#NeverAgain
Issue V, May 2018
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE of CONTENTS News
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Opinion
MSD Strong
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19
Features
Sincerely, Kendyl Counts, Kyle Nelson and Sabrine Brismeur
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Sports
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MEET THE STAFF
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Dear reader, Welcome to the fifth and final issue of The Lariat for the 20172018 school year. Our previous issue, “Facing the Future,� was sent to our publisher in the afternoon on February 14, 2018, just moments before tragedy struck the community of Parkland. When issue four was in progress, we had no idea what we were about to face, or how drastically the future would suddenly change for the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and across the country. This year, we saw the worst in humanity bring out the best in humanity, and we dedicate this issue to MSD as they spread the hope that such instances of violence might someday cease. We would like to thank our readers for sticking around throughout the year; student journalism needs your support now more than ever as we raise our voices to enact positive change. We also encourage you to remember the power of your own voice in defining the future - journalist or not. Though the time has come for us to pass our roles on to a new editorial board, and for Ms. Callaway to entrust a new adviser with the paper, we are confident that The Lariat will be in good hands.
Entertainment
Brandon Bermudez Sabrine Brismeur Hannah Eubanks Olivia Lewis Ethan Muncan Tamarah Wallace Noah Castagna Kendyl Counts Taylor Goldman Benjamin Milgram Kyle Nelson Darian Sablon Sophia Wengier Daniel Rakower
ON the COVER
During the National School Walkout on March 14, a group of students from Cooper City High School arranged 14 desks and three podiums in a circle to honor those who died during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy. At the walkout, students sat in 17 minutes of silence, each minute dedicated to a life lost. At the end of the ceremony, the students released 17 doves. Junior Avril Matute was annoucing who the next minute would be dedicated to when the picture was taken.
Nuha Islam Zack Perrotta Abigail Tuschman Thomas Caetano Colin Camblin Genna Nordling Casey Chapter Ryan Sullivan Elena Valdez Alexandra Sansone Sarah Khan Annabelle Rosa Julia Wengier Hailey Brown
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NEWS
Moments in Time:
CCHS thespians put on a showcase On April 12, the CCHS thespians took to the stage, this time accompanied by the Acting 1 classes of club sponsor and acting teacher Aaron Barton. The show was initially focused on the concept of “30 in 60 minutes.” This concept entailed a projection of 30 important historical moments projected on the screens above the stage. All attendees would then be given the chance to call out the number of any of the acts they wanted to see performed. Hosts Alex Brower, Chandler Braisted, Kaleb Beharie and Danilo Deluca carried the show by going to the audience to select a number of the skit they’d like to see. These skits were created by Barton’s Acting 1 students and varied between tales of the first Olympic Games to the “invention” of gravity. The students also included some of today’s more comical affairs such as Fergie’s rendition of the national anthem, Kanye ruining Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech, and the yodeling Walmart boy. “I think it was important because we all worked on this together and we felt free to do our own work,” sophomore Veronica Martinez said. “It came out really well.” The objective of the 30-in60 was to present 30 significant historical or current events. Students had roughly two minutes in order to finish their skits and meet the time requirement. In between these skits the hosts would take to the stage in order to
ask the audience what skit they’d like to see next. In the audience, Barton’s first and fifth hour classes seated on the right and left hand side of the auditorium and would rush onstage when their piece was called. After the 60 minutes came to a close, there was a five minute intermission that was announced by the hosts. The show proceeded with a number of acts that the thespians may potentially take to their district competition next year. Those who participated in this portion of the show were primarily members of the thespians club rather than Acting 1 students. The students were able to select their pieces and then audition them in order to be featured in the performance. “I thought the showcase went really well,” Thespians Club president and stage manager Rylee Berger said. “It was really important for the club because it incorporated the most kids we’ve ever had in a show - over 90 students performed. It was also something new that the club has never done before, so it was a great learning experience and is definitely something we are likely to do again. We had a great turnout and the audience was engaged and seem to love the show.”
