The Lariat, November 2017

The Newspaper of Cooper City High School | Issue II, November 2017

What’s inside:

BY THOMAS CAETANO Staff Writer

Never Forget: NJROTC honors victims of 9/11 before their 2017 Pass in Review Page 4

Feel the

As school lets out on game day, students rush from their classrooms eager for the weekend to start.

Over the excited chatter and birds chirping, a familiar sound can be heard in the distance: the beat of drums.

Before each football game, the CCHS Sound of Pride’s drumline joins forces with the cheerleaders in the courtyard to spark enthusiasm among the lingering crowd.

“I think the people just get excited to see other students,” drumline Co-Captain Marc Olmeda said. “They see us around school carrying big drums, making loud music and just keeping that backbeat that everyone enjoys.”

Although the first drumline appearance of the year can come as a surprise, many students soon learn to look forward to gathering around and watching them perform.

“Drumline gets students like myself super pumped in a school that can sometimes lose its spirit,” senior Kitana Rojas said. “The sound and spirit resonates throughout the school, from the Littlest Cowboys I teach, to the teachers who teach me.”

The drumline embodies school spirit, encouraging a bigger turn out at football games and other school-associated events. In addition to drawing students to the courtyard before the game, the drumline joins the band in the stands and on the field when the friday night lights blink on. For

both types of performances section Co-Captains Marc Olmeda and Ryan Hage lead with pride.

“Basically, as captains, we set the standard of how things should be in the line,” Hage said.

The beat they provide is the foundation of the Sound of Pride Marching Band Program, a crucial component to their success at competitions throughout the marching season. Without the drumline’s unique part in the making of the yearly production, the whole structure of the program would not be the same.

“They have the willingness to sacrifice part of themselves, to be part of something bigger,” Head Percussion Instructor James Davis said. “They are a very highly motivated group of kids, always have been.”

The drumline is always striving to be better; whether or not they have a good rehearsal, their motivation is unceasing.

“Every rehearsal, every performance - we just get better from there,” Olmeda said.

For these hard-workers, even off-season is a call for more preparation and practice. Although they make what they do look ‘easy,’ mere natural talent is not enough when it goes unpolished; improving as a drummer and a team member is essential. Many of the students join independent organizations, and some simply practice their hearts out, getting ready to bring it on in competition the following season. With seasoned seniors leaving and freshmen just arriving, getting past obstacles is what they have to do in order to keep achieving at their level of high excellence.

“People have to get better in order to pick up on what the seniors [leave] behind,” Hage said.

In Style: Fashion Design Team Co-President unites wearability and sustainability Page 15

Just as vital to the program as practice is recruiting incoming freshman to ensure that the gaps left by the graduating class are filled. This year, the number was at an all time low. Davis, who has been a part of the Sound of Pride for twenty-seven years, has realized the situation.

“They are suffering from [a] low number of students enrolled in the class,” Davis said, comparing to previous years.

Due to the amount of seniors that leave every year, dealing with the situation of gaining new members and becoming a better drummer is more important than ever. Throughout their time in leadership and in the drumline in general, Olmeda and Hage have been trained to adapt as the program shifts.

“Every year is different, because we lose a lot of good people, and we also get fresh people that aren’t so good, but that’s their time to come step up to the plate and actually improve a lot,” Olmeda said. “It’s like we never lost anyone.”

Overall, these obstacles are mere midpoints to their overall goal of excellence. motivating the drumline to keep striving to be their best. However difficult, their perseverance proves tested and true throughout the years.

“We have reached every goal set,” Davis said.

With all of the hard work put into each detail of the performance, the drumline resembles a well-oiled machine. The hours of rehearsal all lead up to the moment when the drumline faces the crowd, stands full and fans screaming.

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QUIZ 3

Which fall activity suits you?

BY TAYLOR GOLDMAN Business Manager

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What is your favorite pie?

When do you start holiday shopping?

A) Apple Pie B) Pumpkin Pie C) Cherry Pie

A) When I have nothing else to do B) Mid-December C) As soon as the stores start selling Holiday items

What are your weekend plans?

Do you like the outdoors?

A) Taking advantage of the nice weather B) Napping all day C) Stalking Pinterest for the yummiest fall recipe

A) I wouldn’t want to spend my time anywhere else.

B) I feel the same about being indoors or outdoors.

C) I only go outside when I have to.

What’s your favorite thing about fall?

What’s your preferred fall look?

A) The weather B) The fuzzy socks and blankets C) The food

A) Practical, comfortable shorts and sneakers.

B) A film tee or oversized sweater C) A fall themed apron

What’s the best fall scent?

What’s your favorite fall drink?

A) The fresh air outside B) Pine or cedar C) Pumpkin Spice

A) Apple cider B) Hot cocoa C) Pumpkin spice latte

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7

What’s your favorite Halloween movie?

It’s finally Thanksgiving break, where are you off to?

A) Halloween Town B) The Nightmare Before Christmas C) Hocus Pocus

A) To watch my favorite football team on Thanksgiving B) To binge watch horror flicks C) To visit family or a family vacation

MOSTLY A’S: Watching/Playing Sports

Your favorite thing about fall is the sports that come along with it. There’s nothing better than taking advantage of the beautiful weather by spending time outdoors with your friends running around doing what you love. It is also a must for you to watch football on Thanksgiving.

I mean, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without some football, right? You love to watch and play sports, but during the Fall season is when you enjoy it most.

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MOSTLY B’S: Building a Bonfire

MOSTLY C’S: Baking Pies

Is there a better way to spend a chilly fall night than warming up by the fire with a group of friends? You grab some marshmallows, mini hotdogs and hot chocolate to make it a party, because you can’t have a bonfire without doing some cooking over the open flame. With your fall playlist and a warm blanket, you love staring up at the stars listening and listening to the crackling of the fire and the laughter of your friends.

Does someone smell pie? Pie baking is the fall activity that fits you best. Everyone knows that you are the queen/king of baking, so delicious mouthwatering pies can be expected from you during the fall months. You practically live in an apron in your kitchen all year long, but it’s during September, October, and November when you’re really dedicated. From cherry pie to chocolate cream pie, something scrumptious is always baking in your oven during fall.

LARIAT SELFIE CONTEST.

Take part in The Lariat’s first photo contest and win a $10 gift card from Dunkin Donuts.

Post a selfie on Twitter with your copy of this Lariat issue and tag it with #CCHSLariatLife by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15. Make sure to caption it with your favorite article and make the tweet public. All photos must be school appropriate. Photos will be judged by the editorial board; winners will be announced at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday. For full rules visit The Lariat Twitter: @lariatcchs! thelariatonline.com

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RESPECT NEWS

Cooper’s NJROTC host 9/11 Memorial and earn top marks at their Area Manager Inspection.

BY TAMARA WALLACE General Editor

On November 2, clear skies graced the CCHS campus as the Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) performed for retiring Inspecting Officer/Area 7 Manager, Commander Dirk Herbert, during their 2017 Pass in Review.

“It went really well and it was very memorable because Commander Dirk Herbert is retiring,” Cadet Ensign Sarah Seng said. “This was his last Area Manager Inspection (AMI).”

The Area Manager Inspection is an annual event that lead by the Area 7 Manager, who evaluates the fitness of the battalion through analyzing their yearly service projects, equipment condition, crispness of their drill performance, and more.

Before the inspection began, however, NJROTC members, along with veterans and other CCHS and their family members congregated in the courtyard to pay their respects to those who perished in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.

“Most of the kids out there weren’t born… [until after] it happened, but the turnout was still outstanding,” Commander Herbert said. “‘Never forget’ is alive and well.”

Photos by Sarah Khan

During the memorial ceremony, all who attended placed American flags into the ground and took a moment to reflect on the action.

“9/11 is usually a sad feeling, but it was nice to see [NJROTC] show respect and, at the same time, show their pride for the school,” Senior Naval Science Instructor Commander Jose Testa said.

Afterwards, the Sound of Pride played a few somber songs in remembrance before everyone made their way to the football field, where the band and the NJROTC fanned out to fill the expanse. There, the National Anthem was played in order to commence the Pass in Review.

With Chief Staff Officer Lieutenant Commander John Lystad narrating the affair, 192 cadets lead by Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Natalia Aguirre, Adjutant/Operations Officer Lieutenant Nicholas Preston and Commanding Officer Cullen Chamberlain showed why they had been deemed a “distinguished unit” last year.

“One of the best units in the entire country,” Commander Herbert said of the unit.

The battalion was able to pass their review and continued to impress not only Inspector Herbert, but themselves as well.

“Last year we won the highest award that could be won for NJROTC, and this Area Manager Inspection proved we deserved that award,” Cadet Ensign Jennifer Rentas said.

Before the end of the inspection, some surprise awards were given to a few members who went above and beyond.

“It was a complete and utter surprise to be awarded the Cadet Achievement Award,” Cadet Ensign Katherine Smith said.

Overall, everyone seemed extremely pleased with the NJROTC’s progress, including their teacher, Commander Testa.

“They are motivated and it’s them running things now,” Commander Testa said. “I’m only a facilitator; planning the trips is done by the cadets. The main purpose of the program is to make better citizens, and the support we get from parents on a workday is amazing - we can’t without the parents.”

NJROTC parents were extremely proud of how their children performed during the Pass in Review and were generally exceedingly supportive of the NJROTC program.

“I was very proud and her decision to join the NJROTC program,” parent of Cadet Ensign Maridelsa Suero Almonte, Joe La Paugh, said. “In general, the program builds character and it is reflected at home. It’s adding to her already great moral character - she is more of a second mom to her little brother than a big sister.”

The lunch was also attended by several veterans who had much to say on the topic of CCHS, particularly about Principal Wendy Doll.

“Ms. Doll is the finest woman in the world,” retired Master Sergeant George Caffrey said. “She is somebody that is interested in education and her students. She holds nothing back and is as honest as they come.”

In regards to NJROTC in general, Master Sergeant George Caffrey added that “[NJROTC] is fun - anyone that tells you it isn’t fun is lying.”

Full list of awards online at thelariatonline.com

In the news:

CCHS football players, cheerleaders and NJROTC students unite to honor Sgt. LaDavid Johnson, one of the four U.S. soldiers killed in Niger, as his service is held at a local church.

Visit thelariatonline.com for the full story.

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Photo by David Rosenfield

NEWS

Tiaras are coming

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Thespians get to work on their fall production Game of Tiaras

Photos by Annabelle Rosa Left: Cast members Chandler Braisted (Prince Charming) and John Yearick (Dwarf Number One, the French Prince) rehearse for Act I of Game of Tiaras.

BY JULIA WENGIER Staff Writer

At 7 p.m. on November 16, the CCHS Thespians will perform their fall production entitled “Game of Tiaras,” putting a comedic spin on classic fairytales.

