September/October 2018 by The Patriot Post

VOL. 22 ISSUE 2 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Stay W kE

(Photo/Angela Lin)

& Angela

We intended this, our beloved second issue of the magazine, to serve as a source of both information to make educated political decisions and motivation to remain involved in every step of the political process at even local levels of government. Midterm elections this Nov. 6 no longer merely entail passive interest but, instead, active civic engagement. Years from now, our reality will comprise the pages of countless history textbooks. Who writes that narrative, how it plays out and whether or not we still have the liberty to tell our stories falls upon us to decide. With this responsibility in mind, we hope to see you at the polls.

New

Dear Heritage,

Opinion/ Editorial 4 The Patriot Post is sold on a bi-monthly basis for 50 cents. American Heritage has 1,950 students and 160 faculty members.

the American Heritage student news magazine

VOL. 22 ISSUE 2 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

The Patriot Post is an award-winning, student-produced hybrid publication that informs students about events, influences readers through editorials and entertains through features and reviews, all achieved through responsible reporting held to high journalistic standards. We strive to create content that adheres to the highest possible standards of journalistic integrity. Any queries about our content can be directed to patriotpost@ahschool.com or to a staff member in room 9114.

2 Table of Contents

Do you have a response to a column or article that was published in the news magazine? We accept and encourage letters to the editor by students, faculty or parents in response to any opinion pieces. Physically hand the response in to room 9114 or email it to patriotpost@ahschool.com. American Heritage School 12200 W. Broward Blvd. Plantation, FL 33325 954-472-0022 ext. 3300 patriotpost@ahschool.com ipatriotpost.com

Sports 19

men

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ert Ent

tory

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Cov

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Fea

(Photos/Unsplash, Shirley Wong, Kimberly Hughes, Wikimedia and Hana Starkman) Editors-in-Chief || Amber Bhutta,12th || Angela Lin, 12th Online Editor-in-Chief || Joanne Haner, 11th Assistant Editors || Sloane Kapit, 12th || Kristen Quesada, 11th

Copy Editors || Amber Bhutta, 12th || Sloane Kapit, 12th || Olivia Lloyd, 12th News Editor || Kristen Quesada, 11th Opinion Editor || Alyssa Herzbrun, 11th

Online Assistant Editor Features Editor || Kayla Rubenstein, 10th || Bella Ramirez, 10th Adviser || Ms. Diana Adams

Entertainment Editor || Maia Fernandez-Baigun, 11th

Sports Editor || Alex Becker, 12th Cover Story Editor || Sloane Kapit, 12th Business/Managing Editor ||Kayla Rubenstein, 10th Social Media Editor ||Maia Fernandez-Baigun, 11th Staff Writers ||Luca Zislin, 11th ||Madison Lynn, 11th ||Emma Remudo, 10th ||Sammy Rosenthal, 10th

Editorial Policy

The Patriot Post limits opinion to opinion articles, columns and editorials. All editorials reflect the majority opinion of the staff. Opinions detailed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of administration, faculty or the student body. At our own discretion, we will publish letters to the editor either in print or online at ipatriotpost.com. We reserve the right to edit these letters for grammar and layout restrictions and will not publish any content we deem libelous to any students, faculty or members of the community.

Table of Contents 3

Opinion/Editorial

Editorial

ur stress levels are off the charts -- literally. The American Psychological Association’s most recent survey, published in 2014, revealed the average teen’s stress level was 5.8 on a 10 point scale. Juxtapose this to the average adult, who scored 5.1. More importantly, compare this to the stress level the APA deems healthy for teens, 3.9. This reported stress is indicative of the rigorous classes, extreme commitment to demanding extra-curriculars, high standardized testing scores and social anxiety that every student experiences to some degree. “I feel so stressed. This stress conHello tributes my name is to feelHello my name is

Hello

my name is

Hello

my name is

(Graphic/Alyssa Herzbrun)

4 Opinion/Editorial

ings of anxiety. If I don’t study, I feel anxiety. Everything counts. I don’t feel good enough. I feel like I’m competing against the kids in my grade,” freshman Nicole Gorbatov said. The school with the highest amount of national merit scholars, millions of dollars in scholarship money and students competing in international competitions ranging from math to debate induces extreme stress on its students. Every student here experiences some form of pulling an all-nighter to finish science fair or waking up at 5 a.m. to get to the 5K walk-a-thon for their required service hours. No matter if your an athlete, actor or engineer, the school teaches rigor. The school can be equally as rigorous while providHello ing support to my nam e is students who Hell feel like they my na o me is are hitting a 10 on the stress scale. A simple effort Hello

e is my nam

toward lowering our “5.8” is the meetings where students could discuss topics such as anxiety. Students meet during lunch or after school and discuss these issues. Guidance counselors are in the room serving as moderators, ensuring the conversation is a safe space for all. While the school already offers semester meetings for students with teacher, parent or counselor recommendation for debilitating student anxiety, it is not marketed enough to be fully accessible. Beyond this, only having meetings per semester is a problem in itself. Student anxiety fluctuates throughout the year, if the meetings are offered more often, then more students can receive help with managing their anxiety. If you feel uncomfortable with a group conversation then you can have a one-on-one meeting with your guidance counselor. “Students are able to met with their guidance counselors during independent study, elective periods or after school. In case of emergency a student can secure a pass from their teacher to visit with guidance,” Mrs. Villalobos said. Another option is creating club sponsored events addressing anxiety. SGA, GSA and Hope club already took initiative in starting the conversation by sponsoring a speaker on suicide prevention. The speaker will come in to talk to seventh, eighth, freshman and sophomore students on Nov. 7. Mrs. Blum also encourages using club platforms to start the conversation. She is open to speaker events addressing the problem, but notes students need to plan ahead to book locations and raise money for speakers. We have the opportunities to address anxiety, we just need to use them. The student body is a greater victim of the stress epidemic by the school’s rigorous nature. There is a solution. Creating school sanctioned discussions of mental health issues is the way to strengthen our community and get some relief.

One

size

doesn’t

fit all

“One size” clothing claims to fit all body types, but, in reality, this myth creates an issue among buyers. Maia Fernandez Baigun | Entertainment Editor pl212601@ahschool.com

ne size fits all is a myth. From advice to clothing stores, “one size” implies that one plan accommodates everyone. As wrong as this is, many teenagers still find themselves idolizing and purchasing items from clothing lines that encourage this mentality. This not only describes Italian brand Brandy Melville, but also less popular clothing lines such as Don’t Ask Why by American Eagle, Dress and Charm, Hunza G by Asos and Forever Young Swimwear. Sure, the clothes and styles might be trendy and “in style,” but the targeted audience is only one – the ideal 5-foot-7-inch, slim yet toned teenage girl. My mentality when it comes to stores is generally “you-do-you,” however, this becomes a problem when young girls start to look at the models wearing the items and strive to conform their physique to the brand’s targeted audience. In reality, one-size-fits-all is almost impossible

