Corona Crisis
Quarter Four 2020 • Volume 5, Number 4
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School 5901 Pine Island Road Parkland, FL 33076
The Eagle Eye Quarter Four 2020 • Volume 5, Number 4
Contents Editorial Cartoon by Leah Ronkin
Front Cover: Graphic by Darian Williams
04
The opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School or Broward County Public Schools. The publication is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. If you would like to advertise please call (754) 322-2150 or email MSDEagleEyeNews@gmail.com
Visit us at: eagleeye.news @HumansofMSD on Instagram @EagleEyeMSD on Twitter @EagleEyeMSD on Instagram @MSDEagleEye on TikTok
03 Corona Crisis 04 10 Letters of Support 10 Making Masks Creations for Donations 11 Letters to the Editor
MSD student body shares their perspective on various issues
Emergence of COVID-19 as a pandemic transforms lifestyles of people worldwide
MSD students uplift health workers and senior citizens through letters Junior Rebecca Blanco-Bulhoes makes masks with her family for frontline workers
Senior Alexandra Sullivan gives back to the community through ‘Creations for Donations’
Photo courtesy of the CDC
Editorial Board Dara Rosen Brianna Fisher Leni Steinhardt Zoe Gordon Editors-in-Chief
Ava Steil Katrina White Fallon Trachtman Ashley Ferrer Ryan Servaites Nadia Murillo Mackenzie Quinn Copy Editors
Jason Leavy Matt Rosenthal Lily Singer Travis Newbery Anisah Steele Ivy Lam Assistant Editors
12 Keeping Busy 14 Steps to Stay Healthy Scrub-A-Dub-Dub 14 Dodging The Disease 15 Losing The Last Year 15 Eagle Eye recommends inside activities
Health officials give tips to avoid getting sick
Singing 20-second song verses when washing your hands ensures cleanliness
Despite ample warnings, Trump administration has failed the American people
COVID-19 affects the class of 2020
Darian Williams Brianna Jesionowski Photo Editors
Julia Noye Jenna Harris Sports Editors
Taylor Yon
Business Manager
Kacie Shatzkamer
Assistant Business Manager
Einav cohen Managing Editor
Melissa Falkowski Adviser
LETTER From
Principal Kefford
Dear MSD Eagles, The end of our school year certainly did not turn out how we expected or hoped it would. To say that you are missed at MSD is a strong understatement. As we close out this school year and plan for next year, we look forward to getting back to normal
and welcoming you back on campus. Although we are not yet certain of when things will return to normal, it is the hope of the entire MSD family that we will have a traditional start to the 2020-21 school year. Please continue to check our website, phone messages, emails and Remind
messages to keep up to date with what is happening at MSD and across the school district. Have a wonderful summer and stay safe. Always remember to Be Positive, Be Passionate and Be Proud to be Eagles! With Love, Michelle Kefford
Design by Dara Rosen
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Growing Alone
Dear Editor, COVID-19 has clearly been an unexpected and unfortunate surprise for everyone. I have decided that rather than focus my attention on all the negative news articles and missed event opportunities, I will remember that the only way for this to go away is to stay at home and practice social distancing. I believe everyone should take this extra time at home to work on themselves. If there is a hobby you have been wanting to take up, do it! For me personally, I have started drawing and reading again, two things I have not done in awhile because I never had the time. I also think that it is a great time to work on your personal, mental and physical health. Journaling is a great way to express your thoughts and feelings about the pandemic or anything in general. With the increased amount of time, you could also start practicing meditation or yoga using all the resources online. Eating healthy is definitely easier with extra time on your hands. I like to take time to learn new recipes that I can cook at home. It is also much easier to find time to squeeze in a workout or get moving. Let’s come out of this quarantine the best versions of ourselves. Raegan DiRenzo, 10
All in the Family Dear Editor, Being at home with my family 24/7 has been a good and bad experience. It’s been a while since the whole family has been at home, with both my brothers being in the army and my sister attending college in New York. There are definitely some upsides, like movie nights, dinners and fun games that come with laughs, memories and bonding moments. For some reason, it comes with a lot of unintentional hostility. I’ve noticed that there’s been a lot more yelling, arguing and unnecessary disputes. There are boring times where all of us just want to be alone and other times where we can’t get away from each other. Sometimes we’ll get mad at one another for not wanting to do something with them, and vice versa. With two dogs, there is a lot of arguing between who should walk them and feed them. It’s definitely an experience that any of us won’t forget, and I do think it has made us closer as a family, even with all the downsides. Yali Har-Nov, 10
Send us a letter Have something to say about school? Have something to say about a local, national or global issue? Have something to say about this issue of The Eagle Eye? We want to hear your opinions. Email submissions to: msdeagleeyenews@gmail.com
Submissions must be between 100-250 words
Abrupt Goodbyes
Dear Editor, These last couple of months were not how I expected my senior year to end. I had always dreamed of having a prom, chord ceremony, senior award night, and of course, a graduation. When I found out I was valedictorian during the summer, I was elated. The fact that I maintained it throughout my senior year made the anticipation for my graduation even bigger. It was something I honestly never expected to happen to me. My grandparents from Brazil were going to come down to see me, a first-generation American student, graduate. I dreamed of telling them how much I appreciate them.
My best friends, which we call ourselves the fluffies since 7th grade, looked forward to a shoutout. And of course, more than anything, I wanted to thank my parents for all that they did for me and the support they gave me in pushing me to always do my best. If I do give a speech, it will be virtual, which still isn’t the same as having everyone there, but at least I won’t cry on stage. Not only this, but getting the closure of saying bye to everyone one last time. I hope that the county considers having a smaller ceremony once the situation with COVID-19 allows it, as we all deserve this sense of closure. Julia Suconic, 12
Six Feet Apart Dear Editor, For the past month I have been social distancing from all of my friends and some of my family. It has been hard knowing that I cannot see my friends physically and make endless memories, but I know that being in my house makes me and everyone else safer, which makes this journey a little easier. I think that if absolutely everyone
takes social distancing seriously, then the rate of the virus will slow down tremendously. This is a difficult situation that is effecting everyone, so we must take the precautions of staying home and only going out when it is necessary. However, even though these times may be hard, there are some aspects of social distancing and cleanliness that I hope will become a part of everyday life. Madison Lenard, 10
Technology Takeover
Dear Editor, As someone who is quarantined because of the coronavirus outbreak, I find that many things have changed in my home life and social life. The most obvious thing is the online school. I both love and hate the changes that brings. On one hand, I miss the interactive instruction that real school gives, along with the social aspect of spending time with my friends. On the other hand, online school gives me the freedom to work on my own time, making assignment management much easier. I do miss my friends terribly, but
I’m thankful that I live in the age of technology. This means that applications like zoom, FaceTime, and Google Duo are there to ease the loneliness that comes with social distancing. I make sure to FaceTime my friends at least once a day, even if that means just sitting in silence while we both do research for our English class. Even as I type this, I’m on a call with a friend while she does her psychology work. Overall, though the online schooling has its pros and cons, I think it’s a good solution to the out-of-school problem. Arielle Snow, 10
In the History Books
Dear Editor, Coronavirus has completely changed my daily lifestyle. I never imagined when I started sophomore year that I would be learning virtually, or that I would be home for such a prolonged period of time. I was shocked to learn that AP Exams would also be online this year. This is a big change that I never expected to happen. It was shocking to me how quickly everything happened. I remember the last day we were at school, on March 13. How ordinary it seemed, and how nobody
expected that we may never return for the rest of the school year. My history teacher said something in class that really got me thinking. Right now, during this pandemic, we are living in history. Fifty years from now, what we are living, will be written about in textbooks. This is both a shocking and fascinating thing to think about. I hope this will be over soon, and we can return to some sense of normalcy in our lives.
