2017 Issue 2 - The Legend

The Legend Volume 20 Issue 2

November 2016

BREATHE

Whether it is schoolwork or an insecurity, letting the small stuff get to us can only harm, not help us. By not allowing what characterizes us to define who we are, can lift the weight off our shoulders, especially when it comes to disabilities.

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Adviser Traci Lowe Editor-in-Chief Yana Rankine Managing Editor Ameenah Rashid Design Editor Austin Lent News Editor Marisa Hart Opinion Editor Alexis August Features Editor Dayalis Zamora Lifestyle Editor Monica Kramer Sports Editor Alex Levine Copy Editors Eda Kutsal Jacob Magnuson Business Editors Asyjah Dudley Maria Fahmy Website Editor Simrun Waghray Staff Writers Charlie Burgess Patrick Brannen Kaiden Buscemi Mindjina Courage Conner Dickman Nick Diggs Anthony Inza Genesis Griffin Keelie Hanley Zanne Hanna Tianyang Ji Janetta Lam Jahnaezha McFadden Meghan McGlone Megan Mendoza Kenjela Mullings Samantha Powers Sarah Ruderman Sara Samadi Jimmie Smith RJ Smith Jack Swank Farzana Talukder Daniel Torrez-Ortiz Victoria Vera-Zafra Jamie Vergara Ariana Villanueva

News The lesser of two evils pg 3 Hurricane Matthew’s wrath pg 4 National Merit semifinalists pg 5 College: A woman’s game? pg 5 Cutting ties with the U.S. pg 6 9/11 compensation pg 6 Features Lions & Tigers & Olympians: Oh My! pg 8 Helping hands in Costa Rica pg 9 Drum roll please pg 9 Your vote is your voice pg 9 Debate for one pg 9 Student in the spotlight pg 10 Humans of Suncoast pg 10 In for the long run pg 11 Call me Nico pg 12-13 Opinions Talk about it pg 14 Elephant in the room pg 15 Desperate for disaster pg 15 IB tired pg 16 No to the drug laws pg 16 Refugees flee to become free pg 17 Application implication pg 17 Lifestyle To DIY for pg 18 Let’s taco-bout it pg 19 Travelling during the fall pg 19 How to de-stress pg 20 Thanksgiving on your doorstep pg 20 What are you now? pg 21 Sports Bump, set spike pg 22 Jack to a king pg 23 The Heat of the game pg 23

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Suncoast High School 1717 Avenue S Riviera Beach, FL 33404 Contact Information Phone: 561-494-2651 Fax: 561-882-3443 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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TABLE OF CONTENTS

November 2016 Issue 2

THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS

NEWS

The election ended on November 8, but the drama does not.

Meghan McGlone Every four years in the United States of America, we all face a similar Staff Writer

dilemma: electing a new president for our country. However, this is an election that will definitely go down in history for several reasons. If Hillary Clinton is elected, she will be the first female president, and if Donald Trump is elected, he will be the first president without prior political knowledge. The real reason why this election is so controversial is the drama surrounding it. Both candidates have had their fair share of embarrassing moments and past mistakes that make the public laugh or question their ability to have such a high level of power. The entire country is split over who to elect and some people refuse to vote at all. The Real Clear Politic poll declared Clinton with a slight lead over Trump, 46.9 to 44.3.

Donald Trump has been well known for his offensive comments towards women, even at the beginning of his campaign. Just recently, a video from 2005 was leaked where he makes lewd comments about women to Billy Bush, and The Telegraph even has an up-to-date running list of every public statement Trump has said that is sexist, starting in 1990. Many people also argue that he is racist, because of his early campaign promises to build a wall between the U.S.A. and Mexico and deport all illegal immigrants, and his intolerance for Muslim refugees. The Huffington Post also has another list list of racist comments and things Trump has done, including “attacked Muslim Gold Star parents” and “discrimination against black people” being part of the 13 examples.

Both Clinton and Trump have well known campaigns, and both have faults.The Clinton Foundation has donated $23.2 million since 2001 to charities, while the Trump Foundation has only donated $3.9 since 2001, reports the Washington Post.

News Examiner even calls him “The Least Charitable Billionaire In The World.” The Clinton Foundation, which is a major part of her campaign, has also been taking money from countries such as Saudi Arabia and The United Arab Emirates (including Qatar and Oman), where women and homosexuals have virtually no rights.

“In Qatar, marital rape is permitted… [and] as for Oman, the country punishes same-sex acts by up to three years in prison,” according to Politifact.

Hillary Clinton was also enveloped in problems at the very beginning of her campaign, the most prominent being her well known email scandal, where she had her own private server for her email as Secretary of

State. Wikileaks has been releasing these hacked emails and they could have potentially posed a threat to the United States’ security. Even Clinton, the potential first female president, is being accused of not being as supportive as women as she says she is. According to BBC, after Bill Clinton’s affairs with Monica Lewinsky, Gennifer Flowers, and more women, Hillary probably had a helping hand in “destroying their reputations” Politics are not normally associated with jokes, because running a country is a serious job, but this 2016 election has had plenty more than its fair share of jokes and Internet memes.

Outside of their tense debates, the candidates even poke fun at each other: for example, Clinton tweeting “Delete your account,” to Donald Trump and starting a “Twitter War” with him, and Trump nicknaming his opponents things like “Lyin’ Ted Cruz” and “Crooked Hillary.” Social media sites like Instagram and Twitter are buzzing with jokes that poke fun at the candidates, too. In the second debate, a fly landed on Clinton’s face, and now that fly has its own twitter account. Trump is often made fun of for his looks specifically, his fake, wispy looking hair and his orange spray tan. Plenty of comparisons have been made about his looks, and some pictures even portray small, yellow-haired animals running away from Trump’s head as if his hair is seeking a better life. Commonly found memes on Instagram depict the despair that the country is facing with the two candidates, and The Daily Mail even posted a picture captioned “When you laughing at Hillary and Donald arguing on #DebateNight but then you remember that one of these two is our next president,” under a picture of Steve Harvey laughing and crying simultaneously.

This election is not only relevant to The United States, but to various other countries around the world. According to British journalist Timothy Stanley, “Trump has been criticized by the Prime Minister, and members of Parliament debated banning him from Britain.” Russian journalist Mikhail Fishman reported “…Vladimir Putin looks at Mr. Trump -- a populist who seems willing to throw the usual values to the wind -- as his natural ally, and a potential vehicle for his own global interests.” No matter who is president of the U.S., which is an extremely influential and powerful country, they will surely have an extreme impact on the rest of the world.

Both candidates have their pros and cons, and many people this electoral year say that they must choose between the lesser of two evils. The results on November 8 reflect the people’s opinion, and hopefully after the election, the American population can relax after the tedious election.

photo source: dailymail.co.uk

News 4

Suncoast High School

HURRICANE MATTHEW’S WRATH The devastation of Matthew in The Bahamas and Haiti.

Kaiden Buscemi Dealing with hurricanes is no joke, as they bring powerful winds, Staff Editor heavy rains and potential danger.

On September 28, Floridians were cautioned of a hurricane, named Matthew, forming over the Atlantic Ocean. Countries that were most devastated

by Matthew include Haiti and The Bahamas. According to Weather.com, Matthew killed 1,027 people in total.

For many high schools, including Suncoast, school was cancelled on October 6 and 7, allowing kids to stay home and help their families prepare for the storm. Some put up hurricane shutters, others evacuated to avoid Matthew’s wrath.

Haiti, still recovering from the earthquake that hit in 2010, is now left devastated by what is said to be the worst hurricane in 50 years. The Weather Channel recorded Matthew with wind speeds up to 160 mph on October 1. The coast of South Haiti, hit with 145 mph winds, has been 90 percent destroyed, with 80 percent of their animals wiped out. An article in BBC News estimated a total of 1,000 deaths; the mainland has not been fully investigated. Roads leading to the capital, Port-auPrince, have also been destroyed. According to CNN, there are 350,000 people in need of help, 1,580 homes flooded and 60,000 displaced citizens in Haiti. Along with the destruction, Haitians

fear for another cholera outbreak due to a loss of resources.

