Social Media Manager Adviser Features News Opinion
Sports
The Scene Insight Online
Julia Volman
Hazel Grosell
Nathalie Schwart
William Hardie
Anaïs Jamali
Melissa Gonzalez
Arwen Law
Lily Goron
Alicia Fajardo
Olivia Simon
Emilia Kohnstamm
Alyssa Dopico
Isabela Duarte
staff writers
Audrey Schwart
Bridget Lopez
Chyler Campbell
Ciara Burton
Ella Levin
Genesis Barahona
Hailey Martinez
Juan Chavez
Juliana Moore
Lily-Jade Lecoultre
Ma’khaiyah Woods
Milegny Salas
Maria Ardila
Natalia Quick
Paloma Morales
Samantha Sears
Stacy Urbina
contributors
Ty Tyson
Alejandro Monroy
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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.
Venetian Pool teaches teen employees many valuable skills through parttime lifeguarding jobs.
Highschoolers secure NIL deals the scene Coral Gables Art Cinema presents new releases and throwback screenings for the varying cinematic experiences of viewers.
What is your opinion? Tell us your point of view on a topic published in highlights by sending us an email addressed to highlightscghs@ gmail.com titled “Letter to the Editor.” We reserve the right to publish any letters sent.
spring 2024
CAVALIER PRIDE: On Sept. 13, during the frst pep rally of the year, senior Tiffany Beh, adorned in her spirit gear, celebrates from the stands with her peers.
HEART DISSECTION: Junior Rafael Hanono dissects a sheep’s heart in biology teacher Eric Molina’s class.
PLANTING POSITIVITY: Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson leads students in planting over 45 Gumbo Limbo trees on the Gables campus.
FINAL PHOTOSHOOT: On Aug. 23, seniors pose on stage with friends in their decorated crowns to commemorate their last year as high school students.
A from the editor-in-chief
GOOD FRIEND ONCE TOLD me, “Nothing changes, if nothing changes.” Though this may sound nonrevolutionary, no statement has described my experience closing out my Cavalier chapter more appropriately.
By this point, my fnal year at Gables is fully underway, and that once-distant uncertain future is now my reality. I manage by searching for consistency at every turn, though my world’s most constant fxture is missing. The bedroom down the hall from my own is empty and my closest companion in this lifetime is three thousand miles away. This fall, my sister and former highlights Opinion Editor Ava Volman, began at the University of California, Berkeley. Though this is the most turbulent change I have ever had to endure, I remind myself that living stagnantly does
not provide room for growth and that nothing changes if nothing changes. So I applaud her achievements from afar, hold our memories close and hope I am making her proud.
Writing has always come naturally to me, but attempting to summarize every signifcant aspect of myself in 650 words for a faceless admissions reader is an entirely different pursuit. Though I have not concluded this lengthy process, I have pinpointed a predominant theme within the self-refection this endeavor commands: I have experienced the most personal growth in the wake of external change. One of this year’s most predominant shifts being how my endless journalistic passion granted me leadership, a role that demands confdence. Suddenly, my self-doubt transformed into self-assurance; I was capable of being the leader that my staff
needed, and one that they deserved. That is not to say change is easy; progress is not designed to be comfortable. Though nothing changes if nothing changes, so we move forward anyway. You will never stop changing, and neither will the world around you. Change is constant, ever-present and beautiful. I have learned to fnd relief in that sentiment. So, to any Cavalier who is petrifed of the unfamiliar, I urge you to remember that without change there is no growth. Seize the opportunity to embrace it and discover who you are on the other side.
Sincerely,
Julia Volman Editor-in-Chief
Milegny Salas/highlights
Stacy Urbina/highlights
Bridget Lopez/highlights
William Hardie/highlights
MEET THE BOARD
Julia Volman Editor-in-Chief
Hazel Grosell Managing Editor
Melissa Gonzalez Adviser
Nathalie Schwart Copy Editor
Arwen Law Features Editor
Lily Goron News Editor
Alicia Fajardo Opinion Editor
Olivia Simon Sports Editor
Emilia Kohnstamm The Scene Editor
Alyssa Dopico Insight Editor
Isabela Duarte Online Editor
Anaïs Jamali Social Media Manager
William Hardie Business Manager
Our new princi-pal
Meet
Principal Anthony Balboa as he takes on his new role as the head of Gables and enters his frst year as a Cavalier
BY AUDREY SCHWART, STAFF WRITER
GROWING UP, ANTHONY Balboa attended one of Gables’ biggest rivals, Christopher Columbus High School. Even at an early age, Balboa admired Gables’ school spirit and curriculum. Starting of the 20242025 school year, Anthony Balboa eagerly launches into his new role as principal of Gables.
As a Miami native, Balboa completed his entire education in the state of Florida, studying English education at Florida International University. At South Miami Senior High School, he was ofered a job as a freshman English teacher, catalyzing his love for the classroom.
Two years later, Balboa was promoted to Assistant Principal, adapting quickly to the position by involving himself in extracurricular activities, including becoming the head coach of swimming and the assistant coach of basketball.
After working at South Miami for 19 years, Balboa transferred to Ponce De Leon Middle School as the principal, one of Gables’ main feeder schools. There, he played a role in the education of hundreds of future Gables students. Three years later, Balboa decided to apply to be the new Cavalier principal, following his students to the acclaimed public
school.
Balboa believes that teachers have the opportunity to impact and shape the lives of the new generations, and hopes that as head of administration, he can facilitate this growth.
Having kids of his own, Balboa’s experience as a parent reinforces his commitment to the well-being of his students, ensuring they have a positive high school experience. After hearing the amazing news that Gables is an A-rated school, Balboa pushes to keep the rating for this year and for years to come.
“While I was at Ponce, he would constantly visit classes and ofer help when needed,” sophomore and Ponce De Leon Middle School alumna Emily Cruz said. “He was very supportive and someone you could easily have a conversation with about anything.”
One way Balboa plans to show his Gables spirit is by upholding the traditional Gables send-of: “And always remember, go Cavs.” It is important to him that he keeps the tradition going, in order to continue promoting school
spirit.
“Every person that has stopped me in public told me ‘Go Cavs,’” Balboa said. “I know Mr. Ullivari said it proudly, and I’ll say it as well.”
Additionally, the new principal plans to show his Cavalier spirit by attending various sports games and encouraging people to bring peers, classmates and friends along with them.
“Mr. Balboa was involved in almost all of our activities, if not all,” sophomore and Ponce De Leon alumna Emily Garcell said. “I don’t recall going to a school event and not seeing Mr. Balboa.”
Balboa aims to start his role as the principal by analyzing what Gables lacks and then navigating through diferent ways to improve the school.
“I want to grow the AOF academy and the IB academy, as well as make sure we have nice opportunities for the students that are not in those programs to help them succeed,” Balboa said.
Despite being new to Gables, Balboa feels at home in the high school environment and is well-prepared for his new role as principal. He remains committed to demonstrating school pride and making a signifcant impact on the school’s policies, embodying what it means to
Student saviors swim to the solution
Gables students train diligently in the water as lifeguards while balancing academics and mental health
BY PALOMA MORALES, STAFF WRITER
IN
AN ONGOING LIFEGUARD
shortage, Gables students swim to the rescue at the largest freshwater pool in the country, the Venetian Pool. During the COVID-19 pandemic, public pools limited their hours of operation and quickly became overcrowded. Due to the surplus of people in the water, lifeguards had to work tirelessly in order to maintain guest safety. In response, lifeguards across the nation left their posts in search of less burdensome positions according to the American Red Cross.
Located in the heart of Coral Gables, the Venetian Pool ofers a multitude of programs ranging from swimming education to rescue lessons. For example, the programs they ofer include the Community Lifeguard Certifcation course, Venetian Aquatic Club
and American Red Cross children’s swimming lessons. Gables students continue to dedicate afternoons and weekends to oversee these initiatives, managing academics with a strenuous part-time job.
The graduated Class of 2024 alumnus Ty Tyson recounts his experience as a lifeguard at the Venetian Pool. As former captain of the swimming and water polo teams, Tyson enjoyed any water-related activities, and decided to volunteer at Venetian Pool. By the time he fnished the program, he felt tremendous fulfllment, and was inspired to become a lifeguard himself. While in this position, he developed a respect for the degree of confdence, responsibility and vigilance
Not many people would keep a commitment to lifeguarding when many other less demanding jobs are available.
Ty Tyson, alumnus
rescuers needed.
As a lifeguard, he acknowledges the positive impact on his physical strength and mental fortitude. Tyson recalls an incident involving an 8-year-old girl who was lightheartedly engaging in a breath-holding contest with a friend of hers. Abruptly, he hears a long whistle then another two, which signifes an emergency. One of his co-workers began to rapidly usher the child to dry land using a lifeguard rescue tube. Allegedly, she got caught under her life jacket and was unable to escape or undo the clasps.
Upon hearing the whistles, all of the
lifeguards onduty sprung into action, grabbing all necessary equipment. The girl sufered from brief oxygen deprivation and quickly recovered thanks to the lifeguards’ quick reaction time.
As this situation illustrates, the Venetian Pool lifeguards are the primary responders to any emergency that occurs in the facility and often work as a team to rescue guests. The lifeguard shortage afects the safety of pools nationwide by limiting the number of guards on duty at a given time, potentially afecting safety and the quality of care.
According to the American Red Cross, there are approximately 3,600 deaths per year, 10 deaths per day and two child fatalities per day as a result of drowning. Lifeguarding is a physically and emotionally demanding job that relies on primal instincts, such as how you naturally respond to a high-stress event, and taps into a whole new world of responsibility.
With that accountability comes a plethora of pressure-related mental health concerns, such as PTSD, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that seeing others injured or feeling extreme horror could lead to long-term trauma if not addressed. As frst responders for the water, it has been common to fnd that the majority of lifeguards are confronted with these symptoms.
“If something bad happened in that scenario, it would take a toll on anybody,” Tyson said.
Recently being hired as a lifeguard at the Venetian Pool, junior Elexa Pare recalls the lessening of resrictions that were put in place because of the pandemic. The decrease in strict regulations cause an overfow of employees at the pool.
