kampong Nina Jungman said. “Every summer we host students from all around the world that come to study tropical botany.”

Starting again in October, the Kampong is hosting a Symbiotic House Lecture series about learning how to re-imagine a home as a potential site for climate care. The lecture series is $10 for all guests and free for members.

The Kampong is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours occur at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on-site. The Kampong’s admissions vary with adults (13 years old and above) at $15, children (4-12 years old) at $5, seniors (ages 62 and above) at $10 and children 3 years and under along with veterans go free. Students with a school ID are priced at $10. It is recommended to bring

All throughout the year, yoga instructors offer free sessions conducted at both 3rd Street in Miami Beach and in the Underline Park at Brickell Metrorail Station. This opportunity frees the mind of the worry of having an empty wallet making it a perfect, fun summer activity.

The sessions are open to all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners and are led by ualifed instructors ho guide participants through various poses and breathing techniques.

To join, one must bring a mat, a small towel for personal use and water for health precautions as it is conducted outside. Some sessions also utilize small weights on certain occasions to make the sessions more physically demanding.

The Miami Beach location hosts sessions from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. or at 5. p.m. to 6 p.m. every day. The sessions at Brickell’s new Underline Park are offered every Saturday at 9 a.m.

At the Miami Beach sessions, they introduce a variety of poses, from sun salutations to warrior poses. The morning sessions are targeted for participants to start their day with mindfulness and fresh air. All the sessions end with meditation, allowing participants to set intentions for the day.

“Yoga has been transformative for me and I want to share that with my community,” instructor Maria Rodriguez said. “By offering free classes, I hope to make yoga more accessible to everyone.”

In Brickell, yogis gather under the Metrorail tracks at The Underline, a newly opened public park and urban trail. The session begins with a series of seated poses, including seated forward folds and twists. Participants are asked to close their eyes and focus on their breath, tuning out the sounds of the city and tuning into their inner selves.

a refllable water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen and closed-toed shoes as the garden does not have any paths.

“It [The Kampong] is just a place to forget that you are in a city for whatever time that you’re here,” Jungman said.

The practice transitions into more active poses, including downward dog, plank and chaturanga, which is a transitional pose that involves lowering the body from a high plank position to a low plank position with the elbows bent at a 90-degree angle and the body held parallel to the ground.

The free yoga sessions at The Underline are part of the park’s mission to promote health and wellness in the community.

“We believe that access to parks and green spaces is essential to the health and well-being of our community,” founder of The Underline Megan Daly said. “We’re thrilled to offer free yoga to promote physical and mental health.” .

Depending on the instructor, the session emphasizes different points. For instance, in Ceasar Ramirez’s sessions on Miami beach, he emphasizes the importance of alignment and breathing, ensuring that each participant practices mindfully.

“Yoga is about more than just physical exercise,” Ramirez said. “It’s about connecting with ourselves, with each other and with the world around us.”

With the arrival of summer, free yoga sessions provide a wonderful opportunity for one to practice yoga, improve physical and mental health and connect with the community.

Thïñgs tø dø

- ere Art M se m

- bell Art Collection

- F ria

- enetian ool

- Gables Art Cinema

- i caya M se m and Gardens

- ttshack

- Coral Gables aterway

Canoe to r

Ralph J Sans Jr/highlights

Coding Humanity

JuanFajardo/highlights

BY HAZEL GROSELL, STAFF WRITER

Redirecting pop-culture sensationalism, artifcial intelligence brings technological shifts to industry and human agency

The development of artifcial intelligence follows the 20th century’s predictions of the future, excluding fying vehicles. New software like ChatGPT formulates human-like responses when prompted and in doing so, infuences the way society operates. Although it is understandable to have concerns, AI will provide the means to improve a host of societal issues.

“I expect that as AI develops, tools that evaluate whether it is being used inappropriately will also develop. There will be a market and drive for improving upon AI and regulating how it is used, ” principal scientist at Ecotox, Kevin Brix, said.