BY ANNABELLE ROSA Staff Writer * Author is involved with the Thespians Club
Photo by Sarah Khan
Making headlines
NEWS
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CCHS publications take over FSPA States get everything figured out for our spread,” The Round Up Underclass Editor Kimber Counts said. “But once we [had] it figured out, it went very well. We submitted our spread about three minutes before deadline which was scary but, in the end, it was all worth it and we had a good time.” The following day, students moved on to breakout sessions. These are informational sessions held in the convention center on topics such as creating eye-catching spreads, bringing a lackluster story to life or understanding the world of video photojournalism. The sessions are frequently hosted by professionals in the journalism field, advisers from other schools and even fellow high school students. The sessions are used to teach publications different techniques, share insider tips or show journalism students how to transform their high school passion into a career. The publications celebrated their time at FSPA that night with a banquet and the high school and middle school dances. After spending a couple days in Orlando together, students from the three CCHS publications came to better know and understand one another. “Before FSPA, I didn’t know much of the other students from the other [CCHS] publications,” CTV member and freshman Matheus Lima said. “But [during] FSPA, I was with the other publications and I noticed that we all have the same goal- making journalism the best, most accurate and most unbiased as possible.”
BY ABBIE TUSCHMAN Staff Writer Scanned by CamScanner
For many Cooper City Cowboys, there are certain defining field trips throughout their four years at CCHS. For the thrill-seekers, it’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. For the aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s DECA Nationals. But for CCHS journalism students, the one field trip that stands out from the rest is the FSPA State Convention. This past weekend, the CCHS publications CTV, The Round Up and The Lariat attended The Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) 2018 State Convention. This event took place from April 12-14 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort. For several of the attending CCHS students, this was their first time at the annual FSPA State Convention. Despite any initial uncertainty, many students found themselves delighted with the learning experiences and success that the publications found at the convention. “As a sophomore and this being my first year in CTV, my first FSPA experience was amazing,” CTV member Christopher Will said. “From competing to just hanging out with all the publications, it was an incredible convention.” On the first day of the convention, the publications participated in various on-the-spot contests. The wide range of competitions included group collaborations on yearbook or newspaper spreads, individual photography assignments and commercials by broadcast teams. Though the prompts themselves may not have sounded difficult, students were often given just a few hours to put an entire piece together. This stressful experience taught journalism students the valuable skills of quick thinking and time-management. “I competed in the on-the-spot Team Yearbook competition which was pretty stressful at the beginning [because we were] trying to
Photo by Ryan Sullivan Awards won for On-theSpot and Best of the Best: CTV On-the-Spot First Place Broadcast Man on the Street Jacob Mayer, Melissa Luque, Jenna Knight, Brianna Franco CTV On-the-Spot Third Place News Package Andrew Rothschild, Matthew Schwam CTV On-the-Spot Third Place Team Broadcast The Lariat Best of the Best Newspaper Opinion Page Genna Nordling The Lariat Best of the Best Review Casey Chapter The Lariat On-the-Spot First Place Alternative Coverage Module Genna Nordling The Lariat On-the-Spot Honorable Mention News Photo Ryan Sullivan (Pictured Above) The Round Up On-the-Spot Second Place Editorial Photography Atiya Pitaktrakul The Round Up On-the-Spot Third Place News Photo Raquel Gonzalez
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EDITORIAL
Spreading awareness
Celebrities should use their platform to share their political beliefs Celebrities typically have loud personalities and strong opinions, as well as millions of followers with whom to share them. With such undeniable influence over the public, they should put their fame to good use and share their beliefs in an aim to aid causes, even if it requires a partisan approach. Recently, Fox News host Laura Ingraham said that pro-athletes, like professional basketball players, should “shut up and dribble” in response to complaints about President Donald J. Trump made by LeBron James and Kevin Durant (National Public Radio). Comments like these have been made about many other celebrities as well, and not only are they offensive, but they are dangerous to the nation. During an acceptance speech at the 2017 Golden Globe Awards, Meryl Streep expressed her discontent for the presidentelect at the time, Donald Trump. Streep was referring specifically to the incident in which Trump mocked a disabled reporter, voicing her opinions on his campaign along with his actions. As a famous actress accepting an award on live television, Streep used her few-minute speech not to talk about herself, but to talk about political issues she found of importance. As an influential figure who had the power to raise