“Game of Tiaras” follows three sister princesses (Cinderella, Belle and the Snow Queen) after their father decides to split his kingdom among them. Based on Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” this play fuses humor with the intense plot twists of “Game of Thrones,” resulting in an ironically comical tragedy. While opening night is November 16, the production will take place on November 17 and 18 as well. For students and senior citizens, tickets will be priced at $10, with general admission at $15.

During pre-sale, which started on November 6 (and ends on November 16), tickets are $10 for everyone.

The Thespians have frequent rehearsals in preparation for their performances, which started off with three days a week. On October 28, Saturday rehearsals were added. Nearing opening night, the Thespians began rehearsing six days per week, which started November 6.

Sophomore Rylee Berger is a stage manager, as well as the president of the Thespians. She, along with three assistant stage managers, are responsible for ensuring that the process goes as planned and the set is prepared before their goal date. During the show, Berger will be in the tech booth in the back of the auditorium, cuing in the sound and light operators. The assistant stage managers will be backstage with headsets in order to remain in contact with Berger; they ensure that everything is running smoothly on stage.

“It can get stressful, because there is a lot of responsibility and it’s really important that I’m on top of everything,” Berger said. “However, it’s good stress, because it’s something that I love to do.”

The stage managers were also in charge of running auditions, which were held on September 19, 20 and 22. Alex Brower, a junior and second-year member of the Thespians, was cast as Prince Charming, who brings the romance aspects into the play. As a cunning, intelligent yet humorous prince going behind Cinderella’s back, Charming is a typical “player” that many teenage girls can relate to having problems with. Brower is excited to play this fun character, as well as for the new season of drama

for the Thespians.

“Being in the Thespians definitely made me more confident,” Brower said. “It made me more outgoing, and I’m not afraid to be who I am anymore.

The club’s board chose “Game of Tiaras” for their fall play, deciding to follow a fairy-tale theme for the year.

As the tenth grade representative on the board (along with one of three assistant stage managers), Reese Abrahamoff was able to have a say in what they chose.

“We wanted to do something new and different, and we had so many ideas,” Abrahamoff said. “We thought this would be something exciting to do with our new teacher.”

The musical, taking place towards the end of the school year, follows their theme; popular on Broadway, as well as in the cinema, “Into the Woods” follows fairy-tale characters whose stories get intertwined. It accommodates the Thespians’ large cast, and is a clever twist that can be light-hearted yet dark at the same time. Looking forward to both productions this year, the Thespians work hard together to bring joy to not only themselves, but to the students at CCHS who make up their audience.

“It’s amazing being part of something [as] incredible as the drama club,” Abrahamoff said.

A bridge to the future

Cowboys are recognized as Questbridge National College Match Finalists

BY KENDYL COUNTS Editor in Chief

On October 19, a handful of CCHS students spent the afternoon glued to their cell phones, obsessively refreshing their emails. After having undergone a rigorous application process involving numerous essays and an early deadline, they were awaiting an email that could potentially transform their lives - their Questbridge decisions.

Questbridge is an organization that provides high-achieving, low-income students with the opportunity to transcend financial barriers and pursue their goal of receiving an exceptional higher education. 16 students applied to Questbridge’s National College Match, which helps high school seniors gain admission and a full fouryear scholarship to the nation’s most competitive colleges and universities.

Senior Stav Sharoni was one of the 16 CCHS students who applied to the scholarship program for 20172018 - a far larger number than in recent years. Still, the number of applicants represents a fraction of the entire

student body, and even fewer make the cut to become finalists.

“At around 6:00, I got the email and I was extremely excited that I actually got the opportunity to continue with Questbridge,” Sharoni said.

Because students from a lower socioeconomic status can lack confidence, resources, guidance and opportunities, Questbridge offers the College Prep Scholar program, which prepares low-income juniors for the college admissions process, and the Quest for Excellence Awards, which recognize talented students in numerous fields. Ultimately, the program envisions a world where the potential of bright minds does not go overlooked simply because of socioeconomic status. With 4,214 students so far admitted to a partner university on a full four-year scholarship, it’s clear that Questbridge is actively working toward that goal.

Though they have been named Questbridge finalists, there is more work to be done for the students.

To take advantage of the full scholarship that they have been offered, they must gain acceptance into one of the organization’s partner schools. Since October 19, the finalists have been busy preparing and submitting their

supplemental essays for the schools that they will apply to through the Questbridge program. They have already submitted their “rankings,” an ordered list of up to twelve colleges that they are interested in attending. Their applications will go through the admissions process of each individual school, and if they are matched, they will attend the highest-ranked school that they have been accepted to.

“We have had at least one student [matched] each year within the past four years,” BRACE advisor Christine Siwek said. “The more the kids hear about it, the more excited they get about it, and the more students we have apply. It’s great because it puts them in the bucket to win.”

Though acceptance to the schools is not guaranteed, the current Questbridge finalists hold on to the hope that they will soon join the ranks of the few thousand students who have matched so far. With college match results coming out on December 1, they do not have to wait much longer to find out.

“Now I am at the hardest part of the Questbridge National College Match program, [which is] waiting,” finalist Challet Jeong said. “All I can do right now is hope for the best now that my [applications are] sent in, and focus on my school work.”

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6 NEWS

Photo by Ben Milgram

Photo by Ben Milgram

Photo by Ryan Sullivan

Photo by Ryan Sullivan

Photo by Sarah Khan

Photo by Ryan Sullivan

Photo by Ryan Sullivan Photo by Ryan Sullivan

Head to head

Things get crazy at Krazy Kickball

BY NUHA ISLAM Staff Writer

On the first day of homecoming week, the CCHS gymnasium was alive with color, with seniors sporting pink, juniors clad in blue, sophomores dressed in green, and freshmen clothed in yellow.

The bright attire comprised the team colors for the Krazy Kickball event held on October 30th, the first in the annual lineup of many homecoming festivities.

“I’m a full believer of showing school spirit,” sophomore homecoming court nominee Alexa Jaspan said. “I

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think it’s wonderful when everyone comes together for a common cause. It really builds a sense of community, which I think is important for places like schools.”

Krazy Kickball has a special set of rules, like skipping to third base instead of running, that makes the game more enjoyable even for non-athletes. And while the extra rules were simple to understand, they worked to make players and onlookers more invested in the game, and brought a unique twist to classic kickball.

The scores for the first rounds resulted in the seniors winning 3-0 against

the freshman, and the juniors winning 1-0 against the sophomores. In the final match, the seniors and juniors tied 0-0, and a game of rock paper scissors deemed the seniors the winners of the game.

“When you look back and you see how much fun you had in your high school years with your friends, it makes it especially worth it to attend as many activities as possible,” senior Brianna Hutchins said.

“Coming out to support my classmates is as rewarding as it is entertaining, especially since we won.”

Photo by Ryan Sullivan

Photo by Ben Mil;gram

Photo by Sarah Khan

NEWS 7

Class of 2018 takes home the trophy Classes get competitive at Crazy Feats

BY KENDYL COUNTS Editor in Chief

With streaks of war paint on their faces and bandanas tied tightly around their foreheads, the students of CCHS crowded into the gym on November 1 for Crazy Feats, an intense battle of the classes. The event kicked off at 6:00 with a cup stacking contest that put seniors in the lead, their pyramid of cups towering above the basketball court. Freshmen came in second, followed by the juniors and the sophomores.

After a brief period of celebration in the senior section, attention was soon turned toward the next task: the “Tape a

Teammate” challenge. After gravity got the best of the juniors and freshmen, the sophomores and seniors went into a tie that lasted for nearly an hour before it was broken by a rock-paper-scissors match.

The seniors came out on top.

As the night went on, the freshmen won the bobsled race, the juniors won the orange pass, the seniors won the wheelbarrow race, the egg race, blindfolded musical chairs and chicken toss, and the sophomore class sponsors Melissa Cabrera and assistant principal Carla Hozebin won the faculty balloon hop.

“Freshman year, I went to crazy feats because it sounded fun and some of

my friends were going,” senior Hannah Cohen said. “Now as a senior, it means so much more to me. It’s about coming together as a class, cheering each other on and capitalizing on our individual strengths.”

After four years of working toward the trophy, the class of 2018 claimed first place at Crazy Feats. Needless to say, the senior section erupted into ecstatic chaos.

“Winning was a great feeling [because] we knew that after four long years our time would come to get that trophy,” senior Ethan Roberts said. “It was way better than I even imagined the moment to be like.”

Get hyped

Students and faculty pack the gym for midday pep

BY ALEXANDRA SANSONE Staff Writer

During their fourth period class, excited students piled into the gym to the booming of music in search of a seat in the already overflowing bleachers to attend CCHS’ annual homecoming pep rally. The rally created energy amongst students, featuring the cheerleaders, swim team, cross country team, volleyball team football team and Sound of Pride marching band.

The football team got special attention, entertaining their audience with a sassy rendition of Britney Spears’ “...Baby One More Time .”

“I loved when the football players

did their dance to hit me baby one more time,” junior Gabby Carbone said. “I [have] never laughed so hard.”

Later, the organizers of the rally introduced a new event for class officers who were tasked with creating a float out of a shopping cart to represent their class.

Next, the debut of the homecoming court took place, with each class cheering for their representatives as they entered the gym.

“My absolute favorite part were all the team cheers and dances because it showed how connected and close all the teams were... the members looked so happy and excited,” freshman Rachel Goldberg said.

The rally continued on with contests between the classes, including a chanting competition won by the seniors, and a doughnut speed eating game won by the sophomores. The lively event was closed by the marching band performing their halftime show for the school.

“I felt the pep rally was a really fun way to break up the week and have some fun with our friends,” sophomore Cassidy Sutton said.

The gathering served as a showcase for the current athletic athletic achievements of this school year while bringing the student body together to build school spirit - a high-energy start to a busy homecoming weekend.

A night to remember

School hosts 2017’s “Road Trip” homecoming

BY KYLE NELSON Editor in Chief

“Suavemente was playing and… boy, did I get down,” junior Alexa Pichardo said.

Students at CCHS can be found running into the cafeteria for one of two reasons: the signature buffalo chicken pizza or the annual homecoming dance.

On Saturday, November 4, they weren’t selling any buffalo chicken pizza.

The 2017 Homecoming dance was highlighted by blaring music, committed Student Government Association (SGA) planners, elaborate outfits and of course, lots of ice cream.

The dance was coordinated by SGA officers and SGA advisor Natalie Flaten. With one of the largest attendances ever, the dance was seen as a hit. This

year, 730 dance tickets were sold and with something for everyone, it seemed that 730 were having a good time. CCHS staff decided to move some of the tables outside this year to give more room on the dance floor and allow students to have a place to sit and talk without music disrupting conversation.

“This is the culminating activity of homecoming week. We have 730 students here, which is 250 more than past years, so we wanted to make the cafeteria really nice so it wouldn't look like the same place you eat lunch,” Principal Wendy Doll said. “We have so many kids and we just want to make it as nice as we can. We are really excited that so many kids came out this year to attend.”

