Suncoast Community High School
Volume 21 Issue 2 | december 2017
recognition The story behind the uniform 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
art on display battle of the books
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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back in the shadows behind the scenes
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no uterus, no say domestic terrorism
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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Art on display For the last two years, art students have been working on completing the athlete murals in the gym hallway and they are expected to be finished soon. By Marisa Hart News Editor
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n 2015, a couple of art students started drawing athletes in the gym hallway between the locker rooms and the gymnasium. This project consisted of five different murals of different athletes ranging from a lacrosse player to a football player. Throughout the last two years several different people have been working on the murals, but now Gabriela Rochelle, Claudia Valdes and other IB art students are working to finish up some of the athletes. This project is expected to be completed in the next couple of weeks. “We started working on the murals sometime around September,” Valdes said. Working on the murals has required a lot of time and hard work to complete them. The artists dedicate a couple hours a week during art class painting the murals. “I’ve helped draw on the athletes faces and even up the skin tone on their legs and arms,” Rochelle said. Though these students working on them now are not the artists who started the murals, they are now completing the unfinished athletes. The project all started when art teacher Monica Sweeney reached out to an organization called Donors Choose,
asking for funding to help the art program purchase more art supplies. “Ms. Mccann had told me that she could get extra sports equipment by going on Donors Choose and so I had to write up a scenario on what would happen if I got paints and how I could better the school. So I sent in pictures of my students’ drawings to show how talented they were, but I didn’t have money for the paint,” Sweeney said. Sweeney was able to receive donation from five donors which allowed for the art students to start working on the murals. “I got $500 in donations which helped fund it. Which was nice because I had to get all new brushes and paint. It was very helpful,” Sweeney said. Finishing the murals has not been a simple task for the artists. “It can be a bit nerve racking at times but acrylic paint is easy to cover up and fix. The hardest part is probably making the differernt skin tones for each individual,” Rochelle said. Though it may be hard work and worrisome at times for Rochelle and Valdes when trying to fix the murals, the artists believe that finishing up these
The basketball player mural was completed with the help of Valdes. Photo by: marisa Hart
The two artists painting the face of the Lacrosse Mural. Photo by: marisa Hart
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paintings has been a rewarding process. “I enjoyed working on the murals because it was a new challenge to face and take on in art,” Valdes said. “I think it’s a relaxing way to end off the day and it’s cool to have your own work permanently on the walls of Suncoast,” Rochelle said. The two artists like being able to express themselves through art in a way that they hope other students will be able to see and get to enjoy when walking through the hallway. “I think the ones that are completed look amazing; it was awesome seeing them transform from what they were to what they are now,” Valdes said. Once the project is done, Sweeney plans to send some pictures of the murals to Donors Choose so that the previous donors can see the finished projects.“I am eventually hoping to get again more money for the mural in the back because it’s expensive, Sweeney said. After that she hopes to receive more funding in order to initiate a new art project such as painting more murals in the outdoor area behind the art room.
“I enjoyed working on the murals because it was a new challenge to face and take on in art” Claudia Valdes
Rochelle and Valdes with the completed Mural that they worked on for the last couple of weeks. Photo By: Marisa Hart
december 2017
BONJOUR L’ÉTUDIANTS DE FRANCE
French students ARE Crossing the ATLANTIC TO JOIN US AT SUNCOAST. By Keelie Hanley Staff Writer
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ring out the welcome banners, French students are coming to Suncoast. Walking through the halls on March 5 through the 19 will be exchange students from Le Caousou, a private school in Toulouse, France, escorted by their host student as they go through an ordinary American high school day. This exchange has been active for many years, usually hosted by Dwyer High School, but this year Suncoast has the opportunity to experience the cultural diversity that comes with the exchange. “I think this is a good opportunity because it allows us to get a better understanding of each other and our individual cultures. It will also allow us to learn how to interact with people of other cultures as we will have to work with a variety of people in the future,” junior Vanessa Scott said. Suncoast students will be hosting the exchange students in their home, and the host families will provide transportation, provisions and weekend activities, such as going to the beach. Avid interaction is needed in order for the exchange student to fully immerse themselves in the English language. This also benefits the host student because the exchange student would provide a plethora of knowledge pertaining to the French language which would help advance the students of Caron Morton and Silvia Demarchi’s French class.
“I wanted to give a kid the opportunity to immerse themselves in American culture and learn the language from a new perspective, other than in a classroom. I also think it would help me improve my french because I will be having a study buddy with me for two weeks,” junior Emily Andrade said. From June 3 to June 13, the students
abroad there for college, so I think this will give me a better understanding of both the language and the people,” Scott said. A reason why this exchange is considered beneficial is because the exchange of students coincides quite nicely with the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate program, by promoting open-mindedness to culture and to life in general, creating a balance in student life. It also promotes communication to occur between students in a language oriented environment. “I think this will impact me because seeing the kid view the difference of America and France for himself and when I do that for myself, I think it will open me up as a person and give me the ability to evolve as a person,” Andrade said. Millions of people visit France every year due to their lead in fashion and culinary industries, as well as art galleries and architecture. It is one of the most visited country in the world due to those traits, and the cities are crowded with tourists: however, the students of Suncoast will not be going as tourists, but as junior scholars diving into french culture and language, which makes all of the difference pertaining to experience. This is the same experience Suncoast will be offering the students of Le Caousou and this exchange will give both parties involved an opportunity they are sure to never forget.
“I wanted to give a kid the opportunity to immerse themselves in American culture and learn... from a new perspective...it would help me improve my french.” - Emily Andrade who decided to take in a French student will go to France themselves and stay in the home of their previous ward in Toulouse, France. Then, they are able to immerse themselves in the language and culture of the country. The same courtesies will be provided as was given to the original exchange student as well as day trips to Carcassonne and the Pyrenees mountains. The trip will cost around $1500 to $2000 for airfare and personal expenses. “I would like to get to know the people of France and the lifestyle they are accustomed to, and I would like to gain a knowledge of French society because I want to study
suncoast high school | shsthelegend.com
news 5
The Battle of The Books
This competiton is for all students in grades three through twelve.
By Yashna Chowdhury Staff Writer
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t is that time of the year, readers: the Battle of the Books is back in action. Media specialist Amy Armbruster said, “As far as I know, for the past three years I’ve been here we haven’t had a team participate in The Battle of the Books.” This year, Armbruster is sure to have a team represent the school. This program is for students who read for pleasure and love to “battle” against other students. Meetings are held on Fridays during lunch in the media center. During the meeting, teams discuss the books they have read and are given practice problems to prepare for the online qualification test in January. The online qualification test consists of two hundred fifty questions with only twenty minutes to answer each question. The goal is to get as many answers right as possible. This test is to see which teams will move on to The Grand Battle which takes place in February. Whoever wins first place according to their grade level will get a trophy for their school and certificates for the team. Some strategies that Armbruster suggested was to treat the books like “babies” and read the books that interest the reader the most. For example, “if you like fantasy, then adopt the fantasy baby.” It is recommended that team members each read a fair amount of books from the list and have a discussion about each one. There are a total of fifteen books that are all of diverse genres like science fiction, realistic fiction. and romance. One reason why Armbruster enjoys having the meetings is because it can allow the students to possibly cross
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in the LIBRARY, THE STUDENTS PARTCIPATING IN THE BATTLE OF THE BOOKS ARE INCLUDED ON THE BOARD with their names written on stars. photo by Yashna Chowdhury a boundary with genres and go past their comfort zone. The books are all age and level of comprehension appropriate. A new list of books are chosen every year for the Sunshine State Books and the Florida Teen Books. Elementary and middle school students read the selected Sunshine State Books for that year and high school students read the Florida teen books. The Battle of the Books is open to all students in grades three through twelve to read books and compete with other students.