– not even with hats, scarves or gloves, yet somehow popular brands market jeans, leggings and swimsuits as O/S. In 2015, clothing brand American Eagle tested prospective clothing in a line called “Don’t Ask Why.” Contrary to the rest of the clothes in the main store, all of the line’s clothing came in one size, claiming to fit everyone. Even though the generally baggy clothes appeared to support their “one-size” claims, a portion of consumers were still left without the possibility of fitting into an item. Coming from a brand that owns other lines (Aerie) that claim to celebrate all body types a n d shapes, t h i s is surprising. Recently, the biggest brand that promotes this type of sizing is Brandy Melville. While its clothes may be popular, trendy and represent a whole style within itself, the way they market their clothing does

(Graphics/ Alyssa Herzbrun)

more harm than good to growing girls. The modeling industry already favors a thin figure over a curvier body type, and Brandy is no exception. One look at its Instagram page, which has more than 3.8 million followers, and one can clearly see the type of audience the brand wants to reach. Models for the page are usually a size 00 or 0, however, the average size for an American woman, according to Health Research Funding, is size 14. This also means that only 5 percent of women in the country fit into the “ideal size” category for these companies. Now more than ever, young girls look up to celebrities and people featured in social media as having the “ideal” body type. While it may seem easy for some girls to look past what society deems acceptable, clothing lines that claim to promote body positivity and a healthy lifestyle should not be shaming young girls into conforming what they look like just to fit into a ribbed tank top and jeans that are “one size.”

Opinion/Editorial

Three

for

three

Amber Bhutta | Co-Editor-in-Chief pl208261@ahschool.com

One donation can save up to three lives

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood

From outside movie theaters promising free tickets to in front of the gym promising service hours, donation centers have established blood drives as both commonplace and incentivized. Despite such efforts, however, blood shortages still plague medical institutions across the country. As the American Red Cross reports, hospitals and patients across the United States require approximately 36,000 units of blood, 10,000 units of plasma and 7,000 units of platelets daily; one car accident victim alone may need up to 100 pints of blood. Despite this demonstrated need, only about 10 percent of eligible blood and plasma donors donate every year. This discrepancy between supply and demand stems in part from perpetuated myths and a general lack of knowledge surrounding blood donation. As the Community Blood Center explains, the process of donating blood typically takes no longer than an hour from check-in to check-out. The actual blood drawing process lasts less than 10 minutes. After donation, the human body replenishes the donated plasma within 24 hours, and the lost red blood cells take an additional four to six weeks to regenerate. Taking this into account, people are required to wait a minimum of eight weeks between donations. Blood cannot be artificially manufactured. Patients in need of transfusions have no choice but to have faith in the goodwill of potential donors. During natural disasters, public shootings or other mass casualty events, the need for blood spikes alongside the willingness of donors, but only briefly, rendering these socalled “disaster donations” unsustainable and too late for the sheer number of victims in need of immediate transfusions. “The rarest blood type is the one that’s not on the shelf when it’s needed,” said Lindsey Graham, a spokeswoman with the Blood Donation Center in Texas, in the wake of Hurricane Maria in 2017. National Honor Society will host its next blood drive through OneBlood Oct. 31. If you are 16 or older, find the time to donate amid the Halloween festivities. In addition to three service hours, an NHS point and free pizza, OneBlood offers free blood work to all donors as further incentive. Donating blood typically takes no longer than an hour; that one hour of your life has the potential to save three others.

Blood donors can donate every 56 days

6 Opinion/Editorial (Graphics/ Maia Fernandez Baigun)

Emma Remudo | Staff Writer pl209912@ahschool.com

News

News Brief

TASSEL Gala

gala sponsored by TASSEL will take place March 16 at Temple Dor Dorim in Weston. Senior Claudia Bermudez, founder and state president of TASSEL Florida, started the club last year. The club focuses on improving the lives of rural Cambodians by teaching them English. The organization also provides emotional and financial care for victims of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. This year’s gala theme of “Change Their Stories” focuses on holding auctions, fundraising and seeking sponsorships in order to donate.

Who Wants to be a Mathematician?

he American Mathematical Association distributed the first round of its Who Wants To Be A Mathematician test Sept. 12. It distributed the 15-question, 10 minute test in the computer labs after school. The 31 students who passed Round 1 will move onto Round 2 which will take place throughout October. The Round 2 results will determine which 10 students from the U.S. will compete in the semifinals in Baltimore in January.

WashU MUN

he Model UN team attended WUMUNS Oct. 12-14 for the first time at Washington University in St. Louis. The team consisted of 25 delegates who attended the all crisis committee conference, including committees such as the Walt Disney Company 2008 and Premier League 2018-2019. The team attended the conference hoping the experience would strengthen the crisis delegates on the team. Outside of the conference, the delegation met up with school alumni and current WashU students, Harrison Arnberg and Andrew Bass, to tour the university.

18 5 3

MATHLETE: Senior Sophia Viner registers to take the national Who Wants to be a Mathematician exam. (Photo/Olivia Lloyd)

Per Veritatem Vis

ST. LOU IN

SERVICE WITH A PURPOSE: Sophomore Claire Tyler volunteered in Cambodia over the summer with the TASSEL program. (Photo submitted by Claire Tyler)

HINTON S A

VERSIT NI U

Lethal weapon: teachers Alyssa Herzbrun | Opinion Editor pl231251@ahschool.com

actical Combat International (TCI) trains law enforcement and military operations. In the first week of school, teachers at American Heritage were introduced to security training with the company to learn how to protect students from a person with a weapon on campus. TCI changes the defense methods taught to better represent the reality of a situation where someone has a weapon. “I thought the security training was wonderful. I went home and practiced what we learned,”

English teacher Mrs. Yvonne Palmer said. “For a person who doesn't understand guns, it was a little confusing but overall I learned a lot and it was a great training,” said Spanish teacher Mrs. Rosa Blake. Many teachers have signed up for training which will continue throughout the school year. More than a few years ago, TCI’s founders, including Sgt. Kendrick Stephens who helps advise school vice president Dr. Douglas Laurie in security decisions, began offering programs in public safety agencies. In most training videos, people usually fight in an

unrealistic, stress-free environment, a method called “choreographed techniques.” Several of these techniques are taught where one person fights empty-handed against knives and guns. TCI teaches more effective ways of defense. The men and women in the company use their experience in combat and the skills used in actual missions to provide the most effective training. The instructors at TCI have teamed up with world-champion fighters, SWAT Officers, Special Forces Operators and Criminal and Liability attorneys to give the best

instructions. The organization has trained police officers and military personnel. TCI instructors provide seminars in varying lengths of four, eight, 16 and 40 hours. Seminars for teachers will take place throughout this school year. “The security training at the school is optional for the staff. In the first week of school, teachers got a preview at an annual security meeting. They were excited to receive additional training,” said Upper School Principal Mrs. Elise Blum. “No teacher should feel he or she has to fight, but many are choosing to learn some basic skills.”

