THE
PLUS Bond Money Humans of MSD Sports Season Wrap-Ups
Thanksgifting VOL. 1 NO. 2
Illustration by Joanna Zhuang
NOVEMBER 2015
02 - Crossword Puzzle
Holiday Crossword
4 3
The first 5 students to complete and return this crossword puzzle to room 236 will receive a $5 Dunkin Donuts giftcard
2 2
Across
1. Hanging on the tree 2. Greasy and crispy 3. Put presents under here
Down
1
1
3
5
1. Gobble 2. Filler 3. Warm and savory 4 “We light the...” 5. Home invasion
DO YOU NEED SERVICE HOURS? THE CORAL SPRINGS CHIEFS NEED YOU!
Congregation Kol Tikvah is so proud of its youth program and PARTY! -KOL TIKVAH STAFF
We need volunteers from late February through April to help with field set up, keeping score and selling merchandise at youth lacrosse gamesat North Community Park in Coral Springs (Just next door to Douglas).
Table of Contents - 03
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THE Zachary Kaufman
Alexa Kravitz
Editor-In-Chief
Feature Editor
Joanna Zhuang
Makayla Manning
Melissa Falkowski
Editor-In-Chief
Entertainment Editor
Adviser
Julia Corin
Gillian Morrison
Online Editor-In-Chief/ Editorial Editor
Sports Editor
Lily Skopp
Kaitlyn Falness
News Editor
Business Manager
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
Staff Writers Tyrone Carter Taylor Morrison Amit Dadon Lauren Newman Liam Hutton Max Rosenthal Gillian Marton Dante Sacks
5901 Pine Island Road Parkland, FL 33076
The opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School or Broward County Public Schools. The publication abides by the scholastic press associations and is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association, The National Scholastic Press Association and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. If you would like to advertise please call (7544) 322-2150 or email melissa.falkowski@browardschools.com
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04 - News
Upperclassmen share how they would spend the $13 million to benefit MSD
“I would definitely spend the bond money upgrading the bathrooms with new toilets, sinks, and improving their overall quality. That’s definitely something worth spending that money on.”
“If I had $13 million in bond money, I think the most important renovation would be to fix the auditorium by adding new lights and upgrading the seating.
Shay Irimi, 11
Tatiana Shirley, 12
“With the $13 million I would upgrade the hygienic systems of our school by buying new soaps for the bathroom and establishing new and clean tables.”
Julia Rosen, 12
Bid rigging controversy surrounds bond money
“The bond money would be most useful if spent on new technology. I hope each classroom will be given a set of laptops, and that the teachers will have their laptops upgraded as well.”
Hunter Luboff, 11
committee members, commissioners and their staff. Other delays have been caused by the Broward County he $800 million bond money being distributed to Circuit Court’s delay in authorizing the district to issue many Broward County Schools has been surrounded bonds; a withdrawl of several projects while district by controversy. A former Broward County School administrators rewrite the criteria, following a study employee has alleged that Superintendent Robert Runcie showing the district may be unfairly discriminating against and his staff engaged in bid rigging. Bid rigging is an illegal minorities; a high turnover in the purchasing department fraudulent act, in which competitors team up to increase and the sudden departure of the facilities chief and the prices of their products offered in bids to potential controversy surrounding his replacement, Leo Bobadilla. customers. It often involves deceiving or defrauding others The original decision regarding the bond money was of their legal rights in order to gain an unfair market made in November 2014, but one year later, little work has advantage. been done, and district officials have yet to begin any major The Broward County School Board agreed to hold back projects. Only the bond money for technology has been their plans for the bond money until a later date after distributed. Michael Marchetti, the former special assistant to the The postponement of selecting a management company, superintendent, made a claim on Feb. 10, 2015 under oath further delays the disbursement of the remaining funds, that someone on the board was practicing this illegal act, which were allocated to help many Broward County Schools subsequently breaking school policy. badly in need of repairs and new equipment. “I believe this entire selection process has been tainted Some of the neediest high schools in the district, from beginning to end,” Michael Marchetti said in a March Stranahan, Northeast and Blanche Ely, have buildings and 16 interview with Sun Sentinel. structures that cannot even be used until fixed. Construction Marchetti has alleged that, in order to ensure that Jacobs was supposed to start this past summer. Project Management Company got the job for managing This causes significant issues for the students and staff the bond money, the administrators at the Broward that are using these facilities and leaves students wondering County School District did not follow the proper bidding if they will ever get the new repairs their schools desperately procedures. need. It is prohibited for bidders to talk to Runcie or any “We remain focused and relentless in our commitment School Board or Evaluation Committee Member until to deliver on the promises made to the community, and the School Board has signed a bond money contract to execute the (bond) program with the highest level of because of the Cone of Silence policy. This policy prohibits integrity,” Superintendent Robert Runcie said in a Nov. 6 communications among vendors, county staff, selection interview with Sun Sentinel. Story by Lauren Newman
T
Design by Lily Skopp
Bond Money - 05
Baby Got Bond$