“This summer, they over hired workers for the job,” Pare said. “Causing everybody to fght for shifts towards the end, so they had to test our abilities and see who can stay for the year-round jobs.”
Paloma Morales/highlights
The Venetian pool uses strategies such as active recruitment and free training to counteract this issue. The Community Lifeguard Certifcation course, for instance, invites a diverse selection of candidates to learn how to administer frst aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, granting lifelong skills and providing the opportunity to work in any American aquatics center once they obtain their certifcation. With applicants gravitating toward their comprehensive services, the Venetian Pool was able to boost employment and continue serving Coral Gables residents.
Throughout the school year, the continuous academic pressure many student employees face has led to the abandonment of these jobs. Tyson acknowledges the sacrifces student employees make in academically rigorous programs and advises them to not overlook the importance of managing their
SECURE SAFETY: Lifeguard Ty Tyson surveys and monitors the safety of the poolside at the Venetian Pool.
HALLTALK
The highlights staf records what students are talking about in the halls.
course load and study time. Strategies such as completing homework in class, communicating with teachers, limiting procrastination and seizing the chance to take the earlier or later shift at work can make all the diference. Through timeliness and organization, balance is achievable.
“For any student that has a hard course load and is thinking about working, there are ways to manage your time,” Tyson said. “There are also many ways to make up for social sacrifce, like working in the early morning or later on at night.”
Introduced to lifeguarding by others in the career feld, junior Lucia Astorga relates to both the difculty of scholastic programs in addition to physically active employment. Managing her time is a concern for the future, especially during testing season.
“Weekends, you know, are prime time to study and socialize, and lifeguarding kind of cuts down on that,” Astorga said. “Sometimes it can get stressful, just the hours alone.”
Research by the National Library of Medicine addresses the correlation between youth employment and academic achievement. Child labor laws state that the amount of hours 16-17 year olds can work is up to 40 hours per week. However, they are commonly restricted to an average of 20 hours due to the time students spend attending school. This restriction causes pools to be understafed throughout the week.
“During the year, I’ve heard, Venetian Pool is less stafed, lifeguards have more responsibilities, and obviously there’s less people,” Astorga said. “Sometimes it doesn’t compensate.”
Working as a lifeguard, junior Orly Schoolman-Wood notices this issue, feeling that at times lifeguarding is a very demanding job that puts a lot of pressure on teens, discouraging applicants from going through the certifcation process.
Oftentimes, this process is very tedious,
“This demure trend is making me very unmindful.”
“I talk to myself because it’s the only person whose answers I listen to.”
“That trash can has a suspicious look on its face.”
RADIANT RESCUER: Junior Elexa Pare enthusiastically speaks about her experience as an employee at Venetian Pool.
since one must pass their on-site lifeguarding course, get their fngerprints taken at the Coral Gables police department and obtain a physical exam.
“The process to get hired is pretty extensive,” Schoolman-Wood said. “But, honestly getting hired after you’ve completed the lifeguard course isn’t that hard, it’s just a lot of steps.”
In spite of all the difculties, the lifeguards unanimously praise the Venetian Pool for its comeback. The worry-inducing drowning scares, the academic stress, the sacrifced social occasions become bearable with the support of the veteran staf, their comprehensive instruction and welcoming environment. As they change into their lifeguard uniform after school, they all feel active in their role against the lifeguard shortage and take pride in saving peoples lives everyday.
h
“Broccoli is confusing, like why do you look and taste like a tree?”
“RIP Marilyn Monroe, you would’ve loved having rights.”
“We can’t bed bath & beyond our way outta this one.”
Courtesy of Ty Tyson
GABLES NEWS IN BRIEF
By Arwen Law, Features Editor
SCHOOL GRADING PROCESS
As per the Florida Department of Education, Gables has been ranked and A-rated school for the 20232024 school year. This grading system is based on the students’ exam scores and the school’s achievements overall. This system is intended to assign a simple measurement, for parents and the community’s use, which determines how effectively each school serves its students.
“I am immensely proud of Gables maintaining its A-rating,” IB counselor Leann Kurzner said. “This designation refects the hard work and dedication of our entire school community: administration, counselors, staff, teachers, students and parents.”
BANNED HEAT PROTECTIONS
On June 7, 2021, Gov. Ron Desantis signed House Bill 433, restricting local governments from setting heat exposure requirements not already required under state or federal law. This measure would remove the County’s plan to mandate any outside construction or agricultural workers to take 10-minute breaks in the shade every two hours. In Florida, around two million people work outside in construction and agricultural jobs, raising concerns about the state’s heat safety regulations, as per the Union of Concerned Scientists.
“As a worker myself, I strongly believe that the safety and health of our outdoor workers should be the highest concern, especially in Florida’s heat temperatures,” sophomore Isabella Gonzalez said.
REVAMPED FAFSA FORM
In 2023, the Department of Education modifed the widely used Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. Originally, these changes were intended to simplify the application process, making it easier for students to apply for federal help. However, the updated FASFA features modifed eligibility requirements, which has caused confusion among student applicants. Users have reported diffculties in navigating the new form, encountering issues with data entry and understanding the new requirements. In addition, the modifcations have impacted how family income and other fnancial details are recorded, resulting in errors and delays in processing.
“When I did the form last year, it already had a complicated application process,” Gables alumna Amanda Perez said. “I can’t imagine what students are dealing with now.”
Principal Anthony Balboa hosts a Meet-and-Greet for the Gables faculty, offering a variety of pastries and beverages.
Congratulations to junior Selena Feal for being one of the top 15 fnalists for the Business Achievement Awards Capstone Project, bringing a national title to Gables. She attended the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando from Aug. 31 to July 3. The BAA Capstone Project requires students to design an initiative that addresses a real-world problem. In this case, Feal’s project involved helping English for Speakers of Other Languages, ESOL students at Ponce De Leon Middle School through module videos, workshops and a one on one mentorship program.
Hazel Grosell/highlights
Teacher union challenges bill
The U.S. court of appeals is deciding the consitutionality of a law requiring educators to use birth pronouns
BY OLIVIA SIMON, SPORTS EDITOR
FLORIDA HOUSE BILL 1069, a law requiring educators to use pronouns that align with the sex assigned to a person at birth, was challenged by Katie Wood, a transgender teacher in Hillsborough County, and two other Florida teachers.
This law prevents teachers from using their preferred titles, if it differs from those assigned at birth, and prohibits them from using the preferred names of their students without parental consent, as per NPR. The creation of the law came after a series of decisions by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida legislators, which centered around transgender and gender non-conforming people.
The 2023 law preventing Wood from using her preferred pronouns in school was a part of HB 1069 and an expansion of the 2022 “Don’t Say Gay” bill. According to Southern Poverty Law Center, the Florida teachers’ challenge against this law was fled in December 2023, claiming that the bill violated their frst and 14th amendment rights, as well as many of their civil rights.
“If a student or teacher prefers to be referred to by using different pronouns, it shouldn’t be the teacher or school system’s business to interfere,” senior Chloe BarriosOchoa said. “It’s like using a nickname, pronoun preference isn’t that big of a deal.”
The initial hearing of this case was judged by Chief U.S. District Judge, Mark Walker, who ruled in favor of Wood. He reasoned that Florida is having major issues with the First Amendment, HB 1069 being a prime example.
Walker granted Wood a preliminary injunction, allowing her to continue using her preferred pronouns and title at school by blocking state education offcials from enforcing the law against her, as per the Tampa Bay Times. However, this injunction only applies to Wood and the law is still in effect statewide.
Following Walker’s decision, the state
“
If a student or teacher prefers to be referred to by using different pronouns, it shouldn’t be the teacher or school system’s business to interfere.
appealed this verdict and took the case to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The court is scheduled to hear arguments in late September.
“These laws are a transphobic overreaction to the handful of students and teachers that want to use different pronouns in class,” sophomore Henry Lewis said.
In June, a brief by the state was issued regarding the case, arguing that public schools have the ability to regulate the speech of their employees. As per the Sun Sentinel, the state’s brief mentioned that their interest in advancing education and preventing disruption is more important than Wood’s personal speech in an academic institution.
In response to this claim, teachers unions like the Florida Education Association, the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers wrote a 47-page brief arguing that the appeals court should uphold Walker’s decision. According to Orlando Weekly, these unions maintain that recent Florida laws require people to shy away from their authentic selves, contributing to a bigger effort in Florida to reduce inclusion in schools and target minority groups.
“If Wood wins the appeal, I think it’ll have a positive impact on school environments, as forcing someone to use pronouns that they are not comfortable with is very exclusive and discriminatory,” junior and Gables Paradigm Secretary Wren Pfeiffer said. “School should be an inclusive, safe and comfortable place for all students and employees, and winning this appeal will set the example for schools to be more inclusive for all.”
This bill is currently affecting education in Florida by preventing a subsection of students and staff from expressing themselves in their preferred manner. Should this bill be deemed unconstitutional, it will allow teachers and students to use a greater variety of gender identity terms in their school environment.
12% 58% 20%
Source: Education Week of educators believe that their state government has too much infuence on public school curriculum.
Source: Education Week of states passed laws requiring educators to disclose to parents when a child requests to use a different name or pronouns.
Source: Pew Research CenterSource: Education Week
of states passed laws allowing faculty to not use a student’s preferred name or pronouns if they do not align with the sex the student was assigned at birth.
Design by Lily Goron/highlights
Unveiling local initiatives for a greener tomorrow
Recently, Miami-Dade County has taken steps toward environnmental heat areas and a new waste-to-energy power plant
BY JULIANA MOORE, STAFF WRITER
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY is steadily beautifying and improving itself through the implementation of multiple initiatives under the 2025 Downtown Miami Master Plan. From environmental strategies to beneft the county’s natural ecosystem, to constructing new energy facilities, each initiative is part of a larger effort to better the Miami-Dade area for both residents’ convenience and climate awareness. Each plan is uniquely geared toward helping improve the county as a whole.
Miami is known for its beautiful and lush vegetation. Unfortunately, many areas within the county are deprived of trees and other fora. With the recently adopted Urban Forestry Plan, efforts will be made to obtain at least 30% of tree coverage everywhere within Miami-Dade County. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and her administration are currently working on drafting this enterprise, which once in effect will lead to the planting of more trees around the county, as per the Miami Herald.
