Sophia Pregadio Portfolio 2016

Sophia

Pregadio

Resume

Cover Letter Bak Middle School of the Arts 1725 Echo Lake Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33407 March 4, 2016

Bak Middle School of the Arts 1725 Echo Lake Drive West Palm Beach, FL 33407

American Heritage 6200 Linton Blvd Delray Beach, FL 33484

OBJETIVE To be a skillful leader and keep the yearbook staff organized, as well as to gain experience and people skills.

Dear Ms. Adams,

I am on the Masterpiece yearbook staff at Bak Middle School of the Arts. My position as

clubs and orgs editor has prepared me for a position on the American Heritage yearbook. I’ve

EDUCATION •

Completed two years at Bak Middle School of the Arts

•

G.P.A. 4.0.

EXPERIENCE Masterpiece Yearbook, Bak Middle School of the Arts •

Aug 2015-2016 Clubs and Orgs Editor. Design layouts, meet deadlines, interview.

•

Aug 2013-2014 Completed a semester of Creative Writing.

•

Aug 2014-2015 Completed a semester of Advanced Creative Writing.

because it has given me ideal assets that will benefit me in future careers.

•

Aug 2013-2015 Completed a semester of Intro to Graphics.

•

Aug 2015-2016 Completed a full year of Advanced Graphics

had a full year of experience on a yearbook staff and understand the obstacles and difficulties of working on a yearbook. I would love to gain even more experience working with yearbook

I would be honored to be on your yearbook staff. I have wonderful qualities that would fit

perfectly for your yearbook team. I am a strong leader, a hard worker, and proficient in writing.

I am also very responsible when it comes to yearbook duties, such as deadlines, which we all know can sometimes be a struggle. I work very well with others, but at the same time I am always on top of people to get the job done.

I am very passionate for what I do, which is writing and finding ways to always be

creative. I am willing to make any sacrifices and go out of my way to make the publication successful, since I have such a strong passion for writing and creativity. If I were to be on your yearbook staff, I would make sure everything goes accordingly and planned.

The American Heritage yearbook is a successful and prestigious publication and for this reason, I would be grateful to apply for a position on your staff. I appreciate your consideration and feel that an interview would allow me to further express my proficiencies to you in person.

Thank you, Sophia Pregadio Enclosed: resume

RELEVANT MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDIES Journalism I, Creative Writing, Advanced Creative Writing, Intro to Graphics, Advanced Graphic design HONORS, AWARDS, AND MEMBERSHIPS Silver Key Scholastics Award, 2014-2015 I won a Silver Key for my detailed memoir.

Silver Key Scholastics Award, 2015-2016 I won Silver Key for a short story.

Babysitting, 2014-present, I care for young kids, take them to the park to play, tutor and help with homework, bath and get them ready for bed.

Sportsmanship award for soccer, 2011, I played soccer in elementally school for a couple years.

Honor Roll, 2013-2015, I achieved all A’s and B’s all three years in middle school A.O.K Award, 2013-2015, I completed many hours of community service during all three years in middle school REFERENCES •

Renee Kessler: writing coach. 555-555-555

•

Julia Heggan: babysitting contact. 555-555-555

•

Jessica Samons: yearbook adviser. 555-555-555

Reflection #1

Self Analytical Evaluation

Ever since I was younger I have been infatuated with writing. It all started when I was in Kindergarten. We were given a writing assignment and I was awarded a gold sticker for mine. Even though that doesn’t sound like much of an award, it meant the world to me to have my writing praised and to be honored with a gold sticker. That moment inspired me to pursue my writing and up until now, that path lead me into joining yearbook. Before I first joined yearbook, I thought, why not take the writing skills that I have and apply them to journalism?

I am so glad that I joined this journalism class because it has taught me so many valuable lessons and improved my writing abilities. Over the course of this year, I cannot begin to count the amount of life experiences and lessons I have gained. I learned about managing my time, communicating well with others, not procrastinating and much more.

To start from the beginning, I had to make major adjustments entering this course because I wasn’t familiar with getting interviews, taking photos, or writing copy that would be published for the whole student body to see. And because of this, the first deadline I had was pretty difficult, but at the same time I learned a lot. The first deadline I was on the fashion and trends spread, where I learned that I couldn’t procrastinate to get interviews or wait to take photos last minute. I made a commitment that on the next deadline, I would make sure to not procrastinate and get interviews/take pictures as soon as possible. By the time the second deadline flew by, the third deadline was right in my face. But just like the first two deadlines, on my third deadline I ran through some obstacles and made mistakes on the way. For the third deadline, I was on many different spreads like boys soccer, visual, dance, and clubs and orgs divider. I think because I had so many spreads, it was difficult for me to manage my time and organization skills. Also, on the boys’ soccer spread there was little communication with my team, which led to chaos and the spread turned into a mess.

By the fourth deadline, I realized that all these mistakes were because of all the procrastination I was doing. I took a step back and realized that “Life does not wait for you, we have to make life happen.” At that moment I learned to no longer procrastinate.

To think about it, the most valuable lesson that I gained over the course of this year is to learn from my mistakes and slip-ups. Trust me, I made many and had to realize that I would learn from them and not make them again. I can definitely say that overall, this yearbook class was a valuable course I took, because all of these skills will be useful and applied in all aspects of my life.

I will definitely be able to take these skills and experiences and look back at them in the future. I can take all the skills that I gained from this course – dedication, not procrastinating, communicating, getting the job done successfully, and managing my time – and apply them to any career path that I take in the future. For example, I have always wanted to be a writer for either Seventeen magazine or Teen Vogue. I know that working in that business is very similar to yearbook – the deadlines, work, cooperation, and dedication. Thanks to yearbook, I was exposed to all those skills at a young age and will have no problem in the future.

My most significant and best piece of work was the fashion and trends spread on my first deadline. Considering that it was my very first spread, I feel it was my best piece of work because of all the quality pictures, well-written captions, creative sidebars, and how nicely the spread caught the reader’s attention.

The reason I was on this spread was because I love fashion/latest trends and thought that this would be a cool spread to be apart of. Although this spread was difficult to put together and took time doing, I still enjoyed being on it. It was difficult because at certain times, I had to be a leader and take charge. I took most of the photos, helped write copy, and got most of the interviews.

The process started as meeting as a team to assign each of our jobs on the spread, planning what the spread would look like, and also writing what our questions for interviews would be. After everyone was assigned jobs for the spread, I made a checklist of what had to be done for the first draft. The checklist prepared our team to get the first draft started.

The first draft looked like a regular spread, but with no pictures, captions, or copy.

On our final draft, after we got pictures, interviews, captions, and copy written, it looked very professional, elaborate, and glossy. What I liked most about this finished product was that it looked like a layout that should be published in a professional magazine. The sidebars are creative, the pictures are colorful and vibrant, and the copy is well written.

Every time I look at this piece, I beam with pride.

First draft of the fashion and trends spread top 5

Final draft of the fashion and trends spread top 5

IN THE ZONE As Hayley Alfonso (8) hears the song play in her headphones she cannot help but smile. “When I’m listening to an upbeat song, I feel excitement. When I put on my beats I can jam to my favorite song by myself in privacy without any disruptions from the outside world,” Alfonso said. Alfonso loved listening to her favorite song “Hotline Bling” by Drake. Photo

by Sophia Pregadio

Best Viral Songs of 2015...

My Face- The 1 Can’t FeelWeeknd 2 Cheerleader- Omi Bad Blood- Taylor Swift ft.

3 Kendrick Lamar Uptown Funk- Mark 4 Ronson ft. Bruno Mars See You Again- Wiz 5 Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth

IN THE ZONE As Hayley Alfonso (8) hears the song play in her headphones she cannot help but smile. “When I’m listening to an upbeat song, I feel excitement. When I put on my beats I can jam to my favorite song by myself in privacy without any disruptions from the outside world,” Alfonso said. Alfonso loved listening to her favorite song “Hotline Bling” by Drake. Photo

by Sophia Pregadio

Best Viral Songs of 2015...

My Face- The 1 Can’t FeelWeeknd 2 Cheerleader- Omi Bad Blood- Taylor Swift ft.

3 Kendrick Lamar Uptown Funk- Mark 4 Ronson ft. Bruno Mars See You Again- Wiz 5 Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth

JAMMING OUT As Camila Fred (8) hears one of her favorite songs, a huge smile appears on her face and she begins to dance with Tara Miller (8).

“I think most people would agree the ‘Whip’ and ‘Nae Nae’ is the best dance, but I would say ‘Hit the Quan’ is better,” Fred said. She thought that “Hit the Quan” was better because it was an entertaining song.

Photo by Sophia Pregadio

JAMMING OUT As Camila Fred (8) hears one of her favorite songs, a huge smile appears on her face and she begins to dance with Tara Miller (8).