Another addition this year was a second catering service. In the past, Char-

Hut has catered all the food for homecoming but this year, due to the increased attendance, SGA had “Luv'n Oven Pizza & Pasta” cater as well.

“This is my first and my last homecoming,” senior Brianna Franco said.

“I had a great time with my friends and eating was my favorite.”

As a senior, homecoming can cause a whirlwind of emotions. From nostalgia to pure excitement, seniors felt it all.

“I had a tough day today, and I walked through the doors expecting not to have a good time, but it wasn’t what I expected,” senior Rebecca Smitherman said. “I didn't expect to smile at all tonight and I’ve had a lot of laughs with my friends.”

For full homecoming coverage visit thelariatonline.com

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8

EDITORIAL

The only agenda in the wake of tragedy should be unity

BY NOAH CASTAGNA Staff Writer

In times of great loss, it is easy to succumb to the visceral emotion of the moment as personal biases are either confirmed or challenged. One side of the coin feels the need to take a tragedy and make a point out of it, thus disregarding its sensitivity, while the other looks to dismiss its importance to the debate altogether.

Both are ultimately unhealthy for rational discourse on hot-button issues. In the wake of tragedy, the only agenda that should be pushed is one of banding together and honoring our fellow Americans..

As the smoke clears and the yellow tape is thrown up, the battle lines are already being drawn.

Controversy stirs, and it becomes so easy to lose hold of rationality and tact, in effect devolving the narrative into a vicious back-and-forth of blame and name-calling. One side becomes a group of so-called high-roading hypocrites and the other becomes a collective of so-called malicious opportunists. What’s most shameful about it all is how straightforward the narrative truly should be, how clear the enemy truly is. There is but one enemy in a time of crisis: evil. No matter what one may think about the current political climate, opposing evil is bipartisan. The methodology of doing so varies, but at the very core of it all, every player in the political field rallies around reducing the influence and power of evil in society.

Yet if the enemy is so clear, why are the two weeks following a tragedy so rife with heated debate and controversy? Especially when one takes into account the fact that mass shootings account for fewer than ⅓ of all gun deaths (with suicide being the highest source of gun deaths) and terrorist attacks are responsible for less deaths than heart disease or auto accidents according to FiveThirtyEight

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polling. The media certainly plays a role - car accidents and heart disease are not exactly novel headline material - but it is also the targeted victimization that puts the average American into the mindset that they could be next.

Targeted venues range from theaters to baseball games, places meant to be escapes from the sometimes vicious real world. It’s understandable to consider the last time you caught a movie and think “That could have been me.” But statistically, that just doesn’t add up.

And this does not even begin to touch the surface of why politicizing tragedies and pushing for sudden drastic measures just isn’t wise. It does not just trample upon the lost lives or stage innocent civilians as political props - it also instills the kind of awful, reactionary mindset that gave us the Patriot Act or created the toxic idea that “if it weren’t for the other, this wouldn’t have happened” in the wake of situations that are, ultimately, outliers. Take, for example, Vox writer German Lopez’s sentiments.

“The political system is supposed to address crises,” Lopez wrote. “If something bad happens, and governments can do something to prevent it from happening again, we should expect our lawmakers to respond.”

Here Lopez references a growing argument that surfaces after every terrorist attack: “if now isn’t the time, when is?” This argument encourages the American people to only look at the small picture, at events that, while devastating, do not reflect the true grand scheme of the issues. It is at the center of the stronger push for immigration control after a Muslim terrorist attack or the stronger push for gun control after a mass shooting, and it is what ultimately flaws both arguments. Letting a side of the debate be consumed by momentary outrage will not push a country forward productively. So, the answer to the question of “if now isn’t the time, when is?” is pretty clear: when the blood has dried, the emotion has settled and the

populace isn’t seeing red anymore.

When this question is demanded, and the party of outrage this time around steps up in a fit of anger, it merely feeds into the fear and the fury of the people and blinds them with emotion. The populace then conflates the most extreme, vivid scenarios as commonalities while grazing past the grander context of such events, effectually pitting fellow Americans against one another across party lines. This conflation is in part behind the phenomenon where support for stricter gun laws tends to spike immediately after a mass shooting and settles afterward.

Not soon after the Pulse nightclub shooting in June 2016, 55% of Americans surveyed said they favored stricter gun control laws in a CNN poll, which was a major spike from the 46% in fall 2015, and the highest it had been since after the Sandy Hook shooting. If, even after the worst happens, a side looking to prevent such circumstances can still only eek out a narrow majority, it shows the issue is still one that has the country evenly divided, and to take advantage of this momentary weakness to force out reactionary policy is to subvert the reality of the issue altogether.

Overall, it takes more discipline to drop the overarching narrative and instead focus on the greater good that triumphs in times of overwhelming tragedy (this goes for all agendas, no matter their position on the spectrum). Instead of calling attention to the monster itself, the spotlight should be thrust upon those who rushed heedlessly into harm’s way to protect their fellow Americans. In times where the bleeding heart of the United States is raw and pounding, we should shelter one another, not vilify the opposition or assign malicious intent to those with varying perspectives from ourselves.

Fellow Americans are not the villains at hand. Rather, the only villain we face in these times is the kind of evil that will, in the end and across both aisles, be brought to justice.

Stone cold statues

OPINION 9

Removing offensive monuments will help Americans chisel out unity

BY KENDYL COUNTS Editor in Chief

Though the statue of Napoleon Bonaparte Broward once greeted visitors to the Ft. Lauderdale courthouse with a blank stare, the values communicated by those unseeing eyes were what prompted the figure’s removal on October 19, 2017.

At first glance, Broward’s biography appears like that of any other twentieth century historical figure. Having served as Florida’s 19th governor between 1905 and 1909, Broward was especially known for his efforts to drain the Everglades and develop land in Florida. Though Broward died in 1910, his legacy persisted through his namesake, Broward County, which was founded in 1915. While his accomplishments were clearly considered when his likeness took up residence in the Ft. Lauderdale courthouse, his racist ideologies seem to have slipped past as inconsequential information.

Today, these details are of far more concern. Back in September, Broward County lawyer Bill Glein published excerpts of controversial statements made by Broward on his Justice Advocacy Blog. The post served as a reminder that in Broward’s 1907 speech to the Florida legislature on race relations, which was published to the internet by the University of Florida in 2011, he recommends that the United States purchase territory to which its black population could be relocated.

“No cost should be considered, in a matter so fraught with the danger of injury, as is the existence of two races in the same country,” Broward said in his speech.

The statements were not just a matter of racial segregation; they also promoted white supremacy and a belief in the inferiority of other races.

“The white people have no time to make excuses for the shortcomings of the negro,” Broward said.

As of late, Americans have been thinking twice about memorializing advocates for the racially oppressive institutions that pollute the country’s past. In February of 2016, Charlottesville, Virginia’s city officials elected to eliminate a statue of Robert E. Lee, the Confederate general who fought to preserve slavery in the Civil War, from a local park. Months later, torch-bearing white nationalists descended upon the park where the monument stood, protesting the decision as an erasure of their history.

The removal of such statues is not an attempt to cover up the past - rather, it is a gesture that admits to centuries of wrongdoing and seeks to quell such offensive beliefs to prevent them from regaining their foothold. While figures like Broward and Lee may have earned their place in history due to their high-profile positions, they have not earned a platform in the daily lives of today’s American citizens.

It is true that such comments were once far more acceptable - however, the overarching historical context does not excuse Broward’s inhumane suggestions and values. As a nation still recovering from offenses such as slavery and segregation while also struggling to work through modern racism and its accompanying issues, the U.S. cannot afford to continue commemorating proponents of what they are trying to move forward from.

Prominently displayed in buildings of public importance, the statues are a continuous reminder to black Americans of the centuries of oppression that their race has endured, and their idolization encourages the persistence of ignorant beliefs. History books and museums are the proper locations for such harmful iconography, which should be preserved only for educational and archival purposes - not to be looked up to each and every day.

The removal of racist statues is not an erasure of history - rather, it is the least that can be done to atone for the mistakes of the past. As empty pedestals begin to appear around the country, Americans should take a moment to consider whose history has actually gone unacknowledged and replace the statues accordingly.

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10 OPINION

Pumpkin spice epidemic The fall flavor that’s flooding the shelves

BY GENNA NORDLING Staff Writer

The fall feeling is hard to come by in South Florida; it is common knowledge that the weather does not exactly cool down much. Unable to rely on the leaves changing color, Floridians have to get creative on their hunt for clues as to when the season actually begins, and the mass release of pumpkin spice products is usually a pretty good sign. However, stores tend to overcrowd their shelves with anything pumpkin spice flavored and it is becoming a problem.

One of the most popular pumpkin spice products was created by Starbucks in 2003. The release of their infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) sparked the seemingly never-ending pumpkin spice epidemic. Originally, the PSL was created as a fall beverage as a result of the immense adoration of winter seasonal drinks at Starbucks. The PSL became one of Starbucks’ most popular drinks, and now Starbucks sells a multitude of pumpkinflavored products ranging from coffee to scones.

Before the unveiling of the PSL, the popularity of pumpkin flavoring was definitely not as prominent as it unfortunately is today. At that time the only pumpkin-flavored things in stock were pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin seeds and things with actual pumpkin in them.

After the birth of the PSL, the popularity of pumpkin spice flavored goods has only swelled, and once fall rolls around, grocery stores flood with pumpkin spice flavored cereal, cookies, chips and more. Starting at the beginning of September, many stores have entire sections dedicated to pumpkin and pumpkin spice flavored products. The amount of pumpkin spice flavored goods is overwhelming and frankly overkill.

Pumpkin spice products are not always their own category, however; existing name brands often adapt their own foods to the flavor. Everything from M&M’s to Pringles has turned to the dark side. It

seems that everything has its own pumpkin spice version; the flavor is taking over stores everywhere.

There are a plethora of companies that take advantage of the popularity of pumpkin and make their pumpkin products “limited time only.” The limited time marketing tactic plays a huge role in the popularity of pumpkin flavored goods, because it places the mindset to “get it while it lasts” in the consumer’s head. According to The Conversation, a psychological theory called reactance theory explains why consumers react positively to limited time offers and usually buy more of that item. Essentially, the pumpkin spice craze is only popular because of the marketing tactics companies use to sell them.

“People go crazy when the annual pumpkin spice season comes along and there’s this whole hype that surrounds pumpkin spice,” sophomore Julia Safrin said. “Other brands have taken advantage of the pumpkin spice craze to create pumpkin spice everything, from Cheerios to candles.”

Snacks and foods are not the only things with pumpkin spice alternatives.

Recently, pumpkin spice has become a very popular scent for candles, perfumes and car fresheners. Who doesn’t want the already overpopulated flavour overwhelming one’s senses everywhere else?

Pumpkin spice is extremely popular and can be found in almost every grocery store, but not everyone has fallen victim to the epidemic. While people love the scent and the flavor because it reminds them of the comfort that fall brings, others do not understand the craze and believe it’s overused.