There are many ways trees can help the community, on top of their aesthetic appeal. For instance, the effect of more shade produced can help to relieve the compounding effect of high Florida temperatures. Since there would be more coverage from the sun, it would result in lower temperatures.
Additionally, heat-related health problems such as heat strokes, cramps and exhaustion, will be less likely to occur, according to the World Health Organization. This will be
students
incredibly signifcant, considering that Florida has the highest numbers of heat-related illnesses in the U.S., as per the Florida Policy Institute.
Moreover, Miami is one of the leading cities for thriving tourism and rich, diverse
Miami area into “the Epicenter of the Americas.”
In
my neighborhood, at least whenever there’s a big storm, a powerline is knocked down, or the power goes out. So I think that building [the power lines] underground will help illuminate the issue.
Summer Tatum-Cox, freshman “
culture. In fact, as per the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor Bureau, last year Miami hosted 27.2 million visitors, with the number constantly increasing. According to The Downtown Development Authority, efforts are being made to turn the downtown
speak up
The 2025 Downtown Miami Master Plan is an initiative to try to make the best of the beautiful city, for both the livability of the residents and the enjoyment of the tourists. The general plan is to transform the Miami area into a more visitor-friendly scene. This will be accomplished by creating more public places to visit, bettering transportation, planning more community events and establishing iconic landmarks to leave a lasting impression on visitors. The plan also includes enhancements to community spaces and streets, transportation and mobility networks, public spaces using art, outdoor dining and green open space, as stated by the DDA.
‘‘If tourists come to Miami and see pretty things, everythings picked up and it’s all green, then chances are that when they go home they’ll say to their family and friends, ‘Hey, I went to Miami. It was really pretty.’ ” biology teacher Eric Molina said. “And I think that only has positive effects. So, in the long run, it helps increase tourism.”
The initiative is not only for touristic gain, but also for the enjoyment of the residents. Some of the benefts for the residents are improving primary and secondary education, attracting more retail stores, bettering the waterfront and adding more parks and green areas. This initiative will take fve to 10 years to be implemented. But in the long run, the master plan can make beautiful improvements for the city.
For Floridians, hurricane season is flled
Auralis Jimenez, science teacher Ju liana Moore/highlights
“
“ Lilyana Rafford, freshman I think [planting more trees] will impact us in a good way, so that we’re not burning hot. “ “ If we can mitigate this heat wave with trees, that could help those people with what they’re going through.
tomorrow
environnmental sustainability, beautifying the city by adding
with dread. The raging winds coming in, destroying and ruining everything in their path. More often than not, when these storms make landfall, an electricity outage occurs as the power lines either get torn away by the tremendous winds or knocked down by debris. This then leads to possibly hundreds of thousands of people to be without power for days or even weeks. Florida Power and Light is making efforts to remedy this devastating problem via the Storm Secure Underground Program, and initiative to move power lines underground.
‘‘I think that building [power lines] underground will help eliminate the issue,’’ freshman Summer Tatum-Cox said.
The goal is to prevent outages caused by the powerful storms. Since the lines are underground, there would be no need to worry about the power lines being affected by factors like fying ob ects or strong winds.
According to FPL, neighborhood underground power lines performed 85% better during hurricane Irma than regular power lines because they were not affected by trees, wind-blown debris, lightning or other elements. Not only is this change applicable to hurricanes, but it also helps counteract the impact of everyday Florida storms.
As the human population increases, so will waste and the need for energy. A wasteto-energy plant functions by burning trash, which releases a gas that rises and makes
turbines spin. The spinning turbines produce energy, which later gets converted for use in everyday purposes. Furthermore, the plant helps to manage the increasing amount of waste pollution produced each year.
This initiative is receiving backlash because of downsides such as an increased risk for disease, a potential for polluted water and air and a stench for the residents who live near the plant, as per a research document on IOPScience, published by the Institute of Physics Publishing.
‘‘I know whenever I’d visit Doral, they have these mounds of landfll, and the residents would complain about the smell, because they are living right by these landflls,’’ Advanced Placement Environmental Science teacher Auralis Jimenez said. ‘‘So that could be an effect, or that could be something that could happen.”
Those downsides have led activist groups to protest the pro ect. Additionally, the city of Miramar threatened to sue the county if the plant was built near the city, even though the state of Florida still has not decided in which part of the county to place it.
Miami-Dade’s new initiatives and plans for the upcoming years all present a few challenges that must be addressed. As each initiative continues, the county will slowly improve and become overall better for everyone, from the tourists to its own residents.
11.8% of 292 million tons of waste (in 2018) goes to be “burned with energy recovery”management
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
of Miami Dade is currently composed of tree coverage
A group of researchers at the University of Florida analyzed the distribution of trees in Miami-Dade County by land zone.
Source: UF/IFAS Extension
Compiled by Lily Goron/highlights
Source: Miami Herald 20% 50% Compiled by Lily Goron/highlights
increase in e ciency at the new waste-to-energy plant compared to the old one in Doral, Florida
Source: Miami Herald
Design by Lily Goron/highlights
Protect the past for the future
Miami-Dade’s preservation tactics have been brought under question after the county courthouse was placed for bid
Written by staff writer Hailey Martinez.
THE PRESERVATION OF Miami’s historic architecture was recently hit with a major setback: the sale of Miami-Dade’s historic courthouse. Tragically, this may destroy the iconic historical sight as there is no protection in place for it once it is sold.
The courthouse was evacuated in 2021 due to safety concerns that arose during a review of its structural integrity. Since then, it has been listed on the market, and bids will be accepted until Sept. 4, 2024.
The appearance of historical buildings on the market is especially worrying as one examines what this means for MiamiDade. The county has a surplus of historical neighborhoods and buildings, adding character to the area and making it feel like home to many, most notably Hispanics.
“It’s hard to preserve things here when people buy something that’s old,” Dr. Paul George, a historian at HistoryMiami said. “ hey’d rather put something more proftable, bigger and much newer, and that’s been a diffcult thing.
There has been a lot of improvement surrounding the issue, notably the National Preservation Act, which established permanent institutions dedicated to the preservation of the U.S. This initiative also created a clearly defned process for historic preservation in the United States, as per the National Park Service.
Despite this, there is still much work to be done. This is especially apparent when looking
This article refects the opinions of the highlights 2024-2025 staff.
at historical sites that lack the necessary safeguards to prevent their destruction. The scarcity of protection is directly caused by inadequate preservation laws in the U.S. judicial system.
To combat this, lawmakers can pass more
history but also for the survival of its people.
“I think Miami-Dade should focus more on developing the county while also preserving its deep and rich history that native Floridians treasure,” sophomore Francisco Faria said.
It’s hard to preserve things here when people buy something that’s old. They’d rather put something more proftable, bigger and much newer.
Dr. Paul George, HistoryMiami historian “
preservation legislation. Additionally, MiamiDade can budget to preserve the county’s history. While the cost of maintaining historic landmarks is high, the county can turn the sites into museums as a way to make them self-funding, using the cost of admission for upkeep. While the preservation of MiamiDade may be expensive, it’s a necessary endeavor, not just for the remembrance of its
Coral Gables Senior High, built in 1950 blends Mediterranean Revival with midcentury modern styles to match the city’s unique architecture.
Coral Gables Senior High, which was established in 1950, is now an important part of Miami-Dade’s history. However, like many older buildings, it is at risk of losing historic value due to new developments. Projects to revamp the school began in 2016, including creating a new modernized building, and are estimated to be complete in 2024. Preserving its unique architecture is essential to maintaining the area’s cultural heritage and ensuring future generations can connect with its past.
Efforts to protect the school are about more than saving a building — they are about honoring the memories and experiences of its students. By focusing on preservation, Coral Gables Senior High can continue to serve as a cultural landmark and inspire the community for years to come.
“I think Miami-Dade should focus more on developing the county while also preserving its deep and rich history that native Floridians treasure,” sophomore Francisco Faria said.
There is hope, however, for the future as it is in the hands of the people. The citizens of Miami-Dade have to make their opinions known and participate in groups that focus on preservation to protect these historic sites, including the Miami-Dade courthouse.
The Miami-Dade Courthouse was once the tallest building in Miami and is known for its striking neoclassical design with a pyramidshaped roof.
Media meme machine
Through novel methods of reaching potential voters via social media, politicians compete for the Generation Z vote
COMMENTARY BY EMILIA KOHNSTAMM, THE SCENE EDITOR
THIS SUMMER, vibrant chartreuse illuminated the perplexed faces of parents across the nation as they scoured the internet, desperate for clarity. They had to know … what was a “brat?” And why was 2024 presidential candidate Kamala Harris one? Who fell out of a coconut tree? Did they get injured? Despite the answers to these questions being complex, the effect of their relevance is anything but. Through social media centered campaign strategies, Harris and other politicians have been able to expand their reach and connect with an often overlooked demographic.
On June 7, just over a month before Harris announced her presidential candidacy, pop artist Charli XCX released her sixth studio album, Brat. The bright green record quickly became a staple of current pop culture. On platforms like Tik Tok, out-of-context videos of Harris speaking, laid over popular Charli XCX songs, began going astonishingly viral. Her campaign, affectionately dubbed Project Coconut after one specifc meme, embraced this trend by rebranding their social media in a Brat theme and creating their own trendy content.
In the lead up to Joe Biden’s July announcement endorsing Harris for the democractic party nomination, social media had been buzzing. Not only were platforms flled with questions about his ultimate decision, but with memeable clips of Harris. While many past politicians might have been offended by their words being exhibited in memes, today, social media presence, in meme form or otherwise, can serve as a powerful tool for political outreach.
As the spotlight quickly shifted to the new face of the democratic party, who had been recently reintroduced to Gen Z via her social media virality, the energy regarding her candidacy was evident. On her frst day as a candidate, Harris raised a record-breaking $81 million, as per Associated Press. Additionally, nearly 40,000 new Americans registered to vote within 48 hours after her announcement, with 83% of them aged 18 to 34, mentioned
by Alicia Fajardo/
The Hill.
