November/December 2018

VOL. 22 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

#US TOO (Photo/Angela Lin)

& Angela the American Heritage student news magazine

VOL. 22 ISSUE 3 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 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.

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Through many near-misses and tight deadlines, we (miraculously) present the third issue of The Patriot Post. Much of our struggle to put this issue out on time stemmed from our decision (one we don’t regret making) to tackle one of the most relevant, politicized issues of this era: sexual harassment and assault.

From Senate hearings to the Oscars, awareness of sexual harassment, as embodied by the #MeToo movement, has gained prominence in nearly every public sphere of our digitally driven lives. Issues viewed through a screen or through the lens of pop culture, however, often come across as intangible, as a real problem, but only for other people. The purpose of this issue is to debunk this misconception as not merely false, but also dangerously misleading.

Many of us have encountered sexual harassment either personally or through the often silenced experiences of people we know. By sharing these stories, we hope to both prove the viscerality of the problem and equip you with the tools to begin solving it, because it can happen to anyone, #UsToo.

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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.

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

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(Photos/Unsplash, Dr. Douglas Laurie, Jonah Warhaft and Angela Lin) 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 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

Editorial: Easy as π ?

Heritage’s school math system may put students at a disadvantage.

Opinion/Editorial

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ome students who attended Heritage since elementary school may find themselves a year behind other new students in math upon beginning high school. This is due to how the elementary math system is set up. Students are placed in either regular math, honors math or the Advanced Integrated Mathematics (AIMS) program.

If students don’t make the cut for AIMS, they are put at a disadvantage for the rest of their high school careers, ranging from the math they take, to the science they’re recommended for and to their success on the math sections of the PSAT, SAT and ACT. “If a student comes to us in seventh grade having been in the GEMS program at public school, that student would have completed the equivalent of Pre-Algebra Honors so he or she would go to Algebra I,” principal Mrs. Elise Blum said. By eighth grade when most students begin transferring schools, some had already taken Algebra I and advanced to geometry upon arrival at AHS. However, several students who have attended Heritage since elementary school had no option but to take Algebra I that year, unless they had taken

(Photos/Alyssa Herzbrun)

4 Opinion/Editorial

AIMS, since that is the natural progression of the school’s math track The most popular way for students to progress to the next math level is by taking a costly ($2,010), fast-paced summer course at the advanced math level, making the transition to the honors more difficult. The other alternative is taking two math levels during the same school year to reach the level of most of their peers.

“I was in AIMS but dropped out because it was a lot for my stress levels as a child. Not taking AIMS set me back behind a select few of my peers who did take AIMS in lower school, so I took Algebra II over the summer to catch up. It took a good portion of my summer, but I’m happy to be at the same level as most students in my grade once again,” junior Ashley Affolter said.

Several other disadvantages come along with the school’s math track.

Students recently took both the PSAT and SAT, both of which have math as 50 percent of the test.

“This year, thanks to very diligent practice, the math sections ended up the easiest for me even though they were the hardest at one point. However, my peers already had the advantage of a full year of Pre-Calculus when taking the PSAT and SAT while I’d only experienced less than a semester,” junior Kristen Quesada said.

This system affects students on a greater scale than just high school academics. When applying to colleges, schools will see that certain students are a year behind other students in their grade. What will colleges think when they see that one of their peers took AP Calculus junior year while they had no option other than Pre-Calculus?

As for why the school put this system in place as opposed to the public school’s system, Mrs. Blum explains, “Based on my experience both as a Principal but more importantly as a high school counselor/college advisor, I think the public schools are quick to put kids in GEMS and it is not always to their advantage. Some kids do excel, but others really struggle later on when

they get to the more advanced math,” Mrs. Blum said. “We prefer to make sure our students have a really strong foundation so they can then move on and continue to build on that foundation and be successful.”

To prevent these disadvantages from being imposed on future students, there are a few solutions to look at. The school could make the chance to test into a higher-level math class more widely available instead of having to enroll over the summer. Alternatively, and most preferably, Heritage could change its very system and remove Pre-Algebra as a seventh-grade course since most other schools either don’t offer it or teach it in sixth grade.

With these concerns in mind, administration and the math department have plans to revise the current system. While such plans may not include as drastic a change as eliminating an entire course, they will instead endeavor to give students the chance to control their math narrative. “I met with the math department and lower school and we are looking at trying to get more seventh graders into Algebra I Honors, at least giving them a chance,” Mrs. Blum said.

FORKS over KNIVES

Find out how you can save the environment, one meal at a time.

Sammy Rosenthal | Staff Writer pl218212@ahschool.com

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hough it may not seem like it, an action so miniscule as guzzling down a glass of milk or chowing down on a hamburger assists in the destruction of our environment. Time and time again, we constantly remind one another of the catastrophic effects of smoke emitted from factories or the benefits of recycling on the environment; however, though air, land and water pollution negatively impact the ecosystem, the food we put on our plates silently plays a significant role in damaging the environment.

The industrial methods used to produce animal-based food items drastically impact the environment in a variety of ways. According to One Green Planet, an environmentally conscious organization, animal-based industries account for more than 300 million tons of waste each year.

This produces extreme amounts of methane and results in around 37 percent of detrimental agricultural emissions. The tending of livestock also greatly contributes to global warming in that its production equates to about 51 percent of pollutants released into the atmosphere, according to the Worldwatch Institute, an organization that focuses on fixing the environment.

However, sustaining oneself on a plant-based diet minimizes the destructive effects of such food production.

Animal-based beverages such as milk also pose a threat to the environment through their means of production.

The Water Footprint Network reports that the manufacturing of simply one gallon of milk requires almost 1,000 gallons of water.

In addition, the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm and Animal Production approximates that freshwater accounts for 87 percent of the water used in producing such commodities, wasting our limited water supply that could be used elsewhere.

Oceanic dead zones, areas of water that can no longer sustain life, also commonly result from animal agriculture.

The 300 million tons of waste produced in the farms directly results in the creation of these dead zones.

Animal factory farms commonly store the toxic waste in lagoons, polluting various streams and rivers which run into larger bodies of water supporting marine life. According to One Green Planet, as exemplified in the Gulf of Mexico, the untreated contamination released has threatened life and ultimately resulted in a mass killing of animals that lived there.

Choosing to expand your diet to more plant-based foods decreases the damaging effects of animal-based food production. The switch to such a diet contributes to saving millions of animals’ lives and the overall well-being of the environment as a whole.

(Graphics/Amber Bhutta)

Opinion/Editorial 5

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While many are eager to make an environmental impact through actions such as recycling and using less plastic, although they help in some capacity, they are virtually ineffective when compared to the harmful outputs of the major corporations of the world.