Nikita Nangia, 10
Cautious Calls
Dear Editor, I’m worried about my brother during this outbreak because he’s considered high risk with asthma he’s had since he was born. My family and I are taking every necessary caution to keep him safe, my mom especially. She wipes down all of our groceries with sanitizing wipes and makes
us wash all of our hands regularly. My mom insists on him staying indoors at all times and making sure that we only leave for necessities. I hope once this is over life fully returns to normal because I miss the usual routine I had, and I never realized how much so until this started. Matthew Burris, 10
Family at Risk
Dear Editor, Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, my family has been very worried, since my mom works as a NICU nurse in the hospital. Although she is at a lower risk of exposure to the virus, it is extremely scary and heartbreaking. She has specific precautionary measures that she follows in order to stay as safe as possible. She cleans everything she comes in contact with, in order to keep herself and the rest of my family safe. It is very important that everyone stays at home and quarantines themselves, since you never know who could have the virus. Gabby Fisher, 10
School Ties Dear Editor, These past couple of weeks in quarantine have been pretty interesting, especially with the impact it has had on my school life. As much as school stressed me out, and my friends and I always seemed to complain about the long days, I always appreciated the learning aspect of being in front of a teacher and having the ability to ask questions and raise any concerns. As I am attempting to get accustomed to this new, virtual learning, I am truly appreciating school even more than I ever did, and I am sure a lot of other kids are too. Not only does it seem like we are getting more work at home than we ever did in school, but the technique in which we are expected to learn has not been effective for me. I find myself constantly asking friends for help and emailing my teachers, but to no avail, because communicating through a screen will never have the same effect as in person. I hope everyone can stay inside and social distance so we can all get back to our normal lives as soon as possible. Caroline Eaton, 10
Need For Normalcy Dear Editor, Social Distancing is important, as is practicing proper safety matters. The only way to slow the spread of the virus is to listen to what the authorities tell you to do. It can be pretty boring and repetitive, but it’s a sure way to ensure the virus will end quicker. Imagine having an enforced social distance, and a law saying you have to wear a mask and gloves for six more months. If everyone does their part, the virus will die down. When the vaccine is found, it will get distributed, and life will return back to normal, hopefully as soon as possible. Gabriela Bravo, 10
Letters to the Editor 03
04 Feature • Local Farms
Design by Ashley Ferrer and Dara Rosen
Corona Crisis
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Emergence of COVID-19 as a pandemic transforms the lifestyles of people worldwide
pandemic on March 11. our months ago, the rapid spread of a However, despite the alarming rate of cases deadly virus all over the world was a worldwide, many people in the United States did daunting plot limited to sci-fi movies. Now, it is a reality that affects not see the need to panic. “When it first started and school was still every and all aspects of our daily lives. going on, my mom didn’t let me go out and see my friends, and I couldn’t go to school that last day Clearing Things Up because of her. I was super pissed about it, and I The coronavirus consists of many related viruses with differing symptoms. Coronaviruses are didn’t understand what difference it would make common in both people and animals such as cattle if I went to go see my friends,” senior Lily Cullen and bats. It is very rare that the viruses present in said. “It all happened so quickly, so after about three days I realized nobody in the world was going the animals spread to humans; however, it is not to school anymore. I remember thinking it’ll pass impossible. soon, and I stayed inside. I was one of the few of my The initial virus being referred to on the news friends that’s been self-isolated for a little over a is known as severe acute respiratory syndrome month now.” coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a betacoronavirus that originates in bats. Some of the initial patients in China who contracted this disease had recent Uncle Sam’s Stance contact with live animals and seafood, in which In regards to the rapid spread of COVID-19, the scientists believe led to an animal-person infection. US has taken various measures to contain the virus. However, the following cases of this Amidst the declaration of the virus as a coronavirus, which led to the creation of the new pandemic, President Donald Trump announced COVID-19 did not come into contact with these that travel from Europe, with the exclusion of the animals, causing uncertainty in the source of the United Kingdom and Ireland, would be suspended spread. for 30 days beginning on Friday, March 13. A COVID-19 is simply a newly identified strain presidential proclamation was also issued, stating of coronavirus that causes respiratory illness. that non-U.S. citizens who were in Europe within The symptoms of this strain consist of dry cough, two weeks of the ban would not be granted access fever, lethargy and difficulty breathing. High risk back into the country. patients include the elderly, diabetics and those “These restrictions will be adjusted subject to who suffer from respiratory and cardiovascular conditions on the ground. There will be exemptions issues, such as asthma and heart attacks. for Americans who have undergone appropriate screenings, and these prohibitions will not only apply to the tremendous amount of trade and Speedy Spread cargo, but various other things as we get approval,” On Dec. 31, 2019, the first reports of COVID-19 Trump said during his press announcement with were discovered in Wuhan, China, a city housing the Department of Health on March 11. over 11 million people. Senior Zoey Fox-Snider had recently embarked In response to the outbreak, the Chinese on a gap semester program to Peru and Bolivia government placed Wuhan and its neighboring when the coronavirus began rapidly spreading, cities in the Hubei province, with a population of and traveling had begun to see some restrictions 50 million people, under quarantine. worldwide. However, Fox-Snider and her The Wuhan seafood market, where animals companions were unaware of these developments such as bats, snakes and rabbits are traded, was due to lack of phone and internet access. shut down on Jan. 1, yet the virus had already “I had heard about coronavirus before I had seemed to spread. “There’s a lot being done on how Coronaviruses left America, but at that time it didn’t seem like a big deal at all. About two days before we left Peru infect people from animals, because we’ve had a the group finally learned about how serious things few events where they’ve jumped from animals into people, including from livestock,” president of were getting, but at that point it was safer to be in the nonprofit EcoHealth Alliance Peter Daszak said, South America than to travel back to the U.S.,” FoxSnider said. “We traveled to Bolivia and the night according to an article by ‘The Scientist’ released we got to La Paz, Peru closed its borders, restricting on Jan. 24. “So if we share the same cell surface receptor that the virus uses in bats or in camels or all travel in and out of the country, so we got really lucky. Another group from the same program was in pigs, then there’s a risk of that virus invading still in Peru and had to stay for two more weeks us.” By Jan. 30, the International Health Regulations until the travel ban was lifted.” After making it safely to Bolivia, the program Emergency Committee of the World Health was supposed to make its way to the city of Organization labeled the outbreak as a “public Cochabamba; however, a case of the virus health emergency of international concern.” had already been reported there, causing the COVID-19 spread rapidly throughout China, government to shut down travel to and from that causing a nationwide epidemic. Yet, the disease area. didn’t stop there; countries such as South Korea, “At that point, we were told the program was Italy and Spain began experiencing high numbers cut short and we would be flying out to Miami the of COVID-19 cases. Responsible for over 211,853 next morning. Flying home felt almost apocalyptic identified cases in over 150 countries at the time, because the airport was not crowded, but everyone the spread of the disease was declared a global
COVID Chaos. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. It is spread mainly from person to person mostly through respiratory droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing. Photo courtesy of the CDC
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News • COVID-19 05
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was wearing masks and gloves and constantly using hand sanitizer,” Fox-Snider said. “I was expecting a really long and intense screening process once we landed in Miami, but there was nothing. It felt really intense going through this because everything happened so fast; the span of us finding out about coronavirus to finding out the program was ending was maybe four days.”
