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Dr. Michael M. Krop Sr. High • 1410 Countyline Road • Miami, Florida 33179
December 15, 2010 • Issue 3 • Volume 13
COMMEMORATE
Krop celebrates lives of two students School plants tree in memory of graduated student and Corpsman Edwin Gonzalez. By Lauren Maldonado staff writer Almost 100,000 heroic service men and women are in Afghanistan sacrificing their lives every day in the “War on Terrorism.” Navy Hospital Corpsman Edwin Gonzalez was one among the 100,000. He lost his life after only two weeks of service when an improvised explosive device struck him in southern Afghanistan. As a 2007 Krop graduate, Gonzalez served four years in the JROTC and was a part of the drill team and color guard. As a tribute to Gonzalez, SGA organized a tree planting ceremony to celebrate his life. Gonzalez’s family and friends participated and Master Chief Alberto Sosa and Chief Daniel Tyson attended as well. Friends wore t-shirts they designed displaying Gonzalez’s superman tattoo; however, the “S” of the original superman logo was replaced with an “E” for Edwin. “We called him ‘Superman’ because he would come out alive from such dangerous accidents,” friend Brenda Campos said. “He was in a coma when he was two
Christopher Belle is Kreisberg said. As for his future, Belle remembered by those had recently been accepted to who knew him best.
because of a car accident, but God gave him a second chance to live.” When asked about how she felt about her son enlisting in the Navy, Cecilia Gonzalez said, “At first I was hesitant about him joining, but I told him if it was something that made him happy then he had my full support.” Two trees were planted on the south patio by the butterfly garden accompanied by a wooden bench and a plaque that will be added soon after the ceremony. Gonzalez’s parents, Cecilia and Julio Gonzalez, and Gonzalez’s older brother, Eric Gonzalez, all joined in shoveling soil onto the newly planted trees.
By Alexander Stella sports editor
PHOTOS BY JAVIER STORCH
IN MEMORY: TOP: JROTC members stand at attention in respect for Gonzalez, a former student who died defending our country in Iraq. BOTTOM: Principal Matthew Welker plants a tree in memory of Gonzalez. Gonzalez’s family attended the ceremony where chorus performed in his honor.
It has become an all too common nightmare at our school, but another Krop student has tragically passed away. Senior Christopher Belle was struck by a car on Nov. 19 and died due to complications a week later on Nov. 27. Belle was a valued member of the Krop symphony orchestra, wood ensemble and pep band in which he played the French horn, considered one of the most difficult classical instruments to play. Belle’s death has struck a somber tone into the hearts of all those who knew him. “I never saw him sad. He always wanted to make everyone around him happy,” senior and fellow band member Clinton Hobbs said. “The ensemble won’t be the same without him.” Several band members fed off of his positive attitude and energy that, they say, fueled their success. Senior Alec Kreisberg and Belle met each other through their music in middle school and remained good friends. “If you were feeling down, he would ask you what was on your mind and talk you through it,”
Florida A&M University and received a full scholarship by the band director. “He was a very giving individual,” Krop band and orchestra conductor Bringle Cidel said. “His character was what impressed me more than anything.” In Chris’ absence the band and orchestra members must rally together and continue to play without him. “For us music is everything. We use it to find joy and comfort,” senior band member Guerdiana Thelomar said. “From this point on everything we do as a band will be in dedication to Chris.” Now the family he is survived by must endure the pain of a lost love one and all the financial struggles that go along with it. The orchestra collected donations at the Magnet Program’s perfromance “Visions” on Thursday, Dec. 9. A slide show was created and shown at the performance to further commemorate Belle. Anyone who wishes to help out further is welcome and encouraged to send donations to the school. See page three for more information on the “Visions” performance in the brief titled “Visions attracts large audience.”
HELPING HANDS
Social studies honor society helps homeless By Sharon Sabbagh staff writer Six times a year homeless people from around South Florida crowd the Miami Beach Community Church where volunteers distribute food and clothing, eye glasses and hair cuts, first aid, HIV tests, and other supplies that would alleviate the plight of those living in the streets and shelters. Information about events reaches the homeless mostly through word of mouth and posted fliers. This year, the Social Studies Honor Society was among the volunteers who gathered on Dec. 7 for the three hour event.
“I saw a family; a mom with two daughters. It broke my heart,” junior Maria Patino said. “I’m glad I can make a difference, but they do multiple events a year, and going to only one event is not enough. It was great to go with the Social Studies Honor Society, but I think we should get the whole school involved.” The event was coordinated by Housing Outreach Prevention Education (H.O.P.E) in Miami Beach, in partnership with Miami Beach Community Church. The goal of the organization is to prevent and reduce homelessness in Florida by equipping individuals and families so that they can
become self-sufficient. “The homeless were really nice and funny. They called me the ‘Michael Jordan haircutter,’” junior Nora Westberry said. “One homeless man there used to be the star basketball player at North Miami Beach High and had Coach Schiffy… It’s just so sad to think about how that could happen to someone.” Social studies teacher John Zoeller who is a co-sponsor of the club along with his colleague Judith Gelber, is proud of the members who showed up to support the cause, “We were out there, we did a great job and everyone is to be commended,” Zoeller said.
JUDITH GELBER
SMILING FACES: Junior Brooke Milo speaks with homeless people on Lincoln Road. For more information about H.O.P.E. and future events, log onto http://hopeinmiamibeach.org/
Movie Review: page 8
Top FIVE holiday gifts page 13
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More Inside:
Limewire shuts down, page 7 GSA raises awareness, page 14 Profile: Angel Rodriguez, page 17