awareness for grotesque actions of a presidential candidate, Streep spoke up to the nation. Many celebrities try to communicate their political beliefs to their fans. Leonardo DiCaprio is well-known not only for his movies, but for his motives as an environmentalist. Chrissy Teigen is notorious for criticizing Trump on Twitter, as is best-selling author Stephen King. As respected figures, celebrities easily have a large following with whom they can share an idea instantly. With social media platforms, television interviews, magazine stories, speeches and books, celebrities have numerous incredibly fast and far-reaching methods of sharing things. Such influence and power cannot be taken for granted instead, it must be harnessed to the benefit of others whose voices are less prominent. It would be negligent to allow important issues to go undiscussed, using the power of fame to instead talk of nothing but one’s upcoming movie and which designer created their award-show ensemble. One of the main objections to celebrities sharing their political beliefs is that these people usually make money from a talent of theirs, whether that is athletics, comedy, music or modeling. This means that they are not paid to handle political affairs like
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politicians are. However, claiming that celebrities shouldn’t have a say in government because they have different types of jobs than the average American is contradictory to the idea that America is a democracy. Everyone in America has the right to speak their mind, no matter what they are paid for. Celebrities are still citizens, and they can spread their beliefs as any other American does. The only difference is the scale on which they are doing it. Celebrities should not be the only voices preaching politics, but they should certainly be encouraged to join the chorus and use their fame to help others and spread positive change. Fortunately, James and Durant didn’t “shut up and dribble” as instructed by Ingraham. Instead, they used the controversy to spread their message of the dangers of having a president who doesn’t care about his citizens. The pro-athletes know their position in society and they know how many people of all ages look up to them. They know they can make a difference and they want to continue to use their platform as a way to spread awareness and make a change. It’s the responsibility of those with so much influence to inform and persuade members of the community to strive toward the betterment of the nation, so that real change can happen. In rare cases, one small voice is enough. For the remaining cases, someone respected and well-known must carry a group of like-minded people on the road to change. Everyone has the right to speak their mind and everyone has the responsibility to improve the nation, no matter what their occupation is. No one’s voice should be silenced and everyone should feel a need to initiate change for a better America.
BY EDITORIAL BOARD
18 is too high
OPINION 7
Lowering the voting age will allow silenced teens to speak up with their ballot
ABOVE: Senior Bruce Glasserman wears one of the many “Dixon for Prez” T-shirts distributed by NHS last year.
There are certain birthdays to make an educated decision about governmental that matter more than others. policy and representation. However, while in theory this On 12th birthdays, one seems like an undeniable point, scientifically it falters. becomes an adult According to CNN, the type “KIDS AT THE to movie theaters of psychological development and medicine necessary to pass judgment AGE OF 16 HAVE on something of this caliber bottles alike, and after 16th by the age of 16. MINDS THAT ARE is developed birthdays, one is “Kids at the age of 16 have finally able to get minds that are as mature as those AS MATURE AS behind the wheel. of 18-year-olds,” junior Maxx But it’s with that THOSE OF 18-YEAR Schmidt said. “Therefore, kids 18th birthday that at 16 or 17 should be able to vote a host of more OLDS. THEREFORE, because they are able to make complex activities the decision for themselves.” become available KIDS AT 16 OR 17 Furthermore, young adults to young adults, of any age begin sculpting their SHOULD BE ABLE views about all aspects of life chief among them being their TO VOTE BECAUSE way before their high school right to vote. graduation. In the present day, T h e THEY ARE ABLE TO students are allowed to join survivors of politically charged clubs and the Parkland MAKE THE DECISION organizations - such as Speech massacre have and Debate and Liberty in North made the world FOR THEMSELVES.” Korea-thattheycareaboutassoon their stage by as they enter high school. They -MAXX SCHMIDT are also able to become part of the calling for tangible change, most JUNIOR conversation through their social notably in the media accounts, a medium that form of stricter has allowed for more information gun laws. However, their capabilities about trending topics to be spread than ever before. have led some, both students and “A person's political efficacy most likely will adults, to believe that children under not change with age,” senior Emma Sheridan said. the age of 18 are competent enough “Their stances are likely to remain the same and how to form viable political opinions much research they do on a candidate has more to and that they are currently being do with their own