Suncoast Community High School
Volume 21 Issue 1 | october 2017
Stressed out students feel the pressure of a competitive school system pages 12-13
The Staff
Adviser TRACI LOWE Editor-in chief austin lent Managing editor eda kutsal business manager Maria fahmy news editor marisa hart lifestyle editor monica kramer Features editor dayalis zamora opinion editor jahnaezha mcfadden sports editor anthony inza design editor farzana talukder copy editors alex levine, meghan mcglone
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news
Daca repeal hurricane season
website managers SIMRUN WAGHRAY, JIMMIE SMITH social media manager SAMANTHA POWERS photographer megan mendoza STAFF WRITERS mARIANGEL ALEMAN, ALEC AUGUST, KAIDEN BUSCEMI, YASHNA CHOWDHURY, KENDALL COYLE, CONNeR DICKMAN, ADRIANNA ESTRADA, KATIE GOGOLISHVILI, KEELIE HANLEY, mekela mosley, kenjela mullings, rhekha nadarajah, garfield noel, william rivera, rj smith, jack swank, daniel torrez-ortiz
features opinion
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art for service shoes to fill
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stressed out 13 reasons why
cont
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“The Legend” is a newsmagazine produced entirely by Suncoast students from all grade levels. We publish six issues per year, 3 each semester. Any opinions that are printed in “The Legend” are not necessarily the opinions of the adviser, administration, or the school district. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinions of the editorial board.
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THE DACA REPEAL THE PRESIDENT’S REPEAL OF DACA AFFECTS THE FAMILIES OF STUDENTS AT SUNCOAST BY MARISA HART NEWS EDITOR
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n September 5 President Trump made an announcement that the Deferred Action for Children Arrivals policy, created by former President Obama, was being repealed. The program, also known as DACA, was established in order to protect undocumented immigrants, that arrived in the United States when they were children, from deportation. In six months DACA will officially be repealed. According to CNN, this policy has protected around 800,000 immigrants. This change affects the families of several students at Suncoast. “When I first heard about Donald Trump’s announcement of repealing Obama’s DACA act, I was nervous. Although the repeal would not affect me. It would affect my family close and far. I currently have two cousins on DACA studying at FAU,” said senior Velqui Perez. For now the people protected under DACA must wait to find out what President Trump will decide next on immigration policy in the United States. This has created distress for the families affected by the repeal. “My family has so far been torn apart. They are scared and angry that Mr. Trump would even consider to repeal the act when most of the people receiving aid from DACA are good and have a clean record,” said Perez. According to CNN, the situation now for those being affected after the repeal, is that they still have the opportunity to
renew their permits if they are going to expire in the next six months. Yet, there will be no more children from families of new undocumented immigrants that will be fully protected from deportation. Superintendent Avossa released a statement right after the policy was ended. “Schools in Palm Beach County do not, cannot, and will not ask students or their parents for information about their immigration status,” Avossa said. This ensures that those affected by the repeal in Palm Beach County, including any families of students from Suncoast, are protected from having any information released by the school district, which could result in the risk of deportation. The DACA policy was put in place to allow the children of undocumented immigrants to have equal opportunities as those who were born in the United States. The Palm Beach School District is ensuring that the same opportunities in education will continue to be given to all students. “Our Constitution guarantees all children, regardless of immigration status, equal access to public education. Despite today’s announcement, students who were not born in the United States are entitled to attend public school,” Avossa said. “These dreamers or DACA applicants have jobs, with data showing that repealing DACA would just harm the U.S. economy and hurt our future workforce,”
Protestors joining together to rally against the reapel of DACA. PHOTO SOURCE: COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG
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said Perez. President Trump’s reasoning behind removing DACA has been heavily argued. His reasoning is that citizens born in America were unfairly losing their jobs to people living in the country that were undocumented, according to the New York Times. President Trump is now expecting Congress to come up with a new policy that has to do with the immigration issues and the status of the, soon to be unprotected, immigrants protected by DACA, according to the New York Times. Also, groups have started to take action against President Trump’s repeal. According to the Washington Examiner, on September 18 the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People decided to sue President Trump, Homeland Security and other government groups and officials in Washington D.C. Also, protests have been occuring so people can show their disdain toward the repeal of DACA and to show their support for the Dreamers.
A protestor showing her support for the dreamers affected by the daca repeal. PHOTO SOURCE: commons.wikimedia.org
october 2017
Tis the season of... hurricanes Evacuation plans, extra precautions and protection, oh my! by Meghan mcglone copy editor
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urricane season is a big deal in Florida, and after the Hurricane Matthew scare of 2016 and the more recent Hurricane Harvey mess in Texas and Louisiana, many people and places are gearing up for an active hurricane season this year. This includes Suncoast, which has invested time and money into its property and students to ensure everyone’s safety. With hurricanes come the imminent damage of property, not only to people’s homes, but to public buildings and schools as well. Students at Suncoast are extremely lucky to have technology for their usage, like the computers and the recent Chromebooks. However, when a hurricane strikes, the technology and the building itself are at risk for damage. That is why teachers are prompted to “cover their computers with plastic bags and unplug them to protect them from water damage,” Mr. Oates said. Teachers also follow procedures given to them by the school district by email and any advice that the designated technology manager has, according to Mr. Oates. As for personal property, many people take home all their belongings, especially if they have meaning. To deal with damage in general, all teachers and staff are given a manual, which details what to do during any type of emergency, ranging from hurricanes and fires to tornadoes.
Whether the area is on hurricane watch or hurricane warning also determines what kind of procedure is followed in the manual. In addition, each staff member is placed in a category that determines if they would come to Suncoast or not during the emergency. Hurricane preparedness is an important aspect for the current hurricane season, especially because the season will not end until the end of November. It has already been an active season so far, and if another hurricane were to hit Florida, a shelter is the best place to wait out the damage if one cannot get out in time. Although Suncoast was not a shelter, the elementary school nearby, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary, was. According to the Palm Beach County website, the best things to bring to a shelter are important papers and documents, food, medication, blankets, baby supplies, small entertainment items like games or books, clothing, and hygiene products. It is also important to know whether you are in an evacuation zone and need to wait out the storm in a shelter. That information can be found on the Palm Beach County website as well. One can also make an emergency plan and an emergency kit on the site as well. photo source: wikimedia
Texas Tragedy
Hurricane Harvey viciously attacks the state of Texas. By Adrianna Estrada Staff Writer
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hat started off as a tropical depression in the Gulf of finding destruction. Thousands of Texas residents went online, desperately Mexico, on Wednesday August 23, quickly turned into a requesting help. Emergency responders quickly tried to get category four hurricane and went straight into Texas. There are 46 possible deaths related to this storm. It is access to the residents by sending rescue boats across all the estimated that there are around 100,000 homes in Texas flooded streets, giving some relief to the devastated cities. A and Louisiana that had been damaged or destroyed. To make shelter that contained hundreds of people, quickly became matters worse, this massive storm brought in several tornadoes, flooded with water, bringing in massive destruction. “I was worried that we would run out of food and water since which made survival difficult for the residents who sought we didn’t stock up” said Kassandra refuge in their attics to escape the rising Elias, a hurricane Harvey victim, in flood water. Hurricane Harvey is now a phone call with Kelsea Frederick, known as one of the most destructive a Suncoast student. It is important storms in the nation’s history. Harvey to be prepared during an event this destroyed houses and turned what were devastating, yet people chose to still once known as neighborhoods into remain at home as if it were just another lakes. The powerful hurricane had 130 regular thunderstorm. mph winds and made two landfalls near Through all of the destruction, the city of Rockport, Texas. Houston celebrities are stepping up and donating struggled to survive with over 50 inches thousands to millions of dollars for the of rain bringing in massive flooding into Woman carries her two dogs in rising flood waters. Hurricane Harvey victims. Comedian the city. It will take years for Southeast Kevin Hart donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross Texas to recover from this terrible tragedy. “Residents returning to their homes are now dealing with foundation. Millions of dollars have been donated to the mold issues and disease-carrying mosquitoes,” CNN journalists recovery of these poor victims and the number of donations is Doug Criss and Martin Savidge wrote in “Out of the Spotlight, only rising. The road to recovery may be long, but the efforts of Hurricane Harvey’s victims struggle to recover.” Slowly everyone only brings all the hurricane Harvey victims closer to Photo source: CNN residents are returning to what used to be their homes, only a normal life once again.