According to the Miami Herald, Matthew hit the northwest Bahamas on October 5, first at Nassau and then at Freeport with winds of 140 mph. The Bahamas were 90 percent damaged, with no recorded fatalities. Electricity, buildings, and much of the island’s landscape was lost due to winds, and 15 feet of storm surge flooding. After the islands were battered by the storm, issues including loss of tourism have been raised.

Since the hurricane, with help from neighboring countries and with time, Haiti and the Bahamas are on the road to recovery.

photo source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/

Suncoast High School

News 5

NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS Suncoast has nearly half of the semifinalists for the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program in Palm Beach County.

Janetta Lam Suncoast High School tips the balance, raking in 22 of the 47 semifinalists in Palm Staff Writer

Beach County for the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. These students are all now in good standing for the chance at a $2500 scholarship from the NMSC. “I think it’s a great honor to be recognized nationally and be named as a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship Program,” Justin Hancock said.

Hancock credited Suncoast’s rigorous academic environment for his achievement.

“Attending Suncoast has definitely given me a lot of opportunities that I wouldn’t have had if I had gone anywhere else and going to Suncoast really has challenged me as a person,” Hancock said.

Semifinalist qualifying scores are determined on a statewide scale, which means they vary from state to state, and the number of semifinalists from each state is directly proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of the graduating seniors for a given year; this state representational basis is the NMSC’s way of ensuring that academically adept students from all parts of the country are considered.

In October of 2015, nearly two million juniors sat for the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test.

This test is the most important stepping stone for students and grants them the opportunity to stay in the competition

for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships that total to about $33 million. These scholarships are funded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and 420 business organizations and higher education institutions. The goal of NMSC is to reward students’ academic performance and to encourage their academic careers.

In order for these 22 to make it to the finals, he or she must submit an application that provides NMSC with information about his or her academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. In addition, he or she must must have a letter of recommendation by a high school official, submit an essay, and earn SAT scores that validate his or her performance on the NMSQT.

woohoo! Mrs. Whetsell and Mr. Kaplan celebrate with all 22 NMSC Semifinalists. photo courtesy of Mrs. Whetsell

COLLEGE: A WOMAN’S GAME? A closer look at college gender ratios and their implications.

For more than thirty years now, women Tianyang Ji Staff Writer have outnumbered men in terms of college

enrollment and earning bachelor’s degrees.

The National Center of Education predicts that this gender gap will continue to increase.

While men have traditionally held the majority of the population on college campuses, the opposite can be seen today. According to the NCE, women currently represent almost 4 out of 5 enrollments and degrees in America, and according to the BBC, are 35 percent more likely to go to college in the UK. These numbers are expected to increase, according to the US Department of Education.

The reasons for this trend have been held to high controversy.

Some claim the problem starts in earlier education. In a report by the Equality and Human Right Commission, low-income white boys were found to be the worst performing ethnic group in UK schools. A 2012 Cornell study found that boys were generally graded lower than girls in primary schools, despite performing equally in standardized tests.

Others claim this gender gap is a systemic problem. The Yiannopoulos Privilege Grant, a college scholarship exclusive to white males, says that there are “thousands” of more scholarships for women than men, meaning less options for men to afford college. Researchers from Family Relations have found that boys are less likely to enroll in college than girls when growing up in single-parent households.

Still others suspect that the gender gap is simply due to men’s decisions. According to Fortune’s Anne Fisher, men

tend to avoid the high cost of college and “decide it makes sense to leave school and start working full-time.”

Whatever the reason may be, this imbalance has more impact than a simple gender ratio, TIME Money’s Jon Birger reports.

Here at Suncoast, seniors who have already or are currently applying, or even aspiring underclassmen looking towards their future, may not consider their prospective school’s gender ratio. However, “it tends to have a dramatic impact on campus culture,” Birger says. In his analysis of campus dating scenes from dozens of American colleges, he found that female majority schools tend to exhibit hook-up culture, while male majority schools generally focus on more stable relationships.

Campus culture plays an important part in combatting sexual assault, an issue so important that President Obama launched the It’s On Us campaign in 2014. Whether college gender ratio factors into sexual assault rates is hard to tell, because in an Association of American Universities survey of 27 campuses nationwide, the top half schools of the highest reported cases of sexual assault had a generally even gender distribution. However, as Birger points out, the school with the lowest assault rates of the survey - California Institute of Technology - has a 60 percent male majority.

For prospective undergraduates here at Suncoast, gender ratios may be the least of their worries. “I do see it, but it doesn’t affect me very much,” says Jerry Yang (12). “It’s one of those things that I can’t change.” However, taking Birger’s findings into consideration, it may have a bigger impact on campuses than previously thought.

Suncoast High School

News 6

CUTTING TIES WITH THE U.S.

The new president of the Philippines, has decided to end the presence of the United States military in the Philippines.

Rodrigo Duterte has only been the president Marisa Hart of the Philippines since July 30 and has already News Editor

decided to bring about some immediate changes.

One major change he is making is removing the presence of the US military from the Philippines, which affects the 65 year military alliance that the United States and the Philippines have. According to the Independent, “For as long as I am there, do not treat us like a doormat because you’ll be sorry for it. I will not speak with you. I can always go to China,” said Duterte.

Duterte later discussed that the removal of the military presence will not lead to the end of the military alliance between the United States and the Philippines. Duterte also stated that he would not be creating a military alliance with China and that he just wants the Philippines to become more independent, according to the Philippine Star. The Philippines president wanted the removal of the US military from the Philippines because it could affect the peace efforts with the Muslim population living in the southern part of the Philippines, as reported by the New York Times. “I don’t believe that the U.S. should be offended by Duterte’s decision to remove American military presence in the Phillipines,” said Suncoast junior Ava

Erulker.

Although Duterte may not be ending any military alliances with the United States, he has still shown his dislike for America and President Barack Obama. Recently, Duterte told President Obama, “to go to hell,” after the United States showed concern for the extreme actions of the Philippines president, as reported

by CNN. These comments from Duterte towards President Obama may cause issues regarding the relationship between the United States and the Philippines.

Cutting ties with the United States is not the only change that the Philippines president has decided to implement. Duterte has also declared a war on drugs and plans to get rid of any drug dealers or users in the Philippines. Since the new president came into office on July 30, there have been about 3,600 deaths which have created concern worldwide. photo source: commons.wikimedia.org

9/11 COMPENSATION

Families of victims from 9/11 attack want to sue Saudi Arabia

One of the largest terrorist attacks in Conner Dickman United States history, the attack on the Staff Writer

World Trade Center, is still remembered today. However, 15 years later, the attack continues to cause problems. The issue involves the families of those lives lost on 9/11: these families want the ability to sue the Saudi Arabian Government, which is believed to have had a hand in the attack. The 9/11 Victims Bill, which will allow the families to sue Saudia Arabia, has already passed through Congress.

President Barack Obama, however, was against the bill and vetoed it. The bill was then returned to Congress, where the veto was overridden. Since Congress was able to override President Obama’s veto, the bill became a law, regardless of the President’s views. Congress had overridden his veto because they wanted the families of the victims to receive the compensation they believe they deserve.

The Senate and House of Representatives believe that suing another country will help the United States prove how determined it is to defeat terrorism. If the United States will go through the trouble of suing another country because of a Photo Source: About (architecture.about.com

terrorist attack in the past, terrorists from other countries may reconsider the next time they plan an attack.

On the other hand, President Obama believed this proposition will result in negative consequences in the near future. If the United States can sue other countries, then other countries may try to sue the United States. This may cause some some diplomatic issues as well, since Saudi Arabia is one of our last remaining allies in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia has other means of defending themselves. Now that the bill has become a law, they may consider pulling billions of dollars out of the American economy. Also, they have many allies in the region that contribute to counterterrorism efforts; they may reduce their influences on such efforts.

There are many opinions pertaining to this legal decision.

Jeffrey Laufer, a physics teacher from Suncoast High School, expressed his own opinion: “The families should get every cent they can from Saudi Arabia. They are a state sponsor of terror and they shouldn’t be our ally.”

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FEATURES

LIONS & TIGERS & OLYMPIANS

OH MY!