willpower and less to do with age.” silenced as a result of their age. Another point to be made is that teenagers “I believe that the voting age are often nonchalant and only those who should be lowered because, contrary actually have an informed opinion will make it to what many people may perceive to polling sites. This will result in more informed, as little-to-no efficacy amongst those who are below passionate citizens making their way to the polls. the voting age, we’re just as (if not more) engaged as The rallying cries of the students of Parkland those who are eligible to vote, whether it be politically, have echoed to CCHS and to many schools across civically [or] governmentally,” senior Challet Jeong said. the nation. The time for change is here. Now the Lowering the age required to vote in national question is: if most of the teenagers who went to elections has recently become a very popular topic these nationwide protests could vote, would these for opinion articles from major publications, from the changes be able to come sooner rather than later? Washington Post to CNN. While the idea may seem concerningatfirst,afteraquicklookatsupportingfactual BY TAMARAH WALLACE evidence, the notion becomes much more plausible. The main argument against lowering the age is General Editor that 16 or 17-year-olds are simply not mature enough
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MSD STRONG 9
We are MSD Strong. IN REMEMBRANCE OF:
Aaron Feis, Jaime Guttenberg, Alyssa Alhadeff, Scott Beigel, Meadow Pollack, Christopher Hixon, Luke Hoyer, Carmen Schentrup, Gina Montalto, Alex Schachter, Peter Wang, Alaina Petty, Martin Duque Anguiano, Helena Ramsey, Joaquin Oliver, Cara Loughran and Nicholas Dworet The tragic deaths of 17 students and faculty members at Cooper City High School’s sister school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD) of Broward County, has shaken the local community and the nation to its core. Just before 2:30 p.m., a 19-year-old former student entered the second-story hallway of Building 12 and began shooting fleeing students after having pulled a fire alarm to incite panic. He was later apprehended by police and taken into custody unharmed, where he is currently awaiting his trial. The deaths launched a nationwide discussion about gun control and protecting students, the likes of which have not yet died away. Fueled by the determination and work of the MSD survivors, including Emma Gonzalez, Cameron Kasky, David Hogg and Sarah Chadwick, the conversation is still growing. The students have founded the Never Again movement and have been an active part of the debate in recent days. The Lariat has published a collection of articles and photos revolving around the topic of gun control, student voices and Marjory Stoneman Douglas. It is our hope that we have provided well-rounded, rigorous and active coverage of the incident and the stories that have followed. The Lariat dedicates this issue to MSD and their efforts to prevent such instances of violence in the future. Cooper City High School is positive, passionate and proud to soar with the Eagles Note: The Lariat has a policy of avoiding the name of perpetrators of violence in our articles. The shooter’s name will not be found in this collection.
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MSD STRONG
Documenting tragedy
WMSD-TV staff and adviser Eric Garner produce a documentary to honor the fallen and tell the story that no one one else could In the aftermath of the shooting in the making of the documentary. tragedy that took 17 lives at Marjory Stoneman MSD senior Chris Cahill served as one Douglas High School (MSD), the broadcast of the handful of the video’s producers, and production program at the school began the said he felt it was therapeutic, if oftentimes process of recovering - by going back to work. difficult. MSD students from yearbook “What do I do? How do I try to live and newspaper, as well, found a home in through this?” WMSDworking on memorializing TV advisor Eric Garner the victims together. “I THINK WE DID A asked at a press conference “Being able to work on at the Wyndham Orlando the documentary gave us Resort International GOOD JOB TELLING something to do at school, Drive convention center. especially in that first week For Garner and his A STORY THAT NO where we just had half days,” team of broadcast journalism Cahill said. “I spent all of my students, the answer was ONE ELSE COULD.” time there and we were working clear: tell their very own and I was able to spend -ERIC GARNER together story. Entitled “#MSDStrong more time in that home… Documentary,” the that was therapeutic.” WMSD-TV ADVISER so The video documents the “#MSDStrong events of February 14, Documentary” has nearly memorializes the victims and extensively 20,000 views on YouTube and has aired covers the activism-driven aftermath. across some of Parkland’s local TV channels, “This is what we do,” Garner including PBS. Garner and his students said. “It’s what’s in your blood.” continue to emphasize that the video’s purpose Clocking in at 26 minutes, the is to inform and honor - not persuade. documentary is the result of 10 days of work “I think we did a good job telling at MSD and collaboration with other broadcast a story no one else could,” Garner said. teams. Garner and his students began conceptualizing the documentary immediately after the attack, but actual progress on BY SABRINE BRISMEUR “#MSDStrong Documentary” did not