Working from Home
Not only is U.S. travel being restricted, but the routines of its citizens are as well. As recommended by the Center for Disease Control, shopping malls, restaurants and other places of public gathering around the nation have been shut down. To keep their businesses intact, many restaurants have opted to remain open for delivery and pick-up options; however, many employees have been able to take time off due to the elimination of dine-in customers. “There is a significant drop in customers coming into the store, which in turn is allowing less employees to work,” senior Leah Golberg, who works at the local Bolay restaurant, said. “After weighing the pros and cons of working during this time, I realized it wasn’t worth putting my family or myself at risk for contracting the virus. While working, I would be interacting with a multitude of people and didn’t want to be in fear the entire shift.” Local farms are also offering pickup for boxes of produce. Among the million COVID-19 cases in the US, there are over 46,000 in Florida as of May 20, with approximately 50% from the counties of Broward and Miami-Dade. The temporary closing of schools in the state was announced on March 13; however, as the schools adjusted to online learning, the state revealed that campuses would remain closed for the rest of the school year. On both Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 28, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s administration handed out 700 laptops to assist their students in the transition to distance
learning. Across the district, approximately 82,000 laptops were distributed by Broward County Public Schools. “Since we are requiring students to attend school virtually during the pandemic, we must ensure that they have the tools necessary to be successful,” Principal Michelle Kefford said. “So lending laptops to students in need was necessary.” During spring break, teachers were given a week to familiarize themselves with the website, Canvas, an online schooling platform, and prepare online lesson plans to begin the fourth quarter. “On a scale of one to five [on being familiar with Canvas], I was a two. All I had really done was put documents [there] for my students to print. I think I’ve learned a lot, but most importantly, I learned that I would hate teaching online,” Advanced Placement Language and Composition teacher Donna Amelkin said. Due to the sudden reliance on Canvas, Amelkin looks forward to using her newfound knowledge of the website next school year, which she hopes can be in person, as she misses the human connection with her students. The shift to online learning drastically altered the daily schedules of students, evoking mixed reactions from those at MSD. “Online school messes with my daily routine a little bit, such as my sleep schedule,” sophomore Ella Yaipen said. “I stay up later at night because I know I won’t have to get up as early as I used to when we had school at MSD.” On the other hand, some students believe that the change in environment will benefit them in the future. “I think the transition will help me next year with my time management and my planning skills. With this transition, I have started to use my agenda more and tried to plot out my times of work more,” freshman Jason Choy said. “Overall, I believe it will help me with self control and knowing that I need to dedicate a certain portion of my day to academics.” Every day, students must log into their
Feeding frenzy
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ince the coronavirus outbreak, unemployment has had a prominent impact throughout Broward County. Sudden job loss has led to food insecurity for many families. In March unemployment rates rose to 4.2% from 2.9% in February. Broward County Public Schools is now utilizing their resources to feed food insecure students and their families who are greatly affected financially from this pandemic. “With the virus going around, a lot of people are being laid off, so it’s even harder for them to obtain money and feed their families, I really appreciate what the county is doing to help,” senior Alexis Doxey said. Even before the virus, Broward County Public Schools provided low income families with either free lunch or reduced lunch prices according to family income. BCPS also already provided breakfast to every student for free. At the beginning of the county-wide school closure in March, over 31 elementary, middle and high schools across the school districts were providing daily meals for those in need. Breakfast was served from 8 a.m to 10 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “There are no questions asked—you show up. We’re not asking for IDs, driver’s licenses. We’re trying to be here for the entire community,” Broward County Public Schools Superintendent, Robert Runcie said to Local 10 News.
accounts, as attendance is being accounted for through Clever. On Canvas, teachers have the option of inviting students to their virtual lessons via video-chatting applications such as Zoom. In fact, some teachers have even used Zoom to stay connected with their students, outside of academics. AP Government Teacher Jeff Foster and AP Psychology teacher Ronit Reoven hosted a “Tea Talk” on Friday, April 17, where they informally spoke with students and discussed topics regarding quarantine. “The call made me feel happy and kinda helped everything going on around us,” senior Andrea Peña said. “[Foster and Reoven] always find a way to make me feel better and laugh, so it was super fun.”
Senior Sorrows
One of the topics mentioned during the video call was the cancellation of prom, which was announced by the 2020 class adviser, Dara Hass, on Thursday, April 16. Many seniors were disappointed to hear that they would not be attending the prom they’ve been waiting all of high school for, and have since tried to figure out alternatives to attending their real prom. Some seniors plan to throw their own prom as soon as it is safe to do so, while others are dressing up and taking pictures in their prom attire with friends or attending virtual proms. Senior Madison Schulter attended an online prom via Zoom with all of her friends in order to help fill the void of not attending their real one. “While the sadness of not being able to have a normal senior year and do the things that every senior dreams of getting to do will never be truly fulfilled, the Zoom prom was a good distraction from all the craziness going on in the world around us,” Schluter said. “It was as close to a prom as we were given.” It was also announced on Wednesday, April 22 that Broward County schools will conduct their graduations virtually. Broward County has gathered a committee of two senior student representatives
BCPS provides meals to students and families amid outbreak of COVID-19
Students and their families have the option to walk, come by bus or pull up to the car loop of the designated schools to receive their meals. The food is referred to as “grab-and-go” meals because of the efficient pickup and packaging. “For Broward County to give students the opportunity to receive free meals, I think it’s a really generous gesture…especially for the students that rely on their school lunches as their daily meals,” senior Rebecca Toms said. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the 2017-2018 school year, 3330 students were enrolled at MSD, 735 were eligible for free lunch and 153 were eligible for reducedprice lunch. In the current 2020-2021 school year, 22% of the MSD student body is eligible for free and/or reduced-price lunch, according to Principal Michelle Kefford. “Sixty% of the students in Broward County Schools receive free or reduced lunch, so when school is closed, it is a huge impact on our families that are already struggling,” Broward School Board Vice-Chair Dr. Rosalind Osgood said to Local 10 News. On Monday, April 27, Broward County Public Schools began a new food distribution schedule at their expanded 51 district food distribution sites. According to the BCPS website this was done, in order to “reduce the number of weekly trips for families and provide greater efficiency to staff.” Grab-and-go meal service opens from 10 a.m.–1
Happy Meals. BCPS officials stand ready to hand out free meals to those in need during this time of crisis. Photo by Fenthon Aristomene p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and provides families with multiple meals at a time. Once the distribution of grab-and-go meals ends for the school year, the Summer Breakspot Program will make it possible for students to continue receiving free meals. The program is funded by the Florida Department of Agriculture. Students and parents can visit https://www.summerbreakspot. org/ to locate a site near them. Any child 18 or under is eligible to receive free meals. Story by Amber Mader
Design by Ashley Ferrer and Dara Rosen
Keeping Fresh
Tea Time So Close, Yet so Far. Seniors Brianna Fisher and Leni Steinhardt celebrate college decision day on May 1, while remaining 6 feet apart in order abide by social distancing guidelines. Photo courtesy of Brianna Fisher Keeping Fresh. A produce box from Mecca Farms in Boynton Beach, Florida includes a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for customers to enjoy. Photo by Melissa
Falkowski
Tea Time. AP government teacher Jeff Foster holds his dog while on a “Tea Time” Zoom call. Various topics such as prom and television shows were discussed between Foster, AP psychology teacher Ronit Reoven and their students. So Close, Yet so Far