slow; I hope that the [bond money] will be able to fix those problems.” magine a school with new technology, working MSD will see a large portion of the money going to a new computers and a guest wifi system that all students, fire alarm system, upgrades in the music and art programs, visitors and faculty members can use; it sounds like a new equipment for sports teams - including a revamped utopia. Thanks to Resolution 14-88, which was voted on weight room, improved roofing, a better air conditioning Nov. 4, 2014 and passed with a majority vote, this vision system and technology. However, Marjory Stoneman will become a reality for all public high schools in Broward Douglas students will only be seeing the new technology in County, including Marjory Stoneman Douglas. the near future, as the other renovations are slated to take Broward County School Board decided to ask taxpayers place in 2019. to put additional money aside for a bond aimed to revamp “I’m excited we are going to begin to be seeing some of and repurpose schools. They suggested $800 million as the bond money in the near future,” Thompson said. “The the designated dollar amount for this plan. The money, other projects are not until 2019, so some of you guys aren’t which will cost the average Broward homeowner about $50 even going to be around. It’s nice that we are going to be per year, was planned to be used to fix infrastructure and getting some of the technology upfront and will be utilizing air conditioning systems, as well as for upgrades to sports it now.” facilities and the arts departments, technology and school $830,000 was allocated for about 1,600 computers in security. order to provide at least one device for every three students. According to MSD’s Principal, Ty Thompson, the Additionally, in compliance with a district directive to response was outstanding. Eighty percent of voters affirmed transition away from Mac computers, Thompson chose this plan, and it needed at least sixty percent of support to to order Lenovo laptops, which have a Microsoft base. pass. According to Maximo Rosario, the assistant principal of “I am very proud of the entire Broward County technology, the devices will be seen in classrooms by winter community for their support and for understanding the break. importance of investing in our schools, students and “The order was placed a few weeks ago,” Rosario said. “I teachers,” Superintendent Robert Runcie said in a Nov. 4, expect the computers to come in before Thanksgiving. By 2014 interview with The Sun Sentinel. winter break, all the technologies will be in the teacher’s’ After the bond was approved, Broward officials assessed hands and the students’ hands.” the needs of each public school and allocated money for Students will also see the bond money in effect through each school based on needs. MSD is slated to receive $13 a rerouting of wifi, which will allow students to bring in million of this money. their own devices to school, using the wifi for their personal It seems so crazy that our schools is being given $13 devices. million,” junior Sheridan Lasher said. “I am so ecstatic to “I can’t wait to bring my own computer to school,” see what we are going to be doing with this. Our school freshman Ariel Goldwin said. “Hopefully, this will happen has gotten a little run down and the computers are really before I graduate.” Story by Lily Skopp
School to receive $13 million in bond money
I
By winter break, technology will be distributed to all classrooms.
Apple computers will be gone from the media center and will be repurposed.
Technology will be distributed in a 2:1 ratio of students to computers.
2015
The weight room will be revamped to include new mats, treadmills and equipment. Wifi infrastructure will improve. The cabling will upgraded to sustain this renovation.
2016
The MSD weight room will be upgradeded constistanly to match that of other districts.
2019
Breaking Bonds
Bond funds to be dispersed over time
06 - Humans of MSD
Coping with the Past Senior Tina Harding reflects on family tragedy involving her 6-year-old brother
J
ust three days before Christmas in 2007, the Hardings were living at home together, a family. Senior Tina Harding was just nine years old when her family filed for bankruptcy. Her dad was very abusive - he overdosed on a lot of prescription drugs and drank a lot, and her mom had multiple mental disorders; she suffered from depression and bipolar disorder. Harding’s family didn’t have enough money to pay for her medication. Her mom worked the night shift at Target and her dad worked with computers, but went in drunk one day and quit. “A few days before Christmas, my dad came home and told us that we were completely bankrupt. We all tried to sit together and be positive, but we knew that everything was about to go downhill,” Harding said. The next morning, Harding’s life took a turn for the worst. “I woke up to my mom killing my 6-year-old brother. She had slit his throat with a 13-inch-kitchen knife, and had then turned the knife on herself. My brother woke me up screaming. When she noticed that I was there, she turned around and came after me. I ran away and got my dad, then called the police,” Harding said. “I couldn’t believe that it was happening- I thought that it was all a dream. I couldn’t process it fast enough to realize what had just happened.” The police came and took Harding’s mom and her brother to Underwood Memorial Hospital in Woodbury. Her brother was still alive when he arrived, but died just an hour after. Her dad stayed with her throughout all of this. “I was too young to realize how terrible of a person he was,” Harding said. “He was extremely verbally and physically abusive to my mom, as well as to me and my brother.” The news of the mother from Philadelphia killing her sixyear-old son was all over the Philadelphia news for a month. “I couldn’t go anywhere in public without people staring at me,” Harding said. “It was a weird fame. I would walk through the mall and everyone would stare at me like, ‘that’s the girl.’” The police had to investigate what had happened, and since Harding’s dad wasn’t allowed to have custody of her and