“I think most people would agree the ‘Whip’ and ‘Nae Nae’ is the best dance, but I would say ‘Hit the Quan’ is better,” Fred said. She thought that “Hit the Quan” was better because it was an entertaining song.

Photo by Sophia Pregadio

THE PASSION & Fashion

THE PASSION & Fashion

Students use fashion and music as a way of expression

Students use fashion and music as a way of expression

For Music

D

enim, flannels and joggers, what did they all have in common?

They were all favorite fashion trends of students at Bak during the 2015-2016 school year. During that time, the students had seen many popular trends in both fashion and music that had shaped their personalities and behaviors.

“When you meet someone, usually their first impression of you is what you’re wearing. So in a way, fashion does express who you are,” Devonn Lewis communications (8) said.

Fashion trends had influenced students.

Each student still had their own style that broke the mold and expressed themselves. They all showed their own unique definition of fashion.

“Fashion helps express yourself. It shows who you are and what your personality is like. I think everyone has their own style,” Oliver Longley theater (7) said.

Music was another form of expression for students. To the students, the feelings 8

Painting Your Own Path

in the songs were what made it worth listening to. Songs like “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd were popular because of the fast tempo and lyrics.

“It has to have feeling to it. The tempo decides whether it’s sad or happy which is a big part of the song,” Lilyanne Basa,strings (6) said.

Each song was different and had its own unique sound. Lyrics and the feelings behind them affected the students’ opinion and their own connection with music and got a different feeling from them.

“If there’s no music, there’s no life.

Because music is life.” Basa said, “If there was no music, there would be nothing to help express your feelings.”

Music and fashion helped students express themselves, The trends that shaped the 2015-2016 school year and are things that the students would remember forever.

by Skyler Johnson

For Music

D

enim, flannels and joggers, what did they all have in common?

They were all favorite fashion trends of students at Bak during the 2015-2016 school year. During that time, the students had seen many popular trends in both fashion and music that had shaped their personalities and behaviors.

“When you meet someone, usually their first impression of you is what you’re wearing. So in a way, fashion does express who you are,” Devonn Lewis communications (8) said.

Fashion trends had influenced students.

Each student still had their own style that broke the mold and expressed themselves. They all showed their own unique definition of fashion.

“Fashion helps express yourself. It shows who you are and what your personality is like. I think everyone has their own style,” Oliver Longley theater (7) said.

Music was another form of expression for students. To the students, the feelings

FASHION TRENDS OF 2015

Who: Marcus Pina Grade: Seventh What: Graphic Tee Style: Casual

Who: Ayana Harris Grade: Eighth What: Flowy shorts Style: Chic

Who: Nicolas Paglino Grade: Eighth What: Joggers Style: Sporty

LOL MOMENT Alongside his friend Brooke Kaplan (6), Alrik Blanchard (6) shares a funny moment. “I found [these viral trends] mostly from my brother and then I learn them,” Blanchard said. Blanchard felt that the most annoying trend of the school year was “What Are Those?”

Photo by Joel Soto

Student Life/Fashion and Trends

9

8

Painting Your Own Path

in the songs were what made it worth listening to. Songs like “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd were popular because of the fast tempo and lyrics.

“It has to have feeling to it. The tempo decides whether it’s sad or happy which is a big part of the song,” Lilyanne Basa,strings (6) said.

Each song was different and had its own unique sound. Lyrics and the feelings behind them affected the students’ opinion and their own connection with music and got a different feeling from them.

“If there’s no music, there’s no life.

Because music is life.” Basa said, “If there was no music, there would be nothing to help express your feelings.”

Music and fashion helped students express themselves, The trends that shaped the 2015-2016 school year and are things that the students would remember forever.

by Skyler Johnson

FASHION TRENDS OF 2015

Who: Marcus Pina Grade: Seventh What: Graphic Tee Style: Casual

Who: Ayana Harris Grade: Eighth What: Flowy shorts Style: Chic

Who: Nicolas Paglino Grade: Eighth What: Joggers Style: Sporty

LOL MOMENT Alongside his friend Brooke Kaplan (6), Alrik Blanchard (6) shares a funny moment. “I found [these viral trends] mostly from my brother and then I learn them,” Blanchard said. Blanchard felt that the most annoying trend of the school year was “What Are Those?”

Photo by Joel Soto

Student Life/Fashion and Trends

9

Reflection #2

Reflection #3

The piece that could still use work is the boys soccer spread. We had trouble communicating as a team, which led to the spread having little coverage. Many times, we missed great photo opportunities because members in the team didn’t know they had a game to cover. Our spread ended up with little variety of pictures and interviews (they were basically all pictures of the same game and interviews with the same people). Since we didn’t have that variety of pictures to choose from, the majority of the pictures on the spread were of poor quality; either it was blurry or the lighting was off.

I learned that next time, we need to communicate better and I need to make sure that everyone knows when he or she are covering a game.

The first draft of the spread was horrific because there was little preparation prior to the first draft. And honestly, there was really no process to completing this spread; my team and I winged it.

It was embarrassing to have our final piece looking like it was the first draft. The pictures didn’t flow nicely and we needed to move a lot of things around like copy and the scoreboard for the pictures to fit. The dominant photo (of a person) is in the gutter, there’s still white space, and copy looked as if it was crammed to the side.

If I had the chance to go back to fix the spread, I would first make sure that everyone on the team knew exactly what days they had to cover, so we could get better photos and cover more games.

First draft spread for boys soccer The boys’ soccer team struggles through a tough season

T

he starting whistle blew as he raced toward the ball and sprinted to the other team’s goal in hopes of making an advance. He stole the ball from his rival and shot it into the goal as the crowd cheered him on.

This was the moment that Xavier Zambrano, center attacking midfield (7), lived for.

“When I am playing, I work on passing, shooting the ball into the goal, and dribbling,” Zambrano said.

From the moment the players stepped on the field, they felt the pressure to succeed in the game and the hope of a winning.

“When the starting whistle blows, I feel anxious. I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Sebastian Lopez, right midfield (8), said. “I have an idea of what might happen before the game starts and sometimes it’s bad, but I tell myself that I’m going to score a goal.”

They started off the season with a 0-3 win against Independence and even though their next game against them ended with a loss, they had high hopes for where the season would go.

“My goal this year is to make it to playoff. I love the feeling I get from winning, it motivates me and my team to work harder,” Christian Diaz, right midfield (8) said.

Despite their best efforts, they still had a challenging season, losing against competitors like Duncan and Jeaga. They were crushed 0-7 at their final game against Jeaga, but losing did not stop the team from trying to improve.

“I try to get better by working harder so I can excel.

I have to practice because without putting in effort, I feel like I’m not doing as well as other players.” Oliver Anthony, forward (6) said.

Although their season did not go as expected, with a 1-9 record, they still tried to come back from eight losses in a row against Duncan, Jeaga, Independence and Jupiter by practicing harder.

Zambrano said, “Nothing comes easy in life. You have to work hard at anything that’s worth doing.

Soccer is worth doing.”

by Skyler Johnson and Sophia Pregadio

Team

Independence Howell Watkins Duncan Jeaga Independence Howell Watkins Duncan Jupiter Jeaga Jupiter 116

Sporting a New Color

Us 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 1

“It’s my favorite sport and it’s a lot more physical than other sports.” Connor Horan strings (8)

FACING GIANTS As Jared Civin (7) sprints across the field to steal the ball, he contemplates how he’s going to approach the Duncan player. “The Duncan players are bigger than us, but I think that if we put in the work we can beat them,” Civin said. They were faced with tough competition playing against teams from Jeaga and Duncan, but were still able to have an engaging season.

Photo by Sophia Pregadio HARD WORK PAYS OFF Thomas Ashley (6) plays defense to try to stop the opponent from scoring a goal. “I like soccer because it’s exciting when you score a goal. It makes me feel proud that after all of my soccer practice, I finally get to score a goal. All my hard work is paid off,” Ashley said. Ashley felt that the older kids on the team helped challenge him. Photo by Isabella Ramirez

Them 3 0 4 4 2 1 4 4 7 3

The boys’ soccer team struggles through a tough season

“I play because I love the rush of energy I get when I steal the ball from the opposing team.” Joel Soto communications(8)

Boys’ Soccer Scoreboard

HEADS UP Angling himself away from the opposing player, Sebastian Lopez (8) throws the ball back onto the field. “We were playing against Duncan and they kicked the ball out of bounds, so I had to throw it back in,” Lopez said.

Before every game, Lopez would be anxious, but would remind himself that he would be able to get a goal. Photo by Sophia Pregadio

he starting whistle blew as he raced toward the ball and sprinted to the other team’s goal in hopes of making an advance. He stole the ball from his rival and shot it into the goal as the crowd cheered him on.

This was the moment that Xavier Zambrano, center attacking midfield (7), lived for.