number and duration of our contacts with others.” Freshman Kate Becker is one of many MSD students who took quarantining seriously before it was mandated and limits her time outside. “The only people I was in contact with were my two cousins and my grandma and obviously my parents,” Becker said. “And we never left the house except to get groceries or gas or other essentials. It started to hit me even more when that’s all the news was covering and deaths were skyrocketing.” In order to combat the boredom and loneliness of being self-isolated, many have turned to applications that allow users to communicate with their friends while watching content such as Netflix and Youtube. “My friends and I watch movies together on Rave,” MSD alumnus Giovanni Ferrer said. “It lets us interact with each other while being entertained.” Video chatting platforms such as Zoom and Houseparty have been quite popular as well. Due to being separated from their extended family and friends, people have been utilizing these platforms to stay connected with their loved ones. “I FaceTimed my family from all across the country, from New York to California to Florida, for Passover,” junior Stephanie Horrowitz said. “It was great seeing their faces because I never get to see Six Feet Apart them in person anyways.” Although students are out of school, they are On the other hand, some citizens have not confined to their homes due to the mandatory been so cooperative with the stay-at-home stay-at-home orders that made their way across orders. On April 17, protests in Texas, Maryland, the country, beginning from late March to early California and Ohio broke out in retaliation to the April. Both the CDC and the Public Health Department government orders. Protesters gathered at their state capitals to express their concern for their advised people to self-quarantine and practice businesses, income and overall rights. social distancing. Trump sympathized with the protesters, “Social distancing will be the key phrase mentioning how difficult it has been for the in the days and weeks to come,” University of American people to stay quarantined. California, San Francisco epidemiologist Jeff On Friday, April 17, the president tweeted, Martin said according to a report by the University “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!” “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!” of California San Francisco on March 14. “We’re and “LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd not at a stage to modify the first two factors–the biologic behavior of the virus or the susceptibility Amendment. It is under siege!” Students have had differing opinions on the of individuals–but each of us can decrease the from each of the 33 high schools in order to discuss ideas on how to provide the class of 2020 with the best graduation possible under these conditions. Senior Class President Nick Joseph and Student Government Association President Isaac Christian represented MSD on the committee. “I, along with the rest of the representatives from the other schools, each take turns expressing ideas on what we feel would be the best alternative for a traditional graduation just in case it isn’t able to happen,” Christian said. “So as for the process being explained to me, it’s essentially an open floor for questions and suggestions.” In addition, the closing of Broward County schools, amongst other Florida counties, has led to the cancellation of spring sports including track and field, flag football and water polo, leaving many athletes frustrated as well as disappointed. Senior and track and field captain William Winland is one student athlete who was excited for this upcoming season and planned to make it his best. “I’d rather not talk about it,” Winland said. “I’ve had too many sad nights thinking that I can’t finish my senior season. I will miss the feeling of walking past my friends and teammates.”
Photo by Leah Ronkin
protests; some agreeing with the president and others criticizing him. “I think that it’s pathetic. As our president, he should realize how dangerous this virus is. This virus is killing so many people and the fact that he is “tired of the quarantine” makes him a joke as our president,” freshman Manoela Ford said.
The Blame Game
As cases of COVID-19 rise, the spread of this disease has been accompanied by the emergence of xenophobia and racism towards Asians. The unconfirmed origin story that the virus was caused by the consumption of a bat by a Chinese citizen has created a negative stigma towards Asians, portraying them and their culture as carriers of the virus. “I’ve gone to the grocery store a couple of times with my family and we received a lot of stares,” junior Melodie Vo said. “I’ve had many people insinuate that it’s my fault that the disease is here.” This stigma has not only affected individuals, but Asian businesses as well. Local Japanese and Chinese-run restaurants, such as Moon Thai, have been experiencing low turnout. “Some customers have been blaming the Asian staff for the coronavirus, so that has impacted Moon Thai severely,” MSD alumnus Kareem Steele, who is a server at Moon Thai said. “I’ve been furloughed as a result of business being so slow.” Various tweets have even surfaced where Americans are refusing to eat Chinese food or drink Corona beer due to the excessive fear of anything seemingly related. One tweet read, “If they eat bats, cats, dogs and other vermin, they definitely won’t hesitate to serve YOU some.” COVID-19 is not the first coronavirus to be discovered, yet it is a newfound strain that experts say may take up to 12-16 months to produce a vaccination for. Until then, quarantining and social distancing may become a normal aspect of Americans’ lives.
Story by Ashley Ferrer
News • COVID-19 07
Design by Dara Rosen
March 13
March 1
March 8
Gov. Ron DeSantis announces that the first two Floridia residents test positive for COVID-19
Local supermarkets limit the number of certain items customers can purchase at a time as some shoppers begin hoarding essentials
March 2
The Florida Department of Health issues guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19, asking residents not to travel to certain areas overseas
Photo by Melissa Falkowski
March 5
All Florida public schools take an additional week off after spring break with the intent to resume classes on March 30 March 15
March 9
Universal and Disney World announce temporary closures of all parks
Gov. Ron DeSantis declares a state of emergency to create a pathway to obtain funding and resources to stop the spread of COVID-19
First two COVID-19 patients die in Florida
Photo courtesy of David Santiago/Miami Herald/TNS
Gov. Ron DeSantis announces that Florida students would not be returning to school for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year
Gov. Ron Desantis issues an Executive “Stay at Home” Order, telling individuals to restrict their movements outside of their homes to only those necessary April 11
Photo by Brianna Jesionowski
May 4
April 18
April 1
Broward County officials announce that it is mandatory to wear face masks in all public places in Broward County
April 16
Gov. Ron DeSantis announces that the ‘Stay at Home’ order will be lifted for the majority of the state apart from the hardest-hit counties: Broward, Miami-Dade and West Palm Beach
April 22
May 18
Superintendent Robert Runcie announces that all Broward County Public School class of 2020 graduations would be held virtually between the days of Monday, June 15 and Sunday, June 28
Gov. Ron DeSantis announces that Florida will enter what he calls “full phase one” of reopening that includes all counties and allows gyms and restaurants to operate at 50% capacity
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s prom was officially canceled amid concerns regarding COVID-19. The College Board announces that the June SAT will be canceled
Photo courtesy of Damon Higgins/ palmbeachdailynews.com/TNS
May 21
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School holds virtual senior awards Photo courtesy of Beacon TV
Tech Take Over
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uring this time of quarantine at home, many teenagers resort to spending a lot of time on their phones. Whether it be TikTok, Instagram or even Pinnacle or Canvas, many teenagers are increasing their time in front of their phones and computers by an inordinate amount. “I often feel like I can’t escape technology,” junior Jack Juliano said. “I wake up and I have to be on my laptop for classes. Then, I have to do homework on my computer, and in the midst, I use my phone for a break from the stress. Before I know it, it’s the middle of the afternoon and I’ve already spent about six hours on my devices.” As seen under the settings of a smartphone, the exact amount of time that an individual uses their phone is tracked within “Screen Time.” Many teenagers, including Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students,
08 News • COVID-19
have seen an uptick in their average daily screen usage metrics. “I normally average about five to six hours on my phone, but in the last week I averaged 8 hours and 33 minutes,” senior Tyler Hersch said. “Since I’m up about 15 hours a day and only have lectures for one or two of those hours, I’m just always scrolling through social media.” According to a McGill University report, excessive use of mobile phones is bad for psychological health, and the constant over-use of mobile phones leads to increased anxiety, feelings of loneliness and low self-esteem. Reliance on mobile phones can also cause irritation, frustration and impatience when the devices cannot be used. “Since I’m home all the time, I’ve been on social media so often that it’s almost making me attached to my phone 24/7,” senior Sam Hendler said. “I guess you could say I’ve gotten so dependent on it
MSD students look to create healthier technology habits during quarantine that I get anxious when I’m not on it.” The combination of screen time from cell phones, television and online Zoom lectures has caused some students to search for new and innovative ways to reduce their screen time. “If I’m watching Netflix on my phone, and I’ve gotten through too many episodes, I make sure to go for a walk as long as the number of shows I’ve watched times 15 minutes,” senior Hannah Levine said. “For example, if I watch three shows, I go work out for 45 minutes. These little patterns keep me from watching too long and staying active when I do.” Being creative with methods to stay active and healthy is helping many MSD students keep their mental and physical states healthy. Students can try spending time playing in-person board games
or going on walks with their family members. Setting screen time limits and creating tech-free bedrooms at night can also be beneficial. “One fun thing that has been a recurring event in my house is screen-free Saturday night, where after dinner we have been finding activities to do for at least two hours where we give ourselves a break from screen time,” sophomore Eric Hengber said. “This has included walking, fishing and biking.” Story and photo by Charlie Goodman
Mixed Feelings
Students express how they feel about Broward County starting to reopen amid COVID-19 pandemic
T
March 20
Gov. Ron DeSantis orders that all restaurants switch to take-out and delivery to prevent guests from dining inside March 23
Gov. Ron DeSantis orders that anyone flying back to Florida from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut to self-isolate for 14 days
hroughout the month of May, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has opened Florida counties one by one, beginning the first phase of the state’s full reopening process. The last two counties to open were Broward and Miami-Dade due to the high volume of COVID-19 cases in these areas. On Monday, May 18, Broward County reopened admist the continued spread of COVID-19. The county’s reopening granted local businesses permission to open their doors to up to 50% capacity and opened public parks for limited hours with the expectation of the proper practice of social distancing. At this time, public beaches in Broward remain close.