“
her mom had gone to prison, she was placed in foster care. “My foster parents were really nice,” Harding said. “I was so lucky to have such good foster parents, and on the first shot. I lived with them for about two and a half years, and they actually had been planning to adopt me.” Harding’s foster family had another foster child, whose biological mother became friends with her foster mother. After that, her foster mother started drinking and doing drugs, and even cheated on her foster father, causing her foster parents to split up. “Everything started going really bad- I knew that I had to get out of there,” Harding said. “I just had nowhere to go.” Harding learned that her aunt and uncle in Florida had wanted to adopt her, so she moved down to Florida and they adopted her the summer after seventh grade. “The transition was difficult and different, but I’ve come to realize that it’s a good different,” Harding said. “My freshman year of high school, I joined color guard, which changed my life. It gave me hope, and something that I loved to do, and it showed me that even though life sucks, you just have to get through it.” For Harding, everything finally turned around. According to her, she occasionally still speaks to her mother, who had been sentenced to 22 years in prison. She must serve about 85 percent of that sentence - approximately 18 years, eight and a half months - before she is eligible for parole. She must also serve 5 years supervised parole after her prison term, although she received credit for 1,412 days that were served in custody. When initially charged with murder, Harding’s mother pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. In September of the following year, though, she pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter, acknowledging that in December of 2007, she was suicidal on the day of her son’s murder. “When she killed my brother, she wasn’t herself,” Harding said. “In some ways I forgive her, but in some ways I don’t. On one hand, she did almost ruin my life, but on the other hand, if she didn’t, I wouldn’t be where I am now, and who knows what my life would’ve been like. I could’ve been on the streets.” Story by Alexa Kravitz
I woke up to my mom killing my 6-year-oldbrother. She had slit his throat with a knife, and he woke me up screaming.
Tina Harding’s father, Christian Harding, and her 6-year-old brother, Jarod. Photo courtesy of nj.com, as provided by the Harding family
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Tina Harding at 9 years old. Photo courtesy of nj.com, as provided by the Harding family
Want more? Follow us on Instagram @HumansofMSD
Design by Alexa Kravitz
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10 - Feature
Recipes for Success
Teachers share favorite holiday recipes
Coach Rountree’s Blueberry spray Cake Crumble •• cooking box of vanilla wafers
• 1/2 cup butter, melted • three 8 oz packages cream cheese • 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla • 4 eggs • 1/2 cup sour cream • 4 cups blueberries • 1 tablespoon corn starch
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 2. Line 9x13 baking pan with foil and spray with cooking spray 3. Place vanilla wafers into food processor and pulse until they become crumbs. Add melted butter and pulse again until combined. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and press the crumbs into bottom of the pan. 4. For filling: Beat softened cream cheese, sugar and vanilla together in medium bowl with electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Add sour cream and mix again. Pour filling into the crust, smooth the top and bake for 50 minutes. 6. Turn off the oven, open the oven door and allow the pan to sit in the open oven for 15 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool. 7. For the topping: Add blueberries, sugar and ¼ cup water to a saucepan or skillet. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the juices thicken slightly, 4 to 5 minutes. 8. In a small bowl, make a slurry by stirring together the cornstarch and 2 tablespons of water until smooth. Add the slurry to the berries, return to the boil and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and cool the mixture. 9. Pour the blueberries over the cheesecake and place the pan into the fridge to cool and set for at least 2 hours. 10. Take out and slice. Cover for another hour.
Jeffrey Taylor’s Corn Casserole • 1 stick and 2 tablespoons butter • 1 can cream styled corn • 1 can drained whole corn • 2 beaten eggs • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1 cup cornmeal mix 1. Melt butter in 350 degree oven. 2. Mix all the ingredients together, making sure to beat the eggs beforehand. 3. Pour the butter into the mixture. 4. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes at the 350 degrees.
Gregg Bantz’s Sweet Potato Souffle • 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes • 2 beaten eggs • 1 stick butter • 1 cup sugar • 1 cup light brown sugar • 1/3 cup flour • 1/3 cup butter • 1 cup pecans 1. Mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, butter and sugar into and pour into a baking dish. 2. For the topping, mix together the light brown sugar and flour. Add melted butter and pecans. This mixture will be crumbly. Doubling the topping increases flavor. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
Design by Joanna Zhuang
Donna Amelkin’s Pot Roast • garlic and onion powder • fresh carrots • water • brisket of beef, first cut • Redpack tomatoes • ketchup 1. Put meat in a dry pot on the top of the stove and brown. 2. Add garlic and onion powder, fresh carrots, a can of Redpack tomatoes, a little ketchup and a little water. 3. Cover and cook on medium flame for 1.5 hours. Keep turning. Let cover be slighly ajar. 4. Take out and slice. 5. Cover for another hour.
