The Raider Voice January 2018

V

raider

Gulliver Preparatory School 6575 N Kendall Drive, Miami FL 33156

oice

www.theraidervoice.com

Vol. 15, Issue 3 Issue 2

January 31, 2018

Musicians Come Together In Perfect Harmony Page 8

IN THIS ISSUE

ON THE COVER Gulliver musicians perform at the annual Holiday Concert at UM’s Gusman Hall.

Photo by MCT Campus

Photo by MCT Campus

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OPINION

What changes with Net Neutrality repealed? Marlins hit restart button.

A response to DNC Corruption article from our Second Issue. Oprah Winfrey’s powerful speech.

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NEWS Photo by Fox Mar

Visiting the SDLC. Three Prep students earn state-wide honor.

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FEATURES

Photo by MCT Campus

Remembering Sean Taylor 10 years later.

Musicians shine at annual Holiday Concert.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Movies to watch in 2018. Viewers flock to “Lady Bird.”

Photo by Fox Mar

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SPORTS

Alabama wins 5th national title in nine seasons. Varsity Boys Soccer eyes a championship.

Photo by Fox Mar

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PHOTO ESSAY

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Holiday Dance show shines at the Miller Drive Campus.

Editorial

OUR STAFF Zachary Letson Editor in Chief Danielle Engel Copy Editor Romina Shadravan Layout Editor Abril Beretta Managing Editor Itxiar Castanho Business Manager Daniella Tosca Staff Writer Laura Attarian Staff Writer and Photographer

From left, Laura Dern, Nicole Kidman, Zoe Kravitz, Reese Witherspoon and Shailene Woodley backstage at the 75th Annual Golden Globes at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018.

(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times/TNS). Many actresses wore black to the Golden Globes in solidarity with the Time’s Up movement. Kidman and Witherspoon spoke about bringing awareness to the movement and issues women face today.

Stars Stand in Solidarity at the Golden Globes Many who watched the Golden Globes were inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s speech when she accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement. In her speech, Winfrey directly addressed the current issues surrounding Hollywood and sexual harassment, and the “Time’s Up” movement.

“For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. Their time is up,” said Winfrey.

The “Time’s Up” movement originated from a letter of solidarity written on behalf of the Alianza Nacional de Campesinas and 700,000 other women speaking out on their own experiences,

standing with the women of Hollywood.

Actresses dressed in black as an act of solidarity, speaking out during acceptance speeches and monologues in support of the movement.

It was a poignant move on the part of Hollywood actors, producers, directors, etc., to stand together and use their platform in such a powerful way. These are important issues that should have been addressed a long time ago and these women have the courage to finally speak out. People in the entertainment industry should no longer feel fear or coercion in order to excel in their careers. Stars are finally standing together to say that time is up!

Editor’s Note: The Raider Voice welcomes ALL opinions. We want to hear your Raider “voice!” Send your “letter to the editor” to raidervoicenews@gmail.com.

We welcome your own letters and/or responses to any opinions published here.

Monica Rodriguez Adviser

OUR MISSION

The Raider Voice is Gulliver Preparatory’s award-winning monthly publication to inform, educate, and entertain the entire Gulliver community.

OUR POLICY

Only documented news stories and responsible opinions will be published.

Opinions expressed as commentary may not reflect the views or policies of the school.

The Raider Voice welcomes signed letters to the editors. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject any letters. Professional associations include Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Florida Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Tribune Campus News Services. Staff journalists are members of Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society. The Raider Voice reserves the right to refuse any advertising, solicited or unsolicited. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views, endorsements and/or positions of The Raider Voice staff.

Advertisements will be accepted copyready or will be designed by the staff. This publication is printed by Sun Coast Press, 200 East Venice Avenue, Venice, FL 34285.

Tel: 941-207-1406.

EDITORIAL

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Discussing The “iPhony” Conspiracy

By Danielle Engel Copy Editor It seems to happen every release; Apple launches a new generation of iPhones into the market, and quickly outrage spews concerning phones everywhere miraculously glitching and lagging.