Photo courtesy of Alicia Devine/ Tallahassee Democrat/TNS
Crissa Ruggiero, 9
June 6
Ally Yang, 11
The Cities of Parkland and Coral Springs organize a parade for Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s class of 2020 June 15
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School holds virtual graduation ceremony
Madison Schluter, 12
Graphic by Dara Rosen
Sofia Cifuentes, 10
Off The Clock
F
rom closing down shops and malls to making individuals wear gloves and masks when they leave the house, COVID-19 has affected society in various ways. For many students, the pandemic has allowed them to catch up on their recommended eight hours of sleep. Sleep is crucial and plays a large role in a person’s general health and well-being. For many high schoolers, school work and other activities hinder them from obtaining the suggested amount of sleep. “When we had to physically go to school, I only slept for four to six hours on an average,” junior Rahat Ali said. “When school was over for the day, I had to attend club meetings, complete my homework and study for tests. I wasn’t able to achieve the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep because of school.” As reported by MyHealthfinder, teens need at least eight to ten hours of sleep
“ “ “ “
I think that it is great that things are starting to reopen because people are able to go back to work and the economy can start up again. Staying at home has greatly hurt our economy because more people are choosing not to go out and spend money.
”
I feel like it is too soon for businesses to start reopening, but I am starting to go outside for bike rides and walks, making sure to keep my distance. I am not going to different businesses such as restaurants and movie theaters. I feel like it is too dangerous for them to start allowing the public in.
”
I feel like things are reopening because they need to, not because it’s safe to. The virus has not been cured or reduced so to me, it’s just as scary as it was before. The little bit of normalcy is comforting, but everyone should still be taking precautionary measures to stay safe so that a second wave doesn’t hit us again.
”
Personally I believe that we are reopening too soon, and it’s going to cause a rise in people infected with coronavirus. Other counties have reopened too soon and are now seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases. I don’t think I’ll be going out more since businesses are reopening, but I’d go to the park since it’s outside and not an enclosed area.
”
MSD students experience changes in their sleep schedules during quarantine
each night. Getting a full eight hours of sleep aids teenagers in building up their immune systems, maintaining a healthy weight, lowering stress, improving overall mood and decreasing the possibility of developing future health problems. According to a survey conducted at MSD of 100 students, 81% of the student body reports they are getting more sleep while in quarantine “Even though I still stay up late to do work, I seem to get more work done now than while we were in school,” senior Ashley Paris said. “I work at Mathnasium, and they are making us work from home.” Although some students are obtaining more sleep due to the pandemic, many have been struggling with disarranged sleep schedules. “[During quarantine], I usually go to sleep from any time in between 3 a.m. to 5 a.m.,” freshman Tehzib Philip said. “If I am doing work, I would do it till around 1:30
a.m. to 2 a.m., then I would watch Netflix or Youtube until I fall asleep. I never try to force myself to stay up, I just wait until I feel tired.” Some students are attempting to follow their normal school sleep schedules and go to bed at an earlier time. “I usually go to sleep at around 11 in the night,” freshman Tilak Patel said. “My sleep schedule depends on the time I wake up in the morning. If I wake up at around 10 a.m., I would usually go to sleep at midnight, but because of online school, I wake up at around 8 a.m. and I would go to sleep at 11 p.m. if I have nothing else to do.” Some are still getting up relatively early to attend online classes as some teachers are now teaching their classes live on Zoom. Although the classes are held virtually, they still occur at scheduled times that students are expected to attend.
At MSD, the earliest a teacher can schedule a Zoom call is at 8 a.m.; therefore, students are able to attain more sleep than when they had to physically be at school at 7:40 a.m. “I am getting more sleep now, but I still wake up early to attend my classes on Zoom,” junior Alishba Hashmi said. Regardless of the time students now choose to go to sleep at, some students are getting more sleep during quarantine in comparison to when they had to go to school and attend other activities. Story and photo by Elama Ali
News • COVID-19 09
Letters of Support
E
ven though the COVID-19 pandemic has canceled school for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, honor societies and clubs from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have found ways to support the community. Two of these groups include Key Club and National Honor Society. Members of MSD’s National Honor Society were asked to handwrite letters for healthcare workers, recognizing their hard work and sacrifices during this difficult time. Students were notified through text Remind group to participate. “One of the most important pillars of NHS is leadership, and the officer board saw the steps that healthcare workers
were taking in order to care for people as the biggest form of leadership someone could take,” NHS Vice President Kennedy Cobb said. “Seeing as though we couldn’t thank them face to face, we hope that the healthcare workers who are receiving the letters can feel the gratefulness of the community and that our letters will give them the strength to keep doing what they’re doing.” NHS members were given the option to send their encouraging letters to any hospital in Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach counties. While many of the upperclassmen mailed their handwritten messages, others had direct access to a hospital through a parent, neighbor or friend. “My aunt is actually an ER nurse at
Acts of Kindness Acts of Kindness. Junior Connor Hagen received a photo of medical staff at Holy Cross Hospital who received his letters. Photo courtesy of
Connor Hagen
Happy Helper. Key Club’s Aston Gardens committee head Lindsey Salomone delivers letters outside the facility. Photo courtesy of Lindsey
Salomone
Happy Helper
Making Masks
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ith over a million COVID-19 cases in the United States, frontline workers are working every day to limit the spread of the virus. Since these employees are essential to aiding those affected by COVID-19, some families are helping them by providing necessary items such as masks. Rebecca Blanco-Bulhoes, a junior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, is making masks with her family. She works with Cupid Covid, a mask-making group initiated by Dr. Regina Marranzini, a geriatric care provider, who notified the group that frontline workers were not safe because of the shortage of personal protective equipment. “I got into making these masks because my mom is really good friends with Regina
Florida Medical Center, so I gave the letters to her to bring to her coworkers,” junior Josie Sotter said. “I wrote the letter to tell healthcare workers how amazing they are doing in this crazy time.” Several NHS members wrote multiple letters. Students were reminded through this act of kindness that despite the circumstances preventing them from leaving their homes, they can still give back to the community with a pen and paper. “I hand wrote 15 letters and gave them to my neighbor who works at Holy Cross Hospital,” junior Connor Hagen said. “I talked about how grateful I am for all their hard work and bravery. I want the people who receive them to feel like heroes.” Through NHS, students had the opportunity to motivate healthcare professionals. Many expressed their appreciation and applauded the sacrifices medical staff have made every day in these past months. “I wrote letters by hand in fun colors in hopes of brightening the healthcare workers’ day [and] sent a total of 10 to local hospitals,” junior Zachary Beer said. “I expressed that, given how irregular these times are, their duties keeping everyone well are exceptionally admirable. I hope that the person who receives it understands that their hard work does not go unnoticed, as, even with everything else around them changing rapidly, they are committed to the health of society, which is truly a commendable act.” MSD’s Key Club members, who are dedicated to service in the community also wrote letters. Key Club focuses on assisted living and independent living facilities such as Aston Gardens, where the club members volunteer at regularly. The studentled group is also conducting a pen pal program at Allegro, another senior living center in Parkland. “Members are writing about what they’ve been up to and what has helped them get through isolation, as well as