• 2 eggs • 3/4 cup softened butter • 1 1/2 cups of sugar • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon ground • 3/4 finely chopped pecans, divided • 1/8 teaspoon clove
Randi Peskin’s Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cake
• 1 can solid-pack pumpkin • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips • 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. 2. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with pumpkin, beating well after each addition. Fold in chocolate chips. 3. Divide batter in half. Stir melted chocolate into one portion. In a well- greased 10-in. Fluted tube pan, sprinkle ½ cup pecans. Spoon chocolate batter over pecans; top with pumpkin batter. Sprinkle with remaining pecans. 4. Bake at 325 degrees for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes. Unmold to wire rack.
Holiday - 11
Pickin’ Pumpkins Eagles find pumpkins for their nests; post to Instagram Thomas Neira, 12
@tneira01
‘Tis (Not) the Season
Holiday fever hits early
Holiday Spirit. Christmas decorations hit the shelves of Publix in early November. Photo by Lily Skopp
D “BRING YOUR OWN PUMPKIN #fallvibez”
Monet McFarlane, 12
@monetmcfarlane
“Welcome Great Pumpkin”
Delaney Tarr
@de_lame_y
“a gourdous day (pun cred to Julia)”
ecember is the month of holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, St. Lucia’s Day... a seemingly endless stream of celebration. As soon as the Thanksgiving turkey has been eaten, the next holiday decorations go up. Well, for most, anyways. Each year, it seems as though decorations for winter holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah are showing up in stores and on people’s front lawns even sooner than the previous year. There’s nothing like walking into the store on a warm October day, only to be faced with rows of snow globes, blow-up rain deer and laughing Santas. There seems to be a growing number of people who see the day after Thanksgiving as the winter holiday season. While many are still enjoying their leftover pumpkin pie and the changing of the leaves, others are rushing to decorate their house from top to bottom and prepare for the next holiday. Some people see the activity of decorating too early as something that takes away from the importance of each individual holiday. They believe that every holiday should be given its expected amount of appreciation and should not be pushed to the side the day after so that the next holiday can be emphasized. “The installment of Christmas
decorations at such an early time is awful because it oppresses the beauty and appreciation of holidays such as Halloween and Thanksgiving,” senior Zach Xu said. “I really don’t see why people can’t wait a few weeks to put up their Santas.” Over time, retail stores also seem to be displaying their holiday goods earlier and earlier. Industry experts say that shoppers like to do their holiday shopping early, with many starting in October. Stores that do not display their holiday wares early lose out on sales. Since we live in South Florida, it is easier to elaborately decorate outside. Still others simply see themselves as Christmas and Hanukkah fanatics. The essence of the gift giving season brings with it great joy. It brings together families to celebrate and decorate together. “I already brought all my Christmas lights down from the attic,” senior Dean Vu said. “It’s our family tradition on All Saint’s Day to hang up our decorations, as part of our Catholic spirit.” Decorating is seen as both a blessing and a curse. Some people prefer not to see flashing Christmas lights and dreidels on their neighbors’ front lawn in the middle of October, while others couldn’t see November and December without that. So, the question emerges: How early is too early to decorate for the holidays? Story by Taylor Morrison
12 - Feature
HO, HO, HORRIBLE GIFTS! Students reflect on the horrors of terrible gifts during the holiday season
L
et’s face it: during the holiday season, what truly matters are the gifts. Each year, we gather with friends and family to exchange gifts. We tear away excitedly at bright bows and shiny wrapping paper, hoping to reveal the newest gaming system on the market, an expensive pair of shoes, or perhaps the most recently released iPhone. What we don’t expect to see is a single pair of socks from Walmart. Yet, every year, without fail, there is sure to be that one person who smiles in your face only to present you with a new pair of tie dye socks. Going hand in hand with socks, potted plants represent another perfect method of expressing how little effort and time was put into the gift. Potted plants are arguably even worse than socks, as socks can at least be worn. Best of luck to anyone who tries to wear a plant. A gift of a potted plant may well live longer than the consequent relationship between the giver and the receiver after receiving such a gift. “The worst gift I ever got was a mini potted cactus that I pricked my finger on right after they handed it to me,” freshman Grace Thornburg said. However, many people choose to be more creative with their terrible presents. Ignoring the wide pressure to simply settle for 99 cent pair of socks or a hazardously spiny desert, some people dedicate much thought to creating the The Gift that Should Not Keep on Giving. Andrew Steele shows off his three-year-old salsa shirt, given to him by his best friend. Photo by Joanna Zhuang
quintessentially awful gift. “About three years ago, my friend Duke Kesten asked me what I wanted as a gift, and I was as random as possible in my response. I asked for a white shirt, covered in salsa,” senior Andrew Steele said. “He actually gave it to me, in a canister for tennis balls, and I still have it. I’ve never opened it, and I only see black mold inside of it now. So, worst gift ever, but I still asked for it.” As you create your own wish list this holiday season, let Steele’s story serve as a constant reminder to be careful for what you wish. However, since a desire for clothing covered in tomato-based sauce never crosses the mind of most, let us direct our attention to more common mistakes in wish lists. Be sure to not purely wish for quantity in your present. Despite your childhood fantasies of the jolly fat man shimmying down the chimney with bags of presents just for you, student experiences have proven that quantity does not necessarily translate to a good gift. “Out of all the terrible gifts I’ve received, leave it to Guido Gulla to reach new levels of terrible present giving. Our friend group was having a Secret Santa, and as fate would have it, Guido gets me,” senior Monet McFarlane said. “The day of the gift exchange, I’m looking around at everyone getting wellthought out gifts that aren’t necessarily expensive, but that hold some sort of meaning. When my turn comes around, I open my gift to find a used iTunes gift card, dill pickle-flavored Pringles, a #1 birthday candle and a bag of mini Oreos.” As the Christmas and Hannukah and anticipation for the gifts of the holiday season rapidly approach, hope for the best but brace for the worst. Just remember, as you reluctantly accept your aunt’s 15th annual gift of striped socks, at least it’s not a salsa shirt stuffed in a canister of tennis balls. Story by Joanna Zhuang
Gift-Giving Guide
>
As families come together to celebrate, food must be prepared. Cookbooks that help families create delicious food for their families make for great gifts.