Tony Mcquay followed the yellow brick road back to Suncoast because there’s no place like home(coming).

photo by Austin Lent

When Tony Mcquay was in eighth Ameenah Rashid grade, he really wanted to go to Palm Managing Editor Beach Lakes High School.

“I came to Suncoast because my mom wanted me to and I didn’t get into Lakes,” Mcquay said.

But once he started Suncoast, he realized that he enjoyed it and all the extracurricular activites that came with it, even though he was not the biggest fan of showing up to track practice.

“Sports had a big effect on my high school experience, because it kept me active, I got to meet new people, and I liked the competitiveness behind football and track. But I definitely liked football more- I didn’t like track in high school,” Mcquay said.

Mcquay went on to run in the London Olympics in 2012 and the Rio Olympics this summer, but his illustrious running career began in sixth grade at Roosevelt Middle School.

“My mom was big into track and field and after band season I wanted something to do after school, so I joined the track team at Roosevelt,” Mcquay said.

At Suncoast, Mcquay was an active student who joined the band, played football, and ran track, where he met the largest influence on his career, Coach Carnell Coleman.

“He tried to kick me off the team because I would always come late. He had plans for me though, so I just believed in what he said and I ended up going to states my senior year,” Mcquay said.

After graduating from the IDP program in 2009, Mcquay began running at the University of Florida, a place where he

found that he was able to make a living off of the sport he loved.

“I ran there three years, then I went pro my junior year. I didn’t really get the full college experience because I was gone a lot but it gave me a chance to grow and learn about the sport more,” Mcquay said.

By his junior year, Mcquay was sponsored by Adidas, so he left school to train full time at an Adidas camp for his professional career. The extra training paid off because soon, he made it to London.

“I never had dreams of being in the Olympics, but once I got established in college, I realized that this was what I needed to do,” Mcquay said.

Mcquay came to London at age 22 with the excitement of a first-time Olympian, but the nerves of an athlete who had competed professionally before. He left London with a silver medal.

“London was the best experience because it was my first and it was more of a learning experience. I was used to being on a big stage so it just felt like another meet. It wasn’t until after it was over that I realized what I did,” Mcquay said.

His success did not stop there; four years later Mcquay went to Rio and brought home a gold medal.

“I got the chance to see all my former teammates from London amd spend time with Team USA . It was definitely a much better feeling getting gold,” Mcquay said.

The next stop for him: Tokyo 2020.

“I want to go to Tokyo, so my plan is to prepare for that as soon as Worlds are over ,” Mcquay said.

photo courtesy of Zimbio.com

Suncoast High School

Features 9

HELPING HANDS IN COSTA RICA Sophie and Thomas Fontaine traveled to explore their passion.

Austin Lent Students are always thinking about the next Design Editor big thing that they can add to their already

extensive list of accomplishments for a college résumé. If it is not for a résumé, it is to gain some necessary CAS or community service hours. There is a laundry list of reasons that can justify volunteer work, but students often fail to recognize the reason that truly matters most: passion.

Over the summer, siblings Sophie and Thomas Fontaine traveled to Costa Rica to assist workers at an animal sanctuary for three weeks.

“My brother and I wanted to do a summer volunteering project that culminated learning language and volunteering for a cause that we care about,” Sophie said.

They were responsible for the “dirty work,” which included preparing food, cleaning cages, and taking care of the animals’ basic needs. Sophie and Thomas’ project also included the ambitious goal of reaching $2500 in donations from a GoFundMe page and door-todoor canvassing.

“The fundraising process was long and arduous, but it ended up paying off,” Sophie said.

“When we told the owner about all the fundraising we went through she teared up. It was really important to her that we helped her and all the animals.”

While they were volunteering, photos courtesy of Sophie Fontaine. an emaciated and injured dog lending hands. Sophie and Thomas cared for many animals at the Animal Rescue entered the sanctuary. Sophie Center in Costa Rica. and Thomas, along with

the other workers, were tasked with a seemingly difficult and insurmountable challenge: to lead the dog back to a healthy and happy life.

“The center basically took him in, fed him, howler monkeys. “Feeling the happiness that it cleaned him, and baby brings them when you enter their cage to play with reaccustomed him to them makes the cold showers and uncomfortable humans.” Sophie said. beds every night worth it.” Sophie said “Within one week, the dog went from being terrified of humans to everyone’s friend. The center really cares about any animal in any condition.”

While the animals played an important role in their trip, the biggest takeaway came from their interactions with the workers at the sanctuary. Thomas said that “seeing the spark on their faces” when they helped them was one of the highlights of the entire trip.

“Seeing the passionate people there and how much it meant to them for us to be able to help them was priceless,” Sophie said. “I love animals, but the people that work there are even more passionate. Being able to help them achieve their dream is bigger than anything else imaginable.”

Sophie and Thomas’ experience in Costa Rica goes beyond just helping animals. They found an area that they are passionate about and acted on it. Both Sophie and Thomas recommend taking advantage of any opportunities you have when possible.

“You don’t know when another chance will come up,” Sophie added. “If you have a passion for something and you get the chance to fulfill it through volunteering, just do it.”

DRUM ROLL PLEASE Mike Brown brings the energy to every performance, which

ignites the rest of the band members with every baton motion.

Sara Samadi You see him at football games and pep rallies.

He is not a football player or Mr. Suncoast; Staff Writer

he is Mike Brown; the drum major (student leader) of our amazing band. For those who do not know, the drum major is the person with the baton or in other words; a rod. Brown’s job is to keep the beat and tempo for the other band members. Although it may seem like a simple task; it takes a lot of experience, hard work and dedication. Drum majors must have a high level of experience with the baton, outstanding marching technique and the ability to teach/assist other band members. If it were not for Brown, members would sound off beat; thus jeopardizing the quality of the performance.

Brown’s love of music first came about in his freshman year at Suncoast. “It really started freshman year when I really learned how to play my instrument and I have a really big passion for music; it kind of just sparked my interest,” said Brown. Now in his junior year, Brown is enjoying band more than ever, so his love for the sport is not going stop after he graduates. He hopes to continue being a part of band for another four years in college. “I will do marching band, concert band and jazz band; hopefully at FAMU,” mentioned Brown.

Brown can thank the Suncoast band for long lasting memories and life lessons. “I learned that responsibility and being held

accountable for your actions is really important because I make a lot of mistakes and I own up to them,” said Brown. Taking responsibility for your mistakes is important when having such a demanding position. Being a part of Suncoast’s band takes a lot of time out of its members’ lives with long practice days during the week; sometimes until 10 pm. It is not always easy juggling band practice and the workload of Suncoast, but in tough times, band members are there for one another. “They’ve all really been positive; there have been a few times when I’ve been put on the spot but I have learned a lot from them,” voiced Brown.

Even though his passion for music is second to none, when not performing, Brown enjoys playing recreational sports like basketball and football. photo courtesy of Michael Brown

Suncoast High School

Features 10

STUDENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Rhiannon Karp’s love for performance arts shines through as she takes the lead female role at the Lake Worth Playhouse.

The lights go down; first a glow, then pitch Zanne Hanna black, while the audience finds their seats and Staff Writer

the actors take the stage of the Lake Worth Playhouse. One such shining star on that stage is Suncoast’s very own senior, Rhiannon Karp, who plays the role of Hope Cladwell in the satirical comedy musical, “Urinetown,” with music by Mark Hollmann and lyrics by Hollmann and Greg Kotis.

“I play the rich guy’s daughter who falls in love with a guy from the rebel poor. I am very innocent, and a little ditsy, but also very caring and supportive to everyone,” Karp said about her role in the musical. The performance itself is full of fun musical numbers that spoof other traditional musicals like “West Side Story” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”

While rehearsing for the show which was performed all during the month of October, Karp has also been keeping up with school work as an IB student. The opening night was originally October 6, but because of Hurricane Matthew, it was postponed to the next weekend, while the closing date remained October 23.

Karp said, “the most difficult part of this experience has to be balancing school work, two jobs, a social life, and the show.

Rehearsals ran from 7pm to 10-pm (and sometimes later), so I rarely got more than four hours of sleep a night.”

