Issue 3, Vol. 63

editorial board

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor Copy Editor Business Manager

Social Media Manager Content Editor Adviser Features News Opinion Sports

The Scene Insight Online

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

Lucia Ruiz

Sky Carrizo

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.

Marcela Rondon/highlights

Courtesy of Laura Stieghorst

Gregory Zafrilla Laura Stieghorst

IN THE ZONE: During the game against the Southwest Miami Eagles, freshman Andy Sosa faces the line of scrimmage.

STRIDING OUT: Sophomore Priscilla Scullin races to the fnish line at the Cross Country FHSAA Class 4A State Championship on Saturday, Nov. 5.

READY TO SCORE: Senior and boy’s basketball captain Jayden Horne prepares to shoot a basket in a game against the Belen Wolverines.

PUSHING IT FOWARD: At their State qualifying meet on Saturday, Nov. 5, the JROTC Raiders competed against 12 other schools at American High School.

Courtesy of Gregory Zafrilla

Cristel Cantarero/highlights

Courtesy of Lucia Ruiz

Samantha Sears/highlights

features

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Publications and Pageants

As the Mr. Coral Gables competition approach-

es, CAF&DM publications introduce their candidates

BY CRISTEL CANTARERO, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER AND JULIA VOLMAN, STAFF WRITER

THE ANNUAL MR. CORAL Gables competition, a tradition that has been organized and promoted by the Gablettes dance team as a fundraiser every year since 2009, is one of the school’s most anticipated events. This year, the event will take place on Dec. 21 in the Gables auditorium, with tickets available either through a Gablette or at the door on the night of the performance. Leading up to this day, weeks of long practices prepare the candidates to represent the publications, clubs

or sports they are part of.

This ironic interpretation of a beauty pageant kicks off with a group dance and an introduction to all the candidates, followed by the reveal of the top ten candidates, chosen prior to the pageant by the Gablettes Dance Team and their adviser, Erika Diaz. A talent is then performed by each of the top 10, which narrows down the competition to five nominees before the interview portion of the show. The performance concludes with the final announcement for the title of Mr.

Mr. CavsTV

Only a first-year member of CavsTV, a publication involved specifically in photography and videography, senior Jake Borras’ passion for CavsTV has grown rapidly.

“I’ve always liked cameras and taking pictures, but I also like being on camera. I’m not afraid to do anything,” Borras said. “I like being different from everyone else.”

Borras is excited to participate in the competition because it is one of the biggest events the school offers. He wants to showcase his abilities to peers who do not often get

to witness his competitiveness.

Specifically, Borras looks forward to the dance portion of the pageant, as he is confident in his dancing abilities, which he showcases on his personal TikTok account as well as the official CavsTV profile. Being in front of a camera has increased his confidence performing in front of a crowd, which he considers a strength.

Having friends in various grades and programs, mainly through his involvement with baseball, Borras hopes his connections will help him win the fan-favorite award. With this award, publications are able to directly help the contestants, typically through promoting them on social media. Since Instagram is CavsTV’s largest platform, social

CG, which is decided by the panel of judges consisting of Gables alumni.

Other awards in the competition include the fan-favorite award, which is voted by the students, the most talented award, runnerup and Mr. Congeniality for the contestant who was best to work with, which is voted on by all of the Mr. CG contestants. For the Communication Arts, Film and Digital Media department, each of the school’s publications have chosen a representative that will showcase the publications’ best attributes.

MR .CAVSTV CristelCantarero/

media engagement plays the biggest role in promoting Borras for the title.

Both in practices and on the stage, Borras looks forward to representing CavsTV, making sure to capture the publication staff’s excitement and pride as well as his own, hoping to win over the judges.

From being a reporter, conducting interviews for the Cavaleon, to now being coSports editor, designing layouts that feature school sports, junior Dylan Rodriguez has now gained the opportunity to represent his publication in front of the school.

Since freshman year, Rodriguez has developed time management skills and dedication to the continuity of his work through the Cavaleon. With the production of the yearbook, he has developed a closer relationship with his peers and teachers. Rodriguez believes that these experiences have made him more charismatic and will carry him through to the end of the competition.

With encouragement from his peers, Rodriguez’s choice to represent the Cavaleon was simple. At first, Rodriguez’s stage fright held him back, but because of the Cavaleon community, he decided to step out of his comfort zone.

“I usually tend to stay away from these types of things because I get really anxious and nervous, but I want to change that this year,” Rodriguez said.

Cavaleon advisor Ana Zuniga hopes for Rodriguez to be confident in himself in order to put on the best performance. Humor is an important factor in his talent, as he believes it will impress the judges by giving them a light-

MR . CAVALEON

hearted performance.

“He never fails to make me and the editors laugh. He’s the best representation for our publication I can ask for,” Cavaleon Editor-inChief Zarah Correa said.

Mr. Cavaleon

C r i s t e l Ctna/orerasthgilhgih

Mr. CavsConnect

As a third-year member and current managing editor of Gables’ news website, CavsConnect, senior Massimo Aguila is representing the publication in this year’s Mr. CG pageant. Joining the publication in his sophomore year, what began as a hobby for consuming and sharing news with friends quickly became one of Aguila’s most fulfilling endeavors yet, as he has found CavsConnect to be the perfect outlet for his passion. This overwhelming pride finalized the decision for

As a staff writer for Catharsis, Gables’ literary magazine, junior Juan SuberoBellizzio is going for the gold this December as he represents his publication.

Unlike other candidates, Subero-Bellizzio has not attended the Mr. CG event, and his knowledge of the competition thus far has been gathered through the publications’ coverage of the show. One unique aspect of the competition that piqued his interest is the event’s longevity at Gables. He is elated to be a part of the excitement this time and feels he can to cater to the student body.

A member since his sophomore year, senior Rafael J. Sans, Jr. finally manifests his undying dedication to highlights, the school’s newsmagazine, through his participation in the Mr. CG pageant. For Sans, this longawaited dream of three years represents the unique aspects of the Cavalier community.

“Having a blast watching the event freshman year and feeling the crowd’s excitement made me want to, come senior year, apply to be Mr. highlights and take the opportunity to exceed the expectations

HALLTALK

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

Aguila to perform as Mr.CavsConnect.

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Aguila believes the pageant is more amusing than serious, as he embraces the aspect of poking fun at traditional pageants. He believes that qualities of an ideal candidate include the ability to work a room and entertain an audience, which he recognizes in himself. Although not confident in his dancing abilities, Aguila shares that the wonderful thing about the competition is that one can utilize their strengths and weaknesses.

“My performance is going to have that wow factor. I don’t want to reveal too much,

.

CAVSCONNECT

but I am going outside my purview,

something I wasn’t able to do before,” Aguila said.

Mr. Catharsis

Subero-Bellizzio’s main goal in competing for Catharsis this year is to bring recognition to the magazine and the hard work the writers put into creating it. Being a junior among predominantly senior candidates, Subero-Bellizzio competes as somewhat of an underdog. Winning any award in the competition with this slight disadvantage would earn even more respect for himself and Catharsis. Mr. Catharsis hopes to garner support from the student body through his social media campaign.

“It would be a tremendous help if I received

Mr. highlights

freshman year me had,” Sans said.

Without a case of stage fright in sight, Sans is most looking forward to finally getting on stage in front of his peers to perform. His main goal for the competition is to show his love and passion for his publication and instill this quality in others through comedy.

Taking the crown would be inspiring for highlights staff. However, the outcome will not dictate his experience; any award would simply be a bonus to the memories made.

“One of the key aspects of Mr. CG is

“Do you get community service hours for CSI?”

“I’m going to put three question marks into google so it knows I’m really confused.”

“Where are my feet? They’re always escaping their socks.”

MR .CATHARSIS

Georgia Rau/highlights h

support throughout the competition on social media by sharing, voting and engaging with my campaign,” Subero-Bellizzio said.

having fun and enjoying yourself. Yes, it is a competition but if you’re not having fun with it, what’s the point?” Sans said.

“Have you ever seen me and God in the same room? Exactly.”

“Why did DJ Khaled pull up to the Gables gym last night?”

“Every time I go to Aventura Mall, I’m reminded of what to expect when I die.”

doing

JuliaVolman/hig h l ig h t s

JuliaVolman/hig h l ig h t s

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.highlights

JuliaVolman/hig h l i g h t s

Bringing the silver screen to Gables

The

newly

added Gables Film Club provides a welcome break from academic stress by showing films for students

BY CAMILA PEREZ-CLAVARINO, STAFF WRITER

GABLES HAS A WIDE ARRAY of clubs for students to choose from. This year, the club roster has expanded with the addition of Gables Film Club. With an aim to mitigate student stress and give students access to films, over 200 Cavaliers have signed up.

Sponsored by AP English Literature and Composition and Theory of Knowledge teacher Maria Valencia, Gables’ film club was created to expose the student population to a variety of films while giving them a break from pressures they may be under. Despite her sponsorship being what allowed the club to become a reality, it was not Valencia who originally had the idea to start the club.

Last school year, a discussion arose about books and films in one of her English classes. In this conversation, senior Sarah Whalen, a junior at the time, expressed her wish for a film club at Gables as a film fanatic herself. Valencia then offered to sponsor the club, and after coordinating with Student Activities Director Ana Suarez, the club’s status was official. Due to her involvement in the process of creating the club, Whalen was appointed as president and put in charge of choosing the board that would work with her.

“I have always loved movies, and the second I heard there was a film club, I wanted to join. I hope to be introduced to films I

normally wouldn’t choose for myself and meet people who have similar interests as me,” junior Anabella Rodriguez said.

Unlike other groups, the film club is not based on volunteer work or academics. Rather, its goal is simply to provide students with a break from academic pressure by giving them a place to relax and enjoy films they may not have access to at home, opening up viewing

to watch the film and discuss it with each other. Students will also be provided with snacks to enjoy prior to entering the “theater.”