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

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(Graphics/Kristen Quesada)

ealistically speaking, many of us want to save the turtles, the trees, the bees and all of the organisms in between. Motivated by the pro-environment campaigns we see from numerous media platforms and the subsequent rise of climate change awareness, we assume responsibility for our impact on the environment and take steps to minimize it.

Maybe we ask for a drink without a plastic straw; maybe we drive an electric car. In any case, we practice environmental consciousness and endeavor to reduce our ecological footprints on a personal level, hoping that our efforts accumulate with those of like-minded individuals across the globe to combat climate change. Reality, however, has recently proven disheartening.

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), an international nonprofit which maintains the largest corporation-related greenhouse gas emission database to date, recently published its 2017 Carbon Majors Report. Analysis of decades worth of data yielded an unsettling conclusion: a mere 100 companies bear the responsibility of more than 70 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

These companies wash their hands of accountability by covertly forcing everyday individuals to shoulder the burden of climate change, individuals who contributed raindrops to the bucket of climate change as compared to the oceans contributed by the aforementioned 100 companies. “[These companies] are also going to have to demonstrate leadership as part of this transition,” Richard Heede of The Climate Accountability Institute said. “They owe it to the millions of clients they serve that are already feeling the effects of climate change, and to the many millions more that require energy for the comfort of their daily lives but are looking for alternatives to their products.”

By all means, politely decline plastic straws at restaurants.

Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use. Carpool, bike and strive for a lifestyle of personal environmental sustainability. Do not, however, lose sight of the larger, politically-tinged picture. Do not allow profit-driven entities to remove themselves from the consequences of their blatant disregard for our planet and for our posterity.

Instead, hold them responsible. Lobby representatives at all levels of government accessible to you and advocate for stricter regulations on corporate environmental policies. Fight for a world in which a handful of corporations lack the authority to do irreparable harm to our planet, home to billions of people.

Top 15 producers and their cumulative greenhouse gas emissions from 1988-2015 Rank

Percentage of global industrial Country/Company greenhouse gas emissions

1

China (coal)

14.32%

2

Saudi Arabian Oil Co

4.50%

3

Gazprom OAO

3.91%

4

National Iranian Oil Co

2.28%

5

ExxonMobil Corp

1.98%

6

Coal India

1.87%

7

Petroleos Mexicanos

1.87%

8

Russia (Coal)

1.86%

9

1.67%

10

Royal Dutch Shell PLC China National Petroleum Corp

11

BP PLC

1.53%

12

Chevron Corp

1.31%

13 14 15

Venezuela PDVSA Abu Dhabi National Oil Co

Poland Coal

1.56%

1.23% 1.20% 1.16%

News

你好, Laurie医生 Translation: Hello, Dr. Laurie

School President Dr. Douglas Laurie travels to China for a broader cultural and educational understanding.

Joanne Haner | Online Editor-in-Chief pl209912@ahschool.com

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ith more than 75 students as a part of the Heritage International program, school Vice President Dr. Douglas Laurie wanted to understand the culture and environment that so many Heritage students come from. In early November, Dr. Laurie took a 10-day trip across the most populated country in the world.

In order to prepare for his trip, Dr. Laurie learned conversational Chinese, as well as basic Chinese etiquette and culture with Chinese III and IV teacher Mrs. Wenjing Hu and Lower School Chinese teacher Mrs. Meg Wu. “I felt like I should go over there and have a better understanding of the Chinese culture and the Chinese education system,” Dr. Laurie said.

He also grew familiar with the Chinese program WeChat, an app that allows people to message, call and exchange currency and information with other individuals or businesses.

Dr. Laurie visited a variety of Chinese

THE VALUE OF EDUCATION: “I think there’s a lot that the U.S. could learn from China. They’re learning a lot from us, but I don’t think we’re learning a lot from them, which is a shame. It’s a very academic approach to bettering not only their schools, but also their country,” Dr. Laurie said after his Changsha trip. (Photo submitted by Dr. Laurie)

cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Dalian and Changsha. Over the course of 10 days, Dr. Laurie took a total of eight flights. Upon arriving in China, Dr. Laurie met with the heads of notable language schools in China, the principal of the third-highest ranked high school in China and families of current international students, as well as prospective ones.

“What’s interesting is, [prospective international students] really know a lot about our school. They really do their research. They know our statistics, and are pretty excited about coming to a new country and a new culture, and learning how to speak English better and perhaps go to a good American college,” Dr. Laurie said.

The insight into Chinese culture Dr. Laurie gained on the trip left a lasting impression on his life.

“I was very impressed with how generous and welcoming the Chinese people were with all of my meetings,” Dr. Laurie said. “I knew they respected educators but didn’t realize to what extent. For example, we were at a dinner

with a CEO and another guy who was an important developer from China and the principal of a local high school came in to eat with us. Now, nobody had stood for anyone else in the room, but when she came in to the room, everybody stood at attention, showing reverence and respect for their educator.”

Dr. Laurie wishes to bring back some of the values he observed on his trip and integrate them into his life in the United States.

“The Chinese put a lot of value on American education. They want to change their system as a whole. The educators I talked to felt as though perhaps their education system wasn’t as well-rounded as our system is, and the goal of a lot of Chinese students is to go to a really good American university, which they think a lot of.

One thing that I realized is that I didn’t quite understand the depth of their respect and importance of education, and I wish the U.S. as a whole was more like that,” Dr. Laurie said. “You ask a lot of U.S. students who their hero is, and you get a lot of sports heroes. You ask a lot of Chinese students who their hero is, and you get a lot of scientists and innovators.”

Dr. Laurie hopes that his recent endeavor allows him to improve the Heritage environment for current and future international students, not just from China, but from around the world.

News 7

CULTURES CROSSING: Dr. Laurie talks to students completing their assignment at a (Graphics/Kristen Quesada and Maia Fernandez Baigun) school in Changsha, China. (Photo submitted by Dr. Laurie)

Kayla Rubenstein| Assistant Online Editor pl226461@ahschool.com

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News Brief

Starry Wishes

n its goal to grant the wish of ill children in South Florida, the Make-a-Wish club added a starry fundraiser: selling paper stars to display in the 9000 display case for $1 a piece. After one week of selling the stars to student, faculty and out-of-school contacts from Nov. 7-14, the 52 members of the club raised $375, which will all go toward the fundraising efforts of the South Florida Make-a-Wish chapter. According to the Make-a-Wish portal page, “Our goal is to raise $10,000 each school year to grant two local children their wishes."

(Graphic/WikiMedia)

Who Wants to Literary Fair ith 30 prose, bepoetry a and illustrative W categories, high school and junior high students with a variety of writing Mathematician? and illustrating talents utilized the opportunity to enter the Literary Fair. First place winners are automatically entered in the Broward County Literary Fair.