FROM UNDECIDED TO UNDERGRAD
Travel the world
suncoast students are traveling to different places accross the globe. By Conner Dickman Staff Writer
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ver this Spring Break, three teachers are traveling to different places they will visit. After London, the group will visit the places. Kara Macsuga, an AP World History teacher, is beaches of Normandy and learn about D-Day. Strickland wants traveling to Peru, and Kristy Strickland and Gavin Seidel her students to, “First hand get to see what so many of the soldiers are visiting Europe. David Traill is also visiting Europe, but he experienced on that day.” Their final stop brings them to Paris, where they will visit a perfume factory. planned a trip that visits different This will bring outside knowledge to places and sites. all IB students who will be reading the Mrs. Macsuga, an AP World novel Perfume. However, this trip is History teacher, and her students not reserved for only IB students - all are taking a trip to Peru. Their students are welcomed. The deadline voyage will begin in the capital of to join the trip is quickly approaching, Peru, Lima. Here, the group will and it costs around $3,800. visit the Government Palace, the Mr. Traill, a history teacher at our Archbishop’s Palace, and the Lima school, is planning a trip to Europe. Cathedral. After visiting Lima, they His trip begins in Paris, France, will travel to Cuzco. In Cuzco, the where he and his students will see group will see many sites, including the trenches from World War I first the Sacred Valley and the Machu hand. Traill explained how this will Picchu. Along with viewing the allow his history students to further architecture, students will enjoy a understand WWI, “It’ll make it very very diverse cuisine. Through this students who travel to peru will visit the machu picchu. trip, Mrs. Macsuga wants her students to learn to appreciate the real what was going on.” Following Paris, the travelers will visit culture of different nations, “It’s the appreciation of cultures and Strasbourg, which is also located in France, where they will see the mixing of cultures that I really want students to grasp on.” several historical landmarks. One of these landmarks is where The trip costs around $3,300 until November 26; this is not the the Allies accepted the Third Reich’s surrender, the Museum of the Surrender. Although the group plans to visit many historical deadline, but the price increases after this date. Mrs. Strickland and Mr. Seidel are traveling to Europe. Their sights, the trip involves many fun activities too. The travelers journey begins in London, where they will visit many historical will have the opportunity to enjoy a free day in Paris. The last and literature-related sites. The Globe Theatre, Churchill’s War opportunity for any student to join this trip is in January, and Rooms, and the Tower of London are just a few of the countless the trip costs approximately $3,500. Photo By Kara macsuga
AirAsia scare Airasia staff accused of screaming while the plane plummeted 20,000 feet. By Adrianna Estrada Staff Writer
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“Hearing about this story made me realize how scary it can assengers aboard AirAsia flight QZ535, heading from Perth to Bali on Sunday Oct. 15, suddenly became panicked after be while being on an airplane, how the staff was acting made the staff started screaming as they rapidly plummeted everything ten times worse,” said Suncoast student Christian Cabeza. This affects Suncoast students if they want to go on 20,000 feet from the air. any school trips that travel out of According to CNN, an apparent the country. Every year different pressurization issue in the cabin Suncoast teachers host out-offorced a cabin crew member to shout country trips that are available to “passengers, get down, passengers, all students who want to go. “The get down” as heard in several videos actions of the staff on the plane from the passengers aboard the only make passengers not want to plane. Oxygen masks were quickly fly with them anymore,” Cabeza deployed as a safety precaution, this added. is part of the safety routine in case AirAsia did not comment on of an emergency. the allegations against the staff “They went hysterical. There that were allegedly screaming. was no real panic before that. Then One of AirAsia’s planes taking off from the runway. Photo Source: politico.com According to Captain Ling Liong everyone panicked,” said Mark Bailey, a passenger on the flight, in an interview with CNN. The Tien, AirAsia Group’s head of safety, the company is “fully committed” to the safety of all passengers. actions of the staff was what caused the passengers to panic. This is not the first time AirAsia staff have caused a Many of the passengers were outraged, because they looked up to the staff for reassurance, but allegedly did not get any. disturbance on their planes. The company has been accused of “Now, I get it, but we looked to them for reassurance and we similar actions by their staff. In June, a pilot urged passengers didn’t get any, we were more worried because of how panicked to start praying because there were some technical difficulties on the plane, that may have cost them their life. they were,” passenger Clare Askew told NBC News.
suncoast high school | shsthelegend.com
news 7
BACK IN THE SHADOWS
A SUNCOAST DACA STUDENT SPEAKS OUT ABOUT THE REALITIES OF BEING ILLEGAL. by Dayalis Zamora FEATURE EDITOR
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he average American teenager’s major concerns at this age are getting through high school, worrying about applying to colleges, and maintaining the relationships they are building with friends, family, peers, and teachers. For approximately one million people of the teenage population in America, however, their days are filled with a heavy anxiety, an everlasting nervousness at what their newfound home has in store for them. They are the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students news networks have reported on; the people quietly roaming the same hallways as American citizens. They are the hopeful undocumented immigrants who came to the United States with their parents, wishing for a better life. A large number of them came at a young age, and for almost all of the DACA students, the United States is the only home they have ever known. Undocumented students live under a veil of secrecy. The journey of Suncoast’s DACA students is that of dreams, hard work, and determination, but also of the constant fear that this opportunity for which they have been called Dreamers will be taken from them. Junior Andrea Gonzalez* is one of these students. She shared the benefits she receives from the DACA program, and her fears about being an undocumented student living durang an administration that is hostile to those who are called illegal immigrants. Gonzalez explained, “DACA is basically the rent I pay every two years to be allowed to stay in the country. I don’t get any full ride or whatever lie has been spread. I get protection from deportation and my worker’s permit. The benefit is I can now work and receive a check instead of cash thanks to the permit. In order to be granted DACA status, I must continue my education and I can’t be involved in any illicit activities or anything. I can file for my taxes and stuff since it provides me with a number.” As an undocumented immigrant who came here when she was very little, Gonzalez expressed her fears of going back to a country she knows little to nothing about, saying, “As much as I may praise my home country, it does have its faults. To go back would be unimaginable. I’d be the gringa with an accent that would need to adjust to being put back in the cage I had escaped from 11 years ago. Over a decade ago I left my home, and it’s been over six years since I’ve seen my family. My cousins don’t remember me and my aunts and uncles have grey hairs now.” The same is true for many of the immigrants who are receiving DACA benefits. Because they arrived to the United States at a formative age, their whole lives are based in the United States. All of the opportunities that their parents saw in the Land of the Free are
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the same opportunities to which they now wish to be exposed. When the Trump administration declared in September that it would go against its campaign promise of not touching the DACA program, American society exploded into jubilation by supporters and anger by the critics of the decision, but to those who would be most affected by the decision, it is recalled as one of the most tormenting moments of their lives. Gonzalez recounted, “My family has been avoiding talking about the subject. The day it happened, we cried. The last time I had seen my mom cry was when her job took up so much time that she barely saw my grandma when she visited. My mom is the strongest human being I know. To have seen her cry broke something inside me: the hope I had that they would do the right thing and understand that we aren’t here trying to steal anything or take over the country. We are looking for a more permanent solution, but there are so many obstacles set in the way of immigration, especially for Mexicans, that it seems impossible at times.” Although President Trump has declared that his administration will be seeking to end DACA, he has given Congress six months to be able to provide America with a more stable solution to the Dreamer issue. For months, student activists have taken to the streets to advocate for a clean DACA bill, one that would guarantee protection from deportation to those who have made America their adopted country, the students who dream a dream. Since the announcement, Gonzalez has been living on edge, even more than before President Obama created the DACA bill. Gonzalez mentioned, “It’s been terrifying. We’ve always known about these stories and have heard all the tips to make sure your loved ones are safe should they come for you. With the threat of having my protection removed, I’ve become paranoid at any knock or government letter we receive. Not to mention the stories of Dreamers having their DACA removed prematurely in order to deport them for something as simple as a broken tail light.” In the end, dreamers like Andrea Gonzalez are not here to take jobs away from hardworking Americans, nor are they here to increase crime. They are here for the same reasons as the millions of immigrants who have embarked on the quest for the American Dream for generations. Gonzalez finished, “I have freedoms that I never would have experienced if my family had stayed in Mexico. My entire life and future is in this country and it’s terrifying to think that if Congress doesn’t do something, everything I’ve planned and dreamed of will be taken from me. Mexico may be my origins, but the U.S. has slowly become my home -- even if I’m not welcomed.” * Name has been changed.
