2651 Acklins Road
October 12, 2015
2651 Acklins Road West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561-777-5576 loopylily333@gmail.com
Steve Moore, newspaper adviser Dreyfoos School of the Arts 501 S Sapodilla Ave West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Dear Mr. Moore, The opportunity to work and be a staffer on “The Muse” is something I would personally like to experience. I appreciate the publication that you and your staff put together, and I would like to apply for a position on the newspaper staff because I believe I could contribute to the success of “The Muse.” As the Photo Editor of my middle school newspaper, I have skills in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign. I have interviewed, taken photos, written and edited copy, edited photos, and designed layouts. My previous experience with journalism would make me a perfect fit for your staff because I am capable of working with others and getting things done on time. After producing 12 issues of a newspaper, I have first-hand experience with creating and writing correct copy. In the newspaper, we try our best to tell interesting and eye-catching stories and take story telling photos. Our publication is 12 pages long and features sections like news, sports, arts and academics, technology, etc. I edit the sports page as well as the photos. I am willing to make sacrifices to meet the expectations of the newspaper, even if I have to go out of my way. I appreciate you considering me for a position on “The Muse” newspaper staff. I hope to have an interview too personally explain my experience and capabilities. I have attached a resume of my experience to further illustrate my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration and I hope to hear back from you soon. Respectfully yours,
West Palm Beach, FL 33406 561-777-5576 loopylily333@ gmail.com Objective To make the Portfolio Newspaper a successful and well-written publication and to have a higher knowledge of journalism and news style writing. Education o Completed 6 years at Berkshire Elementary School o G.P.A. 4.0 o Graduated June 4, 2016 Experience Portfolio Newspaper, Bak Middle School of the Arts o Aug 2014-2015. Photo Editor. Designed Sports page layout, met deadlines, edit pages and copy, downloaded and prepared photos. o Aug 2015-2016. Photo Editor. Designed Sports page layout, met deadlines, edit pages and copy, downloaded and prepared photos. Relevant Middle School Studies Introduction to Journalism, Graphic Design, Introduction to Technology, English I, II, and III. Honors, Awards and Memberships 4-h equestrian program, 2012-present, member of Heavenly Horses 4-h club, dedicated to kids ages 8-18 on learning and showing horses. FAME video contest, 2015, 4th place in the state for a Public Service Announcement about Water Conservation in the FAME Video Contest. Active Equestrian, 2008-present, I started riding horses when I was 6 and continued to ride to this day. I compete in local and state competitions. References
Lily Gumbinner
o Jessica Samons: newspaper adviser. o Katie Wagner: horseback riding instructor. o Shannon Owens: communications teacher.
Check out the food review on Palm Beach County’s best doughnuts on page 6.
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In this year, I tried to work with the staff as much as possible and tried to get all the photos prepared and downloaded in time. We had to turn in our articles by a certain amount of time and got all my articles good to go on time. I only had to take one photo but I did have to write several captions. I also had layouts to do on some of the issues. That was a challenge trying to get my articles good to go, photos prepared, captions written, and layouts good to go. I worked with my staff and used teamwork to the best of my ability. I taught new staffers how to download/prepare photos and how to format their article. I sold ads for the first two issues from the Kravis Center that earned me extra points on my log. I was happy to help out the staff my getting some money for the Newspaper. One difficulty in this issue is that we had to change our typical 12-page layout to a 16-page layout for 3 of the 6 issues. We fit all the ads but some layouts had giant gaps. We overcame this by creating a few ads. I was very dedicated in trying to make every issue great. I followed journalism ethics and I think that I wrote good articles and had good layouts.
Analytical Essay
I learned a lot this year. First of all, I learned how to write a technology article because I have never done that before. I also learned how to teach someone how to be a photo editor rather than me being taught how to be a photo editor. I also learned several new things on InDesign. Most of all, I learned the importance of lightening the grayscale photos. It was hard to get used to doing that every time I prepared a photo. Even though I was on the staff last year, I learn something new every day. I feel like I do well as a photo editor and I always try and stay on top of things. As soon as someone gives me a photo to download or prepare, I try to do it right away. I love being photo editor because it gives me a good responsibility and I enjoy working on Photoshop. Everything that I learned this year I can use in the future. I learned teaching skills, writing and production skills, and teamwork skills. I taught the new staffers how to download and prepare photos which, in the real world, you will need to teach other people how to do things in your career. I also learned writing and production skills which will help me in the future on tests and my career. No matter what I do in life, I will always need teamwork skills. No matter what career I have or what school I go to, I will always have to work well with other people. During this year, I learned teaching, writing, production, and teamwork which I can use in the future. Overall, I felt like this was a very good year for the Portfolio Newspaper and we all worked together to create an amazing newspaper despite the challenges.
I feel that Maymy 2016 * best Volume 19work * Issue 6 *was Bak Middle School of the Arts * 1725 Echo Lake Drive * West Palm Beach, Florida 33407 my article on the new assisntant First Draft Sunfest headlines major performers principal, Terrance Narinesingh. event My purpose wasConcert to inform the draws in hundreds of thousands of fans By Luke Stone student body that we have a new Co-Editor-in-Chief very year around the first week AP, and what he planned to do for of May, people from across the nation come together on the next school year. This article Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach to attend South Florida’s largest was fairly easy to write, he had annual music festival, SunFest. “I’ve worked for SunFest since 1990 and the event today is very unlike the his own website that was good, event of the eighties and nineties,” Paul Jamieson, SunFest’s executive direct research. I found him easily director since 1996 said. “Back then, it was more of a community festival with to interview and he gave me great a focus on many different things, and now it’s become a national festival that quotes which made my article focuses primarily on music.” Since its founding in 1982, SunFest simple. I didn’t have to revise it has grown, with this year’s event (from April 27- May 1) featuring 50 too much, but I did have to clarify bands across three stages with a total attendance of approximately 175 on his one position. I set up an thousand people. Duran Duran’s lead singer Simon LeBon performs on the Ford Stage at SunFest on Wednesday, April 27, Sunfest appointment with him and used 2016. The band will go on tour in America this summer, with performances scheduled in Tennessee, Illinois, Continued on page 4 and Massachusetts. good journalism ethics while Protecting personal information on social media reduces risk, harm interviewing him. I liked howAccording my to the U.S. Securities and Additionally, always verify if a friend but they may be using posted pictures By Angela Yan Exchange Commission, this proved to or acquaintance’s account is real before to target or stalk users. News Editor article flowed between transitions be dangerous because hackers could sending them private messages. It USA Today suggested creating ith social media growing use this information to stalk someone may seem like people only make fake different passwords for every social and quotes. I though that it more prevalent among or deliver spam. accounts for celebrities, but it is more media platform. Otherwise, once today’s youth, Internet According to Network World, social widespread than that. Hackers have someone hacks into one account, they privacy on AP Instagram, Facebook, and security numbers, birthdays, home used fake accounts to embarrass the can then access all other accounts. followed good style rules.
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Photo courtesy of Allen Eyestone/Palm Beach Post
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Reflection #1
During the 2015-2016 year in the Portfolio Newspaper, we had some challenges to overcome, but worked together as a staff to make great issues. In this essay, I will talk about what I learned and how we our newspaper together.
News.......................................1 & 4 Editorial.....................................2 Opinion.................................3 Entertainment.......................6 & 7 Features..................................8 & 9 Sports and Clubs..........10 & 11 Technology...........................12 & 13 Arts and Academics...........14 & 15 Student Life...................................16
Twitter becomes more and more of an issue in daily lives. The Internet provided users with a false sense of anonymity and security, resulting in people disclosing more information than they would in real life.
Final Draft
addresses, phone numbers, and credit card information should be kept private. Some sites may have options to limit this information to a select group of people, so always check the sites’ privacy settings.
real person or steal their identity for financial gain. Security In-a-Box recommended social media users to never feel pressured to accept follow requests from strangers. Some of these strangers seem harmless,
There is no avoiding being exposed to social media today, but there are essential steps to staying safe online, such as being careful about posting pictures and friending users.
‘I am very humbled to be part of such a fantastic team,’ Narinesingh says
By Lily Gumbinner Photo Editor s the current assistant principal, Robert Bauer, plans his retirement, Terrence Narinesingh, Ed. S. steps up to take the position. “The opportunity presented itself because one of the current assistant principals is retiring. I saw this as a chance to share what I know with the stakeholders here at Bak and to work with the students,” Narinesingh said. Narinesingh started teaching in 2006 as a high school science teacher. He was then promoted to instructional specialist, assistant principal, and adjunct professor of Educational Leadership at Barry University. “I started as a teacher at John I.
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Leonard High School. After that, I was promoted to the district office as part of an administrative team to improve student achievement. Most recently, I was an administrator in Area 1 that helped student achievement with a combo of middle and high School students,” Narinesingh said. “I formerly taught earth-space science, biology, and chemistry. I have an undergraduate degree in biology and a master’s degree in student achievement and leadership.” Not only does Narinesingh get lots of support from the Bak staff, his family has also inspired him in his educational career. “I became an administrator because my sister was a teacher and my father is
also currently a math teacher, so they inspired me to be an administrator,” Narinesingh said. “I am able to impact student achievement in a bigger perspective.” Although his first day was a learning experience trying to get acclimated to the campus, Narinesingh said that, “Everyone has been very supportive. I feel like I am part of a family.” “Bak is very reputable in terms of having honorable students and a great staff. I wanted to have the challenge of working in an art school. I am very humbled to be a part of such a fantastic team.” Narinesingh said, “I look forward to working with everyone and being a part of a great team here at Bak.”
Photo courtesy of Narinesingh
Aside from being an administrator, Narinesingh loves to write short stories and poetry. He is also involved with Dachshund rescue.
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News........................................1 & 4 Editorial.....................................2 Opinion.................................3 Entertainment.........................5 Features..................................6 & 7 Sports and Clubs...................8 Arts and Academics.....................10 Technolog y........................11 Student Life...................................12
February 2016 * Volume 19 * Issue 3 * Bak Middle School of the Arts * 1725 Echo Lake Drive * West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
SGA sells candy canes to assist children in need Page I feel4 like my ar-
Winter pep rally caps off middle of school year with high spirits if the school courses, grades, and scholarships forEspecially The pep rally featured games such First Draft required anCheetos, audition, like people The Portfolio News as Sticky where college,” Glaze said.