“I don’t understand why pumpkin spice is such a big deal, especially the flavor of it,” sophomore Adrianna Luna said. “I can get the aesthetic of it because it’s probably pleasing since the color matches with fall. But the flavor of it, it’s just not good.”

Pumpkin spice in the fall is inevitable and inescapable. It can be okay in moderation, but the way companies overuse the flavor and scent is just too much. And maybe next year we can do without the pumpkin flavored pizza.

Photos by Genna Nordling thelariatonline.com

Unpopular Opinions: Thanksgiving is a terrible holiday The Lariat column aimed at proposing opinions so unpopular, it’s basically social suicide.

BY ALEXANDRA SANSONE Staff Writer

Thanksgiving, while enjoyed by many, certainly has its critics. The reasons why are evident, especially when hearing the horror stories that occur during the household festivities. Thanksgiving is a celebration centered around disorder, with sharp knives, hot ovens and the majority of your family under one roof. No matter how well you get along, things are bound to get chaotic. This is “Unpopular Opinions,” a Lariat column centering around opinions so thoroughly disagreed with that simply conceding to one aspect of their defense will get one mildly maimed. For this entry of Unpopular Opinions, prepare to dive into the untold truths and overlooked problems that Thanksgiving holds.

Piling all of one family into a house can be stressful. After facing the initial urgency of preparing mass amounts of food in a minimal amount of time, it is expected that one will actually talk to the people who intend to eat it. Kids are greeted by relatives with discussions about their grades and school work on the few days that they have off. Families break off into cliques and, despite the perfect pictures posted on Facebook, don’t actually interact the way families do in every sentimental holiday advertisement. And who could forget the events of the day after Thanksgiving?

There is nothing more American than giving thanks for all you have before darting off to tackle people for discounts on Black Friday.

For some the feast is about fueling up for campouts at Best Buy, but to the general population the stuffing holiday is thought to be a celebration of pilgrimage and survival of harsh conditions in a foreign land. However, Thanksgiving did not become an official holiday until 1863, during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. The gruesome events leading up to the original meal were pushed aside to ease the minds of American citizens. According to Ronald C. White Jr., American historian and award winning author, Lincoln proclaimed the national holiday in attempt to diffuse tension during the civil war.

The basic foundation upon which Thanksgiving began was not as cheerful as it appears in our childhood textbooks. After triumphing in conflicts over a treaty with the Pequots, another nearby tribe, Massachusetts Bay Governor John Winthrop announced what is now known as the first Thanksgiving meal. In his exultation Winthrop declared, “This day forth shall be a day of celebration and thanksgiving for subduing the Pequots.” The pilgrims did just that, celebrating the genocide of the Pequot tribe and betraying the natives who helped them survive long enough to enjoy their feast.

Since Thanksgiving values are not what they once were and now consist of overeating and football, many Americans are not aware of what the Thanksgiving holiday symbolizes. Further, as if we haven’t taken enough from the Native Americans, we insist on appropriating their culture, encouraging children to create feather adorned headdresses and run around like “savages” as we giggle, record and post it.

The traditions and practices of Thanksgiving are very different in the present time, but its rotten roots must be acknowledged instead of swept under the rug as it has been for years on end.

OPINION 11

Silencing victims in Hollywood

The frightening act of sweeping sexual assault under the rug

BY ABBIE TUSCHMAN Staff Writer

Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Kate Beckinsale. What do all three of these big-name Hollywood actresses have in common? The seemingly harmless piece of celebrity trivia comes with a winning answer that is more than cause for alarm. Rather than the generic responses of expensive cars or designer clothes, Paltrow, Jolie and Beckinsale share one horrifying truth: they were sexually harassed by the same powerful movie producer.

On October 5, The New York Times published a shocking exposé on several undisclosed allegations of sexual assault and harassment against the Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. The initial piece featured interviews of eight alleged victims, including actress Ashley Judd. As of the most recent tally, more than 40 accusations against Weinstein have come to light.

Paltrow, Jolie and Beckinsale, along with numerous other actresses, have revealed their disturbing experiences of sexual harassment and assault by the film mogul.

In the caption of a post to Instagram on October 12, Beckinsale detailed an instance in which she rejected Weinstein’s inappropriate advances. She was 17 years old at the time.

Though Weinstein’s acts have occurred since 1980, the allegations of sexual misconduct have mostly been contained within the tightknit circle of film producers and stars. Instead of the condemnation of such repulsive behavior, Weinstein’s victims were shamed into silence and received little justice for years. The prolonged tolerance for his despicable treatment of women is a direct result of Weinstein’s social and economic standing. The accusations against Weinstein point to a significant issue in the values of the movie industry yet, it is only one example of the much larger problem of rape culture in America.

Rape culture can be described as a social phenomenon in which rape is normalized and excused. This can be perpetuated in a number of ways, such as blaming the victim for their clothing or alcohol intake rather than the offender for committing the crime. In the case of Harvey Weinstein, his sexual harassment and assault of actresses, models and others was likely classified as a “casting couch” scenario and swept under the rug. According to BBC, the phrase “casting couch” refers to performers exchanging sexual favors for the opportunity to show their suitability for a role. The colloquialism strengthens the

false impression that prominent figures, such as film producers, can use their influence as an excuse to sexually harass or assault others.

Of all violent crimes, sexual assault is the least often reported. As stated by RAINN, one of the most cited reasons for not reporting an act of sexual assault is retaliation. This comes as no surprise when the majority of female victims of rape or sexual assault know their offender.

Even when a victim has the resources and courage to tell a trusted individual about their sexual assault, they may not receive support.

Some face ridicule, doubt or blame. Harvey Weinstein’s victims were forced to remain quiet or face being blacklisted in Hollywood.

Actress Jessica Barth, one of the many accusers of Weinstein, wrote about the impact of silencing victims in an opinion piece for CNN.

“In my own experiences with sexual harassment and assault, I have been made to feel as if I had to compromise my own convictions for the advancement of my career,” Barth wrote. “I was made to believe that my talent and experience should take a back seat to my physical appearance. I was manipulated into believing I had ‘asked for it.’ And I was made to feel that if I spoke out or fought back, the repercussions would make me regret it.”

Weinstein’s victims are not the the only people with voices that have been muted for far too long. To show the magnitude of the issue of sexual assault and harassment, thousands of users have shared their heart-wrenching stories on Twitter through the hashtag “#MeToo.” Actress Alyssa Milano called attention to the #MeToo campaign on Sunday, October 15.

“The most important thing that it did was to shift the conversation away from the predator and to the victim,” Milano stated in an Associated Press Interview.

The recent discussions about sexual assault and harassment have been poignant to say the least. Nevertheless, the noise that allegations against Weinstein and the #MeToo campaign have generated continues to fall dozens of decibels below what is needed for change.

Silencing victims is not exclusively a Hollywood problem. It is long overdue for the global society to recognize the gravity of sexual assault and make justice for victims a priority.

Rape and sexual assault are violent crimes. There is no room for silence where they are concerned.

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E G E L L O OUND B

C

Seniors’ advice to underclassman

Jenna Skop

“Don’t wait until the last minute to apply to college.”

Yassen Murbarak

“Add an emotional experience to your essay and make it unique and talk about how you evolved as a person. If you don’t have any evolution in your character, colleges don’t really want that.”

Madison Worley

“Being close with your guidance counselor is so important.They have the power to go into your Common App and give you that solid recommendation that you need to push you over the edge to get into college.”

Timmy Kraus

“Be on top of your stuff. Make sure you’re meeting your graduation requirements, check the websites of each school that you’re applying to and give them all the information they need by the deadline.”

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College help guide

BY SOPHIA WENGIER General Editor

With college application deadlines quickly approaching, there is no question that the month of October is crunch time for seniors. However, the various steps of applying to college can be overwhelming and confusing for those who have never gone through the process. As such, here is an all inclusive guide on how to get those applications completed before the looming deadlines.

The first step, and objectively the most important one, is deciding where to apply. This can be tricky when facing it head on as there are thousands of colleges and universities all over the world to choose from. However, there are many ways to narrow it down depending on personal preference. If applicants know their major, looking up schools that have the best programs for that area of study is a good place to start. It is also important to consider preferences regarding location such as in-state versus out of state, proximity to major cities or metropolitan areas and weather. Other factors include tuition, school size, admission rates and safety statistics. Once seniors have selected schools that they are going to apply to, it may be helpful to combine this information in a document or spreadsheet that includes important deadlines.

After deciding where to apply, it is time to begin the applications, starting with the ones that have the earliest deadlines. Some schools are a part of Common Application or Coalition, applications that may be used to apply to multiple schools under one platform. Checking these applications to find out if any of the selected schools are on them is a great first step in the admissions process. This way, students can finish numerous applications at once rather than completing a separate application for each school.

Most applications begin by asking questions that contribute to an overall student profile. Questions included in this section will most likely ask about family, contact information, education, and anything else that the college may need to get a comprehensive view of who the applicant is. Many applications require students to self report all of the classes they have taken and the grades they’ve received, as well as any SAT or ACT scores. It is important to get through this section as fast as possible so that there is more time available to focus on the creative aspects of the application.

Every application is different; however, most will move on from this basic student profile to asking

questions about how students have spent their time in high school. Depending on the application, it may ask you to briefly describe work experience, community service, extracurriculars, honors and awards, leadership positions or any scholarly programs you may have been a part of.

Since these sections often have word limits, it is important to include only what is essential for colleges to know about these topics. When answering questions that only ask for a brief description of one of these activities, it is not important to be creative; just make sure that the responses flow nicely and accurately depict the activity and your contribution.

Finally, most applications have a section for personal statements. While this is optional for some schools and nonexistent for others, it is generally highly recommended to complete the personal statement section if it is available. Each application is unique in this section, with some asking for short responses, some asking for long essays, and some asking for both. This is the portion of the application that takes the longest amount of time as applicants should go through many drafts of their personal statements before they submit them.

When writing an application essay, it is essential that applicants be honest and make the most of the space provided. Find a creative angle and let unique personal qualities shine through the writing, while making sure that everything that is written retains the overall focus and

responds to the prompt. This part can be very tricky, but having multiple people read and edit the work can go a long way, especially if it is possible to get professional opinions.

Once everything is proofread for typos or misinformation, the hardest part of the process is over and the application can be submitted. However, there are still a few things left to be done in order for the application to be considered complete. Depending on the school, applicants may need to send other information such as transcripts, scores, authentication of residency or a Self-reported Student Academic Report (SSAR). Students should receive an email after submitting their application explaining what to do next and go onto the school’s website where they can check which parts of the application still need to be received.

Many schools require an official high school transcript. This can be sent by going onto Naviance and requesting transcripts for the schools that have already been applied to. Transcripts may take a few days to be processed so it is important to check to make sure that the school receives it. Test scores, another important application piece, can be sent online by going onto the SAT or ACT website and selecting “send scores.” Unless eligible for a fee waiver, students will be charged for each score report. If the college requests a SSAR, the applicant will need to make an account on the Self-reported Student Academic Report website and self report their classes and grades based on their virtual counselor report.