Farewell, alan Crescas
Alan Crescas will be retiring after 13 memorable years of teachinG in june. by rhekha nadarajah staff writer
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alking into building three one of the first faces you may plans on visiting is Europe. Crescas goes on four cruises a year see is Mr. Crescas standing outside of his door with a big traveling the world, so this is nothing new to him. “I do plan on working somewhere. I do not see myself not smile on his face, cracking jokes as students pass by. His colorful, unique clothing matches his amazing personality that being in the workforce. I would like to teach and if I do teach I’ll teach the combined force of AP photography/ 2-D draw.” brightens everyone’s day. “Mr. Crescas is a teacher that genuinely cares for his students, Crescas has always had a passion for teaching and it is something that he will continue to do as long as he not only will he try his best to help you possibly can. succeed, but he will make the learning “Suncoast definitely won’t be the same process a fun time,” senior Victoria without Mr.Crescas. I never had him as a Moore said. teacher, but he was always so welcoming Alan Crescas is the photography to every student that entered his room. teacher here at Suncoast. He has been Every morning I like to pass by his room teaching photography for 13 years and and see him greeting all the students as has been at Suncoast for 12. Crescas is they pass by and cracking corny jokes one of the most popular teachers among like ‘your shoes are on the floor’ or ‘uh the students here at Suncoast. He gets oh you dropped your pocket,” said senior along with many of his students and is Drin Mahmuti. always making corny jokes. Crescas will be missed by many students In Crescas’ classes he does not only and staff members. teach his students about photography, CLICK CLick Alan crescas poses with his wife. To many students Mr. Crescas was not he also teaches them how to earn money photo by rhekha nadarajah only a teacher but a friend. He welcomed in the photography field. He teaches his students how to create their own resume, business card, and everyone into his room no matter where you came from, your even their own website where customers can purchase students’ reputation, or what you looked like. Mr. Crescas made the photos. After over a decade of working at Suncoast it is finally effort to get to know every single one of his students because he thought it is very important that he had a relationship with time for Mr.Crescas to retire. Crescas is planning on retiring June 1, 2018. During his every student he had. Crescas has brought so much to Suncoast retirement he plans on traveling the world. The first place he and he will always be remembered by the staff and his students.
Welcoming Amy mceachran-todd meet suncoast’s new assistant principal. By Adrianna Estrada Staff Writer
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my Mceachran-Todd is Suncoast’s new assistant principal. while, because she already loves the school so much. She has Born in Miami, Florida Mceachran-Todd has been working enjoyed her time at Suncoast greatly so far. Her desire to meet all the teachers and students only grows as time passes. in the education world for years. Suncoast students have a liking Mceachran-Todd has taught in a for her, too. “At first I didn’t know variety of different schools. “I was she was new. I asked her for some an assistant principal at Bak Middle assistance and she helped me as if she School of the Arts and Boynton was here for years,” freshman Kelsea Beach Community High School,” Frederick said. “She’s very friendly Mceachran-Todd said. and is overall a really great person”. She did not start off as a assistant Teaching is not the only thing she principal though. Mceachran-Todd likes to do. Mceachran-Todd also likes has also been a teacher and a reading to read, run and go to the beach. She coach. Helping students learn and has a new joy of hiking mountains love school is what makes her happy. in Colorado. Mceachran-Todd is “I’m anxious to get to know the definitely a enthusiastic educator that Suncoast students,” Mceachran-Todd loves her job and most of all, loves said. She anticipates meeting with all Suncoast and someone you can talk to of her students as soon as possible. Mceachran-Todd is working in her office about any topic. This is her first year at Suncoast, photo by adrianna estrada Mceachran-Todd’s goal is to make and she is extremely excited to talk with as many students as possible and have a good bond with students enjoy their time at Suncoast, while enjoying her time the students. “Suncoast is an amazing place because of the at Suncoast as well. She is a role model for everyone who attends or works at Suncoast. The love the students and staff show her students,” she said. Mceachran-Todd plans on staying at Suncoast for quite a grows everyday as she meets all them.
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features 9
CARDS AGAINST SICKNESS
STUDENTS BRING JOY TO KIDS STAYING IN HOSPITALS BY MAKING HOMEMADE CARDS. BY MEGAN MENDOZA STAFF WRITER
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eing in the hospital can be a very rough time, especially when making cards to go to children staying at the Bethesda Hospital the patient is a child. Thousands of hospitalized kids are in Boynton Beach, where the pre-med club volunteers. These stuck in the same old boring room daily where there are very collaborations will allow several different clubs to broaden their few ways to entertain themselves or lighten the mood. Senior horizons and in turn make a greater impact on their community. Not only is volunteering Velqui Perez decided to beneficial to these kids, combat this predicament by but volunteers can get creating a club that makes community service hours by homemade cards for kids in lending a hand in the club. hospital beds. “IB students can get “I was inspired by the Creative CAS that many nonprofit organization students struggle to get Cards for Hospitalized Kids and Service CAS hours by in which I saw a girl our own making cards,” said Perez. age send thousands of cards By showing and making to these kids. I thought it these cards for kids, was something I could do students are able to get CAS, and leave a good impact,” VPS and regular community said Perez. service hours. People can Perez jump-started the benefit from simply making Kardz for Kidz club this cards and putting a smile on school year. The main goal children’s faces. for the club is to meet every “I think making week and create multiple homemade cards for these cards for kids throughout kids is like a triple threat the United States. Kards for LenDING A HELPING HAND. KARDZ FOR KIDZ MEMBERS SPEND THEIR LUNCH TIME MAKING HOLIDAY THEMED Kids plans on sending out CARDS FOR HOSPITALIZED KIDS. PHOTO BY MEGAN MENDOZA because you spend time with friends, do good for the cards throughout the year. Along with sending out general cards, the club is planning to community and get hours from it,” said Perez. So far, the Cards for Hospitalized Kids organization was able host events on holidays such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter to create and send out holiday-themed cards. Making to make and send out over 100,000 homemade cards to kids in over 40 cards is the goal for the upcoming holiday season. The hospital beds throughout the United States. The Kardz for Kidz themed cards are intended to lift up the childrens’ spirits and club at Suncoast will allow these numbers to increase, spreading make them smile during their favorite holidays. Kardz for Kidz joy to many hospitalized kids nationally. “I’m proud that a regular high school student like me can have also has many plans to collaborate with other various Suncoast a powerful impact clubs this school year. of making a “We also will be making cards for Shoes kid smile,” to Fill, an organization said Perez. where they In order make shoe to devote boxes filled more time to with essential making these supplies for homemade everyday life cards, the for homeless Kardz for Kidz kids, and our club meets very own preweekly. The med club,” said meetings are Perez. held every With the help Monday during up Shoes to Fill lunch in Brett club members, Stubbs’s room Kardz for Kidz (3-217) so be will be making sure to stop numerous cards by and make a that will go into difference! the care packages made by Shoes to GRAPHICS BY MEGAN Fill. As for the preMENDOZA med club, Kardz for Kidz will be
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december 2017
strand enthusiasts CLUB
A new club devoted to educating young people on THE BEAUTY OF Natural Hair. by Kenjela mullings staff writer
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air can be a major setback for students in the morning, night time, or just in general. A lot of questions arise regarding hair type, color, and length. Many people wonder why they may have curly hair, straight hair, kinky hair, short hair, or long hair. Others might question why some people do not have to moisturize their hair as frequently, but others do? Often, one may look up videos, blogs, or forums to have their question answered or become knowledgeable regarding these concepts, but in reality it is simply complicated to comprehend. What may work for one person may not work for the other. Therefore, in response to many of these inquiries, three seniors, Emmy Esquerre, Jocelyn Miles, and Teirra Tysinger decided to join together and create a club that educated young people on the science behind hair, washing, styling and overall rocking natural hair. Their strong belief in educating youth on hair stemmed from past experiences and interests. They wanted to start this club to address some of the confusions and curiosities young people may have regarding their own natural hair.“One day, all the members were in technical theatre and we were talking about the struggles of having textured hair. We decided it would be good for us to establish a space at the school where women and men can talk about the problems they have regarding their hair.” Jocelyn Miles shared. With their ideas at full swing, their underlying purpose became prevalent after great thought and discussion. “Our purpose is to encourage self-confidence and a positive self image in young women and men. We are trying to help members establish good self-care practices by talking hair health and how to properly style hair. It is also important for us to help members express their creativity through their hair.” Emmy Esquerre shares. During the last two meetings, members discussed various Pre-Poo and Deep Conditioning
treatments/ products that could be used when pre-washing and washing hair. Using a L.O.C method is a great concept in order to lock moisture in the hair and retain a stable length. The enthusiasts also did a group discussion on the products everyone uses and how it works on their hair. The little discussions and demonstrations are becoming favored among many students who appreciate the club and the opportunities it offers. ”I think it’s a cool club because I get to learn new things about hair that I didn’t know before, like in order for my hair to grow and retain length, I need to add more moisture to it.” sophomore Samirah Abellard shares. “I love this club! It’s nice to finally have a club that caters to my hair type and texture...” exclaims Sophomore Kayla Labranche. “ Strand Enthusiasts is an amazing club to fit into, when hair types differ. I am blessed to be in a club with wonderful women that I can socialize with and also learn a lot from. I have learned the different ways in which to keep my hair moist and the certain products and techniques that help me retain length,” junior Rataizha Gardner emphasizes. Currently, Strand Enthusiasts meet every Thursday in Mrs. Coates room (3-303). While educating and expressing creativity are two main focuses for the club, they also plan to host events and do community service in the future. Overall, Strand Enthusiasts is a beneficial club for the young people and by the young people, offering opportunities for anyone. One thing the club officers want everyone to know is that Strand Enthusiasts, “...is an open environment and everyone with hair problems are welcomed,” senior Teirra Tysinger. DRAWiNG BY: KENJELA MULLINGS
“Feel Good Look Good”
suncoast high school | shsthelegend.com
features 11
i h Be
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chantres smith’s work goes beyond the typical role of a school resource officer.