By Lily Gumbinner
Dreyfoos School of the
The mission of the Office of K-12 sprayed shaving cream onto teachers’ By Ervin ticle onWilliams high schol op- Photo Editor February 2016 Boynton Beach HighCheetos hair. or Participants then flung School Choice was to support qualityArts Over 150 Choice and In-House Technology Editor School. onto their grade level teacher’s head. public and speeches, private educational graphics tions could use a bit Students present poetry, programs within 24 high schools are Another was the box adancing “Artevent schools have choice programs by providing was the season of giving, and offered through the School District game. more work. I feel that different deadline which is grade communications showcase everyone deserved the chancein sixth of Palm Beach County, whichinformation and assistance toin early PierreDecember said, “I enjoyed becausethe box get presents and gifts, but successful outcomes for dancing they were practicing andwhere rehearsing practice promote their events,” Alyssa Vaknin, By Anushka Lakum students the opportunity I didnttofully follow the game they were trying allowed of the auditions. All other some families were less fortunate, so speech debate teacher, said.institutions their and pieces. Entertainment Editor career pathways and students, families, to get the balls out of the tissue boxes.” to follow helpand choice programs deadline is story lineGovernment and I had a Bak’s Student Association performing in front introduced Teachers helped students prepare to“I learned communities, according the about The Bak sports coaches themannual graduatesixth ready grade for college. of a large audience,” Manocchio said. for theirFlorida performances and perfect he (SGA) decided to do something about in late January,” Glaze said. their players, who whooped as they ran bitit. of trouble with inter- communications “At a choice showcase school,was you the getskills to needed. Department of Education. Everyone Taking had their own opinion of tour to meet thearest ofand theirvisiting team. “Our goal has been to regionalize specialize in something that you the showcase, includingwas teachers. back with this year’s “Inside “My teacher gave me tips and The Student Government Association the school another “At one point, an eighth way grader gave viewing. I learned thta i the high-school and middle-school “The showcase was Bak” theme. performed live explained what the like, Students like the arts, International at Bak wanted to give back to the to more information on to the his get friend a piggy back ride programs, so that no matter where very entertaining, and radio dramas, read poetry, and gave performance was community. Baccalaureate, or a medical need to plan my articles center of the gym,” Ambreen Murad, the schools and get a better I am proud of all the speeches. mainly about,” near a program,” “We always say that we are going to “People get to eighth see grade vocal major said. program,” Lee Glaze, magnetyou live, you are idea of the programs that Photo by Angela Yan students who worked Sofia Manocchio, “Everyone will see what the sixth a bit morebutbefore I start Peter Licata, Director of Choice help someone, rarely do we ever coordinator what we’ve learned, Theoffered. Step Team put on a performance Sprinting to the other sideour of the gym, eighth communications hard to show their sixth gradegrade graders have done, andsaid. we’ll have they follow through with our promises. and Career Options said, according The School ofcommunications Palm at the talent,” conclusion of said. the pep rally. Hahn, grabs full of stuffedand animals and drags it Vaknin own major turn toSamuel shine,” DikshaDistrict Gupta,a sled writing and interviewwe’re very talented Glaze said, “We are very SGA wants to really make that promise back to where he started. The winter pep to the Sun Sentinel. rally included a dance-off, “I thought the Step Sixth graders in theTeam did an said. sixth grade communications major, ofmajor, Beach County is proud being fortunate in Palm Beach and make things fun for into if reality,” Kevin the Ray, SGA president Students could earn industry where students danced to the popular song “The Whip.” ing. i had chance showcase “pretty said. “The Parents and other said. amazing job,”were Murad a national leader of Choice and said. County to have choice The students had only a portion of majors’ certifications that lead to high best confident” part was about whentheir they included Career Programs. Students who students the audience,” The fundraiser SGA will provide to improve it,held I would programs. Just make sure pep rally, loud cheers erupted performances. watched timeBy to Angela practiceYan with their teacher, and who winter Spongebob.” skill, high wage, and high demand andto practice completethetheir gifts and resources to underprivileged from their side of according the gym. Editor said,could “I have been showcase afterNews thatparticipate they would have turn thought inGupta yourthere applications occupations, to thetoSome probably more program pathway graduate students at the interview school Pleasant City. did time, well because we’re school, all gotfrom to have inside look were into thethink by themselves. “The an eighth graders mostwe on fter a week of exams, students visit the improvements. Choicearts. program. Choosing the right “We all want to be remembered “During school at nearly a 97 percent majors and thisPierre communication our nine week time, [the excited because it’s our last communications year,” understand cheered for their respective and meetis the said. people and do a bit students]high program could affect a student during the holidays, and we want to let why weingot into Bak.” Students learned a lot of things while were able to create and rate,grades according to on theFriday, School Pierre said. “All of in the gym “Teachers Daphne Scroggins requirements at that school. should many ways. these students know that we do care I Dec.District the eighth graders 18. The of winter pep rally marked more resarch. OVeral, Palm Beach County make itdon’t more clear Read, do research, and SGA candy Everyone about them,” Sharoncanes Campbell, SGA is best tothevisit the schools andwas my school better, but the also what can and Ischool were“It having halfway through Department of2015-2016 Choice Career how much a game is take anything for granted.” Continued from page 1 feel a bit better about sponsor, said. do to make the community feel like taketime.” tours. Somescreaming parents will miss best year. and rooting worth.” Options. students appreciate it.” said. By Ervin To Williams go about raising money for Sixth grade wore “The winter pepRay rally was a really bigtherethe deadline and then you wouldn’t The pep rally left “Selecting a school where this article from when I success for their grade was not going to stop at giving Technology Editor Pleasant City, SGA sold candy canes in SGA in my opinion. Everyone had white, andtoseventh be able choose the right school,” level.” students eager for is a program you have interest in, now second the courtyard for one dollar each. backa and schoolstarting spirit, aand they were grade sported winter break. first wrote it but it still lotis ofisimportant said. gray. orphans areyou andwho helps betterGlaze “Of course, we did not have the fundraiser happy,” for Jennifer Pierre, eighth grade “Everyone was “If I could use one phrase to describe When choosing a high school, candy every year after Christmas,” money SGA sitting around to justcanes give them, “forgotten for the college programs in needs some work. vocalprepare major, said. screaming and rooting for their grade the pep rally,” Murad said, “it would be so we had toContinued find some it is necessary that the application on way page to 4 make according to Campbell.
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Reflection #2
Final Draft
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haveclad interest. It can Aswhich eighthyou grade, in blue, was also level,” Ari Goodman, seventh grade
a ‘loud, fun social gathering.’” “It seems like people only care about money, so we decided on candy canes, help you with Advanced Placementwas filled out correctly and on time. the time winner orphans one a year,of andthe afterannual visual major said. which followed the season,” Deborah thesedeclared that they are forgotten,” Fiore said. Fiore, SGA sponsor said. SGA’s main goal was “to help”, Ray SGA, does not only strive to “provide By school Lily Gumbinner “Selecting a school where there is the with resources to make it said.and help them graduate ready for County is proud of being a national Photo Editor college. leader of Choice and Career Programs. a program you have interest in, is Ray said, “If we do not give to the better”, but also feels that “giving back Photo by Ervin Williams verof150 Choice and In-House “At aarechoice school, in need, whoyou elseget to Students who participate and complete important and helps you better prepare is even more a responsibility,” Ray people who The Student Government Association sold candy canes to pay for programs within 24 high in something youaslike, like their program pathway graduate from for the college programs in which you will?specialize Our school communitythat is just said. students at U.B. Kinsey to have better resources to learn. Sharon are giving offeredback, through asInternational the community around Campbell “When I schools think about I important the arts, Baccalaureate, or highsaid, have interest,” Glaze said. school at nearly a 97 percent “You don’t always get torate, help someone in need. This is us.” a medical program,” Lee Glaze, magnet am just thinking, I make thenotSchool Districthow of can Palm Beach according theso.” School District of a perfect chance to do
School District of Palm Beach County offers many high school choice programs
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County, which allowed students the coordinator said.
Palm Beach County Department of High school choice programs “Art schools have a different deadline Career Options. Continued because on page 4 “It isChoice best toand visit the schools and which is in early December
“Our goal has been to regionalize affect a student in many ways. High schooltochoice programs opportunity follow career pathways The School District of Palm Beach
the high-school and middle-school programs, so that no matter where take tours. Some parents will miss of the auditions. All other choice the deadline and programs deadline is in late January,” you live, you are then you wouldn’t Glaze said. near a program,” Peter Licata, Director Read, do research, and be able to choose Taking a tour and visiting the The mission of the Office of K-12 of the right school,” school was another way to get more Choice and don’t take anything School Choice was to support quality Career Options said, Glaze said. information on the schools and get a public and private educational choice according to the Sun for granted.” When choosing better idea of the programs that they programs by providing information Sentinel. a high school, it is offered. and assistance to promote successful Students could earn industry necessary that the application was filled Glaze said, “We are very fortunate outcomes for students, families, certifications that lead to high skill, high out correctly and on time. Especially in Palm Beach County to have choice institutions and communities, wage, and high demand occupations, if the school required an audition, programs. Just make sure to turn in your PhotoSchool courtesy PalmArts Beach News Photo of Palm Beach Post according to Photo the Florida courtesyDepartment of examiner.com ofofthe orDaily according to the Choice program. Photo courtesy of The Palm Beachlike Post Dreyfoos applications on time, visitcourtesy the school, G-Star of the Arts is aunderstandBoynton High School ofA.W. Education. Dreyfoos School of the ArtsChoosing Beach School High School. Suncoast Community the right program High could Boynton and meetBeach the requirements. charter school located in West offers majors like dance, theater, offers art programs including School offers computer science, Palm Beach. They offer film and music, and visual arts, and an dance, visual arts, music, theater, International Baccalaureate, and animation, and performing arts Aerospace science program digital media, and communication MSE programs. They are ranked programs. (BASA) and technology programs. arts. It is ranked ninth in the state. eleventh in Florida. Continued from page 1 By Lily Gumbinner Photo Editor
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Transportation Crisis Timeline
Reflection #3
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Unfortunately, I was only assigned one photo this year. I did take several photos and wrote many captions, but this was my only photo that was published. I am proud of this picture, however, becasue it may be basic, but it has good shot composition and a good center of visual interest. I think that if I would have taken more photos I could have applied the same good shot composition to the other photos. mac and cheese.jpg
A. This year, I thought my biggest challenge were the issues where I had to do a layout. It was very difficult because I would have stacks of photos to prepare and people saying that their photos are the wrong size as well as an entire layout to complete.
This year on the 2016 Portfolio Newspaper Staff, I was the photo editor. I had to download, resize, and prepare every photo that went onto any page. During all 6 issues, I tried my very hardest to get everyone’s photos done on time. Sometimes staffers needed their photo to be done before anyone elses and that was always a challenge. Although it was a very tough job, I had fun doing it and enjoyed working with everyone.
B. From this, I learned that sometimes you will be thrown into some very stressful situations and sometimes you just have to work through it. In the future, I will try and get all the photos done first, then worry about the layout. I felt this was a great learning experience and all that hardwork and stress turned into a beautiful newspaper.
Reflect #5
Reflect #4
C. Overall, I feel like I handled this situation to the best of my abilities. I never missed a deadline and somehow managed to get all the photos on the pages. I tried my very best to stay calm and work through it.
Reflection #7
Reflection #6
On my evaluations, there were some areas where I didn’t mark myself a ‘5’.Mostly, that was in selling ads. I did sell an ad in the first issue, but other than that I could have done a better job selling ads. Also, I could have spent more time out of class. I mainly only had one article so I only interviewed a little bit and I only took 1 photo the entire school year. Lastly, I maybe should have tried to go ‘Outside-theBox’ a bit more. I chose pretty easy articles and only had more that one article in the first and last issue.