The impact social media has had on Harris’ image and infuence should not be underestimated. This campaign approach has allowed her to be in front of an expansive audience in short, authentic videos, helping her to quickly establish a positive image with young voters, an infuential demographic, and drum up excitement.
However, Kamala Harris is not the only
Furthermore, Trump has also sought to boost his campaign through another social media site. Truth Social, a self-founded, rightleaning platform was frst launched in early 2022, mentioned Associated Press. The site attracted thousands of MAGA supporters, who were all interested in what their candidate had to say on topics ranging from immigration issues to economic policies. This use of an alternative social media platform has proven effective among his target audience, but his recent expansion to Tik Tok via the Team Trump account, represents a goal to appeal to young people, and especially young people that may be uncertain in Trump as a candidate.
“I think social media is an effective way for politicians to gain popularity,” junior Kate Kuryla said. “A lot of younger voters are online, and they’ll be able to learn more about the candidate through their social media pages. But, many older politicians have not used social media in the way that Gen Z appreciates.”
The uniqueness to political campaigns that utilize social media can often be found in the way they center a candidate rather than their policies. In an age of minuscule attention spans, many people prefer brief memorable clips, over jargon-flled explanations. Funny snippets might not contain the same amount of information as traditional political campaign ads, however, their effect can be just as great, if not greater.
candidate that has leaned on social media for political gains.In 2016, former president Donald Trump was very active on Twitter, now known as X. In fact, Trump’s digital media director, Brad Parscale, spoke with Wired magazine and stated, “Facebook and Twitter were the reason [they] won.” Today, Trump remains active on the platform, and a call he held with X founder Elon Musk on Aug. 12 attracted more than 1.3 million listeners, according to Reuters.
“I think using social media defnitely appeals to the younger generation,” said senior and PACE event coordinator Sara Lecon. “We spend most of our time on our phones, scrolling, and if we see information about politics online, we might stop to watch.” Overall, capturing attention and generating enthusiasm are vital parts of a campaign. However, both Trump and Harris must now focus on turning every like into a vote. Each candidate has their own style of garnering media attention and appealing to younger generations which most certainly has an effect on who they will get votes from this coming November, and in turn, who will be the new face of the American public. h
TWO VIEWS: Technology in education: Is it
With increases in technology usage worldwide, school systems have alternate teaching methods inside the classroom, but are these applications
COMMENTARY BY NATALIA QUICK, STAFF WRITER
INCE THE introduction of internet-based technology at the end of the 20th century, schools have embraced new ways to improve the classroom experience. By implementing academic applications, the learning landscape has changed for the better.
Educational app usage erupted due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a need to learn remotely. Since the pandemic, the use of these platforms in schools has continued to skyrocket. With student and teacher interest in these applications, they are being favored over the physcial materials provided in a traditional classroom. According to an EdWeek survey, 76% of students say technology makes classroom learning more engaging and 90% of teachers say that technology helps them assess their students more effectively.
School applications have been shown to help students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools because they create a more equitable learning environment. For example, otter.ai allows for automatic translation of classroom instruction presented on a smart board or computer, a task that cannot be done to information presented on paper or orally. Like many schools in MiamiDade County, Gables has a large population of ESOL students who may struggle to understand classroom instruction due to the language barrier. being able to hear the information in their native language rather than hearing it in English, a language they do not completely understand yet, helps students to fully digest the knowledge presented.
However, it is not only stu ents ho bene t fro school apps. Students who suffer
from learning disabilities may need more than the time provided in a classroom to grasp the information they are being taught. Taking some time at home to digest the material and boost their ability to comprehend it. Many applications, like Schoology or Teams, provide a space for teachers to write assignments, announcements and schedules. This gives students easy access to vital information. Having all their classes’ details easy to see is monumental for many students.
“I think it’s better learning online because you can just translate what you are reading,” ESOL senior Paolo Giovanni Garcia Cerros said.
Another convenient feature of online learning platforms are the class messaging systems. Students who are more introverted re ei e ountless bene ts fro o uni ation through the screen. Multiple apps incorporate separate group messaging allowing students to speak with their teachers and fellow classmates. Students who experience social anxiety are able to ask questions and provide helpful input without the added stress of inperson interaction.
According to the Polaris Teen Center, one to three teenagers suffer from Social
Anxiety Disorder. These increased anxiety levels can make learning at school extremely stressful. However, school apps allow students to see the material on their own time outside of school.
“From my point of view, using online a li ations has e nitel re u e stress freshman Nadia Martinez said. “These applications have allowed me to communicate my concerns and questions with my teachers online rather than physically.”
Like their students, educators also experience severe amounts of stress. Educational apps have made it a mission to expand the capabilities of teachers. Applications such as Schoology have an automatic grading system, ensuring that teachers do not have to spend hours upon hours grading. Instead, they can focus more on making sure their students are comprehending the information being taught.
As per the National Institutes of Health, 67.5% of teachers experience anxiety and stress due to their profession. By instituting more useful apps, a weight will be lifted off of teachers’ shoulders.
90% of teachers use technology in place of traditional teaching tools of schools agree that technology has made students more independent 45% 33%
“Technology has made things ore ef ient an opened so many more options for both teachers and students,” Language Arts department chair Lazara Vazquezbello said. Since a majority of schools have begun to use online applications more often, all students are getting the quality of education they need. The features provided by these apps have enhanced education systems by reducing the stress levels in the classroom as well as creating a more evenhanded educational experience.
it worth the price?
have brought it upon themselves to apply applications really improving learning?
COMMENTARY
BY
GENESIS BARAHONA, STAFF WRITER
I
N RECENT YEARS, students have been expected to arrive in class and immediately pull out a device from their backpack. One can look around and notice that most classes use applications, making technology a daily part of students’ routines. Trading in the traditional pencil and paper for a screen has evident downsides that must be taken into account.
The funding that is allocated to technology platform subscriptions used in the classroom could be better spent in other areas of students’ academic experience, such as sports. Last year Collin Binkley at the Associated Press analyzed public records and found that many of the largest school systems in the U.S. spent millions of dollars in pandemic money on software from tech companies, including licenses for apps and tutoring websites.
Each time a new app is introduced to the classroom, it is not only annoying for students having to learn how to use it, but is also complicated. With more tools also comes more digital clutter and noise. It is just one more thing to click on, one more tab to open and one more program to explain to students and teachers. According to Edtech Evidence Exchange, educators estimate that 85% of edtech tools are poorly implemented. It may come naturally to students who use technology frequently to learn how to use an app, but the same can not be said for teachers. The usual dynamic between student and teacher is disrupted when technology is
added to the classroom atmosphere. Teachers are at a loss when they do not know how to use these new apps that they are supposed to be teaching with.
NO
Additionally, communication between students and teachers has become increasingly digitized due to the normalized use of technological platforms. Minimizing face-toface communication might lead students to feel like they cannot build a personal connection with their teachers. It is harder to open a digital book instead of simply getting it from under a desk, taking time away from actual classroom content. Over time technology was obviously going to surpass offine learning but it has gotten to the point where students do not even know if the apps that they are using are even benefiting them. As per the Associated Press, schools have reported no evidence of these online programs helping students. Furthermore, the New York Times states, even apps intended to help students research topics, write essays and collaborate with peers can lead to distractions.
“Completing assignments online isn’t always better because it can lead to distractions and make it harder to stay focused.” Junior Tess Scherry said.
Overall, implementing more apps into the classroom is not the answer. Most of the time, using traditional methods of physical materials will improve students’ ability to learn.
Alicia’s Archive
Pan Am: Miami’s secret weapon for international tourism
Commentary by: Alicia Fajardo, Opinion Editor
Greetings, Gables! Welcome to Alicia’s Archive, where I, Alicia Fajardo, highlights’ resident geek, dive into the niches of Miami’s history. Today, we’re looking at Miami’s secret weapon in becoming the international travel hub it is today: Pan American World Airways.
Before Miami International Airport became the sprawling complex we know, it was just a 116acre plot owned by the Seminole Fruit and Land Company. at changed in September 1928, when Pan Am purchased the land and opened a small airstrip with two daily ights to Havana. By mid-1928, that humble airstrip was handling 25 ights a day, and Miami quickly became the “Gateway to the Americas.”
Pan Am revolutionized travel with its iconic ying boats, or “clippers,” o ering stylish international travel to Latin America and beyond. As routes expanded, Miami grew into a global city, closely tied to its role as a travel hub.
Although Pan Am ceased operations in 1991, its in uence is still felt. Miami International is now one of the busiest airports in the world, thanks to that vision that made Miami the iconic destination it is today. at’s all for this issue’s archive! Stay tuned for more stories from Miami’s past — maybe next time we’ll explore pirate legends or those Tequesta ruins downtown. Until then, Gables — keep exploring!
Design by Alicia Fajardo/highlights
Music meets the classroom
Pop culture infuences the classroom as more lessons are
revolving around musicians’ discographies
COMMENTARY BY NATHALIE SCHWART, COPY EDITOR
TO CREATE lessons better geared toward students’ attention spans, schools across the country are using the lives and in uence of musicians. By relating topics to musical idols, professors hope to inspire their students and increase engagement in their lessons.
This new phenomenon is changing the education system, for the better as it relates global issues to popular culture, making information digestible for students.
Here in Miami, “The Mastermind of the Taylor Swift Brand” course was created by Dr. Alyse Lancaster, vice dean for academic affairs in the School of Communication at the niversity of Miami.
Dr. Lancaster constructed this class, because she, as a Swiftie, was enthralled by Swift’s ability to create a brand that appeals to people of all ages. She knew that this course would allow students to learn helpful information beyond graduation, along with pi uing their interests.
“In the simplest of terms, using pop culture makes concepts relevant to the students,” Lancaster said. “And if you can make concepts relevant, then students will remember them and will better be able to apply the concepts you’re teaching them in the future.”
As per the American Psychological
Association, in past decades attention spans shrunk in measurable ways. As they continue to decrease, gearing classes toward subjects that will ensure that students give their undivided attention is important.
“I believe this can very positively impact learning by making it much more enjoyable making education simpler yet more engaging,” junior Phoenix Lozano said. “I personally fully support the idea, and desire to encourage it throughout the school system, as frankly a lot of systems fall behind with the rise of new technology and culture.”