their desire to see the residents soon when this is all over and volunteer there again,” Key Club’s Aston Gardens committee head Lindsey Salomone said. “I hope [the letters] will bring some joy to the residents.” Letters written by Key Club members are designed to put a smile on the faces of Aston Garden residents during this time of isolation and quarantine. The high schoolers involved emailed Salomone their letters. Salmomone then added an inspirational photo, printed them out and delivered them outside the Aston Gardens facility for minimal contact. “People in these places are especially isolated as their family and friends cannot visit, and they cannot leave [for] activities, so we hope to show them they are being thought of and are cared for by us all,” Salomone said. “There are ways clubs can still make a difference even in quarantine. I also have written a letter to a healthcare worker, and I believe everyone should do the same because they are doing so much for us.” Aston Garden’s residents were chosen as the recipients of the personal letters because Key Club members have built strong relationships with them throughout the school year. Residents even know some of the members personally. “Key Club is working to support our elderly in nursing homes, since many of them are alone during this time,” Key Club President Rachel Nattis said. “I hope that from these letters, the elderly realize that they are not alone during this time and that even with the world being so dark and gloomy, there are still many positives to smile about.” Although the coronavirus has limited contact between groups of people, MSD students are discovering ways to boost the spirits of community members. Besides writing letters to healthcare workers and senior citizens, high schoolers continue to uplift each other through simple acts of kindness. Story by Ivy Lam
Junior Rebecca Blanco-Bulhoes makes masks with her family for frontline workers
and they were in need of more people cutting and sewing,” Blanco-Bulhoes said. “Now, I administer the Instagram.” Cupid Covid originated in Parkland , Florida and has since expanded to other nearby cities, including Aventura and Weston. It consists of 40 to 45 volunteers, who are mostly women, although some of them have their partners or children involved. The group was named Cupid Covid because it emerged out of love and compassion towards everyone in these uncertain times. The mask-making mission began after Marranzini and her friends realized their shared desire to help those in need of facial protection. They are sewing masks, assembling surgical caps and making face shields for healthcare workers.
10 Feature • MSD Helping Hands
MSD students uplift health workers and senior citizens through letters
“I noticed car drivers [didn’t have] sufficient medical equipment to cover up. When this started happening, it really hit us because it’s very hard to work being afraid that you’re gonna catch something,” Marranzini said. “I reached out to my friends who are very talented and said, ‘Guys, you’re bored. We need you. Let’s start making masks, caps and face shields for the staff.’” The organization assigns different roles within the group. For instance, DeEtta Jones, one of the volunteers, updates the website and oversees activities with their Whatsapp group chat. Others manage donations when they come in or maintain their social media presence, like Blanco-Bulhoes. “[Rebecca is] wonderful. She’s not only helping to make masks and doing
a lot of work with her mom, she is also coordinating a large group of people coming on as volunteers,” Jones said. “She’s helping coordinate communication and create spreadsheets. She plays a major leadership role in the group.” Cupid Covid is fueled by donations and depends on others donating money through fundraising websites such as PayPal. After organizing the funds, someone then takes account of what inventory is needed to put together a list of needed materials. Next, those who are in charge of ordering the materials purchase them on Amazon or go to a store in person to get what they need and drop it off on the volunteers’ doorsteps for minimal contact. “We want to make sure that people know that we are here and that all of us
Design by Dara Rosen
Creations for Donations n Monday, March 30, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School senior Alexandra Sullivan started “Creations for Donations,” a project created to raise money for youth and families negatively affected by COVID-19. She chose to donate to the non-profit organization ‘Feed the Children.’ Each donation of $1 provides $14 worth of food and essentials to those in need. Sullivan plans on selling handmade objects such as earrings and paintings. “I knew I couldn’t make a ton of money, and I felt that a little would go a long way and help a lot of people,” Sullivan said. “I also really think it’s important to protect our youth and their families in this time of need, and I know that ‘Feed the Children’ is doing that.” Sullivan was inspired while watching the Elton John iHeart Radio special on Sunday, April 29. In the broadcast, videos of people on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis were shown. The special encouraged people to step up and do what they can to help those impacted by the serious pandemic. April 29 marked the day Sullivan realized she could help others through her art. The very next day, Sullivan researched charities and chose “Feed the Children” as the recipient of her donations. “I’m selling anything I can think of to create,” Sullivan said. “I had an earring making kit and some keys from an old project laying around, so I decided to create earrings. I had some pieces of wood and some hooks, so I sanded down the wood with sandpaper, hot glued a hook onto it and painted it to make a necklace or lanyard holder.” Sullivan also wanted to make something for seniors, like herself, who are going to college soon. She used command strips and wood circles to make
college-themed key and necklace holders. Sullivan is excited to try and make earrings out of epoxy resin. “I plan on buying a Boston University key hook because that’s the college I’m attending, and I really wanted to donate too so it worked out,” senior Caitlynn Tibbetts said. “[Sullivan] is definitely the most selfless and talented person I know, especially in art. It didn’t surprise me at all that she would do something like this because it’s just in her nature to want to help.” Along with the jewelry she focuses on, Sullivan is selling paintings as well. To further advertise her work, she has created a logo and an Instagram account, that she works on every day, to post new products and build her platform. “I’ve told all of my friends about this, but I’ve mostly been advertising it on Instagram and Snapchat,” Sullivan said. “Once I’m a little further into my brand, I’ll probably start posting on Facebook to reach a bigger audience.” As an only child, Sullivan grew up in Parkland, Florida and was involved in all different forms of art. She grew up doing dance and theatre, and would often take painting and piano lessons after school. During her junior year, she participated in drama at MSD, but decided she wanted to focus on yearbook instead during her senior year. Sullivan has been a writer on MSD’s Aerie yearbook for three years and has been the profile editor for two years. She also runs the social media for the Aerie yearbook using Instagram and Twitter. Sullivan hopes to acheive her goal of spreading positivity through this project, while also financially helping those in need. Her hope is to make people feel comfortable in a time of such uncertainty and chaos, as well as to encourage others to give back to their community. “With this charity project, I want to share that every little bit counts. You may think that you make no difference in the world, but everyone has a place. Everyone can do something to make the
are in this together,” Jones said. “We’re all trying to survive through this, and we don’t want disproportionate weight to only be on health care workers.” The masks are made out of poly cotton fabric. The process of assembling them starts with purchasing the materials, which are then given to the helpers who cut the masks, such as Blanco-Bulhoes herself. Once the fabric is cut, the sewers sew the whole mask together and include a pocket in the center for a filter if needed. A wire on the bridge of the nose allows them to fit the face properly, and the two elastic bands on each side of the mask finish them off. “Once they are done, all the masks go to Dr. Marranzini so she can distribute them to her coworkers and their friends who are also healthcare professionals,” Blanco-Bulhoes said. While Cupid Covid as a whole has made over 1,000 masks and around 200 face
shields, Blanco-Bulhoes and her younger brother personally have cut the fabric for hundreds of the masks. Her mother, Priscilla Bulhoes, has made over 250 masks. She says it takes approximately one hour to put together four masks. “Through this project, my mom and I want to share that when a lot of people get together to help [each other], we become an army. It makes me realize that helping others is easier than we think,” Blanco-Bulhoes said. The volunteer group emerged out of extensive research, kind donations and hard work. It has been ongoing for about six weeks and continues to grow. “I’m very lucky that my friends donated all the materials and all the labor,” Marranzini said. “People are very tense during this time, they’re very grateful for the encouragement and support from the community.” With the help of Cupid Covid,
Senior Alexandra Sullivan gives back to the community through “Creations for Donations”
O
Crafty Creations
Key to Donations
Cheesing for Charity Cheesing for Charity. Senior Alexandra Sullivan wears one of the products she is selling on her Instagram @creations.for.donations. Photo courtesy of Alexandra
Sullivan
Crafty Creations. Senior Alexandra Sullivan has been experimenting with epoxy resin to create new products to sell. Many different pairs of earrings made this way can be found and purchased on her Instagram @creations.for.donations.