These widespread occurrences have made consumers believe that software companies intentionally cause technical failure in old smart-phones as incentive to buy newly-released products.

According to The New York Times, the titans of Silicon Valley claim that the lagging of previous models are not a part of a grand malicious scheme. The correlation between the sluggish nature of previous phones and the reveal of new and updated ones is apparently a coincidence. Supporters of Apple claim that the slow network many users are experiencing is a result of the new hardware being introduced to the company’s operating systems. These IOS upgrades can be lengthy and very complex, and apparently cause temporary lagging in all iphones.

The slowness and defaults in our phones

are much more than a software update problem. IOS updates are a reasonable explanation as to why accessories such as Safari and iCloud may be backed up, but this does not account for the many other problems many users experience. Other technical difficulties that have raised concerns are poor audio connection and weak touch detection.

My biggest annoyance is that my Iphone 6S began shutting off although it was fully charged. After notifications about software updates and extending my iCloud, a new notification spanned across my screen notifying me that the charging cable I had been using for two years was no longer compatible with my device. I don’t usually consider myself to be a “conspiracy theorist,” but the situation is overall sketchy. It all makes perfect sense -- consumers are motivated to trade out their out-of-style, slow phone for a new, sleek model. Although this is a clever marketing tactic, Apple’s strategy is inconvenient and expensive for its customers.

Iphone X (Apple)

Net Neutrality Neutralized?

By Itxiar Castanho Business Manager

300 dpi staff illustration relating to net neutrality. (Seattle Times/TNS)

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OPINION

The Internet provides a world of information at our fingertips.

People depend on being free to surf the Web and look up whatever they want. Users go online expecting to connect to any desired website. Most people become frustrated when our Internet or WiFi isn’t working as it should. Many simply think that a line must be down, never expecting the real cause. Their cable company is the source of these problems. This is the power of net neutrality, which prohibits Internet service providers such as, AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon, from speeding up, slowing down, or blocking content from the Internet. It basically protects users and online networks against additional fees and data usage discrimination warranted by Internet providers.

Recently, the government has repealed net neutrality. Without it, the Internet will not be the same. It is what makes the Internet such an important application today. Most businesses need it in order to work successfully. Many schools use different websites as learning resources. Billions of individuals utilize social media. We all are adapted to access the Internet without limitations and attaching fees to access or limiting it in any way is wrong.

Addressing The Situation

By Daniella Tosca Staff Writer The Prep’s dress code states that students who do not wear the uniform provided by AA Uniform Company will be reprimanded and subject to disciplinary action. What is apparently not taken into consideration is the lack of diversity in the required uniform and how it fails to uphold the many needs of students. While I understand that school wants students to appear neat and professional, more options should be available to accommodate different body types, provide better quality and offer cheaper options.

There are definitely positives in implementing a school dress code and uniform policy. It levels the playing field for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds and relieves them of feeling a need to purchase expensive name brand clothes. In addition, it gives the school a more professional look, and relieves the pressure of having to figure out what to wear to school each day.

However, in order for the student body to look neat and professional, the clothing should fit well. It is difficult to get the student body to fully support the uniform policy, when they have limited options. Simply stated, the shorts and pants do not fit all body types. Consequently, students end up spending more due to costly alterations.

In addition, the current clothing options are not well constructed or durable. Cardigans fall apart after washes and bottoms shrink and feel stiff. This has led students to wear nonapproved uniform bottoms, therefore, resulting in disciplinary action.

So, if the majority of students already do not wear the required bottoms, one has to consider why. There is a problem in the system if students willing to risk their disciplinary integrity just to wear more comfortable clothing. This does not go unseen, just look at all the kids in detention for wearing the wrong type of navy or khaki pants.

If our current uniform supplier cannot meet the needs of our students, retailers such as J Crew, Old Navy, Hollister, Target offer suitable options. Letting students have clothing that makes them feel comfortable in their own skin, allows them to focus on their school work, and maintains a professional environment are important factors that affect the Prep community as a whole.