Since movies can be longer than students can commit to, members are not required to attend every meeting. Students can attend if and when it fits in their schedule. In addition, they will be allowed to enter and exit as they please. Students seeking to become members may do so finding information on the club’s instagram, @gablesfilmclub, and paying the club fee.

“I think this club will bring many benefits to Gables. School can easily become a source of stress for students, and this club gives them an opportunity to decompress and socialize with their friends,” Valencia said.

Throughout the year, the club will choose which movies are played by taking votes from members through its Instagram account. However, both Valencia and Whalen have their favorites that they would like to share with the students.

Valencia hopes to show the 2019 film “Greener Grass,” which follows two soccer moms who compete against each other in their suburban lives as their children battle it out on the field. She believes it is captivating, humorous and thought provoking.

opportunities for those who may lack them.

“These days, it is so expensive to go watch movies in theaters; that’s why I wanted a film club. I believe movies should be accessible to everyone,” Whalen said.

The club meets on the second Wednesday of each month for as long as the duration of the film. During meetings, members are able

As for Whalen, she would like to show the iconic 1999 romantic-comedy “10 Things I Hate About You,” during their February meeting in honor of St. Valentine’s Day.

Valencia and Whalen encourage any student with a love for film to join the club. As film lovers themselves, they hope to positively impact members’ lives this year.

THESE DAYS, IT IS SO EXPENSIVE TO GO WATCH MOVIES IN THEATERS; THAT’S WHY I WANTED A FILM CLUB. I BELIEVE MOVIES SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE.

SARAH WHALEN, SENIOR

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LIGHTS DIMMED: Junior Linda Bohanan watches Coraline during film club’s October meeting.

Courtesy of CavsTV

FILM CREW: In its first year, the film club board is excited to share movies with students.

Camila Perez-Clavarino/highlights

Georgia Rau/highlights

From Cavalier to environmental pioneer

Gables Alumna Laura Stieghorst, starting with Gables Earth and the Coral Lab, now spearheads marine biology research

BY RAFAEL J. SANS, JR., BUSINESS MANAGER

FOR MOST, FINDING A PASSION is a long and difficult self-discovery process. For class of 2017 alumna Laura Stieghorst, however, her love for the marine sciences began in middle school and only intensified as she entered high school. With the help of resources made available through Gables and the University of Miami, Stieghorst started her career goals early, now pioneering research to help save coral reefs around the world.

Taking her first steps in a career of environmental science at the age of 13, Stieghorst began exploring opportunities in the field of citizen science while working with invasive lionfish in Florida’s marine ecosystems under the Reef Environmental Educational Foundation, which she got involved with by researching opportunities in the field. Taking advantage of prospects like these prompted the development of Stieghorst’s passion for marine science, which followed her to Gables with the Coral Lab.

Inheriting the idea from a graduating senior, Stieghorst was able to coordinate the construction of the tank ecosystem in 2015 that still exists in Gables today. She continued high school managing the Coral Lab and running the Gables Earth club as president.

“She is an avid environmentalist, so her passion for the tank was amazing,” IB biology teacher Eric Molina said.

After graduating from Gables, Stieghorst attended UM and studied Ecosystems Science and Policy. Through her education as well as personal research, her interest grew as she began to consider

new opportunities in the field, eventually discovering the XPRIZE Carbon Removal Project. The subsection of XPRIZE, a nonprofit organization that focuses on financing proposals in the technological sciences, is funded by CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX Elon Musk, aiming to protect the environment using innovations they promote.

Stieghorst discovered the initiative as she returned from camping for a rocket launch in Cape Canaveral. She thought of Musk and how he could contribute significantly to environmental initiatives with his wealth and association with the sciences.

“The XPRIZE stood out because it was a low-risk high-reward opportunity,” Stieghorst said. “I didn’t have any experience in carbon removal at the time, but if I could get a group together to do this research and submit a proposal then I could win $100,000 in funding.”

Working with her team, Stieghorst developed what is known as the Accelerated Carbonate Ion Dissolution and Dispersal proposal. In essence, the proposal provided a means to reduce ocean acidification, which can cause ocean life such as coral, to detiriorate by using alkaline rocks.

Stieghorst contacted Greg Rau, cofounder of Planetary Technologies, to use his energy efficient production of alkaline rocks to implement the proposal. In finalizing it, Stieghorst and her team received the $100,000 funding prize that would allow her to research the process and bring it into fruition.

With Stieghorst’s original goal of finding solutions to carbon dioxide’s effects on ocean acidity, the

ACIDD proposal has now been integrated into her environmental service company, Básico.

Her next goal is to take her proposal from a theoretical stage to a practical stage. In continuing collaboration with Rau, Stieghorst would embark on further research focusing on Rau’s energy efficient alkalinity production technology. With this research, Stieghorst takes the next steps in implementing this plan within marine ecosystems affected by high ocean acidity.

Because of the opportunities offered to her in high school, Stieghorst jump-started a career that she has continued to develop years after leaving the halls of Gables, showing the next generation how to pursue their passion and use their foundations to grow.

“There are plenty of opportunities if you’re willing to be hands-on and enthusiastic,” Stieghorst said. “You can get far just through a cold email, and that definitely was fostered by Gables.”

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Georgia Rau/highlights

TEST TANKS: Laura Stieghorst observes how alkalinity disperses in ocean conditions.

Courtesy of Laura Stieghorst

NEWS REVIEW IN BRIEF

BY ANAÏS JAMALI, STAFF WRITER

EXPANDING ELECTRICITY

After Hurricane Ian knocked out power in Lee County and Charlotte County, Fla., the state’s Public Service Commission approved plans to fix the electrical system, focusing on projects such as the addition of underground power lines. The plans are expected to cost billions over the next decade, increasing the cost of customers’ utilities. This concerns commissioners because customers’ electric bills have already risen and may get hit with additional costs due to the hurricane.

“This new system will be worth it if it means I will worry less about my electricity going out during hurricanes,” sophomore Hannah Berumen said.

AN ANNUAL INCREASE

Florida’s minimum wage will now increase yearly until 2026 due to Florida’s Amendment 2, $15 Minimum Wage Initiative, passed in 2020. According to the Economic Policy Institute, this determined that the state’s minimum wage would increase from $10 to $11 an hour in 2022 and would then increase by $1 yearly until reaching $15 an hour. The new wage will be much higher than the federal minimum, $7.25 an hour. Other states such as Connecticut also plan to increase their minimum hourly wage to $15 by 2023.

“I think an increase in minimum wage will improve employees’ morale and help lift lowincome families out of poverty,” sophomore Angelee Ortiz said.

SUNPASS SAVINGS

SunPass, a toll collection system in Florida, has launched a savings program for frequent users. SunPass already saves customers 25% on tolls, but starting Sept. 1, 2022, each customer with 40-79 paid transactions a month will receive a 20% SunPass savings credit. In addition, a customer with 80+ paid transactions will receive a 25% SunPass savings credit, given on the 10th of the following month. The program targets drivers who have long commutes and often use Florida’s Turnpike System and toll facilities.

“I believe that the program is an improvement for drivers because students who drive, like me, will be able to pay less on tolled roads and save money,” senior Alain Fernandez said.

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Congrats, Cavs!

Congratulations to the girls’ and boys’ cross country teams for qualifying for and competing in the state championship race in Tallahassee, Fla. on Nov. 5, 2022.

Congratulations to senior Isabel Donner for being named a National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist, having qualified for the award due to her PSAT score.

Congratulations to sophomore Paloma Rosania for successfully founding Food 4 Thought to raise money towards brain research.

Courtesy of Lucia Ruiz

The Coral Gables girls’ and boys’ cross country teams smiling after competing in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s championship race in Tallahassee, Fla. on Nov. 5, 2022.

Commercializing Coral Gables

With increasing demand in Coral Gables came rapid changes in its real estate market, working to ultimately change the city

BY FRANCESCA RICO, STAFF WRITER

DUE TO INCREASED DEMAND caused by the pandemic, the real estate development of Coral Gables has rapidly taken a turn with the introduction of luxury buildings and fluctuations in the real estate market.

In 2017, Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago attempted to annex Little Gables, an unincorporated community located next to the cities of Coral Gables and Miami. Due to its unincorporated status, it does not have a local government. Though the mayor’s first attempt to annex the area was denied in 2019, according to Miami New Times, Lago has now proposed annexation once again in hopes of expanding the City of Coral Gables. This would increase the population and add to the city’s economy, allowing for further development.

Even without the annexation of Little Gables, however, Coral Gables’ population has been expanding. The downtown area has particularly seen an increase in real estate developments in the past years.

“I think the new developments are great for Coral Gables,” senior Edgar Perez said. “They help out the economy and make the community more inviting, which could only benefit the city.”

When companies and, consequently, people moved to South Florida during the pandemic, the demand for new developments increased. Moreover, the newly located companies have mostly been big technology and finance corporations, such as Goldman Sachs, meaning the employees they have brought with them have high-paying jobs,

quick facts

according to Haute Residence.

Due to demographic shifts, the possibility for more high-end real estate downtown has now grown, leading to the construction of new developments. According to Miami Today News, The Plaza Coral Gables, a new luxury development, is 2.25 million square feet, making it the largest mixed-use development in the Gables. Being mixed-use, the building will be able to serve commercial, residential

“

Daily Business Review, a Coral Gables developer has started plans for a $204 million mixed-use building. This building, named Merrick Parc, is being constructed in response to the high demand for rental spaces for both companies and families and will stand near the Shops at Merrick Park. The development will have a total of 450 units and construction will begin in 2023.

Additionally, the Terranova Corporation will build a luxury building on Miracle Mile, according to Profile Miami, a news source on Miami real estate. This development will be Florida’s first carbon-neutral building.