Target, Amazon and Barnes & Noble $14 - $17 Design by Joanna Zhuang
>
Holiday themed gifts for any gift-giving occasion
Chilly weather and dry skin accompany the winter season, making moisturizer a holidaymust-have. Candles are available in holiday scents, like pumpkin and peppermint.
Bath and Body Works Cost: $15 - $22
>
Story by Gillian Marton
Candles are a sought out commodity during the holiday season, especially the seasonal scents that embody the holiday spirit.
Yankee Candle & Nordstrom $12-$22
Editorial--1313 Editorials
TEENS MUST NEVER LOSE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
F
or just a few months, the realists in all of us are temporarily smothered under reindeer blowups, Thanksgiving turkeys, ghosts and goblins and dancing lights that run the rims of rooftops. While most of us teenagers wrap up college applications, rather than presents, it’s important to remember why holidays are such significant events in our lives. Yes, we know the stories of Santa Claus and his tenacious elves are purely fictional, but the euphoria that radiates from the holiday season is unambiguously alive. Indulging in the holidays can quite literally better one’s mental health and remind us of the things that matter during our relentless search for success. If we are all being honest here, the holidays hardly feel like they did when we were young. Specifically, the teenage inclination to mature, as early as possible, has put a fast pass on childhood innocence. Take Halloween for instance; an 8-year-old in a bunny costume and a 19-year-old in a bunny costume are two entirely different images, as you can imagine. Granted, growing up is necessary, but taking pleasure in the holiday spirit does not make one immature by any stretch. According to USA Today, 27 percent of high school students polled rated their academic stress, on a scale of one to ten, between an eight and a 10. That being said, the mental health of teenagers is dangerously at risk, possibly due to the heavy course load and competitive nature of college acceptance. For those serious about academics, there is not enough time for fun. According to The New York Times, Christmas has been deemed the happiest day of the year by a large margin. Why might this be?
Why are the holidays important to you?
Holidays, such as Christmas, are an excuse for us to play games, interact with friends and family, and maintain a consistent tradition in our ever-changing lives. Homework will always be important, but homework lacks the ability to bring you closer to those around you. Put down the book and the cell phone and seize the moment, people. At times, the educational environment requires a “survival of the fittest” mentality. We do what we have to do to get where we want to go, it is that simple. Unfortunately, this fosters the attitude to think of ourselves highly, while the relationships we have become less intimate. Think of the holiday season as our little alarm clock, reminding us of the importance of generosity. With the persistent chores we fixate on to get ourselves through the day, we often forget what it means to give back. According to The Huffington Post, the link between giving and, in turn, achieving happiness, dates back to more than 2,500 years ago. Buddha taught that the way to achieve nirvana (ultimate happiness) is by “filling your mind with compassion.” The holidays not only give us ample opportunity to give appreciation to our loved ones, but also give us the opportunity to be satisfied with who we are. Despite some lame social norm, no one is too old to participate in the holiday season. There will never be a time limit on the appropriateness of an awesome superhero costume, and there will never be too many times a person can run down the stairs on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought. Editorial by Julia Corin
“I can stay connected with family and spend time with loved ones.”
“Holidays remind us of all of the things we’re greatful for.”
“They not only give us an excuse to not go to school but to spend quality time with our families.”
Rebecca Schneid, 9
Pranati Shah, 11
Iggy Guzman, 12 Design by Julia Corin
14 - Feature
Living with Diabetes
Students share their personal expriences dealing with diabetes
A
ccording to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), every 19 seconds another American is diagnosed with diabetes, adding to the roughly 30 million who already have the condition and the 86 million at risk. Since its formation, the ADA has moved to combat the disease and its burdens and has since marked November as American Diabetes Month, bringing further national awareness to the condition.