From left, Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter hold their first press conference as Miami Marlins owners on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/TNS)

Thoughts on the Marlins’ massive rebuild Zach Letson Editor In Chief

Since the takeover of Derek Jeter’s ownership group just a few months ago, the landscape of the Miami Marlins Organization has completely changed. The team has managed to trade marquee second baseman Dee Gordon, as well as star outfielders Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich. But the biggest trade for the Marlins, and for all of baseball this offseason, was the one sending reigning National League M.V.P. Giancarlo Stanton, who led all of baseball a season ago with 59 home runs to the New York Yankees.

The moves were made by Jeter’s group in an attempt to largely cut the team’s payroll. In doing this, it made it just about impossible to keep Stanton, who is in the midst of a 13-year, $325M contract. Stanton was sent to the Yankees, who will pay more than 250 million dollars of the slugger’s remaining contract. One of the most bizarre parts of the trade was the return for Miami; although they received blue-chip second baseman Starlin Castro, the Marlins did not acquire any of the top Yankees prospects, only those in the first tier of the minorleagues. An encouraging sign of a rebuilding team is when they acquire good prospects in return for the trades they make, not just dumping salaries. These prospects could amount into good players, but considering that they are on the back end of the farm system, it might take a while.

That being said, the Fish did eventually acquire prospects that could certainly be facing big league arms in a short matter of time. Miami dealt Ozuna to the St. Louis Cardinals for four prospects, including the 6th, 9th, and 15th best in the Cardinal farm system. When the team sent Christian Yelich to Milwaukee, they again received four prospects, including OF Lewis Brinson, MLB’s #27 ranked overall prospect. Brinson immediately becomes Miami’s #1 prospect.

Ozuna, Gordon, Yelich, and Stanton helped lead the 5th best offense in the National League a season ago. Now that seems a distant memory. With those four gone, the foreseeable future could be an unpredictable one for the Marlins.

OPINION

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Oprah Winfrey backstage at the 75th Annual Golden Globes at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018. (Allen J. Schaben/ Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Oprah’s Powerful Golden Globe Speech

By Eda Aker Contributing Writer

The recognition of Oprah Winfrey’s outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment, with the Cecil B. DeMille lifetime achievement award, was tear-jerking moment for everyone watching the Golden Globes.

Oprah is the first ever black woman to win the award, and it was clear that she had the support of everybody in the room.

It was inspiring to see the audience dressed in black to show support for women who have suffered immensely from abuse and inequality, supporting the basis of Winfrey’s cause, and

giving validity to her speech on overcoming obstacles with unity.

Despite conflicts currently occurring in our world and within our country, it was inspiring to see so many people of different races and genders, standing together to appreciate and recognize the need to bring justice to society. It was heartwarming and eye-opening to listen to Winfrey speak of how even though truths can be manipulated by the media, the truth will always come out if there are people willing to hear and listen to it.

As Oprah stated during her speech, her story of persistence and achievement goes beyond her industry: it goes to women, such as Recy Taylor, who have been victims to sexual assaults; it goes to African Americans such as Rosa Parks, and others who put their heart and soul into doing what they believe is right.

There are a countless number of injustices in the world, but it is vital to know that change can be achieved.

In an earnest depiction of the world today, Winfrey’s genuine and inspiring words cannot be forgotten, and should remain in our minds with every step we take. Oprah declared that she was inspired by a brave man who persisted on acting despite opposition, and, by following his footsteps, came to where she is today, recognized for her lifetime achievement.

The power of a cultural revolution, for standing up for what is right, is in our hands. We should be fighting for what we believe.

It was not only Oprah who won the Cecil B. DeMille award, but all of us who believe in the power of standing together and fighting for the future we want. It is our job to not only be inspired, but to inspire as well.