Classes taught in this way cover various subjects, ranging from literature to business strategy. A class inspired by American singer Beyonce that focuses on Black Feminism is currently offered at The niversity of Texas. Additionally, literature classes are beginning to dissect and analyze artists’ work.
Perhaps the most popular of these courses is offered at Concordia niversity, analyzing the themes that endrick Lamar, an American rapper and songwriter, uses across his discography. These lyrics stranscend the current time and culture. Although they are not classic texts, they represent the feelings of a generation. They grant students access to more digestible and entertaining information. The lyrics are often relatable to the listeners, encouraging students to digest the meaning of the lyrics.
“Catering to the student’s interests can
students speak up
AliciaFajardo/highlights “ “ I think [using pop culture in classes, like AP Literature] cements it into your memory and you won’t forget it.
Ana Betancourt, junior
increase engagement,”Advanced Placement English
Literature teacher Claudia Valencia said.
Music transcends Spotify playlists and teaches students a range of topics. By incorporating songs into the classroom, educators are engaging students in dynamic ways, helping them connect with the material on a deeper level. This innovative approach not only enhances comprehension but also fosters creativity.
AliciaFajardo/highlights “ “ Our generation sees big texts and we are uninterested, but if you make it more interactive, we take it in better.
Valeria Cifuentes, junior h
Right to home rule
A bill passed by Florida law is now dividing up power in Miami-Dade County by introducing new electable positions
COMMENTARY BY MARIA ARDILLA, STAFF WRITER
ON NOV. 6, 2018, Florida voters passed Amendment 10, targeting counties like Miami-Dade by requiring them to hold fve constitutional offces independent of county government. Set to take effect on Jan. 7, 2025, Miami-Dade County voters will elect offcials to run several new tax-funded offces, including new and merged postitions. However, the government adjunct contradicts Miami-Dade politics and may not serve the public’s best interests.
Amendment 10 is viewed as a step backward for Miami politics. It forces MiamiDade, Broward, and Volusia Counties to reestablish constitutional offces previously abolished under Home Rule Charter authority. Home Rule allows local governments to create their own administrative rules, so retracting past decisions raises concerns about whether the amendment applies retroactively. Volusia County raised a similar argument, stating the amendment was misleading since it wasn’t clear if it applied only to future governance. Although Volusia County fled a lawsuit against Florida’s Secretary of State, the court ruled against them, and the Florida Supreme Court upheld the decision to keep the amendment on the ballot.
“They took a situation and made it a bigger problem, wasting funds and time,” Social Studies teacher Aaron Miller said. “It comes down to a basic belief in the difference between small and large governments.”
Miami-Dade County is restructuring to comply with the amendment and state law.
The Board of County Commissioners has created a fund for transitional costs and is overseeing changes. One major shift involves merging the Clerk of Court & Comptroller with the Finance Department, transferring responsibilities between the Clerk of Courts and the Finance Director and Auditor. The costs of these transitions raise concerns about whether this policy’s potential improvements are worth the fnancial burden.
“The amendment is causing signifcant changes, and I believe it’s our job to stay informed about how these changes will impact the public,” junior and non-party affiliated representative of the Political
Activism and Civic Engagement club Loreana Rayo said.
The division of power and money under Amendment 10 suggests that Miami-Dade County may face fnancial issues soon. In an article by WLRN Public Media, former Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Giménez expressed concern that with new offces, taxes will rise due to increased staffng demands and potential new programs. If the state deems it necessary, County Commissioners may have to increase their budget for the fscal year. This could pose a signifcant burden on working citizens, given that the three affected counties have a combined population of 5.3 million people. The state easily overruled these counties’ pleas for smaller government.
“It’s defnitely a good thing for voters to have more names on the ballots,” senior and Mock Trial captain Virginia Gozalo said. “Of course, we also have elections if we ever decide these changes aren’t in everyone’s best interests.”
With no defnitive promise of success, the state’s expectation for counties to implement Amendment 10 appears impractical, especially given Miami-Dade County’s effective governance structure for over 50 years. Voters will need to elect fve new offcials with as much care as they’ve historically done for the mayor. While Amendment 10 aims to standardize governance across Florida’s counties, it introduces signifcant challenges that could undermine the intended benefts in the long term. h
opposable thumbs
“I’d
- Paloma Morales, Staff Writer
Design by Alicia Fajardo/highlights
- Ella Levin, Staff Writer
“They villainized the only normal person”
- Alyssa Dopico, Insight Editor
The Bee Movie
SPORTS BRIEFS
BY ARWEN LAW, FEATURES EDITOR
New Olympic Sports in Paris
This year’s Paris Olympics introduced additional sports to its roster, including breakdancing and sport climbing. While some of these sports, like surfng and skateboarding, were frst introduced in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, breakdancing and sport climbing made their offcial debut this year.
The International Olympic Committee added these sports to support gender-balanced participation, appeal to younger audiences and engage with contemporary trends.
As a global sporting event, the Olympics attracts huge worldwide interest and actively promotes lesserknown sports to audiences. Inspiring worldwide unity, the Olympic Games encourages participation in these sports and brings widespread awareness to them.
“I am really glad skateboarding has been added to the Paris Olympics,” senior Soleil Pazos said. “I think its inclusion defnitely increases its popularity and the general support for the sport.”
The New NFL Kickoff Rule
This spring, the NFL adopted a landmark rule change to kickoff plays, increasing the number of kickoff returns per game. The modifed rule prohibits the kicking team from moving until the ball contacts or is felded within a specifc landing zone, which is between the receiving team’s 20-yard line and goal line. This is an attempt to make the sport safer for players by eliminating the need to run and defend the length of the feld.
The owners of the league also
approved several rule modifcations, such as increasing the use of instant replay and prohibiting the “swivel hip-drop” tackle. The NFL will begin implementing these new rules in the 2024 season.
“The change was nowhere near necessary,” junior and Gables football team cornerback Carlos Sabates said. “However, I feel it will have a positive infuence since there will be a reduction of unnecessary injuries caused by the number of tackles.”
KICKING IT OFF: Former Buffalo Bills kicker Rian Lindell performs a kickoff against the Miami Dolphins.
Richardson is the captain of the Girls Volleyball team, and in 2023 she received an All-Dade Volleyball honorable mention from the Miami Herald. She was also district runner up while on the Gables Varsity team.
Maria Ardila/highlights
h
Courtesy of Flickr
Disaster at the gates
The Copa América fnal raises safety concerns as thousands of ticket-holders face the cruelty of fellow fans
COMMENTARY BY ALICIA FAJARDO, OPINION EDITOR
THE
EVENTS
that unfolded during the Copa América fnal presented a catastrophic failure on multiple fronts. The grand fnale between Colombia and Argentina, a tournament which quickly turned into a nightmare for everyone involved, took place at the Hard Rock Stadium on July 14. With the combination of insufcient security and poorly organized queues, the safety of thousands was put at risk.
A notable example of the fervor was how entire escalators were rendered inoperable by fans trying to get into the stands. This chaos was not a random incident, but the product of a culmination of issues that were brewing throughout the tournament, raising serious concerns about the capability and integrity of the organizations involved.
The warning signs were evident long before the fnal match, with concerns about safety rising since the semifnals. Many analysts questioned the conditions under which the tournament was held, as Comnebol, the governing body of South American football, had already come under fre for making players compete on subpar turf, endangering their health and performance.
As thousands of fans focked to the stadium for the fnal, the lack of organization became glaringly apparent. Reports emerged of people sneaking into the venue through the ventilation system, and at certain points
students
“
security personnel were forced to open gates to prevent dangerous stampedes, a last-ditch measure that only added to the confusion.
“Seeing fans of my favorite team act in such a way was sad,” freshman Priscilla Lee said. “Everyone involved should be ashamed.”
The situation inside the stadium was no better. Police were seen pulling bleeding and unconscious individuals from the crowds, a stark reminder of the dangers fans faced. Meanwhile, those who had paid exorbitant prices for tickets were left wading through the overcrowded venue, hopelessly trying to fnd a way in. The disorganization and lack of clear communication left many wondering how such a high-profle event could be so poorly coordinated.
“As the organization in charge of this event, [Conmebol] should have been smarter,” sophomore Nathaniel Woods said. “They should know what the fan culture is like and the necessary precautions to be taken.”
In the aftermath of the event, local government ofcials Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Sherif James Reyes expressed their outrage and ensured that such a disaster would never happen again. However, the blame game escalated as Comnebol pointed fngers at the Hard Rock Stadium, who claimed they had exceeded expectations.
With the World Cup set to take place in Miami in 2026, the events of the Copa América fnal have cast a shadow over the preparations. The weaknesses in the organizations’ planning have been laid bare, leaving many to question
“ Fans paid thousands for a ticket and couldn’t enter, which is very sad to see.
Alejandro Monroy, junior A
iciaFajard
how they will handle even larger crowds and higher stakes.
“I have no doubt that FIFA will resolve this incident by the 2026 World Cup,” junior and Gables varsity soccer midfelder Mateo Blaschke said.
Some have blamed the fans for getting too rowdy, but the reality is that this disaster was the result of failures on every level of event organization. From ticketing to security, the fnal was a masterclass in mismanagement. If these issues are not addressed, the World Cup could be headed for an even greater disaster.
/highlights “ “ Comnebol acted as irresponsibly as the fans. David Ismério, sophomore h
Sporting styles
On the
endless quest to improve
their performance, student-athletes reveal their favorite gear for every
BY MILEGNY SALAS, STAFF WRITER
ALL ATHLETES HAVE UNIQUE styles based on the sport they play and their personal preferences. Because of the extensive array
MilegnySalas/highlights
MilegnySalas/highlights
game
of sports available for students at Gables, student-athletes’ equipment varies, expressing their tastes. Each athlete has specifc equipment that fts their needs, whether that is a bag, sunscreen, water bottle, glove or a pair of shoes. One thing each of these athletes has in common is that they have all pinpointed the equipment that best fts them.
“My favorite bag to carry my equipment in is the Nike drawstring bag because it’s light, not that big and it carries all of my stu .”
“My favorite glove to use is a 44. I love the leather they put on their gloves and that you can customize your glove and they will hand make it for you.”