Once all parts of the application are completed, the final step is to look into financial aid. Seniors should fill out applications for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), CSS (College Scholarship Service) Profile and FFAA (Florida Financial Aid Application), on which you’ll find Bright Futures. These scholarships determine how much financial aid you will get receive from the federal government, from the college you are applying to and from Florida. While this list only covers a bare minimum of financial aid services that seniors should look into, there are many independent scholarships available that can be accessed on the BRACE monthly scholarship bulletin or on scholarship search websites. After scholarships are applied for, the college application process is completed and seniors can finally relax - until decision days, of course.

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14

FEATURES

Feel the “Bern”

Sophomore Nathan Berner is motivated by his passion for knowledge and his Pilot G2 gel pens

BY JULIA WENGIER Staff Writer Photo by Sarah Khan

After a typical day at school, Nathan Berner goes home to finish the homework for his six AP classes, measure the ink left in his Pilot G-2 pen, play a game of hockey and maybe even find a new hobby. As a sophomore at CCHS, six AP classes seems like a lot to have on your plate. For Berner, however, it’s a fun learning experience and an incredible opportunity to take advantage of.

Starting his second year of high school, Berner finds himself with a schedule that only seniors would even dare to pursue. With all AP classes except for English, he found himself an incredible challenge - but nothing he can’t manage.

Berner, unlike many students, sees school as an adventure to gain new insights, and explore the world in all dimensions (a topic he finds quite intriguing). Instead of feeling an immense pressure to succeed, Berner finds it enjoyable and will never hesitate to pour his heart and soul into his work.

“I am pretty self-motivating,” Berner said. “I’m lucky that I can find interest in a lot of things.”

Despite popular belief, Berner’s lifestyle of rigor and achievement wasn’t always the case. Up until about eighth grade, Berner felt he lacked the skills to succeed in math. Taking initiative to assuage any regrets during middle school, he began to take classes on FLVS to get ahead.

After taking a number of math classes online, Berner finds himself in AP Calculus BC as a sophomore.

For Berner, math became easier as the difficulty increased; he found that the more difficult the math, the more ways

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to go about a problem. In other words, his mind has options instead of being limited with only one way of thinking.

“I think what I consider math now is different than what I would have two years ago,” Berner said. “Math can be anything, and there are many creative thought processes that can solve a math problem.”

After seeing his success in math, Berner found higher levels of confidence within himself, which then translated to what he perceived as a change in his own capabilities for other classes. For years, he had doubted his own mind and questioned what he could accomplish. After finding comfort in what seemed impossible not too long ago, Berner began performing at an even higher level in his other classes and continued his journey through FLVS.

“There is a certain level you can reach in what I call the ‘World of the Dubious,” Berner said. “It’s really a barrier, and once you dismantle that, then you can really get to math.”

Once Berner developed a small obsession for FLVS, he found classes he would love to take, but prerequisites that he found were quite boring; they were classes he frankly didn’t like, yet he decided to take them, even though it was in no way mandatory. Berner believes that one should not abandon their aspirations solely because the journey to get there isn’t enjoyable.

“There are hoops you have to jump through to get to the things you like,” Berner explained. “I try to balance these out with the things that I love.”

Berner finds satisfaction in his success but has also been pursuing a hobby with friends involving measuring

the amount of ink he uses for school assignments. Starting early March, Berner has been measuring the ink left in the cartridge of his Pilot G-2 pen.

A few friends have joined along, like Daniel Siao, one of Berner’s best friends.

“The main reason…was to motivate us to take notes or complete work that would benefit us academically,” Siao said.

“As an additional source of information, we set distance goals to and from a specific city.”

He has hopes to start a club where members can collectively track their meters for a fun way to relax and reflect on recently completed work. Aside from his club that’s still in the works, Berner is involved in both math and science club. These serve as social outlets for Berner as well.

“Nathan, from day one, would come into math club tutoring anybody,” AP Calculus teacher Darryl Schultz said. “A lot of people who are that smart are not really willing to share their intelligence, and he’s more than willing to.”

Berner loves to make people laugh, as well. He is aware that humor usually comes at the expense of another person’s feelings, and wants to see a change in that. For Berner, humor is the best way to connect with other people.

“Who could forget an inside joke?”

Berner questioned.

Aside from opportunities that can be found within CCHS, Berner finds yet another interest in hockey. Although he doesn’t consider himself to be the star of the ice rink, Berner does enjoy the sport.

He will often find himself lost in thought, contemplating the geometric properties of the rink, or other thoughts of that nature.

“I use hockey as an openness of thought,” Berner said. “Things just come to me when I’m playing hockey.”

In terms of the future, Berner still finds he is struggling to choose a career path, as he can typically drift between interests.

He has “phases” of considering potential occupations, such as wanting to study the field of medicine or wanting to study engineering. Berner is disappointed in this indecisiveness and wishes to find a field of study that he knows he can stick with.

“I hate the idea of wasting time...it scares me,” Berner said. “And it’s like I’m drilling [through a sphere] but I’m going around that center point; I never hit that center point.”

The same can be said for college plans, but in this case, Berner keeps a very open mind. He is aware that finances and other limiting factors come into play when it comes to finding the right school, so he is very realistic when considering the right university for himself.

For now, however, Berner will continue his rigorous course of action throughout high school, finding new things to take interest in every day. He will continue to laugh with his friends, measure the ink he uses and play hockey until he is called upon to do something else. Perhaps this is saving lives as a heart surgeon, or perhaps it is exploring the limitations of the universe with NASA. Wherever Berner’s life takes him, he will find joy in what he does, and he will never stop learning about the world around him.

“I never like to think of school work as a sacrifice,” Berner said. “If anything, it’s a valuable learning experience, meant to be challenging and fun.”

A Junior vision in the making Gaby Horenstein stitches together her own reality

BY NUHA ISLAM Staff Writer

Photos provided by Gaby Horenstein

High style fashionistas are more often than not accompanied by the imagery of a snotty, stiletto wielding, mocha Frappuccino drinking diva. Junior Gabriela “Gaby” Horenstein however, does not fit this narrative. She is kindhearted, hardworking, and dedicated to shattering stereotypes. Gaby has sewn together her own vision of what the future holds, and stitch by stitch, she is making it a reality.

Watching her work in her element is incredible; designs bubble off the page and burst into visceral prints and delineations. A dress begins to emerge: first the silhouette, then a defined bodice, then the embellishments, until a detailed illustration appears.

“I take an idea in my head, put it on the page, then turn it into a tangible thing,” Horenstein said. “It is rewarding to see your pieces come to life.”

Working weekends in a Miami based studio, Horenstein has constructed pieces that have been presented at Miami Fashion Week 2017. The showcase was sponsored by the Master Class Presentation hosted by the Miami Institute of Design, she forged a dress made of melted plastic bags and other unconventional materials. In 2016 for Art Basel, Horenstein made a biology centered dress, dubbed “bio couture,” infusing science and high fashion.

It’s clear environmentally centered clothes is a big part of her work. For the future that she dreams, sustainability is a must.

“There isn’t a great deal of overlap between ethical fashion and wearability. It’s difficult to develop textiles that are functional and feel good to wear, it’s a challenge that I’ve been experimenting with,” Horenstein said.

“Fast fashion, while making style accessible, is bad because consumers quickly cycle through it (throw it away), and it’s of bad quality. One of the goals I am continually working towards is fashion that is good quality, affordable and stylish, as well as ethically sourced.”

The tapestry she weaves is ambitious, yet remains personal. Ever since she was young, Horenstein has always displayed an interest in textiles and art, forgoing traditional extracurriculars.

“We put her in sports and other activities but she didn’t seem to want to continue that,” mother Diana Horenstein said.

“However, she seemed to be interested in doing things with old jewelry and fabrics, and was always making something. Eventually this lead to her desire to continue to learn and explore things about textiles and creating garments.”

Since her days exploring her mom’s pearl necklaces, fashion has evolved with her and evokes new meaning. As personal style is highly individualized, it has given Horenstein a medium to explore her own identity and beliefs. In the same way a journal is kept, clothing is a way to explore oneself.

And the great thing about fashion is you get to choose what inspires you.

FEATURES 15

“It’s not just about what you wear, but why you are wearing it and what you are trying to tell others,” Horenstein said. “There are many different things that go into design. I look at nature, history and technology to draw inspiration for my garments and projects.”

This multidisciplinary approach has served her well; aside from inspiring her designs, it has been the basis for endeavors in other areas of her life. She is currently doing a research project exploring how the trends of e-commerce affect local businesses within South Florida.

Still a young adult, Horenstein is only in the beginning of her career. And yet she is remarkably well developed as a person. Among her peer group, she is known for her kindness.

“There are not many people who are as genuinely lovely as Gaby,” close friend Lucia Tsai said. “She is always humble about her accomplishments and has a kind word for everyone.”

Inside the classroom, Horenstein has established herself as a dominant leader. She serves as co-president of the Fashion Design Team (FDT), is a DECA state competitor, involved with NHS, and takes a variety of challenging AP courses.

“Gaby is an amazing person to work with,” advisor Linda Snider said. “She has this way of getting things done efficiently; if she creates a checklist, everything will be marked off. When we do projects, I have complete trust in her abilities.”

Horenstein looks effortless as she leads FDT meetings with ease. And while she constantly remains courteous, the message is clear: this is a girl who knows what she wants, and exactly how to achieve it.

Her record shows it too, with consecutive years as the winner of the academic award for Fashion Essentials and Fashion Marketing and Management Applications respectively.

Just last year, Horenstein was the coordinator of the prestigious fashion show, along with new ventures such as the introduction of female empowerment seminars as the VP of Projects.

Well into 11th grade, she has won recognition for her photography in the Broward County Mayor’s Art Challenge as the district 5 winner, and is set to head this year’s fashion show. As Horenstein continues her junior year, head teeming with unrestrained creativity, her scope only looks to broaden.

“Next week I will presenting two garments at Demand Innovation, an event taking place with the Miami Fashion Institute,” Horenstein said. “My garments/presentation will be about reusing what we already have and then looking for new types of textiles that are environmentally friendly when it comes to production or material source. I will be using plastics because they are readily available. Also I will be using left over denim material because it is stylish and wearable.”

Long term, she looks to major in business and fashion design, working for a popular fashion house.

“Throughout the rest of highschool, college and after that, I will be focused on my career in the industry and I’m really looking forward to it,” Horenstein said. “As long I am able, I will continue to work to make my vision a reality.”

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16 FEATURES

Triple threat

Gurdikyan triplets bring competition to CCHS

BY CASEY CHAPTER Staff Writer

Amidst the sounds of shoes squeaking against the court and hands hitting the volleyball, a cry can be heard from across the gymnasium: “Vur!”