Rationalize when Criticizing our political leaders

By Zach Letson Editor In Chief A RESPONSE TO LAST ISSUE’S OPINION ON DONNA BRAZILE AND DNC CORRUPTION. When Brazile released “Hacks: The Inside Story”, she discussed how the nominee process had not been handled in the best of ways by the Democratic National Committee. Brazile’s honesty, however, shows that she does not wish to hide the mistakes made. Both the Democratic and Republican Parties need to be held accountable for their actions, to try to minimize the possibility of any sort of future corruption.

The media has made much of this story, when none of the actions on the part of the Democratic Party were illegal. In contrast, there is good evidence that higher ups in the Trump campaign colluded with Russia, and deliberately tried to subvert our electoral process in an attempt to destabilize our nation. If true, that would constitute treason.

OPINION

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Donna Brazile, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, answers questions on the floor on July 25, 2016, at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. (Michael Bryant/Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS)

Even if one does not agree with Clinton or anyone from the Democratic National Committee, it is important to rationalize.

Trump, who has rolled back over 30 environmental protections, partly for his belief that the effects of Climate Change are simply mythical, has done well in taking attention off of his actions.

Even Bernie Sanders, who appeared to be on the wrong end of the DNC mishap, agreed that Trump is a master of distraction, tweeting “People are hurting this country and our job is not to be distracted by political gossip and Donald Trump’s tweets.”

As voters, we need to hold our politicians under close scrutiny and make them accountable for their actions.

Student​ ​Diversity​ ​Leadership​ ​ Conference Promotes Acceptance

Teachers and students participate in the Student Diversity Leadership Conference in Anaheim, CA. Photo provided by Isaiah Manasara.

By Romina Shadravan Layout Editor A total of 1,600​ ​students​ ​gathered​ ​ in​ ​Anaheim,​ ​California​ ​for​ ​the​ ​annual​ ​ Student​ ​Diversity Leadership​ ​Conference​ ​ from​ ​Nov.​ ​30​ ​to​ ​Dec.​ ​2.

This​ ​year,​ ​six​ ​of​ ​our​ ​own​ ​students​ ​had​ ​ the​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​attend​ ​SDLC​ ​and​ ​meet​ ​ fellow teens​ ​with​ ​similar​ ​backgrounds.​ ​ SDLC​ ​creates​ ​a​ ​safe​ ​environment​ ​for​ ​ minority​ ​high​ ​school students​ ​to​ ​explore​ ​ their​ ​diversity,​ ​sharing​ ​their​ ​thoughts​ ​ with​ ​one​ ​another.​ ​Participants​ ​listened​ ​to speakers​ ​and​ ​experts​ ​on​ ​the​ ​importance​ ​ of​ ​their​ ​culture.

“It​ ​was​ ​an​ ​amazing​ ​experience,​ ​I​ ​got​ ​ to​ ​meet​ ​all​ ​kinds​ ​of​ ​kids​ ​from​ ​a​ ​variety​ ​ of​ ​religions, ethnicities,​ ​and​ ​sexual​ ​ orientations​ ​and​ ​realized​ ​that​ ​we​ ​all​ ​ experience​ ​the​ ​same​ ​things​ ​as minorities​ ​ in​ ​high​ ​school,”​ ​said​ ​senior​ ​Isaiah​ ​ Manasara.

Students​ ​were​ ​divided​ ​ ​into​ ​groups​ ​ which​ ​were​ ​either​ ​“family​ ​groups”​ ​or​ ​ at​ ​other​ ​times “affinity​ ​groups.”​ ​Family​ ​ groups​ ​were​ ​made up ​of​ ​students​ ​from​ ​ different​ ​schools, discussing the​ ​different​ ​ ways​ ​a​ ​person​ ​can​ ​identify,​ i.e., ​through​ ​ gender,​ ​race,​ ​age,​ ​religion,​ ​or​ ​sexual orientation.​ ​Affinity​ ​groups​ ​were​ ​assigned​ ​ based​ ​on​ ​ethnicity,​ ​allowing​ ​students​ ​ the chance​ ​to​ ​express​ ​their​ ​feelings​ ​and​ ​​ experiences.​ ​ “Being​ ​in​ ​my​ ​affinity​ ​group​ ​was​ ​probably​ ​ the​ ​best​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​entire​ ​conference,​ ​ being surrounded​ ​by​ ​other​ ​people​ ​in​ ​the​ ​ same​ ​situation​ ​as​ ​me​ ​made​ ​me​ ​feel​ ​so​ ​ much​ ​more accepted,”​ ​said​ ​senior​ ​DavidJason​ ​Guillou.