“When I am playing, I work on passing, shooting the ball into the goal, and dribbling,” Zambrano said.

From the moment the players stepped on the field, they felt the pressure to succeed in the game and the hope of a winning.

“When the starting whistle blows, I feel anxious. I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Sebastian Lopez, right midfield (8), said. “I have an idea of what might happen before the game starts and sometimes it’s bad, but I tell myself that I’m going to score a goal.”

They started off the season with a 0-3 win against Independence and even though their next game against them ended with a loss, they had high hopes for where the season would go.

“My goal this year is to make it to playoff. I love the feeling I get from winning, it motivates me and my team to work harder,” Christian Diaz, right midfield (8) said.

Despite their best efforts, they still had a challenging season, losing against competitors like Duncan and Jeaga. They were crushed 0-7 at their final game against Jeaga, but losing did not stop the team from trying to improve.

“I try to get better by working harder so I can excel.

I have to practice because without putting in effort, I feel like I’m not doing as well as other players.” Oliver Anthony, forward (6) said.

Although their season did not go as expected, with a 1-9 record, they still tried to come back from eight losses in a row against Duncan, Jeaga, Independence and Jupiter by practicing harder.

Zambrano said, “Nothing comes easy in life. You have to work hard at anything that’s worth doing.

Soccer is worth doing.”

by Skyler Johnson and Sophia Pregadio

“I play because I love the rush of energy I get when I steal the ball from the opposing team.” Joel Soto communications(8)

“It’s my favorite sport and it’s a lot more physical than other sports.” Connor Horan strings (8)

FACING GIANTS As Jared Civin (7) sprints across the field to steal the ball, he contemplates how he’s going to approach the Duncan player. “The Duncan players are bigger than us, but I think that if we put in the work we can beat them,” Civin said. They were faced with tough competition playing against teams from Jeaga and Duncan, but were still able to have an engaging season.

Photo by Sophia Pregadio HARD WORK PAYS OFF Thomas Ashley (6) plays defense to try to stop the opponent from scoring a goal. “I like soccer because it’s exciting when you score a goal. It makes me feel proud that after all of my soccer practice, I finally get to score a goal. All my hard work is paid off,” Ashley said. Ashley felt that the older kids on the team helped challenge him. Photo by Isabella Ramirez

Boys’ Soccer Scoreboard Team

Independence Howell Watkins Duncan Jeaga Independence Howell Watkins Duncan Jupiter Jeaga Jupiter

PASS THE BALL Having received the ball from Thomas Baxley (7), Sebastian Lopez (8) passes the ball to Xavier Zambrano (7). “When I’m playing soccer, I have to make sure to have hope and confidence,” Lopez said. “It helps distract me from the opponents and helps me focus on the ball better.” Lopez had been playing soccer since he was six years old. Photo by Sophia Pregadio

Sports/Boys’ Soccer

Sportscheck Why do you play?

MOVING FORWARD

T

117

116

Sporting a New Color

Us 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 1

Them 3 0 4 4 2 1 4 4 7 3

HEADS UP Angling himself away from the opposing player, Sebastian Lopez (8) throws the ball back onto the field. “We were playing against Duncan and they kicked the ball out of bounds, so I had to throw it back in,” Lopez said.

Before every game, Lopez would be anxious, but would remind himself that he would be able to get a goal. Photo by Sophia Pregadio

PASS THE BALL Having received the ball from Thomas Baxley (7), Sebastian Lopez (8) passes the ball to Xavier Zambrano (7). “When I’m playing soccer, I have to make sure to have hope and confidence,” Lopez said. “It helps distract me from the opponents and helps me focus on the ball better.” Lopez had been playing soccer since he was six years old. Photo by Sophia Pregadio

Sports/Boys’ Soccer

I am proud of this photo because of its unique angle and its vibrant colors. I also love how the photo shows rule of thirds. All these qualities this photo has catches the viewers interest and lures them in.

I am proud of this photo, since it took me hundreds of tries to get it.

It beautifully shows composition, emotion, and depth of fields. This photo also looks very elegant; the dancers with their outstretched arms nicely fill up the space. I am also proud of how the colors pop out from the dancers’ tutus.

Final draft spread for boys soccer

Sportscheck Why do you play?

MOVING FORWARD

I am proud of this photo because it captured a single moment in the game, right before a goal was scored. It took me many tries to get a clear, crisp photo that showed motion. This photo turned out great because of how it attracts the viewer’s eye, showing depth of field and motion.

117

Reflection #4

From helping write copy, getting interviews, and covering sport games I would say that I have made a huge contribution to the staff this year. To start off I was on many spreads each deadline.

The first deadline I was on the fashion and trends and the SECME spread, where I had to stay afterschool many times to get interviews and also take responsibility for members in the group who couldn’t get pictures or interviews. On the fashion and trends spread, I came up with the idea for the two sidebars. Since they were both intricate, they required a lot of work to be put into them. I cobbed the pictures, got the interviews, and collected data for each sidebar.

The second deadline I was on the visual arts spread, boys’ baseball, and video announcements. For the visual spread, I took hundreds of pictures and visited many different classes for coverage, even though only one of my pictures was published. I was the type of person who didn’t mind going out of their way to get pictures/interviews because of how dedicated and committed I was to making our spread turn out great.

Jumping to deadline three, I was on many spreads; I can say this deadline was the biggest and most difficult one. I was on the dance spread and went above and beyond to get many pictures so my team could have a variety of photos. I went to the winter dance performance to get a bunch of excellent photos, even though I knew they weren’t guaranteed to be on the spread. I also went to several dance classes to get photos and many interviews, so I was able to write engaging captions. For the soccer spread, I took initiative and went to multiple games to get photos because the rest of my team lagged and weren’t responsible. And on the fourth deadline, I was on the boys’ basketball spread and I remember I last minute had to take someone’s place that couldn’t cover a game.

I have written or helped write about seven copies, wrote around ten or more captions, had at least 12 or more photos published in the yearbook, and was on a total of eleven spreads. If you were to look at my name in the index, you can see that it shows up nineteen times. This not only proves that a lot of my hard work got published, but how much devotion and contribution I have given to the yearbook.

Reflection #5

This year I have faced many problems. To begin with, I had personal problems since I didn’t know how to manage my time. The total amount of unnecessary stress I gave myself was due to procrastinating and waiting around to get the job done.

The next problem I had was working and trying to communicate well with others.

Especially on the dance spread, I took hundreds of photos and not one of them ended up on the spread because there was no communication. In the end, it took lots of convincing and begging to get at least one of my photos on the spread. But really, there shouldn’t have been any begging or convincing if my team communicated in the first place.

In another situation, on the soccer spread, I was the only one who took a bunch of photos and covered games. Our soccer spread ended up looking terrible because of the little coverage and little communication our teammates had with each other; I relied too much on everyone to be responsible to cover a game and take photos.

Another problem I had was getting interviews from students. For example, on deadline two for the visual arts spread, the students were very shy and didn’t give long responses to the interview questions. The majority of students either didn’t know how to answer the question or were too shy to fully express what they want to say and because of that, it took a long time to just get one interview.

To address the problem of procrastinating… I learned that I can’t wait to get the job done and if I do wait, it will never get done. I learned I need to hold my head high and get the work done no matter how hard or challenging it is. If I am ever given a lengthy and difficult assignment in the future, I will immediately start on it and not beat around the bush.

To address the problem of not communicating well with my teammates…I learned that I can’t heavily rely on anyone. Instead, I must take lead and make sure everyone knows what his or her job is. I also learned that our team needs talk things through with each other, before making big decisions. I also learned that without communication, there is just going to be chaos. If another situation like this arises in the future, I know to sit down with everyone and talk things through.

To address the problem with getting interviews…I learned that not everyone will give you a great answer right off the bat and that I just need to be patient and ask lots of follow up questions. In the future, when I interview, I know that I need to be persistent, not give up, and look for a unique story the student has to tell because I know that they have one.

I feel as if I handled all these situations fairly well, since they turned out being fine in the end. When it came to me procrastinating…I still got the job done, but I know it wasn’t worth all the stress. When it came to the mishap on the dance spread…I remember sticking up for myself and pushing my team members to put my photo on the spread.

When it came to getting interviews with students for visual, I was persistent and didn’t give up. All these situations I have faced have definitely toughened me up and taught me valuable life lessons that I will hold onto.

Design

Reflection #6

Keep Moving Forward

Boys’ Soccer Scoreboard

Dedication holds the team together

Sports Boys’ Soccer

H

is heart was rapidly pumping as he sprinted down the field with the ball at his feet. His eyes quickly panned from left to right, aware of the defense around him. He dodged one of the opponents and the goalie got into position, ready for the player to shoot the ball. As if it happened in slow motion, he swiftly kicked the ball towards the goal. The soccer ball went soaring into the air and so did the goalie, jumping after it. It whizzed right passed and crashed back into the net, causing it to ripple. The crowd went wild.