As a returning staffer, I have made many changes and improvements to the way I work and the style of my writing. I have grown in this class by being much better with my time management. I learned how to get things done on time and not get stressed out. Last year I was also very slow at downloading and preparing photos, but this year I can do them quickly. One thing this year though, is that I needed to remember to lighten the greyscale photos more often. Last year, in my portfolio, I did try and use some more eye-catching layout designs from Best of the High School Press. This year I tried my very best to make improvements from last year and I am very happy with the improvements that I did make.
Clips- Issue 1
Casey Butler profile, page 16 Student Life
Technology
Page 13
The Portfolio October 2015
Guitar-jo brings banjo sound to guitar never intended for his invention to the pickups and sits on the guitar using become a real product, just a project that micro-suction technology. This will he would use once in a performance. make it easier to attach or remove the The more people that he showed it device without damaging the instrument. to, the more he wanted to bring his The Guitar-jo was originally designed product to life. He started to work on for electric guitars with a flat surface underneath the the design for strings. Eight a better version have than the original The creator of Guitar- prototypes Plexiglass model. jo, never intended for been made in the In January his invention to become last nine months. 2015, the first a real product, just a The company is trying p r o m o t i o n a l project that he would use currently Photo by gizmag.com video was once in a performance.” to make a version Designer, John Langberg realizes the only thing that seems to work to that will allow the released on get the banjo sound, is to place a cloth underneath the guitar string, Guitar-jo to be but it keeps falling out of place as he played. He needed to make some- YouTube. The thing more practical, so he drew up some plans and used his uncle’s design of the Guitar-jo has become used on more of a variety of guitars workshop to create the current design. a more sophisticated and functional that might have a rounded surface. By Lily Gumbinner of a banjo. Musicians can add the device. A bar with fabric material If they raise enough money, they Photo Editor plucky tune without having to on its underside can be lowered will be able to bring the Guitar-jo to uitar-jo is a new device learn to play a new instrument. onto the strings, or raised, to suit. the market. The amount raised will that attaches to an electric According to guitarjo.com, John According to Gizmag, the latest be put towards materials, equipment, guitar, giving it the sound Langburg, the creator of Guitar-jo, version sits under the strings, between marketing, and other startup costs.
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Clips- Issue 1
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Guitar-jo article, page 13 Technology
Sports & Clubs
The Portfolio October 2015
Page 11
Boys baseball season kicks off with win 11-2 By: Jacob Schlessel Copy Editor ith the grass freshly cut, the baselines repainted, and the clay freshly laid, the boys were anxious to get the season started. “Everybody has their own skill, we’re all talented in a different area, one person might be more talented in another area so we have a mix,” Daniel Park eighth grade pitcher said. The boys’ first game resulted in a blowout with a score of 11-2 over JFK, but then fell short against Duncan, losing 0-2, and then losing 2-8 against Jupiter. “We always got next game is what I tell them,” Gary Williams, coach of the baseball team said. Despite the loss, Williams felt the team was ready for the season ahead, and was confident they would achieve success. “We are on par for more success than last year,” Williams said. The boys were shaking off the loss and were well-prepared for next game. “It’s a hard sport. There’s a lot of failure in the game. In order to be good at this sport, you have to accept failure,” Park said. The team, however, felt there was more to the sport then just winning. “It’s outside the world of academics. Kids are coming because they like the
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sport, and you get to experience that with them,” Williams said. The baseball team had their work cut out for them and knew what they needed to polish up. “I feel we have good hitters and outfielders, but we should work on pitching, in order to get the inning over faster,” Nolan Anschuetz, seventh second baseman major said. Although some of the players had superstitions, such as Anschuetz, who would not touch the baseline in order to not mess it up, Williams did not believe in luck. “As a science teacher, I don’t buy into luck,” Williams said. One of the things the team had going for them was their chemistry. “We’re all really good friends and we all help each other out,” Nicolas Buitrago, seventh grade first baseman said. The team will play a minimum of 10 games in the regular season, half of those being played at Bak. The five opponents the team faces this season are JFK, Duncan, Howell Watkins, and Independence. The team had built around the idea that communication is key and they needed to talk to each other during games to keep each other up to speed. “A team can’t function without communication, especially in baseball.
Photo by Jacob Schlessel
Daniel Park pitches against JFK in the first game of the season. Park has been playing baseball since the third grade.
Working together, that’s the key to baseball,” Park said. As the last blade of grass was cut,
last inch of baseline painted, and last ounce of clay laid, the team was ready for the challenges ahead.
Speech and Debate team goes to Nationals in Dallas By Ervin Williams Technology Editor uring the summer, the Bak speech and debate team attended the Nationals in Dallas, Texas. Speech and Debate Nationals allowed students to compete against students around the nation. “Nationals was a place where you could see how others did their pieces and change your way of speaking to become better,” Richard Leonard, ninth grade, communications major at Dreyfoos said. Though speech and debate was mostly for competition, it had a different meaning for some. “Speech and debate has allowed me to express myself through the pieces I select and the types of voices I use,” Grace Wodar, former sixth grade communications major said. Nationals created an array of emotions.
Clips- Issue 1
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Photo by Ervin Williams
The speech and debate club at the Sheraton in Dallas Texas, after the award ceremony on June 16-20, 2015. “Speech and debate is another way for me to speak about things that I feel strongly about,” Richard Leonard, former eighth grade communications major said.
Speech and Debate Nationals Participants - Summer 2015
“When I [got] to finals, I was so excited because this was my first time at Nationals and I loved the piece I was doing,” Milani Gosman, eighth grade communications major said. Lindsey Suncine, ninth grade International Bachelorette student at Suncoast, had a different perspective. “I was happy that my duo went to quarterfinals but I wanted it to go farther,” Suncine said. “This year I felt less prepared than I did last year, but I am still glad I got this awesome experience.” For students to advance in competition there were five preliminary rounds then quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. One student, Gosman received sixth place in Humorous Interpretation Gosman said, “The best part of the trip was not getting recognized for the awards or competing, but spending time with your friends and getting to know others who share your same passion for speech and debate.
Student Congress:
Oral Interpretation:
Public Forum:
Duo Interpretation:
Impromptu/Declamation:
Lindsey Spruce Michael Bole Lindsay Suncine
Ervin Williams Mara Vaknin Kevin Ahern Camilla Olivari
Finnley Senese Adeeb Rashid Richard Leonard Michael Rafoul Amanda Vanner Madaleine Rubin
Ervin Williams Lindsay Suncine Kevin Ahern Kyle Ahern Humorous Interpretation: Milani Gosman
Ervin Williams
Original Oratory: Zachary Jacobson Kristina Robinette
Layout- page 11 Sports
Entertainment
The Portfolio October 2015
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‘Maze Runner’ sequel meets expectations By Sreenidhi Nidamanur Sports Editor aze Runner: Scorch Trials,” sequel to the Maze Runner, came out Sept. 18. This sci-fi film, directed by Wes Ball, was based on the novel by James Dashner. This movie started up right where the last movie ended. Taking place in a dystopian setting, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien), Teresa (Kaya Scodelario), Newt (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), Minho (Ki Hong Lee), and the other survivors were escorted to the World In Catastrophe Killzone Department, otherwise known as WCKD, where they are given bunk beds and food. After discovering that WCKD means trouble, they succeed in escaping to the outside world. They are in the Scorch; a place crawling with Cranks- eye-less zombies who can infect people with one little scratch. WCKD wants to find people who are immune to the Cranks like Thomas, Teresa, and the rest of their gang. Then, they drain a fluid out of them to cure people who became infected. Trying to find the Right Hand, an army who can help them fight against WCKD, the gang treks through miles and miles of sand. Deadline.com states that Fox’s Maze
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Photo courtesy of prezi.com/deviantart Maze Runner: Scorch Trials released into theaters on Sept. 18. This sci-fi film, directed by Wes Ball, created $31.3 million after the opening weekend, just behind the first film.
Runner: The Scorch Trials kicked off in 21 international markets a week before it lands in theaters in North America where it is expected to open stronger than the first installment which opened to $32.5 million last year. This did not happen as Scorch Trials only got to $30.3 million in opening weekend. New actors such as Giancarlo Esposito, Rosa Salazar, Jacob Lofland, and many others made appearances in the cinema. Yet, all the actors were very experienced. Most of the young people under 25 acted in more than 10 movies. The older actors and actresses starred in more than 50 films. The best part, in my opinion, was when Thomas, Teresa, Newt, Aris, Frypan, and Winston running away from the Cranks. John Paesano was a great music director when it came to suspenseful music. The music kept the audience on the edge of their seats. This movie is PG-13 for some thematic elements, extended sequences of violence and action, substance use and language. ‘Scorch Trials’ earned a four out of five stars because of suspenseful scenes, but I had trouble following the story in some places. It had a wellthought plot, but was not stronger than its predecessor.
Video Music Awards: Students’opinions
Loved it
OR
Hated it
By Nikita Tanguturi Business Manager
Clips- Issue 1
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n a night full of Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj’s rivalry, Justin Bieber’s new song and Kanye West’s bid for president in 2020, the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards created a buzz. The annual MTV competition was for both artists and videos. One of the top winners was Taylor Swift, winning four awards for “Bad Blood” and “Blank Space”. The overall video of the year was also awarded to Swift, feauturing Grammy-nominated rapper Kendrick Lamar in “Bad Blood,” which was released as her new single this year.
Loved the VMA’s- 15% Liked the VMA’s - 40% Hated the VMA’s - 12% Didn’t care about the VMA’s- 33% In a poll of 100 Bak students, divided between each grade, asked what they thought of the annual music awards, the results were as follows. The results were pretty spread out, with students being split between liking the VMA’s and not bothering to watch them, but in the end, more of the Bak population liked them.