SDLC​ ​offered participants​ ​a​ ​ sense​ ​of​ ​belonging​ ​for​ ​one​ ​weekend​ ​that​ ​ will​ ​follow​ ​them throughout​ ​their​ ​lives.

Three Prep Musicians Earn State-wide Honor

By Danielle Engel Copy Editor Preparatory students Nathaniel Rich, Gonzalo Schaps, and Theresa Guidry were selected to perform in the in The Florida Music Educators’ Association’s All-State Music Festival at The Tampa Convention Center from January 10-13.

The Florida All-State Music Festival is a conference that is made up of thousands of talented high school musicians statewide, hosting an annual four-day festival, including performances by Wind, String, Vocal, and Jazz ensembles. Students from both public and private schools across the state competed within their districts to earn a spot in their desired ensemble.

Senior Nathaniel Rich performed as a tenor in the Reading Choir, and Gonzalo Schaps performed as a bass in the Concert Choir, both selected as part of the Vocal ensemble. Sophomore Theresa Guidry was selected to play trombone in the Concert Band. As participants of the Florida Music Education Association, these students were ranked as top musicians in Florida.

“All-State is something I had been looking forward to since last year. The program is extremely challenging and I know that

All-State Musicians, Senior Nathanial Rich, sophomore, Therasa Guidry, and senior Gonzalo Schaps were selected to perform at the All-State Music Festival Jan. 10-13. Photo by Ron Castonguay.

as a musician I needed to bring my ‘A-game’ everyday. I am really looking forward to pushing myself outside of my comfort zone as well as working with other vocalists in Florida. Overall, I am thrilled to learn and sing with 100 of the best musicians in NEWS the state,” said Rich.

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1: RT SPORTS STORY SLUGGED: MIAMI-FLASTATE KRT

PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHEN M. DOWELL/ORLANDO SENTINEL (October 11) TALLAHASSEE, FL-- Miami defensive back Sean Taylor intercepts a pass over Florida State wide receiver Chris Davis as Miami beat Florida State 22-14 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida, Saturday, October 11, 2003. (lde) 2003

2: Sean Taylor leaps over two opposing players in a Gulliver Football Game during his junior year in 2000.

3: Above: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Koy Detmer (10) attempts

to tackle Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor (21) on a fumble recovery return in the fourth quarter. The Redskins defeated the Eagles, 31-20, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sunday, January 1, 2006. (Jerry Lodriguss/Philadelphia Inquirer/KRT)

4: KRT SPORTS STORY SLUGGED: RUTGERS-MIAMI KRT

PHOTOGRAPH BY AL DIAZ/MIAMI HERALD (SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL OUT) (November 22) MIAMI, FL -- Miami’s Sean Taylor intercepts a Rutgers pass from Ryan Hart in the third quarter for a touch down during their game at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 22, 2003. (nk) 2003

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5: Washington Redskins’ fan shows his feelings before a game against the Buffalo Bills about safety Sean Taylor who was killed this week at FedEx Field in Landover, MD, Sunday, December 2, 2007. (George Bridges/MCT)

6: KRT SPORTS STORY SLUGGED: FBN-REDSKINS-CHIEFS KRT

PHOTOGRAPH BY MIKE RANSDELL/KANSAS CITY STAR ( October 16) KANSAS CITY, MO -- Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes beats Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor (21) to the end zone on a 6-yard in the third quarter. The Chiefs defeated the Redskins, 28-21, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, Sunday, October 16, 2005. (cdm) 2005

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FEATURES

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Ten Years Later, Memories of Sean Taylor Still Live Large

By Zach Letson Editor In Chief

On Nov. 27, 2007, former Gulliver, University of Miami, and Washington Redskins superstar Sean Taylor was shot and later passed away. Just over 10 years after his death, those who knew Taylor still vividly remember his passion for the game he loved.