“Coral Gables can benefit financially from more people moving over here, but I feel like it has made the city more expensive,” senior Genesis Mercado said.

and entertainment purposes. Its construction is on track to be completed by the end of fall 2022.

“I do not like the new luxury buildings because I feel everything looks the same and there is no more personality in the city anymore,” sophomore Bruna Williams said.

The future has more to hold for Coral Gables, as more luxurious buildings are continuing to be developed. According to

The people of Coral Gables can expect changes in the real estate market as well. According to U.S. News, in the last two years, South Florida experienced a rise in real estate prices because of a growing population. This has led to an increase in real estate demands and, in turn, prices have reached all-time highs. However, a steady decrease in prices has occurred during 2022. According to U.S. News, the median sale price for a single family-home in July 2022 was $570,000 but lowered to $551,250 in August 2022.

All in all, Gables residents should expect a future of more luxurious developments in their backyards as well as steadying real estate prices. The increase of job opportunities alongside real estate will welcome more companies, families and people, further diversifying the community as a whole. h

CORAL GABLES CAN BENEFIT FINANCIALLY FROM PEOPLE MOVING HERE, BUT I FEEL LIKE IT HAS MADE THE CITY MORE EXPENSIVE. GENESIS MERCADO, SENIOR

Compiled by Emily Kardjian/highlights

The school staff shortage

As teachers are increasingly leaving the profession, Florida has begun raising their salaries to combat this rising trend

BY SAMANTHA SEARS, STAFF WRITER

IN RECENT YEARS, THERE HAS been an increase in teachers’ salaries in order to combat the teacher shortage, a result of the growing disinterest in the teaching profession and the conditions in which teachers work

Due to low wages, among a variety of other factors, interest and participation in the teaching profession has gone down, leading to a shortage of teachers that is leaving essential teaching positions vacant. According to the Florida Education Association, there were 5,000 available teaching positions as of 2021. In the last year, this number has risen to 8,000. This is not solely an issue within the state of Florida, however. In fact, National Public Radio states that there are up to 300,000 open teacher and staff positions across the country.

According to a poll by Education Week, 29% of people would not consider teaching due to inadequate pay. This is demonstrated by the fact that the average salary of a teacher in Florida was $51,009 per year as of the 2020-21 school year, according to the National Education Association. Meanwhile, the average cost of living in Florida is $43,615 per year, according to data collected by the Minnesota Economic Research and Information Center in 2021. This means that an average teacher’s salary barely covers the cost of living.

Additionally, due to the wage teachers receive and the lack of pay during the summer, many

teachers are obligated to pick up second jobs. Specifically, 16% of teachers work a second job during the summer to cover expenses, according to the Pew Reasearch Center. For those unable to work during breaks, paychecks can be spread throughout 12 months if they so choose, but they would receive less money each paycheck, an option not viable for some due to the cost of living. This is yet another factor leading many to leave the profession.

“Being a teacher is not a job with a set time but rather includes constantly working, so the pay should be raised,” freshman Adriana Garcia said.

In reaction to growing concerns about the teacher shortage, the state government has begun to raise their salaries. In March

2022, the state government has, under Gov. DeSantis’ leadership, implemented policies aimed towards increasing teachers’ salaries for the third consecutive year. According to the Florida Department of Education, the average starting salary for teachers has risen from $40,000 in 2020 to at least $47,000 as a result of funding and legislative action taken by DeSantis’ government. The funding allocated towards raising base teacher pay has allowed Florida to rise from 26th in the nation to ninth, as stated by the Associated Press.

Although these base salary increases affect incoming teachers, they generally do not apply to veteran teachers who often do not see much of a change in their salaries at all. In fact, The Florida Phoenix states that a lack of pay increases for veteran teachers will lead to them continuing to leave the profession at these increased rates.

“The pay raises are lower than the new teachers. I think it is not fair because they are doing this to attract more teachers, but they do not try to keep the ones already here,” English teacher Lazara Vazquezbello said.

As the teacher shortage continues to grow across Florida and the wider United States, lawmakers will likely continue to implement new measures to resolve it. Still, a lack of both resources and wage increases for veteran teachers may mean that these measures could be ineffective in stopping this shortage. h

Emily Kardjian/highlights

Inflation and the economy, explained

highlights presents a quick guide to understanding the ins and outs of inflation and the current economic situation

BY LUCAS BETANCOURT, STAFF WRITER

LATELY IT SEEMS AS THOUGH economic inflation is the center of every conversation, as the topic has become relevant in most people’s day-to-day lives. This is no surprise as inflation is indiscriminate, affecting Americans’

consumption habits. However, discussions around it are infused with misinformation.

“Inflation has absolutely been on my mind lately. My family’s budget has become significantly tighter and we have much less disposable income,” senior Maria Odio said.

Though scouring through economic literature can be taxing, being informed on the truths of inflation remains important. To sidestep the tedious reading and to correct misinformation, here are a few myths about inflation alongside its facts.

From the comment sections of Reddit to the halls of Congress, a common claim being thrown around about inflation is that it is directly caused by the government.

In economics, inflation refers to the rise of prices within an economy, according to the International Monetary Fund. In a “healthy” economy, this rate rises slowly over time. This “natural” inflation is simply explained: since the government prints money to keep the

economy running, it accumulates and more of it circulates. However, while this increases inflation, it does not account for the dramatic rise in prices seen today.

“A normal amount of inflation over time is natural,” Academy of Finance coordinator Alfredo Ball-llovera said. “Sometimes supplychain issues like a pandemic can cause major disruptions, but in general, inflation is here to stay. The cost of living goes up and prices and

Myth: Inflation is caused by minimum wage increases

Another myth that pervades any discourse surrounding the causes of inflation is the contribution of raises in the minimum wage. Following this theory, as workers receive higher wages they spend their newly found money. This extra money circulates back into

Myth: Inflation is caused by the government Myth:

While it may seem like inflation is being neglected, the federal government has acted by increasing interest rates, according to CNBC. This anticipated step has historically been the method of handling inflation in capitalist economics. In theory, raising interest rates will make debt and short-term loans more costly.

Simply put, people will be discouraged

the economy and the subsequent surplus in free flowing capital then leads to inflation.

Despite this logic, when looking at the data, the opposite seems true. According to the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, America’s minimum

salaries go up accordingly.”

This inflation, known as running inflation, is caused by factors including supply chain issues, corporate consolidation and other market phenomena, according to the Wall Street Journal. Since the U.S. is a free market society, the government has little control over this phenomena; the invisible hand pushes inflation into every corner of the economy, waving off the government from taking action.

wage has been stagnating since 1968, while inflation has risen annually by 4.08%. In short, it is not that inflation is caused by the minimum wage, but rather the minimum wage is constantly chasing after the heels of an inflation rate rapidly increasing its march.

from borrowing money from financial institutions, as it is expensive to repay. Thus, less money would circulate and inflation would subside. While most see this as a sign of future prosperity, some have been hesitant.

For one, raising interest rates is not tangibly connected to inflation, the Federal Reserve assumes how the public will react, according

by the numbers

to the Economic Policy Institute. Additionally, these measures increase unemployment, hurting workers and lower class communities while inflation’s root causes remain unsolved.

“Inflation is a problem that needs to be fixed because it will cause a recession, which will be catastrophic for the economy,” senior Ivan Stanovici said.

STAFF-ED: Florida’s discredited workers

This article reflects the opinion of the highlights 2022-2023 staff. Written by staff writer Saryn Moore.

IT IS NO SECRET THAT Florida is facing an epidemic of labor shortages during the current economic decline. However, the disastrous effects of Hurricane Ian highlight the unethical treatment and exploitation that undocumented workers unfairly endure.

With such extensive damages in southwestern Florida from Hurricane Ian, it is estimated that thousands of Floridians are filing for unemployment, according to CNN. Laborers to rebuild are a necessity, leading to a rise in undocumented immigrant workers. According to USA Today, workers with the Resilience Force, an organization that aids in natural disaster recovery, arrived in southwest Florida just days after the storm to begin the massive reconstruction of the state and to repair the estimated $40 billion in damages.

Many of these undocumented workers face striking difficulties and exploitation in the process of employment. Typically, the workers have traveled to Florida with messages of paid work, but were denied compensation, as reported by immigrant workers in an interview conducted by NBC News. The workers instead describe events closer to being left without pay or a threat to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement by their employers if they protest against such conditions.

“It’s undoubtedly unfair for any employer to take advantage of those who aren’t born here. It belittles their human rights,” junior Isabella Vega said.

There are laws in place restricting government-associated companies in Florida from helping immigrants enter the country for

the purposes of labor. However, this flimsy legislature fails to include private companies and families that may hire for contracting, thus facilitating the exploitation of immigrants by other parties.

Some Florida businesses have been accused by an investigation from the Naples Daily News to knowingly accept doctored

facing any potential consequences. Employers can still hire undocumented workers, but only the undocumented worker will be criminalized and potentially arrested.

The unfair treatment and exploitation of immigrant workers does not solely emerge due to their illegal entrance into the United States. Even with formal permission like temporary work visas, the unethical treatment of immigrant laborers persists.

An investigation by The Polar Project detailed that 61% of workers were victims of threat of deportation, 39% were subjected to verbal abuse and 36% faced employers withholding their important documents even under work visas. Furthermore, an investigation by the Economic Policy Institute reported that employers keep workers’ incomes at an average of $4.09 per hour, even under authorized work visas, while Florida’s minimum wage as of 2022 is $11 per hour. In addition to this exploitation, employers are allowed to confiscate and keep the worker’s visas and documents, establishing ultimate control over the workers, according to the Polar Project Investigation.

identification when hiring unauthorized immigrant workers. These employers typically profit off of cheap labor, and then report them for using false documents after a work injury has occurred or they finished their jobs.