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Corruption in the land of grace
Venezuela, the jewel of south america, is being torn apart by corruption. By Anthony Inza Sports editor
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enezuela is a country with many rich materials such as gold, diamonds, and oil. Though with all this potential to expand into a grand and successful country, Venezuela now suffers with corruption, riots, and poverty. “It was completely the government’s fault,” says Suncoast senior Jesus Lares a native of Venezuela. When Hugo Chavez was elected as President of Venezuela in 1998, the country’s stability soon declined. Chavez was elected as President because the public was convinced he would ‘revolutionize’ Venezuela. Chavez began to give away free petroleum to foreign countries, nationalize private corporations, and steal the country’s money for personal uses. “It all basically boils down to Chavez’s socialist revolution,” claimed Lares. Chavez changed the rules of the presidency the bolivarian national guard of venezuela as well. Instead of
keeping the law of a five-year presidential term, Chavez allowed for six-year terms as well as a limitless amount of reelections, giving him an extended period of time in office. When Chavez died in 2013, his trusted follower, Nicolás Maduro, carried on Chavez’s rules and corruption. The market prices in Venezuela have inflated dramatically. “With government corruption being at an all-time high, the government was basically stealing money from the country,” says Lares. Today, most citizens are living in extremely poor conditions. Basic foods and supplies, such as meat, are extremely costly and rarely available. “They can’t find basic things. My grandma couldn’t find shampoo for months, so she just uses soap on her hair,” says Lares. “She hasn’t eaten anything but hard boiled eggs, or bread and cheese. You can’t find meat anywhere.” The citizens attempt to stand up against the government by acting out in protests and riots, but it is hard due to the fact that the government contains a large military and that the people are weak and unarmed. “My cousin was protesting,” claimed Lares, “He got shot in the leg by a sniper just for protesting. They just shoot random people.” The state of Venezuela is at a critical Photo source: flickr condition for the average citizen.
A Change With Personal Projects Sophomores no longer present personal projects in front of the freshmen. By Yashna Chowdhury Staff Writer
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very year, the tenth graders present their personal projects, which is a longterm project that starts in freshmen year and is finished and submitted sophomore year. In the previous years, the personal projects were presented to the freshmen class and a teacher or admininstrator to show them what the freshmen are going to do in the near future and give an example of what it is going to look like. This year, the tenth graders no longer have to present to the freshmen. Instead, the sophomores have to present to their AP U.S. Government teacher and the rest of the class. According to the calendar for personal projects due dates, students will be presenting between Nov. 1 to the 13. The dates are spread out to give teachers time to get through all the presentations. In comparison to last year when all personal projects were presented on Nov. 3. The students, especially the sophomores, were wondering why personal projects are no longer presented in front of freshmen. AICE General Papers teacher, who is in charge of personal projects, Mary Rawson said, “In the past, we had our personal project presentations on the day when we had PDD or half days in November. Well, we don’t have half days anymore, so to try to solve the problem the social studies teachers are going to be judging their students.” Although this is a relief to the sophomores, some students who did it the previous years find it inequitable. One of the Sophomores Isabelle Jones said, “I feel like us having to present in front of our classmates and teachers brings a different
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atmosphere and level of stress to it. Now that we’re presenting in front of our class and teacher, we already know our audience so we don’t have to be so stressed or worried about presenting.” As for the freshmen, they will not be able to see the presentations during school but they can on community night. Students and parents will be able to see the presentations on Nov. 30, but participation will be based on a special invite only. Special invite is dependent on how well the project was done including if they met all the requirements for the project. Sophomores who present will be given volunteer hours for Volunteer Public Service, which is a requirement for sophomore year. Being able to see the presentations gave the freshmen a gist of what they are going to do in the following year.
sophomore Pam Kitsuwan is working hard on her personal project powerpoint that will be presented in November. Photo by Yashna Chowdhury
october 2017
ART FROM THE HEART
Students PUT THEIR artistic talents TO GOOD USE AROUND THEIR COMMUNITY. BY MEGAN MENDOZA STAFF WRITER
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s the new school year begins, people like to expand upon their horizons and join some of the various extracurricular activities offered at Suncoast. With all the different clubs ranging from debate to chorus, students may find it difficult to choose an activity that matches their skills. One club that allows anyone to participate and not have their work go unnoticed is Art for Service. Art for Service is a brand new club created by MSE/IB seniors Natasha Mandi and Zach LaJoie. “I was inspired to make this club upon realizing the potential that art can have in making a change in people’s lives and the need for it in our school and community,” LaJoie said. Both students enjoy creating art, but due to their MSE/IB schedule restrictions, they were not able to take art classes and use their artistic talents to their full ability. Mandi and LaJoie decided to tackle this obstacle by creating the Art for Service club. “Art for Service is a perfect outlet to practice and learn art skills while getting CAS and VPS hours,” Mandi said. Artistically-talented students are not the only ones who can join Art for Service; Mandi and LaJoie want to assure that students of all skill levels are able to participate within the club. “It’s main goal is to develop and enrich the art community at Suncoast and use its talent in service projects for the betterment of the community, school, and the other Suncoast organizations,” LaJoie said. The club has a great deal of projects planned for the 2017-2018 school year. To be able to accomplish all of the planned projects throughout the year, the club has organized four different project categories: graphic design, community
outreach, school improvement and fundraising. Each category has its own way of incorporating students’ skills into helping the school and community. “This past summer, we painted an undersea themed mural that covers the entire waiting room of the Bethesda East Hospital’s pediatric emergency room,” Mandi said. The mural brings life and color into the waiting room. As children wait, they are able to play a scavenger hunt game that was incorporated into the mural. “We have a lot of plans for this year, at Suncoast and other local communities,” Mandi said. One big project that Art for Service will be taking on this school year is creating a mural in the media center to help inspire students when reading and studying. The club will also be creating another mural by the Suncoast stadium. The mural would welcome people to the school by representing all the different sports that make up Suncoast. As homecoming approaches, the club will be decorating posters around the school. The club will not only be helping out around the school - they have also planned on painting the kennels at Big Dog Ranch Rescue. Art for Service will also be reaching out to other clubs to help with their graphic design. Clubs can contact Mandi or LaJoie for help designing posters, logos and T-shirts. “It’s going to be a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish,” LaJoie said. Mandi and LaJoie hope that everyone can join their club and use art to help out around the school and community. For a fun-filled year of art-oriented service projects, come to the weekly meetings every Thursday during lunch in the media center! Graphic COURTESY OF ZACH LAJOIE
HARD WORK TAKES DEDICATION. LAJOIE AND MANDI, ALONG WITH OTHER CLUB MEMBERS, DEDICATED SEVERAL DAYS OUT OF THEIR SUMMER INTO PAINTING A MURAL IN THE BETHESDA EAST HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC WAITING ROOM (LEFT). The grand opening to the room was September 18 (Right). PHOTO COURTESY OF ZACH LAJOIE PHOTO COURTESY OF NATASHA MANDI PHOTO SOURCE (top): PNGTREE
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Shoes To Fill Homelessness is on the rise, so elle chumlongluk is helping out those in need. By Dayalis Zamora Features Editor
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n 2014, Elle Chumlongluk attended a local camp which made it possible for her to volunteer at non-profit organizations around the Palm Beach Gardens area. While she passed out food, toys, and clothing, it dawned on her the value of having a home, and how fortunate she was to have a roof over her head. Chumlongluk said, “Throughout Palm Beach County alone, there are over two thousand children that have no home to go to at night; many do not even know where they are going to get the next meal.” Chumlongluk knows this figure by heart now, but before, when she was merely a volunteer helping out in whatever way she could, she decided to call her nearest nonprofit organization in order to become more involved. “I emailed one of the organizations I worked with when volunteering, The Homeless Coalition, and they agreed to partner with me in an effort to help end the increasing rate of homelessness within our community. The Homeless Coalition is an organization that helps provide clothes, homes, and jobs directly to the homeless population,” remembered Chumlongluk. Unbeknownst to her at the time, however, as soon as she had made the call, she had indirectly created Shoes to Fill, an organization Chumlongluk developed