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THE MOST MUN-DERFUL TIME: The Model UN team won the Best Large Delegation award at WMHSMUN. This is the first time Heritage has ever won this award at this conference. (Photo/Shirley Wong) (Graphics/Joanne Haner)

News 8

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s one of the biggest events of the year, the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) will host the Holiday Bazaar Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. As usual, the bazaar will follow a theme; this year, the gymeteria will feature decorations related to “Under the Big Top.”

EXPRESSING ART: Last year, the Literary Magazine staff (signatures on board) promoted the February Open House by using then-junior Natalie Perez’s artwork.

(Photo/Ariann Barker)

Number MUN ompeting in the William and Mary High School Model United Nations (WMHSMUN), 34 students and their three advisors traveled to Williamsburg, Va. Nov. 8. With 10 competitors earning Best Delegate (first place), six delegates achieving Outstanding Delegate (second place), six students placing third as Honorable Delegate, it was a successful event.

Holiday Bazaar

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JH Math Competition

aced with a shocking lack of Junior High (JH) math competitions, Mu Alpha Theta advisors Dr. Radleigh Santos and Mr. Richard Rovere pioneered a contest in which JH students had the opportunity to experience what competing as a senior high student entails.

Saturday, Dec. 8, JH students took a one hour, non-calculator 25-question multiple choice test and a one hour, 15-question non-calculator free-response test in the 8000 classrooms. To add an original touch, the organizers of the event, math competition students and their advisors, composed and graded the questions, respectively.

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A BAZAAR TIME: Then-PTO President Michelle Kuecks offered students Chickfil-A samples at last year’s Holiday Bazaar.

(Photo/Upper School PTO)

National Merit

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ith the extensive Ray Dass program on campus, it comes as no surprise 99 seniors received at least one form of National Merit Scholarship. Pencils, erasers and calculators in hand, seniors took the PSAT Oct. 14, attempting to achieve a high score after months of practice. Months later, the list of National Merit Scholars from Heritage released, with exemplary results: 21 Commended Scholars, 70 Semifinalists and 31 National Hispanic Scholars. “I am super proud of these students for working so hard and for their outstanding achievement,” Mrs. Elise Blum, Upper School Principal, said.

Features

Clearing the Haze Olivia Lloyd | Copy Editor pl229501@ahschool.com

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e keep hearing about the “new generation’s epidemic:” vaping and the culture surrounding it. This phenomenon has spread across the U.S. and infiltrated teen habits.

Many companies advertise e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, marketing them to smokers trying to quit. Some research suggests that e-cigarettes may cause less harm for those who already smoke cigarettes. However, this does not mean that e-cigarettes are safe or that they do not come with a host of other health complications.

An FDA report published Nov. 15 revealed that from 2017 to 2018, vaping increased by 78 percent among high school students and 48 percent among middle school students, reversing a trend of decreasing rates of youth smoking and derailing recent efforts to combat nicotine consumption.

E-cigarettes contain a liquid that is heated up by a device called an atomizer to create a vapor. The person using the device then inhales this vapor, which usually contains nicotine, flavoring and other chemicals, many of which can harm users’ health. The liquid form allows fast delivery to the bloodstream and has an immediate effect.

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, especially for youth whose brains have not yet matured.

Studies have linked smoking during adolescence to increased risk of psychiatric and personality disorders in adulthood, including abnormalities in the growth of the prefrontal cortex, according to the National Center for

Biotechnology Information. Additionally, teens who smoke e-cigarettes are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes than teens who did not.

Despite the risk of addiction and other health consequences, many teens still vape. One reason is a misconception about what they are smoking and the possible effects of those substances. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, roughly 28 percent of seniors in high school reported having smoked e-cigarettes in the past year. However, over half of them, when asked about the contents of the e-cigarette, responded that they thought it contained only flavoring. The study found this figure to be even higher for those in grade 10 and grade eight.

“Vaping is the hottest topic, especially in America. A lot of teenagers are involved in it,” junior Kirtan Shah said. “It impacts not only our culture, but it affects our health. People don’t always vape because they want to vape, they want to let people know they vape.”

Vaping websites capitalize on this social perception by touting vaping as a communal bond. Because adolescent brains do not fully mature until they reach their 20s, peer influence more easily sways teens’ decision-making process.

The issue is twofold: the peer pressure component leads susceptible youth to try vaping, then the addictive habit hooks them. “[Youth] think it’s cool and that it makes them look better. They start vaping because of peer pressure, so if we tackle that it will solve a lot of issues,” sophomore Nikolas Kluver said.

On Sept. 12, FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb released a statement critical of Juul and four other e-cigarette companies. The FDA’s toughened stance comes in response to new data regarding vaping trends in teens, which Gottlieb has called an “epidemic” that spawns future addictions to nicotine.

Juul announced Nov. 9 it would stop selling many the majority of its flavors in brick-and-mortar stores, leaving only menthol and tobacco-flavored products. All flavors are still available online where a system of age-verification can prevent underage users from purchasing products.

Less than a week after Juul’s announcement, the FDA declared it would seek a nationwide ban on menthol in cigarettes, a popular minty compound that soothes throat irritation caused by smoking, making it more addictive.

The new trend has shown some similarities to the original cigarette era before cigarettes gained a negative cultural association because of their health impact. Vaping has spread relatively quickly since the popularization of e-cigarettes, but the long-term implications of vape culture and its prevalence in society remain to be seen.

JUUL (Graphics/Bella Ramirez)

Features

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When They Were Us: Ms. Miranda Chin TEENAGE TEACHER: Ms. Chin gives a presentation in her physics class.

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). engaged in community service, ultimately becoming the Science Silver Knight Award nominee from her school. She placed great emphasis on her studies, as she graduated with the distinction of salutatorian of her senior class.

graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. Ms. Chin’s high school physics teacher inspired her to pursue a major in physics, as he attempted to create verything happens for a reaa fun and interesting learning environment son, and for Ms. Miranda Chin, for Ms. Chin and her classmates. that reason usually boils down “He had a knack for bringing to physics. out the best in his students,” Ms. Growing up in Miami, Ms. I knew right away that I wanted to [teach]. I Chin said. “I knew right away that Chin attended Miami Sunset Sewanted to pass on this love for physics to as many I wanted to do the same thing. I nior High School for four years. wanted to pass on this love for physShe participated in clubs including students as I could ics to as many students as I could.”