“My favorite water bottle is the Stanley cup because it keeps my water cold, they run big and are really cute.” h
“My favorite sunscreen is Hawaiian Tropic. is is my favorite one because it is cruelty free and vegan.”
“My favorite shoes for wrestling have to be the Rudis internationals. ey o er the best support to your ankles when wrestling.”
Design by Olivia Simon/highlights
Milegny Salas/highlights
Milegny Salas/highlights
Milegny Salas/highlights
Golfng with Gables
Gables golfers share how the often unrecognized sport of golfng helps them
escape the stress of school
BY SAMANTHA SEARS, STAFF WRITER
OLFING HAS OFTEN BEEN a stigmatized sport among high school students, contrasting the more popular soccer or baseball. Although golf is often overlooked, the Gables golf team has found joy in it, participating in matches throughout the fall season and using the slow-paced sport to decompress from the stress of everyday life.
“I think playing golf, even at a very casual level, can provide a time in the day where someone, especially students, can disconnect from the rest of the world and put all their focus into something that doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things,” Gables senior and 2023 Golf GMAC Champion Lorenzo Canatrel said.
Cantarel attributes his perspective on life to golf, highlighting how the sport has improved his patience, allowing him to step back and consider his options before moving forward and making a decision. He refers to professional golfer Arnold Palmer to explain golf and its intricacies when he gets stuck, exploring how golf is a deceptively simple yet
into a hole hundreds of meters away in the fewest strokes possible. Yet, the skill required to do that in two or three shots is severely underestimated.
The skill-based nature of this sport and the stigmatization of it has led to only 22% of golfers being women, while 77% of golfers are male, according to the National Golf Foundation.
While this gap in demographic is seemingly huge, there has been a signifcant increase in the amount of female golfers, with 44% of ofcourse golfers being women. This can likely be attributed to the widespread introduction of facilities like TopGolf that make golf a more fun and socially engaging sport due to it being presented in a less intimidating nature.
One example of this changing demographic is senior Isabel Delgado, who joined the Gables golf team. Though she attends Young Women’s Preparatory Academy, Delgado chose the Cavalier golf team because of the encouragement of her longtime coach. She was welcomed to the team with open arms, quickly adapting to the Gables community.
ARM IN ARM: Seniors Isabel Delgado and Sofa Olarte pose while preparing to conquer another golfng season.
Delgado’s biggest role model is her mother, who acts as a constant support system and ofers help with anything she needs. Delgado recalls a time in which she showed up to practice and implemented a small change in her swing, focusing on her chest and hips more. This helped her to not push her hands forward and transformed her swing, making her shot go further.
“A common stereotype a lot of people have is that girls are bad at golf, but
TAKING A SWING: Junior and Gables golfer Veer Raval drives the ball down the golf course.
it’s not as bad as many people think,” Delgado said. “It requires a lot of skill and I’m glad more girls are getting into golf.”
Another stereotype that surrounds golf is the idea that the sport is often only played by the upper class. While playing golf is expensive as an adult, playing as a child or teenager is quite afordable. There are many programs and facilities where students can play at a course for free, such as the Country Club of Miami and Crandon Golf course in Key Biscayne. At Gables, the golf team practices for free at various golf courses to improve their skills.
“There are many programs that help introduce kids to golf that are not expensive and sometimes free,” golf coach Nelson Villegas said.
Golf is an amazing way for students to unwind and have a stimulating distraction from the stress and work that school entails. Students such as Delgado and Cantarel have already indulged and formed meaningful relationships with people throughout their high school careers because of this fulflling sport. h
Hailey Martinez/highlights
Hailey Martinez/highlights
Student-athlete profts
Newly passed law allows athletes in high school to get paid through their name, image and likeness
BY WILLIAM HARDIE, BUSINESS MANAGER
IN SEVERAL STATES, INCLUDING Florida, laws have been passed in the past few years that allow high school student-athletes to generate income through Name, Image and Likeness deals. These sets of rules allow collegiate and high school athletes to beneft from the use of their name, image or likeness for commercial purposes, according to Investopedia.
These NILs essentially allow students to partner with companies and earn a proft by endorsing their brand. These purposes can include product endorsements and logos of certain brands of sports gear.
With this new source of income, studentathletes can avoid spending extra time being employed outside of their sport. Select NIL deals are large enough that they can help support an athlete not only through high school, but college as well.
“I believe that NIL has the ability to affect students positively,” junior volleyball player Isabella Cruz said. “For high school students, I think that it
could help relieve college tuition costs for athletes that want to go to expensive schools.”
In Florida, a law allowing athletes to have agreements, which they do not have to disclose to their schools, was passed by Gov. Ron DeSantis for the 2024-25 athletic season, according to Florida Atlantic University. This allows students to make NIL deals separate from their schools without their approval or
DID YOU KNOW?
Adidas signed Orlando basketball player Marcis Ponder to an NIL deal while he was a high school sophomore.
Source: Sports Illustrated
knowledge.
Florida colleges are also required to teach athletes about entrepreneurship, fnancial aid and debt management in workshops of at least fve hours. Each athlete must
attend two of these workshops before they graduate.
At all high schools in Florida, if a student wishes to participate in an NIL deal they are prohibited to monetize their name, image and likeness with the use of any of their school’s uniforms, equipment, logos, products or copyrights, according to CBS. However, the student has the ability to use their school’s property if they have written consent and a license from the school. If the student wishes to sign an NIL deal as a minor, they would need a parent or guardian signature on the contract.
“It is really cool to get paid to play a sport you love, but I feel like it could mess with students’ self-esteem and cause some drama,” senior Celina Richardson said.
According to Wonderful Florida Television 9, high schoolers are prohibited from accepting sponsorships from companies that promote adult entertainment, alcohol, drug references, gambling, weapons, frearms or NIL collectives.
Florida high school students can also hire agents or representatives to help with the NIL process. These managers can help students expand their image and get in contact with companies. Managers need to be registered as an “Athlete Agent” with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, or be a licensed Florida Bar Attorney.
“I think it is super important for students to have guidance and support to navigate these opportunities safely, instead of ending up vulnerable,” junior fag football player Hannah Pascul-Flores said.
NIL deals could bring boundless opportunities, as the market is just starting. There are many ways – both positive and negative – for this new world of high school economics to be navigated.
Design by Alexander Brazda and Olivia Simon/highlights
Miami’s Albanian appetite
A hidden
gem, Art Gyros,
shares its cultural heritage
through its quality menu and welcoming atmosphere
BY JUAN CHAVEZ, STAFF WRITER
IN THE MIDST OF THE HUSTLE of South Miami, a lively and bustling district full of activities and restaurants, lies an essential spot that recently started making a name for itself. Art Gyros is an Albanian-owned restaurant that brings its authentic Mediterranean favors into the heart of Miami. Helpful employees and cozy seating, which create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, along with its commitment to quality, make it a must visit location.
Their menu includes a delightful array of both traditional Albanian and Greek specialties. Additionally, each dish, from
with a sweet tooth, the menu ofers treats such as traditional baklava, revani, rice pudding cake and a classic Albanian cake with syrup and sultjash.
Vegan diners can enjoy an array of favorful options, including crisp, vibrant salads made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and creamy hummus served with warm pita bread. All of these meals can be enjoyed for $10 to $25, providing options for all visitors.
The atmosphere is as welcoming as the food is delicious. The restaurants wide windows, which let in streams of light, and comfortable stools refect its overall tastefully decorated interior. The design and the comfort of the location allow for a pleasing experience
/highlights
ENTICING ENTREES: A chicken gyro is complete with lettuce, tomato, pita bread, fries and tzatziki.
an incredible balance between favors and crafted to showcase the rich traditions of the Mediterranean.
Art Gyros also has a variety of desserts and vegan options. For people
There is also a relaxing outside seating area, complete with hanging lights and a striking view of Sunset Place and the rest of South Miami.
The owners, Artan and Migena Kapxhiu, are deeply connected to their Albanian roots, infusing the space with a personal touch and genuine hospitality. Their passion for sharing Albanian culture is evident in every aspect of the restaurant, from the curated decor, to the environment and food. Kapxhiu, a food entrepreneur, is not only the owner of Art Gyros, but also an owner of an Italian restaurant in South Miami, Forno Italiano Pizzeria.
“My favorite aspect about owning restaurants is meeting new customers every day,” Kapxhiu said. “I feel that my restaurants can be improved, however, as time goes passes and the vibe of the city changes. Like with Sunset Place right next to my restaurant.”
For Gables students, Art Gyros ofers an afordable dining option with reliable quality, making it a great choice for group outings or casual meals. Its central location in South Miami ensures easy transportation, allowing students to explore diverse cuisine while enjoying a budget-friendly and dependable dining experience.
Oftentimes, it can be hard for restaurants
SERENE SEATING:
Art Gyros boasts a welcoming outdoor area, perfect for enjoying a salty or sweet treat.
that serve specialty cuisine to be able to expand, and appeal to a larger, unfamiliar audience. Miami however, because of its diversity and large immigrant populations from around the world, can provide more opportunities for a broader variety of cuisine to take hold and thrive, allowing restaurants like Art Gyros to showcase their culture and promote cross-cultural connections.
“As someone who grew up eating Albanian dishes, having a familiarization of my culture’s food is something I’m thankful for my parents giving me,” sophomore Jessica Kapxhiu said. “I think it’s important for everyone to be familiarized with their culture’s food so they are able to stay in touch with their origins no matter where they are.”
Art Gyros shines as its own beacon of Mediterranean culture in Miami. Its exceptional quality and afordable prices are sure to be attractive to any student. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere, thoughtful customer service and dedication to authentic favors refect the deep history of Mediterranean cuisine.
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Juan Chavez/highlights
JuanChavez
Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights
Inconceivable Illusions
Defying reality in its creative displays, Paradox Museum presents a unique intersection between art and science
BY STACY URBINA, STAFF WRITER
EVERY ENTERTAINING
museum must contain a unique aspect to attract their visitors, whether that be a signifcant artifact, esteemed event or alluring display. However, Paradox Museum, located at 2301 N Miami Ave., ofers installations unlike any other. Home to many captivating and puzzling interactions as well as creative rooms, the museum encourages its guests to journey throughout the entire building. Each area is brimming with various illusions and phantasms, represented by a combination of angles, mirrors and overall scientifc and artistic genius.