All the hard work put into the show came along the experience of a new cast outside of the high school setting, which included actors of various ages and musical backgrounds.

“I am one of the youngest in the cast, but we were all treated in the same level, which is very nice,” Karp said. “I’ve met so many talented performers and techies in this run, and, as they say, there’s no closer family than a theatre family!”

Because it was such a professional experience, Karp’s audition for the musical and her performance were perfect practice for the upcoming audtions for the school musical in the spring. The audition for “Urinetown” consisted of singing a musical number of her choice and performing a dance number from the musical.

“I was called for a dance audtion in which we went into small groups of four after being taught a dance up-to-tempo from the

show and performed it for the panel. That was definitely the most stressful thing!” Karp said.

The experience of working professionally and in a new space outside of the amazing Suncoast theatre program has been extremely beneficial as Karp plans to pursue musical theatre in future after graduating high school.

She said, “After high school I want to pursue the performing arts. I am auditioning at eleven schools within the next few months.”

As Karp continues to commit to her craft and balance her academic and social life, her future looks as bright and focused as her spotlight.

Photo by Bad Hair Day Photography

HUMANS OF SUNCOAST

“

In cheerleading, if I mess up the team depends on me. With 17 girls on the floor, if one person is off and too nervous there goes the team. Debate is different, it’s all on yourself if you fail you can only blame yourself but in cheerleading when you fail the team you feel more responsible. In any sport, it’s 10 percent physical 90 percent mental because you practice with your team to be perfect and you depend on them to come through.”

“

Ti’lisia Coleman (12) Tal Schauder (11)

In middle school, I spent a lot of time pretending to be someone that I wasn’t and I think coming to high school, I’ve really tried to work on becoming authentic and being who I actually am. It’s difficult to look back on the memories of what I did and who I was and to revisit all of that I don’t really like doing that, but I also feel really proud of where I am now and the work that I have done to be myself.” photos by: Maria Fahmy and Yana Rankine

Suncoast High School

IN FOR THE LONG RUN

Features 11

Runners reflect on the 2016 cross country season.

Nick Diggs Staff Writer

The Suncoast JV cross country team wrapped run), and the whole season itself was just a lot of fun.”Fellow up their season with a meet at South County JV runner Derek Sun was also asked for his opinion on how Regional Park on October 14, forcing the he thought the the last meet of the season went. “My last meet runners to say goodbye to the sport until actually went really well. I ended up beating 2017. During this short period of farewells, my old time and getting my own personal several students were left to reflect on how record.” He continued to talk about how the this past fall season wrapped up. team has changed since the beginning of Dario Bernal, a participating athlete from the season, stating, “Overall, I really think the 2016 JV cross country team, was asked everyone improved since August and they why he joined cross country over all the would be even better if they came out again other sports and extra-curricular activities next season. Even the underclassmen did offered at Suncoast. “I really just wanted to surprisingly well, at least for most of our get fit; I hated my cankles,” he said with an expectations.” excited grin on his fact. “I saw how many of So even though the 2017 JV cross country my friends were running on last year’s team season has come to an end, anyone and I wanted to find a way to get exercise interested in running for a Suncoast team while also being with people I enjoyed being is encouraged to look into track when the around.” When he was questioned about spring sports season starts, or even to wait how he thought the last meet of the season until the cross country team reignites at the went, he answered with, “The last meet beginning of the 2017 school year. And for was probably my favorite. Everything was those on the varsity team who’ve qualified great, everyone was great, everyone was for districts and regionals, the rest of the just really hyped up. I just wanted to cry at photo source: www.palmbeachpost.com team wishes them the best of luck! the end because I was really tired (from the

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Suncoast High School

Features 12

Meet

Nico.

Although

D’Angelo

acknowledges his disability, he does not let it define who he is. He is personable, quirky and is hoping to study in the field of natural sciences.

Suncoast High School

WHAT NOT TO SAY TO DISABLED PEOPLE “What’s wrong with you?”

“Were you born that way?”

“Just have faith, you’ll heal!”

“I don’t even look at you as someone with a disability.”

“How do you go to the bathroom?”

“Don’t run me over!”

“It’s great to see you going out!”

“Oh my, you’re so brave!”

“It must be great to be able to sit around all day.”

“Why do you speak so slowly?”

WHAT TO SAY* “How was your day?”

“I like your shoe(s)!”

“How was the weather outside?” *Basically, ask them any question you’d normally ask anyone else. It’s really not that hard.

CALL ME NICO

Features 13

He is more than his physical disability.

Gripping on the Yana Rankine Editor in Chief handles, he pushesd

himself forward for several steps, momentarily pausing before making a few more. Fortunately, the bell for the next block is not until five after, so being caught in the stream of students was the least of his concern for the moment.

Settled into class, his walker rested in the front of the classroom. Although his classmates were too caught up in conversation to notice its presence, he cannot always say the same.

It can be easy to get caught up in the neverending stream of college applications, assessments, and orals, but in comparison to the end goal in mind, each of these deadlines shrivel up to the ‘small stuff.’ It is the ‘big stuff’ that defines us. However, the small stuff we all face does not only encompass schoolwork. For Senior Nico D’Angelo, it means his cerebral palsy.

“I very rarely gave it much active thought, but from a very early age I shifted my attention away from physically intensive activities and began to favor more intellectual and academic pursuits,” D’Angelo said.

Pity is sometimes the first thing that comes to mind when someone approaches a disabled person, and this should never be the case. In fact, speaking down to someone, whether they are physically or mentally disabled, can only result in them taking deep offense and feeling insecure. What can seem a ‘harmless question’ drafted out of innocent curiosity to one could drain the color from the face of another, pushing them deep into the conceptual box they most likely fought so hard to stay out of.

“Sometimes people speak to someone with a disability in an overly/overtly condescending way. While one should be mindful of potential mental differences, it is unnecessary to talk down to someone simply because their appearance indicated that they have a disability,” D’Angelo said.

D’Angelo has been diagnosed with the neurological disease since birth. However, he didn’t let his lack of ability to walk hinder his potential. In fact, he chose to channel it elsewhere. It was not long after his epiphany that he began to widen the scope of his knowledge, reading classics such as Moby Dick and Frankenstein. His shift towards his new passion was not in spite of his lack

of mobility. In fact, he was not the only one who saw this love brew inside him.

“It started when I was very young. At least according to my parents, it started as early as preschool [about 4 or 5 years old] and became even more apparent when I reached elementary school. I spent most of my time reading as many books as I could, and asked [seemingly] ‘endless’ streams of questions about everything I learned and observed,” he said.

However, despite his persevering ambitious nature, he still falls into waves of insecurities regarding his disability. Most students know him as the senior with the walker, and although he does not let himself get overly self-conscious about his walker, it still creeps up on him from time to time. “[I am insecure about it] especially when trying to avoid obstructing the paths of others when I am not using it. It is still an awkward area of concern, but I do not give it nearly as much thought as I did previously,” he said.

Fortunately, he is able to not let his insecurities get the best of him. Lucky for him, he has not experienced a bombardment of questions surrounding his disability from his peers around him, but that does not stop the stares of strangers and curious children.

He still advocates against others acting on their curiosity regarding disabilities. At the end of the day, that curiosity can result in avoidable discomfort.

“One should never presume to know the extent of a person’s capabilities, even with the best of intentions, based upon their appearance or initial impression. This is especially true of mental disabilities, the extents of which are rarely apparent,” D’Angelo said.

Today, D’Angelo focuses on his love for chemistry and physics. Planning to study in either Stanford or Yale, describing him as ambitious is nothing more than a mediocre understatement.

“I plan on majoring in biochemistry, and later pharmacology. I haven’t really studied biology deeply, but what I have learned has made it seem as much of it is essentially just a set of specific applications of organic chemistry. I enjoy learning physics on a conceptual and theoretical level, but the mathematics involved in specific applications can seem tedious and redundant,” he said.

“I stopped actively thinking about the attention it might draw in a situation. I realized and accepted that it was just a minor consideration in terms of my approach to any particular situation in which I found myself.”

OPINIONS

TALK ABOUT IT

“Suicide does not end the chances of life getting worse, suicide eliminates the possibility of it ever getting better.”