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Another event was the box dancing game. Pierre said, “I enjoyed the box dancing game where they were trying to get the balls out of the tissue boxes.” The Bak sports coaches introduced their players, who whooped as they ran to meet the rest of their team. “At one point, an eighth grader gave his friend a piggy back ride to the center of the gym,” Ambreen Murad, Photo by Angela Yan eighth grade vocal major said. The Step Team put on a performance Sprinting to the other side of the gym, eighth grade communications The Portfolio at the conclusion of the pep rally. major Samuel Hahn, grabs a sled full of stuffed animals and drags it 2016 back to where he started. TheFebruary winter pep rally included a dance-off, “I thought the Step Team did an where students danced to the popular song “The Whip.” amazing job,” Murad said. “The best part was when they included By Angela Yan winter pep rally, loud cheers erupted Spongebob.” News Editor from their side of the gym. Some thought there could have been fter a week of exams, students “The eighth graders were the most improvements. cheered Lakum for their respective excited because it’s our Alyssa last year,” practice their events,” Vaknin, they were practicingPierre and rehearsing By Anushka said. their pieces. “Teachers should speech teacher, said. Entertainment grades inEditor the gym on Friday, Pierre said. and “Alldebate of Teachers helped students prepare “I learned about performing front Dec. 18. The winter pep rally marked the eighth graders make it more inclear Everyone wasof a large audience,” Manocchio he the annual sixthschool gradewereforhaving their performances and perfect halfway through 2015-2016 the how much a gamesaid. is skills needed.screaming and rooting Everyone hadworth.” their own opinion of communications showcase wasbest the year. time.” teachers. back this ayear’s “My teacher “The winter pepwith rally was really “Inside big Sixth grade wore gave me tips and the showcase, including The pep rally left for their grade level.” students explained what the “The showcase was Bak” Students performed success in theme. my opinion. Everyone had livewhite, and seventh eager for very entertaining, and dramas, readand poetry, performance a lotradio of school spirit, they and weregavegrade sported gray.was winter break. mainly about,” proud of all the speeches. happy,” Jennifer Pierre, eighth grade “Everyone was “If I could phrase to describe “People get to use seeoneI am SGA candy canes “Everyone Sofia Manocchio, students worked vocal major, said. will see what the sixthscreaming and rooting for their grade the pep rally,” Murad said, “itwho would be we’ve learned, hard Continued on page 4 to show their sixth grade what done, Asgraders eighth have grade, cladand in we’ll blue,have was ourlevel,” Ari Goodman, seventh grade a ‘loud, fun social gathering.’” communications own the turn winner to shine,” Gupta,visual declared of Diksha the annual major said. and we’re very talented talent,” Vaknin said. Sixth graders in the sixth grade communications major, major, said. Parents and other and make things fun for showcase were “pretty said. confident” majors’ students The them students had onlyready a portion the aaudience,” and help graduate for ofCounty By Lily Gumbinner is proud of being national “Selecting a school where about there their is performances. who watched time to practice with their teacher, andleader Photo Editor college. of Choice and Career Programs. a program you have interest in, is said, “I the whoshowcase aftera that theyschool, would have ver 150 Choice and In-House “At choice you to getpractice to Students participate and complete important and helps youGupta better prepare we did well because we’re to have an inside look into for think by themselves. programs within 24 high specialize in something that you like, like theirgot program pathway graduate from the college programs in which youall our nine week time,or[thehighcommunication schools are offered through the arts,“During International Baccalaureate, school at nearlyarts. a 97 percent rate, havecommunications interest,” Glaze majors said. and this is why we got into Bak.” Students a lot of things while students] were Lee ableGlaze, to create the School District of Palm Beach a medical program,” magnet andaccording to learned the School District of Daphne Scroggins County, which allowed students the coordinator said. Palm Beach County Department of High school choice programs SGA candy opportunity to follow career canes pathways The of Palm Beachcan Choice mySchool school District better, but also what I and Career Options. Continued on page 4 Continued from page 1 do to make the community feel like students appreciate it.” Ray said. By Ervin Williams SGA was not going to stop at giving Technology Editor back and is now starting a second “Of course, we did not have the fundraiser for orphans who are money sitting around to just give them, “forgotten every year after Christmas,” so we had to find some way to make according to Campbell. “It seems like people only care about money, so we decided on candy canes, which followed the season,” Deborah these orphans one time a year, and after that they are forgotten,” Fiore said. Fiore, SGA sponsor said. SGA’s main goal was “to help”, Ray SGA, does not only strive to “provide Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Daily News Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Post Photo courtesy of examiner.com Photo courtesy of The Palm Beach Post the school with resources to make it said. G-Star School of the Arts is a Boynton Beach High School A.W. better”, Dreyfoos the“giving Arts back Suncoast High Ray Community said, “If we do not give to the butSchool also feelsofthat charter school located in West offers majors likePhoto dance, theater, by Ervin Williams offersis art programs School offers science, people whocomputer are in need, who else even more of including a responsibility,” Ray Palm Beach. They offer film and music, and visual arts,toand The Student Government Association sold candy canes payan for dance, visual arts, music, theater, International Baccalaureate, and will? Our school community is just as said. animation, performing arts Aerospace science program studentsand at U.B. Kinsey to have better resources to learn. Sharon digital media, and communication MSE programs. They are ranked “When I think about giving back, I important as the community around programs. andsomeone technology programs. Campbell said, “You don’t always (BASA) get to help in need. This is arts. It is ranked ninth in the state. eleventh in Florida. am not just thinking, how can I make us.” a perfect chance to do so.” was the season of giving, and everyone deserved the chance to get presents and gifts, but some families were less fortunate, so Bak’s Student Government Association (SGA) decided to do something about it. The Student Government Association at Bak wanted to give back to the community. “We always say that we are going to help someone, but rarely do we ever follow through with our promises. SGA wants to really make that promise into reality,” Kevin Ray, SGA president said. The fundraiser SGA held will provide gifts and resources to underprivileged students at the school Pleasant City. “We all want to be remembered during the holidays, and we want to let these students know that we do care about them,” Sharon Campbell, SGA sponsor, said. To go about raising money for Pleasant City, SGA sold candy canes in the courtyard for one dollar each.
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Students present poetry, speeches, graphics in sixth grade communications showcase
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School District of Palm Beach County offers many high school choice programs
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High school choice programs
Continued from page 1 By Lily Gumbinner Photo Editor The mission of the Office of K-12 School Choice was to support quality public and private educational choice programs by providing information and assistance to promote successful outcomes for students, families, institutions and communities, according to the Florida Department of Education.
“Our goal has been to regionalize affect a student in many ways. “It is best to visit the schools and the high-school and middle-school programs, so that no matter where take tours. Some parents will miss the deadline and you live, you are then you wouldn’t near a program,” Peter Licata, Director Read, do research, and be able to choose the right school,” of Choice and Glaze said. Career Options said, don’t take anything When choosing according to the Sun for granted.” a high school, it is Sentinel. Students could earn industry necessary that the application was filled certifications that lead to high skill, high out correctly and on time. Especially wage, and high demand occupations, if the school required an audition, according to the Choice program. like Dreyfoos School of the Arts or Choosing the right program could Boynton Beach High School.
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“Art schools have a different deadline which is in early December because of the auditions. All other choice programs deadline is in late January,” Glaze said. Taking a tour and visiting the school was another way to get more information on the schools and get a better idea of the programs that they offered. Glaze said, “We are very fortunate in Palm Beach County to have choice programs. Just make sure to turn in your applications on time, visit the school, understand and meet the requirements.
High School Options Articlepage 1 and 4 News
Transportation Crisis Timeline
On the first day of school,
Less than one month after
The district announced the
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At the beginning of the school year, the School District of Palm Beach County struggled with the most significant transportation issues in the district’s history. Three months later, the district has seen improvements, but they say, “Efforts continue to improve upon our recent levels.”
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Democtratic Candidates Article- page 6 Features
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The district released
candy canes to assist children in need By Ervin Williams Technology Editor
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was the season of giving, and everyone deserved the chance to get presents and gifts, but some families were less fortunate, so Bak’s Student Government Association (SGA) decided to do something about it. The Student Government Association at Bak wanted to give back to the community. “We always say that we are going to help someone, but rarely do we ever follow through with our promises. SGA wants to really make that promise into reality,” Kevin Ray, SGA president said. The fundraiser SGA held will provide gifts and resources to underprivileged students at the school Pleasant City. “We all want to be remembered during the holidays, and we want to let these students know that we do care about them,” Sharon Campbell, SGA sponsor, said. To go about raising money for Pleasant City, SGA sold candy canes in the courtyard for one dollar each.
SGA candy canes Continued on page 4
Winter pep rally caps off middle of school year with high spirits The pep rally featured games such as Sticky Cheetos, where people sprayed shaving cream onto teachers’ hair. Participants then flung Cheetos onto their grade level teacher’s head. Another event was the box dancing game. Pierre said, “I enjoyed the box dancing game where they were trying to get the balls out of the tissue boxes.” The Bak sports coaches introduced their players, who whooped as they ran to meet the rest of their team. “At one point, an eighth grader gave his friend a piggy back ride to the center of the gym,” Ambreen Murad, Photo by Angela Yan eighth grade vocal major said. The Step Team put on a performance Sprinting to the other side of the gym, eighth grade communications at the conclusion of the pep rally. major Samuel Hahn, grabs a sled full of stuffed animals and drags it back to where he started. The winter pep rally included a dance-off, “I thought the Step Team did an where students danced to the popular song “The Whip.” amazing job,” Murad said. “The best part was when they included By Angela Yan winter pep rally, loud cheers erupted Spongebob.” News Editor from their side of the gym. Some thought there could have been fter a week of exams, students “The eighth graders were the most improvements. cheered for their respective excited because it’s our last year,” Pierre said. grades in the gym on Friday, Pierre said. “All of “Teachers should Dec. 18. The winter pep rally marked the eighth graders make it more clear Everyone was halfway through the 2015-2016 school were having the how much a game is year. best time.” screaming and rooting worth.” “The winter pep rally was a really big Sixth grade wore The pep rally left success in my opinion. Everyone had white, and seventh for their grade level.” students eager for a lot of school spirit, and they were grade sported gray. winter break. happy,” Jennifer Pierre, eighth grade “Everyone was “If I could use one phrase to describe vocal major, said. screaming and rooting for their grade the pep rally,” Murad said, “it would be As eighth grade, clad in blue, was level,” Ari Goodman, seventh grade a ‘loud, fun social gathering.’” declared the winner of the annual visual major said.
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Crocs, chokers make 2015 fashion flops list
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and help them graduate ready for college. “At a choice school, you get to specialize in something that you like, like the arts, International Baccalaureate, or a medical program,” Lee Glaze, magnet coordinator said. The School District of Palm Beach
County is proud of being a national leader of Choice and Career Programs. Students who participate and complete their program pathway graduate from high school at nearly a 97 percent rate, according to the School District of Palm Beach County Department of Choice and Career Options.
“Selecting a school where there is a program you have interest in, is important and helps you better prepare for the college programs in which you have interest,” Glaze said.
Model Sherman Turtine wears clothing women don’t like on men, like baseball caps for all occasions, pants slung so low they reveal underwear and velcro sandals with socks. (Dan Rosenstrauch/Contra Costa Times/MCT
High school choice programs
By Anushka Lakum Entertainment Editor
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Photo courtesy of The Palm Beach Post
Suncoast Community High School offers computer science, International Baccalaureate, and MSE programs. They are ranked eleventh in Florida.
Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Daily News
G-Star School of the Arts is a charter school located in West Palm Beach. They offer film and animation, and performing arts programs.
Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Post
Boynton Beach High School offers majors like dance, theater, music, and visual arts, and an Aerospace science program (BASA) and technology programs.
High School Options captionspage 1 News
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Photo courtesy of examiner.com
In an article written by Leigh Weingus on the Huffington Post website, wearing athletic clothes but not working out in them was called “Athleisure”, and many students, especially girls, wore athletic attire to school last year. These items were meant to be used while being athletic, not for everyday use. Nike’s apparel revenue jumped 10 percent in a recent quarter compared to the same period in 2013, while Under Armour’s apparel net revenue was also up 26 percent. Lulu Lemon’s net revenue was up 10 percent during their most recent quarter. Besides the fact that these fashion flops were not the best option to wear out, students feel that fashion let them express who they were. Sherry said, “Fashion has impacted my attitude because I feel more confident wearing clothing that is ‘in style.’” “I didn’t like the store Levi’s because most of their clothes were not very trendy or nice looking,” Voorhees said.