“Sean played the game of football full speed,” said Taylor’s former Gulliver coach John McCloskey. “He was very physical and always was around the football. On offense we obviously put the ball in his hands as much as we could because of his talents running and catching the football.”

But it wasn’t just on the field. Taylor was popular off the field because of his character.

“He was a really nice, polite, and respectable young man. Again, this had to do with how he was raised by his parents. He had no problem making and keeping friends. People were naturally drawn to him,” McCloskey added.

After helping lead Gulliver to a State Championship, Taylor attended the University of Miami, where he became a major part of some of the best Miami Hurricane teams.

Taylor was then drafted fifth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins, and as just a young 24 yearold, was quickly turning into one of the game’s best safeties before his life was cut short.

“It’s hard to even be sad about the situation now,” said Running Back and former Washington Redskins teammate Clinton Portis in an interview with NBC Washington. “Obviously you lost a great

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friend, but to me, we had so many great memories and so many good times, that they overshadowed the sadness of losing [him].”

Taylor, Portis, and Santana Moss all played for the University of Miami before playing together on the Washington Redskins. The three athletes were close to one another. A decade later, Portis and Moss still remember the football player Taylor was on the field, but also the man he was off of it.

“When it happened for me, it was hard.

I handled it differently than anybody passing. It made me realize you can’t take stuff for granted,” Moss remembered in the same NBC Washington interview. “To look now, to look back on those years and say it’s 10 years later, it’s crazy.”

Gulliver has since honored and remembered Sean Taylor by naming the school’s football field “Sean Taylor Memorial Field.”

“Ten years later, I can tell you that I miss Sean’s presence and personality,” McCloskey added. “He frequently came back to Gulliver to visit and support the school during his NFL playing days. His daughter Jackie is currently in the Middle School with me so I have a daily reminder of Sean. In Jackie I see a lot of Sean: similar personality and demeanor, strong drive and determination. She’s special in my heart because Sean is special in my heart. They both make me a better person each day.”

Memories of one of the game’s most impactful safeties will live on in the hearts of Taylor’s friends, family, and fans for the rest of their lives.

FEATURES

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Students performing at Gusman Hall during the Music Holiday Concert.

“I loved performing in Jazz Band during the second half because it was my last year and I love being on stage with the band,” said senior Isabel Solorzano. Photos

by Fox Mar.

Holiday Music Concert Heralds The Holidays

By Bridgitte Isom Contributing Writer Academy and Prep musicians collaborated together during the annual holiday concert on Dec. 9 at the University of Miami’s Gusman Hall.

Chorus members from the Academy joined the Gulliver Prep Vocal Ensemble, singing “Listen, Children Hear the Angels Sing!” and the Academy String Ensemble with the Gulliver Prep String Ensemble, playing “And He Shall Purify” from Handel’s Messiah.

Both pieces were a success at Herald the Holidays, which was viewed by about 1000 people, including the livestream on YouTube.

The Academy and Prep musicians learned their music separately, but rehearsed together during the weeks leading up to the concert. The Academy Chorus and String Ensemble traveled to the Prep and vice versa in order to solidify the music.

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FEATURES

“It was a fun time because when the kids are enthusiastic it bleeds into us, making the rehearsal more productive,” said sophomore Julia Izquierdo.

It was also an opportunity for Prep musicians to perform other holiday music in front of an audience. The Prep Vocal Ensemble even performed two pieces for a Pre-K 3 class.