-Unknown Mindjina Courage Topics related to self-harming and suicide are made into jokes by teenagers.

Staff Writer

In the teenage community, the phrase “I want to kill myself” is a punchline rather than a statement that raises alarm. This type of humor is not only insensitive, but the possibility that a serious threat could be ignored is dangerous.

Many students at Suncoast High School feel that the pressure to be successful can take a toll on their mental health. “Suncoast offers quite challenging classes. It’s a great school; however, it can be very difficult and stressful,” junior Lonnie Buser said.

Students are not only forced to juggle schoolwork, sports, clubs, and personal lives, but they are expected to do it well.

The pressure of school alone causes students to skip meals to catch up on work and have tearful outbursts, panic attacks, and feelings of depression. “Teens with too much to do are at risk of burning out. Stress can zap the energy they need to focus and make good choices” (Webmd).

To release stress, students find ways to cope with their problems. Stress relieving is good, but some teens use unhealthy methods like self-harm, use of drugs, alcohol, jokes about suicide, and worst of all, actually killing themselves.

Junior Flora Cheung felt overwhelmed one day during her sophomore year. To express her frustration to her friends she jokingly snapchatted “I want to kill myself.” A close friend of Cheung’s did not find the post to be humorous, so she contacted the authorities in Flora’s neighborhood. Flora was forced to take a police car to a nearby hospital, where she stayed overnight before being transported to a mental institution. There, Cheung had to watch suicide prevention videos and be evaluated by a

professional psychologist.

Cheung stated that she had and has no true intentions of killing herself, but she made the post because it was the easiest way to let her friends know that she was overwhelmed.

“Everyone jokes about [suicide] and it’s a problem because we won’t know when someone is serious and really needs help” Cheung said.

Suicide is nothing to joke about. “Almost everyone who attempts suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like “You’ll be sorry when I’m dead,” “I can’t see any way out,” — no matter how casually or jokingly said, may indicate serious suicidal feelings,” (HELPGUIDE. org).

If you are someone who suffers from depression, loneliness, or suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. According to statisticbrain, approximately 20 percent of high schoolers have seriously considered suicide. Do not keep these feelings to yourself. Talk to someone you trust and let them know that you really need help. Do not joke about it on social media.

Thoughts of suicide are nothing to be ashamed of. Ignore anyone who says that you are just looking for attention. Your feelings of sadness are real, but they are not immutable. Spend time doing the things that make you happy, lose contact with anyone who makes you feel down, join a support group, and devote yourself to a cause that you feel passionate about.

Life changes and often the things that plague your mind right now will have no effect on you years later. Remember that you are a positive part of someone’s life and that suicide is 100 percent preventable.

photo source: allianceforsuicideprevention.com

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE 1-800-273-8255

Suncoast High School

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

Opinions 15

The public holds many misconceptions about Republicans.

The United States of America: a Conner Dickman country where people are free to vote Staff Writer

and free to choose whatever party they please, if one at all. Today, just over half of all US citizens are independents, and support moderate views. The other half has chosen to side with Republicans, Democrats, or third party candidates. This even applies to students who attend our school.

The two main parties, of course, are the Republican Party and the Democratic Party.

The Democratic Party, and moderates alike, tend to develop misconceptions pertaining to the platform of the Republican Party.

For instance, some Democrats believe Republicans hate gays; this is one of the many misconceptions. In reality, Republicans do not hate gays, they simply believe one man should not marry another man and that one woman should not marry another woman.

Another misconception relates to their view on guns: some Democrats believe that Republicans want to remove all restrictions on guns. This, however, is not true; many Republicans, like me, want to exercise their rights given to them through the Second Amendment. If we want to buy any firearm - if we choose to buy one - we should not have

to jump through hoops to get it. These misconceptions exist because of the false talk between people with opposing views; they do this to give the Republican Party a negative image compared to the other parties.

In recent times, the public has generally shifted towards more moderate views. Therefore, the number of pure conservatives and liberals has decreased. This will allow for easier compromise over issues for those officials currently in office. Therefore, work completed by these officials will please everyone.

Although many people classify themselves as a Republican or Democrat, they may still believe in some views from the other party’s platform. One Republican may believe in gay marriage, while a Democrat may be against it. The classification of Republican or Democrat is simply determined by the location of the majority of each individual’s views. For example, I believe gay marriage should be permitted, and I am pro-choice towards abortion, but I still classify myself as a Republican because that is where the majority of my other views, like gun control, lie.

Photo Source: Clipart Kid (Clipartkid.com)

DESPERATE FOR DISASTER

Highly anitcipated Hurricane Matthew left students and teachers wanting more and the Caribbean praying for less.

Hurricane Matthew left Florida as quick as Eda Kutsal it came, leaving thousands in South Florida Copy Editor

in awe as the wildly, devastating storm was predicted to leave quite the mark, but instead left only a few lawn chairs tipped over. Although the same cannot be said for the rest of the United States and the Caribbean, it is remarkable how earnestly students as well as faculty pray for the arrival of such deadly storms for a day off of school.

Despite getting a whopping four day weekend due to the predicted onslaught of Hurricane Matthew, and even a five day weekend for those who decided to hop on the Palm Beach School District’s day of “excused absence” on October 5, disappointed snapchats and Instagram posts flooded social media on the overestimated strength of the storm and lack of disaster in South Florida.

Imagine how lucky and privileged someone must be to complain about the lack of devastation a hurricane brings, whereas in Haiti and the Bahamas, the death toll only continues to rise. According to NBC, there are reportedly “more than 1000 people” dead in Haiti and the Bahamas. Although disaster relief is a breeze in the United States since we can easily find the funds to replace our knocked over lawn chairs, it is impossible to say the same for those in Haiti and the Bahamas.

While many may think disaster relief from organizations like the Red Cross will aid Haiti and the Bahamas towards recovery, it is unfortunately the opposite. The Red Cross is not the

miracle working organization everyone thinks it is. According to an article written in the Washington Post, there is growing agreement among Haitians and Haitian Americans that the American Red Cross can no longer be trusted to properly manage any humanitarian efforts in the Caribbean country. These feelings have been backed up by investigations conducted by NPR, which found that during the devastating 2010 earthquake that brought Haiti to its knees “despite collecting nearly a halfbillion dollars in donations, the Red Cross managed to construct just six permanent homes.” The article also goes on to describe how “because of the country’s reputation, relief workers say, many Americans assume Haitian organizations are inefficient and corrupt, making the American Red Cross a comparatively safe alternative for donations.”

Everyone thinks that when faced with devastation, humanitarian organizations, such as the Red Cross, will rush to the rescue and pull those in need to safety wherein reality it is the exact opposite. Many of these organizations are in the palm of corruption and they are all bark and no bite. What students and even faculty fail to consider more often than not is the havoc that hurricanes or any natural disaster bring upon unsuspecting states and countries; however the great desire for a simple day off by students and teachers certainly speaks volumes on the state of the Florida school systems. Hurricane Matthew not only brought a few days off of school, but also a few years off thousands of lives.

Opinions 16

IB

TIRED

They weren’t kidding senior year is the worst.

Alexis August College Copy Editor scholarship

applications, applications, Pathfinders, IOCs, TOK orals, mock Spanish and French orals, Veterans History Project - these next two months are going to be IB hell. Luckily, for most of us, the EE is done - the exception being those who

for some reason only wrote less than 2000 words, however, IB is just getting started. By now we have all signed up for our IOCs on poems and essays we are expected to commentate on off the top of our head, as well as our TOK orals, which count for a third of our TOK grade for the IB diploma. Also, we have practice Spanish and French orals, and no matter which language you have been taking for the past four years, you are stressed about that too - unless you are fluent like Alan Fruge.

For most of us, it’s not even that we have a lot of homework, some days I don’t even have any homework. But there is always the overwhelming pressures of IB and college lurking over us, so even when you don’t have homework, you do.

Every day I contemplate why I chose IB when I see the other programs with iMentor, TV production, and office aid as their classes, but then I try to remember the perks of this program.