“When you’re playing soccer, making quick decisions is very important,” Xavier Zambrano (7) said. “For example, shooting the ball into the net or passing it to one of the players; you need to make a quick decision.”

The boys have been playing soccer many years prior to being on the Bak soccer team. The amount practice and dedication has helped the boys grow and become better team players.

“In total, every week I practice ten and a half hours. When I practice, I work on passing, shooting the ball into the goal, and dribbling,” Zambrano said.

“I’ve been playing soccer for four years. I kept on playing soccer because I like the sport and it’s so much fun to play. I like the adrenaline soccer gives me,” Christian Diaz (8) said.

Soccer was more than just a game or having a fun time.

Soccer meant more to the boys; it gave them energy and allowed them to feel the rush of endorphins. The adrenaline pumped through their veins as they hurried down the field, chasing after the ball.

“I play because I love the rush of energy I get when I steal the ball from the opposing team,” Joel Soto (8) said.

by Sophia Pregadio

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Team

Us

Them

Independence Howell Watkins Duncan Jeaga Duncan Jupiter Jeaga Independence

0 2 1 0 1 0 4 3

0 2 3 1 2 0 0 1

BY THE NUMBERS

20%

of boys wear Adidas

60%

of boys play soccer

45%

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of boys like to wear black soccer jerseys

Why do you play?

NAME GRADE

NAME GRADE

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Ostatquium aus etiu cris seracepse cas catil te, Cupio nocchum iam, pra nos ortu et nos, terbis suntifecure intemneris pultus hocchil vis, es crem esent imus, con SPORTS/ BOY’S SOCCER 117

PASSING TIME

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Deadline 3

Deadline 1

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Occae. Mi, sed quias

TO BE CONTINUED

Closing

In deadline one, I was very strong in planning and communicating well with team members. For the fashion and trends spread, our team would meet for a couple minutes after the five-minute meetings and we all made sure everyone had something to do and to get it done on time. But on deadline three, I felt as if I wasn’t as strong in planning and communicating well with team members. On the dance spread, it was difficult to get everyone together for a meeting most likely because everyone was on so many spreads and very busy.

In deadline one, I didn’t feel solid about interviewing students and using follow up questions. On the SECME spread, sometimes it was very challenging to find certain students that weren’t shy and were able to fully answer the questions. I had to ask a bunch of follow up questions, which at times were very annoying. But in deadline three, I showed growth in this area. For every spread I was on in deadline three, I made sure to get a bunch of interviews – no matter how good or bad they were – so we had a variety of quotes to put in copy and captions. And because we had so many engaging quotes to use, writing copy was a breeze. Also, from deadline one to three, I showed progress in writing copy.

And lastly, the area where I showed the most growth in was getting along with all team members and keeping a positive attitude. In deadline one, I felt that on certain spreads it was a challenge working with certain people because they didn’t keep a positive attitude, which made it a negative environment to work around. Then in deadline three, something must have sparked because it was easy to get along with everyone; they all kept a positive attitude. And because of the positive vibes and optimistic environment, everything turned out successfully. I think that learning to keep the positive attitude really helped get the job done effectively.

Students say their bittersweet goodbyes to friends and teachers

T

he winner was announced for the pep rally.

Instantaneously, the gymnasium erupted in a wild mixture of shouts, boos, and cheers.

The screams and ruckus from the bleachers seemed to slowly quiet down when the eighth graders finally came to the realization that they wouldn’t be returning next year. Seventh and sixth graders were ecstatic and thrilled for summer vacation. The last day of school is always a time of celebration and melancholy.

Over the course of the year, students made new relationships and were able to advance in their art area. Thanks to the support of teachers, students were easily able to grow in their art area. Not only has this school year given students a chance to progress, but also has given students a chance to gain experience.

“The school year has been successful for me because I have gotten to do a play in theater which has given me more experience,” Hannah Gardner theatre (7) said, “It also has affected my view on academics because it’s helped me keep up with my homework for future years.”

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190 TO BE CONTINUED

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“The support I got from my teachers and friends helped me improve because they pushed me to always do more than I thought I could,” Antonio Caleca piano (8) said.

As the eighth graders move on to high school, seventh graders will take over the roles for them.

Lots of the freedoms for the eighth graders included getting to sit outside at lunch, going on exciting trips like Busch Gardens and Rapids, and also privilege at the end of the day. Many seventh graders are eager and can’t wait to get the eighth grade treats.

“I am looking forward to eighth grade privileges next year because we will get to sit outside and just have more freedom and fun,” Elizabeth Fenner strings (7) said.

Overall, this school year has given students chances to learn about innovative, stimulating things, achieve life experience, and create memories that they will hold onto for many years to come.

“Going to Bak has been a crazy experience that I wouldn’t give up for the world.” Caleca said.

by Sophia Pregadio

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CLOSING 191

Clips Deadline 1 ights dimmed. The room fell to a hush. Two pairs of smartly dressed students walked in, clutching their legal pads to their chests like lifelines. Hearts beat quicker, like fluttering butterflies in the wind. It was time for the round to begin. “[I participate in Speech and Debate] for the speaking and to express myself, because I like getting my thoughts out there,” Jenelle Pollock communications (7) said, “And even though others don’t feel this way, I enjoy the pressure of facing the judges, as well as getting the butterflies.”

During competitions, most members of the club specialized in certain events. They ranged from Interpretation to Public Forum to Congressional Debate.

Competitors like Nedda Gosman communications (8), Anish Ravichandran strings (8), and Lillian Khanna communications (8) placed throughout the year. “[When I am competing], I want to show people that speaking in front of other people is not showcasing you,” Gosman said. “It is showcasing what you’re telling them about.”

The speech finished, and the competitors watched the judges scrawl their final comments on the ballots.

They left the room with shining smiles and weight lifted off their shoulders, replaced by the hope of taking home the gold.

by Katherine Oung

Soon to be scientists, engineers, mathematicians

S

cience is defined as the study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. That’s what students in the Science, Engineering, Communication, Mathematics, and Enrichment club (SECME) focused on – observing and experimenting.

One of the many categories that the students competed in was bottle rockets, where the participants constructed up to two rockets from soda bottles and launch them.

“On the first day of SECME when I was in elementary school, we learned how to make bottle rockets. My rocket flew 9.8 seconds! That’s a high school level score,” Jillian Mersky theater (6) said. “At the actual competition the rocket totally failed. I was super disappointed because I should have built another bottle rocket for the competition.”

The club encouraged and motivated the students to pursue their careers in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering.

Sabrina Sillence theater (6) said, “I want to become a chemist. Experimenting made me realize how cool science is.”

The students in SECME will be the ones who will change and make improvements to the world. They are the future.

by Sophia Pregadio 126 Coloring Outside the Lines

Speak Up; Speech and Debate

Play for Real; Academic Games

Academic prodigies form a determined team

T

RESEARCH FRENZY With a broad smile on his face, Nirmit Chandan (7), points to a headline of a Huffington Post article to Sheevam Patel (6). “I enjoy [Congressional Debate] because it’s an interesting way to learn about current events. Research is pretty easy too,” Chandan said. The 2015-2016 school year was Chandan’s second year competing in Speech and Debate. Photo by Katherine Oung

A FOR ACADEMIC Anxiously highlighting, Ambreen Murad (8) tries to keep track of the vital information she’s getting about the world of competition. “We were going over the rules and terms for propaganda and Mr. Battle gave us examples of what to do and what not to do,” Murad said. Club sponsor, Douglas Battle gave the students insight into the essence of what is Academics Games. Photo by Skyler Johnson

Leaders of the Future; SECME

Imaginary Chickens; Geek Games

EXPERIENCED SCIENTIST Being in SECME since fifth grade, this wasn’t Liliana Sisto’s (6) first time at a SECME meeting. “When I competed last year I was anxious because the mouse trap car started off fast, but slowed down in the middle which caused us to get second place,” Sisto said. Ben Baxley, club sponsor, helped her fill out an information sheet. Photo

by Sophia Pregadio

Clubs and Orgs SECME

Students harness their public speaking skills

L

Clips Deadline 2

he students in academic games lived to compete and do their best. For them that was the adrenaline rush they lived for.

“When I tried [Academic Games] for the first time I really enjoyed it. I love feeling the rush of winning at competitions,” said Thomas Ashley communications (6).

The students could rely on each other for support during hard times because of the trust and strong bonds they had developed.

“In Academic Games not everyone scores, so you have to be able to trust and help your teammates.”

Deven Seedial, keyboard (6) said.

The students knew that winning was not everything, but there was a feeling that winning gave them that was unlike any other. Club sponsor, Douglas Battle could not have been more proud. Battle was there to help them along and taught them strategy to win the games.