Mu Alpha Theta, Science Honor Society, Junior Engineering TechAs for her family life, Ms. Chin has one nical Society, National Honor Society, Fuyounger brother. ture Educators of America and, of course, “We were not close growing up, he was the Physics Club. Together, these clubs fujust my annoying younger brother who eled her momentum to reach her teaching followed me around. But after leaving for career later on. college, I learned how to appreciate him Ms. Chin also felt drawn toward water better,” she said. Today, the two maintain sports, as she competed for the varsity swim a close relationship, and although he lives team and held the team manager position in New York, they talk on the phone every for her school’s water polo team. day.

She met her best friend to this day in After high school, she went on her freshman biology class in high school. to attend Florida InternationAside from hanging out with friends, readal University (FIU), where she ing and watching movies, Ms. Chin actively Sloane Kapit | Co-Assistant Editor pl216611@ahschool.com

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WINNING AWARDS: Ms. Chin receives an award alongside her high school physics teacher, David Jones.

(Photos submitted/ Miranda Chin)

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Time's Up Sexual harassment affects many of us, either personally or through the people we know. The time for silence and complacency about it is over.

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

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or many, words like “rape” and “sexual assault” exist in the abstract, as something terrible yet intangible. We view it through a screen, from the #MeToo movement online to the Senate testimonies on TV. It is something we lament over as it happens to others, but never to anyone we know and certainly never to ourselves. Reality, however, renders the issue far more visceral.

CDC research estimates that approximately one in six boys and one in four girls are sexually abused before the age of 18. As a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reports, approximately one in five female high school students report being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 82 percent of all juvenile victims are female. The list of unsettling statistics continues for a pathetically long time. The underlying implication, however, remains the same: sexual harassment is startlingly prevalent, tragically overlooked and terrifyingly rampant in our own demographic- the American youth, specifically among girls.

We can attribute these alarmingly high figures in part to society’s frequently dismissive attitude toward the subject, often placing the burden of proof on victims and discouraging them from coming forward. Consequently, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, three out of every four sexual assault cases, specifically rape, go unreported.

Our flippancy regarding sexual assault not only delegitimizes many people’s experiences with sexual harassment and impedes victims from reporting the crime, but also fosters a mindset oriented around retroactive justification rather than proactive prevention, often with the “boys will be boys” catch-all that many are familiar with.

After volunteering at a carnival with friends, senior Sydney Stewart experienced both sexual harassment and the dangers of this mindset first-hand.

“While we were standing in line for a haunted house, this guy kept making disgusting comments and lewd expressions that weren’t just inappropriate but also made me super uncomfortable,” Stewart said. A woman standing nearby overheard the exchange and intervened.

“I thought she would take our side, give the kid a talking to and tell him to stop. Instead, she talked about us being black women interacting with this black kid and said, ‘It’s

(Photos/Angela Lin)

Cover Story 11

Have you ever been sexually harassed?

23% YES 77% NO

If so, did you report?

7.5% YES 92.5% NO

Have you ever witnessed sexual harassment?

23.1% YES 76.9% NO

If so, did you try to stop it or report?

23.4% YES 76.4% NO

Has anyone you know been harassed?

48.7% YES 51.3% NO 280 students polled

12 Cover Story

our duty to make sure these boys don’t get into trouble,’ while pointing to police officers standing nearby,” Stewart said. “It just shows how girls are raised to adapt and handle boys while everyone just makes excuses for boys.”

This disparity in the way we raise boys and girls misleadingly teaches perpetrators, typically boys, to persist to the point at which “no” simply means “try again” or, even worse, “try harder.”

While working at an internship at a technology company over the summer, senior Isabel Mitre encountered such unwanted persistence by a fellow intern.

“The kid ended up asking me out, and I told him no. After that, he just would not leave me alone,” Mitre said. “I came up with every excuse I could think of just to tell him no, and he kept trying and saying, ‘No, we can make it work’ and a lot of things like that. It got to the point where saying ‘no’ wasn’t working.” While the other intern eventually stopped making advances when faced with Mitre’s continued refusal, many victims lack such fortune; according to the National Institute of Justice, in eight out of every 10 documented cases of rape, the victim knew the perpetrator.

While such persistence should serve as a warning sign, we often treat it with casual dismissal. As a result, actively or passively we contribute to a culture that not only facilitates sexual predators but also leads them to believe that they can get away with it, that our complacency will allow them to get away with it.

This complacency arises from the wrongful assumption that sexual assault exists in a vacuum; we view the statistics as merely two-dimensional numbers and the #MeToo movement as something that rarely extends beyond the scope of people under Hollywood-level scrutiny. We feel removed from the issue and thereby removed from the consequences.

Freshman Kaitlin Cruz discovered how far this lack of awareness extends at a debate tournament.

“We were debating an issue that included sexual harassment. At the end, the judge didn’t rule how we thought she would,” Cruz said. “She said, ‘I don’t believe rape is a problem’ and started talking about how [rape] actually doesn’t happen as much as we think it does with all of these statistics. It was just really frustrating that there are people who think that way and don’t even realize.”

Aware or unaware, we are part of the problem. Every time we awkwardly laugh off an inappropriate comment, we inadvertently encourage the perpetrator to continue. Every time we witness something nonconsensual anywhere from a party to social media and shy away from calling our peers out, we inform abusers that they will not face repercussions. Complemented by the unwarranted skepticism omnipresent in many publicized sexual harassment cases, we also inform victims that we will not believe them.

It is time to hold each other accountable for our actions, verbal and physical. Start small, and refrain from laughing at off-handed, demeaning comments and overcome your fear of being a buzz kill or too serious; your social responsibility to silenced victims everywhere far outweighs your responsibility to validate your friend’s sense of humor. Calling your friends out when such degrading comments remain mere words dismantles the societal framework that allows such words to eventually become action. If you witness something nonconsensual,

intervene in any way circumstances allow you to. Direct any victims you may know to the resources the school offers.

“Times have changed, and things we used to think were acceptable are different. We, especially girls, are realizing that certain things aren’t OK, and that’s a good thing,” principal Mrs. Elise Blum said. “To anyone afraid of reporting if something happened to them, know that we will believe you and have a lot of resources involving both security and guidance to help you.” Such resources include the numerous security cameras across campus that allow security guards and deans to both supervise campus in real time and playback certain footage at certain times.

“We will believe someone unless an investigation proves otherwise,” Dean Dean Nolle said. “But no matter what, if someone comes forward with an issue of harassment, we will investigate and do everything in our power to find out what happened and help.”

Based on both the statistics and the sheer numbers of people with personal experiences to share, most of us will know a victim of sexual harassment sometime in our high school careers. Many of us may already know one. We all have the responsibility not to normalize these numbers or their stories and to create a world in which no one ever has to use #MeToo to begin with. Time’s up, Heritage.

What you can do FOR VICTIMS:

CALL the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Net-

work’s (RAINN) National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-HOPE. RAINN provides emotional, legal and medical counseling for sexual harassment and assault victims.