when she was seventeen. In her own words, she described Shoes to Fill as an organization “to help limit the growing population of homeless families and make homeless children feel valued within my community of Palm Beach County. My goal is to help provide resources, supplies, and food to the homeless families throughout my community through donations within shoes boxes.” Why the shoe boxes? Chumlongluk wanted the children receiving the items to feel as though it were the holidays, opening presents and not knowing what was inside the almost badly-wrapped box by teenagers. For the adults, the shoe box meant that people were doing their best with what they had. Elle’s biggest event was the summer before her senior year. Amidst college applications and her Extended Essay, she hosted an event where volunteers wrapped the shoe boxes and gave them to children. Chumlongluk said, “I hosted a large event at the Lord’s Place. At least 30 volunteers helped pack the boxes and distribute them to the children residing at the Lord’s Place. There were over 70 children who came to the event and were given shoeboxes. The amount of appreciation from the Lord’s Place was inspirational.” Being a high school senior and
working on an organization is of course troublesome, and Chumlongluk suffers from learning how to balance her abundance of responsibilities. She stated, “Some challenges I have encountered since I run this organization myself is managing time with all the school work, extracurriculars and the organization all at the same time. However, over time I have adjusted to the new schedule.” To get involved with Shoes to Fill, the senior is partnering with Girl Up and Kardz for Kidz soon in order to receive more donations and to be able to impact the lives of a wider range of children who need the aid. “Anybody can volunteer if they would like to, just join our remind at 81010 @stfcoast. Donation boxes will also be present throughout the school.” The donations Girl Up, Shoes to Fill, and Kardz for Kidz will be looking for are but are not limited to toys, clothing, toiletries, feminine sanitary products, shoeboxes, and books. Nonetheless, Chumlongluk expressed that this is what she loves to do, and hopefully what she will continue to do when she goes on to college. Chumlongluk concluded, “In the future, I hope for the organization to expand to other communities. Homelessness is a worldwide issue that is in need of help.”
hard at work. elle chumlongluk poses with filled boxes after a long day of packing donations (Left). the shoes to fill organization works to fill shoeboxes to help those in need around the community, all the while still having fun (above). PHOTOs COURTESY OF ELLE CHUMLONGLUK
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october 2017
the New teachers of suncoast
Going to a new school is not always easy, especially when you are a teacher. By Jack swank staff writer
steven reid “[I was] born in Texas and I grew up in Florida. [I teach] IB MYP World History and Holocaust Honors Studies. We are all lifelong learners and students. Teaching is a way to give back, support positive change, and improve individuals and our communities.”
karol hannah “I was born in Bremerton, Washington but grew up in Fort Lauderdale. I always wanted to be a teacher from when I was very young; I was always thrown into a leadership position, so that was kind of natural fit. Kindness matters, everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about so be kind, always.”
angelina gallesi “I am originally from Peru in South America. [Moving to America] was exciting because it was a new country and in a Spanish speaking country you always hear about the United States and you see all these TV shows and you’re curious about it, but, then again it was scary because it was new and I was only 16 years old. I speak four languages. I speak English, Spanish, Italian, and French. It’s on my bucket list to learn German, Arabic, and Chinese.”
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Kathryn Shattow “Originally, I’m from Chicago Illinois. I teach Geometry and Algebra 2. I decided to become a teacher because I always really enjoyed math class. I’ve enjoyed tutoring math so I decided to teach it. It’s been great here, everyone is amazing and super welcoming.”
taramarie baruch “[The most exciting thing is] definitely the green and yellow. I was excited to make a change and to continue learning as a teacher. The faculty and staff are so supportive. I do enjoy the students the best.”
giselle castano “Currently I teach MYP Chemistry and AP Physics 1. I became a teacher because it’s naturally what I involved myself in all throughout my life, throughout college. Anything I chose to voluntarily involve myself in was with teaching even though my major was originally meteorology. It’s something I always loved.” Photos by Kenjela mullings
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The Road to Education The School district’s inconvenient bus system is Driving students up the wall. by Farzana Talukder Design Editor
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ith the school year starting back up, students have gradually adapted back into the school life. Day by day, students are prepared to learn, indulge in social interaction and complain about each weeks’ stacks of work. Though, it seems that half the student body was not prepared for a major issue. While the student may have easily fit back into everything like their respective social groups, clubs and sports, they struggle to fit into their buses. The bus system has always been infamous for being disorganized, especially during the beginning of the school year. Usually, the issues resolve themselves over a few weeks. Yet it seems that this year in particular, the disorganization of the bus system is on a whole other level. Issues ranging from an overcrowded bus to whole bus stops being unexpectedly kicked off and moved to another bus, Suncoast students are finding it difficult to deal with the conditions they are forced under and are still trying to figure out transportation. Buses generally end up filtering themselves as people join extracurriculars and upperclassmen receive their parking passes. Though, due to the major influx of freshmen this year, the balance is interrupted and the buses remain overcrowded. Students end up toppling over each other, sitting four to a seat, hanging desperately onto the seat in front of them for dear life as the bus takes a
“Either you fit three to a seat, or you’re off the bus.” Jordano Thompson turn. “I can’t even fit in a seat as one person let alone three,” junior Jordano Thompson says. “I can’t get on the bus with all the pushing and shoving everyone does just to get to a seat. Either you fit three to a seat, or you’re off the bus.” The school bus experience of most students thus far has been negative and the students are running out of options. People have even experienced having to sit on the floor of the bus with all the seats filled to the brim. Some end up simply having to give up on finding a seat, get off the bus, and hope for a ride home. Sitting on the floor is a frequent and major safety hazard, yet the Palm Beach School District mentions nothing regarding it. The district’s public transportation information only acknowledges standing up as a safety hazard and mainly requires riders to merely remain seated throughout the drive. The transportation information also states that bus riders may only ride their assigned school bus and get on and off
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on their assigned stop. This means students are unable to ride a separate bus even if it has a stop convenient to them or if their bus does not have enough space. The district’s bus locator is not of much help to students either. In the bus locator, students must provide their home address and pickup/ dropoff time to find the bus stop nearest to their location. However, some routes are found to have lengthier paths and more stops than others. This drives students to search for other stops even if it is not the one provided for their location, but they are unable to access them
“We expect to have a secured way to get home at a certain time.” Aura Garduno because the locator does not allow it. This year, some regular stops were completely wiped off their bus route, and students were forced to find another bus route leading home. “It’s annoying because like we expect to have a secured way to get home at a certain time,” junior Aura Garduno says. “But with getting kicked off, we have to wait hours for another.” A lot of students also are unable to easily access transportation other than the buses, leading to frustration among students as they worry about how to get home. To counter this problem, Suncoast has implemented “overload buses” for routes with too many children seated on a single bus. The overload buses separate stops on the original route onto two different buses so people may sit safely as well as comfortably. These buses also may come back to the school to pick up those who were left behind. After experiencing such a terrible bus dilemma the entire first month of school, interventions from concerned parents were able to influence how the bus situation was dealt with. Along with this, all the extracurricular activities occurring have also allowed bus rides have become a bit more bearable for students to ride comfortably with less people which results in less safety issues as well. The district’s bus system still has issues, and Suncoast’s current bus situation clearly still is not perfect, but so far the district and school were able to ensure that the students are able to get Photo source: flikr to where they need to be.