The experience was also a chance for Academy musicians to learn more about the program at the Prep. Each time the ensembles rehearsed together, Academy students had the chance to ask questions about the Music Program at the Prep.

Students and directors at both campuses agreed that the experience was beneficial.

“It was a great experience to be able to share our knowledge with the people who will be coming up to the Prep in a few years,” said senior Martin Pakciarz.

What’s Showing

By Laura Attarian Staff Writer

Actors Zac Efron, Zendaya, and Hugh Jackman star in the new musical.

The movie is inspired by the life and imagination of P.T. Barnum. After being fired from his job, Barnum’s character gathers sideshow artists and performers to create a controversial show that becomes a widespread sensation.

Actress Laurie Metcalf and writer and actor Tracy Letts for a feature on Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut “Lady Bird,” opening Friday, in which they play the parents of a feisty teenager (Saoirse Ronan). (Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Viewers Flock to see “Lady Bird”

By Abril Beretta Managing Editor Lady Bird ​is a marvelous movie with spectacular directing, great acting, and a relatable plot for all ages. Like all comingof-age films, this movie revolves around a teenager, Christine McPherson (Lady Bird), as she discovers who she is and her place in the world. What made this film stand out in the eyes of movie critics was how this character so clearly expressed the “absolute clarity” that comes with youth. Her passion shows in everything she does, wanting the best, even if she can’t ever reach it. She wants to be an actress, yet keeps getting minor roles, such as those in the choir. She wants to go to Yale, but settles for a less prestigious college because her grades are not good enough. She wants to fall in love and have a boyfriend but accidentally ends up dating a closeted homosexual.

The film does not have a climactic conflict, but instead follows a wonderful personality during a turbulent time in her life. Adolescence is a seemingly endless amount of time where the big questions -- like who one is -- hide under fake answers and false confidence. ​Lady Bird expresses this in such a vocal and colorful way that it can’t help but grab the viewer’s attention.

The characters are believable, each with their own flaws and redeemable qualities. A mother that, while nit-picky, loves her daughter to an almost unbearable, oppressive amount. So much so that when her daughter leaves for college in another state, it attacks her personally. A father that’s passive, yet would do everything in his power to help his daughter be able to go to the school she wanted. With a fast tempo that quickly switches from dense subjects to lighthearted fun, ​Lady Bird ​is a profoundly heartening movie.

Following P ​ itch Perfect​1 and 2, the acapella group “The Bellas” who have now graduated college, decide to make a final comeback. The group competes in an international music contest between young adults, aiming to win, despite being the only group singing without instruments.

A political drama directed by Steven Spielberg is based on the true story of the first female publisher of a big American newspaper chain, The Washington Post, with Meryl Streep in the leading role.

The plot involves the publishing of the Pentagon Papers and ultimate Supreme Court decision over the First Amendment.

Maze ​Runner ​is returning with a brand new science fiction story.

Thomas plans on getting through what is possibly the most dangerous maze yet, by leading his Gladers on this final mission. The prize for completing this maze will be the answer to the question that has been on their mind since day one.

Based on the 1995 Jumanji movie, the 2017 version replaces the iconic board game with a video game console. Four teenagers locked in detention, find the console and by hitting play, they are transported to a video game jungle. The protagonists work together to combat villains and make their way back home.

ENTERTAINMENT

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By Daniella Tosca Staff Writer

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ENTERTAINMENT 12 FEATURES

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FEATURES

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Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa avoids the pass rush of Georgia’s Trenton Thompson during the fourth quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018 in Atlant, Ga. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS)

Alabama wide receiver Devonta Smith catches the game-winning touchdown pass past Georgia defensive back Malkom Parrish for a 26-23 victory during overtime of the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday, Jan. 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Ga. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS)

Crimson Tide win Fifth National Title Under Coach Nick Saban

By Zach Letson Editor in Chief Number 4 Alabama took down #3 Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship to capture Nick Saban’s 6th championship title, 5th for Alabama. It was a title won in the most “Nick Saban” of ways: Through grinding defense late and excellent coaching.