Even though we all complain about it, we will be more prepared and better equipped for college than the kids at other schools with three free periods. We have all seen how the acceptance rates for colleges increase for Suncoast graduates. So hopefully, as I have heard, this will all be worth it in the end.

Suncoast High School

NO TO DRUG LAWS A new way to wage war on drugs.

Jacob Magnuson According to the US Copy Editor

Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), The United States has nearly 700 criminals incarcerated for every 100,000 citizens – roughly 2.2 million people.

This does not include the additional 4.7 million on probation or parole.

Of those 6.9 million, 3.2 million – or 46.4 percent – are serving punishments for drug related offenses. A separate study by the BJS found that nearly 19 percent of inmates convicted for violent offences cited their motive as “to obtain money for drugs”. In 2010, the US spent $80 billion on corrections ($87 billion adjusted for inflation).

Exhaustive statistical reports and analyses are by no means light reading, and the stigmatization surrounding drug culture does not particularly inspire a change to our nation’s approach to narcotics law. The U.S. Government has, aside from the medical marijuana movement, provided few avenues for lessening the financial and social impact of the war on drugs, much less by way of universal decriminalization – in a legal climate that has shown fairly ardent opposition to bills decriminalizing even a drug as relatively innocuous as marijuana, could one expect any different? With no domestic role model for policy changes, we must look internationally - and one nation stands apart from the predominantly harsh global approach to the issue.

In July of 2001, Portugal passed legislation decriminalizing the purchase, possession, and consumption of all narcotics, including heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and several other substances designated in the United States as Schedule I (the category for which the highest penalties exist). The radical policy included the release of tens of thousands of prisoners from its criminal justice system into a population of which more than one percent was addicted to heroin. So how does any of this make sense?

To lessen the shell shock likely accompanied by such a foreign, outrageous idea, it is important to make the distinction between decriminalization and outright legalization: Portugal did not write laws allowing the use of drugs in

their country; they recategorized the offenses applicable to personal users to the non-criminal system, and consequently changed the violations’ corresponding repercussions.

Specifically, jail sentences and severe fines were replaced with confiscation, counseling, and treatment. Money that was being spent on fighting a war that the Portuguese government had been doubtlessly losing was put towards the opening of rehabilitation centers and the administration of civil seminars for those caught with non-criminal quantities of narcotics.

The European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction Policy published an extensive summary in 2014 examining the ways that the policy has affected the social, economic, and public health effects of the decriminalization bill in Portugal: most notably, the number of drug related deaths has plummeted to less than 25 percent of how many there were in 2001, and the number of HIV and other STD transmissions resulting from the use of drugs has been and still is on a steady decline, today less than a third of 2001’s rate.

The ability of those addicted to drugs to seek help without fear of criminal consequence, in conjunction with the availability of cleaner and safer medical supplies they can use to maintain their habit, has permitted many addicts to become far more comfortable and valuable members of their communities, and has returned cash no longer tied up in narcotics discipline to Portugal’s government to be put towards other public service endeavors.

So, is such a drastic paradigm shift viable in the United States?

Some seem to think so. In July of 2013, Attorney General Eric Holder announced the elimination of minimum sentences for several low level drug offenses and suggested that drug related issues be handled by state and local courts rather than federal ones. A transition like this could allow systems like Portugal’s to exist in America in smaller, state-sized political bubbles, providing headway for a national reform that could lead to safer schools, healthier citizens, and a decreased criminal corrections budget - provided the proponents of such a proposal can overcome the power of historic condemnation.

Suncoast High School

Opinions 17

REFUGEES FLEE TO BECOME FREE Refugees flee from war, but not hate.

Farzana Talukder America undoubtedly Staff Writer

photo source: uk.easyroomate.com

is the land of the free. The United States takes in people from around the world; it is a melting pot of people who intend to live a new life, who intend to take advantage of all the opportunities the United States has available to offer. The country is always welcoming new people.

Except, maybe not. Despite the popular belief that the United States is “free” to everyone and “open,” some citizens are not so keen on allowing Syrian refugees in. In a poll conducted by The Wall Street Journal, it is shown that 55 percent of citizens feel the government will not go far enough in monitoring the refugees for potential terrorist infiltration. It is quite close-minded to believe that the people escaping a country under constant war.

The people fleeing to save themselves and the lives of their children will plan to collectively attack the United States, as if they all have the same mindset.

These refugee babies sure are going to be such intense soldiers to fight against in this terrorist attack. It is almost as if America has no power or force to use for

emergencies to retaliate against these malnourished, traumatized, terrorist refugees.

Understandably, Americans are worried about having a terrorist organization in their country. What Americans choose to ignore, though, is that there already is a terrorist organization within this country: the Ku Klux Klan.

The KKK is a white supremacist group that targets black people, Jewish people, immigrants, and gay and lesbian people. The group has murdered, raped, and lynched, and yet the KKK is still not officially recognized as a domestic terrorist organization by the government.

As certain people do not fit in the target population of the Ku Klux Klan’s attacks, they do not appraise this group as a threat, despite being well aware of what the group does. The death tolls from domestic attacks have been increasingly rising and catching up with death tolls from attacks from abroad, according to New America.

While this concern is shared among the American people in the legal aspect, demonizing a group of people does not adhere to American principles today.

APPLICATION IMPLICATIONS

People care way too much about what other individuals and society would think about their college of choice.

As the end of high school draws closer every RJ Smith day, everyone is wondering where they want to Staff Writer

go to college and what they want to do with their lives. With all of the stress that is put on the college choosing process, one factor that can have a large negative impact on decisions is what other people are going to think about your choice.

Sometimes, students are embarrassed to say where they want to go to college for many reasons.

Maybe the school is really good and they are afraid they will be laughed at and be told they are not smart enough: “There’s no way you’re making it into that school.” Maybe the student is afraid of being laughed at for setting the bar low: “Oh wait, you’re serious?” Now, what happens is because you are embarrassed, you do not apply to a school you want to go to, or would fit well in, just because you are afraid of what other people would say.

This mindset is unproductive, dangerous, and pointless.

When you ultimately make your pick for college, it does not matter what anyone else thinks because they are not picking your college, only you can pick your college. You know yourself

better than anyone else, and if a college feels right, then it feels right for YOU. Who cares what other people think about the college? Just think, when you leave the school, you probably will only talk to your close friends, and will lose contact with most of the other people from your high school, so their opinions do not matter. In 20 years when we are all reconnecting on Facebook - or whatever social media site is around in 20 years - are you going to tell everyone from high school that you loved college and made the right choice, or that you let other people make the choice for you and had a terrible time?

In the end, it does not matter what anyone else thinks of the college you pick. If you want to shoot for a high level Ivy League school then go ahead. If you believe that you can make it and someone tells you that you can not, do not listen to them. On the other hand, if you want to go to a community college, then go ahead.

Who cares what other people think? It is not their college choice, it is yours. This choice really only affects your life, so don’t let other people make the choice for you, and don’t worry about what other people think. Next time you’re worried about what other people will think about your college, just remember: photo source: collegue and forex their opinion doesn’t matter.

LIFESTYLE

To DIY For

Our favorite way to spend Thanksgiving is with food, so here is a delicious DIY that adds to the fall spirit.

Simrun Waghray Thanksgiving is the time to celebrate what we have and be thankful for it. To make the holiday a little more exciting than a day to sit in and watch A Charlie Brown Website Editor Thanksgiving, here is a delicious food DIY that you can make with your family. This DIY is from http://ourbestbites.com.

DIY Oreo Turkeys Supplies

• Double Stuf Oreo cookies

•

Peanut butter cups

•

Red frosting

•

Candy corn

•

Chocolate frosting

•

Black sprinkles

•

Whoppers

•

Yellow frosting

•

Knife

Directions 1.

Grab a cookie and squeeze chocolate frosting around the stuffing.