october 2017
do not condemn the ltm The ending of LTM days has caused major uproar among the student body.
Graphiic Courtesy Of Claire King
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ummer has come and gone and now it is time for those long days of testing and even longer nights of homework. Sleepless nights and coffee filled mornings are a common occurrence among the student body, and it does not seem to be lightening up anytime soon. The Palm Beach County School District has decided to cancel all Learning Team Meeting days this school year and instead replace them with a longer Thanksgiving break. This has caused major discontentment among the student body, as many students have disagreed with this decision due to the advantages LTM days presented and the unequal replacement of them. Late start days pushed the school start time from 7:30 am to 10:30 am, allowing for many students to sleep in, catch up on old homework or schoolwork, and study for upcoming tests. “Those LTM days were the only days when we could actually get a break from
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by Jahnaezha McFadden Opinion Editor
waking up so early and actually get a sufficient amount of sleep,” junior Shivana Persaud said. Late start days acted as a break in between students’ stressful schedules and was beneficial according to many students. Students’ have also stated they were well rested and were able to focus better on their schoolwork without the need for caffeine. LTM days have especially been beneficial amongst Suncoast kids. Suncoast is known for its’ rigorous curriculum and time-consuming commitments. LTM’s also gave the students something to look forward to for that month, and it provided a feeling of knowing they would get a break from that constant load of work. “LTM days felt like a small vacation; everyone looked forward to them, especially the months where we had no off days,” junior Valentina Montya said. LTM days acted as a refresher and allowed students to come ready to face the rest of the week.
Since the revoking of the LTM days, the school district decided to replace them with two extra days for the Thanksgiving break. During the school board meeting, Superintendent Robert Avossa claimed that half days were “disruptive and inefficient.” Most staff members and parents are in agreement with this assertion, but many students feel as though it is not enough. The replacement of multiple half days barely equates to two extra days. These two extra days do not make up for the year long days of constant work and testing. By taking away these late days, kids can become stressed out from the recurring process of getting up early, going to school to complete test and quizzes, then to go home and stay up to complete their homework only to wake up and do it all over again. Taking away these late days has only negatively affected a major part of the student body.
FROM UNDECIDED TO UNDERGRAD
In a school that revolves around highly competitive grades, stacked resumes, and sleepless nights, students often succumb to the dangers of stress.
by Austin lent editor-in-chief
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ny psychology student can easily recite the oft-mentioned phrase “It’s only stress if you appraise it as stress” on command. For many students, however, the ability to appraise stress seems to fall outside of their hands and instead serves to hinder their ability to work under the pressure. A 2014 study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that high school students report having higher stress levels than adults. On a 10-point scale, teenagers rated their stress as a 5.8 while the average for adults was only a 5.1 on. This is quite alarming considering the many concerns adults face that high schoolers most likely do not, such as finances, children, work, and many other stress-inducing factors. Student stress represents a systemic problem in the way schools function. In order to appeal to universities, scholarships, and other entities that judge students based on their past accomplishments, they attempt to stand out from their peers. As students strive for perfection, grades and achievement become more important than self-care. Without any resources to consult, students build up an unhealthy amount of stress but lack an outlet to release it, damaging their physical and mental health in the process.
Sleepless Nights
According to a University of Phoenix study, high school teachers assign, on average, half an hour homework assignments per night. For students with a typical seven class schedule, this translates to 3.5 hours each day. This number may vary in response to Suncoast’s block schedule and the number of Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual enrollment courses a student takes. In addition to their academic requirements, students may become employed or have familial responsibilities, both of which further limit their free time outside of school. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends schools start classes no earlier than 8 a.m. to provide students more time to sleep. Suncoast currently begins at 7:30, and, as a magnet school, students may spend 45 minutes or more commuting both to and from school. When accounting for after school activities and transportation, students may be at school for over 12 hours a day. Students then
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must choose between school work, outside obligations, social experiences, and sleep. What results is a vicious cycle in which failing to get enough sleep can be viewed as an achievement rather than a real problem. The National Sleep Foundation reports that teenagers need between eight and 10 hours of sleep on average to function at their best. Only 15 percent of high schoolers, however, receive 8.5 hours of sleep, which is toward the low end of the recommendation. To compensate, students sleep in on the weekends as way to make up for lost sleep throughout the week. This only exacerbates the problem as the irregularities in sleep patterns disrupt the body’s biological clock. While sleep can help alleviate the effects of stress, a lack of sleep only serves to increase stress, which, as a result, decreases the quality of sleep received over time.
Refuse to be Ordinary
As many students know, Suncoast is not “normal” in many ways. The school is ranked by many different organizations, including the U.S. News and World Report and Niche, as the best high school in Palm Beach County and one of the best in both Florida and the United States. In addition, The Washington Post named Suncoast the 15 most difficult high school in the nation. While these rankings are proudly displayed on Edline, PowerPoints, agendas, and many other school-related items, they also represent the overly-competitive, and unhealthy, school environment. To Suncoast students, there is nothing worse than being average. One always have to be doing something to stand out, whether it be through academics, athletics, community and school involvement, or any combination of these. This thinking manifests itself in the school motto, “Refuse to be Ordinary,” and last year’s yearbook theme, “Atypical,” which imply that there is an inherent problem with being what is arbitrarily defined as “ordinary.” Although these are meant to encourage students to reach their fullest potential and be true to themselves, they serve to reinforce the dangerous message that being average or normal is necessarily a bad thing. Mark Manson, author of Subtle Art, claims that people fear accepting mediocrity because they equate acceptance with “never achiev[ing] anything, never
october 2017
improv[ing].” Students may set their eyes on perfection, but when this does not materialize, they feel defeated (and rightfully so). Any blemish on one’s resume or academic record is taken as an immediate failure. This provides the groundwork for creating a fixed mindset. According to psychologist Carol Dweck, a fixed mindset is detrimental to students’ success because they then believe their skills and abilities have plateaued. In contrast, people with growth mindsets know that they can improve through hard work and dedication, increasing the odds of success. The guidance department has pushed students to evaluate their mindset and aim for one of growth over fixation. As Suncoast tends to favor students who learn quickly and are “naturally smart,” those in the middle may feel stuck, or fixed, at their current level.