“We get students from elementary schools with skills in math, so all I really need to teach them is strategy,” Battle said.

Academic Games gave the students the opportunity to further their quest for knowledge and helped them uncover their strong desire to succeed in the competitive setting. The students on the team learned valuable lessons about both competition and teamwork.

by Skyler Johnson

Students meet afterschool to play fantasy games

W

ith an intent look on his face, the student dove into the bin of figures, hoping to find a winner. “[I joined Geek Games] when I was in sixth grade, it seemed really fun, we started playing Heroclix before buses. It seemed like a fun strategy game and I like strategy,” Taylor DiPietro, communications major (8) said.

Most games that the club played were fantasy games, focused around the subject of defeating monsters or each other, to become the best and win.

“Every time you play, you learn something new and every time you get demolished, you learn something new,” DiPietro said.

One game in Geek Games had caused trouble in both the past and the present.

DiPietro said, “We played Dungeons and Dragons and everyone kept fighting. I thought it was funny because I didn’t care that much.”

“I was actually kicked out of the Dungeons and Dragons club in my middle school because I was not taking the club seriously enough, apparently. I liked to buy imaginary chickens,” Zane Hurley, Geek Games advisor, said.

FIRST MEETING FUN Enjoying the game of Heroclix, Chandler Paszkiet (6) avidly points out a mistake to his friends, Thomas Ashley (6) and Zane Hurley (6). “[Playing Heroclix] was fun The student emerged from the bin, pride on his face, because [Hurley and Ashley] are people I’ve known before. They are fun to play with and as he held his figures in the air, triumphantly sharing his have a relative interest in Heroclix,” Paszkiet said. The kickoff meeting was the first time of success. the school year that Geek Games members played Heroclix. Photo by Lili Mueller

by Lili Mueller Clubs and Organizations/Speech/SECME/Academic Games/Geek Games 127

Sports Boys’ Baseball Sportscheck Why do you play?

“I joined to see if I was good enough to even make it and prove to myself that I could start playing for real.”

Eli Bludworth (6) “It challenges me to be a better athlete. It motivates me to focus better in school and on the field.”

Nicolas Buitrago (7)

HIT IT Warming up for the pitch, Luca Oberndorfer (6) concentrates on hitting the ball. “I had a good spot in the pitching order.

We had a good team, and good players,” Oberndofrer said. He was the first athlete in his family. Photo by Skyler Johnson

PERFECT PITCH Thinking about how to strike out the player up to bat, Jin-Seong Park (8) realizes how much of a mental game baseball is. “It’s a hard game and I like a challenge. It takes a lot of thinking unlike other sports where you just do it,” Park said. Wins against tough competitors like Howell Watkins and JFK helped improve his mental game. Photo by Jacob Schlessel

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Copy, photo, caption, headline, subheadline

top 5 JAMMING OUT As Camila Fred (8) hears one of her favorite songs, a huge smile appears on her face and she begins to dance with Tara Miller (8).

“I think most people would agree the ‘Whip’ and ‘Nae Nae’ is the best dance, but I would say ‘Hit the Quan’ is better,” Fred said. She thought that “Hit the Quan” was better because it was an entertaining song.

Photo by Sophia Pregadio

THE PASSION & Fashion For Music

Students use fashion and music as a way of expression

D

enim, flannels and joggers, what did they all have in common?

They were all favorite fashion trends of students at Bak during the 2015-2016 school year. During that time, the students had seen many popular trends in both fashion and music that had shaped their personalities and behaviors.

“When you meet someone, usually their first impression of you is what you’re wearing. So in a way, fashion does express who you are,” Devonn Lewis communications (8) said.

Fashion trends had influenced students.

Each student still had their own style that broke the mold and expressed themselves. They all showed their own unique definition of fashion.

“Fashion helps express yourself. It shows who you are and what your personality is like. I think everyone has their own style,” Oliver Longley theater (7) said.

Music was another form of expression for students. To the students, the feelings

Arts and Academics Visual

8

in the songs were what made it worth listening to. Songs like “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd were popular because of the fast tempo and lyrics.

“It has to have feeling to it. The tempo decides whether it’s sad or happy which is a big part of the song,” Lilyanne Basa,strings (6) said.

Each song was different and had its own unique sound. Lyrics and the feelings behind them affected the students’ opinion and their own connection with music and got a different feeling from them.

“If there’s no music, there’s no life.

Because music is life.” Basa said, “If there was no music, there would be nothing to help express your feelings.”

Music and fashion helped students express themselves, The trends that shaped the 2015-2016 school year and are things that the students would remember forever.

by Skyler Johnson

them

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SKY HIGH Getting ready to throw the ball, Cooper Musser (7) looks over his shoulder at another player.

“We won one game and I felt accomplished because we didn’t have the best record but we still won our first game,” Musser said. This was Musser’s second year on the Bak baseball team. Photo by Sophia Pregadio

FASHION TRENDS OF 2015

Who: Marcus Pina Grade: Seventh What: Graphic Tee Style: Casual

Painting Your Own Path

Who: Ayana Harris Grade: Eighth What: Flowy shorts Style: Chic

Who: Nicolas Paglino Grade: Eighth What: Joggers Style: Sporty

LOL MOMENT Alongside his friend Brooke Kaplan (6), Alrik Blanchard (6) shares a funny moment. “I found [these viral trends] mostly from my brother and then I learn them,” Blanchard said. Blanchard felt that the most annoying trend of the school year was “What Are Those?”

Photo by Joel Soto

Student Life/Fashion and Trends

THE ART OF EMOTION A

Students explore art, their emotions, and themselves I would never have done the project if I wasn’t in a visual major class and had it assigned to me. It shows that when you use your creativity, there will be interesting outcomes.”

Being a visual major gave students various periods every day to work on art assignments. Their projects ranged from still lifes and cartooning, to printmaking and sculpting.

“I get to have a period every day to just do art. Sometimes you just want to draw and I get to put it down on paper and be proud of it,” Kathryn Dennison (8) said.

Art created a positive outlet for visual

majors to improve their self-esteem and creativity, as well as express how they felt.

“I get to vent [out my] emotions when I draw. I can use art as an escape when I’m going through difficult things,” Madison Dowling (8) said. “I can create characters and worlds that I can do whatever I want with. It’s a great hobby I have had since I was younger.”

“Art allows you to appreciate everything. I notice and have a higher understanding of the world,” Dennison said. “I get to be part of something that will change things.”

by Katherine Oung RUNNING DRILLS Drilling into a piece of Plexiglas to make a print, Erica Schreiber (6) concentrates on keeping a steady hand. “First, you paint on the Plexiglas and then transfer it onto the paper. Then, you use the other side of the Plexiglas to drill into,” Schreiber said. When Schreiber turned in her first project, she felt like a professional artist. Photo by Cora Gilbert STRIKE A POSE Isabella Paciletti (6) stays still as she models for her classmates to draw her. “The thought that kept on going through my head was ‘Am I a good model?’ I was a bit embarrassed and worried that someone was going to get my bad side,” Paciletti said. Paciletti hoped to one day become an art teacher because art was one of her strengths. Photo by Sophia Pregadio

Beyond the canvas...

What is your favorite medium to use?

“I like using graphite pencil. I like shading and the textures that it makes.”

Alexander Cano (6) “Acrylic. It’s easy to work with, and if you mess up, you can paint over it.”

Delaney Callahan (7)

SCULPT TO PERFECTION As he rolls the clay, smoothing it out and shaping it into the sculpture he wants, Aidan Nelson (8) perfects his design.

“I’ve been making sculptures for seven years and as I do more, I can expand on my knowledge of sculpting and get better,” Nelson said. Nelson enjoyed Paul Barker’s class because he got to do what he loved. Photo by Katherine Oung

36

Beyond Primary Colors

BEAUTIFUL BOTANY Using a Sharpie, Isabella Franco (6) begins filling in the sketch of a plant.

“I was thinking of a plant that looked scary but wasn’t dangerous,” Franco said. Thinking outside of the box was one of Franco’s favorite parts of being a visual arts major. Photo by Skyler Johnson

“Probably water color. It’s really easy and can cover large areas at one time.”

Acel Suriaga (7) “CLAY”TASTROPHE Using a slab of clay, Rafael Gonzalez (8) makes a structure that is perfectly geometric. “I worked so hard on my ceramic pot.

When it went in the kiln, it had air pockets that I wasn’t aware of and it combusted. It completely exploded,” Gonzalez said. After Gonzalez found out that his project had been destroyed, he was disappointed. Photo by Katherine Oung

“I like to use ebony pencil. You can get lots of different values.”