An investigation with NPR found almost 800 Florida cases in which workers were arrested, 225 of those cases were catalyzed by workers facing injuries. In these cases, the undocumented workers are the only ones

by the numbers

“The mistreatment of immigrants by their employers is wrong. Just because they’re immigrants does not give employers the right to degrade them,” junior Jayden Solomon said.

Immigrant workers are forced to face adversity because of the saddening and dehumanizing perceptions surrounding their lack of citizenship. It is crucial that the obstacles immigrant workers face come to light to combat the exploitation they face in the workforce.

h

26% 42% 18%

of immigrants reported wage theft during reconstruction after Hurricane Harvey struck Texas.

Source: NBC News

of the average American worker’s wage is what immigrant workers are typically paid.

Source: Econofact

of immigrants in Florida are undocumented.

Source: Pew Research Center

With Hurricane Ian’s detrimental hit on southwestern Florida, the rise of exploited workers surfaces with saddening truths and hypocrisy.

Compiled by Ava Volman/highlights

IT’S UNDOUBTEDLY UNFAIR FOR ANY EMPLOYER TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THOSE WHO AREN’T BORN HERE. IT BELITTLES THEIR HUMAN RIGHTS. ISABELLA VEGA, JUNIOR

“

Curriculum difficulties

COMMENTARY BY HAZEL GROSELL, STAFF WRITER

TUDENTS across Miami Dade-County receive highschool credits during middle school and college credits before graduating high school. Teenagers are pushed into challenging classes before they are prepared to handle the workload and stress. As a result, students’ mental health and academic performances inevitably worsen due to these pressures.

Students undoubtedly are under pressure when they begin to take high level courses such as Honors Physical Science, Biology, Algebra 1 and Geometry. These classes are offered at the middle school level across Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Bertha M. Vazquez, a teacher at George Washington Carver Middle School, who has taught science for thirty years, recalls that biology was added to their curriculum roughly 20 years ago.

“Carver had to start offering Algebra 1 and Honors Physical Science when MAST made them a requirement. A lot of our kids wanted to go to MAST so we had to offer the classes. We started doing it because the high schools wanted it,” Vazquez said.

As one school adapts their curriculum to push their students to take more advanced courses, other schools are forced to follow in order to maintain their status. Additionally, to increase their recognition and funds, certain high schools began requiring their feeder schools to change their curriculum so that students would have already completed several high school courses before they

Senroll. By the time these students start their freshman year, they are already significantly advanced in their curriculums, permitting high schools to begin expanding their courses towards more complex subjects for the same self-interest. Furthermore, high schools also began adding college courses to their curriculum. As a result, these schools attracted many academically-inclined students interested in earning college credits.

In fact, research conducted by the University of Chicago found that high school grades can predict students’ readiness for college as organized, high-achieving students usually have the highest grades. These students’ success stories allow schools to gain distinction and attract more students.

“AP World was added as another option, another test for us to take, another way to generate funds. The school received money; the teachers received money, and it was something that pulled kids in,” AP World History teacher Aaron Miller said. “Kids that were interested in higher-level courses and who would likely provide the school with a success story that would attract more kids.”

The Washington Post states that during middle and high school, when students’ decision-making skills are not fully developed, schools form harsh discipline policies and curriculums that deprive students of opportunities. These policies and lesson plans prioritize grades and benefits for the schools providing the courses rather than fostering the growth of knowledge.

AVA’S ANTICS Metamorphosis

COMMENTARY BY AVA VOLMAN, OPINION EDITOR

I know it’s a stupid analogy, but it’s the one I feel holds most true. We are all undergoing metamorphosis, constantly changing and growing and becoming different people than we once were. High school itself feels like one big chrysalis — the people who went in with you won’t be the same ones coming out. The vulnerability of witnessing the highest and lowest and all the in between points of this growth is a shared experience that I feel creates an unspoken understanding between us all. We are all still discovering who we are, what makes us happy, having experiences that will change our mindsets eternally.

Adolesence is a stage I can’t really define. I’m not a kid, not an adult, yet I feel like this part of my life and those surrounding me is what will define me. I know this is not entirely true, but these years are the times to experience those exhilirating yet terrifying moments that will lead to the discovery of my sense of identity. I tell myself it’s okay to laugh too loudly, to embarass myself, to cry over stupid things, as these moments are what I’ll cherish later in life as I think about how I came to be who I am.

DID YOU KNOW?

Time pressure as a result of rigoruous scheduling in high-achieving schools is associated with heightened stress and low well-being in educational settings.

Source: Arizona State University Department of Psychology

“Getting an A is more important than understanding the material. The stakes are higher. There are more people applying for college, it’s harder to get into college and colleges are becoming more expensive. Colleges’ decisions are based on grades so they are essential,” Vazquez said. Unfortunately, students’ mental health and academic performance are at stake as schools make more demanding curriculums. Students across grade levels struggle to keep up with the level of their coursework due to a lack of knowledge and preparation. How much further are schools willing to push their students for recognition and funding?

This process is beautiful yet painful. I find myself watching people I love becoming the best versions of themselves or the person they swore they’d never become. It’s only to be expected, as life gives us twists and turns and everything else you’d might not expect. I was never prepared for this jarring change. Learning to let go was the hardest lesson I’ve had to learn. I quickly discovered that I can’t expect people to be more than what they are; simply people, all of us trying to find the most authentic versions of ourselves.

Moments like these are fleeting— I feel like I might blink and miss them. As soon as it begins it comes to an end, but even then sometimes I feel like parts of it will last forever. And in some way they will, as they have built who I am and will become. Maybe it doesn’t feel like it now, but I know that one day I will emerge from the chrysalis and spread my wings.

Schools compete for status without regard for the strain on students.

TWO-VIEWS: The ethics of deplatforming in the media

2.9

billion people are active monthly on the social media platform FaceBook. 1.3

Source: Data Reportal

544 83%

of all internet users use Google as their primary search engine.

Source: Statista

million people are active monthly on the social media platform Twitter.

Source: Data Reportal billion people are active monthly on the social media platform Instagram.

Source: Data Reportal

Although social media companies are legally can ban individuals who violate their guidelines, many question whether this practice is ethical.

N THE ERA OF digital media, information reaches millions in a matter of seconds. Social media corporations dictate how knowledge is shared to the public. While social media is essential to remaining connected and informed, these platforms have recently removed user content and accounts that they find inappropriate with startling regularity.

According to CBS News, in 2020 Twitter banned more than 150,000 accounts. These numbers continue to grow at a substantial rate. This deplatforming is unethical as many are dependent on social media for information that influences important decisions.

Every time a user downloads an app, they must agree to its terms of service. These agreements often state that the company has the right to ban content, impose access restrictions or suspend accounts if the content uploaded violates those terms of the contract. Similar terms of service are found across social networking sites. Legally, this is valid,

however, the ethics of it all are questionable.

“All rights, as put forth by the Constitution are totally encompassing. However, our rights end when someone else’s rights are violated. Now, how that’s interpreted is where we have controversies,” law teacher Julio Garcia said. “One reason is that social media is so prominent in society that if one is not connected, they are missing out.”

As reported by the New York Times, social media has become extremely popular since the release of these applications — an estimated 81% of Americans have a social media account.

Banning people from social media platforms raises ethical concerns because the criteria that garners a ban is subjective.

Employees and owners of social media platforms decide the content that is banned based on their own personal beliefs. The subjectivity of this process undoubtedly creates room for biases and unfair deplatforming.

For example, former president Donald Trump was banned from Twitter for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 riots. Twitter leadership found his statements surrounding the event violated company guidelines. However, many individuals with the same controversial and conservative views continue using the

platform. Donald Trump, Jr. and Rudy Giuliani express the same perspective, yet they still access these platforms freely. Twitter is built upon the foundation of providing a voice for everyone, yet banning certain individuals and not others who express the same sentiments does not follow this principle.

Additionally, Elon Musk, a prominent entrepreneur, recently bought twitter and promised that he will restore Trump’s account. Musk shares many of Trump’s views, and has made the decision to reinstate Trump’s account solely because he agrees with his statements. The criteria for having people on the platform clearly is not objective, as ownership change significantly impacts who is on the platform.

“Social media is a place for your opinion to be heard. And I think it’s unjustifiable for big corporations to take [accounts] down because of their understanding and their opinion on it,” sophomore Martim Faria said.

People who post discriminatory and harmful messages do not deserve a platform to share their views. However, the standards used by companies to remove these users must be applied consistently and objectively. In doing so, they will succeed in sustaining an environment that allows for the free expression and exchange of ideas.

BY AUSTIN YAGODA, STAFF WRITER

N RECENT YEARS, THERE has been a shift in the tolerance that social media platforms hold for offensive action. This new wave of deplatformings marks the end of the corporations’ silence towards public figures and the vexing remarks made on their social networking platforms.

When social media became mainstream in the early 2000s, the original purpose of applications like Facebook was to provide a forum promoting self-expression. Yet, over time the functionalities of social media have expanded past socializing with friends, as politics and controversy have become almost synonymous with the use of social media.

Rather than simply being a place to share moments and ideas with friends, social media platforms have become a cesspool of political ads and targeted attacks, with such posts constantly appearing on people’s recommended pages. Only recently have they decided to take action against these instances, drawing the line after societal and minority groups have endured harassment and discrimination at the hands of fellow users.

“All the people against the bans are just talking about freedom of speech and the first

amendment, but it just doesn’t work because social media is all private business. It’s morally right to ban bad people,” senior Gio Vazquez said.

Deplatforming is also essential to keep vulnerable social media users from harm. Teenagers and young children are becoming increasingly trusting of what they see online and subsequently susceptible to deceptive content, as proven by countless users later posting about how they fell victim to every new scam and harmful trend that popped up.

This is especially harmful when a prominent figure begins spreading misinformation and encouraging harmful action. The gullibility of the viewers combined with the relentless efforts of the creators is what allows these ideas to spread and turn into action.