Students, from the very beginning of their education, are encouraged to find ways to “get ahead” of their peers. The contemporary need to stand out is evident throughout the Palm Beach County School District. The choice program system allows students to apply to schools throughout the county to enroll in special course tracks based on their academic interests, career prospects and talents. While specialized education has grown greatly in recent years, the more shocking fact is the widespread availability of these programs to elementary and middle schoolers. Students, from the very beginning of their education, are encouraged to find ways to “get ahead” of their peers. Elementary students can explore Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Engineering (STEM), Veterinary Technology, and Health and Wellness programs with in-depth curricula. Furthermore, middle school students can gain laboratory and field experience through Pre-Biotechnology, Pre-Medical Sciences, and Pre-Information Technology programs taught by industry professionals. Universities often refer to their students on track to meet the requirements for medical school as premed, so perhaps a better name for these middle school programs would be Pre-Pre-Pre Medical Science/Biotechnology/ Information Technology. While students may learn very useful skills and material for their future studies, these choice programs merely represent the enhanced standards students must meet to qualify as
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“extraordinary.” Consequently, those who are not aware of these opportunities can fall behind in the race toward perfection. Although competition is necessary to encourage students to perform their best, an overabundance of competition can have two extreme results: an unsustainable effort to succeed or a lack of motivation to achieve. Both have equally negative effects on students and increase the stress students face.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Of course, students cannot be entirely dismissed of their role in handling and preventing stress. Students are responsible for knowing their limits and recognizing their role in creating additional stressors. Whenever stress management is mentioned, the first tip is almost always to avoid procrastination. This is almost laughable to Suncoast students who seem to always leave assignments until the last possible moment. Despite the pride many take in cramming or finishing something right before it is due, this is not a healthy practice. Time management is an important skill that is useful throughout life. It is also important to realize that not all stress is harmful. In fact, Richard Sapolsky, a leading researcher in the field of neuroscience, describes the role of stress as an “inverted-U”; while stress in small, short doses aids performance, prolonged exposure to stress impedes it. Understanding the role of stress may allow students to perform better.
Looking Forward
Unfortunately, systemic change on a widespread basis is unlikely to happen. While Suncoast has taken steps to address the issue, there are still improvements that can be made. Combatting stress and its related issues should be a year-long conversation, not just something mentioned once in a beginning of the year PowerPoint presentation. The “Be Real, Not Perfect” campaign is a great example of the initiatives already taken in which students are reminded to embrace their flaws, but this is only one week of motivation. If this were to be continued throughout the year, however, significant change could occur throughout the student body. Business Insider suggest multiple changes schools can take to promote a better school environment, including studentpairing system, study periods, and yoga. Starting school later could provide students the opportunity to follow a more regular sleep schedule. Most importantly, students must feel they have somewhere to go to relieve stress.
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opinion 13
Google This!
Our school is experimenting with google classroom and google chromebooks. By Conner Dickman Staff Writer
M
y goal is to get them out at least once a week.” Elizabeth better if I can let each one of you guys have your Chromebook Pearson, a new recruit to Suncoast’s Technology open in front of you.” Although our school has computer labs, Chromebooks are more practical because they Trailblazers Program, sets goals for her are portable and sit in a cart within every classes Chromebook usage. I find the whole classroom which uses them. idea of using Chromebooks to be adventurous Google Chromebooks have many applications and exciting, and that goes for any new in the classroom, but they do have some technologies. However, when it comes down to limitations. Miss Pearson was explaining how, business, we need to know if these devices are “Taking notes and doing homework is not very helping students learn the material. feasible” because of the numerous equations Before we get to the whole Chromebook and symbols required in almost every math deal, we have to address something we have course. Chromebooks are nice, but we already already seen a lot of: Google Classroom. Our have access to Windows laptops. Chromebooks inside to the tech world, Pearson, found Google are faster, but they only run Google Chrome. Classroom to be much more efficient than Therefore, any task that cannot be done online Edline. On top of being, “more user friendly,” must be done on another computer. “I think it’s Pearson explained how Classroom is faster kind of comparing apples to oranges, they’re than Edline and how it supports more file good at different things.” formats; basically, she has more flexibility This whole program could benefit students, with her online assignments in Classroom Pearson helping student use a Chromebook. Photo By Conner Dickman or maybe have no affect at all. Pearson believes than on Edline. Now we can move on to the big deal: Chromebooks. The new teaching methods involving technology and traditional advantage to using these devices in class is every person has their teaching methods, “can be used together” to benefit the student own screen. Pearson explained one way these devices will be body. We may experience problems with technology, but over used in the classroom this year: “Especially in statistics, there’s time, we will learn how to use it to its full potential. As Pearson a lot of different interactive applets and programs online that explained, “We have a lot of bumps in the road that we have hit, are just fine for me to show you guys over the projector, but way and are going to hit, but we’re going to figure them out.”
LIFE IS BUT A DREAM (JOB) there is no need to freak out about not knowing your career choice right now. photo source: commons.wikimedia.org
BY KAIDEN BUSCEMI STAFF WRITER
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erhaps one of the most popular questions anyone in high kids have no definite idea as to what they want to do for a living. school has heard, whether it is asked by a parent, grandma, They often freak out, feeling a sort of pressure that they have to teacher, or even a stranger, is “What do you want to be when have an answer for that doomed question. “The thing is that I’m not totally sure on what I want you grow up?” A common reaction to this question can include to be when I grow up because there’s so many things I a pause, maybe an uneasy laugh, and often a bit of anxiety, like...Not only do I feel pressured, I also feel scared... however, this is all normal. It makes me think about the future,” junior Katherine For some, high school is all about finding themselves. Abreu said. For others it is about taking the hardest classes so it looks Though it is important to have direction, kids good on their college applications. For most, though, in high school do not necessarily have to know high school is all about getting a great education, exactly what they wish to become. The sort of that way they can get into a good college with the rush and anxiety is not necessary at all. As fundamentals they need to choose a career of their liking, long as you are not completely lost, and you and eventually settle down and live a happy life. In order have a good idea of the things that you like to for a teenager to grow up and fit into society, do, then your future will be just fine. there comes a time when they must find Getting good grades, being involved in a job that pays enough to make a healthy your school and community, and doing what living, but it is also important for them to makes you happy are most important for a enjoy what they do. Besides making good kid in high school. With an active education, grades, the first step is to figure out what one money will come, and as one grows older and wants to be when he or she grows up. learns more about themselves, their future This decision, one that affects the rest of one’s will settle, and finding out what you want to do life, often brings anxiety, confliction, and can for the rest of your life will not seem as scary or perhaps be a little overwhelming. With so many photo source: www.publicdomainpictures.net impossible. choices to choose from, deciding a career can After all, high school is supposed to be fun, be hard. Though there are some lucky few that already know what they want to be, and have been well on their and as long as you put the hard work in, especially for Suncoast, way to getting their dream job since elementary school, most the rest will come much easier.