2. Place the candy corn into the stuffing.

3. Put a dab of frosting on the opposite end of the cookie and secure it to another “base” cookie.

4. While the cookie is drying, unwrap a peanut butter cup and use a sharp knife to cut a sliver off of one end.

5. Put a dab of frosting on the cup, and place it on the cookie.

6. Take a Whopper and glue it to the peanut butter cup with chocolate frosting.

7. Use a dab of yellow frosting to glue on the white tip of a candy corn, for a beak.

8. With the yellow frosting, put two yellow dots on for eyes, and add a little black sprinkle for the pupil.

9. To complete the Oreo turkey, use the yellow frosting to draw feet and the red frosting to draw a wattle.

Decorate the table with these Oreo turkeys or eat them for dessert!

photo source: www.ourbestbites.com

Suncoast High School

Lifestyle 19

LET’S TACO-BOUT IT Forget Taco Bell; these three taco trucks will blow you away.

Victoria Vera Staff Writer

As many people would agree, tacos are a These tiny places may not look like much but in reality are very necessity in life. Contrary to popular belief, cool to go to whether with friends or on a date. These moving this is not about Taco Bell, but rather about restaurants are always full of favor and never fail to please your real authentic tacos that make people feel as though they are tastebuds. If you are ever in the mood for a true authentic taco, in a Mexican heaven. Living in Florida, a home to a variety of try these three places.

Hispanic cultures, Floridians get to experience a wide range Tacos Al Carbon of amazing foods. While finding an authentic taco may seem 4420 Lake Worth Rd. difficult, most people would be surprised to know that they are Lake Worth FL 33415 actually right in front of them.

A favorite among many is the taco truck Tacos Al Carbon, Taqueria el Sinalocene located on Lake Worth Road. This is one of the trucks with 1370 S Military Trl a variety of options because it is not just tacos. You get your traditional elotes, ( mexican corn on the cob) tacos, and nachos West Palm Beach Fl 33415 full of your choosing of meat and toppings. Among these godly, Taqueria la Esperanza flavor-packed foods, treat yourself to a cold Horchata, it helps 1450 N Military Trl cool down the spice.

On Military Trail, there is another great taco truck called West Palm Beach FL 33409 Taqueria el Sinalocene. It is right next to a bright pink house.

This truck specializes in tacos and is known for having the best Carnitas (pork) and Carne Asada (steak) tacos. These tacos are to die for with their homemade lime cilantro crema.

Last but not least, Taqueria la Esperanza, located on Military Trail and Haverhill, serves the best chicken tacos. Chicken tacos are not always the best choice, but at this one taco truck they are.

Their authentic flavor comes through in a perfect assortment of flavors and minimal toppings. Simplicity at its finest. photos by Victoria Vera

TRAVELING DURING THE FALL

Cold weather makes for the perfect travel time in many cities.

Traveling during the fall involves everyone’s favorite combination of chilly weather, beautiful scenery, and Monica Kramer Lifestyle Editor delicious food. Everything from gorgeous fall foliage to crisp weather makes Charleston and Chicago perfect fall destinations.

Chicago, Illinois

Charleston, South Carolina Despite being located in the South, Charleston is one of few cities with breezy fall weather. Visiting some of Charleston’s prestigious universities, including The College of Charleston, Clemson University and The University of South Carolina, is one of the many exciting activities in this city. Strolling around the city in 70 degree weather makes it the perfect time to visit Charleston’s many historic sites. Charleston is unique due to its multitude of civil war sites, which are especially beautiful during the fall.

Taking a boat ride along the harbor, visiting Fort Sumter, and attending a tour at the famous Magnolia Plantation are just a few of the exclusive opportunities that Charleston has to offer. Traveling to the South may not sound like an optimal fall vacation; however, Charleston’s brisk weather and many exciting sites provide a new take on traveling during the fall season.

Charleston. South Carolina offers many fall activities. photo source: flickr.com

Chicago. This destination provides beautiful fall scenery. photo source: odyssey.com

The Windy City presents the best fall weather during the early fall months of October and November. Chicago is the best fall destination for lovers of cold weather and is characterized by its wellknown restaurants, lively festivals, and unique culture. Walking along Lake Michigan is something that one can only experience in the fall. Once it becomes the harsh winter season, this activity is nearly impossible. Chicago’s Botanical Garden is a perfect place to grab a camera or a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The autumn colors emerge as the trees become orange, yellow, and green colors. Catching a baseball game at Wrigley Field is another iconic attraction. Scheduling colleges visits in Chicago during the fall is the optimal time as the weather is perfect to walk around and explore the campuses; Northwestern University and The University of Chicago are some of the prestigious colleges located in this city.

Lifestyle 20

Suncoast High School

HOW TO DE-STRESS YOURSELF A student can fix their stressful life and clear their mind.

As the school year unfolds, students encounter obstacles that induce stress. Whether it is school, work, Megan Mendoza or drama, everyone goes through hard times that make juggling daily activities difficult. While some stress Staff Writer may be healthy, an excess amount can be overwhelming. Here are a few activities to manage one’s stress.

Balance Yourself: Eating and sleeping are essential for everyday living.

Students often push them aside in order to study or get their work done, but this neglect can be harmful to one’s health. Managing time and getting enough sleep allow the body to rest and recharge. Along with sleep, eating a healthy meal gives the mind and body energy to take on any challenge throughout the day.

Find A Calming Hobby: People’s hobbies may range from singing to drawing to playing sports. Whatever your issue is, finding a hobby that makes you happy can distract you from the stress in your life and can brighten your day. Watching your favorite shows, listening to music, or talking to friends may also lift you up from a bad situation.

Recognize Your Triggers: Throughout everyone’s life, they face different circumstances that cause stress. Recognizing and assessing the problems in your life can help you feel more in control of the situation. If the stress is caused by an overload of work, a planner can help manage and narrow down what needs to be done. Tackling each issue one by one can make you feel more and more at ease.

Keep Your Head Up: Whether an issue can be conquered or not, life goes on. Everyone is in control of their own feelings and can choose how drastically their problems can hurt them. In the end, these small problems will not matter because things truly will get better. The key to healthy living is to keep your head high and don’t sweat the small stuff. photos courtesy of Megan Mendoza and Samia Gilani

THANKSGIVING ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Should we change up the tradition by going online?

Jimmie Smith Technology is always Staff Writer there to alleviate some of

the stressful events in our lives, from correcting our essays to catching a Uber. It seems that it is a mundane task to get into our cars, go through traffic, go shopping, then go back home just to cook what we bought. Well, technology could help you save time and money on gas, especially when you are preparing for the grand Thanksgiving tradition. Thanksgiving shopping is one of the many holiday-oriented shopping sprees Americans participate in throughout the year. Amid the reunion of family at the table and the friendly rivalries of Thursday Night Football, the preparation of the food takes up most of our time. With online grocery retailers recently becoming a reality, it is nice that there is an efficient alternative than going to the local store.

HelloFresh: The subscription-based food delivery service is always changing up the game with their recipes that range from the Classic Meal ($69.00-$129.00),

Veggie Meal ($59.00-$109.00), and Family Meal($79.95-$105.00) Plans. All the plans have free shipping, fresh ingredients, and serve for two or four adults, or two adults and two children. If you choose the Classic Plan, then you can select from six recipes that rotate weekly, and the cool part is you schedule your delivery, which in turn lets you choose from next week’s recipe catalog. But, wait there is more. If you subscribe to their newsletter, you get $15 off your delivery and you can cancel anytime. For more info, visit www.hellofresh.com Publix: We all know and love the Green Grocery Giant that is Publix, the #1 grocery provider in Florida that generated in total $32.6 billion during the last fiscal year.

Publix is known for being customer first, rather than profits. This is shown with their employees, the weekly BOGOs, and their recently established Greenwise® products.

Publix usually has speciality prices based on holidays, so expect some deals for the Thanksgiving celebration.

source: forbes.com photo source: flickr.com

Fresh on Out of the Box: HelloFresh also provide free recipies for download.

The Green Giant of Florida: We know them for the generous deals, and friendly atmosphere that generates itself daily.

Lifestyle 21

Suncoast High School

WHAT ARE YOU NOW?

With the addition of a new zodiac sign, it has created many conversations about it and what characteristics it has.