According to a poll of 1,000 U.S. citizens conducted in 2023 by YouGov, about half of America believes otherwise. Along with this small sample size, AI is portrayed by the media in an apocalyptic way, a point of view that is misleading. Instead of raising awareness, this viewpoint distracts individuals from valid concerns such as job monopolization and social surveillance.

Additionally, these proposed worstcase scenarios often minimize the role that citizens have in establishing a social order. Societal pushback regulates the speed of change. An example of what will happen if countries misuse AI is the unrest in Venezuela. Recently, an unknown individual created fake news broadcasts using AI software to spread political misinformation. According to CNN, this abuse of AI has worsened public discontent and led to protests.

More concerning than cilization’s possible collapse due to AI, is the less avoidable impact

it will have on human autonomy or the ability for one to be independent in everyday actions. As AI improves, more people will rely on it, lessening the need for an individual’s cognitive and social skills. For example, navigation technology like the Global Positioning System worsens its user’s spatial memory, according to a 2020 study published in the journal Scientifc Reports. It is likely that this cognitive erosion

It is crucial to take note of the duality of AI: how AI will have an equally disastrous and enlightening effect on society. The effect AI will have on employment exemplifes this. Although developments in AI technology will indeed replace some jobs, history demonstrates that when jobs are lost to new technology, other roles are created in their place.

At a similar scale of technological development, the industrial revolution demonstrated these patterns. Before the dawn of industry, 80% of the world’s population participated in agriculture. During this change, new jobs in the textile industry attracted workers away from farms and into factories. Now, technology has left only 1% of the working population in farming. Recent AI developments will have similar effects on today’s industries.

In fact, AI is already integral to banking systems, as it enhances the speed and accuracy of transactions and better equips people to predict and stop fraud when working alongside AI. While it is likely that AI will replace a few jobs within the fnance industry, since it does not function without humans, it will also create new positions. In 2020, AI eliminated about 1.8 million jobs globally and created 2.3 million new jobs, according to Gartner.

will increase as a symptom of increased AI use.

“I am anxious that students will abuse AI and become over-reliant. AI interferes with students’ workfow and acquisition of knowledge. Its convenience will probably lead to societal instability,” freshman Beatrice Stampino-Strain said.

students speak up

A monumental shift in the way humanity operates is on the horizon. Although it is reasonable to make inferences about the effect AI will have on society, it is diffcult to predict where it will lead. As industries adapt and redefne themselves, the longstanding logistics of employment change. In turn, psychics may predict the impact AI will have on the world, but its results are largely based on society’s choices.

AI WILL ELIMINATE HUMAN INNACURACY FROM LINES OF WORK WHERE THERE IS A LOW MARGIN FOR ERROR, LIKE ACCOUNTING.

highlights

“ “ “ “

IT IS LIKELY THAT AI WILL ONLY BE USED FOR TAME ACTIVITIES SUCH AS ANALYZING DATA, BECAUSE PEOPLE WOULD BE UNNERVED IF THEIR DOCTOR OR POLITICIAN WAS A MACHINE

Jason Reyes, Junior

Diego Herzog, Junior

I EXPECT THAT AS AI DEVELOPS, TOOLS THAT EVALUATE WHETHER IT IS BEING USED INAPROPRIATELY WILL ALSO DEVELOP. THERE WILL BE A MARKET AND DRIVE FOR IMPROVING UPON AI AND HOW IT IS USED KEVIN BRIX, ECOTOX

“

THE ROAD TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Resulting from a century of scientifc discovery and cultural infuence, AI and whatever quirky new use case or doomsday scenario it presents tops the popular news cycle and makes its way into everyday conversation.

According to Interesting Engineering, the idea of AI has been culturally engraved in the minds of humans since 1927 when “Metropolis,” a pessimistic flm that follows a humanoid robot intent on wreaking havoc, entered cinemas worldwide. Films like Metropolis coincided with progress in computer technology to introduce the possibility of AI as an eventual milestone, set to either free or imprison the world where it is implemented. Yet, beyond these philosophical choices or Hollywood ultimatums, scientists conitinued exploring the possibilities of AI.