Brandon Grama (8) Arts & Academics/Visual Arts

37

Teamwork, practice, and motivation drives the players to try their best

H

e stood at home base and practiced his batting as a pitcher from Duncan Middle prepared to throw the ball. The chatters from the crowd were tuned out as he focused in on the ball. He took one last deep breath, stepped forward, and swung. Long hours of practice and motivation energized the players to use all their effort into the game. Thoughout the season, the team faced tough opponents but still strived to succeed. “[Duncan] always hits and pitches very well. It made me feel nervous when we had to play them, but I know inside that I can hit the ball just as good as them,” Evan Riccardi pitcher (6) said. “Losing doesn’t mean you’re a bad player. Losing makes you a better player.”

Riccardi believed that failing lead to success.

Although the losses outnumbered the team’s wins, encouraging moments throughout the entire season helped to boost their motivation. A triple hit from the pitcher resulted in a win against JFK Middle, which was a perfect example of boosting the players’ motivation.

“It was [Jin Seong] Park’s turn to bat. He got to home plate and swung the ball so far, he hit a triple, where you hit the ball and run all the way to third base,” Ricardo said. “It basically won us the game.

We were already winning, but it raised the score.”

The season started off with a win against JFK Middle 11-2. The team then experienced four losses against Duncan, Howell Watkins, Independence, and Jupiter Middle. Although a perfect season was out of reach, the team regained its spirit after a 14-0 landslide win against JFK Middle.

“We can definitely work on working better together because sometimes we can all play good, like passing the ball to each other well and swinging a homerun, but we’re not all equally working as a team.” Gianni Giles right outfield (8) said, “We need to work on helping each other out and stop focusing so much on individual skills. We won our first game because we worked as a team.”

After a 3-8 loss against Duncan Middle, the team won another game 14-0 against Howell Watkins. The team finished off its season with two losses against Independence and Jupiter Middle.

Jin Seong Park (8) pitcher said, “Physical mistakes are going to happen and you can get rid of those physical mistakes if you’re mentally in the game. I want to make sure my head is always in the game and I’m focused.”

by Sophia Pregadio and Seoyoon Yang

Sporting a New Color

Sports/Boys’ Baseball

Scoreboard, dominant photo, caption, copy, headline, subheadline

113

Photo

Clubs and orgs Period 2 VA Going live in five, four, three...

I Copy, headline, and subheadline

t was the first period of the day. The crew filed into the studio. Each student knew exactly where to go: the anchors marched to the desks, the floor director waited by the cameras, and the rest trailed into the control room.

Every job was equally essential and important to the production of the show. From being engaged behind the scenes to working in front of the cameras, all the students were able to experience every job.

“My favorite job is producer because I love overseeing the show and getting to work with everybody,” Mara Vaknin communications (8) said.

“The producer is the creative director who gets to make decisions on what the show will look like.”

Since the students had the opportunity to experience every job, they were able to acquire skills that they would be able to take with them for their future professions.

“Morning announcements gives me an array of skills that can be applied to multiple amounts of jobs in the communications field in the future,” Samuel Hahn communications (8) said.

It was almost time to air the show. The director gave the signal that there was a one minute countdown.

The anchors sat up straight and smiled into the camera. It was time to go live.

by Sophia Pregadio

Sidebar, photos, and captions

Photo

Directors, producers; VA Period 1

Future Anchors; VA Period 2

LIKE A PROFESSIONAL The director of the show, Kristina Robinette (8) communications, shouts orders to the anchors. “A professional from the KVJ radio show came in with her daughter for a tour of the set. We were all silently freaking out, but we all knew we had to get it together to impress her,” Robinette said. Robinette was anxious about making the show perfect to air for the whole school to see. Photo by Aditya Jadvani

HAVING A GOOD TIME Laughing at a joke, Sasha Monaco (8) and Payton Hart (8) get ready for their rehearsals and live show. “My favorite job is anchor because I am able to present the news to the rest of the school,” Monaco said. Video announcements taught her valuable skills such as speaking in front of a camera. Photo by Sophia Pregadio

9

Students read and practice for tournaments

A

hazy silhouette was drawn onto a smooth, brown sketchbook. Bright strokes of color splattered onto a once-white canvas. An artist surveyed her work with a careful, practiced eye, her hands stained with the colors of the rainbow.

During the school year, students were given assignments that showed them the powers of creativity.

“In Ms. Sherman’s class, we had to show time passing in a drawing without using a clock. I showed the sun moving through a window in my living room,” William Dhana (6) said. “It allowed me to find a different perspective on the world.

HEAD IN THE GAME

Photo and caption

Student Life Trends

Best Viral Songs of 2015...

Sidebar

us

JFK Duncan Howell Watkins Independence Jupiter JFK Duncan Howell Watkins Independence Jupiter

Photo and caption

IN THE ZONE As Hayley Alfonso (8) hears the song play in her headphones she cannot help but smile. “When I’m listening to an upbeat song, I feel excitement. When I put on my beats I can jam to my favorite song by myself in privacy without any disruptions from the outside world,” Alfonso said. Alfonso loved listening to her favorite song “Hotline Bling” by Drake. Photo

by Sophia Pregadio

My Face- The 1 Can’t FeelWeeknd 2 Cheerleader- Omi Bad Blood- Taylor Swift ft.

3 Kendrick Lamar Uptown Funk- Mark 4 Ronson ft. Bruno Mars See You Again- Wiz 5 Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth

team

BATTER UP As he locks eyes with the Duncan pitcher, William Isreal (6) breathes heavily and prepares to swing his bat. “[I like] getting better at batting, ground balls, and diving,” Isreal said. He played baseball for five years prior to coming to Bak. Photo by Seoyoon Yang

HOME RUN Slipping on his gloves and practicing his swing as he goes up to bat, Nolan Anschuetz (7) feels the pressure to hit a good run. “In my head I think about what we’re going to do to win and how I’m going to help my teammates accomplish it,” Anschuetz said. He was inspired by his dad who was a former professional baseball player for the Astros. Photo by Sophia Pregadio

Photo and caption

Boys’ Baseball Scoreboard

fter waiting for the final dismissal bell, the members of the Battle of the Books team filed into Jennifer Gardner’s class for their weekly Monday meeting. After putting down their backpacks and signing in, they went into three groups with an iPad. They then went on Cranium Core, a software that quizzed them on books. This helped the members prepare for both the qualifying tournament and final tournament. Gathering in groups, writing questions, reading the Sunshine State Young Reader Award (SSYRA) books, and being tested on them were all things they did.

“Cranium Core helps with teamwork by letting me discuss with my group an answer we think is correct,” Sreenidhi Nidamanur communications (7) said.

There were new and old members, some with prior experience. Some felt like Lili Mueller, communications (8) that Battle of the Books in elementary school was more friend oriented, while in middle school it was more competitive.

“I like the reading aspect and having a competition over something I love,” Franco Vidal communications (6) said.

The goal for everyone was the same, to win the preliminary online tournament.

Andrea Engativa dance (6) said, “Last year Bak MSOA won, so I have high expectations.”

by Tori Maxwell 130 Coloring Outside of the Lines

Hardcore Cranium; Battle of Books

GETTING READY To prepare for the online Battle of the Books tournament, Murleve Roberts (7) (left) and Sreenidhi Nidamanur (7) practice the book “Tesla’s Attic” by Shusterman and Elfman on Cranium Core. “Cranium Core helps me get familiar with books I’ve read and analyze them further. Also, it helps me get more familiar with books I’ve yet to read,” Roberts said. They practiced every Monday after school to insure they were acquainted with the books that were quizzed in the tournament. Photo by Tori Maxwell

Find the Rhythm; Step Team

STEP UP Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves before their Artsigving presentation, Elena Brown (7) performs a step that the team worked to perfect and take to the next level so they can perform well at competitions in the spring. “We have good discipline so we can work harder to be the best team possible,” Brown said. She attributed their success to the long hours of practice and dedication of the members at every competition, winning against teams from other schools. Photo by Cora Gilbert

Students gain experience for the future

T

he kids sat in anxiety, waiting for the students on the PA system to finish speaking so they could start the show. They waited, tapping their fingers on the counter. The anchors looked around and the features reporter rocked on his feet. The students over the PA system finished speaking, and the opening video started.

A prerequisite for Video Announcements was a seventh grade class called TV Production. This gave students an idea of what to do before they started creating a live show next year.

“I wanted to join Video Announcements because I enjoy producing a daily news show,” Amanda Vanner (8) said. “I’ve had prior experience doing similar assignments and I really liked all the aspects of the process.”

Students had various opinions on what made their show worthwhile, but most of the students agreed on at least one reason: the crew.

Vanner said, “What really makes Video Announcements what it is, is the crew and the people working on it because each show reflects the personality of the crew.”

by Aditya Jadvani

Students step their way to the top

I

f a student were to go to a Step Team meeting, they would be able to see the dedication in the student’s eyes. The hard work they put into their rehearsals. The respect they had for club sponsor Shakendra Moorer, and above all, their relationship as a team.