Alabama looked nearly finished, down 13 in the third quarter.

The offense was stymied by the Georgia Bulldogs’ stout front.

So without warning, Saban, who coached a Jalen Hurts-led offense for the past two seasons quickly turned to backup QB Tua Tagovailoa to start the second half and the tide changed, literally.

Tagovailoa’s first meaningful minutes of his college career would come against the feisty Georgia defense that even Nick Saban found difficult to figure out through 30 minutes of football. It was 13-0 Georgia. And in came Tua. All of a sudden, an offense that could hardly get a first down through two quarters began to find a comfortable rhythm.

Tagovailoa, a freshman, looked as comfortable as a seasoned

pro. His confidence led the Crimson Tide to chip away before eventually tying the game with 3:49 left in the fourth quarter.

The Tide were marching back; but it wasn’t through QB Jalen Hurts, who was 25-2 as a starter, or even through Wide Receiver Calvin Ridley, who had been a star for ‘Bama all season. It was the true freshman in the biggest game of his life.

“We needed a spark on offense,” Saban told reporters in a post-game press conference. “Tua [Tagovailoa] certainly gave us that.”

Saban mentioned the importance of the resiliency of the team late in the game. ‘Bama senior kicker Andy Pappanastos stunningly missed a 36-yard field goal in the dying seconds of regulation with the game tied. But the Crimson Tide kept Georgia out of the end zone, and Tagovailoa connected with fellow true freshman, WR DeVonta Smith, in overtime to win the title for Alabama. Through unsung heroes and stellar coaching, the Crimson Tide have climbed to the top of the College Football world once again.

Boys Varsity Soccer enters postseason with high aspirations

The Boys Varsity Soccer Team has had a very successful season thus far with 10 wins, five by eight goal margins. But some of their toughest tests remain as the season winds down. Photos

by Fox Mar.

By Zach Letson Editor In Chief With a strong 8-1-1 2017-18 regular season, the Varsity Boys soccer team is hungry for a championship this year.

“When you’re at a school like Gulliver, the goal is to be the state champion,” said Head Coach Matias Asorey. Last year’s team did a very good job, but we struggled when it came to being mature and focused, so we put ourselves in situations that we [had to] dig out of.”

Asorey also wants to make sure that the team never overlooks an opponent. The Head Coach mentioned the season-ending loss to LaSalle last year, a team that the Raiders beat just over three weeks prior to the loss.

“Just respecting opponents [and] taking one game at a time,” he emphasized.

Asorey also talked about the competitiveness of the team, one that is a “tight-knit group.” Knowing that there are just 11 spots on the pitch, these players are competing against each other for these spots every week.

“That is something that is unique to Gulliver, because not every school has the talent that we have,” said Asorey.

In terms of players, Asorey mentioned the stout play of senior Abidiel Martinez as the team’s goalkeeper. As a defensive unit, the team allowed just three goals in 10 regular season games.

Every win for the Raiders was a shutout. Senior Christian Hoyos and Junior Federico Mion have been a big part of the excellent defensive play for the team.

The Raiders gained serious momentum as the season progressed, highlighted by a marquee win against American Heritage. The win was the biggest of the regular season for the team, as Heritage did not lose another game all season.

Although the team fell short in the post-season a year ago, the experience and growth could weigh valuable to their success in the post-season this year. The regular season finale will feature a matchup against Doral Academy. It should be a tense game as the Raiders face the 10-1-1 Firebirds.

A mentality of focus and execution is one Coach Asorey hopes will lead the team to success.

15 SPORTS

Photo Essay Prep Dance students showcased their talent during the Starry Night Concert at The Miller Drive Campus on Dec. 9. Family, friends, and teachers gathered to watch students from all dance levels perform pieces from hip-hop to ballet.

Students from the Prep Dance Department performed pieces of all different styles. Led by dance teacher Gerri Barreras, the annual concert featured student-based choreography and class collaborations. Photos by Fox-Mar Photography.