Photo courtesy of Alexandra Sullivan
Key to Donations. Senior Alexandra Sullivan has created jewelry and artwork to raise money for the non-profit organization “Feed the Children.” Photo courtesy of
Alexandra Sullivan
world a happier place to live in,” Sullivan said. “It’s so rewarding to help others, and it makes me feel so fulfilled to know that I’m helping people and making their struggle a little easier. This time is rough for everyone, but there are people clinging onto the last bit of hope in the world and faith in humanity, and I hope that I can be the one to make them realize that they’re going to be okay.”
Following her creative interests, Sullivan is currently training to become a certified makeup artist with Online Makeup Academy. She has always wanted to help people through art and is thrilled she has the chance to give back to the community. Her products can be seen and bought @creations.for.donations on Instagram. Story by Ivy Lam
Masking COVID-19 Selfless Siblings thousands of handmade masks have been distributed to frontline workers and healthcare professionals in need. More information about Cupid Covid can be found on their website, cupidcovidmasks. com, or Instagram @cupid.covid. Story by Ivy Lam
Selfless Siblings. Junior Rebecca Blanco-Bulhoes outlines and cuts fabric for the Cupid Covid masks with her younger brother. Photo courtesy of
Rebecca Blanco-Bulhoes
Masking COVID-19. Junior Rebecca Blanco-Bulhoes makes masks for frontline workers. Photo courtesy of
Rebecca Blanco-Bulhoes
Feature • MSD Helping Hands 11
Keeping Busy Eagle Eye recommends inside activities
Whipping up Something New Cloud Eggs
Smoothie Bowl
Edible Cookie Dough
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ingredients
• ½ cup strawberry • ½ cup raspberry • 1 cup blackberry • 1 banana • ½ cup greek yogurt • ¼ cup almond milk • ¼ cup peanut butter
• non-stick cooking spray • 4 large eggs • Kosher Salt • 4 slices buttered brioche toast for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment and coat with nonstick cooking spray. 2. Coat 4 small bowls with nonstick cooking spray. Separate the eggs and put the whites into a medium bowl and the yolks in the small bowls (1 yolk per bowl). 3. Add a large pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat with an electric mixer on low speed until stiff peaks form - 2 to 3 minutes. 4. Dollop 4 large spoonfuls of the egg whites onto the prepared baking sheet and make a small well in the middle of each with the back of a spoon. 5. Bake the whites until they are firm, no longer wet and just beginning to turn brown, about 6 minutes. 6. Gently pour 1 yolk into the well of each white. 7. Bake until the edges of the yolk start to set while still being runny - 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt. 8. Serve on top of buttered brioche toast.
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, heat-treated to kill bacteria • 1/3 cup dutch process cocoa powder • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened • 1 cup granulated sugar • 1/4 tsp salt • 1 1/2 tablespoons milk, then more as needed • 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 1/3 cup dark chocolate, chopped into small bits
Optional Toppings
• strawberry • banana • ¼ cup blueberries • shredded coconut • chia seeds
Instructions
1. Add butter and granulated sugar to a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle salt evenly over. 2. Whip together ingredients until pale and fluffy. 3. Mix in milk and the vanilla extract, then blend in flour and cocoa powder, while adding milk 1/2 tablespoon at a time to thin if needed. 4. Using a rubber spatula, fold in chocolate bits.
Instructions
1. Add the berries, banana, Greek yogurt, almond milk and peanut butter to a blender and blend until smooth. 2. Top with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Avocado Toast
• 1 slice of bread • ½ ripe avocado • Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Toast your slice of bread until golden and firm. 2. Remove the pit from your avocado. Use a big spoon to scoop out the flesh. Put it in a bowl and mash it up with a fork. Mix in a pinch of salt 3. Spread avocado on top of your toast.
Not so Bored Games
The Game of Life
Trivial Pursuit
Pictionary
This game gives kids a If you like a game that Pictionary is a game for glimpse of what the real world challenges your knowledge, people who have a great can actually be like. The then Trivial Pursuit is perfect. imagination and like to draw. winner has the most money The objective of the game is To win, you and your team when they reach retirement, to be the first player to collect have to guess the most but they have to endure six different colored wedges in sketches correctly to keep many milestones and life different categories. moving forward and reach choices first. the end.
12 Arts & Leisure • Stay Busy in Quarantine
Monopoly
This is a game that helps educate kids on real estate and how to manage money. This game is a great way to pass time, as it often takes over 60 minutes to complete. The last player standing after all of the other players go bankrupt wins.
Design by Brianna Fisher
Books to binge Invictus Making time travel possible, Invictus follows Ryan Graudin’s main characters as they pass through action packed boundaries that even time can’t seem to reach.
Dead Ends
Girl in Pieces “Girl In Pieces,” by Kathleen Glasgow, follows Charlotte “Charlie” Davis as she learns to put her pieces back together after life offers the worst to her.
“Dead Ends,” by Erin Jade Lange, is a novel that brings two of the most unlikely people together to create a friendship between the tough and the tender.
Now Playing in your living room Vampire Diaries
Friends
The television series, “The Vampire Diaries,” is a supernatural teenage drama about mythical creatures and their journey through life.
Stranger Things
“Friends” is an iconic comedy about three young men and three young women navigating their lives in the same apartment complex in New York City’s Manhattan neighborhood.
The Office One of the most hilarious television series to binge-watch is “The Office,” a documentary-styled series that mocks a typical group of office workers in a paper company.
Spider Man - Into the Spider Verse To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
In the thrilling series, “Stranger Things,” a boy goes missing and his mother, friends and a local police chief confront paranormal forces in order to save him.
High School Musical A classic from many student’s childhoods, “High School Musical” is an upbeat musical movie about teens who defy standards and participate in a range of school activities.
Comic book styled, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is captivating and visually appealing with guest appearances by big name stars like Nicholas Cage, who played Spider-Ham.
The Goonies The 1985 cult classic, “The Goonies,” is an adventure tale of four kids and three teens as they search for hidden treasure to save their families from eviction.