A pioneering computer scientist, Allen Turing, published a paper called Computing Machinery and Intelligence in 1950. In this paper, he argued that if humans are capable of fltering through resources to

fnd solutions, then machines are too. CMI crafted a framework for experimenters interested in building intelligent machines.

Yet, neither interest nor research papers could make up for the time period’s low computing power. According to Harvard University, computers could not store commands until 1949 , this being one of the requirements for AI technology. Additonally, The Allen Turing Test, made to determine whether a computer was intelligent by its ability to deceive humans was not seen as achievable until the computational hurdle was passed.

Though the next decades saw rapid technological progress, updates concerning the progress of AI came infrequently and the excitement surrounding AI lessened. To attract high-profle people that could fund new experiments, advocates of AI had to prove that machine intelligence was worth pursuing, hence they had to develop a proof of concept.

Eventually, an AI prototype was established, a program dubbed “The Logic

Theorist”. According to Jeremy Norman’s History of Information, the Logic Theorist was a program designed to emulate the cognitive skills of a human and is considered the frst AI program. In 1956, this groundbreaking software was introduced to top researchers at the Dartmouth Summer Research Project on AI, co-hosted by LT developer John McCarthy. In this conference, McCarthy brought together researchers and patrons of computing science. Attendees felt that biological beings are not the only ones capable of processing thought. After this conference ended, many of the participants made key contributions to AI, ushering in a new era. Fast forward to 2023 as AI is fourishing, computers can store a multitude of information and interpret it quickly and affordably. The advocacy of leading researchers has resulted in an age where individuals have access to massive sums of information with the this once mythological idea of a computer that can think and act as humans no longer being distant.

NEW TECHNOLOGY, NEW POSSIBILITIES

AI, even without governmental or economic concerns, is diffcult to understand and guarantees big changes. In this way, a concept that seems fctional will soon be a staple of everyday life. It is impossible to hold informed opinions on AI without questioning its origins.

TechTarget states that although no static defnition has been reached, AI is generally described as a machine’s ability to perform cognitive functions like observing, thinking, problem-solving and learning like that of humans. This technology is capable of computing high volumes of data that are effectively impossible for a human being to handle. In the immediate future, its main use will be automating redundant or lifeless jobs.

Careers like psychology and teaching will be placed on a pedestal because they demand a humanness that AI cannot mirror yet. Whitecollar careers such as fnancial advisors, graphic designers or journalists, however, are being threatened by new AI technology.

According to TheSocialTalks, AI is already prominent in the news industry and it is predicted that 40% of all stories will be written by AI by 2030.

According to UBS, there are three different

phases of AI development: narrow, general and superintelligent. Narrow AI is achieved when a machine can perform a specifed task better than a human. In this phase, the machine is incapable of performing its task without receiving the specifc tools and instructions needed. Siri and other digital voice assistants

“I can perform specifc language-related tasks with greater speed and accuracy than a human, particularly when it comes to processing large amounts of data,” Chat GTP answers when prompted on how its functions differ from a human’s. “However, humans are better at judging the ethical implications of a decision and interpreting social cues.”

The last phase of AI has been coined artifcial superintelligence by Oxford philosopher Nick Bostrom. Artifcial superintelligence is reached when a machine can surpass human efforts in all aspects of a task. These machines can troubleshoot, retain experience and be creative.

are examples of narrow AI, because they are only able to answer questions that have been previously studied and concluded upon by humans. The second phase is general AI. Here, a machine can perform any task as well as a human. In other words, the machine can fnd its materials, craft its plan and make conclusions. ChatGPT is an example of general AI today.

An example of artifcial superintelligence in popular culture is Cyberdyne Systems Model 101, or “The Terminator.” Artifcial superintelligence, however, is still a fgment of researchers’ imagination.