When these immoral actions happen, it falls onto the platform to prevent such ideas from spreading further. It is wrong to provide a forum for plainly bad people and their following, as the platform itself is facilitating the spread of harmful and hateful ideals. Alex Jones has been a major example of the consequences of having the wrong voice be heard, as he incited and encouraged a wave of

harassment towards victims of school shootings. He was sued for calling the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting a hoax.

It is also worth noting the importance of truthfulness and the immense power of words. Congresswoman Majorie Taylor Green recently spoke in defense of Jones, claiming that there was no reason for him to be punished so severely since “all he did was speak words.” Such a lack of regard for truth and the impact it has on the perspectives of others has a severe effect on society and groups affected by such harmful words, emboldening the need for limits on what can be openly said online.

It’s time that those who abuse the power a social media platform creates are silenced before they can do any more damage. Those who spread such harmful ideas online should be denied the right to their platform and are the few who do not deserve to have their voice heard by the masses.

COMMENTARY

Let’s just BeReal

COMMENTARY BY CAROLINA CASTRO, CO-ONLINE EDITOR

OCIAL MEDIA is overridden with influencers sharing beautiful, air-brushed photoshoots, complete with the occasional “raw” post showing a pimple or two. However, a more authentic form of social media has taken the teen world by storm: BeReal.

The newly popularized app sends out a notification at a random time once a day, allowing two minutes to take a picture with both the front and back camera, showing off what users are doing at that very moment.

The app was thus supposed to be revolutionary, meant for users to see live pictures of their friends during life’s mundane moments at random, allowing for the average person to potentially feel better about themselves. Yet, many users abuse the app’s “post late” feature, waiting for the perfect opportunity to still somehow “BeFake” on what’s meant to be the one authentic social media platform.

While apps like Instagram and TikTok are the land of meticulously crafted stories and hundreds of unposted drafts, BeReal is meant to show the boring sides of our lives we’re all desperately trying to hide. Whether the notification appears during class, when laying down to take a nap at concerningly bright hours of the day, or at 2 a.m. when you’re stuck doing math homework, BeReal is to be taken in those stressful two allotted minutes in which users are all supposed to post and see

Swho’s really more dull.

Many users will inevitably miss the notification, making the “post late” feature a necessity. Yet, what many can’t seem to wrap their superficial heads around is that this feature should be limited in its use — only being employed when one didn’t have their phone at the time of the notification and missed it, or when at a funeral, in which it would simply be inappropriate to take an aerial-view photo of the casket.

“I like BeReal more compared to other social media platforms me and my friends can both post simultaneously, and I can also see their reactions to said photos,” sophomore Nicole Hernandez said.

BeReal also lets its egomaniacal users retake their daily posts, but friends can see how many times they did so. With a simple click of the three dots at the top of a post, everyone can be made aware of how many attempts one took to take their perfectly imperfect picture. One swift move and the “effortless” bedhead, exemplary blanket positioning and just-indieenough song playing in the background

can suddenly be made obsolete, revealing that it took them ten tries to capture their “nonchalant” moment.

“Why post a BeReal super late when you can do it in the moment? Me personally, I would be fine with taking a BeReal in the moment since I do things with my life, but I can’t say the same for the late BeRealers,” junior Rocco Batto said.

The typical social media app lets users carefully curate their lives; BeReal is supposed to be messy and fun, showing everyone’s quirkier side like no other platform. While trying to defeat the stigma around leading a normal life, BeReal has proven, yet again, that teens will use any excuse to fake utopianlike aesthetic lives.

h

Time to BeReal!

The BeReal app is meant to cut out the staged depictions of perfect lives, a concept still foreign to many of its users.

Disappearing from the shelves

COMMENTARY BY ALYSSA DOPICO, STAFF WRITER

HROUGHOUT history, banning books has been a way of shunning certain topics from society. However in recent years, this power has been abused, causing adverse effects in school settings.

Book banning is when lawmakers, individuals, government officials, or organizations remove books from school curriculums because they object to the themes discussed in that piece of literature. Typically, the reason to ban a book is because it contains graphic violence, explicit mature content, or obscene language, topics that are seen as inappropriate for teenagers in high school. Book bans are already the most widespread form of censorship in the United States, according to The First Amendment Encyclopedia, and a pattern has arisen amongst the books that are experiencing the harshest censorship, shedding light upon the motives of the lawmakers behind them.

The supplemented banning of books in classrooms is unnecessary, as most of these restrictions are put on harmless books that are written by authors who are part of marginalized communities such as people of color, women and LGBTQ+ authors, that appear to be targeted in order to further silence them. According to the Poets, Essayists and Novelists of America’s (PEN)

Tindex, 41% of bans are put on books with LGBTQ+ themes, protagonists or prominent characters and 40% of banned books have protagonists or prominent characters of color. The pattern that emerges among the types of books banned displays how bigotry emerges in a supposedly unbiased practice.

While these books aren’t actually harmful in any way, legislators are determined to ban them in educational settings by utilizing laws such as Oklahoma SB 1142, which prohibits schools from having such books, according to the University of Connecticut School Of Law. This is a bigoted act of censorship that displays the prejudices of these bans.

According to the PEN index, Florida is the state with the second

most book bans in education, with a total of 566 titles banned across 21 different counties. Restrictions at such an alarming rate displays how legislators prevent students’ access to an unbiased education.

“The imprecise definitions of what a ‘bad’ or ‘harmful’ influence is leaves so much room for bigotry and prejudice that it is inevitable,” English teacher and National English Honor Society sponsor Yvette LeFebvre said.

Having diverse representation in literature is crucial to the development of young children, according to The Cooperative Children’s Book Center. Representation can make children feel seen and accepted through reading about a character they identify with, as well as help them see that the world is a diverse place. It is crucial that this representation of minorities is present and not framed negatively in books in order for students to grow up with a positive frame of mind towards all groups of people.

“Book banning is harmful as it blocks people from gaining different points of view. If you can only read literature that coincides with one perspective you cannot grow beyond that mindset,” National English Honor Society president Isabella Miguelez said.

Educational professionals should decide literary curriculums rather than legislators. As book bans become increasingly widespread, many might wonder if bookshelves are being stocked by librarians or the state. h

Sp rts highlights briefs

BY LILY GORON, STAFF WRITER

Unaffiliated trauma consultant fired

On Sept. 25, 24-yearold starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa, was tackled and suffered a head injury during a game against the Buffalo Bills. Despite showing the five main signs of a concussion, the unnamed unaffiliated trauma consultant still cleared him to

start the very next game.

Five days later, Tagovailoa played up until the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals when his head was once again slammed hard against the turf, enduring a much more severe

Marlins manager retires

Current Miami Marlins manager, Don Mattingly, recently informed his team that, after seven years of managing, he will not return for the 2023 season as he wants to move on and dedicate himself to his family and friends. Mattingly and the rest

Dolphins trauma consultant, an investigation concerning protocol violations and mistakes in consultations was done and the trauma consultant was fired.

“The trauma consultant should be fired for penetrating

athlete spotlight

Sky Carrizo, Sophomore Sport:

Soccer Accomplishments: Carrizo played in Atlanta and Chicago with the cities’ MLS Special Olympics teams, played in Spain, Argentina and Uruguay with multiple youth

U.S. women’s soccer team abuse

The U.S. Women’s National soccer team and its fans are asking officials to protect the players as they have accused coaches of emotionally and sexually abusing them. According to the team, the abuse is constant and accusations from the players are taken lightly.

An investigation

upcoming events

Boys soccer game @ Columbus

Boys basketball game vs. Miami

The player becomes the coach

Gables graduates Ethan Kaddour-Moore and David Kuper re-enter the Gables football realm, but this time as coaches

BY RAFAEL J. SANS, JR., BUSINESS MANAGER

FORMER STUDENTS AND varsity football players at the school turned junior varsity football coaches, Ethan Kaddour-Moore and David “Dak” Kuper, have taken on a new perspective on life at Gables. Taking the skills and experience they developed in their time as Cavalier football players, along with their passion for the sport, Kaddour-Moore and Kuper have embarked on the role of coaches as the next step in their careers.

Kaddour-Moore and Kuper were on the football team during their time at Gables, initially beginning in the JV program and progressing to varsity football in their later years. With the conclusion of their last season in 2022, Kaddour-Moore and Kuper’s chapter in Cavalier football was seemingly coming to an end. Yet, with more players entering the

Finding balance is something that not only Kaddour-Moore and Kuper drill into themselves, but also into their players. Having experienced life as student athletes, they emphasize focusing on both academics and football to ensure the athletes going through their program are well-rounded and prepared for the challenges ahead in their lives. Considering the balance Kaddour-Moore and Kuper maintain in their college mindset, they can impart a similar philosophy to their players which is a unique aspect of their position as coaches.

“You learn so many life lessons in football it is insane, more than anything else I’ve ever been taught,” Kaddour-Moore said. “You can go somewhere in football, but you have to have the grades for it to begin with.”

Beginning right after class, Kaddour-

skills are tested. In these circumstances, they always encourage players to learn from their mistakes, not to dwell on them. Kuper uses the analogy of a goldfish’s five-second memory for his players to model the idea of not dwelling on mistakes and to rather learn from them. In using these coaching strategies, Kaddour-Moore and Kuper see their players learning from their instruction and developing their skills for what lies ahead in their athletic careers at Gables.

“I’m so grateful for Ethan and Dak. They have given me the chance to learn and play alongside them,” sophomore junior varsity football player Edward Trujillo said. “They give their time to us even though they are in college and can be using that time to be with family or studying. Instead, they come teach and make us better players and human beings.”

ARM IN ARM: Coaches KaddourMoore (left) and Kuper (right) pose with each other during football practice.