News 7

CRISIS COMMITTEE: Delegates participate as heads of crisis committee enter with an urgent update. (Photo/ Shirley Wong) DARING DEBATES: Committee heads and seniors Satya Alagarsamy and Talha Pala relax in general assembly between debates. (Photo/ Shirley Wong)

SUPER SPEECHES: Delegates raise their placards in order to give a speech. (Photo/Kenzo Kimura) Joanne Hanner|On-line Editor-in-Chief pl184941@ahschool.com

tudents from across South Florida descended on campus for the second annual American Heritage Plantation Model United Nations (AHPMUN) tournament Saturday Sept. 29 and Sunday Sept. 30, hosted by Heritage’s Model UN chapter. The conference, which lasted more than 20 hours across two days, MUN began early Saturday morning; delegates and coaches arrived at 8 a.m. to register. Prior to the first committee session, Judge Michael Usan delivered an opening ceremony speech. Junior high English teacher Mrs. Jennifer Estevez and her sons Omar and Sebastian also spoke on behalf of Project Alive, as all proceeds from AHPMUN transferred directly to the charity. After opening ceremonies, each delegate headed to their assigned committee rooms. Each of the eight general assembly and crisis committees debated a different topic and worked to pass a resolution or solve a global issue. Each of the five committee sessions lasted several hours, as delegates worked to earn their spot on stage at the final awards ceremony that took place Sunday afternoon. Throughout the weekend-long tournament, experienced Heritage Model UN students and officers ran back and forth,

8 News

MUN for the books

chairing committee sessions and organizing Project Alive donation incentives. “As a chair, you’re looking at what you normally do from an outside perspective and it’s not only fun, but it also makes you a lot better [at MUN],” said Junior Aamir Lacewala, who, as a member of the Heritage Model UN junior executive board, chaired Roosevelt’s Cabinet crisis committee. During the fifth and final committee session, known as “FUNMUN,” . At the first committee session, delegates of each committee brainstormed situations for their chairs to endure should they raise a certain amount of money. Junior Jacob Kasner, assistant chair of UN Population Fund, a general assembly committee, faced one of these proposed incentives head on. Because his committee raised $225 for Project Alive, Kasner switched out of his shirt, slacks and tie for senior Shirley Wong’s blouse, skirt and makeup. Wong did the same. “I felt partially humiliated, but I knew that I did it for a good cause,” Kasner said. Other popular incentives included dancing on behalf of the chairs, shaving cream pies to the face and karaoke. At the time of the final awards ceremony, each committee chair board presented their chosen awards to the delegates they had grown to know over the past two days. In order to avoid bias, Heritage participants of the conference were limited to one award per committee,

specifically as a committee speaker. The chosen Heritage-student-comprised delegation won the right to speak in front of the entire AHPMUN conference and give a brief summary of what their committee accomplished regarding their hypothetical situation. Sophomores Justin Folks and Rohail Mistry earned the committee speaker award for their committee, Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL), after representing the People’s Republic of China and working to pass a resolution to benefit the socio economic wellbeing of non-self governing territories. “It was overwhelming at first, but after a couple hours, we got the hang of how Model UN worked,” sophomore Justin Folks said. “I was surprised [about winning committee speaker] since there were so many hard workers in our committee.” The other traditional awards (best, outstanding, honorable and verbal delegate) were reserved for delegates from other schools. By the end of the conference, students had raised over $2,000 for Project Alive. This was not only from raw donations, but from $1 candy grams that were sent between committees. For Heritage delegates, whether new to MUN or already passionate from their previous experience, AHPMUN exposed students to new aspects of Model UN.

Homecoming 2018

(Photos/Amber Bhutta, Maia Fernandez Baigun, Joanne Haner, Angela Lin, Bella Ramirez and Kayla Rubenstein)

News 9

Features

Hispanic Heritage Month

Maia Fernandez-Baigun | Entertainment Editor pl212601@ahschool.com

or many students, September means the beginning of school, more homework and less time to spend with family. However, for Hispanic families around the nation, September is the start of a month filled with pride, culture and celebration—otherwise known as Hispanic Heritage Month. Originally initiated by Congress in 1968, this month celebrates U.S. Latinos and their nationalities. Former President Lyndon Johnson created Hispanic Heritage Week, until former President Ronald Reagan

Hispanic Our students’ favorite Hispanic quotes.

Joao Paolo Castro, a senior from Brazil.

“La lengua no tiene hueso, pero corta lo más grueso.” --Anonymous

decided one week was not enough and extended the celebration from Sept. 22 through Oct. 15. The celebration begins in the middle of the month rather than the beginning because it coincides with five Latin countries’ independence days: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica closely followed by Mexico Sept. 16, Chile Sept. 18 and Belize Sept. 21. With more than 17 percent of the country’s population (55.6 million people) having Hispanic roots in South Florida, Hispanic Heritage Month means many different

contests, events and festivals including the University of Miami celebration and different family-oriented activities sponsored by the Miami Heat. Not only does this month shine light on Hispanic tradition, but it also recognizes important members of the society. Many Hispanic parents who celebrate this month not only make sure to teach their kids about revolutionary figures, but also fill evenings with family-oriented activities such as cooking, eating dinner together or playing soccer and other sports.

MEDIA Makes

Daniela Velez, a senior from Colombia.

“Soñar el sueño imposible, luchar contra el enemigo imposible, correr donde valientes no atrevieron, alcanzar la estrella inalcanzable. Ese es mi destino.” --Don Quijote

AN Impact

Isabel Mitre, a senior from Mexico.

“Sucede que me canso de mis pies y mis uñas y mi pelo y mi sombra. Sucede que me canso de ser hombre” --Pablo Neruda, “Walking Around” Paula Mitre, a junior from Mexico.

“Entre broma y broma, la verdad se asoma,” -- Mrs. Mitre

“Dianne Strauss, a junior from Cuba and Mexico.

Aprender a dudar es aprender a pensar.” --Octavio Paz

Am I Less Hispanic For Not Speaking Spanish?

(Photo Submitted L-R/Joao Paolo Castro, Daniela Velez, Paula Mitre and Dianne Strauss)

Bella Ramirez| Features Editor pl237961@ahschool.com

henever I go to family reunions, I know for a fact my grandpa talks bad about me. Well, not me, just my inability to speak Spanish. While he has every reason to feel frustrated that I do not know his native language fluently, the constant backhanded comments made me feel inadequate and unaccepted. On standardized tests I would question if I could fill in the “Hispanic” box in the ethnicity section. If my family thinks of me as less Hispanic, shouldn’t I? I am not the only one to go through this identity crisis. Huffington Post’s John Paul Brammer explains in “To the Latinos Who Can’t Speak Spanish” that he grew up thinking he “wasn’t Latino enough” because he could not speak Spanish. Additionally, the number of Spanish-speaking Hispanic homes are decreasing.

10 Features

According to the Pew Hispanic Center, only 74 percent of Hispanic families spoke Spanish at home in 2016. If I am not the only non-Spanish-speaking Hispanic, why am I questioning my heritage? Through the years I realized that being Hispanic is not limited to the language. I know Vaporub is a miracle worker and I know how to avoid a chancleta. I know family comes first, and even if I make a fool of myself while dancing, I love the beat. Hispanic heritage is not limited to mere tongue; it is my way of life, the way my family parties, the way my family is the loudest on the block even though I am the quietest in the class. To the Hispanics who can’t speak Spanish; don’t doubt your heritage. Instead, play some Maluma and smile; it’s in your blood.