Alin, Selin and Lara Gurdikyan call “Vur!” (“Hit!”) to each other from across the court. Although born in South Florida, the three sisters grew up in Turkey. After years of playing volleyball there, they moved back to Florida at the start of the school year. They now find themselves playing this familiar sport in unfamiliar surroundings.

“The sport is the same everywhere, but when they got here they were confused,” girls’ varsity volleyball team captain Rebecca Smitherman said. “There are certain things that are different technically, and [Coach Smitherman’s] coaching style is so fast that they didn’t know what was going on [at first].”

However, these initial barriers didn’t get in the way of the girls’ talent. They shared how their previous experience with the sport prepared them to join the team here. “[Our] mom used to play volleyball in Turkey, and when we were seven years old, she just threw us onto the court,” Alin Gurdikyan said.

Even with their background in volleyball, the Gurdikyans still felt apprehensive when trying out for the team, but their captain assures that the trio had nothing to worry about.

“[Coach Smitherman] wasn’t going to take one or two,” Smitherman said. “She knew if she was taking one, she was taking all three.”

Being a part of a sports team has been known to foster close connections between peers, and despite the obvious preexisting bonds, such a growth has certainly been present with the triplets since they joined.

“As much as they work hard, they also play around a lot,” Smitherman said. “For those who have played a sport with a sibling, it’s either complete butting heads or a total love scene.

And [the triplets] are always on top of each other, hugging each other, so happy that they all made it.”

Alin and Selin are both on the varsity volleyball team while Lara is on junior varsity.

“

At every JV volleyball game, Alin and Selin can be found cheering Lara on from the sidelines as they watch. The three girls may not get to play together on the same team, but they say that their relationship was unfettered by the separation.

“We were always close, so it didn’t change anything,” Selin Gurdikyan said, “We have a really good connection and it gets stronger and stronger.”

The triplets have even spent their vacations working with each other, practicing in preparation for the school year. Alin and Selin spent their summer training while helping Lara build on her skills.

As involved as they are in the program, the volleyball team isn’t the extent of the girls’ new experiences in Cooper City. Many people experience culture shock when moving to a new country, and the disparity between the school systems in Turkey and the U.S. added to the stress. Though they were born in the country, the sisters found that not everything was as they had expected.

“[It was] confusing [at first] because we didn’t know where to go, and the buildings are a bit big,” Selin Gurdikyan said. “[And] we don’t have lockers. We should have lockers.”

W h i l e the Turkish school system is more rigorous and focuses on core academics, U.S. school systems offer more freedom to students to choose their own classes.

The triplets have found that the unique curriculum offered at CCHS has presented them with opportunities they had never seen before.

“I joined hospitality and tourism class… and we don’t have those kinds of classes in our schools,” Lara Gurdikyan said. “[In Turkey], the school chooses the classes for you.”

This shift between education systems will surely be a challenging adjustment, but the girls still hold optimism for their futures.

“In America, we are here for school… it’s actually a little bit tense for us, because we are new,” Alin Gurdikyan said. “But…” “...we will get used to it,” Lara Gurdikyan finished.

Despite the many differences that they’ve had to adjust to, the girls see the change in scenery in an overall hopeful light. actually,” Selin Gurdikyan said. “Because we were always watching the TV shows, and [now] it [has] happened. I just think it’s exciting,”

We have a really good connection and it gets stronger and stronger

Right:The Gurdikyan sisters sit side by side on the sidelines waiting to jump in and get on the court. thelariatonline.com

”

Photo by Casey Chapter

Going global Senior Matt Plonskier seeks to broaden both his cultural awareness and his palate

BY KENDYL COUNTS Editor in Chief

Matt Plonskier is, in essence, a walking Epcot advertisement. A Cooper City High School senior, his mind is occupied with far more than what lies within the town’s 8.32 square miles - with international experiences, global issues and foreign food at the top of his list.

“I think it’s really good to broaden your worldview and gain new perspectives,” Plonskier said.

“We shouldn’t only see things from an American point of view. It’s important to be a global citizen.”

Though the world had always been Plonskier’s oyster, it was not always his destination. Traveling was not something that he found himself particularly fascinated with until he participated in a “Teen Tour” of the continental United States, which took him to some of the country’s most famous cities. Plonskier contextualizes his trip in terms of what he ate at each stop; to him, traveling is a multifaceted experience, its success greatly depending on the authentic foods that he encounters during his visit.

“In Chicago I got deep dish pizza, and in New Orleans I got po’ boys,” Plonskier recalled. “I had a philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia, and I thought it would be greasy meat and cheap cheese, but it was amazing.”

Rather than spending his summer before senior year kicking back and preparing for the rush of college applications, Plonskier chose to pass the time broadening his worldview and gaining insight into other cultures. With this goal in mind, he applied for and was accepted into “Youth for Understanding,” a scholarship

FEATURES 17 program that would allow him to explore one of the countries that he has always wanted to visit: Japan.

“I have always been really interested in Japan because it’s a super modern society that made the switch from ancient empires,” Plonskier said. “I also love sushi and Japanese food, so it just seemed like a natural decision to go to Japan.”

For six weeks Plonskier explored the city of Osaka, hopping on the subway and traveling to the many temples, shrines, and restaurants the city had to offer. Though he was hosted by a Japanese family, his adventures were often solitary, and he enlisted Google Translate as his guide and trusty sidekick.

“I was living a Japanese lifestyle,” Plonskier said. “I definitely became a lot more independent that way and I felt like if I could survive in Japan I could survive anywhere.”

The trip was not all play, however. While his friends in Florida were sleeping in and hitting the beach, Plonskier was attending Japanese high school, where he attempted to gain a better understanding of his international counterparts.

“I definitely gained insight into the culture, and I tried to understand the language,” Plonskier said.

“One of my teachers bought me a book on learning the basics of the alphabet, but I think I learned most of it from the orientation in San Francisco before I went.”

Though Plonskier had not always been determined to travel, he did know early on that he wanted to join DECA as soon as he reached high school.

“My brother was in DECA,” Plonskier said.

“Even in middle school I knew that when I got to high school I was going to join. What really catapulted me into becoming so involved, though, was winning sixth place at [the] DECA [international competition] in ninth grade ”

In the years that followed, he went on to receive first place at the state competition and top role play at the international competition during his sophomore year, as well as first place at the state competition, sixth place at the international competition and top test at the international competition during his junior year.

Giving Plonskier a slight advantage is the fact that his competition

Below: Matt Plonskier addresses parents at the Virtual Enterprise International parent night.

category aligns with his personal interests. For the past two years, he has chosen to compete in the restaurant and foodservice management category for reasons he would describe as “obvious.”

“[The category] is one of the more popular ones,” Plonskier said. “But I like food, and I like eating at restaurants.”

Plonskier’s achievements propelled him into a leadership position in the club, and by the beginning of his senior year he was readily able to take on the role of DECA president.

Hoping to carry last year’s successes through to this year while still leaving his mark on the program, Plonskier has decided to approach leadership a little bit differently. Describing his leadership style as “laissezfaire,” a French term often used to describe economic systems that reject government intervention, he prefers not to micromanage his fellow officers, instead entrusting them with tasks and offering help if they need it. This method, though effective, does not come without concerns.

“There are challenges with my management style,” Plonskier said. “It increases the risk of an officer not doing something and leaves the responsibility in their hands.”

Of course, Plonskier always has risk and reward on his mind. An aspiring economist, he finds that DECA has been a good place to get his start.

“[Plonskier] is a natural-born leader,” DECA advisor and Academy of Finance teacher Lauren Mandel said. “He’s very analytical and intelligent, and he will be successful in any career path that he chooses.”

Business is not the only discipline that Plonskier finds success in, however. A diligent student in all subjects, he has received the title of National Merit Semi-Finalist and has remained at the top of his class in spite of the travels that frequently take him out of the country.

Ultimately, Plonskier says, he hopes to channel his drive into positive change.

“I definitely do want to be involved on an international level, so global economics could be something of interest,” Plonskier said. “I’m definitely concerned about issues on a global scale, and I want to incorporate my love for travel into my career, but that’s far off in the future.”

Photo by Ben Milgram

18

ENTERTAINMENT

Ella Cafe: A bohemian oasis in suburbia

BY ANNABELLE ROSA Staff Writer

Entering the Embassy Lakes Plaza, a passersby would immediately be drawn to the array of stores and outlets that capture the eye; however, wedged amongst the old, there is a single spot which seems to snag the attention of most viewers. Ella Cafe is a bohemian safe haven among the sea of suburban settlements of Cooper City.

Gaining fame through its sister location in Plantation, Ella Cafe has gained not only a physical following but a virtual following as well, with several posts on various social media websites dedicated to the cafe’s signature butcherblock serving plates and fabulous iced lattes. The original cafe’s acclaim was well-deserved, and it’s always a pleasure to take a trip in order to see its wooden panels and metal accoutrements or enjoy its soothing ambient sounds.

As soon as its sister location’s construction began, there were several questions that almost instantaneously came to the minds of all the fans of the

Cafe. Would it be just as good? Would it still maintain that same inner city vibe?

Would it maintain its grass walls? How about its consistent wooden paneling?

Would it have the same quality food? An overall, ‘what will it be like?’ echoed about in rhythmic succession.

Upon entering the Cafe, one would acknowledge the fact that it is not an exact replication of its original location but rather a satisfactory accompaniment.

Similar in stylistic choice, the new Ella Cafe has a more quaint feel with the same bohemian vibe. It’s essentially a copy of the front half of the original cafe, with the same entrance and counter awaiting individuals as they make their orders.

The space still makes great use of the very “cute” characteristics of the original storefront with charming signs and accoutrements all around.

“The style of it is really wellthought out and it attracts a lot of young adults who would otherwise find themselves at something more common like Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts,” sophomore Reese Abrahamoff said. “This brings on a whole new layer to coffee

houses as a whole with its incredibly unique features.”

Most importantly, the second Ella Cafe still provides the same coffee from before.

“The coffee is really strong, which is the best part in my opinion,” junior Paige Hittenberger said.

The cafe still offers its unique refreshment collection, presenting its many coffees in old-fashioned milk jars and large glass mugs. The food is also up to par and provides customers with a wide selection.

“I had something that was a cross between a muffin and a donut, or a monut, and it was the best thing I’ve ever had,” senior Jenny Burleton said.

Ella Cafe has, thus far, lived up to its name in providing a

more than adequate secondary location.

In welcoming a new identity to an already well-established franchise, it has brought forth a new aspect to the Cooper City scene. As a result of these factors, the cafe is deserving of four out of five stars and a great many compliments. Three factors that helped play into this were the cafe’s coffee selection, its unique atmosphere, and its charming staff, with the only pitfall being its slightly obscure location.