Tyrone Carter has lived with diabetes for six years. Photo by Liam Hutton
Diabetes affects the day to day lives of millions of people around the world. A metabolic disease that prevents the body from producing insulin, diabetes results in dangerously high levels of blood sugar and glucose. People can suffer from one of two forms of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1, also known as juvenile diabetes, occurs when the pancreas cannot produce even the bare minimum of insulin needed to live; Type 2, also known as adult-onset diabetes, impacts the way the body manages glucose. Blue is the annual color to represent the cause, chosen by the National Diabetes Awareness Month and with a theme of “You Don’t Know The Half of It,” the committee intends to clear up the common misconceptions regarding the illness and
Diabetes by the Numbers Warning Signs for Type 1 Diabetes Extreme thirst Drowsiness and lethargy Sudden weight loss Increased appetite Sudden vision changes Heavy or labored breathing Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and JDRF.org
Design by Makayla Manning
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share the personal stories of people living with Type 1. One of Douglas’s own, senior Ali Danielson was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of two. “It has been difficult growing up with diabetes,” Danielson said. “Over time, though, I got used to having it, and I have dealt with ups
regulation of her different levels, Danielson believes that there have been some positive impacts since her diagnosis. “Ever since I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, I have had to work with strict schedules in order to maintain my blood sugar levels,” Danielson said. “Following a schedule actually has affected how I work in school. Following a routine in my treatment has influenced me to make routines for completing all of my school work.” Senior Tyrone Carter was also diagnosed with the chronic condition when he was 11 years old, after going to the doctor for what he thought was just a typical bladder infection. “After they ran some tests, the doctor told me that I have Type 1 Diabetes, and at the time, I had no idea what that even meant,” Carter said.
Diabetes has tremendously impacted my life and even though its been a struggle, I have found the positive out of my stituation.
1.25 million Americans are living with T1D including about 200,000 youth
T1D From in2001-2009 people u there was a 21% increase in the prevalence of juvenile diabeties
and downs with the condition based on keeping it on track.” In middle school, Danielson got off track with treating her condition, and her A1C levels rapidly increased. After that incident, she had a difficult time getting her levels back to normal. “With Type 1 diabetes, your blood sugar levels can go up or down at any time, and you have to take insulin in order to regulate it,” Danielson said. Even with the constant
Less then 1/3 of people with Type 1 diabeties in the U.S. are achieving target blood glucose control levels
40,000 people are diagnosed each year in the United States
9 out of 10 of people have prediabetes
14 billion dollars asociated annual healthcare costs in the U.S.
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A total of 245 billion has been spent on medical costs and lost work and wages
5 million people in the U.S. are expected to have T1D by 2050, including nearly 600,000 youth
Risk of death for adults with diabetes is 50% than for adults without diabetes
T1D1 Type isdiabeties is associated with associated an estimated loss with of lifean expectancy of up to estimated 13 years loss of
Diabetes - 15 Due to widespread public misconception, Carter thought that diabetes was only caused by high amounts of sugar consumption, which is not the case. Only Type 2 diabetes is caused by conditions arising from obesity. Even then, Type 1 is not affected by the amount of sugar that is consumed, but rather the carbohdyrates a person is consuming. “I was in the hospital for four days and during my stay I learned a lot about my condition,” Carter said. “Most importantly, I learned that I didn’t get diabetes from anything that I had done. Type 1 diabetes - the type I have, results when a person’s pancreas stops functioning, so it can’t produce insulin anymore.” Once Carter was diagnosed, he had to start taking insulin using a needle and could inject the needle into three sites on the body: his arms, stomach, and thighs. Also, he had to start checking his blood sugar constantly: if it goes too high he has to take
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insulin to decrease it; if it goes too low, he has to eat fifteen grams of carbs to increase it. For most diabetic patients, blood sugar levels should be 70 to 80 mg/dL before eating. “Even though I have a pretty good routine that I follow to make sure I maintain my health, there have been some times when I have gotten sick,” Carter said. “One time, I was throwing up repeatedly, and I had to go to the hospital
Carter said. “That was the first and only time that I had been admitted into the hospital since my diagnosis.” After Carter’s incident, he has followed a daily plan and has made a conscious effort to maintain his health. “Having Type 1 diabetes has just become a part of my everyday life,” Carter said. “I wake up and immediately measure my blood sugar, and before eating I have to take insulin; it’s just a part of my daily routine now. Diabetics need to learn to do what they are supposed to in order to prevent becoming ill, and need to take more consideration into their situation.” Even though diabetes is a chronic condition that people live with in their day to day lives, diabetic patients should still be aware that not monitoring their blood sugar or taking their insulin could lead to sickness - or worse. Type 1 diabetes is neither preventable nor curable, but it is manageable and can be treated through rigid structured schedules of medication.