Situated in the heart of Wynwood, Paradox Museum frst opened its doors in December of 2022. Throughout the property, there are over 60 diferent interactive exhibits that combine both education and entertainment. Within each exhibit there are multiple unique elements, which come together harmoniously to form an exciting experience.
“Paradox experience is an immersive and interactive journey that is great for all ages,’’ owner Samantha Impellizeri said. “It’s a trek through the world of optical illusions and
ATHLETICS INVERTED: Illusion rooms at Paradox Museum offer gravity defying experiences for patrons of all ages.
mind breaking paradoxes in a really fun and engaging way.’’
Each Paradox room is constructed with four main features in mind: shape, color, light and texture. All are important components in the formation of every “paradox”. Many of these spaces even include a behind-thescenes look into how each efect is made, providing an explanation for curious visitors. Additionally, the exhibits are often connected to classic psychological games and perceptual illusions, borrowing from these originals, and adding a unique spin.
“It’s been really rewarding to fnd a role that allows me to fex all of these individual muscles on a daily basis and blend experiences
Samantha Impellizeri, owner “
I t’s a trek through the world of optical illusions and mind breaking paradoxes in a really fun and engaging way.
STRIPED SURPRISE: One exhibit displays a replica of the Paradox logo, using horizontal lines and mirrors.
The camoufage room, another exhibit, has walls that “disappear” and “reappear” at any given time. There is even a photography room that is specifcally designed for taking photos, giving one the freedom to capture themselves in diferent lighting and create phantom efects in their images that are defnitely Instagram worthy.
Another exhibit available to explore is the illusions room. Before one’s eyes, the statues within it seem to move and appear to be twisted around.
together in this new paradox context,” said Impellizeri.
Each room is also outftted with its own soundtrack, playing diferent genres of music such as suspense or opera, and establishing ambience.
“Everything is fun and engaging,’’ regional social media manager Alesandra Sanchez said. “It’s a unique experience that you aren’t going to get anywhere else.’’
Some of the rooms available at Paradox Museum are the “tilted’’ rooms, including one where one can walk on a ceiling-like foor and trick their body into feeling as though gravity has been reversed.
The Paradox Tunnel, a separate display, has walls that are constantly moving in a circular motion while a single person is walking across a bridge, which they appear to fall from.
“The moment we walked into the museum you could already tell it was super exciting to see!” customer Sheyla Hernandez said. “I felt ecstatic to go through the whole thing.’’
The Paradox Museum is the third museum of its kind. With new, inventive rooms every two months, even returning visitors can fully re-experience the exhilarating adventure that is Paradox Museum.
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Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/
Stacy Urbina/highlights
Stacy Urbina/highlights
CoMiNg To A ThEaTeR NeAr YoU
Shining a spotlight on Miami’s often unsung flm and theater communities to reveal their undeniable importance
BY BRIDGET LOPEZ, STAFF WRITER
IN THE MODERN ERA IT IS HARD to ignore the simplicity that streaming services ofer the world in terms of watching movies. With the click of a button, one can easily access thousands of options. However, streaming cannot compare to the experience that a local theater provides. From live performances to niche art-house flms, Miami harbors countless non-proft theaters, each full of entertaining programs. These theaters are home to tight-knit communities in which employees and
customers alike can bond over their love for the arts.
For someone who is more interested in the heart and soul of live performances executed by enthusiastic singers and dancers, Actors’ Playhouse may be the best ft. From popular musicals like “Waitress”, to jukebox ones like “Jersey Boys”, the theater on Miracle Mile hosts a variety of talent-flled productions.
For those who are looking for a flmfocused experience not available in larger cinema chains, Coral Gables Art Cinema is the
AcToRs’ PlAyHoUsE
Founded by couple Dr. Lawrence E. Stein and Barbara S. Stein in 1988, Actors’ Playhouse was situated within a Kendall mall for seven years. During that era, the company faced many economic challeges, but it prevailed. Eventually, the Steins, with the help of their team, compromised with Coral Gables to become managers of their current location: Miracle Theater.
“Well, it’s [Actors’ Playhouse] where I found my tribe, like, as an adult,” IB theater teacher and former Actors’ Playhouse actress Tracey Barrow said. “It was coming together in a theater community with a lot of like-minded, artistic, amazing people.”
The company – now located on 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables – has had the same goal since it was frst established.
“He [Barbara’s husband Lawerence E. Stein] said ‘we need more culture in South Dade’” co-founder and executive producing director Barbara Stein said.
The Actors’ Playhouse programs have often refected this belief. Since their frst shows, the programs have always consisted of widely diferent genres. Stein plans to feature several programs for the 2024-2025 season, including plays like “Tick, Tick… Boom!”, “Jersey Boys”, “Waitress” and “The Girl on the Train”. Each performance ofers a peek into the possibly unfamiliar, while also cultivating an art-oriented culture within the Gables by engaging audiences.
“Everything we do here, everything you see in theater, has moral merit, and experiences of life in its subject matter,” Stein said. “No matter where you fnd it, theater does that. It makes people think…It makes them change their attitude about issues…”
After passing the shining lights placed within the entrance’s rounded roof, guests are greeted by the iconic art-deco walls and ticket booth. There are several productions available from children’s plays for families, to popular
perfect choice. The non-proft cinema ofers a wide variety of flm experiences, including both older classics and indie flms from local directors.
For the cinephile that appreciates more niche flms, the Bill Cosford Cinema, an establishment full of avant-garde foreign and art-house flms, is their sanctuary. It can also function as a second home for future directors, as anyone can register for free to join the cinema’s flm festivals.
Broadway shows for musical fanatics. Additionally, tickets are usually 20 dollars or more, but students are able to purchase a 15 dollar ticket 15 minutes before any weekday performance if they carry their valid ID with them, which ofers an amazing opportunity for any Cavalier who travels down Miracle Mile often to experience the beauty of live theater
Bridget Lopez/highlights
ENCHANTING ENTRANCE: The classic Actors’ Playhouse ticket booth welcomes visitors into the theater.
Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights
CoRaL GaBlEs ArT CiNeMa
Behind the iconic glowing “Now Showing” sign in front of the sidewalk by Aragon Avenue stands Coral Gables Art Cinema. The theater is one of the many passions of Steven Krams, who founded the Art Cinema in 2006.
Several years ago, Krams’ interest in movies started when he began to collect 16mm and 35mm flms, which then developed into him studying at the University of Miami for Radio Television and Broadcast. Now, Krams owns both Magna-Tech Electric, a manufacturer and distributor for supplies required for cinemas, and Continental Film & Digital Labs, a professional flm editing service in Coral Gables.
Coral Gables Art Cinema is dedicated to ofering a diversity of experiences, per their website, including independent and international programs of varying genres. The showings also fall into several categories like brand new releases, After Hours – around 9 p.m or later – and Family Day on Aragon. This is infuenced by both Krams’ passion for flm, as well as the vision of the cinema’s executive and program director, Brenda Moe.
“Cinema can be such an equalizer,” Moe said. “I grew up in poverty and my brother and
I could walk to the gas station and rent a VHS tape for really, really inexpensive, and that was our entertainment and culture. So, flm was an outlet for me.”
MOVIE MUNCHIES:
The cinema offers buttery buckets of popcorn, ice cold sodas and sweet treats to enjoy.
This passion for cinema and the culture it creates is interwoven in the flm choices and events they host. From more niche, indie flms
BiLl CoSfOrD CiNeMa
Hidden behind the iconic orange University of Miami walls near the School of Communication on 5030 Brunson Drive, Bill Cosford Cinema has presented an extremely diverse list of programs to its audiences since 1994.
The theater, which was named after the late flm critic and UM Professor of Cinema, Bill Cosford, is rich with history. The cinema dates back to 1947, when it was utilized as a lecture hall before being transformed and renovated by Cosford himself in the 1950s to serve as a home for the theatrical arts. The current owner, Rene Rodriguez, took over Cosford’s role a few years later. Despite the change of managers, the cinema has continued to provide a unique array of titles for its patrons, including niche flms and more mainstream ones for their casual movie-goers.
Often, the theater switches between popular releases like “Talk to Me”, contemporary arthouse flms like “All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt”, foreign flms like “Sansho the Bailif”, indie flms from flm festivals in Miami like “Slipped on a Plantain Peel” and older flms like “McCabe & Mrs. Miller.”
Almost all showings are either $5 or free entry, allowing students afordable access to flms that are both culturally signifcant and
cinematographically varying.
like “The People’s Joker” played during their After Hours events, older classics like “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” for their Movies We Love! events, or even newer indie releases like “Jokes and Cigarettes”, the cinema ofers an extremely diverse collection that provides countless experiences.
The cinema is also devoted to providing easier access to these showings, with several discounts available for students and families depending on the showing itself. Students are able to receive a discounted ticket, usually 11 dollars, for most showings when they show a valid student ID. For their Family Day on Aragon events, all showings are before noon and all tickets are based upon a Pay What You Can policy, which means you donate as much as you can with no minimum required.
“Our motto is: we know through data that children that have easier access to the arts are happier, healthier and smarter,” Moe said. “We want families to be able to come to the movies without having to, you know, auction a kidney or something since it’s so expensive.”
This perfectly encapsulates the passion the cinema has to create a wide variety of showings that are afordable and accessible for all.
In terms of distance, the cinema and the UM Richter Library are about a seven minute walk away from each other, providing an ideal opportunity to destress after a study session. Additionally, since most showings run in the afternoon, this is the perfect time for students to get a change of scenery after school.
“The Cosford cinema kind of represents how theaters are important to community, and how movies overall can help spread culture, and also entertain and educate. Streaming services can’t really compare,” sophomore Cristina Hernandez.
The broad selection of flms can be attributed to Rodriguez’s mission statement: the cinema is dedicated to allowing students easy access to alternative flms while still providing the classic flm experience. The curated list of showings are always picked based on their educational and entertainment value.
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Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights
Bridget Lopez/highlights
Design by Alyssa Dopico/highlights
When
online activists lose the initial purpose of their advocacy, their intended support can turn into sabotage, derailing real progress
IN A WORLD WHERE MOST individuals can access live information on their social media platforms, aligning oneself with causes and movements without having a personal connection to them is extremely easy.