(Graphics/Bella Ramirez)

Everyone

H Has

A A

Story

Sara Paige

Amber Bhutta Co-Editor-in-Chief pl208261@ahschool.com Angela Lin| Co-Editor-in-Chief pl215051@ahschool.com

We are on a mission: to prove to you, our reader, that everyone, and we do mean everyone, has a story within them, both unique and interesting. Cue our monthly feature EHAS: Everyone Has A Story, where two The Patriot Post staffers set off on a quest to find and extensively interview a Heritage Student at random to prove that everyone does, in fact, have a story.

n the spirit of fall, Halloween and everything pumpkin spice, we originally opted to use a pumpkin as this month’s EHAS selection method. After an unsuccessful trip to Publix in search of a real pumpkin, however, we settled upon a bedazzled fake pumpkin we stumbled across at Michael’s. After sticking an ambiguous note atop the pumpkin that read “look under me,” we left the pumpkin, concealing instructions for the lucky winner, in the middle of the walkway in front of the canal just before eighth period ended. Though many passers-by gave our totally unsuspicious pumpkin a few odd glances, sophomore Sara Paige braved the unknown and looked beneath our pumpkin, rendering her the winner of this month’s EHAS feature. A born and raised Floridian, Paige has spent most of her life close to her family, especially her grandmother. Her grandmother built a successful career as an opera singer in Argentina and supported herself and family, later moving them to the United States in search of better opportunities. “I look up to my grandmother because she was a self-made wom-

an and did amazing things without depending on anybody else for help,” Paige said. Paige hopes to emulate her grandmother’s dedication and perseverance. Paige began attending Heritage in freshman year, where she discovered a passion for English. “I enjoy English because it provides more freedom than the other subjects in school,” Paige said. “I am able to interpret and analyze things more independently.” Outside of school, Paige dances at a studio, an interest she has pursued since age three. She considers the highlight of her dance career training with professional dancers from the popular TV show “So You Think You Can Dance.” “Since I was young, I have loved performing and putting on shows for my family so they decided to put me in dance,” Paige said. “Dance is really what I am most passionate about because I have done it for so long and love it so much, and I hope to continue dancing for many more years.” Paige’s extracurricular interests extend past the scope of dance to charitable work. Two years ago, Paige first participated in the Ronald McDonald house program, a nonprofit organization that provides housing for families who travel long distances to stay close to their hospitalized children. Since then, Paige has volunteered multiple times at the Fort Lauderdale location, working to help feed families staying in local housing. Paige hopes to follow in her parents’ footsteps, attend the University of Florida and continue helping others. “It made me feel good giving back to people and giving them the same opportunities that are given to other people,” Paige said.

Features 11

BREAK DOWN

DeSantis V S

Guns: Opposed to gun control. A+ rating from the National Rifle Association. Expressed

support for hiring retired law enforcement officers and military veterans as armed guards for schools. Immigration: Critic of Obama era immigration reform. Opposed to DACA and sanctuary cities. Proponent of reduced refugee quotas. Supports building a border wall between the United States and Mexico. Healthcare: In support of the full and complete repeal of the ACA. Opposed to the American health care act, the Republican proposal mimicking the ACA. Does not think childless, able-bodied adults should qualify for Medicaid. Education: Opposes No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top. Believes education policy should be legislated at a local level. Introduced Higher Education and Opportunity Act, which would allow state-level accreditation systems. Opposes federal grants for education reform. Proponent of school choice. Environment: Proposed four-part plan to protect the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water supply and beaches by banning fracking and drilling off the coast, restoring water flow and preventing toxic algae blooms fed by foul water discharges from Lake Okeechobee.

What YOU Can Do Next Amber Bhutta | Co-Editor-in Chief pl208261@ahschool.com

t a ques r, re o your e d l r o o go t l, t Mai 18 o are or plan ote-by- een u o y llot a. For V ot betw nd : If l ba Vote by-Mai lling are ed ball ct. 22 a ct t n Vote nated po comple begins O r preci n. r g g i u s you perso n o i t e y de r o e v n i in of ly wh send 2-9. Ear nd out d vote he state t fi n . Oct Nov. 4; oting a date for v tion ends early Elec s offer eneral G . 6. The Nov a is d i r F lo

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12 Cover Story

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V S. Gillum

BREAK DOWN

Guns: Implement common sense gun safety policies, including a ban on assault weapons, large

capacity magazines and bump stocks; requiring universal background checks for all gun sales; closing private sale loopholes and restricting gun access for the mentally ill and known terrorists. Immigration: Fight mass deportation. Oppose the Zero Tolerance Policy and separation of families. Healthcare: Supports Senator Bernie Sanders’ “Medicare for All” plan. Opposes premium increases under Governor Rick Scott. Expand Medicaid and strengthen the Affordable Care Act. Promote healthcare security. Education: Proposed a $1 billion investment in public schools, raise teachers’ starting salaries to $50,000, restore public school construction funds and increase vocational training. Environment: Protect the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee. Keep our water clean from toxic algae blooms. Protect Florida’s access to clean water sources. Implement safeguards to prevent corporate contamination of water and air.

(Graphics/Sloane Kapit)

Students take action

Sloane Kapit | Co-Assistant Editor pl216611@ahschool.com

eniors Eric Bazail and Sofia Godoy have conquered the feat of engaging in the politics of our state and our community. After Bazail began looking into the gubernatorial race, he interned with Gwen Graham, believing she held the most solid positions on gun control and environmental reforms. Additionally, he interned in the district office of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and plans on joining her campaign as a canvasser. Since February, he has coordinated youth volunteers with Mary Molina Macfie, a candidate for the Weston City Commission. “I’ve become involved with politics for almost my entire life, and I especially feel that we need solid leadership in these testing times, so I decided to join the trenches,” Bazail said. Bazail boils the importance of youth involving themselves in the politics of their community down to the fact that our generation will begin voting soon and confronting the major issues our society faces. “If we fail to take action (limited as our options may be as minors) and work to help elect the best leaders now, we will inevitably have to foot the bill,” he said. Bazail summed up his desire to work with Wasserman-Schultz and Graham in one word: service. According to him, working in Wasserman-Schultz’s district office humanized her and brought to light the work she

has done for her constituents in the 23rd “Gillum understands that to win back the District. As for Graham, he believes also the state, the Democrats need to give young peoright choice for Florida, as she promoted ple and minorities a reason to actually turn change, compromise and cooperation. out and vote, rather than trying, in vain, to “Campaigns always need volunteers. If appeal to more Republicans,” she said. you start local, you can make a name for yourIn light of her experience, Godoy offers self and build the right references for future advice to students looking to get involved. careers or future political action in your quest “Whether it be a specific issue, like climate to better the community,” he said. change or immigration reform, or the success Godoy has worked with political cam- of a specific political party or faction, such paigns since the 2016 election season, when as the GOP as a whole or progressive Demshe canvassed for Hillary Clinton. ocrats, there’s bound to be some group out “For me, that election represented a turning there that advocates for that cause. All it really point in the nation’s trajectory, so I knew I takes is a Google search,” Godoy said. couldn’t just stand by and watch the results from the sidelines,” she said. After browsing the Clinton campaign’s so(Photo submitted/ cial media and website, she discovered a camSofia Godoy) paign office located near her house and decided to check it out. She ultimately signed up as a volunteer via the organizers at that office. Godoy’s engagement in multiple political Facebook groups and political pages (Broward for Progress, Pantsuit Nation, We Organize! and Action Together Florida) has created a platform full of political content. March of (Photo submitted/ last year, the grand opening of the Gillum Eric Bazail) campaign’s Broward office caught her eye. Although she did not know much about Andrew Gillum at the time, she desired to re-enter the political scene following the Stoneman Douglas shooting.