14 opinion
october 2017
“13 reasons why”; romanticizing or real the show creates a divide between the real and romantic aspects of suicide. by Sam powers Social media manager
by Daniel torrez Staff writer
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T
he netflix original series “13 Reasons Why” captures the reality of suicide by portraying the way that words and actions of one’s peers can affect the attitude and emotions of another. This also shows one’s true intentions and how those who have suicidal thoughts are unable to reach out to people because it is not an easy topic to discuss with peers or parents. A realistic aspect that the show captures is when Hannah Baker is silent about her intentions of suicide. While the entire show focuses around the tapes made for each character that knew Hannah Baker, she never blatantly told anyone how she was feeling. However, after watching the series through the narrative of Hannah Baker and Clay Jenson, it is made clear that she at least thought of talking to someone, and she even attempted to talk to her school counselor about the way she was feeling, which all depicts a real tragedy. The series portrays that rather than just one main bully, it is multiple classmates that affect the character. One of the classmates included Baker’s best friend, Jessica, who ended up turning her back on Baker, causing her to feel alone. Both events, the suicide itself and the issue with her friend, are both issues that occur in real life. These realistic life events made it possible for most teen viewers to relate to the show. Furthermore, other real aspects of “13 Reasons Why” includes the depiction of emotions between specific characters. For instance, Clay Jenson listens to the tapes that were left to him and slowly became more and more depressed as he began to learn and understand the detrimental effects his classmates had on Baker. Also, two other characters that were also deeply affected were Baker’s parents. As time passed, her parents began to experience more grief, and they began to fight more often due to having to deal with the sudden, unexpected suicide of their daughter. These depictions all portray such realistic behaviors that, if any of these events were to occur in real life, peers and parents alike would experience similar emotions. The series has a deeper meaning than just the “ jocks” that roam the halls in a high school ruining a girl’s life. It shines light on the dark side that no one wants to face: bullying and mental illnesses. Though that is the importance of the series, which is to demonstrate that these issues are real. Some may claim that the show was romanticized, but it was not. It presented everything it needed to present. It opened the eyes of this generation, and many people who have overcome suicide have decided to get the tattoo of a semicolon to represent the fact that they are the authors of their life, and as an author they decided to not cut their story short, but to continue and live their life as should. Although this is not portrayed in the series, it wellknown. Celebrities like Selena Gomez and the actors and actresses that played the characters of “13 Reasons Why” all have the tattoo.
suncoast high school | shsthelegend.com
he new trend among high school students was to tune in for the Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why,” which had many controversial scenes and problematic moments. The fictional story of Hannah Baker’s suicide is not the first suicide storyline to arrive on the screens across the globe. Part of the reason why the show was so popular was because of the uniqueness of the situation of the girl who was driven to suicide because of bullying. “13 Reasons Why” is not based on a true story, which is apparent because a suicidal person who put so much work into recording 13 tapes would want to give an explanation to someone important to them, like their parents, instead of leaving their bullies with guilt. The direction of the tapes was purely for a suspenseful and captivating entertainment purpose and was in no way helpful. These tapes, which are the whole plot of the show, are not for justice for Hannah’s suicide, nor is it an explanation for her parents who are emotionally distraught and living difficult lives themselves. People are not going to be interested watching a show about a girl who could have easily gotten justice for herself by handing these tapes to her parents or the police. This show ultimately leaves viewers with the feeling that revenge via guilt is the way to go for someone with suicidal emotions. Any person’s suicide is tragic, but just because you ended your life does not mean that your decisions are overlooked because you decided to go that route. Not once throughout the course of the show, dead or alive, did Hannah Baker take responsibility for her actions. Her solution is to blame everyone around her and then guilt people from her grave, as if she can then see the remorse and regret these people would have while dead. It was almost as if she thought that an appropriate way to deal with her miserable situation was to make these tapes, die, and then think that her death was a way for her bullies to realize that they were wrong all along and that her pain would be understood. This is not the case and it is an unhealthy message to send to a viewer who is watching the show and is on the verge of committing suicide. Bullying awareness and poor decision making in high school are subjects the show portrays, but everyone relates the idea of suicide with the show. To finish off Hannah’s problematic situation with a suicidal scene that looked like her pain was relieved and that she was at peace with this macabre beauty laced throughout the scene was appalling. Although “13 Reasons Why” covered many different topics, it will always have that immediate relation with suicide. Although the perspective on how Hannah Baker handled her suicide may be different for everyone, the fact still remains that the plotline in this show took unrealistic turns that was for the sole purpose of entertainment. PHOTO SOURCE: DEVIANTART
opinion 15
PICTURE ME THIS The revamp of the age-old classic Polaroid camera has people wild for more. by eda kutsal managing editor
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desire to wear band tees that are long before our time. The comeback of not only the Polaroid brand, but polaroid pictures themselves has lead brands to roll out a multitude of “instant” printing products in support of the nostalgia-fuelled craze. The camera can be bought practically everywhere at this point, including places like Target, Urban Outfitters, and Amazon, to name just a few. This heartfelt, blast from the past does not come cheap, though. The new camera sells, on average, for 60 dollars with select colors coming in cheaper, or more expensive prices. Not to mention, along with the camera, film must be purchased separately as well as cases to carry the camera. The Polaroid Company has recently just welcomed a Polaroid Fotobar right here in South Florida at the Delray Marketplace. Celebrating their opening during the spring of 2013, this store is the first of its kind and “invites customers to release photos from their cameras, mobile devices and social platforms and bring them to life,” according to the Polaroid website. Here, any picture can be printed into a polaroid and it makes a great gift for friends and family. Since the opening of the Polaroid Fotobar in Delray, the company has announced five additional store locations. While it is uncertain just how long polaroids will continue to be all the rage, there is no doubt that they will always be a golden relic from the past and help us remember the best moments of life. photo by eda kutsal
hether you have the new and improved camera itself or a wall plastered with cute, candid polaroids of you and your friends, by now, most have fallen victim to the ever growing Polaroid craze. In a generation fuelled by selfies and high-end cameras, it is no wonder why people are going absolutely wild for these tiny, low quality pictures. The digital age has left people hungry for tangibility. Everything from textbooks to tax documents are going electronic, and these instant cameras have allowed people to document their most cherished moments in a literal instant. Despite the fact that the word “polaroid” has become synonymous to every and any little white bordered photograph, Fujifilm is actually the brand behind the new, pastel camera that most people know and recognize, with Polaroid following close behind and gladly receiving all the credit for the trend. The company was founded nearly 80 years ago in 1943 by a man named Edwin Land, and frankly, with all of the company’s ups and downs, no one could have predicted this revival. The comeback of the polaroid seems to be mainly attributed to nostalgia, but the typical hipster fashion of anything retro being cool cannot be overlooked either. The rise in the popularity of the polaroid is not alone, though. Along with the polaroid a whole number of vintage things are increasing in popularity such as vinyl records, denim skirts, chokers, and the
photo sour
ce: flickr
16 lifestyle
edia commons
photo source: wikim
photo source: wikimedia commons
october 2017
tips for adapting to high school incoming freshmen need help Transitioning to high school. By Garfield noel Staff writer
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ome people might find it difficult to transition from middle school to high school. From the get go, students receive quite a bit of homework, and that load only increases overtime. Many students say that they stay up late to finish homework, but with the right tips, success can be right around the corner.