Box office flops fail to please Music gone wrong: unsuccessful
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hroughout 2015, numerous movies have been produced. A number of them won awards. But some movies did not fare as well. “Jem and the Holograms,” for example, came out on Oct. 22, 2015. The producers spent $5 million, and they did not get any profit, but rather lost $3.69 million, according to www.
A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts offers art programs including dance, visual arts, music, theater, digital media, and communication arts. It is ranked ninth in the state.
By Jordan Taylor Website Editor n 2015, many fashion styles became flops. Crocs, athletic wear worn daily and animal tails and ears were some fashion no-no’s that should not return in 2016. “The flops in 2015 that I did not like were chokers, animal tails and ears, and fake, long nails, (like nexgen and acrylics)” Maya Voorhees, seventh grade communications major, said. According to refinery29.com, trends were not supposed to last forever, and getting a kick out of clothes before they go out of style was a good enough reason to buy it. “I try to wear things that other people are wearing because their styles are trending and I like to wear trendy clothes,” Abby Sherry, seventh grade communications major, said. Certain outfits should not have been worn to middle school. Students had their own opinions on clothing in 2015, as well as stores that were trending.
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School District of Palm Beach County offers many high school choice programs
By Lily Gumbinner Photo Editor ver 150 Choice and In-House programs within 24 high schools are offered through the School District of Palm Beach County, which allowed students the opportunity to follow career pathways
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The Portfolio - March 2016
Photo courtesy of freefuninaustin.com
“Jem and the Holograms,” lost $3.69 million because the movie came out decades after its TV show predecessor.
forbes.com. “The film is a non-starter that is unlikely to attract the intended target audience,” Frank Scheck of the Hollywood Reporter, said. “Pan,” came out on Oct. 8, 2015. Since this was a more anticipated film, the production costs and losses were larger. The movie cost about $190,000 to make, and made $40.5 million in the theaters, but that did not make up for the $150 million lost, according to www.independent.co.uk. “There is enough going on in Pan to fill several movies, most of which you’ve already seen and perhaps enjoyed under other titles,” A.O. Scott of the New York Times, said. “Jupiter Ascending,” came out on Feb. 6, 2015. Its budget was $175 million, but it could only recover $19 million. “An instant candidate for the so-badit’s-sort-of-great hall of fame, the flick is totally bonkers,” Lou Lumenick of the New York Post, said about “Jupiter Ascending.” These movies were just a portion of the movie flops of 2015. Hopefully, 2016 will bring better films.
pieces throughout last year
By Nikita Tanguturi Business Manager
You used to play on my cell phone, late night till you went out of style.” 2015 was a year full of music, both the good, and the bad. One of 2015’s most widely anticipated albums, Madonna’s “Rebel Heart” started out as number one on the iTunes charts, and dropped to 37 in less than a week. The album made about 116 thousand dollars, less than half off what her last album, “MDNA” made. Music critics from Uncut said, “Rebel Heart almost gets the balance right, but at 19 tracks, most in the industrial party-pop style of cheeseball producers
Diplo and Avicii, there’s simply too much going on.” Featuring top artists such as Selena Gomez, there were high expectations for Zedd’s third album, True Colors. The album itself was a flop, starting at seventh and then dropping to 77 within a week. However, “I Want You to Know” (featuring Selena Gomez) stayed on the iTunes chart for over three months, rising and dropping, finally exiting at 95. A critic for The Rolling Stone said, “Zedd’s colors are often hard to tell apart.” Though many albums released don’t get their fair shine in the spotlight, some stood out as flops of 2015.
Trends from 2015 come fashionably into 2016 By Lily Gumbinner Photo Editor 016 has arrived with its own set of trends. Looking back at some of 2015’s most popular styles – like tulle skirts, midi skirts, and jogger pants - has given the world a better idea about what 2016 has in store. “It is a struggle to find something to wear in the morning. I’ll start looking in my closet but I can’t find anything to wear because everything goes out of style so quickly,” Grace Johansson, seventh grade theater major said. According to trending Google apparel searches, tulle skirts and midi skirts (a knee-length skirt) gained popularity, up 34 percent than the year before. Jogger pants were another trend everyone was talking about because they were comfortable and fashionable. Men, women, children, and even toddlers are sporting the new look. The top most searched item on Google: Emoji Jogger pants.
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“I like jogger pants because they are comfortable. They are like trendy sweatpants, but they make you look less homeless,” Johansson said. “I also like white high-top Converse because you can wear them with anything.” Clothing and apparel prices have increased by 27 percent in the past decade, according to businessoffashion.com. “Fashion always affects price,” Jennifer Pierre, eighth grade vocal major said. “Every time a trend starts, the stores skyrocket the prices because they know everyone is going to want to buy it.” Styles like high-waisted pants, Adidas shoes, tattoo chokers, and jogger pants are all coming back from earlier eras. More are expected to return in 2016. Photo by Carlos Trivino Pierre said, “I feel that rompers might Seventh grade communications major, Jade Johnson sports highbe more popular in 2016 because lots waisted jeans, a fashion trend from previous years which returns for of people wearing them.” 2016.
Goodbye music of 2015, hello music of 2016
Social media, music apps make appearances in 2016
By Angela Yan News Editor
By Ashley Kulberg Photo Editor rom YouCam Beauty to musical. ly, a variety of unique apps have been trending in 2016. “Apps where you can see other people, like photo and video apps, are starting to become popular,” Francesca Delguzzi, seventh grade communications major, said. Many new social networking applications have been climbing the charts recently. Among those was Peach. Users could “wave” or “blow a kiss” to their friends. “I’ve heard about Peach through my friends and the internet,” Joshua Kenny, seventh grade communications major, said. “It looks like a different way to connect with friends.” Arriving shortly after Dubsmash, a lip sync app that took the charts by storm, came musical.ly, an app with the same idea but added features, such as time lapse. “Musical.ly is expected to become more popular this year because it’s an easy app that a lot of kids can do,” Delguzzi said.
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hen the ball dropped in New York City on Jan. 1, 2016, it not only signaled the new year, but launched new music as well. “I hope Beyonce will come out with some new songs, but [the 2016 artists] will mostly be the same popular artists from 2015,” Lili Mueller, eighth grade communications major said. On Jan. 1, 2016, Rachel Platten released her third album, “Wildfire.” According to Headline Planet, “Wildfire” ranked number five in the U.S. “When I listen to [Platten’s] songs, I feel empowered,” Brooke Ibarra, eighth grade communications major
said, “like I can do anything in the world.” Another anticipated album was “Death of a Bachelor” by Panic! At The Disco. According to Billboard, the album was released on Jan. 15, 2016 and sold 169 thousand copies in the first week. “I was hyped to hear [“Death of a Bachelor], and I stayed up until midnight the day before the album was released,” Mueller said. According to Idolator, new artists such as Steve James, who co-produced Justin Bieber’s “Purpose,” and August Eve, who released the single “Ghost,” will appear in trending 2016 music. However, many students thought 2016 would not bring a completely new music genre.
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Fashion Trends Article- page 9 Features
PHHHOTO, a “moving photo app”, has also become well-known. Users take multiple photos, which are then streamed together and turned into a gif. “A lot of people post PHHHOTOs on Instagram,” Kenny said, “It will become popular because it’s a mix between a photo and a video.”
Photo courtesy of fstoppers.com
Over one million posts have been shared with PHHHOTO since it launched in July 2016. It was rated four stars on the App Store.
The Portfolio Sports & Clubs Page 10 March 2016 Broncos defeat Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 Name: Peyton Manning Team: Denver Broncos Born: March 24, 1976 (Age 39) in New Orleans, LA Height: 6’5” Weight: 230 lbs College: University of Tennessee Drafted: First Round, First Overall Pick (1998) Experience: 18th NFL Season Career Regular Season Record: 186-79 Career Postseason Record: 14-13 Super Bowl Record: 2-2 Career Passing Yards: 71,940 Career Passing Yards per Game: 270.5 Career Rushing Yards: 667 Career Rushing Yards per Game: 2.5 Career Passing Touchdowns: 539 Career Rushing Touchdowns: 18 Career Interceptions: 251 By Luke Stone Co-Editor-In-Chief fter lengthy pregame festivities, a football game finally broke out in Santa Clara, Calif., between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. The game got off to a slow start with only three points through the first four and a half minutes of action on a 34 yard field goal from Broncos kicker Brandon McManus. Then, the Broncos struck for their first touchdown of the game after linebacker Von Miller broke into the backfield and forced a fumble, which was recovered by Malik Jackson in the end zone. “In all honesty, we came into the game wanting to play our defense,” Miller said after the game, according to ESPN, “We knew if we were to
Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning throws during the first quarter of the AFC Championship game on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. (Mark Reis/ Colorado Springs Gazette/TNS). Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley Jr. forces Carolina Panthers quarterback, Cam Newton to throw a pass away under pressure during the second half on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, at Georgia Dome in Atlanta. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta JournalConstitution/TNS).
be consistent and play our style of defense, we’d come out on top.” The Broncos defense came to play on Super Bowl Sunday, holding the Panthers to 315 yards of offense. During the regular season, the Panthers averaged 367 yards of offense. “They just played better than us. I do not know what you want me to say. They made more plays than us, and that is what it comes down to,” Panthers quarterback Cam Newton said in his postgame press conference. After more than a quarter of being shutout, the Panthers offense finally got on the board when running back Jonathan Stewart leaped over his offensive linemen and flew into the end zone. At halftime, the Broncos led 13-7. For some fans, halftime was the high
Two possessions later, with the score still 16-10, the Panthers were looking for the go ahead score. With 4:04 to go, Miller came up big again, forcing his second fumble of the game that put the Broncos in the drivers’ seat. Then, several plays later, the Broncos sealed the game when running back CJ Anderson found his way into the end zone for the final touchdown. The Panthers tried to battle back, but were unsuccessful. The Broncos emerged Super Bowl Champions, winning 2410. It was a quiet night for Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who only had 141 passing yards in what many thought was the final game of his career. “I feel very, very grateful,” Manning said. “Obviously, it is very special to cap it off with a win.”
basketball team said. The season began Feb. 10 against when they crushed Jupiter Middle School 33-43. Bak’s second game ended in a close one against Independence, losing 30-34 in overtime. The team is hoping to pick up right where they ended last season, with a big target on their back from other hopeful teams as the defending champs. “We have some tough competition from other teams, we’ll have to work hard together and execute the way Coach Haney wants us to,” Bella Martinez, eighth grade communications major said. With most of the team leaving Bak last year as eighth graders, the current eighth graders will take on the role Photo by Ervin Wiliams of team leaders and plan on showing Eighth graders Nashani Gilbert-Taylor and Cora Gilbert try to save the the new team members the way, and ball against an Independence Middle opponent. The girls went on to teaching them the keys to success. lose the game in overtime, 30-34. “We have a lot of returning veterans By Jacob Schlessel year, the plan is no different. that will be able to help communicate Copy Editor “We are trying to repeat as county to the rookies,” Nashani Gilbertast year, the girls’ basketball champions. We only get better every Taylor, eighth grade point guard said. team went 9-1 and won the day. We want to hang another banner,” In last year’s season, Duncan was county championship. This Ericka Haney, coach of the girls arguably Bak’s biggest rival, and the last
team they had to face before becoming the champs. “Everybody is a rival, nothing is guaranteed. Normally, Duncan is in our division and usually our toughest competitor,” Haney said. Bak’s third game was played against Duncan in which they lost 21-48 despite a solid effort all around. The girls played against HL Watkins where they won, improving their record to 2-2 off of a 17-27 performance. All of Bak’s basketball games begin at 4:30 after school. With new faces joining the team, working as a team is a big part of any team’s chances of success. “The team chemistry is good because we have a solid foundation that is coming back from last year’s championship team. I think that they are teaching the newer players our philosophy of winning,” Haney said. With the new basketball season underway, the Bak girls’ basketball team is working hard on bringing home another banner to hang in the decorated gym.