Cover Story 13

Pay attention to local elections Angela Lin | Co-Editor-in-Chief pl215051@ahschool.com

tudents often have a basic understanding of the presidential election and the federal government; however, many don’t have much knowledge about the local government. The local government has an impact on students’ daily lives and is important to the well-being of a community. Not only should students understand the local government, but they should also become involved. The local government keeps the city in order and holds many responsibilities, including running the city’s utilities, fire departments, public swimming pools, parks, libraries and local law enforcement. In this year’s midterm elections, students, who are age 18, have the opportunity to vote for their city and county’s mayors, county commissioners, city councils and other government positions. The local government includes both county government and the municipal government, or city’s government. County governments administer state laws and

collect their own taxes. The Board of County Commissioners oversees each county government, and people vote for the county commissioners. Broward County is divided into nine districts, each with its own county commissioner. Plantation is located in District 1. The city’s government makes and enforces its own rules and regulations. The city government has a city council, which not only promotes policies and legislations, but is also in charge of approving the city’s important projects and zoning issues. Plantation’s city council is also responsible for the city’s $195 million budget. Just like any other construction project, our school had to be approved by the city’s council. To get involved, students can participate in City Council meetings to express their concerns and opinions from anything regarding new construction projects to the establishment of certain organizations. Plantation’s city council meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall unless there is an extenuating circumstance.

CITY HALL

(Graphics/Kristen Quesada)

Politics affect students on the local level too Kristen Quesada | Co-Assistant Editor pl208162@ahschool.com

ick Sortal dedicated 30 years of his life to journalism while he worked at the Sun Sentinel — now he wants to work to better the city of Plantation so he’s running for City Council in the Nov. 6 election. “I’ve always followed politics, but as a journalist you can’t write the news and make the news,” Sortal said. “I wanted to do something meaningful and just make our world better.” Sortal announced his campaign Feb. 2 and has worked almost every day since going door-to-door to make sure people know his name and what he wants to do for the city. “This suits what I do best, which is talk to people,” Sortal said. “I’m more likely to knock on their door than Andrew Gillum is; I’m more accessible. We have the availability and time to help everyone in the city. We’re the more human, I guess.” When someone brings up politics, most people think of Republican and Democrat. However, in city politics, the council race is nonpartisan. Sortal, who has been a Heritage publications adviser for 10 years, isn’t running to advance a particular agenda; he’s running to make the city the best version of itself. “There will be no ‘D’ and no ‘R’ next to the candidates’ names on the ballot Nov. 6. While unfortunately in today’s world, everything is politicized, the issues we work on are not social issues that require political leanings,” Sortal said. “If I get elected, my philosophy is ‘best idea wins,’ I don’t care if they’re Republican or Democrat. The best idea for the city is what we’re going to do.” While students may think “How does this apply to me?” local positions have a far greater impact than many people realize. Without

the say of city council, Heritage wouldn’t have its Fine Arts building today. “We ensure the city is maintained and make the laws that dictate what land can be a park and what land can be apartments, those kinds of things,” Sortal said. Although age may seem like a limiting factor in helping with campaigns, it’s no reason to not get involved. “Voters love seeing youth involved, which helps the candidate they’re campaigning for,” Sortal said. “Whether it’s my campaign or anybody’s campaign, the fact that they begin to follow issues makes them better people and more knowledgeable about politics.” Over the summer, several students helped Mr. Sortal in his campaign and knocked on different houses to advertise his name and goals. “As a soon-to-be voter, I believe students should familiarize themselves with not only national politics but politics on a local scale,” said senior Emily Irigoyen who campaigned for Mr. Sortal. “Many people forget how important our votes are on a local level.” “Getting involved in a grassroots campaign has taught me so much regarding my values as a voter and has allowed me to make a change in my community. I hope other students will do research on which candidates align with their political beliefs and go out and vote in November,” Irigoyen said.

14 Features (Photo/Robyn Sortal)

When They Were Us: Mrs. Kimberly Hughes

Have you ever wondered what your teachers were like in high school? In our monthly teacher profile, we take a trip back to the past and explore what teachers were like ‘When They Were Us’ (WTWU). (Photo/Submitted by Mrs. Kimberly Hughes) Alyssa Herzbrun | Opinion Editor pl231251@ahschool.com

If you want to know more about American, world and art history, Mrs. Kimberly Hughes has you covered. If you need advice on how to get the best experience from an impromptu backpacking trip through Europe, then Mrs. Hughes can help you out there, too. Mrs. Hughes knew since sixth grade that she wanted to be a history teacher. “I had outstanding history teachers and wanted to emulate their passion for the subject,” she said. Mrs. Hughes went to high school at Stoneman Douglas. Since attending, she has embraced her nerdiness. “I was on the Quiz Bowl Team, member of NHS, president of the History Club, member of the English Honor Society, member of the Spanish Honor Society and copy editor of the school newspaper. The last one was my joy,” she said. After leaving high school, Mrs. Hughes went to the University of Florida (UF) where she majored in European History and minored in Education. “My first teaching job was in Gainesville doing Drop Out Prevention (DOP). Needless to say, I wasn’t happy with the program, and by extension, teaching, so I decided to

resign,” Mrs. Hughes said. She decided she needed to “find herself ” in Europe so she saved her money and waited for her boyfriend to graduate UF so that they could go together. Before leaving for Europe, Mrs. Hughes and her boyfriend bought backpacks, train tickets and a “Let’s Go Europe” book. “We had open-ended plane tickets and no agenda other than to travel until we ran out of money,” she said. She backpacked for almost a year. During that time, Mrs. Hughes decided she wanted to work in a school. When she returned home, she applied to Florida State University’s Department of Library Sciences and got her masters in Library Science. She worked at FSU’s Florence, Italy campus as the art librarian. After a year of living in Italy, she came home and got a job working as the librarian of an architecture firm in Ft. Lauderdale. After marrying and having kids, Mrs. Hughes went back to working in the school system. She got a job at Somerset Academy as the librarian and a history teacher. She eventually transitioned to being a full time teacher. After leaving Somerset and joining the staff at Heritage, she began teaching Art History AP. Mrs. Hughes loves going to art museums. “I can spend all day wandering be-

tween rooms or sitting in front of a work of art. The first time I went to the Botticelli Room in the Uffizi in Florence, Italy, I cried. As the artist Mark Rothko said, “I’m always interested in expressing basic human emotions – tragedy, ecstasy, doom and so on — and the fact that lots of people break down and cry when confronted with my pictures shows that I communicate those basic human emotions,” Mrs. Hughes said. Ms. Hughes explained that she knows being an art teacher means she must be objective. She lets her students know exactly what’s on her mind with each piece she teaches. “I have many favorite works of art, but if I had to choose my top 10, I wouldn’t be able to because there would be 50 works of art in it,” she said. Mrs. Hughes also loves reading. She has read 267 books in the past year and she continues trying to reach her goal of reading a book a day. She volunteers for Goodreads, cataloging books for them. “The best advice I can give was told to me by my UF history professor Michael Gannon. He told me to do what I love, and the money will come,” she said.