TALK

to your guidance counselor. Even if your counselor cannot directly assist you, he or she will listen and direct you to the people and resources that can help.

FOR WITNESSES AND BYSTANDERS:

WHAT STUDENTS THINK “Men feel entitled to the affections and physical bodies of women.”

“Existing rape culture within trial systems and normal conversations is proof of the widespread domination of sexual harassment.”

“They put so much importance on female conduct in general, and they do not emphasize enough on the root of the problem: the problematic behavior of so, so many men (and women as well, of course).”

“I feel vulnerable and uncomfortable if I dress a certain way or go to certain areas because I am afraid of lewd comments, whistling or threats against me because I am a woman.”

“I feel that the culture of it pushes us to only believe we are relevant to speak about sexual harassment when we are older. We need to face the truth, though; it’s happening right now.”

(Photos/Angela Lin)

SAY SOMETHING. If you witness any form of harassment, whether in front of you or on social media, avoid the fear of being a “snitch” and intervene or report it.

BELIEVE THE VICTIMS. Ask the right questions to find out the true story, but refrain from greeting stories of assault with immediate dismissal or skepticism. Contribute to a society that doesn’t intimidate people out of reporting sexual assault and harassment.

Cover Story 13

When They Were Us: Ms. Miranda Chin TEENAGE TEAHCER: Ms. Chin gives a presentation in her physics class.

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).

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

E

verything happens for a reason, and for Ms. Miranda Chin, that reason usually boils down to physics.

Growing up in Miami, Ms. Chin attended Miami Sunset Senior High School for four years. She participated in clubs including Mu Alpha Theta, Science Honor Society, Junior Engineering Technical Society, National Honor Society, Future Educators of America and of course, the Physics Club. These clubs fueled her momentum to reach her teaching career later on.

Ms. Chin also felt drawn towards water sports, as she competed for the varsity swim team and held the team manager position for her school’s water polo team.

She met her best friend to this day in her freshman biology class in high school. Aside from hanging out with friends, reading and

“We were not close growing up, he was just my annoying younger brother who followed me around. But after leaving for college, I learned how to appreciate him better,” she said. Today, the two maintain a close relationship, and although he lives in New York, they talk on the phone every day.

After high school, she went I knew right away that I wanted to [teach]. I want- on to attend ed to pass on this love for physics to as many students Florida International University as I could (FIU), where she graduated with watching movies, Ms. Chin actively enher Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. gaged in community service, ultimateMs. Chin’s high school physics teacher inly becoming the Science Silver Knight spired her to pursue a major in physics, as Award nominee from her school. She he attempted to create a fun and interestplaced great emphasis on her studing learning environment for Ms. Chin and ies, as she graduated with the her classmates. distinction of salutatorian of “He had a knack for bringing out the her senior class. best in his students,” Ms. Chin said. “I knew As for her family right away that I wanted to do the same life, Ms. Chin has one thing. I wanted to pass on this love for physyounger brother. ics to as many students as I could.”

“

.

”

WINNING AWARDS: Ms. Chin receives an award alongside her high school physics teacher.

(Photos submitted/ Miranda Chin)

Features 13

Home for the holidays Kayla Rubenstein| Asst. Online Editor pl209912@ahschool.com

As holiday season reaches its high point, fuzzy socks, warm drinks and cozy nights become more and more prevalent. Check out these movies, recipes and activities for some holiday inspiration.

For the spirited

For the bored

• Santa’s Enchanted Forest: Step into this brightly lit Christmas wonderland, located at 7900 SW 40th St. Miami, FL 33155, to experience a Christmas-themed fair unlike any other in South Florida.

• The 100 Foot Christmas Tree: Celebrate the 25th anniversary of, as the name implies, the 100 Foot Christmas Tree, located in Delray Beach. With a wide variety of holiday activities throughout December, such as the New Year’s Eve event featuring live music and outdoor games, this festival continues to pack December with holiday cheer.

• Holiday Boat Parades: With Florida surrounded by water, dozens of holiday-themed boats decorate the waterways in festivals such as the Holiday Boat Parade with Artikal Sound Systems in Boynton Beach Dec. 14, to the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Dec. 15.

• “Home Alone:” Combine the range of emotions involved with being left behind during the holiday season with the crazy antics of Kevin McCallister, portrayed by Macaulay Culkin. The original “Home Alone” and all four of its sequels make the perfect holiday binge-watching companion.

• “Elf:” This Christmas comedy, starring Will Ferrell, features an overgrown elf ’s adventure in New York City during the holidays. With silly humor and a heart-warming story about family, “Elf ” embodies the meaning of Christmas.

• “How the Grinch Stole Christmas:” With one of the most lovable “villains,” the Grinch, starring in the three different movie versions of the story, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” continues to delight viewers across generations.

For the baker

Sugar cookies (makes one dozen)

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

1 ½ cups powdered sugar 1 cup softened butter 1 teaspoon vanilla ½ teaspoon almond extract 1 egg 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cream of tartar Granulated sugar or colored sugar, for decorating

Instructions:

14 Features

• Combine powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract and egg in a large bowl. Mix in the remaining ingredients except decorating sugars. Cover the dough and refrigerate for two hours, minimum.

• Heat the oven to 375 degrees.

• While the oven heats up, lightly grease the cookie sheet.

Take out the dough from the refrigerator and divide it in half.

Roll each half about ¼ inch thick on a lightly floured surface.

Using cookie cutters, mold the dough into desired shapes.

• Taking the decorative sugar, sprinkle it on the shaped cookies. Place the finished cookie on the lightly greased cookie sheet.

• Bake for seven minutes or until the edges lightly brown.

Once the cookies reach desired consistency, remove them from the cookie sheet and cool them on a wire rack.

(Photo/ Maia Fernandez Baigun)

Entertainment

Get For the past couple of months, our online editor-in-chief attended concerts from a variety of musical genres. Here are her takes on two of them.

Joanne Haner | Online Editor-in-Chief pl184941@ahschool.com

A

fter this show was postponed for almost two months, anticipated fans from all over South Florida finally had the chance to watch “Aubrey and the handpicked dream-team” at the triple A. The stage setup of the show was interesting. Rather than having a stage on one side of the venue, the Drake concert had its stage in the center of the floor with surrounding general admission seating. However, the set up did allow for the concert to rely heavily on the energy of the audience. Luckily, the fans delivered.

The actual concert itself focused mainly on the artists and less on the concert “extras.” The backup dancers were minimal, and only came out for a total of four songs. The first opening act, Roy Woods, had a relatively small audience.

Personally, I had only heard of him through an Obscura a previous staffer wrote, but, after hearing his live performance, definitely would like to look into more of his music.