One question that always pops up Samantha Powers into a conversation is, “What is your Staff Writer zodiac sign?” There now is a new hype added to the astrological zodiacs, and it is not because you made a new group friends this year. According to NASA, the supposed “New Zodiac Sign” is not really a new sign. NASA is still reviewing the constellation that make Ophiuchus, and its qualities that may or may not make it a new zodiac sign. A few of the traits that NASA has so far discovered are that the people who are supposedly born under this sign are seekers of wisdom and knowledge, have a flamboyant style, they are supposed to be extremely curious, open to change, passionate and also very jealous. According to the studies that NASA has continued, they stated that some other traits could be explosive tempers, a good sense of humor, being secretive, and egotistical. Overall, NASA concluded, thus far, that this new sign and its traits is a combination of Scorpio and Sagittarius.

Although people love to discuss their zodiac signs and the text posts that follow them, your zodiac sign does not entirely describe who you are as a person. You might have been following them for the past couple years, or maybe your whole life, and it may describe you perfectly, but the truth is, is that you still have your own identity whether it corresponds to a text post or not.

When you see a text post, or go on a website about zodiac signs, the personality traits and descriptions are very broad and can almost apply to anyone who is born under that sign.

There are other factors that do contribute to the way you act and the way you think as an individual. One factor is the way you were raised, and it does not necessarily mean that your mom or dad who may be an Aries, has something to do with that. Each person has their own thoughts and characteristics that make you who you are as an individual. You also have your own ideas and opinions like anyone else, and that has nothing to do with a specific post you saw about your sign. Also, you should not base your own opinions or ideas off of a text post, because it may not be your own ideas, and of course you probably want to change something about the post so it relates to the way you think.

Even when I see the zodiac text posts, I do not always agree with what it says about my sign (Aquarius), and the same applies to some of the characteristics that it names that are supposed to describe me. Consequently, I do not let this factor guide me, and try to shape me into someone I am not. I still hold my own beliefs and my original ideas about certain topics, and I keep my opinions in my head when reading certain facts or articles about zodiac signs in general, or when reading about my sign specifically.

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SPORTS

BUMP, SET, SPIKE!

A closer look inside Suncoast girl’s volleyball team’s season. and basketball, the volleyball team has been dominating this season. Behind a great team there is a great coach.With the help of their head coach, Karen Bowman, the volleyball team has a record of 14-7. Coach Bowman has played volleyball for pretty much all her life, which inspired her to sponsor and coach the girls volleyball team for the past 11 years.

Most of the girls have been playing volleyball for years and some are even on traveling teams. “I’ve been playing volleyball for 5 years now and just loved the sport ever since,” varsity volleyball team member Taylor Stevens said.

While skill is always an important aspect of the game,the team’s overall friendship is what has made them so successful.“They are friends before players,” Bowman said, when asked about the team’s relationships outside of the court.

According to their record, this season has been great, but there have been a few bumps in the road. Oxbridge, their rival, tarnished their perfect 7-0 record, and the team’s confidence took a big hit. The team took a step back and Coach Bowman began to rethink her plan going forward. “We started to lose our momentum and lost four games in a row,” varsity volleyball co-captain, Isabella Keiser said. Some of the players began to doubt themselves and their capabilities. “Losing against Oxbridge made me upset, because I know we could have played a lot better, and shouldn’t have lost in three straight sets,” volleyball player Miranda Thelus said. Nevertheless, behind the stout leadership of the team’s co-captains and their coach, they were able to get back to their winning ways.“We fell off for a little bit, but now we’re back on track,” Coach Bowman said.

During their spell of losses, it was up to the team’s cocaptains to help keep the team motivated. Although it is a tough job, Keiser enjoyed it the most because she supported the team and helped them succeed by encouraging them.

Becoming co-captain with Valentina Supper was a dream come true for Keiser. “I was really excited to be named captain because I have been on the team since freshman year and I have been waiting for the opportunity to be a leader,” Keiser said. Even though the team has had a few setbacks, they plan on keeping their record up and going on to districts.

photo source: Palmbeachpost.com

Jahnaezha McFadden Although Suncoast mostly focus on the big sports, such as football Staff Writer

photo courtesy of Karen Bowman

Suncoast High School

Sports 23

THE HEAT OF JACK TO A KING THE GAME photo source: swanseacity.net

photo source: nhl.com

Bob Bradley is the first American to coach in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

No American Alex Levine Sports Editor has ever coached

soccer in Europe, at least, not until now.

Bob Bradley, former U.S. national coach was appointed coach of Swansea City AFC in the Premier League - regarded as the world’s most physical soccer league - in October. While to many who do not know Swansea or Bradley’s story it may seem like an appointment of convenience, the two could not be more perfectly matched. For both, it has been a long road to success.

At the start of 2003, Swansea City AFC was in a precarious position.

On the brink of financial collapse, the club was in the relegation zone of League 2, the lowest profession league in England, and a game away from being dropped out of professional soccer. With a win in their final game, Swansea avoided relegation by one point that year.

For the next decade, however, the club would only be looking upwards as it moved three leagues up in seven years and sparked the careers of multiple world class coaches, including Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, Fiorentina boss Paulo Sousa, and former Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers.

The “Jacks,” as Swansea supporters call themselves, had seen Swansea transform from a cozy town on the Welsh coast to the home of a Premier League team, one that, on a good day, could beat any team in the world.

More than 3,000 miles away in New York City, a similar story of struggle and a rise to the top was taking place. Lifelong soccer coach Bob Bradley was about to step onto the pitch at the New York MetroStars — now known as New

York Red Bull. By now, Bradley had already been coaching for 20 years and had a Major League Soccer title under his belt with the Chicago Fire, a significant but ultimately weak achievement internationally due to the poor quality of the MLS. While he brought success to the infamously underachieving MetroStars, Bradley eventually left for the U.S. under-23 national team, being appointed interim manager and later on manager of the U.S. national team following their failures in the 2006 World Cup. Despite success with the U.S., Bradley lost his job when the team lost 2-1 to Ghana in the 2010 World Cup semifinal. From the U.S., Bradley made the journey to Europe, but when he was offered no positions at any European clubs, Bradley accepted the job as Egyptian national team manager.

After a relatively effective stint in Egypt, despite the collapse of the nation’s government and the Port Said soccer massacre, Bradley moved to Norwegian side Stabaek and on to French second league side Le Havre. Overlooked for years, Bradley slowly worked his way up in Europe, finally being rewarded with the coaching position at Swansea.

Whether Bob Bradley and the people of Swansea realize it or not, the two have a lot more in common than they think. Both provide an inspirtation for people in the world of soccer. Swansea’s story shows that if you work hard enough, anything can happen, while for Bob Bradley, he has set a standard. For American coaches and players, even here at Suncoast, they are not held back by their nationality anymore, but propelled by their ability.

Florida has become the country’s preeminent state for hockey.

Snow is hardly the picture that Alex Levine Sports Editor is conjured up when one thinks

of Florida; neither is hockey.

Yet, as the National Hockey League (NHL) starts up this year two of the strongest teams in the country are Florida’s native clubs: the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have dominated the NHL for the past three years. While in 2008, Tampa Bay was at the bottom of the league, after only a few years of rebuilding, they have become one of the most successful teams in all of hockey.

Lead by two time leading league goalscorer and four time All-Star, Steven Stamkos, who has been with the organization since 2008, the Lightning have amassed some of the best players in the game, which has seen the team nearly notch two titles in the last two years. With the success that the club has had of late, ESPN ranked the Lightning as the most fan-appreciated franchise in all of sports. This is based partially off of reasonable ticket prices, but mostly because of the perception among fans that Lightning leadership was willing to bring in talent no matter the cost to keep the team winning. The love of the team by its fans and devotion by its owners is not lost on the players. Steven Stamkos famously said of the organization, “You can feel that love.”

While the Panthers have not experienced the same level of recent success that the Lightning have, they are a club on the rise. With a number of strong, young prospects, including defenseman Aaron Ekblad and center Aleksander Barkov, the Panthers look set for what may become a breakout year in which they can top 100 points for the first time in their franchise history. Over the past four seasons, the Panthers have steadily improved, reflected by their wins per season which have increased from 15 four seasons ago to 47 last year. While the Lightning may be the most fan-appreciated in sports, the Panthers, with both recent successes and a promising future, are not far behind. Ranked as the seventh best franchise in the country, the Florida Panthers have the fans on their side.

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