Features 15

SPOT

Entertainment

LIGHT

Madison Lynn | Staff Writer pl235031@ahschool.com

aised with parents who always emphasized the arts, senior twin brothers Wesley and Nathan Mahon have participated in theater since childhood. “There’s music playing in our house 24/7, and when I was younger, our dad would always try to get us to harmonize over The Beatles or Simon and Garfunkel,” Nathan said. “It taught me about how wonderful it is to make music with other people.” Besides their parents, their older brother Elliot has also influenced their passion for the arts; he persuaded them to try out for shows in the first place. From there, the twins eventually discovered their shared interest in theater. In pursuing their enthusiasm for the musical theater, Nathan and Wesley got involved in the school theater department. Both feel that the Heritage Fine Arts Department has strengthened both their abilities and love of the arts. Wesley explained that once he got into the fine arts program here he became much more passionate about musical theater which has strengthened to this day. “Being here at this school with a bunch of other talented people really keeps you competing and striving to improve. So, I would say the other people here are what keep me into [the arts],” Wesley said. In addition to the people, Wesley considers the opportunities he has had to perform especially influential. “We did a show last year called ‘The Importance of Being Earnest,’ and I loved

16 Entertainment

working on it. It was my favorite show we have ever done, and I learned a lot. It was a very gratifying experience,” Wesley said. Wesley expressed gratitude in particular for this specific play because he received an award for his role as Algernon Moncrieff, for Best Comedic Actor in a Play from Cappies. Nathan has received many awards as well, including two Critics Choice awards at both district and state thespian competitions. The Mahon brothers plan to pursue their passion for the arts in college. Wesley plans to study musical theater in the future. “Acting is such an interesting thing to explore . . . just characters and how different people would respond to different things...it’s a really cool gratifying experience.” Nathan wants to become a certified music therapist given his interest in the music related area. “One thing that I’m obsessed with when it comes to music is the storytelling element. Musical compositions don’t have lyrics, so the storytelling needs to come from a purely emotional place. This is kind of what led me to my interest in the psychology behind music, and it was introduced to me mainly through playing video games,” Nathan said. Nathan explains that his fine arts inspiration

The Mahon Brothers

is Koji Kondo, composer of Nintendo titles such as “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” and “Super Mario 64.” “Not only did it give my brother and me time to hang out together, but it also showed me how music is a language all its own,” Nathan said. Wesley and Nathan believe their participation together in the fine arts program has benefitted each of their individual fine arts careers. “It’s competition, but it’s healthy competition, where both people are constantly causing the other to improve because they have to keep up,” Wesley said. Because Wesley and Nathan possess the same passion, they act as a support system for each other.

ALWAYS TWINNING: Wesley (left) and Nathan spend several hours together in the theater department whether it be in practice, or in rehearsals. (Photo/ Madison Lynn)

The Addams Family spooks audiences “Before theater I used to go to a lot of therapy… the break from reality fter practicing daily from 4 helps me get everything into sorts and p.m. to 6 p.m., junior high’s to know what I should do next,” sevtake on “The Addams Famienth grader Alex Strlovic Lord said. ly” ran from Oct. 25-27 in the main The cast also learned how to adapt theater. to playing new gender roles. For exFollowing the journey of dark ample, seventh grader Ruby Auerbach Wednesday Addams’ (Sophie Simon) plays Pugsley Addams, but she uses love of a normal boy (Julius Demosher past experience to build the role. thenes), she must tell the rest of her “I have played a boy before, like last family where her heart lies. With her year I played Mushu in ‘Mulan,’ so brother Pugsley (Ruby Auerbach) conit’s not that peculiar to me. I enjoy it,” tinuously vying for her attention and she said. her mother Morticia (Jessi Kaplan) SEEING STARS: Alex Strulovic Lord sings his song to the Whether you like ghouls or songs, ‘moon.’ His character, Fester, is one of the most love-struck feeling left out, Wednesday can only “The Addams Family” was a produccharacters in the show. (Photo/Bella Ramirez) hope for the best for both her heart tion for every member of the family. and her family. Before the show, eighth grader Laney say it like we really mean it,” seventh grader The dry humor of the show proved a Sophie Simon said. Rakofky said, “I think it will be a very good challenge for the actors. “[The musical has] Even though they face obstacles onstage, show… I hope everyone gets a little time jokes in a very different way. We think they acting often gave more help than harm to to shine.” are funny but we can’t show it. We have to the young actors.

Bella Ramirez | Features Editor pl237961@ahschool.com

America’s Controversial

hen you think of artists and their rise to fame, you might name their hit song blasting on Y100 or their newest album. However, their music alone probably does not speak for everything that comes to mind. Whether it be Lady Gaga’s extravagant outfits or Kanye West’s presidential campaign, artist’s popularity rarely derives solely from their music anymore. Following the death of rapper XXXTentacion, an outpour of heartbroken fans expressed their grief through social media. The tragic shooting occurred June 18, 2018 outside RIVA Motorsports during what appeared to be a robbery, resulting in the death of the 20-year-old singer. His death created a further divide between his already controversial fanbase a s the rising star had previous charges of aggravated battery of a pregnant victim and false imprisonment. The public reaction quickly split between those who glorified XXXTentacion as a raw artist and those who could

Chris Brown

(Photo/www.PlusPNG.com)

not come to the terms with his questionable moral character. XXXTentacion’s murder became the gateway to a long disputed conversation: Should artists’ personal lives affect their professional careers- a question that has lingered since Chris Brown’s 2009 assault against Rihanna that left her with a bruised face and split lip, and R Kelly’s numerous sexual abuse allegations, including the 27-year-old singer’s marriage to a 15-year-old girl. While one can argue that musicians serve to create powerful music, not to represent a moral code, it can also be argued that a celebrity who frequently walks in the public eye runs the risk of glorifying a dangerous set of habits. Spotify’s 2017 attempt to filter the amount of publicity that contentious artists receive resulted in a policy that would ban artists that participated in hate conduct from its promoted playlists. The company then proceeded to take R Kelly and XXXTentacion off its promoted playlists while still keeping their content available on the site. However, the policy quickly received backlash from the music industry as many questioned Spotify’s right to determine a moral policy. Spotify then revoked the policy stating, “Across all genres, our role is not to regulate artists. Therefore, we are moving

Creators (Photo/www.PicsArt.com) (Graphics/ Madison Lynn)

Emma Remudo | Staff Writer pl209912@ahschool.com

XXXTentacion away from implementing a policy around artist conduct.” Spotify’s intentions and resulting backlash created the perfect example of why controversial artists consistently create a dispute among their audiences. Nobody can tell you what to listen to or who to endorse, but it should be up to the fans to understand what they promote when buying tickets to a Chris Brown or R Kelly concert. Whether you believe that business and personal life don’t mix or that personal values should consistently play a part in a super star’s career, identifying the character of the artist you endorse is a crucial step in finding your new musical idol.