I wake up and immediately measure my blood sugar, and before eating I have to take insulin; it’s just a part of my daily routine now. due to what ended up being very high ketones.” Ketones are chemicals produced by the body that indicate to doctors that our body is using fat for energy rather than glucose when there is not enough insulin being produced. Often, high ketone levels in people’s bodies suggests to doctors that they are either at risk for or have diabetes. “My ketone levels did not go away for a few days and I ended up staying in the hospital for another week,”
Type 1
Common Diabetes Myths Diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar alone Diabetics have to follow a special diet Diabetics are not allowed to participate in physical activities Diabetes is a death sentence
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“Diabetes has tremendously impacted my life and even though its been a struggle, I have found the positive out of my stituation.” Carter said. Awareness for the cause can be expressed by wearing the color blue, joining in on events in the community, and researching the differences between the two types. Raising awareness for diabetes can help people recognize potential symptoms before it is too late, while also giving those without the condition an appreciation for those who struggle with it daily. Story by Makayla Manning and Amit Dadon
Type 2
Often diagnosed during childhood
Usually diagnosed in over 30 year olds
Not associated with excess body weight
Often associated with excess body weight
Often associated with higher than normal ketone levels
Often associated with high blood pressure and/or cholesterol levels
Treated with insulin injections or insulin pump
Treated initially without medication or with tablets
Cannot be controlled without taking insulin
Sometimes possible to come off diabetes medication
Injecting insulin can be painful
People who are obese will get diabetes
Ali Danielson has dealt with diabetes ever since she was diagnosed at 2 years old. Photo by Liam Hutton
29.1 million people November 14, 2015
World Diabetes Day
(1 out of every 4) do not know they have diabetes
16 - Sports
Double Trouble Freshman Halie Murphy prepares for basketball season, following successful cross country season
Freshman Halie Murphy dribbles down the court at the South Florida Basketball AAU Ladies First Invitational Tournament against the Delray Blazers. Photo courtesy of Halie Murphy Murphy leads the Lady Eagles cross country team to a win over sever other teams at Quiet Waters on Sept. 28. She finished with a time of 21:31.7. Photo by Adler Garfield
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reshman runner Halie Murphy surprised everyone when she placed second at the District Championship meet on Oct. 21 at Quiet Waters Park, and fourth at the Broward County Athletic Association County Championship at Markham Park on Oct. 15. She quickly surpassed each one of her teammates in her first season of cross country. “I was really shocked that I finished fourth because the top three runners were seniors, and I’m a freshman,” Murphy said. “That made me feel really good even though they beat me by almost a minute; it was still so exciting that I was almost as good as them, and it’s only my first year.” At Districts, Murphy ran 20:56 and finished only behind Boca High sophomore Victoria Stewart. “It was really windy at Districts, and I was feeling iffy about it, so I didn’t do quite as well as I wanted to,” Murphy said. “I was in first for most of the race, and then towards the end, two girls passed me, but I kept with them as best as I could, and I stayed with Stewart, but I just didn’t quite have the mental strength to keep up with her kick at the end. I’m still so happy that I got second place, but my goal for Regionals is to beat her.” Murphy competed at the Regional Championship on Oct. 31 in Stuart. She came in ninth with a time of 20:41.90. “I’m excited to see what the rest of the season brings and hope that I drop time as quickly in track as I have in cross
Racing to Murphy’s times the Finish for 2015 season Design by Zach Kaufman
country,” Murphy said. Murphy move onto the State Championship along with the rest of the women’s varsity team on Nov. 7 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee. Murphy finished in 44 place at the 4A State Championship with a personal record time of 20:22.84. According to Murphy, she had her own desire to run cross country, but her mom was the one to solidify her decision. “My mom and dad are like my coaches,” Murphy said. “They are my biggest supporters, but they are also the ones that push me the hardest. They always convince me to go for an extra long run, and my mom will even get on her bike and come with me sometimes.” Murphy has also played basketball for six years, and specifically travel basketball for two years for the South Florida Warriors, and plans to play for the school when cross country season is over. She says her mom wants her to run because it helps her balance basketball and not let it take up all of her time. “My mom played basketball and got me into it when I was little,” Murphy said. “We used to go to the park and play together, and I liked it, so I started to play for the YMCA. I want to play basketball in college, but depending on how well cross country and track go, I would also be interested in running in college.” Story by Gillian Morrison
Martin County Under the Lights Invitational
Spanish River Cross Country Invitational
Fleet Feet Invitational Presente
22:04.37
21:28.52
21:35.06
BCAA Cross FHSAA 4A Country District 12 Championship 20:51.20
20:56.00
FHSAA 4A Region 3 20:41.90
FHSAA Cross Country State Finals 20:22.84
Varsity Football
Final Whistle Women’s Varsity Volleyball
Season Wrap Ups - 15
Womens’ Swim and Dive
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he women’s volleyball team had a successful season, finishing with a 13-7 overall record and a near perfect 10-1 record in the district. The Lady Eagles won Districts with a score of 3-0 against Monarch High School, but fell to Western High School in the quarterfinals of the regional tournament. “Overall, I think we did better than last year but we can still get better in the future,” Captain Hannah Mutchler said. Story by Max Rosenthal