They never stopped trying to improve their team and would practice late, sometimes even into the weekends if it meant they would get better on their step. Moorer found unique ways to teach the students that connected with them and helped them easily understand the step.

“Mrs. Moorer will split us up into groups depending on which part of the step that we’re in. Then she’ll come to us individually and show us how to do the step so that we completely understand it,” Raphaela Laborde theater (8) said.

The students worked hard and relied on each other for support and guidance during the season.

“We help each other and make sure everyone does well. Mrs. Moorer gave us buddies we rely on. It helps us do the best we can,” Laborde said.

The students on the Step Team were determined to do well and did everything possible to get there.

They started off their season with a win at their first competition with greatness yet to come.

by Skyler Johnson Clubs and Organizations/VA 1,2/B.O.B/Step Team

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Clips Deadline 3 Continued

Clips Deadline 3 Student Life Winter Pep Rally

Sports Boys’ Soccer

GRAVITY GAME Doing a handstand, Jamie Stamile, science/ESE teacher, tries to dump ping pong balls out of a tissue box. “I liked the game because I got to use what I teach to be awesome!” Stamile said. “As a science teacher, I knew that gravity was a force that I could use to my advantage.” Stamile noted that, by going upside down, the ping pong balls would fall out of the box.

Photo by Heather Rollins

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The boys’ soccer team struggles through a tough season

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he starting whistle blew as he raced toward the ball and sprinted to the other team’s goal in hopes of making an advance. He stole the ball from his rival and shot it into the goal as the crowd cheered him on.

This was the moment that Xavier Zambrano, center attacking midfield (7), lived for.

“When I am playing, I work on passing, shooting the ball into the goal, and dribbling,” Zambrano said.

From the moment the players stepped on the field, they felt the pressure to succeed in the game and the hope of a winning.

“When the starting whistle blows, I feel anxious. I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Sebastian Lopez, right midfield (8), said. “I have an idea of what might happen before the game starts and sometimes it’s bad, but I tell myself that I’m going to score a goal.”

They started off the season with a 0-3 win against Independence and even though their next game against them ended with a loss, they had high hopes for where the season would go.

“My goal this year is to make it to playoff. I love the feeling I get from winning, it motivates me and my team to work harder,” Christian Diaz, right midfield (8) said.

Despite their best efforts, they still had a challenging season, losing against competitors like Duncan and Jeaga. They were crushed 0-7 at their final game against Jeaga, but losing did not stop the team from trying to improve.

“I try to get better by working harder so I can excel.

I have to practice because without putting in effort, I feel like I’m not doing as well as other players.” Oliver Anthony, forward (6) said.

Although their season did not go as expected, with a 1-9 record, they still tried to come back from eight losses in a row against Duncan, Jeaga, Independence and Jupiter by practicing harder.

Zambrano said, “Nothing comes easy in life. You have to work hard at anything that’s worth doing.

Soccer is worth doing.”

by Skyler Johnson and Sophia Pregadio

SHAKE IT Participating in the Junk in the Trunk game, Charles Bevier-Burr (8) and Brian Simpkins (8) encourage their grade to cheer. “We had to shake our hips to get the ping pong balls out of the tissue box,” Bevier-Burr said. “I felt pretty good about my performance; I like to show off my talent.” The eighth graders won the Junk in the Trunk game. Photo by Heather Rollins

YOUR

SPIRIT

SHOW SHOUT Kevin Ahern (8) and Hayley Alfonso (8) demonstrate their enthusiasm by cheering for their eighth grade classmates.

Ahern said, “My favorite part of the pep rally was the fact that I got to hang out with my friends, while showing spirit for our grade.”

Ahern’s favorite part of the pep rally was helping his grade win by cheering as loud as possible.

Photo by Heather Rollins

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FLYING PUFFS As seventh grade representative Brynna Hanley (8) throws Cheetos, Mary Carson, science teacher, tries to move her head to “catch” them. “In the Sticky Cheetos competition. I had to throw Cheetos at Ms. Carson’s head, which was filled with shaving cream.” Hanley said. Hanley was nervous during the competition because the crowd was yelling at her. Photo by Heather Rollins

Painting Your Own Path

SUPPORT FROM THE STANDS Along with her friend Ruby Dunn (8), Emma Artero (8) cheers for the eighth grade representatives in the Reindeer Relay Race. “I was excited since we hadn’t won the last two years,” Artero said. “I wore a blue shirt and put blue paint on my face to support my grade.”

The event that Artero enjoyed most at the pep rally was when the teachers had to dance. Photo by Angela Yan

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Annual winter pep rally celebrates student success

tudents shoved through the gym doors, anxious to find a seat with their friends. People stood on the bleachers, dancing, laughing, and screaming for their grade level. Some put in ear plugs to block out the exuberant shouting and cheering.

“To be honest, I love the pep rally,” Isabella Ortiz vocal (7) said. “I get to hang out with my friends, take a break from school and work, and just relax.”

Grade levels competed in various games, such as “Sticky Cheetos”, where students threw Cheetos at shaving cream on a teacher’s head, and “Junk in the Trunk”, in which teachers and students had to get as many ping pong balls as possible out of a tissue box tied around their waist.

“My friends signed me up for the basketball game. A week before the pep rally, I told

them that I couldn’t play basketball, but they still decided to put my name in,” Ortiz said.

While the eighth graders attended their last middle school winter pep rally, sixth graders soaked in the new experience.

“Since it was my first pep rally, I was surprised at how loud the whole thing was,” William Dhana visual arts (6) said. “My ears were ringing after coming out.”

Eighth grade claimed victory after winning the majority of the competitions. The grade celebrated by running to the middle of the gym, jumping and hugging with their friends.

Payton Hart communications (8) said, “At the end of the pep rally it was pretty emotional. It was sad and exhilarating. Sad because it was our last winter pep rally and exciting because we had won.”

by Heather Rollins, Seoyoon Yang, and Sophia Pregadio

Student Life/Winter Pep Rally

Sportscheck Why do you play?

MOVING FORWARD

“I play because I love the rush of energy I get when I steal the ball from the opposing team.” Joel Soto communications(8)

“It’s my favorite sport and it’s a lot more physical than other sports.” Connor Horan strings (8)

Photo and caption FACING GIANTS As Jared Civin (7) sprints across the field to steal the ball, he contemplates how he’s going to approach the Duncan player. “The Duncan players are bigger than us, but I think that if we put in the work we can beat them,” Civin said. They were faced with tough competition playing against teams from Jeaga and Duncan, but were still able to have an engaging season.

Photo by Sophia Pregadio HARD WORK PAYS OFF Thomas Ashley (6) plays defense to try to stop the opponent from scoring a goal. “I like soccer because it’s exciting when you score a goal. It makes me feel proud that after all of my soccer practice, I finally get to score a goal. All my hard work is paid off,” Ashley said. Ashley felt that the older kids on the team helped challenge him. Photo by Isabella Ramirez

Boys’ Soccer Scoreboard Team

Independence Howell Watkins Duncan Jeaga Independence Howell Watkins Duncan Jupiter Jeaga Jupiter

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Us 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 1

Them 3 0 4 4 2 1 4 4 7 3

Sporting a New Color

Copy and Scoreboard

Sports/Boys’ Soccer

Clubs and Orgs Divider

FROM CLASSICAL TO CONTEMPORARY Dancers branch off into different styles of dance

s the music began, the dancers slowly got up and performed deliberate, defined movements to the beat of the song. The pace of the song quickened, and the girls ran to the side of the room as a new group took the stage, with movements that were faster than before.

Guest teacher, Lara Bennett, had taught the dancers this choreography, unlike other dances performed at Bak. “Our organization, [the American Dance Legacy Initiative], is about keeping dance history alive and passing it on the next generation.

We bring dances from famous choreographers [to the school]. Some

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are contemporary, some are more historical,” Bennett said. “[The Bak dancers] work hard, are dedicated, focused, and open. The teachers are committed to bringing the students to another level.”

Styles of dances learned at school varied from contemporary to tap to jazz.

Ashley Labbe (8) enjoyed learning all the different styles of dance taught at Bak because it made her a more wellrounded dancer.

“You can express yourself more in these styles by doing loose and flowy movements,” Labbe said.

Along with learning about all of the different genres, professional dancers

who took unique paths inspired dance majors.

“I look up to Savion Glover and Alvin Ailey,” Alexander Thomas (7) said. “They have special techniques that I want to learn.”

During the school year, dancers were presented with the challenge of learning choreography from guest teachers who introduced them to new styles of dance.

“I like dancing at Bak,” Labbe said.