Season-opener win for boys soccer

Playing the first game of the season on Nov. 7, the Cavalier boys soccer team kept Goleman scoreless in a 3-0 win

BY VALENTINA ARAUJO, STAFF WRITER

AFTER A GREAT PRESEASON start, the boys soccer team played their season opener at home on Monday, Nov. 7, against Barbara Goleman High School. The team entered the field with high expectations and were prepared to win after training vigorously for weeks prior.

“The veterans and the new additions seem to have great chemistry once playing on the field together, so I expect to see good changes in this upcoming game,” Coach Michel Fotso said.

The game started off strong, with sophomore striker Victor Fialho Ribeiro gaining Gables’ first possession of the ball after the opposing team started with it. After a few passes, and a lot of pressure coming from Goleman’s defense, making it difficult for the boys to score, Fialho Ribeiro scored the first goal of the game.

Gables had a solid defensive advantage over the other team due to their great communication and timing, allowing them to stop attacks and prevent the other team from scoring. The first half was a success for Gables, as Fialho Ribeiro scored two goals within 15 minutes.

“In the first half, the defense was very compact and we didn’t allow any shots on goal. Our midfield was covering the spaces very well which helped the defense a lot and kept Goleman’s offense pressured,” sophomore

center-back London D’Ippolito said.

As the second half approached, the boys were prepared to win and take home the first victory of the season. However, Goleman’s defense started to get more aggressive, making

IN THE FIRST HALF, THE DEFENSE WAS VERY COMPACT AND WE DIDN’T ALLOW ANY SHOTS ON OUR GOAL. OUR MIDFIELD WAS COVERING THE SPACES VERY WELL WHICH HELPED THE DEFENSE A LOT AND KEPT GOLEMAN’S OFFENSE PRESSURED. LONDON D’LPPOLITO, SOPHOMORE

it harder for the boys to advance down the field and score. Yet, Gables did not back down. Hearing the chants coming from the fans, the boys increased their intensity, unwilling to

let their team and Gables down. Effectively transitioning the ball between them all the way down the field, sophomore left wing Sky Carrizo was able to get an open look at the net and score the third and final goal of the game.

In addition to Gables’ excellent coordination, junior striker Jordan Bueso’s assistance made it easier for them to score because he provided the key passes for all three goals.

“It was really cool to get to watch the game as it was my first soccer game and I thought the guys were great,” junior Lorena Acevedo said. “Seeing them work together as a team was definitely a highlight for me.”

By the end, Gables was up by three goals and with only 15 minutes left, tensions among the boys eased and their expressions brightened. After minutes of continuous passing, dribbling and kicking, the last whistle came from the referee signaling the end of the game and a 3-0 win for the Cavaliers. Gables lined up as they shook hands with the opposing team and exchanged compliments.

Upcoming games include games on Thursday, Dec. 8, against American at Traz Powell Stadium, Monday, Dec. 12, at Columbus and Thursday, Dec. 15, against Palmer Trinity at Gables.

“I wouldn’t change anything about how we played,” Fialho Ribeiro said. “The team played very well and we came out on top as expected.”

Cheer is not so mere

COMMENTARY BY SANTIAGO GIRALDO, CO-ONLINE EDITOR

O MANY, cheerleading is nothing more than a pastime or a cut-scene for Netflix specials. If you are talking about the stereotypical blonde mean girls, it is easy to deem Cheer as an activity that is far from what Gables represents. Yet, from what I can understand, those misconceptions stem from misunderstandings of what defines a sport and, more importantly, a Gables athlete: in other words, someone who turns their physical in to Athletic Director Louis Romero.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, “a sport is an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or a team competes against another or others for entertainment.” Newsflash, cheerleading meets all of those qualifications: competitiveness, especially when cheer offs occur against other teams, a heavy physical toll, including jumps most other athletes cannot do and, of course, the fact that we look really good while doing all those things at once.

“Yes I look great with my uniform, yes I love getting ready for games, but that does not mean that is everything that cheer has to offer,” senior and cheer captain Mariam Galdo said. “It is best to think of that uniform as our gym clothes because we go work out and pop off at games.

Cheerleaders go through rigorous training to become the best athletes they

Tstrive to be. In terms of vanity and discipline, cheerleaders are not much different than basketball players. For instance,

Brazda/ highlights

cheerleaders wear super expensive shoes that, if we are lucky, will not fall apart by the end of the season, while basketball players have Nikes and Jordans to be “dripped out” on the court. In fact, the very basis of athleticism is performance, while basketball players get the best “hops,” cheerleaders try to get the best hyperextended jumps. Yes, basketball players may be able to touch the rim of the basket, but I would like to see them try a jump around the world.

“There is nothing more insulting than when boys tell me that my sport is not really a sport, when last time I checked, the only thing people remember from half of the games this season is our performances, not theirs,” junior cheerleader Charlee Trowbridge said.

On and off the mat, when the weather alarm is blaring or when the air-conditioning fails on the bus, we will always have each other’s backs. This goes back to the Cavalier trust that is built by our team, supporting women’s rights and wrongs while catching 5’2 flyers in front of the roaring crowds at Tropical Park, which may or may not include cheerleading coach Lauren Noval’s students hoping to receive extra credit.

“We can tell each other anything and we’re just here to support each other,” senior cheerleader Julissa Villareal said. “Those girls [cheerleaders] are super reliable and I am not here to judge anyone.”

Aside from the tumbles, stunts and jumps, cheerleaders bring the spirit no matter what, even if our sleep deprived bodies tell us not to. Trust me, nothing is more unrewarding than losing your voice after screaming “You got this, boys!” 100 times just for them to end up very much not getting it. But anyway, go Cavs!

Despite being treated as solely spectators of real athletes, the Gables cheer team proves why they are a real sport

Alexander

The quiet crisis of student athletes

BY DIVYA DAVE, STAFF WRITER

FROM PERSISTENT PRACTICE

in the blazing sun to constantly testing their physical and mental capabilities, student-athletes feel naturally overwhelmed as they juggle their classes and rigorous training with the intent to succeed in both.

A common misconception about studentathletes is that they only require physical abilities to participate in sports. However, being able to mentally prepare for and execute a sport daily is just as essential. Benefits can include an increase in factors such as confidence, focus and motivation, according to the Ottawa Sports Council.

Almost all types of sports require intensive training, which often builds upon itself for many years in an athlete’s career. As a result of this demanding commitment for an extensive period, many feel like they need to quit from the pressure it causes, as mentioned in the New York Times. Yet, many find it difficult to simply give up after investing so many years into their sport. Hence, forcing oneself to continue despite the tension and hard labor can cause burnout.

Furthermore, it is no secret that athletes who display astounding talent in their sport can receive college scholarships. Therefore, with the goal to outshine other athletes in all aspects, many teen athletes also take rigorous coursework to impress colleges. This combination of difficult schoolwork and long training after school to perfect

their skills becomes overwhelming for students, according to the National Athletics Trainers Association. This stress and level of competition is not only present with college sports, but sports in general.

“My coach likes to say, ‘if it were easy everyone would be doing it,’ so having to balance school and sports can be tough, but that’s what makes you different from being just a student or just an athlete,” sophomore and football player Billy Saleh said.

Burnout in the sports industry is often underreported and a hard experience for many, affecting mental and physical strength. Exhaustion can be caused by pushing oneself too hard, consequently leading to psychological stress. This can be tracked through a decline in academic performance. Physically, burnout may also cause shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, metabolic disorders and much more, according to the American Psychological Association.

It is crucial that

student-athletes get rest because by the age of 13, more than 70% of children have dropped out of sports because of the stress it causes, as stated in the Los Angeles Times. Setting boundaries and knowing what should be prioritized can help maintain a healthy balance. Finding a way to unwind, such as starting a new hobby, can help make one feel relaxed. This is important to studentathletes because it can wash away self-doubt and physical anxiety like nausea and shaking and even increase concentration and focus, according to the Podium Sports Journal.

“[When athletes push themselves too hard] it can lead to injuries, burnout, or hating the sport or program that they are in,” Gablettes dance team coach Erika Diaz said.

Despite such challenges there are many successful student-athletes who love what they do and have found ways to manage the stress, pressure and workload. It is important that those who have not prioritized their health and not allow burnout to consume them.

feel a wave of exhaustion after being overworked due to constant training and piles of schoolwork

Nutritious and delicious

the scene 23 h hthe scene

Seeking to reshape the fast food industry, grown serves a fresh

and organic menu for healthy minded

A

The thought of a healthy fast food option is hard to believe, however, it was made possible through grown’s founder, Shannon Allen, who was inspired by her son’s type-one diabetes diagnosis. After not finding a healthy food stop option for her son while on a family road trip, Allen made it her mission to start her own restaurant business that serves healthy food items for all.

While caring for her son, Allen was often not able to park and order sit down food. Not being able to find assistance quickly pushed her to make food accessible from the car by adding a drive-thru feature for all grown locations.

Because grown uses organic ingredients, the prices are a bit higher than an average fast food location.Well known for their wraps, salads and sandwiches, the customer’s most recommended foods would be their delicious Havana wraps. At $12, they are filled with fresh greens, corn, black beans, white cheddar cheese, avocado, tortilla strips, salsa fresca and cilantro. However, one can add any

form of protein including shredded chicken, grilled salmon, mushrooms or shrimp with the additional price of $7-$9, depending on the protein making it slightly more pricey.

Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., they offer breakfast as well. Some items on this menu include omelets or “Ohm-let’s,” glutenfree blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes, avocado toast, fruit bowls, homemade yogurt with fruit and granola and breakfast salads. Their price range for breakfast items are from $7-$12.

The home-made meals on the menu were inspired by Allen after 18 years of preparing food for her husband, Ray Allen, a two- time NBA champion for the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.

“One item that I would recommend to a new time customer would have to be the quinoa squash bowl with black beans, squash, avocado and bean sprouts, so that’s like a healthy clean type of dish for anyone experiencing grown for the first time,” griller Fern Jean said.