Bak’s Speech and Debate brings home numerous awards from latest tournament. Congressional Debate 1st Place - Lillian Khanna and Brandon Lee 2nd Place - Aditya Jadvani 3rd Place -Julia Porter 4th Place - Nikolas Zimmerman Lincoln Douglas Debate 1st Place - Nikita Tanguturi 3rd Place - Taylor DiPietro Original Oratory/Declamation 1st place- Kristina Robinette 2nd place -Nirmit Chandran 3rd place-Kaja Andric 4th place-Meghan Argawal 5th place-Carlos Trivino 6th place-Katherine Oung Dramatic Presentation 1st place- Kyle Ahern
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2nd place -Savannah McCline 4th place-Tatiana Canessa 6th place-Sam Hahn Oral Interpretation 1st place - Mara Vaknin Public Forum Debate 2nd Place - Subhash Kantemneni and Anish Ravichandran Duo Interpretation 1st place- Kevin Ahern and Sasha Monaco 2nd place -Milani Gosman and Lauren Alexis Herba 3rd place-Seyoon Yang and Rayne Ramlal 6th place-Bella Martinez and Payton Hart Impromptu 1st place- Daphne Scroggins 5th place -Willow Hackett
Bringing home numerous awards, the Speech and Debate team dominates the tournament held at Palm Beach Day Academy on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016.
Girls’ basketball team hopes to repeat last year’s season
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The Portfolio March 2016
Speech and Debate team sweeps latest tournament at Palm Beach
Name: Cam Newton Team: Carolina Panthers Born: May 11, 1989 (Age 26) in Atlanta, GA Height: 6’5” Weight: 245 lbs College: Auburn University Drafted: First Round, First Overall Pick (2011) Experience: Fifth NFL Season Career Regular Season Record: 45-32 Career Postseason Record: 3-3 Super Bowl Record: 0-1 Career Passing Yards: 18,263 Career Passing Yards per Game: 234.1 Career Rushing Yards: 3,207 Career Rushing Yards per Game: 41.1 Career Passing Touchdowns: 117 Career Rushing Touchdowns: 43 Career Interceptions: 64
point of the game in a star studded show that featured Coldplay, Bruno Mars, and Beyoncé. Although the third quarter was the lowest scoring, there were still significant plays. Carolina had multiple scoring chances in the quarter, but failed to capitalize on them. On their first drive of the half, the Panthers got to the Broncos’ 26 yard line and was forced to kick. They sent out kicker Graham Gano who missed from 44 yards out. Then, on the next possession, Carolina got to the Broncos’ 28 yard line when Newton threw his first and only interception. The score at the end of the third was 16-7 in Denver’s favor. Early in the fourth, the Panthers put the game within a touchdown on a Gano field goal that made the score 16-10 with just over ten minutes left.
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Special Section
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88th Annual Oscars celebrates And the winner is......
Leonardo DeCaprio arrives at the 88th Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. (Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA/TNS)
Steven Spielberg and wife Kate Capshaw arrive at the 88th Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. (Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
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Morning announcements receives new LED set to modernize show
Annual theater showcase gives sixth graders chance to perform
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Morning Announcements Set Article- page 1 and 4 News
Photo courtesy of Christina Donnelly
Nine students visit Puerto Rico on a Spanish trip during spring break. They participated in activities such as kayaking in the bioluminescent bay and hiking in a tropical rainforest.
By Valentina Gomez Arts and Academics Editor
“It lets kids open up a desire to travel more, learn more and be more open-minded about people across the panish World Language class globe,” Christina Donnelly, Spanish traveled to Puerto Rico during teacher said. spring break from March 20 to During the field trip, students had March 25. the chance to practice the Spanish they
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Advanced orchestra travels to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall, sightsee By Angela Yan News Editor
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ach performer stared out at the audience, gripping their instruments and mentally reviewing the notes of their pieces. As the conductor waved her hand, the orchestra broke out into song, with the sweet sound resonating across the hall. Carnegie Hall, a world renowned concert hall in New York, invited the advanced orchestra to play and tour New York City from March 23 to March 26. “The acoustics of the hall were nice and really projected our sound,” Anish Ravichandran, eighth grade strings major said. The orchestra played “St Paul’s Suite Jig” by Gustav Holst, “Aase’s Death” by Edward Grieg, “Double Cello Concerto” by Antonio Vivaldi, “Gabriel’s Oboe Play” by the Portland Orchestra, and “Semiramide Overture” by Gioachino Rossini. “Ms. Beebe sent a recording of one
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according to travel.usnews.com. Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders on the in Ohio where Kasich, the current “I was expecting to see an interesting Democratic side. governor of the state, won with 46.8 culture and to learn about the islanders On March 15, 2016, both Democratic percent of the vote. and I did,” Haynes said. Even though Cruz won in Wisconsin and Republican primaries were held in According to Ehow, Puerto Rico in Florida. Clinton won by more than on April 5, Trump still led in the had several Catholic faith shapes in thirty points on the Democratic side. delegate count with 743 delegates. its culture” and “has many foods with On the Republican side, Trump won Cruz was in second with 517 delegates, indigenous seasonings such as Cocina with 45.7 percent of the vote. Sen. and Kasich was in a distant third with Criolla. Marco Rubio, a Florida native, came 143 delegates. In order to win the “The girls got to experience a Photo courtesy of Christina Donnelly in second with 27 percent of the vote. nomination on the first ballot at the different culture, a different schedule, Nine students visit Puerto Rico on a Spanish trip during spring break. They participated in activities such After his double digit defeat, Rubio Republican National Convention, a different foods, and different sayings assuspended kayakinghis in campaign. the bioluminescent baycandidate and hiking in ahave tropical rainforest. must secured at least and expressions,” Donnelly said. “It lets kids open a desire has to learned in class in real-life situations. By Valentina Gomez “And so while it is not God’s plan that I 1,237 delegates. If noupcandidate Bak’s annual Spanish trip let students travel more, learn more and be more Arts and Academics Editor “In class, we learned basic words to be president in 2016 or maybe ever, and secured that number, a contested “communicate,” Haynes said, and about people across the to studies people. teacher Spanishsaid, class“Ifhelped social it is Although not every state has voted convention ensues, which means that talk while today my campaign is suspended, open-minded “learn and practice Spanish.” panish Language class Christina communicate thethe residents supposed to be the with party of people, yet, many are saying that this election is the fact that World I have even come this far globe,” all of the delegatesDonnelly, are free toSpanish vote for me Haynes said, “I wanted to enhance traveled of to Puerto Rico America during teacher said. and know basic the needs like how they need to respect decision the unprecedented. any candidate. Trump has said that if there is evidence how special my Spanish. My mom is Spanish, so I spring break from March 20 to During the fi eld trip, students had orderhave yourmade.” lunch or ask the price people has the been unlike any election truly is, and all the reason more why we he is denied the nomination unfairly, he to want“This to learn language she speaks.” March 25. the chance to practice the Spanish they of souvenirs,” Taylor Haynes, seventh The next contest is scheduled I’ve ever seen. Both Democrats and must do all we can to ensure that this will sue the Republican Party. “I think that the Republican for April 19 in New York where 95 Republicans are angry with what’s nation remains a special place,” Rubio Advanced orchestra travels to New York City leadership, no matter how much they delegates will be up for grabs for the going on in Washington,” Hanser said. said in his concession speech. Rubio’s loss at wasCarnegie unsettling to Hall, don’t likesightsee Trump, needs to respect the Republicans, and 247 will be at stake “That anger is exactly what has allowed to perform Trump and Sanders to thrive.” anti-Trump forces who hoped for decision of the voters,” Lisa Hanser, for the Democrats. By Angela Yan of last year’s performance to Carnegie News Editor Hall. They accepted us and let us play there,” Ravichandran said. Students are taught to learn from engage each other and the audience,” ach performer stared out at On Thursday, March 24 the group Sandra Tepper, theater teacher, said. their mistakes in order to better their the audience, gripping their saw the Broadway show “Phantom of “They must create reality in theater.” performance skills. instruments and mentally the Opera.” “[The students] perform their The showcase took place on March reviewing the notes of their pieces. “The singers performing the 14, 2016. Students participated in a monologues in front of me and I As the conductor waved her hand, the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ had high vocal variety of performances. critique their classwork,” Tepper said. orchestra broke out into song, with the ranges, but the special effects were a Some believe the most important “I was in the theater history program sweet sound resonating across the hall. little crazy,” Kong said. “The acting introduced by Ms. Tepper. We studied part of theater is creating versatile Carnegie Hall, a world renowned was definitely Broadway quality.” primitive, Greek, and medieval characters that are believable and concert hall in New York, invited the The students walked to Central Park theater,” Sunaina Singh, sixth grade entertaining. Students worked on advanced orchestra to play and tour the following Friday. Central Park is theater major, said. creating theirPhoto characters the Rubin weeks by Madaleine a quadruple LED light newthe setshowcase. illuminates the before New York City from March 23 to an urban park that is one of the most With Students studied other, more display, modern the colorsuptocharacters,” “In changed class, we made March 26. filmed locations in the world. In 2013, television aspects of studio. theater asThe well.four lights randomly professionalize theoriginal Morning Announcements. “I performed an reality TV Riley said. “We played with them for a “The acoustics of the hall were nice 40 million people visited the park. few weeks through their improv games.” show Ms. Graham (sixth grade wanted and really projected our sound,” Anish “The part [of Central Park that] we By Lily from Gumbinner to enhance news program No matter what students performed, theater teacher)’s class,” Luca Riley, and Ravichandran, eighth grade strings saw was about five times the size of Photo Editor modernize their show,” Shannon the showcase expanded their knowledge major said. Bak,” Kong said. Photo by Ashley Kuhlberg sixth grade theater major, said. Owens, communications teacher, said. Most sixth graders performed in the of theater, and let them show off played “St Paul’s to Carnegie Hall’sa website, ak MSOA Today updated The crew ordered the set from AsThe the orchestra curtains rise, a group of sixthAccording grade students perform Greek and they worked on their what they had learned to their parents, Suite Jig” piece. by Gustav Carnegie the hall in showcase, theater They Holst, earned“Aase’s critiquesAndrew at school so thatbuilt they could the look of the morning Gelbach Designs, a professional set teachers, and peers. pieces in their theater electives. They Death” bytheir Edward Grieg, “Double the undeveloped section of upper perfect works at home. announcements by adding design company out of North Carolina. “We prepared in class and memorized learned more about the art itself, Cello Concerto” By Ashley Kulbergby Antonio Vivaldi, Manhattan. It opened on May 5, 1891. aalso new set to improve the show and The set was custom built to match the everything. We wrote all of our such as the history of theater. their costumes. dimmed, “Gabriel’s Oboe Play” by the Portland “Carnegie HallThe waslights beautiful, but it teach Photo Editor students how to work with a real, anchor desk. “I learned that theater didn’t just scripts and performed in front of marking the beginning of the sixth Orchestra, and “Semiramide Overture” was pretty small,” Ravichandran said. professional tudents stood offstage, set. Morning teachers,”announcements Singh said. “It wasset an up forty years ago,” Singh said. “It our grade theater by Gioachino “There were a showcase. lot of backstage rooms rise silentlyRossini. running through their “The students really wanted something amazing experience.” ranged in popularity over the years.” “In a good theater piece, actors must “Ms. Beebe sent a recording of one where we could warm up.” monologues while adjusting Continued on page 4 different than the black curtain. They Morning announcements set announcements had been waiting for completely moveable. It was pieced production class and we narrowed over a year for the set to arrive. They together with Velcro so the look could it down to three options. This is the Continued from page 1 fund-raised to buy it last year when be changed. one they chose for the year. Now the By Lily Gumbinner they were in television production. “The LED lights reflect off the students know how to work with hard Photo Editor “I funded it through the care set. There are four different lights sets and virtual sets, like what we use he set was custom built to packages last year. That money was that randomly change colors,” Megan for feature reports with the green match the anchor desk “I was there when we got set aside, and I used it to buy [the Fenton, eighth grade communications screen,” Owens said. The new set has given the eighth the new set because I am Ms. Owens’ set] over the summer,” Owens said. major said. Students on the announcements have grade announcements students the student aide. The semi-truck arrived “We modernized the new set and the around 3:10 and I came by later on control room with new computers and experience with virtual sets by using opportunity to work with equipment during an afterschool activity around software. We wanted things that they the green screen, and now they have that they can use in their future career. the chance to be able to work with a It also helps students personalize the 5:15 and it was almost done being can use in the real industry.” The new set also had many uses hard, professional set. show and make it their own. set up. It took a couple hours to set “Most schools have gone to virtual Ibarra said, “I think that it looks it up,” Brooke Ibarra, eighth grade besides being a background for the anchors. It could be used for credits, sets but the students picked this set. professional and I am glad that we got communications major, said. The students on the morning opens, and packages. It was also We researched it in our television it before I leave Bak.”