“I think people are scared of superintelligent technology because they believe that humankind’s demise will be caused by humanity itself,” freshman Francceska Gonzalez-Bussi said. “Humanity as a whole will probably get ‘canceled’ by super-intelligent technology. That’s where the fear originates.”

ETHICAL QUESTIONS

While progress in AI is exciting, legitimate worries are still abound. Internationally, businesses are rushing to formulate effective, proftable developments, and as with any rapidly evolving technology, a steep learning curve forms. Unfortunately, this means that mistakes and miscalculations will be made and that both unanticipated and damaging impacts will inevitably occur.

“When you query ChatGPT, it will generate responses that seem correct and consistent with your understanding of the question,”Brix, said. “However, as you continue to probe and ask ChatGPT where it is fnding its information, ChatGPT, begins to fabricate titles and entire papers. These papers sound legitimate but actually don’t exist,”

To limit inaccuracies within this fruitful and responsive industry, AI ethics was formed and upheld by the experimental community. AI ethics is a set of values, principles and techniques that employ accepted ethical standards to guide the development and use of AI technologies. According to Interesting Engineering, AI ethics has emerged in response to the range of societal harms that the misuse or poor design of AI may cause.

It is important to note that the databases AI uses are cultivated using the dynamics of existing society. As a result, technologies fueled by skewed data often amplify whichever negative construct is portrayed in the data. Likewise, because many designers craft the metrics, features and analytic structures of the data, these technologies can potentially express the same preconceptions and biases of the designer.

A timely example of bias augmentation is criminal risk assessment software. Programs such as the Correctional Offender Management Profling for Alternative Sanctions have had a damaging impact on criminal activities because of their bias. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the creator of this software, Equivant, chose the data COMPAS uses to make its conclusions. As a result, the creator unknowingly incorporated their own bias into the software.

A recent report published by ProPublica delves into machine bias, determining that algorithmic tools such as COMPAS contain levels of

racial discrimination. According to the study, COMPAS falsely determined that black offenders are at a higher risk of reoffending or committing violent offenses than white offenders. The creators of COMPAS caused this issue because they chose data that refected a specifc worldview. The signifcant systemic bias in the data was then amplifed in the software itself.

To further demonstrate the diffculty in assuring the ethical use of AI, programs like Synthesia can generate custom videos were it appears like a real human is speaking. While such a program is initially accepted as a facilitator to communications, the worry that this technology can develop into a tool for deception among biased creators endures.

“As a science, AI should be sheltered. It is so delicate and it should only be developed by trained professionals who have to sign a code of ethics,” sophomore Naomi Galez said. “Also, new software should be peer reviewed by other scientists and the government in order to prevent misuse.”

While offcial rules and protocols to manage the use of AI are developed, the scholastic community has sanctioned the Belmont Report as a means to guide ethics within experimental research of algorithmic development. There are a few principles discussed within the Belmont Report, one titled Respect for Persons, which acknowledges the autonomy of people and sustains an expectation for experimenters to protect individuals with lessened authority.

Diminished authority can be caused by a variety of circumstances such as illness, a mental disability or age. This principle primarily touches on the idea of consent and how consent relates to AI. Individuals should be aware of the potential risks and benefts of any AI experiment that they are a part of. Also, they should be able to reform their decision participate at any time before or during the experiment.

Unoffcial AI ethics guidelines have been established and are being upheld by the majority of the experimental community. Their purpose is to lessen the number of individuals that are mistreated as AI develops. To stop the panic at the sight of progress, AI ethics will jumpstart the symbiosis humanity strives to achieve with AI.

by the numbers

27%

of Americans report that they interact with AI several times a day

Source: Pew Research Center of businesses reported increasing investments in data and AI

91%

Source: New Vantage Partners of offce workers believe AI improves their overall performance at work.

62%

of consumers are willing to submit data to AI to have better experiences with businesses

Source: Salesforce

81%

Source: 3GEM Snaplogic

90%

of new enterprise apps will use AI by 2025

Source: International Data Corporation

Compiled by Juan Fajardo/highlights