Entertainment 17

OBSCURA

Oh W

other more popular artists receive, this was huge for the duo, and consequently they released their second track, “Shark” Oct. 1, 2014. Almost a year later, Oh Wonder came out with its first complete album titled “Oh Wonder” which consisted of 15 tracks, including their first couple hits. The album, comprised of all the songs the duo made within the first year, features both upbeat and slower melodies. Although Oh Wonder has music videos for most of the tracks, the music itself was made to be the real star, keeping the video production pretty low-budget. The album brings the uniqueness of razor-sharp strings and rich synths in “Drive” as well as the lyrical rush of “High on Humans.” These two tracks are among the most popular from the band so

(Graphic/Luca Zislin)

s summer’s energetic and techno music fades from our fall playlists and plays by more low-key tunes, many students turn to calmer and relaxed music to fill their afternoons. Originally from London, Oh Wonder started out like many other instantly famous bands: two aspiring musicians (in this case Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West) on SoundCloud. The first thing people would see upon clicking on its profile page on the site was “writing duo, one song a month.” The duo’s first track, “Body Gold,” released Sept. 1, 2014, exploded within just three days of its debut, racking up over 100,000 plays. While this may seem small compared to the million plays

(Photos/Wikimedia)

Maia Fernandez-Baigun | Entertainment Editor pl212601@ahschool.com

r e d on

far, with more thsn 162,000,000 plays on Spotify combined- and for good reason. “Drive,” the most relaxed from the three tracks, starts out with Vander Gucht and West’s voices meshing together for the “perfect” break-up song. A deep song about a drive home, “Drive” tries to justify the reasons of leaving someone, but disguised with uplifting melodic strings to balance out. “High on Humans” is said to be exactly the opposite and filled with unexpected harmonies from West and Vander Gucht. The little euphoric synth blasts and chopped up vocal sampling changes the pace from the stripped-back, piano-driven “Oh Wonder.” As for the future, Oh Wonder announced on Twitter a third album in the works Sept. 19 , so fans can only wait for the next release date.

Entertainment Briefs Madison Lynn | Staff Wrtier pl235031@ahschool.com

Mac Miller passes away at 26

any fans were devastated to hear that American rapper, singer and record producer Mac Miller, otherwise known as Malcolm James McCormick, passed away on September 7th. Miller is known for his collaboration with ex-partner Ariana Grande for the hit song “The Way.”

18 Entertainment

Emmy Awards

6lack’s New Album

merican singer, songwriter n Sept. 17 the Emmy Awards and rapper 6lack released his aired celebrating its seventinew album on Sept. 14, “East eth anniversary with winAtlanta Love Letter,” with alternative ners such as Darren Criss who won songs such as, “Unfair” Outstanding Lead Actor in a and “Scripture,” featurLimited Series or Movie, Raing artists such as Khachel Brosnahan who won for lid, Future and Offset. Outstanding Lead Actress in 6lack’s album dea Comedy Series buted as No. 1 and “The Marvelous Mrs. on the R&B alMaisel,” a 1950s inspired show bum chart for about stand-up comedy, wina week. ning a total of five awards (Photos/Vulture.com. Emmy.com, Grammy.com) throughout the night.

Golf teams wind up for success Alex Becker| Sports Editor pl215753@ahschool.com

they have a real chance at the gold this year. “I firmly think that we have the best group in the country. I believe we will win the trophy this year, and I can’t wait for us as a group to bring the title back to its home,” Kim said. The girls have a very different situation. Coming in with the most state titles in Florida, the reigning champs are favorites to win again this season. However, the team is keen on not getting ahead of itself. “Any team can beat any other team on any given day. There

Sports

mate goal is to win district, regional and then to win the state tournament. Allowing all girls to play throughout the season in competitive situations helps the team accomplish that goal,” Sibio said. Experience is everything for the girls golf team. While hard work is a core reason for success, many current golfers attribute success to their early start. “We have a lot of young players. Because we get the opportunity to join the team starting in seventh grade, many of

espite not having organized team practices, the Heritage golf teams always improve their games, a main reason the teams are most successful team in the state. Although golf does not practice as a team, each individual spends hours practicing on their own. “Each of them spend countless hours on the courses, driving ranges and putting greens practicing. While some students are sleeping in on the weekends, the golfers are up and on the golf course at 7 a.m.,” said Linda Sibio, head coach of the girls golf team. The boys and girls golf teams’ rigorous schedules have not gone to waste. The boys have won three of the last six state titles, and the girls have won seven total titles, three of which have come in the past five years. With the season coming to a close and the state tournament quickly a p p ro a ch i n g, boths teams must make a final push to bring h o m e t h e gold once more. SMILES OF SUCCESS: The girls golf team poses after placing third overall at the Lake Mary Tournament in DeLand, Fla. (Photo submitted by Karen Stearns)

The b o y s team eyes this state tournament with a vengeance after a near comeback last season. Near the end of the state final, the boys were in fourth place with six holes left, 10 strokes behind third. A strong push landed the team in second, but it couldn’t manage to take the gold, resulting in a second-place finish. “We are definitely fired up for this year. After last year’s disappointment, it left a sour taste in all of our mouths, and it has motivated us to all come back this year better than ever. Coming in second place never feels good, but we have moved past it as a group, and have moved on and are already starting to focus on this years championship,” junior Jude Kim said. After the loss, the team went back to work, training for this season’s tournament. With summer practice and a successful season thus far, the boys believe

are so many variables to consider. Yes, I believe we are capable of hoisting the trophy again this year but if it will actually happen is the reason we work so hard and play the game,” Sibio said. While many past champions expect to do well the following tournament, the girls golf

us have years of experience in this event and know the course very well, giving us an advantage,” senior captain Alena Lindh said. With hard work, experience and pure talent, the Lady Patriots look to bring their title total to eight. Although nothing is ever guaranteed, the team is in great shape to extend

team is working toward improving as a whole. Many teams play the same golfers each match in order to get the victory, but the Lady Patriots make sure the team is prepared as a unit. “We want all of our golfers to have the opportunity to compete and are more concerned about their experience on different courses and in different situations than we are in the victories. It is nice to win during the season but our ulti-

its reign. “I think this may be our best team yet,” sophomore Casey Weidenfeld said. “If the team goes out and performs the way we are capable of playing, then we will definitely take home another state title.”