Green’s novel, which was released on October 10, tackles similar themes from his past novels, including but not limited to existentialism, relations with what may seem like apathetic friends and family, the expression of pain through metaphor and the effect that reflections of powerful quotes can have on a person. Of course, no John Green book is complete with a story of teen romance, even if it is cliche.

In the case of “Turtles All the Way Down,” romance becomes prevalent when Aza reaches out to Davis Pickett to gain more information, so she and Daisy can get the reward. Memories flood back to them both from when they were younger, like how they looked at the stars together in reflective silence, or when they would play a treasure hunt game on Aza’s birthday.

Unlike many of Green’s novels, and to the relief of those who are tired of a similar plot in every book, the love story is not the main part of the book. In fact, the relationship’s dynamic is always at an unrest; Davis is constantly fearful that Aza is only pretending to like him for the reward (fearful enough that he gives her one-hundred-thousand dollars as a reward for not reporting what clues she has to the police).

Aza feels as if she is holding them back in their relationship when her anxiety gets the best of her, because she is unable to do what she considers to be necessary for a relationship, like kissing (while she enjoys it at first, her mind will scream at her that his microbes will permanently colonize inside of her once they enter and that she needs to check to make sure she has not gotten C. diff).

This is an example of something that anyone affected by similar diseases can appreciate about the book: it does not romanticize mental illness. This is an incredibly common mistake made by authors and moviemakers; by failing to portray mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, or various eating disorders

accurately, they are shown as something desirable.

Green, having based Aza’s mind off of his own, does not hesitate to write the truth: anxiety doesn’t always get better, and it can tear friendships and relationships apart. Green makes it a point in the novel that people cannot choose their thoughts, but most can choose their actions based on those thoughts. For Aza, and others like her, this is not the case. Aza is almost forced to do what her brain tells her to do, even if she knows it is not the best option for the circumstances. Her anxious actions go as far as drinking dangerous amounts of hand sanitizer to cleanse her mouth of her boyfriend’s microbes.

Aza struggles with existentialism on a daily basis; she feels that most of her thoughts are not hers, but are those of a parasite living with her, forcing her to think and do things she does not want to do. Her thought spirals are presented in the book as an argument between two sides, one rational side that is usually telling the story, and one irrational side that will come uninvited to ruin what could have been a fun time.

Aza questions if she is real since usually, people can sum up a person based on their thoughts or experiences.

Because she cannot control her thoughts or experiences, she fears she has no identity, that she is trapped inside a foreign body and she will never escape. At one point, she recalls a time her therapist asked her if she felt she was a threat to herself, but Aza could not place who was the threat and who was the self.

Green followed up on his reputation of bitter-sweet endings that leave the reader wondering whether they are satisfied, unsatisfied, confused, or even all three. Tying in the mystery that has almost been forgotten at this point, Aza brings a sense of closure to the Pickett family, but cannot seem to find closure within herself. This was a meaningful choice, to

show that there are no easy answers when it comes to mental illness. It was a risk to write this book, as any happy ending would invalidate the feelings of and anger those who do struggle with mental illness, in addition to not providing a realistic ending to what would have been a realistic book.

Green ends the novel beautifully, leaving the reader about as satisfied as possible while maintaining the realism of mental illness.

“Turtles All the Way Down” is a story of many stories that all tie in with how Aza’s compulsive thoughts make up her experiences. It is well written, although the dialogue in all of Green’s books seems a little unrealistic in terms of how teenagers actually speak (because of her anxiety, however, Aza is not included in the mix of characters who seem to be impossibly well-articulated). The first book Green has published in six years, modern technology and the extensive use of social media are incorporated into the story, but not depended on, making the story timeless.

The syntax used in the novel is extremely effective in communicating the complex feelings of every character, along with how they communicate these feelings to other characters. It stimulates feelings of fear, helplessness and stress, but also of hope, warmth, and affection.

Most importantly, “Turtles All the Way Down” is a book that those struggling with mental illness can relate to. It encourages deep, and sometimes scary, thinking about the world that many may not take part in often. It is a conversation starter that also ends stigmas of anxiety while telling a story that grows in complexity over time to keep the reader hooked. Although marketed towards teens, it is a novel that people of all ages can and should read (though it is a little dark for younger readers), because it tells a realistic and meaningful story of a girl trying to find her identity in a world and mind where she feels constantly lost.

Photo by Ryan Sullivan

Lariat reviews: TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN

BY JULIA WENGIER Staff Writer

“Turtles All the Way Down,” written by bestselling author John Green, follows a 16-year-old girl, Aza, who is struggling with mental illness. At first glance, “Turtles All the Way Down” is a mystery novel in which Aza steps up, despite her anxiety, to become a great detective (not unlike the plot of John Green’s “Paper Towns” or “Looking for Alaska,” with both containing star protagonists who solve the mysteries), Aza’s best friend, Daisy, is after the one-hundred-thousand-dollar reward that is given to anyone who can provide information leading to the whereabouts of billionaire Russell Pickett. Since she used to be friends with the fugitive’s son, Davis, Aza is pulled in right alongside Daisy.

At a closer look, however, the mystery is only a part of the novel, which is mainly centered on how Aza’s mental illness affects her life. In just the first chapter, the reader is introduced to Aza and her anxiety, which she will frequently describe as a “thought spiral,” when she gets sucked into one thought. Whether it be the loss of friends, the failure to go through with what is typically thought of as a “normal teen relationship,” or the inability to connect with friends and family during a thought spiral, her mental illness is central to the novel’s development.

Typically, these spirals will center around her fear of infection from the bacteria Clostridium difficile (or C. diff), which is unlikely to appear but can be fatal in the event that it does. Accompanying her ever-present worries of bacterial infections, Aza constantly reopens a neverfully-healed callus on her middle finger in an attempt to drain it in case of infection.

The urge to do so, along with changing the bandage on her finger, can get so strong that she has to pull over while driving so she can ease her building anxiety, which she describes as the spiral tightening.

thelariatonline.com

ENTERTAINMENT 19

Lariat reviews:

S T R A N G E R T H I N G S

BY DARIAN SABLON Head Editor

When Stranger Things, created

by Matt and Ross Duffer, first came out in the summer of 2016, it was an instant hit for Netflix. People all around the world raved about the weird happenings in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. So, it was no surprise when Netflix planned for a second season with a release date of 2017, with anticipation building as the date of the season two premiere drew closer. In the end, the real question is whether it lived up to the hype or fizzled in disappointment. Sadly, the latter is true.

Right from the get-go, audiences are introduced to a world that immediately feels different from season one. Instead of the friendly opening scene where a group of kids are playing Dungeons and Dragons, viewers are thrown into a high speed car chase between criminals and the police. While at first it may seem out of place, its relevance soon becomes apparent and helps expand the world of the Stranger Things, which in many ways is a breath of fresh air from the confines of the small town of Hawkins.

The problem is that while that scene does open up an interesting story arc, it

gets completely lost and mixed up with everything else that’s going on, which is the biggest dilemma with this season. It’s trying to juggle too many different plot points without adequately doing them justice, which isn’t even considering that some of those storylines are absolutely boring and poorly written. Also, like season one, there was still too much emphasis on 80’s nostalgia, which got to be annoying at times and took away from many scenes.

This is not to say that season two was without merit. One of the strongest parts of this season, like the first one,

was its great cast. Most of the characters were realistic and likeable, except for an obvious few who proved to be either completely bothersome to watch or stereotypical in their portrayal. But aside from those few, viewers can see real character development for many fanfavorites from season one, in particular Steve and Eleven, who really shined in their respective storylines. Also, the CGI was well done and helped add to the realism of the situation rather than detract from it.

Overall, Stranger Things season two was a complete disappointment and drop in quality from season one. In trying to expand on what could have been an interesting world to explore, the Duffer Brothers ultimately fail and rather give viewers a messy and overall mundane story. While partially salvaged thanks to the good acting from the majority of the cast, season two no longer has the uniqueness and fun that the previous season had, which is a let down for fans of the show.

Class of ’19 and ’20 head to Orlando for Halloween Horror Nights trip “A l o n g

BY ALEXANDRA SANSONE AND GENNA NORDLING with the other Staff Writers Reaping and The Hive. The design officers, I had to

On Thursday, October 19 at 12:30 pm, a group of sophomores and juniors piled onto three buses, each named after a haunted house located at their highly anticipated destination: Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN).

Upon arriving at the park after the four-hour drive, students attended the “Making of the Mayhem” show accompanied by two other schools and a HHN creator who shared some of the illusions behind the popular event.

Having already been in the park before the gates opened the event to the public, the attendees were given a head start to jump in the temporarily short lines and explore the attractions that had been transformed to mirror frightening images from popular horror movies.

Students had the option to tour nine different haunted houses in addition to the attractions that were still open throughout the night. Each house was either a completely original design or taken from some aspect of a horror movie or television show.

The houses created for this year’s event are The Shining, Saw: The Games of Jigsaw, American Horror Story: Volume 2, Horrors of Blumhouse, Ash vs. Evil Dead, Dead Waters, The Fallen, Scarecrow: The

team works year round to create brand new houses for a unique experience, making HHN the most popular Halloween based event in the world.

“There was always so much happening, people were scaring you from every which way,” sophomore Gabriela Phillips said. “There was never really a boring moment, there was always something happening whether you were walking around the scare zones, going inside a house, riding rides, or watching one of the shows.”

In addition to the spooky houses, the park is littered with “scare zones” that are populated with actors in costume who sneak up on guests to scare them as much as possible. This year, the unique experience featured “scaracters” from The Purge, Trick ‘R Treat, Festival of the Deadliest, Invasion! and Altars of Horror. Other “scaracters” were clowns in possession of chainsaws, free to roam the park as they pleased.

Despite the amount of sheer terror the students (and chaperones) experienced, everyone still enjoyed themselves as a result of the meticulous preparation completed by the class of 2019 officers. The trip acts as a fundraiser for the class of 2019, with the outing spearheaded

by Class Sponsor Alfredo Pichardo and Class President Robin Zide.

sell tickets and make sure all of the students’ information was in check.

Also we had to stay in contact with Universal to make sure everything was in order,” junior Robin Zide said. “No class has ever done a trip like we did, which makes 2019 the first!

We are so proud of all the hard work that went from getting this project from a cool idea to getting it approved to making our ideas reality.”

The trip, which started out as a popular possibility, became a beloved staple of October for sophomores and juniors.

“I think it’s a fun trip because a lot of people want to go up to Halloween Horror Nights, ” chaperone and teacher Mr. Franzone said. “It’s hard to plan a trip as a sophomore or junior sometimes so I think that’s a good opportunity for kids to go with their friends to the park.”

After a long day at the park,

Photo by Genna Nordling exhausted students arrived at CCHS around 5:30 am to be picked up and taken home to enjoy the rest of their day off.

“I thought that HHN was a great experience. If you want a good scare and to make some memories with friends, HHN is a great place to go,” sophomore Emily Ostrander said. “I will definitely be going back in the years to come.”

It is easy to conclude that this year’s HHN trip was counted as a success, and many are looking forward to attending in the years to come.