start until students returned to school on February 28. Managing Editor “The ultimate priority was to honor the people who did not make it,” added Garner. The making of the documentary was marked by a strong dedication to produce a film detailing the whole truth, the way MSD faculty and students experienced it. Garner expressed repeatedly that “#MSDStrong Documentary” was an apolitical piece meant only to cover the event and honor the victims, and took offense to the accusations that the documentary perpetuated a leftist agenda. “I don’t know that I agree with everything [March for our Lives] activists have been saying,” Garner said, referencing several MSD students that have led the movement to establish stricter gun control regulations, including Emma Gonzalez, David Hogg, Cameron Kasky and Delaney Tarr. “One of the biggest mistakes we made is, of the people that we interviewed in the activism part, there are a couple of students on campus that we didn’t get that are more on the conservative side. If I was to go back and redo it, I would put those interviews in,” Garner added. Outside of the third party reactions, however, the WMSD-TV students have said they’ve found solace
Photo provided by Eric Garner ABOVE: WMSD-TV adviser Eric Garner and MSD student activist Emma Gonzalez at From Broadway With Love. BELOW: Eric Garner speaks at the press conference held at the 2018 FSPA State Convention for an On-the-Spot competition.
Photo by Nicole Nelson
CCHS students March for their lives
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Student activists from CCHS attend the “March for Our Lives” event in Parkland and Washington D.C. Teenagers may be notorious for sleeping in on the weekends, but on March 24, students across South Florida got up bright and early to join the community of Parkland for the “March for Our Lives.” Prompted by the shooting that killed 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, the “March for Our Lives” aims to advocate for an end to gun violence through “common sense gun laws” and school safety measures. “It meant so much to me to be at the march but it meant much more to have the support of adults there as well,” senior Brianna Franco said. “The amount of people there was crazy and I know that with all these voices we can make a change for our future and I’m more than proud that our generation is the one stepping up to be that change.” Some CCHS students volunteered at the march, arriving as early as 5:30 a.m. to help set up and pass out water bottles. They also kept CCHS students informed about the movement via the Twitter account @NeverAgainCoop. “I decided to volunteer for [the march] because I felt that volunteering, especially in Parkland, was a way I could support the residents of Parkland, including the students of MSD, and their stand against gun violence and call for change,” junior David Lee said. Beginning at 7:00 a.m., thousands of people were bussed to Pine Trails Park where they packed onto a field, signs held high, for the rally that preceded the march. Speakers took the stage, telling their stories, pleading for change and urging the crowd to vote. Samantha Mayor, who
was shot in the knee during the rampage, advocated for stricter gun laws and tougher background checks. Max Schachter, father of 14-year-old victim Alex Schachter, called for school safety measures such as bulletproof classroom doors. This, he said, would have saved his son’s life. Former CCHS student Nikki Rechtszaid performed an original song, entitled “Heart on Your Sleeve,” with musical partner Jimmy Levy. The lyrics encourage listeners to spread love, and all proceeds from the song will be donated to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and related causes. As the musical group Broadway Bound sang verses of John Legend’s “Imagine,” the crowd joined in softly, swaying with their arms wrapped around their neighbors. At noon, the approximately 20,000 people in attendance left Pine Trails Park to embark on the two mile march to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. As they walked, they chanted sentiments including “enough is enough” and “ABC not NRA.” When they came upon the scene of the shooting and the on-site memorial, the crowd fell silent. “It felt surreal; everyone stopped to take pictures of the flowers and dozens of signs scattered on the front lawn of the school,” senior Christina Flugel said. “I wondered how those students were expected to go back to a place where such tragedy took place as if nothing had happened, to continue on with their daily lives.” While many CCHS students marched in Parkland, where the movement was born, others traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the march on the capital. Senior Bailey Kraus
Photos by Casey Chapter participated with his sister freshman Arielle Kraus, their entire family braving the cold weather for the cause. “Being able to participate in the march in D.C. really allowed me to see the amount of support there is throughout the country,” Bailey Kraus said. “Before participating, I only was able to see the activism in our own community, so it was nice to see the support that the nation has for this issue.” Whether marching in Washington, D.C. or at a sibling march, each student who participated shared the goal of preventing similar incidents from happening in the future. “All we can do is march and continue the conversation in hopes that we spark a change for the future,” Flugel said.