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he women’s swim team earned an almost even record in the 4-A division, and placed fourth at the District Championship. The team sent a number of individuals swimmers to Regionals, but due to their overall times, none of the women were eligible to swim at States. “Despite our placement at Districts, we still believed we would perform well at Regionals,” senior captain Hannah Roseman said. Story by Amit Dadon
Mens’ Golf
Mens’ Swim and Dive
Womens’ Cross Country
ollowing their best season in over a decade, the Varsity football team failed to meet expectations, finishing with a record of 5-5. Although the team ended with an even record, it is impossible for them to make playoffs considering Deerfield and Piper already clinched their postseason berth. “We are much, much better than our record. We competed in almost every game against some really good teams,” kicker Jared Hollander said. Story by Zach Kaufman
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Mens’ Cross Country
Womens’ Golf
fter losing almost every starter from last season, the mens’ golf team still managed to acquire a 4-0 winning record in single matches and placed third in the district. Captain Blake Leon moved on to the individual tournament, but fell short of the state tournament. According to Leon, going into the offseason, the team needs to “keep grinding” and to build unity considering the squad is mostly made up of underclassmen. Story by Zach Kaufman
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he men’s cross country team had a lackluster season compared to their usually outstanding performance. At the BCAA Championship, the team came in seventh place. Then, at the Districts, they came in second. At Regionals, they finished seventh, just short of qualifying for the State Championship. Senior Jared Rubin individually competed at States and placed 61st. “We have persevered through tough times this year,” senior Jared Rubin said. Story by Gillian Morrison
he mens’ swim team ended the season with a 9-1 record in the 4-A division and placed second at the District Championship. The swimmers with the best overall times at Districts, in their respective field advanced to Regionals, regardless of team’s advancement. However, after their performance at Regionals, the team only ended up sending swimmer Tristan Celestin and diver Connor Dietrich to the States. Story by Amit Dadon
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ollowing their acquisition of a near perfect record and a district title, the women’s golf team placed first in the regional tournament for the first time in school history. After the team portion of the season ended, Captain Amanda Leslie and four others advanced to the FHSAA State Tournament. Leslie finished in third place. “It was pretty cool making history at Douglas, and a lot of people have congratulated me. It was a team effort; it wasn’t just one individual,” Leslie said. Story by Zach Kaufman
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he women’s cross country finished second at the District Championship and fourth overall at the Regional Championship, which qualified them for States. At the FHSAA 4A State Championship meet on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Apalachee Regional Park, the women’s team finished in 19th place. “We had a small team this year, but we still did well,” freshman Halie Murphy said. Story by Gillian Morrison
Bowling
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nder the leadership of coach Darren Levine and captain Ariel Contento, the men’s and women’s bowling team placed third and fifth, respectively at the District Championship. “We only missed second place by a few pins, which is impressive for our first season ever,” Contento said. Story by Zach Kaufman
Design by Zach Kaufman and photo by Liam Hutton
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Advertisements - 19
GOOD LUCK AT STATES! 2015 EAGLE REGIMENT
STONEMAN DOUGLAS WINTER GUARD AUDITIONS 3 p.m. -5 p.m. in the main courtyard November 16 and 17 Wear all black Bring water Ladies put hair in ponytails Boys and girls welcome No experience necessary
20 - Photo Essay
Have Some Fear
Drama Club holds 12th annual Haunted High from Oct. 23-24; collects canned goods as entrance fee; donates 459 pounds of canned food to Food For The Poor
Clowning Around. At Haunted High, freshman Spencer Shaw snarls at a passerby. Shaw’s role included pretending to cut up another clown. “A middle schooler saw me cutting the other clown, and I yelled ‘Anyone hungry for some clown?’ and he started crying and ran away from me as fast as he could,” Shaw said. Photo by Liam Hutton
Bugging Out. Senior Bridget Foley gets into Fangtastic. In the Fear of Bugs room, senior Kelsey In the Zone. Out in the portables, junior Healey performs at Haunted High. Heley’s portrayed Kayla Lee performs in the Scare Zone. The character. Foley served as the Fear of Bugs a character that was consumed by a spider. “My fa- area followed a medical theme. “I loved ex- room leader “It’s crazy how much can be done with a classroom, cobwebs, and a vorite part was seeing all the concepts of each room ploring the portables. At one point towards few rolls of black garbage bags,” senior and playing around with makeup with my friends,” the end of the event three girls were walking Foley said. “A lot of people thought our Healey said. “We dropped fake bugs on one woman without a tour guide,” Lee said. “I started room... was really gross, which is exactly and she flipped out... It was really funny.” Photo by charging towards them... all three turned what we were going for.” Photo by Liam Reagan Edgren around and left because one of them was Hutton too spooked. That was pretty cool.” Photo by Liam Hutton Design by Liam Hutton