All photos comply with fair use standards for reprinting. thelariatonline.com

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SPORTS

Sports opinion:

Athletic teams’ success should play a role in college decisions

BY KYLE NELSON Editor in Chief

Out of all the possible marketing strategies a college can use, ten seconds in a sports arena can impact their student enrollment by thousands.

In the 2016 Orange Bowl Game, Florida State’s quarterback Deondre Francois launched a 92 yard touchdown pass directly into the hands of receiver Nyqwan Murray, leaving both FSU fans and Michigan fans in disbelief. Little did fans or players know, but this single pass would have effects that would carry all the way across campus, even to the admissions office.

With the astounding win against Michigan, FSU finished the season ranked number 8 in the NCAA. This season-ending win would establish a promising omen for the Seminoles moving into 2017-2018. Interestingly enough, the numbers of applicants flew through the roof. In 2015, 36,429 students applied to Florida State for fall of 2016; this is substantially less than FSU’s application total the following year, which hit a whopping 42,325.

Essentially, after finishing off their football season with a promising outlook, FSU saw a 16 percent jump in applicants from the year prior.

This is not seen in strictly football, either.

After back to back successful basketball seasons, the number of applicants to Georgetown University grew

5

by 45 percent between 1983 and 1986.

The idea that students choose universities based off of their athletic success is known as the Flutie effect. The Flutie effect is a theory that students often pick schools that have an established athletic program, whether or not they are student athletes. This theory is named after Boston College’s quarterback Doug Flutie, whose successful Hail Mary pass secured a win in the 1984 game against the University of Miami. Applications to Boston College then increased 16 percent the following year. This does not mean that students are applying to colleges based solely on the number of NCAA trophies they have in their hallways, but it still has a major effect on how students pick their school of choice. The more athletically successful the school is, the more of a household name it becomes - so, when a student is applying to colleges, they are more likely to pick the school they know of.

A Doug J. Chung, whose recent research paper, The Dynamic Advertising Effect of Collegiate Athletics, shows how on-field success increases the number of applicants schools receive. The idea that athletics are narrowing down where a student will attend college is slightly alarming at face value, but it is actually beneficial to both the school and

BY HANNAH EUBANKS Sports Writer

It’s finally time for winter sports, and with that comes new beginnings, new faces and new goals for the CCHS soccer teams. For the last several weeks, the coaches have been restacking their teams and making gruesome cuts at tryouts.

Girls tryouts began October 14, about a week before the boys, and after three rounds of cuts the final team was selected. Boys began tryouts on October 23, but with about 40 players remaining, a fourth tryout was necessary and took place on Wednesday, November 1.

A long season of hard work and countless practices paid off for the Lady Cowboys when they went on to win the district title last year and made it all the way to the Regional Semifinals. Throughout the season, the girls participated in several team bonding activities and with the help of head coach Steve Cardona, built the trust they needed to work cohesively as a group, on and off the field- something they are hoping continues this season.

“We made it to districts last season,” junior Sarah Megna said. “Our

goal this year is to surpass where we were and keep moving forward.”

Already eager to make a comeback, the girls played two teams in a mini preseason matchup of 45 minutes versus Cypress Bay High School and North Broward Prep. Last year, Cypress knocked out the Lady Cowboys and prevented them from moving on to regionals, scoring in the last 30 seconds making it 1-0. However, this year, the Cowboys came back with a drive to show the Bay they are here to stay, beating them in the preseason game 1-0, and tying 0-0 with North Broward.

With the new season to come, there are many high hopes for the Lady Cowboys.

As for the boys soccer team, this year teacher George Solomon has taken over coaching, along with assistant coach Steven Franzone Jr.

”I feel we will do great this year with this new coach,” captain and senior Mateo Upegui said. “He knows what he is doing and he is building our team. He’s going to be with Cooper for a while, and will accomplish a lot with this young bright team.”

With a district title under their

students if the institution is athletically successful.

For a public university, in order to fund their academic programs, they have to build up income from grants, alumni donations or successful sports programs, which generally come from a large student population. In 2010, intercollegiate sporting events generated an estimated $2 billion in revenue and $1 billion in profit in 2010. These funds come from from ticket and product sales, TV contracts and alumni donations. For example, in 2008, the University of Alabama athletic department brought in nearly $124 million, largely because of its football program. The school saw revenue of more than $13 million from media and branding rights, almost $30 million in donations and $28 million in ticket sales. Put simply, better sports teams means more money, which in turn provides resources for a more substantial education.

Though sports are not the central focus of all students’ college careers, they should still play a role in an applicant’s decision. Because collegiate athletic success gives way for benefits beyond the field of play, it is important for a student browsing colleges to investigate the school’s athletic legacy.

belt in the 2015-2016 season under coach Sean Lucena, the team had high hopes for last season. Ending the season with a 8-6-3 record, the Cowboys still label last season a success, despite not obtaining the district title.

As this upcoming season approaches, the players are anxious to get back on the field. In preparation many team members played together over the summer, improving their collaboration skills and having fun together as a result.

”I am obviously excited to be playing with Cooper, and for putting on this jersey one last time while playing with my brothers,” Upegui added. “Of course, I hope we win districts or go as far as we can.”

There is only more to come for both Cowboy teams.

With the thoughts of victory, hard work and passion in mind, it should be a productive soccer season.

Photo by Sarah Khan thelariatonline.com

SPORTS 23

Photo by Ben Milgram

BY OLIVIA LEWIS Sports Editor

The stadium filled up with black, white and red as CCHS students and families started piling into the stands for the Homecoming Game on November 3.

The Sound of Pride band could be seen on the side of the field along with the varsity cheerleading squad, waiting for the football team to run their traditional route through the helmet on the field. Every inch of the home side of the bleachers was covered, with fans coming out to support their school team. Not only was it the Cowboys’ last game of the season, but it was also Homecoming Night. The players were determined to beat their rivals and win for their school. The Cooper City High School varsity football team faced off against Western High School on Friday, November 3. The Cowboys fought until the end; however, the Wildcats came out on top with a score of 7-47.

The Wildcats had the first kick off, with the Cowboys receiving it and running it down to gain a few yards. The game went back and forth between the two teams, each of them determined to make the first touchdown. The Wildcats forced the Cowboys to punt the ball, allowing Western to gain position with five minutes left. Junior Mark Fontana made the stop at the 50-yard-line, keeping the Wildcats at a good distance from the end zone. Western was able to make a 25-yard run; however, there was a flag on the play and it was called back. The teams battled up until the last 30 seconds when the Wildcats ran the ball in for a touchdown. They went for the twopoint conversion, and it was successful, making the score of the first quarter 0-8.

While the teams got water and talked with their coaches, two of the

Cooper City High School’s teams were called onto the field to be honored for their achievements. The swimming team, which was very successful this year, walked through the helmet to the center of the field.

They were followed by the back-to-back district volleyball champions. Afterwards the two teams playing that night walked back onto the field and the game resumed.

The Cowboys took the ball at the 45-yard-line and set up for their first play of the second quarter. Senior Kobie Simmons had a vigorous run all the way to the 3-yard-line, putting the Cowboys in a great position to tie the game up. Two plays after, the Cowboys were successful and scored their first touchdown of the game. Senior Lucas Gross kicked the field goal, making the score 7-8 with ten minutes left. Gross took an onside kick, which was touched

by Western but went out of bounds. The Wildcats took the ball at the 35-yard-line.

Western made a catch at the 30-yard-line and ran it all the way to the 10-yard line, making it first and goal.

With nine minutes left, the Wildcats were able to get past the Cowboys defense and score another touchdown.

Going for the two-point conversion again, the Wildcats made the score 7-16. Western took the kick, giving the Cowboys the ball at the 40-yard line. Junior Arthur Brefil received the ball and ran it all the way to the 4-yard line; however, a flag was called on the play and it didn’t count. Soon after, the Cowboys turned the ball over to the Wildcats. The Wildcats took advantage of that and ran the ball in for another touchdown. With four minutes left, they went for the two-point conversion, making the score 7-24. Cooper received the kickoff and ran it to the 45-yard-line. A turnover was forced and the Wildcats were able to

score their fourth touchdown of the game.

With a minute left in the first half, the score was made 7-32.

At halftime, the teams retreated to their side lines and went into their huddles while the Cooper City High School band lined up on the field, along with color guard and the varsity cheerleaders. Homecoming court representatives were announced for every grade, walking down the middle of the field together with their sashes on. The big moment arrived for the seniors as the king and queen were announced; varsity football player Jonah Sanchez won king and varsity cheerleader Brittany Passalacqua won queen. The homecoming court then walked off the field and back into the stands as the football team stretched and prepared for the second half.

Western had the first kick off, with the Cowboys returning the ball for a few yards. Senior quarterback Michael DiLiello ran the ball and gained three yards for the Cowboys. The Cowboys continued to run the ball, but were unsuccessful. They made it all the way to the 37-yard-line, where senior Andrew Hausdorff caught a pass.

Brefil ran the ball soon after, but the ball was turned over to the Wildcats. Western had the ball at the 35-yard-line at 1st and 10. The referees called a water break with five minutes and thirty seconds left in the third quarter.

Both teams came back out and resumed the game. Western broke the Cowboy’s defense and ran the ball in for a touchdown, making the score 7-40.

Western took the kickoff, and senior Landon Segarra caught the ball and ran it to the 48-yard-line. The Cooper City coaches made a quick change for their quarterback and kept playing. Sanchez received a hand off and ran it 3 yards, making it 2nd and 6

on the 50-yard-line. Simmons made a run for the ball, but had it knocked out of his hands by the Western player. The Wildcats took position once again and began to challenge the Cowboys. A Western player ran a 49-yard touchdown with three minutes left; however, a flag was called and it didn’t count. It was the Wildcats ball on 2nd and 5 at the Cowboys 25-yard-line where sophomore Corey Silverberg made the stop. Junior Ray Batten made the next stop on the Cowboys 21-yard-line, making it 1st and 10 for the Wildcats. Soon after, a Cooper City player got injured and was taken off the field, but the game started again quickly. The Wildcats ran the ball in for a touchdown with 30 seconds left in the third quarter. They went for the field goal, and it was good, making the score 7-47.

“Playing on this team has been one of the best experiences of my life,” DiLiello said. “The bond the other players and I have made over these four years was even better.”

Although the Cowboys were losing, they remained determined to win..

Cooper City pressured the Wildcats in the last quarter of the game, causing them to make turnovers. The ball went back and forth, but neither team scored a touchdown in the last quarter. Although the Cowboys lost, they took it in stride. The fans cheered as the final whistle was blown, and each team showed great sportsmanship to each other. The team walked back into their locker room with their helmets in their hands and their heads held high.

“I wouldn’t change being on this team for the world,” senior Mark Brent said. “It was an honor to play the game I love throughout my life and I am thankful for all of the great memories and life lessons that have come with football.”

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