Plan Out a Schedule To deal with the large load of homework that many Suncoast students are assigned, it is best to create a schedule and make it fit for you. On the schedule, write down all the things you need or plan to do outside of school. Fill in all your homework that needs to be done and the times at which they need to be done. Write down upcoming tests you have, so that you can be aware that you need to study for it ahead of time. This is a trusted method by many students, which will be very beneficial. Tips For Taking Notes Learn better ways to complete homework and take notes. There are many different ways to take notes, including Cornell notes. This method is when you fold a paper into two different sections. On the left side, write the topic or subject. On the right, where most of the space is, you write your notes. Notes
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can be information, descriptions, little details, questions, and even quotes. While taking notes, make sure you write the most important information and key points. To take notes faster, abbreviate some words as you write. Write the abbreviations legibly, so that when you are reviewing your notes you can understand it. Notes will definitely be beneficial when studying for quizzes or tests. Managing Your Time If you plan on involving yourself in extracurricular activities; it is important to manage your time. Do the homework you are assigned the same day you get it, so you will not have to worry about it the day before it is due. It is also important to complete the hardest and longest work first. There are many different methods, but do what is best for you and what is the most comfortable.
lifestyle 17
COLLEGE APPLICATION ADVICE Applying to college is a daunting process, BUT FOLLOW THESE STEPS FOR success. By Monica Kramer lifestyle editor
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s October rolls around and the college application season starts, students are often experiencing great amounts of stress, especially students from families going through this process for the first time. Understanding how the college application process works and where to begin is one of the greatest obstacles for most students; however, following these simple tips will guarantee the desired outcome.
write an authentic essay
Start Early Beginning to search for colleges and starting applications the summer before your senior year is one of the most important aspects of the entire process. Individuals who begin in the summer are less likely to experience pressure and stress when school begins. Despite all of the assignments and commitments that come with being a senior, college apps are just another task to add to your plate. To ensure a swift process, begin building your resume, studying and taking standardized tests, and outlining your essays over the summer.
visit campuses The best way to get a feel for a college is by visiting their campus. Taking time out of your summer to take a trip to a college can help determine whether it is a school to which you want to apply. As every application has a fee, it is extremely important to only apply to colleges at which you could see yourself. By visiting, you have the ability to get a true sense of the academic and social environments of the campus.
The personal statement essay is one of the most vital aspects of your college application. It allows colleges to get to know you better and truly understand how you stand out from other applicants. In order to be ahead of the game, make sure to brainstorm ideas and start the essay over the summer. It is more important for students to use their own voices in these essays and not focus on overly impressing the readers. Writing about something you truly care about is more impressive than using higher level vocabulary and more complex sentences. Sounding like a highschool student is what individuals in college admissions are expecting to read. Make sure to have multiple people proofread an essay before sending it to a college. The essay must be a masterpiece before it is part of an application.
do your research Understanding what each college requires and their preferred method of applying is crucial to the process. It is important to conduct research on each school you are applying and determine if they have a supplemental essay and whether they take the common application, the coalition application or their own application. It is also important to determine the length of the different applications in order to determine how much time they are going to take. Conducting research will help you manage your time effectively.
make a spreadsheet All of the information you discover about a college can be extremely overwhelming and hard to organize. The best way to visualize the many deadlines and requirements is by creating a spreadsheet. This allows you to keep track of the amount of essays and applications you have to do. It also ensures that your applications are in on time and you do not miss any important deadlines.
photos source: wikimedia
TODD PINCHEVSKY, CPA, PA MASTERS IN TAXATION
CERTIFIED QUICKBOOKS ADVISOR 1901 S. Congress Ave. SUITE 250 BOYNTON BEACH, FL 33426
PHONE: (561) 733-0076 FAX: (561) 733-0403 TODD@PINCHEVSKYCPA.COM
WWW.PINCHEVSKYCPA.COM
october 2017
Assault cases in the media
sexual assault is a serious issue that students must acknowledge. By Maria Fahmy business manager
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s time passes by, students are affected more and more by the media and celebrities, and recently that means sexually assault cases. Many teenagers look up to celebrities and even idolize them, and whether that is a good idea or not, it is important for them to know that being sexually assaulted is not something to be ashamed of or something to hide. Sexualizing and objectifying women has always been a problem especially with teenagers. Schools try to limit that with implementing dress codes that do not really solve the issue. Lately in the media, there have been a lot of sexual assault cases, like popular singers Taylor Swift’s and Kesha’s court cases. It is great that Swift and Kesha stood up and fought for justice for what happened to them because it made young people more aware of the problem. Many might say that celebrities fabricate these stories for money and fame, and in some cases they could be right; however, people should never underestimate these claims as they never truly know what is true and what is not. Swift sued the former radio host David Mueller for assault and battery at a meet-andgreet in 2013. While many might think that Swift is only doing that for “money and fame” the fact is that the pop singer only sued Mueller after he sued her and her mom for “disturbing his contract by her accusations,” and she also only sued him for one dollar. Mueller was found guilty and Swift and her mother were cleared of all charges. “I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this.” Swift said. Kesha, however, was not as lucky as Swift, as her case took longer and negatively affected her career as a singer. According to Rollingstone, in 2014, Kesha sued her producer Dr. Luke for physically, sexually, emotionally and verbally abusing her. She wanted to void all her contracts with the producer so that she can continue recording her music. She was denied and had to continue working with Dr. Luke. Some of her
fans started a gofundme page so that she buy out of the contract with Sony. Recently Kesha has released her third album “Rainbow” which has a more personal sound than her previous albums. In the Palm Beach school district, there have been reports of sexual assault cases in the past year. It is very important that people, especially teenage students, realize the severity of this problem and to speak up if something happens to them or if they witness something happen to someone else. Maybe teaching it in school is not having the impact expected as teenagers might not listen to authorities like teachers or counselors. Instead they are affected more by the media, social life and celebrity news. That is why it is imperative for students to learn about cases like Swift’s to see that being assaulted ot violated in any way is never their fault and they should feel comfortable talking to someone about it and if talking to strangers sometimes easier than parents or teachers there are many hotlines to call if something happens. Talking to someone will not only make students feel better and have support, it might also encourage them to report the incident so it does not happen to someone else. It does not matter how small or insignificant the act might seem if a student feels uncomfortable about it, they should report it. Photo source: nsvrc.org
Hotlines (800) 656-HOPE (4673) (866) 891-7273 suncoast high school | shsthelegend.com
lifestyle 19
Classic Cars of Palm Beach A local car dealership that prioritizes giving back. By Marisa Hart News Editor
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lassic Cars of Palm Beach is a local car dealership in Jupiter that is unlike most car dealerships. The two owners, Natalie and John Giasullo, enjoy being involved with the community. Natalie Giasullo is a former teacher who believes it is important to help out local schools and John Giasullo used to work at a large corporation car dealership, but left due to the corporations only caring about making a profit and not prioritizing safety. He left to start his own dealership, and this is how Classic Cars of Palm Beach came to be. “We’re a car dealer for people who don’t like car dealers,” said John Giasullo, Classic Cars of Palm Beach is not a typical car dealership, unlike large corporations, this local car dealership heavily prioritizes making sure that every car being sold is safe. “We know our inventory very well,” said J. Giasullo, “I drive them all around.” The larger car dealerships often do not release all the safety information about the cars they sell and may withhold any
information about how damaged the car may be. At Classic Cars of Palm Beach, they want to make sure that someone is driving home in a safe car. Also, unlike other car dealerships, Classic Cars of Palm Beach does not price the cars at unrealistic rates, which is a common occurrence at large corporations. There are also no dealer fees at this dealership. The cars sold at Classic Cars are all one to three years old and are accident free. Also, all the cars are under 30,000 miles and the dealership has very competitive prices. Another priority of Classic Cars of Palm Beach is ensuring that the customer has a positive experience. Purchasing a car can be a very stressful and overwhelming experience because it entails a large amount of negotiating. Yet, at Classic Cars of Palm Beach customer satisfaction is a priority and the owners want to ensure that picking out and purchasing a car is an easy experience. The owners want it to be so easy that a high schooler buying a car for the first time could come in to
“We’re a car dealer for people who don’t like car dealers.” John Giasullo
Contact Information
Address: 1612 N US Hwy 1 Jupiter, Fl 33469 Just north of the Jupiter Lighthouse / US1 Phone Number: 561-370-5067 Email: johng@classiccarsofpalmbeach.com Website: ClassicCarsof PalmBeach.com Like us on Facebook: Classic Cars of Palm Beach
make a purchase without their parents. Classic Cars of Palm Beach is very involved with the community. “As a former teacher, we want schools to know we are here to support them. If you have a cause at your school and you buy from us we are happy to donate $100 to your cause,” said N. Giasullo. One cause that the car dealership is involved with is the Jupiter High School care team. “This group helps kids facing a crisis,” said N. Giasullo. Classic Cars of Palm Beach has also adopted a first grade classroom and has worked with Jupiter Christian and, Lighthouse Elementary.