of last year’s performance to Carnegie Hall. They accepted us and let us play there,” Ravichandran said. On Thursday, March 24 the group saw the Broadway show “Phantom of the Opera.” “The singers performing the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ had high vocal ranges, but the special effects were a little crazy,” Kong said. “The acting was definitely Broadway quality.” The students walked to Central Park the following Friday. Central Park is an urban park that is one of the most filmed locations in the world. In 2013, 40 million people visited the park. “The part [of Central Park that] we saw was about five times the size of Bak,” Kong said. According to Carnegie Hall’s website, Andrew Carnegie built the hall in the undeveloped section of upper Manhattan. It opened on May 5, 1891. “Carnegie Hall was beautiful, but it was pretty small,” Ravichandran said. “There were a lot of backstage rooms where we could warm up.”
learned in class in real-life situations. “In class, we learned basic words to talk to people. Spanish class helped me communicate with the residents there and know basic needs like how to order your lunch or ask the price of souvenirs,” Taylor Haynes, seventh
25 best places to visit in the world, according to travel.usnews.com. “I was expecting to see an interesting culture and to learn about the islanders and I did,” Haynes said. According to Ehow, Puerto Rico had several Catholic faith shapes in its culture” and “has many foods with indigenous seasonings such as Cocina Criolla. “The girls got to experience a different culture, a different schedule, different foods, and different sayings and expressions,” Donnelly said. Bak’s annual Spanish trip let students “communicate,” Haynes said, and “learn and practice Spanish.” Haynes said, “I wanted to enhance my Spanish. My mom is Spanish, so I want to learn the language she speaks.”
Morning announcements receives new LED set to modernize show
Photo by Madaleine Rubin
With a quadruple LED light display, the new set illuminates the television studio. The four lights randomly changed colors to professionalize the Morning Announcements.
By Lily Gumbinner Photo Editor
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ak MSOA Today updated the look of the morning announcements by adding a new set to improve the show and teach students how to work with a real, professional set. “The students really wanted something different than the black curtain. They
wanted to enhance their news program and modernize their show,” Shannon Owens, communications teacher, said. The crew ordered the set from Gelbach Designs, a professional set design company out of North Carolina. The set was custom built to match the anchor desk.
Morning announcements set Continued on page 4
Morning Announcements Set Caption- page 1 News
Check out the food review on Palm Beach County’s best doughnuts on page 6.
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News.......................................1 & 4 Editorial.....................................2 Opinion.................................3 Entertainment.......................6 & 7 Features..................................8 & 9 Sports and Clubs..........10 & 11 Technology...........................12 & 13 Arts and Academics...........14 & 15 Student Life...................................16
Cracker Barrel brand proves flavor
Sunfest headlines major performers Concert event draws in hundreds of thousands of fans
By Luke Stone Co-Editor-in-Chief very year around the first week of May, people from across the nation come together on Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach to attend South Florida’s largest annual music festival, SunFest. “I’ve worked for SunFest since 1990 and the event today is very unlike the event of the eighties and nineties,” Paul Jamieson, SunFest’s executive director since 1996 said. “Back then, it was more of a community festival with a focus on many different things, and now it’s become a national festival that focuses primarily on music.” Since its founding in 1982, SunFest has grown, with this year’s event (from April 27- May 1) featuring 50 bands across three stages with a total attendance of approximately 175 thousand people.
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Photo courtesy of Allen Eyestone/Palm Beach Post
By Lily Gumbinner Photo Editor here is no doubt about macaroni and cheese is one of America’s most popular and satisfying dishes. Macaroni and cheese originated in Italy, estimated sometime around the late thirteenth century. I picked three brand name boxed macaroni and cheese and rated them based on smell, taste, texture, style, and nutritional value. The first brand of macaroni and cheese that I tried was Kraft. Kraft was founded in 1937, and one of the leading macaroni and cheese brands. When I first cooked Kraft, my entire house was filled with a wonderful cheesy aroma. My mouth was already watering. It had a nice, rich, cheesy
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May 2016 * Volume 19 * Issue 6 * Bak Middle School of the Arts * 1725 Echo Lake Drive * West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
Duran Duran’s lead singer Simon LeBon performs on the Ford Stage at SunFest on Wednesday, April 27, 2016. The band will go on tour in America this summer, with performances scheduled in Tennessee, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
Photo by Lily Gumbinner
Out of the three macaroni and cheese brands, Cracker Barrel was the best. Cracker Barrel is a chain restaurant and country store that founded in 1969.
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Sunfest
suggestive lyrics have gone viral, such as “Becky with the good hair” in “Sorry,” one of her bestselling songs on the album. Beyoncé’s songs were filled with ambitious statements, proving her value over her supposedly cheating spouse. The album also sent feminist and self-image messages. The album debuted after an HBO documentary special, which got almost one million views.
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ith social media growing more prevalent among today’s youth, Internet privacy on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter becomes more and more of an issue in daily lives. The Internet provided users with a false sense of anonymity and security, resulting in people disclosing more information than they would in real life.
Additionally, always verify if a friend or acquaintance’s account is real before sending them private messages. It may seem like people only make fake accounts for celebrities, but it is more widespread than that. Hackers have used fake accounts to embarrass the real person or steal their identity for financial gain. Security In-a-Box recommended social media users to never feel pressured to accept follow requests from strangers. Some of these strangers seem harmless,
By Lily Gumbinner Photo Editor s the current assistant principal, Robert Bauer, plans his retirement, Terrence Narinesingh, Ed. S. steps up to take the position. “The opportunity presented itself because one of the current assistant principals is retiring. I saw this as a chance to share what I know with the stakeholders here at Bak and to work with the students,” Narinesingh said. Narinesingh started teaching in 2006 as a high school science teacher. He was then promoted to instructional specialist, assistant principal, and adjunct professor of Educational Leadership at Barry University. “I started as a teacher at John I.
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Leonard High School. After that, I was promoted to the district office as part of an administrative team to improve student achievement. Most recently, I was an administrator in Area 1 that helped student achievement with a combo of middle and high School students,” Narinesingh said. “I formerly taught earth-space science, biology, and chemistry. I have an undergraduate degree in biology and a master’s degree in student achievement and leadership.” Not only does Narinesingh get lots of support from the Bak staff, his family has also inspired him in his educational career. “I became an administrator because my sister was a teacher and my father is
also currently a math teacher, so they inspired me to be an administrator,” Narinesingh said. “I am able to impact student achievement in a bigger perspective.” Although his first day was a learning experience trying to get acclimated to the campus, Narinesingh said that, “Everyone has been very supportive. I feel like I am part of a family.” “Bak is very reputable in terms of having honorable students and a great staff. I wanted to have the challenge of working in an art school. I am very humbled to be a part of such a fantastic team.” Narinesingh said, “I look forward to working with everyone and being a part of a great team here at Bak.”
Photo courtesy of Narinesingh
Aside from being an administrator, Narinesingh loves to write short stories and poetry. He is also involved with Dachshund rescue.
New Assistant Principal Article- page 1 News
Behind the looming theme of a cheating husband, the album highlights the emotional grief of black women. Beyoncé sings and raps about her ethnicity with pride. Sadness, anger, and paranoia are all key elements of “Lemonade.” The final track on the album, “Formation,” tied all of these emotions together. Due to “Lemonade’s” positive messages with deep undertones, I gave it four point five out of five stars.
Beyoncé attends the Metropolitan Museum of Art Met Gala in New York on Monday, May 2, 2016. (Doug Peters/PA Wire/Zuma Press/ TNS)
Entertainment Editor
but they may be using posted pictures to target or stalk users. USA Today suggested creating different passwords for every social media platform. Otherwise, once someone hacks into one account, they can then access all other accounts. There is no avoiding being exposed to social media today, but there are essential steps to staying safe online, such as being careful about posting pictures and friending users.
‘I am very humbled to be part of such a fantastic team,’ Narinesingh says
it two out of five stars. The final brand was Cracker Barrel. At first, I was not so sure about this brand because it had liquid cheese, where Kraft and Horizon had powder cheese. But, my opinions changed quickly. The smell of the warm liquid cheese and hot noodles created a wonderful smell, even better than Kraft. With my first bite, the flavors melted in my mouth and the texture was perfect. It was super cheesy and melty, and perfectly creamy, something that was lacking in the other two brands. The only downfall was the calorie count. It was much higher than the other two, and the ingredient list was very long. But overall, I gave Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese a score of four and a half out of five stars.