Because of this surplus of information, the pressure of being informed on all global causes and to inform others of them has been placed upon all users. Performative activism relates to people viewing social causes and movements as a performance. According to Statista, 46% of social media users have used their online presence to share political content as of May 2023.
Unfortunately, in an attempt to cover all of the complex injustices and movements around the world in their profle, users carve out all of the complexity and substance of the target topic. With the ease in which users can post about these issues, slacktivism, which is a term that was coined in 2002, according
to Hamilton College, is now a common phenomenon that is impossible to escape on any social media platform. Slacktivism refers to people that only attach themselves to movements without having actual desire to associate themselves with it at a deeper level. This becomes a harmful tendency when users start treating movements that represent the interests of marginalized communities as a trend.
Oftentimes, movements on social media are treated with the same depth and manner a clothing trend would merit. They become quickly oversaturated in the media, maintaining a presence on each user’s profle as an uninformative post until the fad fades, never to be talked about again. As cancel culture spreads through the internet, celebrities and infuencers are held to increasingly high political standards.
“Social media is helpful to communicate an issue as it quickly spreads, especially when
shared by an infuencer as they will infuence people to do the same,” junior Lina Garcia said.
When an infuencer jumps on the advocacy bandwagon and mindlessly posts about social causes it makes their followers love and trust them more, which translates to increasingly successful brand deals and an overall loyal fan base. However, as a result, political movements and genuine issues are treated like any other trend on mainstream social media, often becoming short-lived and neglected.
Someone whose expertise lies in makeup or comedy, like many infuencers, are not suited to be treated as a moral compass or a news outlet by their followers. It is important to recognize that while owning an account with large outreach potential welcomes certain levels of responsibility, personal profles, which are often viewed as a replacement for traditional news outlets by fans, are not suited to inform the public on current events.
THE PATH TO OVERSIMPLIFICATION
Social media thrives on sensationalizing stories. In polishing details that would not ft well in a mainstream story, the authenticity of even well-meaning advocacy is sacrifced. Because of this, movements are often forced to prioritize the visibility of their cause, making it easy to consume. If the movement becomes mainstream, it will frequently represent different ideals than when it started. Strangers to a cause should interact with a movement online and offine, varying their activism from supporting artists who are dedicated to the movement to protesting.
The Ice Bucket Challenge was at its peak virality in 2014 with 17 million related videos were posted as per Times Magazine. Although, it was initially created to spread awareness for a disease, it ultimately gained popularity as a silly challenge. While the virality of the trend ultimately helped the cause, according to the ALS Association, few who participated knew much about the movement, instead seeing it as a trend in which celebrities were participating. A way the trend could have been more productive at raising awareness for the disease would be to include links or a quick summary of what the trend represented in social media posts.
Superficial actions such as liking, retweeting or reposting give users
the illusion of making a change. Individuals perform these actions to project their virtue without taking risks, not to make a difference.
Louise DavidsonSchmich, Director of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Miami “
Political science research shows that activism is most effective when it comes from someone’s peers...
trivial online actions such as Blackout Tuesday emerged. Blackout Tuesday consisted of users posting a black square on their account without further information or context. This led substantial information to be drowned out as the black squares fooded websites when people looked the movement up online. A better way to support the cause would have been to share resources or amplify the social media accounts that gave credible information and insight on the topic.
“Political science research shows that activism is most effective when it comes from someone’s peers, somebody they know in real life. So the best way to get people involved is not to use social media, but to ask them personally or talk to them personally about an issue,” Director of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Miami Louise Davidson-Schmich said.
During 2020, the Black Lives Matter movement gained users’ support, though through the course of the movement,
Involvement within communities is most likely to be effective when promoting a cause. Educating oneself beyond the infographics on social media is a powerful way to support a movement. While bringing awareness to an issue on social media is a righteous frst step, moving far beyond that keeps the movement alive, making the participation of what initially looked like an insignifcant user count toward change.
Design by Alyssa Dopico/highlights
IsabelaDuarte/highlights
THE ROLE OF CELEBRITIES students speak up from the editor
Isabela Duarte/highlights
“ I think social media and in-person activism can both be effective, as long as you can infuence and inform people on both. “ Linda Garcia, freshman “ “
Infuencers can help with a monetary situation, but beyond that... they may do it for selfsh reasons.
Sabrina Linares, freshman
Online users have often pushed to cancel emerging or established online personalities, and weaponizing movements can be an easy way to do this. The rise of cancel culture can be attributed to the anonymity of users, as one can write a comment with slanderous information and not receive any consequences for it. While portraying online personalities as uninformed and selfcentered, people rush to demand statements from them.
Additionally, followers of pop culture are ready to scrutinize anything celebrities post, which ultimately diverts energy from the cause to trivial actions such as creating hate trains for celebrities. This creates an urgency to use social media personalities as the face of movements they do not accurately represent, leading to rushed, uninformed and attention-seeking posts that stray people from the cause rather than introduce them to it.
Having celebrity involvement shifts the spotlight from the movement to an individual. As this comes to the attention of celebrities it becomes easy for them to use this to garner attention. The emphasis on public fgures’ morale lying on a post makes it so they could effortlessly wash away problematic or widely unliked actions with a post or like. According to Pew Research Center, 55% of U.S. social media users feel a sentiment of exhaustion from political posts and discussions.
In 2017, infuencer Kendall Jenner was heavily criticized for participating in a Pepsi advertisment that consisted of her entering a chaotic protesting crowd and
calming down police offcers with a Pepsi. The ad was immediately associated with police brutality protests that were ongoing at the time. Jenner received backlash for profting off of a delicate subject while trivializing it. The public immediately redirected the attention from police brutality to a hate train towards Jenner, which ultimately benefted her as she gained attention, and therefore a proft, while the movement was cast aside.
Large and diverse platforms are most defnitely a useful tool to causes, as they have the attention of the maswwses. Celebrities can positively use their platforms for movements or causes they personally feel connected to by mobilizing their followers to donate or to participate in events, such as protests and fundraisers that beneft the cause and amplifying the voices that go unheard amid the chaos. 79% of users believe that social media distracts from truly important issues, according to Pew Research Center.
A notable case of celebrities being productive activists is Emma Watson. Watson, who created the HeforShe campaign, which aims to amplify men’s support for feminist causes, according to the campaign’s offcial informational site, has given many U.N. speeches regarding the fght for women’s rights, giving the movement space on a global and fundamental stage. Watson was able to correctly embrace a cause and voice its full complexity to her massive audience.
Today, when a like or a share on a post is considered activism, we tend to get caught up in the momentum of online movements for change. A video going viral can create enough buzz to make it feel like a collective effort has been made towards a common goal, while destruction and suffering still rage behind the screen. We wait for change while we continue to scroll.
Our social media feeds form a dystopian landscape painted by an algorithm of celebrity content in stark contrast alongside images of war torn cities. We argue in the comment section if an infuencer’s statement on the topic was genuine or just to save face. We go on with our daily lives and daily doomscrolling so long as we have the privilege to not be caught in the impact of a real-world problem.
Those who become invested in advocacy campaigns are drained when the thousands of views have not yet translated to a political shift, while anyone new to a movement is overwhelmed by the countless statistics that spell out just how doomed we are. Though social media and the activism that has harnessed it as a tool can be anywhere from life changing to near pointless, it teaches us that strength lies in numbers; we just need to apply that strength offine as well.
Sincerely,
Alyssa Dopico, InsightEditor
Design by Alyssa Dopico/highlights
RAMIFICATIONS ON ADVOCACY
The contrast between genuine and performative activism can easily be told apart. Users exposed to each type see genuine activists dedicating more than just a rushed post, as they spend the necessary time to educate themselves and share resources for their audiences. They provide quick and easy access to information for their followers to not only inform themselves with, but also to mobilize beyond their screens. Research conducted by Pew Research Center found that only 28% of users following activism accounts follow through with real world actions.
The progress that activists work hard and extensively for is countered by surface level and misguided information that sways the movement far beyond its roots. The environmental movement has been severely fragmented by superfcial activists and radical activists, who have simultaneously taken away importance, direction and power from the movement. While some activists might protest by stopping traffc for awareness, others protest by making reusable items to decrease single use plastic. According to Oxford Academic, people are less likely to support a cause when it’s promoted using radical tactics such as the promotion of violence.
The term activist burnout was popularized by feminist activist Anaïs Bourdet, she created a platform for victims of gender violence to share their stories with others and gain empowerment through it. Her efforts towards
One can easily tell when activism isn’t genuine by gathering your own information and investigting on your own means.
the cause were met with violent responses both online and in person, which caused her to feel a sense of burn out. She shared how she felt regarding her burnout online which led to many other activists coming forward to attest to this shared feeling. Climate activist Greta
Thunberg has been the face of the movement since a young age which had led to massive public scrutiny since she was young causing her to feel a sense of burnout.
Beyond that, activists can easily feel burnt out when they see an issue that they deeply care for go viral under the guise of an oversimplifed summary. This can be especially frustrating when it misses the target of activism done towards it. After a real problem that impacts real people goes unnoticed for a while but only gains traction once curated into a shallow message, it greatly diminishes the energy in a movement.
Hillary Zambrano, sophomore “ 69% 83% 36%
“One can easily tell when activism isn’t genuine by gathering your own information and investigating on your own means,” sophomore Hillary Zambrano said.
The rise of skepticism amongst activists of what is genuine or performative leads to internal confict amongst the movement which makes mobilization even more diffcult.
While many may not have the reach social media personalities have, everyone has the power to to promote a cause that is important to them. Most importantly, everyone has the power to mobilize, whether it be through collective or individual actions.
of students have seen activism movements appear on social media platforms. of students fnd social media to be an effective tool for raising awareness on real life issues. of students prefer signing petitions over engaging with other forms of protest. by the numbers h
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lightbox
Setting the ball, Junior Corina McDanal lines junior Isabella Cruz up for a spike against Gables’ rivals, the Miami High Stingarees, on August 28. The lady Cavaliers won with a fnal score of 3-0, upholding a 90% win this season.