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ars pull up. The infamous morning drop-off line forms. Students wait outside. The gates open. Chantres Smith is there to usher in a new school day. Smith is Suncoast’s school resource officer (SRO), more commonly referred to as the school police. “My job is more than just being an officer,” she said. “Sometimes I’m in the capacity as a counselor, mentor, coach, or motivator for all of the students.” According to the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), a school resource officer is a certified law enforcement officer that works with schools to provide a safe learning environment for students and resolve any personal issues that may arise. “I didn’t realize coming into the school police department the impact I would have on students, even in my first year,” Smith said. Fostering a sense of community and support within the school is an important part of Smith’s role. “I want to make a difference. One thing I have learned is that you never know the impact you’ll make on someone just by saying ‘hello’ and ‘good morning’ and giving a friendly smile,” she added. And Smith has clearly made a
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by Austin lent editor-in-chief difference on the students with whom she has been able to interact. “As a parent figure, I realized that each student has his/her own situation - peer pressure, something at home, academics, conduct. What happens prior to school at home impacts their day. Some students are open to sharing personal information with me, and my door is always open. ” Smith is heavily involved with ensuring that all students are capable of reaching their fullest potential, especially when she worked at an alternative education shool and Howell L. Watkins Middle School where she started a book club for students whose reading abilities were “almost at proficiency but not quite.” “My favorite memory is the book club I had with students who struggled with reading. For some, financial restraints meant they couldn’t pay for books,” she recalled. “Basically what I did was [incorporate] reading counts points for the students. I could then monitor if they were actually reading. That was the purpose of the book club - to have an impact on the students.” Smith’s goal is to be able to create a lasting impression. One time, she even gave a bicicyle to a student who was unable to afford one. Another student had difficulties communicating with his mother, so she donated a laptop with a webcam. “I like to do things from the heart. I like to reach out to students and their families,” Smith said. Outside of the school setting, Smith is involved in her community as well. “I work on and off with Sister of Esther, a mentoring program to help build self esteem, confidence, skills/ ability, good decision-making, leadership, problem solving, positive peer relationship, academics, selfrespect, and a sense of community,” Smith said. Smith also participates in the annual Shop with a Cop event where children in Belle Glade received a
I want to make a difference. One thing I have learned is that you never know the impact you’ll make on someone just by saying ‘hello’ and ‘good morning’ or giving a smile.
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december 2017
I try to do things from the heart. gift card to shop at Walmart with a school resource officer. “We all rode school buses over there, ate breakfast together and took pictures. That was an awesome experience. Those kids were so happy,” she said. Her work, however, is not always easy. Some people associate school resource officers with traditional law enforcement, embodying a negative reputation. “Depending on the environment, some communities don’t have a positive [view] of law enforcement; I like the challenge. I try to be different from what they have experienced,” Smith added. “One common misconception is that within the school district, sometimes people think that because officers have a gun, they can do anything and that’s not true. It is not always a negative encounter that [we] have with people” Despite the challenges, Smith is grateful for her career so far. “I try to help, but I’m not perfect,” Smith said. “I have had a couple of bumps down the road, but it is worth it. The positive experiences always outweigh the negative.”
Qa Q: What is one thing that you want people to know about you? A: I definitely believe in paying it forward. I like to reach out and help - find resources for those in need and give back to the community around me.
suncoast high school | shsthelegend.com
Q: What is your favorite part of your job? A: The best part in the high school setting is seeing freshmen students transform into young adults when they graduate as seniors. Q: What do you like the most about working at suncoast? A: I liked the warm welcoming I received from the students. I am now officially a charger! Q: What was it like working at an alternative education school? A: The alternative education setting was different. It took some time to build rapport with the students. When they needed to cool off, they could sit with me and talk.
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No Uterus, No Say Birth Control Should Not Be In The Hands Of the government. By Jahnaezha McFadden Opinions Editor
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s of Oct. 6, the Trump administration revoked the previously instated Obamacare contraceptive mandate. This mandate was a government regulation that required health insurers and or employers that provide health insurance for their employees to cover some contraceptive cost. The rollback of the contraceptive mandate allows employers and health insurers to claim religious and moral objection and they will no longer be required to cover contraceptive cost. Before religious charities and business would have to sign a form stating they did not want to pay, but this typically ended in someone else stepping in to cover the cost, as stated by The Washington Times. According to the executive order, once employers invoke their good-faith objection to covering these cost, they are only required to inform their employees of the changes. This revocation puts the hundreds of thousands of women who depended on this mandate in situations where they can no longer afford birth control. “This administration’s contempt for women reaches a new low with this appalling decision to enable employers and health plans to deny women basic coverage for contraception,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. Lawsuits have been filed over the issue and people have protested over the discrimination of this new executive order. The Trump Administration claimed that it is protecting religious freedoms by enacting this executive order and is attempting to close the past five years of litigation, but the executive order has only opened the White House to more lawsuits than before. Their whole argument is completely based on the fact that they want to protect themselves from future litigations while also fixing past litigations, but this argument becomes void when new litigations are brought about from this new executive order. Research done by The NY Times also stated that they claim that the use of certain contraceptive methods can be associated with certain health risks and can promote “risky sexual behavior” in adolescents and young adults. According to NY Times, this statement was also refuted by Dr. Haywood L. Brown, the president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, stating contraceptives are beneficial to women’s
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health and promote safe sex. Trump claimed he wanted to protect businesses from being “bullied” for their religious belief, but the question is whether they were truly being bullied in the first place, and if those were his true intentions behind the executive order. Throughout Trump’s campaign, he continuously made misogynistic comments, leading to questions emerging on whether his motives are truly pure. The Trump administration is mostly male dominated and they have consistently made decisions that have largely impacted women. Now women are paying the price for it. “It is highly unfair that men are making the decisions that effect women without even the slightest understanding on what we go through,” said junior Yanique Spencer. They claim the contraceptive mandate did more harm than good, but that is not true for women. Birth control is used to regulate periods, alleviate menstrual pains, to treat chronic acne and to help prevent unwanted pregnancies. The contraceptive mandate was highly beneficial to many women and now they are being forced to pay for birth control, which they might not be able to afford, which may lead to many unwanted pregnancies. Not only is Trump overriding the contraceptive mandate, but he is allowing for Viagra to continue to be covered by insurance. This further cemented the fact that his intentions behind the executive order were not pure and highly sexist. Trump rids insurance coverage for what can be seen as an essential for women, but allows for Viagra to continue to be insured. According to CBS News, the U.S Department of Defense spent $41.6 million on Viagra. The government is willing to pay millions for a drug that is mainly used for erectile dysfunction but not something as fundamental as birth control is ridiculous. The issue over this executive order is not just the order itself, but it is also what it could mean. There is no telling if Trump will stop at this mandate or whether there will be more in the future. This may leave women all over the United States in a state of worry over if their rights will protected and if they can feel safe in the place that they call their home.