Customer Testimonials:
“I would buy from Classic Cars of Palm Beach again and again. It was a great experience and one of the best I’ve ever had. Highly recommend these guys!” “Easy, Friendly, & Fast service! Made car buying experience a breeze. I will continue to come back to Classic Cars of Palm Beach for all of mine and my families future vehicle purchases.” “Great buying experience, very friendly and quick purchasing process! I will definitely refer my friends and neighbors to purchase their next vehicle.” “John was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I felt extremely comfortable and confident doing business with him.Tag work was taken care of as well. I will definitely send business his way. Classic Cars of Palm Beach 5 Stars!” photo courtesy of john and natalie giasullo
october 2017
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Running through the competition This year’s Suncoast cross country team is working hard to beat the competition By Alex Levine Copy Editor
W
ith the start of the school year comes the inexorable progression of athletics. While the nation’s eyes are turned towards the resumption of America’s passion, football, Suncoast students are looking forward to this year’s cross country season. Starting on the first day of school, cross country, one of the most mentally challenging sports, provides a significant test for even the best of runners after daily practice. Yet, staring competition in the face, Suncoast cross country is working towards success. Coming into this season, the Suncoast cross country team seemed to be depleted. “We lost a lot of talent from last year, a lot of varsity runners. I wasn’t sure if we would be able to step up this year,” said Senior Taylor Reed. Nevertheless, the varsity core of this year’s cross country team has worked to step up in the face of significant transgression. “I think we have done a good job in trying to steady a program that lost so much this summer. In the end, it is all just working hard to be better,” Reed said. Indeed, for Taylor Reed,
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cross country is not about the times you score, it is about the effort you put into it. “I have a lot of respect for the people who push their bodies to the physical limit, no matter what their speed is,” Reed said. “We try to make it a very supporting community where we push every member to try to succeed in their own ways, not matter the time. This year our times have gotten a lot closer together, which is good, because it means we are all running as a group better and improving overall.” For senior Dillon McGovern, the intense effort needed to succeed at cross country has become increasingly apparent in as the season progresses. “I knew a lot of friends, so it is always fun, but when I came for the first few practices, it was really tough.” Nevertheless, McGovern has pushed on in light of the difficult practices. “I am pretty excited for this year. At first just getting back into the rhythm was a bit tough, but I am pushing through really well now.” For McGovern, it is about becoming a stronger individual. With the cross country season by now already geared up, Suncoast’s
cross country team is looking forward to its competitions with optimism. Though it requires significant effort based around a strong core of returning runners and a periphery of strong workers, Suncoast cross country looks ready to take this year on with all the gusto needed to be a student at one of the nation’s best schools. Indeed, according to Taylor Reed, “I think that we can do well this year, year we just need to work hard and we can do really well.”
The Course of Things Senior Coral Brockman traverses the Dyer Park 5k course. Photo Courtesy of Duane Long
october 2017
Concussion dangers
THere is a high risk of concussions in high school sports. by kendall coyle staff writer
A
nyone who plays a sport bears the risk of getting injured. One of the most common types of sport related injuries are concussions, which are usual in high school athletics. A concussion is a state of temporary unconsciousness caused by a blow to the head. Sports involving very hard and physical activity have the greatest risk of causing concussions. Concussion injuries vary based on the force of the impact on the individual. A concussion can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months depending on the level of injury. An individual does not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion, though. Following a blow to the head, complaints of blurry vision, headaches, dizziness, or fatigue can indicate a possible concussion. According to KidsHealth, simple questions such as, “what is your name,” “do you know where you are,” and “do you know what day it is” can be used to assess the mental state of the injured individual. If the individual is having trouble speaking or taking a long time to respond, the person most likely has a concussion and should seek help from a doctor. Many Suncoast athletes have suffered a concussion playing their respective sports. To help prevent concussions from happening, the coaches are required to show all student athletes an educational video about the dangers of concussions and how to prevent them. Senior cheerleader Brianna Whall stands as a prime example of what the effects of a concussion can be. Last year, she fell at cheer practice and got a concussion. “I stayed out of cheer for a while and I focused on not pushing myself,” Whall said, “I also had memory loss for a while, so I focused on remembering small things and eventually working my way up until I was fully recovered. Also making sure I saw the doctor regularly to make sure things didn’t get worse.” She also stated that, “mats and helmets should be used if they can with any sport to help prevent this injury in the first place. Concussions are harmful, long lasting, and can happen at any time irrespective of athletic involvement. As a result, all student athletes should be informed about the risks of concussions and know how to prevent and treat them. In order to minimize the risk of suffering a concussion, there are a few things every athlete should know when playing a sport. The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey (BIANJ), a nonprofit organization created specifically to inform athletes on how they can avoid concussions, lists six ways that players can prevent concussions. These tips should not be taken lightly.
Slam! Football players go in f0r the tackle.
PHoto source: palm beach post
Tips for preventing concussions: 1. Make sure that you always play by the rules.
2. Wear the appropriate equipment for
your sport and wear it properly. Always close a chin strap if your sport requires a helmet; many concussions occur during practice.
3. Examine the playing field for any uneven areas.
4. Make sure that end posts are padded sufficiently.
5. Practice good sportsmanship. Teaching good sportsmanship is part of good coaching and good parenting minimizing aggression on the field.
6. Learn and use proper technique for your sport.
Suncoast Theatre Presents
The Songs of Leiber and Stoller Directed by Stephanie Nixdorf Choreographed by Garry Q. Lewis
November 10th and 11th, 7:00pm November 12th, 2:00pm Suncoast High School Auditorium 1717 Avenue S, Riviera Beach, FL 33404 Tickets $10.00/Students $15.00/Adults 24 october 2017 Call 561-882-3427 or Buy at the Door