Based on a book of the same name, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” is a romantic comedy. While there is a sequel to the movie, the original is more enjoyable with more likable characters and plot.
Mean Girls “Mean Girls” is a classic teen movie that compares the social constructs of high school to those of the wild. It follows the story of a new student who strives to fit in and gets carried away in the popularity.
Arts & Leisure • Stay Busy in Quarantine 13
Steps to Stay Healthy
1
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
4
Use sanitizing wipes to wipe all surfaces before touching them
Health officials give tips to avoid getting sick
2
Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
3
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
5
Exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet
6
Keep your distance from other individuals
Scrub-A-Dub-Dub
Singing 20-second song verses when washing your hands to ensures cleanliness
Stayin’ Alive
Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother You’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive Feel the city breakin’ and everybody shakin’ And we’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive
Watermelon Sugar Watermelon sugar high Watermelon sugar high Watermelon sugar high Watermelon sugar high Watermelon sugar Strawberries on a summer evenin’ Baby, you’re the end of June I want your belly and that summer feelin’ Getting washed away in you
14 Arts & Leisure • Staying Healthy
Love on Top
Baby it’s you You’re the one I love You’re the one I need You’re the only one I see Come on baby it’s you You’re the one that gives your all You’re the one I can always call When I need to make everything stop Finally you put my love on top
Jolene
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene I’m begging of you please don’t take my man Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene Please don’t take him just because you can
ABCs
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z now I know my ABC’s next time won’t you sing with me?
Truth Hurts Why men great ‘til they gotta be great? Don’t text me, tell it straight to my face Best friend sat me down in the salon chair Shampoo press, get you out of my hair Fresh photos with the bomb lighting New man on the Minnesota Vikings Truth hurts, needed something more exciting Bom bom bi dom bi dum bum bay
Don’t Start Now
Did a full 180, crazy Thinking ‘bout the way I was Did the heartbreak change me? Maybe But look at where I ended up I’m all good already So moved on, it’s scary I’m not where you left me at all
Design by Dara Rosen; editorial cartoon by Leah Ronkin
Dodging the Disease
Despite ample warnings, Trump administration has failed the American people
T
he United States reported its first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, on Jan. 20. Since then, cases have skyrocketed, reaching about 700,000 in the U.S. as of mid-April. The U.S. has been hit significantly hard, with best-case projections predicting somewhere around 200,000 deaths. In the background of all this is the Trump administration, which has been hastily attempting to respond to the pandemic with administration press conferences acting as a sort of soundtrack to this unprecedented event. COVID-19 is likely to be a defining moment for the Trump presidency; a clear instance where the administration could have either helped get the country through a crisis or failed in trying to mediate what will go down as one of the greatest public health emergencies in American history. While this could have easily been President Trump’s moment to shine and help sustain the American people, the reality of the situation is clear: President Trump and his administration have failed the American public. In order to fully understand how the executive office has let the American people down, one has to take a look at the
past actions taken by the administration, starting in 2017. It was in that year that, according to a breakthrough report by The Nation, the Pentagon warned the White House that America was severely underprepared for a certain kind of biological threat. That threat was a respiratory virus; the report warns of a “novel respiratory disease,” and specifically mentions coronavirus on multiple occasions. In response to this, the Trump administration did absolutely nothing, ignoring the Pentagon’s warnings and failing to improve any sort of infrastructure in case of a potentially infectious disease. In fact, shortly after this report, the president attempted to cut over $270 million in pandemic preparedness funding, an act that Congress rejected. Later, in 2018, despite warnings from the intelligence and public health community, the president signed a bill that cut a whopping $1.35 billion from the Center for Disease Control’s fund for prevention and public health. In mid-2019, after running a longterm simulation of a U.S. response to an influenza-like disease, the Department of Health and Human Services concluded that the U.S. was worryingly vulnerable and lacked the resources necessary to adequately address a pandemic of an influenza-like disease. Not even a month after the simulation, the administration again cut funding to a
public health program; this time one that specifically was focused on preventing and identifying animal-based diseases that could spread to humans and lead to public health crises. Time after time, when the administration was warned about weaknesses in the American public health infrastructure and under-preparedness for a pandemic, the Trump administration either failed to respond or actively sought to hinder and cut programs specifically designed to address said concerns. Fast forward to 2020, with the U.S. now facing COVID-19 head-on. Late action and uncertainty led to sharp declines in the stock market, which, coincidentally, shortly after the market panic, was the time that President Trump decided to address the nation. It seems that the administration’s priorities are clear: short term economic gain first, people second. The logic that the health and wellbeing of people contradict the wellbeing of the market is flawed, as taking short term losses while expediting America’s path to widespread public health will ultimately end up with the reopening of the economy. Yet the president not only doesn’t seem to understand that, but he also seems to actively want to pursue the direct opposite, a conviction that ultimately would hurt the middle and working class, while benefiting the rich. This is best exemplified by his new
Losing The Last Year
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welve years of hard work. Twelve years of stress. Twelve years of studying. Twelve years of late nights. Twelve years of falling asleep with our textbooks open and homework scattered across the bed. Twelve years of late-night projects and essays. Twelve years of preparing for standardized tests and hoping to get a passing score. Twelve years of dreaming; twelve years of hoping; twelve years—and the moment to shine has come. Seniors began to climb the steps that would lead them to the fateful day of being let out into the real world, only to have that staircase crumble beneath their
feet. We have to watch our future dissipate in a matter of seconds, after everything we have done to reach the surface. Twelve years, and for all of it to vanish in front of our eyes–no prom, no graduation, no graduation trips and no final moments. As a class, we will never be able to remake such precious memories ever in our lifetime. It is not something that parents and alumni will understand because they have already had their experience of a “normal” senior year. They have already had their prom, their late-night drives to the beach, the movie nights, graduation, trips and almost everything else seniors dream of.
conviction to try and reopen the country, despite warnings from the public health community of the potentially disastrous consequences of such a decision. Such a policy could potentially set the U.S. back weeks in its effort to confront the virus, yet President Trump seems to be dead set on pursuing his economic goals to no end. It is clear that the people who would be hurt by this decision are working-class people, individuals who work jobs that actively put them at risk, as opposed to President Trump’s rich donor class. The administration’s response can almost be characterized by a trend: waiting until the last minute. It took months before the administration invoked the “Defense Production Act,” which allows the federal government to utilize private manufacturers in order to produce and allocate resources in order to combat the virus. The Trump administration has been combatting one of the worst public health crises in America’s history by effectively trying to stop a leak with scotch tape. President Trump has failed the American people. He’s failed the public health community and his plans to reopen will have potentially deadly ramifications for the working class. While history will judge the efficacy of his response, it seems clear that when America needed a savior, they were utterly let down; they got Donald Trump instead. Editorial by Ryan Servaites
COVID-19 affects the class of 2020
But, for us, it seems that such simple lights in life are far out of reach. These were the events that the whole class looked forward to. After the shooting, high school had become different, and we could never continue to experience life as “normal.” Even stepping into the school makes us feel this unnecessary dread and emptiness that we were hoping the senior experience would allow us to escape from. We felt that we had made it through the worst part of our high school experience and we could now celebrate, but that turned out to not be the case. Born in a year tragedy struck and ended high school with an infectious
disease and after going through a school shooting, it makes you wonder: is Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s class of 2020 cursed? The idea is laughable at best and probably not true, but instead of focusing on the negative, we should start looking at the positive to give us some hope for the future. If life is this bad now, it can’t get any worse. Meaning, there is still hope and still a chance for way more out there. We still need to keep our heads up, and still need to keep looking forward; there has to be something better than this. Editorial by Sam Grizelj
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