The grown kitchen practices all forms of sustainability. grown partners with farm networks that produce sustainable ingredients without the use of GMOs, hormones,

or processed sugar to avoid any harmful products that are in most of the unhealthier foods people eat. They pride themselves on their organically sourced food.

grown also supports the idea of using recyclable cups, pulp-free and compostable paper products as they use free storage containers to package kids meals encouraging children to learn to cultivate their own gardens. The restaurant also has tablets in the kids play areas with games that educate and motivate kids to have healthy eating habits and fun fitness activities to get them moving.

“I think it’s a really smart business model to let kids interact with their perishables like that and learn to live healthy through these strategies placed by grown,” senior Leonardo Grisard said.

grown’s first establishment opened in South Miami at 8211 South Dixie Highway. The chain expanded to two other locations in South Beach at 1504 Bay Road and the Hard Rock Stadium at 347 Don Shula Drive. grown seeks to keep expanding and supporting a healthier lifestyle for everyone.

WARM AND COZY: grown’s sells seasonal soups such as the carrot and ginger shown above

Adriel Cor tes/highlights Adriel

/highlights

consumers

BY MARCELA RONDON, COPY EDITOR

N THE SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE of Miami, tropical fruits are nothing foreign to locals. However, sourcing these coveted fruits can prove to be a challenge. Although the city has its fair share of fresh fruit vendors, Frank’s Cafe and Fruits takes the cake for variety, satisfying everyone’s desire for these goods at a reasonable cost.

Passing by the bright orange exterior is hard to miss. Lined with tree branch columns, the shop makes customers feel like they are in an orange grove. Yet, the colorful exterior does not overpower the rows of fresh produce in the store. Offering atypical fruits like seasonal squashes, colorful mangoes and Persia avocadoes, customers can find produce not often seen at the grocery store.

Apart from its assortment of seasonal and year-round produce, Frank’s also serves as a full grocery store and cafe. The store sells common ingredients used in Hispanic dishes, sush as corn flour, “chicharron” or fried pork rinds for $5 and wildflower honey for $8.99 a jar. Frank’s is a one-stop shop for grocery needs. They also sell cooked turkey, pork and an array of sides for the holiday seasons.

Having opened in 2020, Frank’s faced the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as they began operating during its peak. Yet, the

provide customers with quality products at a reasonable price kept the store afloat.

“The store opened two and a half years ago during the pandemic” employee Rubia said. “Although, we still remained open and our customers continued to buy from us.”

For those looking for a quick and

inexpensive bite to eat, Frank’s sells freshly cooked meals and desserts convenient for any occasion. Their hearty meals include grilled pork priced at $4, fried chicken for $3.50 and “tamal Cubano,” for $3. They also have seating for those that would like to enjoy a nice meal there.

The café also has an extensive menu of fresh juices, priced at $2 for a cup or $8 for a half gallon, with flavors tamarind, melon and papaya. The menu features house blended smoothies priced at $3. The cafe also has variety of home desserts, all priced at $10, such as “arroz con leche” (rice and sweet milk), flan and “dulce de leche” (caramel sauce).

“Coming home from work, Frank’s is always convenient to buy a cheap dinner that is always filling. My favorite dish is the vaca frita,” customer Dalia Calero said.

With two locations in West Miami at 6480 SW 8th St. and Kendale Lakes at 5291 SW 127th Ave., Frank’s makes access to their fresh produce and enticing meals easy for anyone in Miami. They operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Frank’s also accepts EBT and SNAP, offering convenience of different payment options.

Frank’s commitment to providing quality ingredients and dishes at affordable prices to their customers has kept Frank’s thriving in the Miami community.

Lenox Balzebre/highlights

UNIQUE PRODUCE: Frank’s locally sourced flavors to savor.

Cooking up Korean goodness

BY CHIARA ABAD-SANCHEZ, STAFF WRITER

S ONE OF FEW KOREAN restaurants in Miami, 2 Korean Girls (2KG) strives to be unique while maintaining sustainability, bringing a variety of cultural goodness to the touristy and boisterous city.

Two sisters growing up in the food business, Jennifer and Michele Kaminski, wanted to celebrate their family’s generationold recipes and Korean specialties with Miami. They felt there was a lack of Korean cuisine representation in Miami, so they created 2KG.

2KG’s authentic Korean kitchen serves its customers delicious cuisine while maintaining a fresh and healthy approach. These generational old recipes have been passed down and incorporated into a menu crafted perfectly to embrace Korean culture with unique names for the dishes.

Their vast menu ranges from bowls to ribs to kimchi, a typical Korean dish of salted and fermented vegetables, usually cabbage and radish. The menu allows for all, even the picky, to experience unique Korean flavors.

Their fan-favorite dish is a traditional bowl called the Original Bibimbap. The “O.B.” bowl is priced at $23. It includes the traditional ribeye bulgogi, Korean white rice, assorted vegetables, a heart-shaped egg and their famous gochujang sauce, a red chili paste. The heart-shaped egg is a staple to 2KG and brings an adorable yet flavorful addition to the bowl. This traditional dish is perfect for gluten and paleo diets or vegetarian lifestyles.

“[The O.G. bowl] a wonderful combo of flavors and textures that express the freshness and quality of the ingredients, not to mention the authentic taste, especially from the ribeye bulgogi and homemade gochujang,” managing owner of 2KG Jennifer Kaminski said.

They also offer a spicy bowl or a custom bowl where one can choose the protein, base, sauce and toppings. The custom bowl menu is shown on the right.

Another popular item on the menu priced at $12 is the 2KG Korean Fried Chicken sliders. It consists of two fried chicken sandwiches with cucumber kimchi topped with sweet and sour radish and kewpie mayo on a toasted potato bun.

“I ate the fried chicken sliders, and they were amazing and made my mouth very happy,” customer Milagros Ruiz said.

They offer the most common Korean

street food known as Tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes, short ribs, fried chicken and more.

The more reasonably priced items are the Tteokbokki, cucumber kimchi and napa cabbage kimchi at $10. For dessert, they offer chocolate chip or carnival M&M cookies.

The sisters’ commitment to sustainability is seen through their packaging, menu and message. The 2KG kitchen utilizes locally sourced and quality ingredients.

“It should be a goal for everyone! If we all just make one change, it would make such a difference. We wanted people to feel good about ordering delivery and creating just a little bit less trash with their UberEats orders,” said Kaminski.

Additionally, their location in Miami Beach at the Oasis Garden, 1801 Collins Ave. offers dine-in, take-out and delivery options; they are open Thursdays from 3 to 9 p.m., Fridays from 3 to 10 p.m. with karaoke at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 8 p.m. This endearing restaurant has a picniclike ambiance with pink umbrellas at tables outside. White wooden tables contrast the heaps of pillows on the chairs, welcoming customers to sit and dine. The restaurant has an aesthetic and feminine feeling to it.

The other location has been open for two years in Wynwood at 300 NW 29th St. It is delivery and take-out only and available every day of the week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

a.m.

The sisters strive to expand fresh Korean and modern goodness with their 2KG signature menu. They seem to have created a Korean comfort across Miami.

Authentic Korean cuisine is brought to Miami by two sisters in homage to their family’s culture

Lenox Balzebre/highlights

highlights Maps Miami

Top shops, stops and eateries chosen by Coral Gables students for fun and good food

BY MICAELA MONTERO, STAFF WRITER

EW TO MIAMI AND WANT TO TRY something new? highlights brings a map of Gables students’ favorite spots all around the city. Ranging from restaurants to parks to thrift stores, highlights surveyed 48 students regarding their favorite places in Miami, offering their unique and insightful tastes of the area. Explore Miami and its diverse culture through the lens of the student body with eight great places to check out all around the city.

h

Hotline Boba

744 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33130

‘‘

Their way of making boba tea is a lot better than americanized boba places.

‘‘

- Anonymous student

Boba is becoming a classic in Miami and this spot is no exception. With ideal flavors like the Thai tea and milk tea along with more unique types, like horchata bubble tea and Masala chai tea, everyone is sure to find something to their taste. This is an excellent option for a sweet treat and is worth the drive for its experience and flavors.

This ‘N That

3155 Commodore Plaza, Miami, FL 33133

Great finds and great employees!

‘‘ ‘‘

- Anonymous student

This local thrift store has been serving the Coconut Grove community for over 60 years and for good reason. The cozy spot is located right in Coconut Grove and offers a unique shopping experience. There are countless beautiful jewelry items, gorgeous vintage outfits and unique home goods. Not only is it an excellent place to support the community, but you never know what one can find.

Micaela Montero/highlights

Peacock Garden & Bistro

2889 McFarlane Rd, Miami, FL 33130

Hidden between the brush in Coconut Grove lies this elegant restaurant with an oasis-like feel. Whether dining inside or out, one will be surrounded by lush plants and trees, adding to the classy ambience created. It is known best for the seafood, however they have all kinds of dishes sure to appeal to any foodie.

Whip ‘N Dip

1407 Sunset Dr, Miami, FL 33143

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I usually go with a cookie and cream shake or a vanilla soft serve with cookie dough topping.

‘‘

- Massimo Aguilar, Senior

sceneA staple for most Gables residents, this ice cream shop is a must. The customizable toppings and multitude of flavors create an excellent sweet treat at a reasonable price. They have a variety of cakes and ice cream sandwiches if the ice cream is ever too boring. This classic Gables spot is perfect to satisfy your sweet tooth.

You are here

Micaela Montero/highlights

Micaela Montero/highlights

Micaela Montero/highlights

Salvation Army

90 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127 ‘‘

‘‘

You really never know what you’re going to discover, every trip is different.

Sustainable shoppers look no further. This second hand clothing and furniture store has countless items at affordable prices for a great cause. There are unique pieces that can suit anyone’s style. Having the excitement of discovering a special clothing item coupled with the knowledge that all profits go to the Salvation Army makes for an excellent shopping experience.