Sports 19

Tumbling toward success Angela Lin | Co-Editor-in-Chief pl215051@ahschool.com

From the Bench BY ALEX BECKER

Sidelined

I was never good at sports. Although I started early as a 5-year-old, the other kids were always better than me. I tried every sport from basketball to baseball to even gymnastics, but I was never any good (I know that’s a big shocker about gymnastics). No matter the sport, I always ended up on the bench eating the snacks. I convinced myself it was OK to eat the snacks because I would lose the calories from playing. I never played; I just gained the weight. Despite my lack of talent, I bragged to my friends at school that I was the greatest basketball player on earth. During the entirety of elementary school, I somehow managed to make everyone believe I boxed (I may not be an athlete, but I can lie). I continued to play recreational sports until I was 13. At that point, I started coaching younger kids in basketball and football. Within my first three seasons, I led two teams to championships and one to an undefeated season (someone say college apps). It seems all my time watching games, rather than playing, paid off. Don’t let traumatic experiences prevent you from playing or watching sports. Sure you may have had a ball smack you in the face, or you may have cracked your head open while diving for a catch, but don’t let that stop you from liking sports. If you really did crack your skull trying to catch a ball, then maybe you shouldn’t play, but you can still be the manager. I understand it’s embarrassing to be bad at sports and why you would want to get as far away from them as possible. That’s why I lied to my friends about being an athlete. I wanted to stay connected to sports, but not as the chubby kid that had to sit in the middle of the bench so it didn’t tip over. Don’t run away from sports just because you’re embarrassed. Think of it this way: if someone isn’t a professional, they are at the same level as you. Sports are amazing. They bring people together, teach multiple life lessons, and are entertaining. If you were ever injured playing sports, don’t stop watching them; just sit back, relax and watch others get injured just like you.

20 Sports

any students remember gymnastics as an activity they did when they were 5 and gave up in a few months; however, for freshman Hana Starkman, her passion for gymnastics has continued. Starkman started taking lessons at age 4. She first tried ballet and artistic gymnastics but only enjoyed some aspects of each. Luckily, her mother found a place which they taught rhythmic gymnastics: a combination of dance, artistic gymnastics, ballet and apparatus (hoop and ribbon) use. Starkman quickly fell in love with the sport and has been involved in it since the age of 14, resulting in a 9-year career. Her “beyond average” hand-eye coordination has allowed her to earn top awards at competitions. Starkman has been competing since age 5. “I always looked forward to watching the coaches do tricks and interesting things that required skills that I felt I had, allowing me to use them and mirror the teachers’ actions in just a couple of tries. This amazed not only the other gymnasts, but the coaches as well. This pleased me, and I felt I had a skill so special that I had to keep going and advancing to higher levels,” Starkman said. During the school year, Starkman trains Monday through Fridays from 4:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., a total of 22 hours a week, not including her additional private ballet lessons. During the summer, Starkman attends an intensive camp for 10 weeks from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. During competitions, she would arrive two hours early and warm up with her trainer. She then practices with her apparatus in the following order: hoop, ball, clubs and then ribbon with varying order

per competition. Starkman during her last year, competed in level 10, the highest level. In this division, gymnasts have to perform routines with the hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. Levels below nine and 10 involved different apparatus every year as Starkman once had floor, ribbon, rope and ball. Starkman has competed in tournaments from Russia to Italy. Last year, she attended 10 competitions, including the International Gymnastics Competition in Torino-Italy where she won a bronze medal. She qualified as the top 27th gymnast in the U.S. according to the National Qualifiers. Starkman recently retired from the sport due to her choice to focus on high school and her grades. However, this doesn’t stop her from hoping to pass down her knowledge to other gymnasts as a rhythmic gymnastics coach in the future and becoming a doctor.

TRAINING AND TRAVELING: Starkman participates in various competitions as she works on perfecting her craft approximately 22 hours a week. She has traveled to a variety of foreign countries to compete, including Russia and Italy. (Photo submitted by Hana Starkman)

(Photo/Rogue Fitness)

Football team adopts TI-nspiring statisticians evenly. This ensures accuracy since the two can check their findings with the other. “It’s really hard to keep track of everything, especially when rom office spaces to computer desks to the football field, stat- the plays go so quickly,” Kapit said. “You’re constantly running isticians record data and work to improve their field of study. across the field with the players to see who tackles at the end of the Considered a “different” kind of math, the applications of sta- play, and it’s really hard to look over 7-foot football players who are tistics are everywhere. standing directly in front of you.” A position previously held by alumnus Max Ranis, the football Both Kumar and Kapit were hesitant in taking the position team statistician records every mathematical measurement gener- on alone, due to their other commitments and possible lack of ated in a game. Whether the play takes place at kickoff, right before time. In addition to Mu Alpha Theta, Kapit holds a position on halftime or in the middle of overtime, the statistician is responsible for the Model United Nations Junior executive board and the position knowing every gain or loss of yards that happens during the game. of vice president of the UNICEF club and participates as a mem“The first time we [had a statistician] several years ago, it was Da- ber of both Heritage for Humanity and quiz bowl. He also enjon Thomas. He was amazing, and it happened that he had played joys playing tennis and practicing skeet shooting. Kumar dedicates varsity football his freshman year,” said Mu Alpha Theta coach Mr. much of his time to music, service and teaching underclassmen as Richard Rovere. “That’s when I reala student teacher for the Mu Alpha ized you can’t do that job unless you Theta team. have a fairly comprehensive under“It is a time-consuming posistanding of football. You have to know tion, and I respect that,” Rovere the game. You have to have an appresaid. “They’re both good at math, ciation for actually seeing what’s on the so they’re comfortable with collectfield, knowing the significance of it and ing data, and they express a desire recognizing when there’s an error.” to do that. And they really love the Juniors Logan Kapit and Arnav game. I think those two guys are a Kumar, when offered the opportuniperfect match.” ty, met every criteria for the position. The new statisticians not only EYE ON THE BALL: Kumar and Kapit watch the Both actively compete as a part of the share a love for the same sport, but play unfold on the field. (Photo/Joanne Haner) Mu Alpha Theta competitive math also for the same teams. Kumar’s team with two state championships and Kapit’s fathers went to the Uniand one national championship under versity of Florida. As a result, they their belts. share a bond over the Florida GaKapit and Kumar attribute their tors. They also both root for the Miability to work together to their ami Dolphins as loyal fans, although long-lasting friendship. They met in Kapit can often be seen sporting a the Lower School Accelerated IntePhiladelphia Eagles shirt in support grated Mathematics (AIMS) program of his mother’s hometown. upon Kumar’s arrival and have contin“Arnav is one of my best friends. ued with math competition and their We both love football. We both love friendship since. math, and it’s fun to watch games. “We’ve always been really competIt’s more fun when you’re standing itive, and now Arnav’s better than me on the sidelines actively doing stuff,” at math (obviously), but we’re still comKapit said. petitive with whatever we do together,” Confident about their backKapit said. “We make each other laugh ground knowledge of football and a lot. Even if we mess something up, we their friendship history, Kapit and just move on to the next play and try to Kumar look forward to helping get better as we go along.” the football team improve and lead Unlike previous holders of the posithem to a fifth state championship. tion, Kapit and Kumar are co-statisticians, meaning they share the workload Joanne Haner | Online Editor-in-Chief pl184941@ahschool.com

(Graphic/Joanne Haner)

Sports 21

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