“We get a lot of guest teachers that can teach us different, unique, and more challenging styles of dance other than ballet that we aren’t being introduced to in our studios [outside of school].”

by Cora Gilbert and Joel Soto

COLORING OUTSIDE OF THE LINES Many clubs offer students a variety of choices of activities

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CORRECTIONS As guest choreographer Cristopher Huggins corrects his position, Brenan Gonzalez (7) aligns his hips. “[Huggins] was very friendly and he wasn’t mean about anything. He taught us in a way where you learned, but also fixed your mistakes,” Gonzalez said. The guest choreographer was involved in the class and talked to everyone, Gonzalez said. Photo by Joel Soto AIRBORNE Practicing a dance in class, Jemma Prizzi (8), Riannon Rintamaki-Wolin (8), and Rachel Abelenda (8) lift up Zoe Robins (7). “[In this dance], we get to pretend that we’re water.

It’s cool to imagine that,” Prizzi said. The most challenging part of the dance for Prizzi was that it was fast paced. Photo by Cora Gilbert

rom acting out pieces on stage in Jr. ITS to solving math questions in MATHCOUNTS, many clubs were offered at Bak. These unique clubs gave the students a chance to participate in different activities and work with a variety of people.

“There are so many different types of people [in Jr. ITS], which is exciting.

Also, it’s a good way to get yourself recognized because you get to participate in Mini Fest,” Johanna Vullo theater (8) said.

Another club offered was Green Team, which allowed the students to help with programs such as recycling to clean up the environment.

“I found out about Green Team because my friends told me about it.

They said it was really fun and they have been doing it since they were in sixth grade,” William Dhana visual (6) said.

Whether they were in a performance, leisure, or competition-based club, participating instilled a sense of responsibility within the students.

Lillian Khanna communications (8) felt the increase of responsibility; she went from just an attendee to the captain of the Speech and Debate Team.

“I take on a lot of responsibility being the captain and I have to learn to delegate my time equally for myself and attendees,” Khanna said.

“But I love it because I get to do things that I like with people I love to be around.”

The students in these clubs had a passion for what they were doing, especially in clubs like NJHS where they worked to make a change.

Jaylen Sanders communications (8) said, “In the end, knowing that I created a difference motivates me to participate in something that matters and makes an impact on the community.”

All the clubs offered worked to improve the community by partaking in creative initiatives that let the students color outside the lines to make a difference.

by Skyler Johnson

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Beyond the steps...

What is your favorite position and why?

“Fifth position, when your toe touches your heel. It’s my favorite because that’s how most combinations start.”

Ria Barnes (6) “Second position, when your legs are past hip width. It’s my favorite because it makes the jump more elegant and easier to do.”

Alexander Thomas (7) “Arabesque, the longest position, because it makes you extend your arms and legs. It’s my favorite because it makes you feel free.”

Anna Ceruti (7) “Fifth position, because it’s when your legs are crossed and turned out. It’s my favorite because it’s hard to hold which challenges me.”

Alexa Olivier (8) 28

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Arts and Academics Dance A

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PASS THE BALL Having received the ball from Thomas Baxley (7), Sebastian Lopez (8) passes the ball to Xavier Zambrano (7). “When I’m playing soccer, I have to make sure to have hope and confidence,” Lopez said. “It helps distract me from the opponents and helps me focus on the ball better.” Lopez had been playing soccer since he was six years old. Photo by Sophia Pregadio

HEADS UP Angling himself away from the opposing player, Sebastian Lopez (8) throws the ball back onto the field. “We were playing against Duncan and they kicked the ball out of bounds, so I had to throw it back in,” Lopez said.

Before every game, Lopez would be anxious, but would remind himself that he would be able to get a goal. Photo by Sophia Pregadio

Beyond Primary Colors

JUMPING TO THE BEAT Jumping up on cue, Kevin Stricker (6) practices a switch called a shangma. “Dance is great because you get to express your motions through the movements of your body,” Stricker said.

Stricker’s sister was his inspiration to start dancing. Photo by Brandon Lee

BOURRÉE Gracefully twirling in a small circle with three other dancers, Savannah Jones (7) performs on stage at the 19th annual winter performance. “During the performance, I was slightly nervous, but very excited to be performing for my friends and my family,” Jones said. Her favorite dance style was jazz because of the sharp, fast-paced movements. Photo by Sophia Pregadio

Arts & Academics/Dance

STEP TO IT After practicing for a month, Brianna Souffrant (7) performs her step for the fourth time at the Artsgiving showcase.

“In order to be on the Step Team you must be committed and not be afraid to make big, exaggerated moves,” Souffrant said.

Souffrant wanted to join the club because she practiced step in elementary school and believed she was good enough to make the team. Photo by Cora Gilbert

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Coloring Outside of the Lines

Clubs & Orgs/Clubs & Orgs Divider

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Clip Deadline #4

Scoreboard

Closing

Photo and caption Photo and caption

Boys’ Basketball Scoreboard Us

Them

Jupiter Independence Duncan HL Watkins Jeaga Jupiter Independence Duncan HL Watkins Jeaga

25 36 16 20 43 10 23 40 52 35

53 49 48 54 72 50 43 49 45 56

THERE’S NO “I” IN TEAM

BUCKETS Working on a free throw, Jaylen Sanders (8) gets ready to spring up and launch the ball. “During the game if you want to win you have to pass and work as a team. We work hard and we know that we can’t win every time but we learn from our losses and try to do better,” Sanders said. He practiced sixteen hours a week to improve his strategies. Photo by Lili Mueller

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JUMP BALL The starting whistle blows and Quintavius Tally (7) leaps into the air to hit the ball to his teammates. “Making shots feel natural to me. It’s a good feeling to know that I might have helped my team win,” Tally said. He focused on getting the ball into the basket. Photo by Seoyoon Yang

FREE THROW Preparing to make the shot, Ian Lewis (8) concentrated on the basket. “I like shooting because I love the sound the net makes when you make the ball in,” Lewis said.

Lewis believed that losing motivated the team.

Photo by Sophia Pregadio

As the season comes to an end, the boys achieve a victory

tarting the season off with losses and close calls, the boys’ basketball team ended the season with a long-awaited win against Watkins Middle School. With season after season of loss and disappointment, the boys came away with a win.

“I felt that it was a needed win for our team. Our teamwork finally paid off. I’ve never seen so much cooperation on the court during a game before,” Alexander Haddad post (8) said.

The boys’ basketball team had a tough season and lost against challenging competitors such as Independence, Duncan, and Jeaga. Isaiah Robinson point guard (7) felt that Independence was a tough competitor because they had the advantage of height, which enabled them to get rebounds quicker.

“If we’re playing against a team from Jeaga and they’re guarding us really well, then we have to pick up the pace and put more strength and dedication into moving the ball,” Maximus Wagner center (8) said.

Jordan Juliano shooting guard (8) said, “Jeaga has a very strong defense so we want to use our drills to counter it.”

Captain, Jaylen Sanders (8), tried to motivate the team to focus more on their defense rather than their strong offense. The team reflected on their past game to identify areas that they could improve.

“Our losses affect the team mentally. I like to look back at the game film and see what I did well and what I did wrong and work on my weaknesses afterward,” Jordan Haynes shooting guard (7) said.

They lost 36-49 against Independence in a home game but continued to work hard in following games against Watkins and Jupiter and came back with a 52-45 win against Watkins.

“I feel like our win was something that should have come a while ago but I’m still proud of how the guys came together on the court,” Sanders said. “It helped knowing that I added points to the score, knowing that I might’ve helped us win motivated me to stay positive and keep playing.”

by Seoyoon Yang and Skyler Johnson

Sportscheck Why do you play?

“The reason I play is because it is fun and it keeps me out of trouble. It pushes me to get good grades.”

Ian Lewis (8) PASS THE BALL Dodging a Duncan player, Isaiah Robinson (7) looks for a receiver. “On the court, we have to work harder. It will help us work together to win more games,” Robinson said. He practiced basketball everyday with the support of his family. Photo

by Sophia Pregadio

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TEAMWORK To stop Watkins from making a basket, Maximus Wagner (8) attempts to hit the ball out of the opponents’ hands. “The swish of the net sticks in my mind. We all want to win and improve our season from last year even though it’s been difficult,” Wagner said. Wagner and the team put in their effort to work together on the court. Photo

by Lili Mueller

“I play because it makes me happy and it gives me a lot of energy in the game.”

Tyler Asuncion (8)

Sporting a New Color

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Sports/Boys’ Basketball

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Sports Boys’ Basketball

Team

This whole year has been a great (and crazy) experience and I felt as if I went on a journey, learning life skills and valuable lessons on the way. The beginning of this year I honestly expected this course to be a breeze. Boy, were my expectations crushed! But even though yearbook was very difficult and challenging at times, I don’t regret taking this course. This course has given me so much, thanks to a great adviser and helpful staff. Thank you, Ms.Samons for toughening me up and making me realize that I must work hard to get what I want.

Shalom, Sophia Pregadio