Main Library

101 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130 ‘‘

‘‘

This spot has been around for years, providing people of all ages with a calming and quiet spot to grab a book, read or study. It is a free activity that provides students with excellent resources and its location is convenient for people to take the metrorail as it is across the street from Government Center. It has multiple stories and is a great place to spend a few hours studying or doing work.

I love seeing the boats drive out as the sun sets.

Marabú

701 S Miami Ave Brickell City Center 4th Floor, Miami, FL 33131

I recommend the churrasco because it’s cooked to perfection.

‘‘

h h h LenoxBalzebre/ highlights

Look no further for an elegant ambience combined with elevated classics of Cuban cuisine. Located in the heart of Brickell, Marabú describes itself as artisanal and seeks to emulate the feeling of soul and liveliness that is brought by Havana, Cuba. Open during the day for lunch or for an evening out, they even cater and hold events for their guests.

Dinner Key

- Hassan Shahid, Junior h

FL 33133

Hating the beach, but loving the ocean might lead to a visit to one of Miami’s prettiest marinas. It is walking distance from countless restaurants, but is worth the trip itself. One can take a stroll by the water or sit and read a book. Dinner Key is a picturesque spot to watch the sunset or enjoy a typical Miami day.

Micaela Montero/highlights

Micaela Montero/highlights

Micaela Montero/highlights

hinsight

CODES TO LIVE BY

BY LENOX BALZEBRE, THE SCENE EDITOR

Juan Fajardo/highlights

AANOTHER ONE STORY, white picket fence, woodened framed home displaying the SOLD sign on the front lawn demonstrates the typical American home of years ago. Now, on rows of colorless driveways accented by two-story gray cement blocks, lie houses haunting Miami’s residential streets.

Beginning 77 years ago, the mentality of urban development was to expand to the furthest points on a map while still being considered a city. This phenomenon is known as urban sprawl and over the years it has shown catastrophic effects.

According to the National Institution of Health, urban sprawl is one of the largest contributors to ecological destruction. Its singleland use, automobile-oriented and low-density facilitation contribute to mass increases in air pollution, wetland damage and occupied

land. “[Developers] were focused on economic effectiveness. They were building more buildings so the cost would be cheaper for [clients], and they would get more pay,” sophomore Leonardo Lozano said.

Office, the U.S. expects $54 billion in reparations due to hurricane and flood-related damage annually.

Now, the only attempt to counteract this initial development has caused a creativity crisis. In order to reduce and prevent such expenses, states and counties have attempted to pass building regulations or codes that require inspections and certain standards for natural disasters when building.

“The green part of Florida is decreasing with the buildings expanded to the edges. If building codes were to be enforced, it’d be for the safety of people,” sophomore Anahi Montano said.

After a hurricane, the city must rebuild the communities from all the damage caused. According to the U.S. Congressional Budget

Yet, building codes create a social dilemma. Their strict building policies cause developers to resort to the bare minimum, in order to abide by the codes while on a budget, according to the MIT Press. Thus, gray cement blocks are invading the streets.

In light of the forthcoming 2023 eighth edition of Florida’s building codes, highlights goes over impactful changes from the previous editions

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Windows

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Source: Building a Safer Florida Organization

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Foundation

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Compiled by Juan Fajardo/highlights

After World War Two, there was a mass migration into metropolitan cities, with people leaving to the suburban outskirts at roughly a 37% increase, according to University of Oxford Research. This shift led to Miami and other Floridian cities developing into one of the United States’ leading regions in urban sprawl.

In 1970, laws were set to manage the growth of these areas and their climate impacts, but they did not last long. Large retirement developers, like the Mackle Brothers, who created the town development of Marco Island, according to NPR slowly overturned the laws to reduce the states’ power.

In a second attempt, the state created the Department of Community

Affairs in 1985, helping local governments put such laws in place. Again, developers argued that the state was overarching their authority, lobbying against them and eventually causing the department to close

In a third attempt, a new Department of Economic Opportunity was created, allowing counties to advise their local governments to place more environmentally effective regulations by investing in the growth of citizens and communities, according to the Florida government’s website. Since then, the DEO enforced restrictions on building materials, constructs, heights, foundations and several inspections in Florida. Though regulations seemed to be

in effect, headlines such as “Storm Over South Florida Building Codes” and “High, if Not Dry: Storm Proves Value of Strict Building Codes” were emboldened in the New York Times newspapers after Hurricane Andrew caused $26 billion in repairs in 1992. They all questioned one thing: if the building codes were so strict, how did Andrew manage to cause such devastation? According to such articles, those abiding by regulations had significantly less damage than those who did not. Eventually, due to a renewed focus on enforcement as a result of the damages, Miami-Dade was able to enforce the most effective codes in America.

Since building codes were forced to be regulated at the local level, disasters occured. For instance, Surfside, the Miami beachfront condominum partially collapsed on June 24, 2021.

According to the Miami Herald, the owners of the building avoided proper inspections for the past 40 years, causing structural problems to increase, eventually leading to the building’s foundation collapsing and the death of 98 people.

“When enforced properly, building codes can offer immense stability in a community. But if they are not applied, there is not much we can do,” alumnus and now Miami-

Dade developer Tyler Greenan said. According to the Herald-Tribune, after the incident in Surfside, Sen. Jason Pizzo claimed to increase structural re-inspection for existing buildings, new building requirements, financial obligations for condominium associations. But these ideas were mere suggestions yet to be put in place. According to FEMA, roughly two-thirds of communities in the country have not developed adequate building codes. The west coast of Florida demonstrated the lack of building code enforcement with recent Hurricane Ian. According to the New York Times, roughly 2.5 million residents were informed to

evacuate from their coastal homes because their buildings were not structurally prepared to sustain the conditions Ian presented, such as flooding and wind damage.

In part, the socioeconomic landscape of people getting hit by Ian could not afford new construction. According to TIME magazine, thousands of dollars in additional building costs are required to sustain the hurricane shutters and impact windows alone, adding roughly a $20,000 increase in Florida’s average home cost in comparison to the U.S. average. The community was unable to afford such home repairs and thus were greatly impacted.

Building codes have extensive societal effects. While structural and design limitations may dictate a city’s culture, their enforcement assures its survival. As these ideas collide, construction reverts to minimalism to economically compensate for security.

The initial homes in Miami were built with their respective populations in mind. Mackle homes were built on Key Biscayne, Mediterranean-style Merrick homes in Coral Gables and 1950s post-war homes in The Roads area with the quintessential ranch-style Floridian homes sparsely distributed. However, new modern homes are constructed with plainess in mind.

These reductions to the forms and functions of buildings are referred to as code-shaped architecture. Every year, the International Building Code changes to adhere to new structural developments and standards. However, in 2012 the IBC claimed to describe a new development type for mid-rise buildings that

adheres to structural and life safety standards but enables them to be constructed cheaper and quicker. The code allows for a simple concrete or fireproof steel beam

the top frame cannot exceed five stories the structure has been labeled the “5 over 2” building. Developers of these buildings reap the profits of these lowcost buildings constructed in a short period of time, allowing them to have quick returns. However, they result in an aesthetic byproduct of boxiness.

“Everything is getting a lot dimmer and rigid,” sophomore Emilia Menezes said. “People prefer a minimalist lifestyle because they don’t want to spend time. It’s an evolution of lazy people.”

structure to be built on the bottom of one to two stories of a building and a cheap, quick building system made of a small light frame built on top. Since

On the other hand, some buildings should be simply for structure and not necessarily for creativity, especially those that are for shelters. In fact, schools are also public shelters in emergencies, which is why it is pertinent to maintain the building codes in these conditions. The newest building at Coral Gables Senior High school, often referred to as the 6000s, reflects these codes in its simplistic regiment structure.

While building codes enforce some sort of gradual transformation over the years, the development model needs to change as well. Because of growing populations and aging cities, there are several more homes that will need to be updated to fit the requirements of new building codes. Therefore, some cities have developed new ways in which they not only save themselves from possible natural disasters but also utilize surrounding natural elements to prevent them. A community north of Fort Myers called Babcock Ranch is a perfect example.

During Hurricane Ian, their community was designed to double as a reinforced storm shelter, helping those suffering from the storm. They originally proposed to offer 122,998 spaces for general-purpose shelters and 8,586 for special needs evacuees. Their secure community structures enabled evacuated citizens, as well as those who lost their

homes from the storm, to stay safe.

Babcock prides itself on its ability to withstand natural disasters without losing electricity, water or the internet. Situating themselves 30 miles inland prevents them from possible storm surges. Additionally, they have power lines underground to avoid wind damage and retaining ponds surrounding the development to protect homes from flooding. Babcock survived virtually untouched from any damage, never losing power for extended periods of time.

Babcock additionally utilizes a clean solar array made up of 700,000 individual panels, generating more than two thousand neighborhood uses, according to NPR. In addition, they use native Florida landscaping meant to withstand the storm and fire cycles. According to Babcock Ranch’s developers Kitson and Partners, these plants are also more effective in reducing storm

runoff and flooding, improving water quality and they require less maintenance and irrigation, which will save energy overall.

Urban developers have created a new urban model for cities that Babcock partly aligns with called Smart Growth. This is a policy framework aimed to combat urban sprawl and promote urban development. Some characteristics are high population density, walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, preserved green spaces, mixeduse development, available mass transit and limited road construction.

As a way to combat destructive environmental concerns, urban developmental policies must be enforced. Cities have to promote community engagement among their citizens in order to encode sustainability in the development of society. The objective is to build for the future, not the present.

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SOLUTIONS: CREATIVITY AND SECURITY insight 31

lightbox

Senior Alaina Villalonga performs during the 47th annual Fall Frolics, “Fall Into Dance.” The show included routines by the Gablettes, dance electives, Sunset Elementary, Kinlock Park Middle School and Somerset Academy.

Cristel Cantarero/highlights