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Protests across the nation have arisen to in support of planned parenthood.
december 2017
Defining domestic terrorism The Las Vegas shooting has raised questions regarding “domestic terrorism.” By Maria Fahmy Business Manager
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here have been almost as many mass shootings as days in 2017. People are dying everyday and instead of drafting new laws or increasing security, the government is debating over a definition. Since the events of Sept 11, 2001, people have become far more aware of global terrorism, as the government has been working explicitly to completely diminish terrorism and terrorist groups. The Patriot Act was signed by President Bush in October 2001, and with it the fight against terrorism started. In 2017 alone, there have been about 273 mass shootings, including the Las Vegas shooting where at least 58 people died, and 515 people were injured after a gunman opened fire on concert goers from a hotel room. In addition, there was the Texas Church shooting, where at least 26 people including children died and 20 severely injured by the gunman who opened fire on a small Church in Sutherland Spring, Texas. This sparked the debate over “domestic terrorism” and what it really means. The Patriot Act defines terrorism as actions that “intimidate or coerce
a civilian population; to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping.” Although to many, it is clear that these shooting are in fact domestic terrorism, politicians have been taking the Patriot Act apart looking for a precise definition of “domestic terrorism.” As the Las Vegas shooter’s motives for his horrific act are not apparent, the authorities are not able to declare his acts as terrorism. Even though the shooter might not have shot the people just to cause fear or “intimidate a civilian population,” that is exactly what happened. Every one of the 273 mass shooting that have happened, have caused widespread panic and fear among the American people, which definitely fits the definition of terrorism. Authorities believe that the reason for the Texas shooting was in fact a domestic dispute, and that is why it is not called terrorism. But the fact is, this man opened fire in a place of worship causing children and adults to die and creating terror within people everywhere.
In New York, when a man with a pick up truck killed eight people it is labeled as terrorism. Timothy McVeigh who killed 168 people and injured over 680 people with a bomb, the San Bernardino shooting where 14 people died and 22 were injured and the Orlando shooting where 49 people died and 58 people were injured were all labeled terrorism. Yet the Texas and Las Vegas shooting were not, for reasons that are meaningless. One of the reasons why this debate has not been resolved, is the fact that there is not a federal criminal charge for “domestic terrorism,” when the terrorist is not acting on behalf any of the known and established terrorist groups. This is quite ludicrous, as we are fighting wars because of terrorism and yet do not have federal chargers protecting our own people from domestic terrorism. Whether or not this debate is resolved soon, the facts remain that these events are a constant cause of fear and sadness in the country and they should have full attention from the government instead of a meaningless and insignificant debate over semantics. photo source: wikipedia
#ME TOO #ME TOO #ME TOO #ME TOO #ME TOO SEXUAL ASSAULT AMONG WOMEN HAPPENS TOO OFTEN, YET TOO OFTEN IS UNNOTICED. BY KAIDEN BUSCEMI STAFF WRITER
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n the 21st Century women have just as many rights as men do. They can vote, work, hold political office and walk the streets just as freely as any man can, though they may not always be treated the same or given the respect they deserve. A problem that has been facing women since the beginning of time has resubmerged among social media, and this time it is beginning to gain the attention it deserves. Statistically, sexual assault is something that most women will outbreak is due to the whirlwind of controversy surrounding the recent Harvey Weinstein assault cases. experience in their lives, and the issue According to money.cnn.com, over 40 is frightening. According to RAINN, 1 women have come forth and confessed in 6 American women has been subject having been sexually assaulted or to some kind of sexual violence. It is harassed by the famous American something that happens every day, and film producer. As co-producer of the women are either too scared to admit American entertainment company that they have been sexually assaulted Miramax, responsible for the production or scared that no one will listen to of countless films and television shows, them. The matter deserves more Weinstein is a very influential man, and recognition, and through the use of there is often a gray area when it comes social media women now have a voice. to sexual assault in the entertainment By tweeting the simple phrase “me business. The careers of actresses may too” on their social status, women have be jeopardized if they speak against been able to connect with others and employers and Hollywood power figures. “I’ve show sexual assault’s enormity across the globe. From been raped, I’ve been sexually abused as a child an early age, girls are exposed to sexual harassment, and I’ve been fired because I wouldn’t sleep with and because the issue happens so often, women have my boss,” Fonda said. “I always thought it was become used to it throughout their entire my fault; that I didn’t do or say the right thing.” lives. Age makes no difference when it comes actress Jane Fonda explains in an article written by to the sexualization of women. Simply put, Ranker. This goes to show that there is an existing the stories of sexual assault are sickening. corruption in Hollywood, and that the power and Whether the assault is as serious as rape or fame is wrongfully used against hard working women presents itself as an aggravating catcall across by those who are determined to get what they want. the street, the boundless issue does not cease Women cannot be tossed aside and abused by men to happen. with titles and reputations to protect. The Perhaps the worst part about it all is that talent women bring to the table regarding sexual assault is too often ignored and swept their success in acting and entertainment under the rug. Being sexully harrassed makes is being ignored, and they are being women feel ashamed, as if it was their fault, disrespected. The truth is, no matter who you and leave them with the feeling of being are, sexual violence is inexcusable, and everyone violated and helpless. You never know who has should have the freedom of reporting it. been the subject of sexual violence, from the According to Vogue, actresses such as Kate girl that sits next to you on the bus to famous Beckinsale, Claire Forlani, Lady Gaga, Gwyneth Paltrow, celebrity Oprah Winfrey, it is something that Cara Delevingne and Evan Rachel Wood have either laid can be very hard for women to talk about. It claims against Harvey Weinstein or have harnessed the makes them feel like there is no one to turn to, power of social media are just a handful of the women who and their voice is not being heard. Though in have all helped to promote the awareness of sexual assault this case it is exactly the opposite. Tweeting and its occurrences at a daily rate. Harvey has denied any “me too” has allowed the matter to surface, claims of sexual violence and says that he has not punished and it is spreading faster than ever. With any women for their refusals. Actress Alyssa Milano has the help of celebrities, the tweet has helped as well, posting the tweet: “Suggested by a friend: “If become even more popular and has all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted gained even more momentum. wrote ‘Me too’ as a status, we might give people a sense of the The recent flood of the “me too” magnitude of the problem.” She and hundreds of others have hashtag was originally started in 2006 begun the spread of the “me too” hashtag. by Tarana Burke as a way to help Now, the stories of hundreds of thousands of women can women, typically women of color, be heard. It is unfair that people turn heads and look the to gain awareness of sexual assault. other way when it comes to an issue as serious and common With the retweeting of celebrities as sexual assault. and many others, it has been revived. If you have been sexually assaulted, do not be afraid to Tarana Burke has begun to work on speak up and let someone know. It is much better to get help a documentary exploring more into than to carry a burden and remain silent. Women are strong sexual assault and how to combat the and capable, and together they have begun to stand up for brutality that women face. Her film themselves. The stories of sexual assault among the women is expected to come out in 2018. of the world will not be silenced. Part of its sudden popularity and
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If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote ‘Me too’ as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem. alyssa milano
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december 2017
more than a distraction
students, remember to cover your midriffs because we are Suncoast! by eda kutsal managing editor
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nfortunately, our society is not as progressive or socially accepting as many may think. Of course it would be wrong to expect perfection, but clearly the progressive part is a bit of a stretch when our society can barely handle the sight of a few inches of a girl’s thigh, let alone a measly bra strap. The battle with dress codes have stimulated a lot of controversy in recent years and understandably so. A whole scope of social issues have been discreetly hidden beneath school dress code policies from sexism to racism and they are beginning to make their appearance. The fact of the matter is, students, or more specifically, female students and LGBTQ students, are being punished for the clothes they wear and it has got to stop. It is time to face the facts. Yes, girls have shoulders, thighs, stomachs, and knees just like the rest of the human population. Everyone knows it, so there is no use in trying to hide it. The clothes a person wears does not define their learning capabilities nor does it detract from
anyone else’s learning opportunities. If anything, it clearly shows who a person is if they are, in fact, distracted by a little bra strap or shoulder. Do not misunderstand, there is some standard that needs to be maintained in a learning facility, but what difference does three inches or four inches above the knee make in the grand scheme of things? Rather than policing the clothing students wear, the negative behavior that is directed towards female students should be addressed. “To me it’s about maintaining a professional learning environment and learning to dress for the occasion. I feel like there should be a difference between what we wear at work/school and what we wear during our leisure time,” assistant principal Amy McEachran-Todd said. The fight against dress code is not limited to females, though. According to a recent GLSEN study, 19 percent of LGBTQ students were prevented from wearing clothes that were thought to be from another gender. The number was even higher for transgender students, nearly
32 percent of whom have been prevented from wearing clothes that differed from those designated for their legal sex. In order to combat and overcome the biases and prejudices hidden inside school dress codes, schools must acknowledge that they exist and that something has to change. Take a look at local high school, Dreyfoos, for example. Despite their lenient dress code, they are competing academically with Suncoast in national high school rankings. This goes to show that dress code has little to do with academic performance and that labelling girls or LGBTQ students as a “distraction” and sending them home in an effort to protect and ensure the learning environment of the people around them is nothing but a waste of time. The dress code battle goes far beyond simply hindering a young child’s education, but teaching these kids that they are a burden and a distraction for the body they were born with. Tackling this issue requires both change and acknoledgement that this issue is real.