Surprisingly, Migos acted as an opening act, but actually put on a show of their own. Personally, I think the concert was more of a Drake concert with a Migos concert beforehand. That being said, Migos, known for their loud or mumbling rap, really got the show started. The flashing lights and intense profanity had the audience chanting at a volume that was deafening. It was just enough to cover the awkward break that would take place before Drake came on. Drake separated his concert into two halves: “A Side” and “B Side,” like a record. Drake acknowledged multiple times that he would put everything he had into the show, and he definitely made it feel that way.

My first rap concert can debatably be deemed a success, but I wouldn’t rank it as one of the best concerts I’ve been to.

(Photo/ www.adamelmakias.com, www.nj.com)

T

he buildup leading to this concert was by far the largest I’ve experienced in my life. I bought the tickets for the Bandito tour within minutes of their release as I was in an admissions information session during my college tours this past summer. Basically, I really, really wanted to go to this show.

Upon arriving at the BB&T Center wearing yellow duct tape and my twenty one pilots shirt, the overwhelming amount of people waiting to get into the arena immediately showed me how much this show meant to others as well.

The show itself was electrifying. The first opening act, Max Frost, though mostly unheard of, impressed me. His one-man band show demonstrated his good music and talent and did exact what an opening act does: expose the artist to the already excited audience and set the mood for the concert.

The second opening act, AWOLNATION, was even more heart-pounding. A completely different sound from Frost, AWOLNATION had the audience jumping with their loud shrieks and guitar solos. Never before had I seen an audience so into an opening act performance.

The stage was all set for the main act. As soon as Joshua Dun, the drummer and half of the alt-pop rock duo, came out onto the stage, torch in hand, the general admission group fled closer to the stage exactly like an ocean wave.

The energy of the crowd made the show an experience. Everyone was happy to be there watching Tyler and Josh perform their hearts out. It was as though nobody wanted the night to end, including me. Overall, the hype of the show was all worth it.

Fearless in our rebel clothes, fans from all over came ready to enjoy the show, together.

Entertainment 15

OBSCURA

(Graphics/Madison Lynn)

D

uring an era when there are hundreds of ways to listen to music, indie artists have become more mainstream and what was called “alternative” is now popular, unique and fresh content are running low. In a society where, to succeed, a face must be put to a name for it to be recognized, anonymity is rare. Take Sia for example-when her career took off, she made it a point not to have her face shown in any of her videos or in live performances. This, however, did not last too long; in less than a year, she revealed her face to the public.

Having a very similar story to Sia’s, artist H.E.R has also chosen to hide her face from the public eye. She avoids interviews and has never placed her face on an album cover; in fact, she has made her anonymity so present that she has yet to personally confirm her real name. Fans, however,

son, a child star who was featured on Good Morning America at the age of 10 with her cover of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You.” But at the end of the day, does this matter?

Aside from her strict anonymity, H.E.R. takes on R&B with a modern and minimalistic approach. Soft and melodical, her voice creates a harmonious vibe often accompanied by synthesizers or a slow bass. H.E.R. released her first EP titled “H.E.R. Volume 1” Sept. 9, 2016 with RCA Records. This album includes “Jungle,” her first song (more of a cover of Drake’s “Jungle”) which originally drew eyes on her talent. “Jungle” features her velvet-like voice and slow backup vocals. Not only does it mirror Drake’s feeling in the track, but it also makes up for a surprising track setting the bar high for future releases. Almost a year after the release of her first EP, H.E.R. released her second full album: “H.E.R. Volume 2” (original, I know) Oct. 20, 2017. This

(Graphics/ Madison Lynn) (Photo/www.genius.com)

(Photos/Wikimedia)

Maia Fernandez-Baigun | Entertainment Editor speculated on whether H.E.R. is Gabi Wilpl212601@ahschool.com

album exploded in popularity when listeners recognized Daniel Caesar’s familiar voice in “Best Part.” This track is H.E.R.’s most popular yet, and for good reason.

“Best Part” starts with melodic harmonies from both Caesar and an earthy acoustic guitar. The track is just that; with the exception of a little bass action, “Best Part” is raw and romantic with Caesar’s melody, H.E.R.’s runs and the acoustic guitar as the three main components.

After H.E.R.’s newfound fame, she released yet another album earlier this year titled “I Used To Know Her.” Even though she sticks to her soulful delicate voice, H.E.R. teams up with Bryson Tiller and D.J. Scratch for a small sample of a slightly more upbeat style. H.E.R. has definitely risen in popularity within the R&B industry, and, at the same time, has brought instrumental minimalism to the community.

No Se Aceptan Devoluciones: reseña de cine Greeshma Avaradi | Guest Writer pl234011@ahschool.com This is a movie review guest written by a member of the Spanish Honor Society.

“

No se aceptan devoluciones” es una comedia dramática sobre un mujeriego que tiene que cuidar a una hija después de que una de sus mujeres se queda embarazada. Ella deja a la niña con él, lo que lleva a que él tenga que criarla solo. Sin embargo, esta película no es solo una historia alegre, pero también invoca muchas emociones en su audiencia.

El protagonista se llama Valentín y su personalidad y perspectiva de la vida cambian mucho durante la película.

16 Entertainment

Inicialmente, no había tomado en serio su vida y hasta intentó devolverle su hija a la madre, Julie. Cuando no pudo encontrarla, decidió criar a la niña por sí mismo. A medida que la niña, Maggie, creció, la relación entre ella y Valentín empezó a consolidarse. Valentín se da cuenta de la importancia de una relación seria y llena de amor. Cuando Julie regresa a llevarse la niña, Valentín sufre y hace mucho para quedarse con su hija.

La fuerza de su conexión con Maggie hasta el fin es muy increíble.

Su relación con su hija le muestra a Valentín que puede tener un propósito en su vida, una razón para sonreír. Aprende que el poder del amor de la familia puede vencer todos los

obstáculos. Al final, la muerte de su hija también le enseña a Valentín que uno no puede prepararse para todo lo que puede salir mal pero que hayque confrontar los problemas.

Esta película es muy cómica, pero la gran vuelta de tuerca al final hace llorar a toda la audiencia. Si agradeces el impacto del amor de una relación fuerte y quieres reírte, entonces “No se aceptan devoluciones” es la película perfecta para ti.

(Photo/www.portalpolitico.tv)

SPOT LIGHT

Jonah Warhaft

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

T

riple threat junior Jonah Warhaft can sing, dance and act with the prowess of a Broadway star, despite having never received any formal training.

Having performed since the seventh grade, Warhaft first became involved in theater when he took advantage of the drama program at Tequesta Trace Middle School.

His love for singing pushed him to pursue theater, which has now turned into his desired career path. Heritage rewarded Warhaft with a theater scholarship for his passion and talent for theater.