Summer movies set to release By Anushka Lakum
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 Set to release on June 3, 2016. Dave Green will direct it, and most are expecting this film to reach more than $500 million at the global box office.
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According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, this proved to be dangerous because hackers could use this information to stalk someone or deliver spam. According to Network World, social security numbers, birthdays, home addresses, phone numbers, and credit card information should be kept private. Some sites may have options to limit this information to a select group of people, so always check the sites’ privacy settings.
flavor that melted in my mouth. It could have been a bit creamier though, it was a little bit dry. It also had ingredients that I had never heard of, so it was not all natural. I gave Kraft an overall score of four out of five stars. The next brand that I tried out was Horizon Organic Mac. I immediately did not find it appetizing when I smelled it. It smelled bland and not cheesy at all. When I took a bite, it tasted exactly how it smelled. Horizon had pretty much no flavor at all. Its texture was similar to Kraft, not too bad but a little dry. I did love the fact that Horizon was all organic though. The ingredient list was very small and everything was natural. I was surprised to see that Kraft did have a lower calorie count compared to Horizon. Overall, I gave
Beyoncé’s album, ‘Lemonade’ insinuates cheating husband By Ashley Kulberg Photo Editor hen life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Beyoncé did this and made millions of dollars in the process. “Lemonade” was Beyoncé’s second “visual album,” meaning that every song had a music video to go with it. Most of the tracks insinuated that Beyoncé believed her husband, Jay Z, was cheating on her. Some of these
Protecting personal information on social media reduces risk, harm By Angela Yan News Editor
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The Portfolio May 2016
The BFG
Finding Dory
Expected release on June 17, 2016. Andrew Stanton and Angus MacLane will direct, and because of the popularity of “Finding Nemo,” “Finding Dory” is sure to have the same outcome. On July 1, “The BFG” will be in theaters. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie is based on the classic book by Roald Dahl.
Ice Age 5
Giorgi Chkhikvadze Contact: gpiano84@gmail.com
To be released on July 1, 2016, “Tarzan” is directed by David Yates. According to denofgeek. us, some think the date maybe changed as it runs on the same day as Spielberg’s movie.
The Legend of Tarzan
“Ice Age 5” expected release is July 15, and is directed by Michael Thurmeier and Galen T. Chu. The last two “Ice Age” movies have grossed more than $850 million in the worldwide.
Mac and Cheese Review Article- page 5 Entertainment
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The Portfolio May 2016
Retiring teachers, staff say goodbye to Bak By Ashley Kulberg Photo Editor his spring, Lisa Hanser, Benjamin Baxley, Janet Karvonen, and Robert Bauer will retire from Bak, leaving behind past experiences and memories. “My favorite part [of teaching] is just seeing the excitement on students’ faces when they get what a culture is really about,” Janet Karvonen, sixth grade world history teacher, said. Some of the retiring staff have worked at Bak since it opened, almost 19 years ago, and most have been teaching for years before that. “In 1997, I saw an article in the
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newspaper about the school,” Lisa Hanser, seventh grade civics teacher, said. “I was so excited and applied right away.” Before settling in their current positions, the staff held some other titles and taught different subjects. “I began as a college teacher that taught how to teach children’s theater,” Benjamin Baxley, sixth grade arts exploration teacher, said. “And that’s what I’ve been doing at Bak for 12 years.” No matter why they plan to leave, the staff has simple advice for the teachers taking their place. “[My advice is] make sure that the arts
come first and remember to enjoy the kids,” Robert Bauer, assistant principal, said. Hanser earned her degree for middle school curriculum in Charlottesville, Virginia. She later moved to West Palm Beach and taught at Conniston Middle School. “When I taught at Conniston, all types of different incidents occurred,” Hanser said. “At Bak, nothing like that ever happened.” Like most retiring teachers, Hanser has ideas of what she would like to do after leaving Bak. “It would be nice to do volunteer work at Animal Care and Control,
Photos by Ashley Kulberg
there are many great opportunities there,” Hanser said. Baxley has had past experience in the performing arts and teaching theater, and would like to work in that industry after he retires. “Twenty years ago, I had a young man and woman in a play,” Baxley said. “They started a theater called Dramaworks, and I’ll be working there.” While working in theater at Bak, Baxley had many memorable experiences. “We were doing a show called ‘A Day in Hollywood, A Night in Ukraine,’ and the students who performed were so amazing that I forgot they were just 14 years old,” Baxley said. “That was one of the most amazing feelings I ever had.” Karvonen was one of the original teachers on the Bak campus. When she started teaching, she was involved in the arts. “What I loved about the original school was that every teacher was in the arts, so they could relate to the students. I was a dancer, specifically ballet,” Karvonen said. Bauer, too, had former arts experience. He had taught at Bak for 15 years. “[When I retire] I’ll probably get back to painting and making artwork,” Bauer said. With this school year coming to an end, new teachers and staff will take their places in the 2016-17 school year.
Student directed one act plays wow audience ONE ACT PLAYS PERFORMED Juvie By Jerome McDonough Directed by Nicholas Santana
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Rabbit By David Foxton Directed by Rose Pascal Cagebirds By David Campton Directed by Shaina Franks Red Carnations By Glen Hughes Directed by Joseph Zibura Blind Date By Samara Siskind Directed by Juliana Pinto Three Guys and a Brenda By Adam Bock Directed by Marina Bertuzzelli The DMV By Nick Zagone Directed by Isabella Kaimakliotis Sure Thing from All in the Timing By Davis Ives Directed by Janelle Puckering and Dalia Rabinowitz
By Anushka Lakum Entertainment Editor he lights came up, and the crowd hushed as the actors became visible. Three girls dressed like men were seated in the middle of the stage, making jokes to pass the time. The play was “Three Guys and a Brenda.” “I think [Three Guys and a Brenda] was the best because it had a lot of humor and emotion and showed how the character were feeling,” Kate Ramirez, seventh grade visual major, said. Eighth grade theater students performed in eight one act plays through the month of April, from “Juvie” to “Rabbit.” “I think we all did really well with a lot of energy and I think the plays turned out great,” Miriam Colvin, eighth grade theater major, said. Although the plays were directed by both students and teachers, actors had a certain standard that they needed to reach. “There was a rubric that had skills to master, and the students had to learn those skills through their rehearsals and performances,” Sandra Tepper, theater teacher, said. Some students thought that the plays had room for improvement. “The ‘Juvie’ play could be improved
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Photo by Anushka Lakum
Holding a clipboard, Sierra Miller acts like she is in a hurry. Miller, along with Katherine Cordova, Juliana Pinto, and Caroline Valenzuela, performed in the one-act play called “Three Guys and a Brenda.” It was about how a man who wanted to take out his crush to dinner.
the most because I think that the actors could go deeper into their parts,” Emma Ratchford, seventh grade band major, said. Because the plays were directed by students, cast members got a different experience. “[Students] learn to work collaboratively, and they are able to problem solve. It teaches them a new level of respect for each other,” Tepper said. Aside from being just plays, the
dramas had overall messages hidden between the lines. “I think ‘Rabbit’ gave the impression that you never know what the future holds,” Colvin said. Many students enjoyed the one act plays that were performed for them. “The actors portrayed their roles really well,” Ratchford said. As the actors said their last lines, the lights dimmed and the cast held hands and bowed. The audience got up to give performers a standing ovation.
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Entertainment
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The Portfolio May 2016
Cracker Barrel brand proves flavor By Lily Gumbinner Photo Editor here is no doubt about macaroni and cheese is one of America’s most popular and satisfying dishes. Macaroni and cheese originated in Italy, estimated sometime around the late thirteenth century. I picked three brand name boxed macaroni and cheese and rated them based on smell, taste, texture, style, and nutritional value. The first brand of macaroni and cheese that I tried was Kraft. Kraft was founded in 1937, and one of the leading macaroni and cheese brands. When I first cooked Kraft, my entire house was filled with a wonderful cheesy aroma. My mouth was already watering. It had a nice, rich, cheesy
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Photo by Lily Gumbinner
Out of the three macaroni and cheese brands, Cracker Barrel was the best. Cracker Barrel is a chain restaurant and country store that founded in 1969.
flavor that melted in my mouth. It could have been a bit creamier though, it was a little bit dry. It also had ingredients that I had never heard of, so it was not all natural. I gave Kraft an overall score of four out of five stars. The next brand that I tried out was Horizon Organic Mac. I immediately did not find it appetizing when I smelled it. It smelled bland and not cheesy at all. When I took a bite, it tasted exactly how it smelled. Horizon had pretty much no flavor at all. Its texture was similar to Kraft, not too bad but a little dry. I did love the fact that Horizon was all organic though. The ingredient list was very small and everything was natural. I was surprised to see that Kraft did have a lower calorie count compared to Horizon. Overall, I gave
it two out of five stars. The final brand was Cracker Barrel. At first, I was not so sure about this brand because it had liquid cheese, where Kraft and Horizon had powder cheese. But, my opinions changed quickly. The smell of the warm liquid cheese and hot noodles created a wonderful smell, even better than Kraft. With my first bite, the flavors melted in my mouth and the texture was perfect. It was super cheesy and melty, and perfectly creamy, something that was lacking in the other two brands. The only downfall was the calorie count. It was much higher than the other two, and the ingredient list was very long. But overall, I gave Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese a score of four and a half out of five stars.
Beyoncé’s album, ‘Lemonade’ insinuates cheating husband By Ashley Kulberg Photo Editor hen life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Beyoncé did this and made millions of dollars in the process. “Lemonade” was Beyoncé’s second “visual album,” meaning that every song had a music video to go with it. Most of the tracks insinuated that Beyoncé believed her husband, Jay Z, was cheating on her. Some of these
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Arts & Academics
suggestive lyrics have gone viral, such as “Becky with the good hair” in “Sorry,” one of her bestselling songs on the album. Beyoncé’s songs were filled with ambitious statements, proving her value over her supposedly cheating spouse. The album also sent feminist and self-image messages. The album debuted after an HBO documentary special, which got almost one million views.
Behind the looming theme of a cheating husband, the album highlights the emotional grief of black women. Beyoncé sings and raps about her ethnicity with pride. Sadness, anger, and paranoia are all key elements of “Lemonade.” The final track on the album, “Formation,” tied all of these emotions together. Due to “Lemonade’s” positive messages with deep undertones, I gave it four point five out of five stars.
Beyoncé attends the Metropolitan Museum of Art Met Gala in New York on Monday, May 2, 2016. (Doug Peters/PA Wire/Zuma Press/ TNS)
Summer movies set to release By Anushka Lakum Entertainment Editor
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2
Mac and Cheese Review Photo and Caption- page 7 Entertainment Set to release on June 3, 2016. Dave Green will direct it, and most are expecting this film to reach more than $500 million at the global box office.
The BFG
Expected release on June 17, 2016. Andrew Stanton and Angus MacLane will direct, and because of the popularity of “Finding Nemo,” “Finding Dory” is sure to have the same outcome.
On July 1, “The BFG” will be in theaters. Directed by Steven
Finding Dory