the power of twitter
Twitter is being used by hate groups to spread their messages faster By Mekela Mosley staff writer
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he social media platform Twitter, is a good medium for keeping in contact with friends and family. While being a fun use for communicating thoughts, it is also a powerful medium for spreading hate speech across to a larger audience. Although Twitter does not have as many users as Instagram or Snapchat, it still claims millions of users each day. Considering that Twitter gains more users each year, that means it is easier for things to spread. More often than not, people are using Twitter to spread messages of hate, which spreads fear across the site. Users retweet things or respond to things that can be deemed as offensive and pass them to their friends.follow pages that tend to tweet these things so they can see what ridiculous things are being tweeted. Many people follow President Trump for the same reason, it’s like a car fire, you just cannot look away. They follow just to see what is said next, which honestly does not help. It just makes the owners of pages that tweet racist, homophobic, and xenophobic things believe that there are more people that support them. It emboldens them and makes them more likely
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to go out in public to continually complain about, gawk at, and bully people who are of different races, ethnicities, and religions. This small population goes on to create problems among the general population. Tiwitter allows for the organization of theze roups and makes them actually start to make them band together to protest and support each other. Why ,in this day and age, are they allowed to show such disdain and hate towards a group of people beacuse they are different form them. It is 2017 and our society has gotten no better at shaming these people than back in the 40s and 50s. In order to solve this problem, we should not continue to regularly check these peoples pages as if it is some sort of spectacle. They would just continue on living their lives, gaining more and more support and more recognition. While continuation is not the answer, neither is ignoring them.Ignoring them would not help solve this, it would honestly just make it worse. So we should instead try to band together in solidarity to try and stop this from continuing. photo source: wikipedia
opinion 17
fenty beauty by rihanna With a desire to create an inclusive makeup brand, Rihanna made fenty beauty. By Monica Kramer Lifestyle Editor
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elebrity makeup lines have been all the rage for many years; however, they have recently become increasingly popular. From Kylie Jenner’s infamous Lip Kits to Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty line, they have consistently been popular among individuals of all ages. Despite the many celebrity makeup lines that already exist, Rihanna found that something was missing. Rihanna noticed that makeup for all skin tones was something absent from big-name cosmetic stores, including Sephora and Ulta. Inspired to create an all-inclusive makeup line, Rihanna came up with Fenty Beauty. With 40 foundation shades, the overriding factor of inclusivity is prevalent in the makeup line. Before becoming famous, Rihanna was just a young girl from Barbados intrigued by her mother’s lipstick. After experimenting with different types of makeup, it became her weapon of expression. Rihanna launched her own makeup line with the goal of making every women feel included by creating foundation shades that match all types of skin tones. She embraces diversity through the company’s slogan, “for all skin colors, all undertones, from all countries. Foundation in 40 shades, skinsticks in 30 shades, made for you.” The beauty line contains makeup products for all including everything from extremely pale to dark brown shades. Rihanna also focused on developing a minimalistic line by creating products with simplistic packaging. The basic and contemporary designs of the products
provide a different approach than most makeup companies who create over-thetop designs for their merchandise. This, however, did not impede the popularity and success of Fenty Beauty. Rihanna’s beauty products can be found in all Sephora stores around the United States. She prides herself in knowing that her makeup line is not only inclusive, but affordable compared to most high-end makeup companies. The “Pro Filter Soft Matte Longwear Foundation” costs a mere $34, which is extremely affordable compared to other foundations made by Lancome and Laura Mercier, for example, which cost between $40 and $50. Fenty Beauty consists of not only 40 shades of foundation, but a variety of makeup products. Originally, Rihanna released only foundations, lip glosses, highlighters and eyeliners at Sephora stores. Her exclusive holiday collection, Galaxy, consists of stunning multicolored eyeshadow palettes, eye liners, lip sticks and lip glosses. Using social media, Rihanna was able to attract boys and girls of all ages to her makeup products. The stunning pictures featured on Fenty Beauty’s Instagram shows Rihanna and other models wearing the makeup. Other social media accounts have praised Rihanna for her innovative approach to developing a makeup line. With the release of Fenty Beauty, Rihanna introduced a new era of makeup to the beauty industry and many companies are following her desire to create makeup products for all.
photos by monica kramer
Sold Exclusively At photo source: wikimedia
18 lifestyle
december 2017
Volunteering: Making A Difference
Students have the opportunity to chang the world by helping the community BY Garfield Noel Staff writer
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olunteering is a great way to give back to the community. It positively impacts the environment and the people around you. The importance of getting volunteer hours is not just for achieving the required hours for school, but it is for helping others. Helping others can create many benefits for students, such as making new friends and relationships. Giving back to the community not only builds it stronger, but it builds students stronger as people. Many students struggle to find time to get volunteer hours, and some people do not know where to go to get these hours. Students can get volunteer hours in many different ways. They can earn hours from helping others like tutoring or mowing their neighbor’s lawn. Students can even recieve hours from their favorite hobbies: walking dogs, working at an animal shelter, visiting patients at a hospital or even being a score keeper at a basketball game. Your local library or park, like the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach and the Westgate Park and Recreation Center may have volunteer events open to anyone who wants to join. There are always places that need people to help for volunteer work. A great time to earn a lot of hours is during the summer. Even though students might not want to use some of their summer time to do volunteer service, some places that provide hours can be quite fun. Since it is the summer, students can join summer volunteer programs. In these programs, students travel to different continents like Asia or Africa. While the students are on the trip, their project is to help the area that they are
assigned. The projects can include wildcare, teaching english, medical and healthcare, and wildfire. These summer volunteer opportunities are a great way to take advantage of your break. Schools offer students many opportunities to get some hours. There are wide varieties of clubs that students can join which give volunteer hours. These clubs can make a big difference in the community. Not only does schools have clubs that give hours, but there are field trips that students can go on that can give hours. These field trips take students to places like a hospital to cheer up patients and make them smile, or maybe they are taken to a litter filled beach where they pick up trash. Either way students are helping the world become a better place. While students are getting their hours by cleaning or helping someone, they are making the community better. This is a win-win situation. Ask family members, friends, neighbors and teachers for opportunities to get volunteer work. They can give you advice of where and how you can receive these hours. If you ask them, they can either give you volunteer work or suggest someone or someplace that can give you hours for community service. Ultimately, getting volunteer hours not only benefits the community and the people around you, but it helps students. It builds their character and gives them experience that can help students in life. It also opens students eyes on how to make a difference in the world. Photo Source: volunteermatch.org
tIPS ON STARTING A CLUB
if you want to start a club, follow these tips for success. BY mARIANGEL hODGSON sTAFF WriTER
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lubs are a place to learn new things while also meeting new people with the same interest as you, but if there is not currently a club that explores your interest, here are some things that you can do start up your own club. With these tips, you will be able to be successful.