Since Warhaft does not take private classes, most of his training comes from the dance, acting and ch o r u s e l e c t i ve s at school.

This does not set him at a disadvantage as Warhaft has participated in shows ranging

from musicals to song cycles, including many school productions such as “Almost Maine,” “The Dining Room” and “Songs for a New World.” Warhaft credits “35MM” as his favorite show.

“I loved the music in the show, and the cast was insanely talented. I felt like we had a very good dynamic and connection. It was such a memorable show,” Warhaft said.

Besides recently starring in the school’s production of “Tartuffe,” Warhaft has also been preparing for his role in the show “Spelling Bee” at a theater in Weston.

Participating in these shows requires Warhaft to dedicate most of his time to rehearsals. Warhaft starts attending weekly rehearsals two months before opening night.

He must have his lines memorized about two to three weeks before his first performance. When the full production is run through, he often stays at rehearsal from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

In order to stay healthy to balance both school and practice and make up for

his lack of sleep, Warhaft tries to drink a lot of water and eat healthy.

Though theater takes up a substantial amount of time, Warhaft believes that it is all worth it. “[Theater] is an amazing form of expression and I love stepping into the life of a different character and embodying everything they represent,” Warhaft said.

Warhaft hopes to pursue acting as a career and star in many productions in the future.

WARHAFT WOWS: Warhaft sings in “Songs For a New World.” The off-Broadway show, a mix between a song cycle and musical, connects each song to the common theme of “the moment of decision.” (Photo submitted/Jonah Warhaft)

Entertainment 17

Sports

Loss to serve as motivation for football team Alex Becker| Sports Editor pl215753@ahschool.com

F

or the first time in three years, the football team will not end the season as state champions.

After two straight state titles, a 34-game win streak and ranking as a top high school team in the nation, the Patriots won’t be defending their title. Though having tasted the bitterness of defeat, the Patriots still remain optimistic for years to come.

Coming into the season, the Patriots were underdogs. The team worked all spring and summer to remain the top team in the state after losing 19 of 22 starters.

However, in its first regular season game, the team lost to Carol City High School 34-16. Yet, what seemed to be proof this was not the same team as years prior, only served as motivation for the rest of the season.

The Patriots went on to win their next five games by a total of 94 points. The Patriots once again looked like their dominant selves. However, on Oct. 12, the Patriots lost to division rival Cardinal Gibbons 24-14. The Patriot offense had a chance to win, down three with only seconds remaining inside of Gibbons territory, but a pick-six from the Chiefs defense sealed the Patriot loss.

A few days later, an investigation on Carol City found the team had used ineligible athletes in the game against the Patriots. The Florida High School Athletic Association changed the outcome of the game to forfeit-win for the Patriots, enhancing their record to 6-1 rather than 5-2.

Closing out the regular season with blowout victories over Miami Jackson High School and Hallandale High School, the fifth seeded Patriots faced No. 4 seeded Westwood High School in the opening round of the playoffs. The Patriots would go on to defeat Westwood and No. 1 seeded Rockledge High School 37-14 and 31-14, respectively.

Full of momentum, the Patriots looked to make it back to the state title game for the third consecutive year, but first they needed to make it past Gibbons. In an away game against their rival with everything on the line, the Patriots defense focused intensely on containing star Gibbons quarterback Nik Scalzo. Earlier in the season, the Patriots held Scalzo to a mere 73 passing yards on only a 47.4 percent completion percentage. However, Scalzo, who has torched the Patriots in the past accumulating more than 200 all-purpose yards in multiple games, tore his ACL in practice the week of the playoff game. The sudden injury left backup Brody Palhegyi as the starter.

While many experts predicted the Patriots to overpower the sophomore in his debut, Palhegyi kept the ball on the ground, handing it off to running backs Vincent Davis and Tajae Davis 29 total times and carrying it himself seven times. Despite the Chiefs staying true to the ground game, Palhegyi threw for two touchdowns in only nine passing attempts. When the clock hit triple zeros, the Chiefs had defeated the reigning champions 35-7, with the Patriots only score coming in the second quarter on a 55-yard catch and run from sophomore Vinson Davis III. The Patriots quest for a “three-peat” was over.

Although failing to keep the championship streak alive, the Patriots still try to stay positive. “Obviously with the expectations we have around here, anything besides a state championship is considered a disappointing season.

With that being said I’m also proud of the way my guys competed and laid it on the line the entire season,” Surtain said.

While the team could hang its head after ending 10-2, Coach Surtain wants his players to use the loss as motivation for seasons ahead.

“Only one team will be happy at the end. I tell them to remember this feeling that they have, and come back and work harder to ensure they don’t experience that feeling again,” Surtain said.

18 Sports

(Photo/ Angela Lin)

Swimming at state

(Photo/wilmingtoncc)

Kayla Rubenstein|Online Assitant Editor but still competing for something,” Olivia 10th in the 500 freestyle. In the 100 backpl226461@ahschool.com Mason said. stroke competition, Lares placed ninth, and n a state where the weather consistently The next step in the varsity swim team’s in the 100 breastroke, Ham placed ninth. fosters outdoor activity, it should come journey occurred at the Saltfish Splash WaOverall, the varsity swimmers received as no surprise swimming proves a com- ter Park Nov. 17. The team finished in the eight team awards and a final ranking out of petitive sport. Two weekends in 40 teams-12th for the girls and November, the swim team com15th for the boys. As for the repeted in district and state comlay teams, Olivia Mason, Julie petitions, prevailing in both.

Mason, Taylor, and McKenna At districts, held Nov. 3 at placed ninth in the 200 and the North County Aquatics 10th in the 400 freestyle relay.

Complex in Jupiter, the varsity For senior Thea McKenna, the swim team competed in multirelays were the highlight of the ple events, with 10 swimmers meet. “Swimming with the [replacing high enough in one or lay team] toward the same goal more categories to advance to always makes me go faster, and state. The swimmers who qualthe relays are always the most ified for state include sophoexciting part of the meet,” more Olivia Mason, senior Julie McKenna said.

Mason, junior Emme Ham, seWith the competition stronDIVE IN: Sophomore Olivia Mason uses the diving technique she practiced nior Thea McKenna, sophomore ger than ever, the state finals fosafter school. Mason finished sixth overall in the 50 freestyle, posting a time of Felicia Taylor, freshman Eva 24.48. (Photo/submitted by Olivia Mason) tered a highly competitive enviPierre-Antoine, junior Daniel Esronment. For Olivia Mason, state cobar, sophomore Nicolas Rossi, sophomore top 10 at the Florida High School Athletic provided the opportunity to see her work pay Jiehoon Lee and freshman Sebastian Lares. Association (FHSAA) 2A State Swimming off. “My favorite part was finals since it felt as For swimmers at districts, the competition Championships. Individually, four swim- though I reached the end goal and was able provided an opportunity to compete without mers received awards. Olivia Mason placed to exceed my expectations,” Olivia Mason the major stress of state. “My favorite part sixth and ninth in the 50 and 100 freestyle, said. “State was just amazing. Swimming fast of districts was swimming less competitively respectively. Escobar earned fifth and Rossi just felt good, and feels like it’s complete.”