The more people you have sign up for your club, the more likely your club will be able to take off, so encourage your friends to join. Have a sponsor for your club by finding a teacher that is willing to go to every meeting and let you use their room. Make sure they are free during lunch or after school. Starting your own club will look good on your college application, but only do it if you are willing to put up with all the work that comes with being club president.
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Don’t forget to announce when you have a club meeting, which you can do on WRSN as they might be on the same day as other clubs.
Also make sure you have money to do the things you want to do by having people pay dues. $15 to $20 is the best way to go. Make sure to have a good team behind you such as a vice president, secretary, treasurer and historian. This will make the process much easier.
If you need help, ask fellow students that have started clubs, such as Senior Ross Pierre-Louis, who recently started The Haitian Heritage club. He has helpful tips when it comes to people thinking about starting a club and how to not be afraid to just go for it. Now with these tips, if you are ready to go start a club, make sure you are not afraid and are ready to take on the responsibility that comes with being the founder of a club, and don’t forget if you really want to make that club happen ask your friends if they are willing to help you start up the club.
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lifestyle 19
What NOT to Do in the Halls
It may not be in the official rules, but there is unwritten hallway etiquette. By Farzana Talukder Design Editor
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very fellow Suncoast student shares things with one another, whether it be something conceptual like intelligence or tangible like class textbooks passed down from year to year. Though, many students tend to forget that they all share one major thing: the campus. We may not know each other, as we pass people of different grades and programs, but we walk the same stairs and the same hallways. Unfortunately, it seems that people forget there is more than just their friend group in the vicinity, causing a hefty amount of inconveniences in these very hallways and staircases. Here are some behaviors to avoid in the halls.
Suddenly Stopping
Right and left
slowly walking
abrupt turning
The only thing that needs to stop is when people suddenly stop. The hallways and stairwells are fast paced and naturally jampacked. When people decide to stop randomly to talk to a friend, it backs up the whole crowd.
No need for politics in these hallways! Everyone can agree the correct way to walk is on the right. Unless of course, you wish to be trampled by lines of people walking in the opposite direction.
Everyone understands that no one truly wants to attend class. Though, some people have people to see and places to go, and slow walkers are holding them back.
Reaching the end of the stairs is not the best time to decide you want to go back up. Going against stairwell traffic is like walking against rushing water; it does not end well.
Screaming
Public displays of affection
locker party
hallway barricade
Not everyone is able to function so bright and early, especially not with the unnecessarily loud voices. Students see each other everyday, so there is no need to greet friends with a screech. Giggle a little quieter, and try not to be the cause behind everyone’s morning migraine.
Young love is a major portion of the high school experience. That does not necessarily mean students need to ‘smash face’ straight in the middle of the hallways in front of everyone or off to the side of the stairs. It is romantic to few, but disturbing to most.
Lockers belong to one person, or possibly a few others if students want to break the rules. A couple of friends is fine, but having a locker is not an invitation for people to have a miniature club meeting and block off an entire section of lockers.
If friends should not be grouped across lockers, where should they go? The answer is, they should not even exist between classes. Students are unable to walk through the halls if a group of friends is spanned across the halls or in a circular formation; not without getting dirty looks.
The Healthy Life is the Best Life
A healthy living is not just about how you eat, it is about your daily habits. By Katie Gogolishvili Staff Writer
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aving a healthy lifestyle is more than just exercising and eating right, you have to change the way you live on a regular basis. You have to be able to commit to do what is right for your body. A big problem in the United States is obesity, and people are careless about what they consume. Below are many different ways to keep a healthy lifestyle. A major key of keeping a healthy lifestyle is drinking lots of water. A lot of people do not drink enough water throughout the day. Over 60% of our body is made up of water, and you need it to carry out body functions and carry nutrients and oxygen around our body. Drinking lots of water can also help you lose weight. The amount of water you need to drink on a daily basis depends on your age and weight. Drinking lots of water helps you feel good on the inside but also affects you on the outside. You must manage what you eat and let into your body. Eating fruits and vegetables one of the main ways of staying healthy is watching what you are important put into your body. photo source: Pxhere
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for good health, because that is where you find lots of vitamins and minerals. Instead of packing potato chips in your lunchbox for a snack, next time swap it for a bowl of fruit. Little changes like this can impact you in the long run, pick foods that are packed with high protein and fiber. Different types of exercises like swimming, running, gymnastics, tennis and more will help keep your body in shape. It is best to exercise at least three times a week. Exercising helps reduce your risk of cancer, strengthens your bones and muscles, and improves your mental health and mood. Although, exercising too much though can have risks. Ask a trainer or a doctor how much exercise is needed for your body. Doing physical exercise consistently boosts your energy level and it helps your cardiovascular system get nutrients and oxygen to your muscles. Exercise is also known to improve brain function. It increases the blood flow to your brain and helps reduce the risk of cognitive degenerative diseases.Mariana Patron a student that attends Suncoast High School stated “I have to work a little harders on eating healthy and making time to exercises.”Sometimes school and other important things in your life can take up most of your time ,but you need to try your hardest in taking care of your body first. Living healthy is not only about what you eat, because everything adds up. It is important to know what is going into your body and how to keep your body in shape. Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise weekly and drink lots of water. It is better to start now rather than later.
decemeber 2017
In A World of Hurt The U.S. men’s national team has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986. By Alex Levine Copy Editor
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he zenith of world soccer is the World Cup. Every four years, a world champion is crowned, attaining a state of achievement that billions of people hope their nation can one day reach. Yet for most countries at the competition, the glory is not in battling for the trophy, but in participating in the coveted event. As the exuberant citizens of Iceland and Panama cheer on their teams’ first ever appearances in the tournament on a national scale, what was believed to be inevitable for the United States less than two months ago, has permanently slipped out of the national team’s grasp. While nations like Egypt have utilized their strengths to navigate their way through tricky qualification processes, the United States has failed to qualify for the World Cup. Despite being at the bottom of their qualification group, having long been eliminated from World Cup qualification, barely having the numbers to mount a team and playing their B-team players, the United States was outplayed and
knocked out of World Cup qualification by minnows Trinidad and Tobago. It was a scathing result for the men’s national team, and though unexpected to even the most ardent of experts, not unfathomable. The United States has failed to qualify for the last two Olympics, a competition that highlights youth talent, and that has laid bare the fact that there is a Christian Pulisic sized patch covering glaring failures throughout all levels of U.S. soccer. The failure of the U.S. to qualify “Is utterly devastating, unexpected and embarrassing,” according to Mr. Evans, coach of the Suncoast boys soccer team.“Relative to the teams in CONCACAF the U.S has far more resources and a player pool that is at times 10 times larger than the majority of our competitors. This should never happen.” While some lament the failings of the U.S. national team, others see its failure to qualify for the World Cup as a fortuitous surprise. “Bruh, I was so excited,” said senior and Panama national team fan David
Photo Source: wikimedia
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Ochoa. “Last time the U.S. knocked us out of the World Cup, so it is sort of like revenge now. I thought it was really funny, but I’m also really excited.” Though the present may be devoid of success, inklings of a bright future are apparent. Teenage midfielder Christian Pulisic is already playing first team soccer with a Borussia Dortmund squad that is one of the best in Europe. The United States under-17 men’s national team also shows significant promise, under the leadership of stiker Timothy Weah, son of Balon d'or Winner George Weah. The Paris St. Germain forward netted a hat-trick for the United States during its 5-0 rout of Paraguay in the round of 16 during the U-17 World Cup. Overall, the failure of the men’s national team to qualify for the World Cup represents a massive failure against a weak CONCACAF qualification group that exposes deep failures within U.S. soccer. Nevertheless, U.S. fans can have hope that the future will shine brighter than the present.
“I don’t really watch sports that much, but it is always nice to see the U.S. play during the World Cup. It is always so festive and everyone gets so excited, so it is pretty fun. I guess it is pretty disappointing what happened.” Senior Tal Schauder
Photo Source: wikimedia
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more than just an educational goal get a kick out of these colleges that have excelled athletic programs. by Meghan mcglone copy editor
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cademics and educational futures take first priority for many students at Suncoast, but for others, athletics are just as important, if not even more. Additionally, many colleges pride themselves in not only their education, but their amazing sports programs. Such sports have been known to sway students’ decisions on where they pursue their higher education, which is why it is important to consider sports when choosing a college.
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Basketball: “USA Today” also ranked some of the best colleges for basketball in the country, and among them are Duke, University of Kentucky and University of North Carolina. The three schools are Division I for basketball with experienced coaches: John Calipari for University of Kentucky, Mike Krzyzewski for Duke and Roy Williams for UNC. The schools also offer promising undergraduate majors in business, engineering and other big ticket studies.
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Softball: The top three Division I softball colleges are University of Oklahoma, University of Florida and the University of Washington. The Oklahoma Sooners participate in the Big 12 Conference, the Florida Gators play in the Southeastern Conference and the Washington Huskies are members of the Pac-12 Conference. All three schools are also known for their academics, with many majors and minors for their undergraduate students.
Football: According to “USA Today” and “Business Insider”, some of the best football colleges are Ohio State University, University of Alabama and University of Oklahoma. All three schools also offer exemplary educations; Ohio State’s graduation rate is over 80 percent, University of Alabama is ranked number 110 in national universities and University of Oklahoma is ranked number 97 for national universities. In addition, all of these schools are in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. Baseball: The National Collegiate Athletic Association has ranked the top three Division I baseball colleges as follows: University of Florida, Louisiana State University and Oregon State. University of Florida is extremely convenient, as “Forbes” estimates that the instate tuition is around 6,381 dollars. Louisiana State’s SAT range is from 1020 to 1260, while the ACT range is from 23 to 28, making it an achievable school for many. Oregon State’s head baseball coach, Pat Casey, is famous for winning the the 2006 College World Series for his team.
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Cross country: For men’s cross country, Northern Arizona University is ranked number one by the NCAA for all Division I schools, and for women’s cross country, University of Oregon is the number one of all Division I schools. Both of these schools rank high for scenery, with NAU as number 80 in the list of best college locations nationwide, and Oregon as number 34 for best college campuses nationwide, both according to “Niche”.
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Soccer: College Magazine ranks these three colleges among some of the best for Division I and II soccer: University of North Carolina, Messiah College and University of California, San Diego. North Carolina women’s soccer have taken home the NCAA Championship title 21 times, Messiah is ranked the third best college for soccer by World Report and UCSD has seven NCAA Championship wins. Aside from soccer, these colleges range in their setting: UNC has 729 acres with a total of almost 30,000 students, Messiah has 471 acres with an undergraduate enrollment of about 3,000 and UCSD is much larger, with almost 2,000 acres and an undergraduate enrollment of about 30,000.
As for lesser known sports, below is a list of some of the best colleges for bowling, weightlifting, wrestling, hockey and more. According to College Express, the best colleges for weightlifting are: 1. Austin Community College 2. Bridgewater State University 3. Emory University According to USA Today, the best colleges for golf are: 1. Vanderbilt University 2.University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign 3. University of Texas-Austin
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According to USA Today, the best colleges for men’s water polo are: 1. Stanford University 2. University of Southern California 3. University of California-Los Angeles According to the NCAA, the best colleges for bowling are: 1. University of NebraskaLincoln 2.McKendree University 3. Sam Houston State.
According to the NCAA, the best colleges for women’s volleyball are: 1. Penn State 2. University of Minnesota 3. University of Florida
According to the NCAA, the best colleges for wrestling are: 1. Penn State 2. Ohio state 3. Oklahoma State
According to the NCAA, the best colleges for hockey are: 1. St. Cloud State 2. North Dakota 3. University of Denver
december 2017
The STrike Zone THE bowling team strikes again. By Randall scott smith jr Staff Writer
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hile most people are focused on sports like football, baseball, or basketball this fall season, some Suncoast students are focused on a much more unconventional sport: bowling. The bowling team has been practicing and perfecting their skills ever since the beginning of the school year, and now they are at the top of the rankings among their competition against other schools. The bowling season started on Tuesday August 22, 2017 with tryouts at Verdes Tropicana Lanes. The competition for the eight positions was stiff among the boys team. “Fifteen tried out and then eight are actually on the team,” senior Benjamin Friedman said. “I did well that day so I’m on the team,” Friedman said. Some who tried out were afraid that they would not make the team because of the competition. “It was terrifying,” senior Thanh Le said. The girls team was a different story for tryouts. Unlike the boys, who had fifteen people try out, the girls only had eight people try out, which luckily for them, meant that everyone who tried out made the bowling team.
Once the team was determined, the next phase for perfecting their skills was to practice. “I wanted to become the best bowler that this world had ever seen,” Le said. Practices were held every Tuesday at either Verdes Tropicana Lanes or Jupiter Lanes, and all equipment was provided to the players for free. In order to encourage the players to perform better, the boys team created the “Fry Frame.” “We have something called a Fry Frame, where if it’s one frame and everyone gets a strike except for one person, that person who did not get the strike has to buy a large fry for the entire team. That’s why I don’t have any money anymore,” Friedman explained. According to other members of the team, Friedman was a frequent source of french fries for the team. “I actually still owe a Fry Frame but don’t tell them that because we make Ben pay instead,” Le said. The Suncoast bowling team was able to show off their skills from practice when they performed in their various games throughout the season. Games were held on Mondays and Wednesdays at Verdes and Jupiter. Both the boys and girls did extremely well throughout the season. “We are number four out of ten,” Le said about how the Suncoast boys bowling team stacks up against the other teams. “I felt despair when we lost to the team that is currently first place,” Le said. The girls team also did quite well. “We had a winning streak except one, we only lost one game, so we’re number two,” senior Noor Farooq said. The season came to a close at the end of October with the girls team making it all the way to the state championship. photo source: .bowling.com
aThebump in the road volleyball team may not have won regionals, but they remain determined. by daniel torrez staff writer
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t is a regular day for senior Juliette Pouille during her volleyball team practice in the Suncoast High School gymnasium. She steps up to the court and practices with her fellow teammates. With every bump, spike, and pass with the volleyball, every girl is improving their skills in an effort to represent the jerseys they are wearing on their backs. All eyes are on her as she practices, and the friendly competition begins. The sun shines through the gymnasium windows as the team warms up, and so do the dreams of the girl’s volleyball team to win yet another title for Suncoast. The girls spend their time working hard on multiple days afterschool in hopes of succeeding in big tournaments. One tournament in particular this season: Volleyball Girl’s Regionals. This event is one in which multiple female volleyball players from all across Florida compete in hopes of winning a title for their respective schools. In the end, the girl’s volleyball team failed at winning regionals; but this loss does not deter their enthusiasm for
the sport they proudly play. “I feel very emotional at our loss because it’s such a big privilege to play for Suncoast. To have worked so hard and not win is a bit unsettling,” Pouille said “But all of us volleyball girls love the sport! And that’s what matters the most.” Even if the girl’s volleyball team could not achieve this win, the teammates remain determined and competitive in their next tournament. “Girls are very tense with each other if someone messes up,” says Pouille. “For me, [the sport] is a big deal because Suncoast has a great volleyball team and there are lots of phenomenal players,” Pouille said. “Competitiveness is present throughout the team. We are all trying to better ourselves to bring a type of look for our team so many more girls are inspired to come to Suncoast to join our team,” Pouille said. Hopefully, the persistence of our fellow volleyball-playing chargers works out in favor for them, for there will always be more tournaments for them next year to win and participate in.
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the middle of Practice of volley ball regionals months before the tournament. Photo courtesy of Jazel Chang
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october 2017