I

Racing back to regionals 5K Results C Sloane Kapit|Co-Assistant Editor pl216611@ahschool.com ross country began practicing in early July with the goal of making it to regionals, a feat the team had not accomplished for multiple years. The team qualified Oct. 23 at the district competition and then competed in Titusville, Fla., Nov. 3 in the 5K race. Coaches Damian Sutton and German Garcia coached the young team, boasting a roster of one seventh grader, four freshmen, one sophomore and one junior at regionals.

Although he did not compete at regionals, co-team captain junior Dylan Riffle noted the shift in the team dynamic this season as a factor that catapulted members to reach the competition.

“The team as a whole felt more like a team than a group of individual runners, which allowed us to build off each other and work to make each other stronger,” he said. He continued to emphasize the

importance of a strong team environment and friendly competitiveness.

“I am really good friends with all of my teammates, and when one of my teammates is running faster than they usually are, I know that I need to go faster,” freshman Jacob Bennett said. At regionals, he noticed that one of his teammates, seventh grader Skye Steward, was faster. He knew he needed to run faster to catch up.

“Although I didn’t end up catching up to him, he helped push me to get my personal record at regionals,” he said. In the future, he plans to run under 19 minute 5Ks and even reach under 18 minutes. He hopes to return to regionals and eventually state. This friendly fire drove each team member to beat their personal record (PR) at the regional competition.

“Looking at next season, we have a young team and we’re only getting faster,” Riffle said.

“This year everyone [set a personal record] at regionals, so as long as we maintain our momentum we’re state bound next year.”

Jayden Geathers 18:32 Trenton Guy: 18:59

Andrew Simon: 19:12 Connor Steward: 19:30 Skye Steward: 20:08 Jacob Bennett: 20:32 Lucas Baumann: 20:41 Sports 19

From the Bench

BY ALEX BECKER

‘Winter’ Sports in Florida It’s that time of the year again: the sun is shining, the leaves aren’t falling, temperatures are dropping all the way down to a brisk 65 degrees and Floridians are putting winter coats on themselves and their dogs. Florida has what everyone dreams of in a place to live: humidity, rising sea levels, hurricanes and, of course a sky-high unemployment rate. Well, everything except for winter. So here are some things to do to in the Florida “winter.”

Horse Racing: Winter is the start of horse racing season in Florida. Like an upscale NASCAR, horse racing combines everything that makes America great, putting your hard-earned money on a short guy slapping the back of a trusty steed to run in a circle. If you aren’t 18 years old (minimum age to gamble), you can still sit down and watch the ponies. And there is no better time to go to the tracks than when sweating is minimal.

Ice Hockey: We may not have snow, but we still have ice. Hockey season has just begun and just setting foot into the BB&T Center feels like winter, so go cheer on the Florida Panthers. We probably won’t win, but if you are lucky, there might be fight.

Also, tickets are only $4.

Disney World: Why is Disney World in a sports column? Because it’s my column, and I love Mickey Mouse. If you want the feel of winter, with the cold wind slapping you across the face, the best you will get in Florida is the 40 degree lows of Orlando. Disney has everything you could want in a winter, from snowflake decorations to tongue-burning hot chocolate that never seems to cool down. The rides are fun, too.

Take advantage of all Florida has to offer. Though the season isn’t typical, you can still have fun. Don’t just sit home with the air conditioner on; go out and have a great time. Or go skiing in Colorado. This is Heritage, you will probably go skiing in Colorado.

20 Sports

Mateo Coles rides to the Youth Olympics with Team North America.

Olivia Lloyd | Copy Editor pl229501@ahschool.com

S

ince he was a young boy growing up in Haiti, junior Mateo Coles has ridden horses. Despite a tumultuous journey, involving parting with and returning to the sport, he recently secured a gold medal at the Youth Olympics in Argentina as part of the North American equestrian team.

“The Europeans were really good, and everyone thought they were going to win,” Coles said. “We won by one second, so it was really tight. Once we won, it was like a dream come true. The feeling of winning the gold medal … I was crying.”

Within the span of a week, Coles and his North American teammates came together and began working with each other, a new coach and the new horses assigned to them. “I had to count on my teammates,” Coles said. “We were very good at communication, and we had a very good coach and a very good leader.”

Coles has been involved in equestrian nearly his whole life. “When I was born, I was born with horses.

It’s always been in my blood,” Coles said.

He rode horses with his older brother, who was nationally ranked by the time he was 13 years old. An accident, however, forced his brother to leave the sport.

Similar to many talented athletes, Coles has had a passion for his sport throughout most of his life Yet unlike other talented athletes, Coles’s involvement in the sport has not always been constant due to tragic events he faced.

In 2010, a magnitude seven earthquake rattled Haiti. This catastrophe forced Coles to leave riding for a while and eventually prompted his move to the U.S. “After that, I stopped riding, and I started playing tennis until around 2013,” Coles said.

After moving to the U.S., he received a call one day from a woman who knew his mother, and she invited him to visit her stables in Southwest Ranches. After that visit, Coles had another paradigm shift and realized he needed to continue riding.

“Once I rode that one day I was hooked again,” he said. That woman became the trainer he rides with to this day.

Despite a myriad of setbacks, Coles’s love for horseback riding has been true. As the saying goes: “If you love something, let it go, and if it comes back to you, it’s yours.” Coles let go of horseback riding due to the circumstances at the time, but his love of the sport brought him back to it, and now he holds on to his passion stronger than ever.

TRUE COLORS: Draped in the Haitian flag, Coles displays his gold medal alongside his mother. (Photo submitted/Mateo Coles)

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WORKING TOGETHER WORKS FOR EVERYONE Cigna is a proud supporter of American Heritage, American Heritage Academy and its commitment to quality education, health and well-being of their students. Together, we’re making our community a stronger, healthier place to live.

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CREATE WEALTH Patricia Woods

TRUST the

advice

of a Professional (954) 478-3668

Through Real Estate INVESTING As a Real Estate Investor you can make money from cashflow and appreciation on Income Properties.

Diversify Your Portfolio Hedge Against Inflation

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These being two of the many attractive aspects of owning Real Estate Investments.

Obtain Steady Cash Flow

PW Real Estate Investments