BY KENDYL COUNTS Print Editor in Chief
ABOVE: Senior Brianna Franco and junior Gabby Carbone attend the March for Our Lives in Parkland, Florida. Franco wears a tag representing the amount of money senator Marco Rubio receives from the NRA per student in the state of Florida.
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MSD STRONG
#NeverAgain
Tragedy at MSD sparks a student-led movement nationwide Just over a week after the Valentine’s Day shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 dead, what began as raw outrage has evolved into a full-fledged, organized movement against gun violence. The movement, known as “Never Again MSD,” is spearheaded by Marjory Stoneman Douglas students themselves as they attempt to make sense of what occurred and prevent it from ever happening to anyone else. With 25 fatal school shootings since Columbine in 1999, America is no stranger to the heartbreak that follows such incidents. However, as time passes after each, media coverage, thoughts and prayers and the chance of preventative action all fade. The students of Never Again MSD hope to prevent the normalization of school shootings and hold lawmakers accountable for some form of action. “Maybe the adults have gotten used to saying 'it is what it is,' but if us students have learned anything, it's that if you don't study, you will fail,” MSD student Emma Gonzalez said in her speech at the Fort Lauderdale Courthouse rally on Saturday, February 17. “And in this case if you actively do nothing, people continually end up dead, so it's time to start doing something.” The Fort Lauderdale Courthouse rally served as a starting point for many CCHS students who wanted to become involved in the Never Again MSD movement. Though
hundreds of people gathered on the steps of the courthouse, the faces of a few CCHS students were visible in the crowd. Determined to support the community and protest against gun violence, they held signs with sayings like “No more silence, end gun violence,” and “Protect us, not your guns.” “I didn’t think it was possible to have an outdoor area shake but somehow it did and it was amazing,” senior Brittany Schectman said. “You could feel the energy and compassion.” The same levels of energy and compassion were present when students across South Florida staged “walkouts” at noon on Wednesday, February 21. The students of Coral Springs High School left class to form a giant heart on the football field to honor the victims, while students from West Boca High School walked 12 miles to Stoneman Douglas High School to protest and pay their respects. At CCHS, students headed out to the football field and filled the stands, where they held signs, chanted and listened to fellow students deliver speeches in protest of gun violence. The walkout even made its way to other states, from Maryland to Arizona. “[The walkout] was an empowering experience as I watched hundreds of my peers walking together to the field,” junior Aliceon Clemmensen said. “I felt for once that the majority of my peers were truly on the same page. To me this movement means that
Photo by Kyle Nelson
ABOVE: The CCHS bleachers are occupied by students who have walked out of their classrooms to demand change.
Photo by Kyle Nelson
there is hope for our future because this isn't going to be forgotten until we see change.” As students across the U.S. left class looking for change, 100 survivors of the shooting had left South Florida altogether to speak with state officials in Tallahassee. The students met with and asked questions of lawmakers of both parties, sharing their experience with them in hopes that they would support the Never Again MSD movement. In spite of their tireless lobbying, the House declined to consider a ban on “large capacity magazines and assault-style rifles” like the ones used by the gunman. Disappointed but not discouraged, many of the students travelled back home to attend the CNN Town Hall, held on Wednesday, February 21 p.m. at 9:00 at the BB&T center. Students, staff, and family members affected by the tragedy asked questions of Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel, National NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch, Republican Senator Marco Rubio, Democratic Senator Bill Nelson and Democratic Congressman Ted Deutch. Florida Governor Rick Scott and President Donald Trump declined to attend. “It was empowering being able to see the impact of the voices of those affected who spoke,” senior Bailey Kraus said of the event. “It was also very surreal to think that I was sitting in a room with many individuals who experienced the worst moment of their lives last week and are now turning that experience into action. “ Though the town hall discussion became heated at times, it is being acknowledged as the first step of a very long journey. By taking a nonpartisan approach, the students hope to gain support from people on both sides of the aisle for the common goal of preventing mass shootings. “This isn’t about red and blue,” MSD student Cameron Kasky said at the CNN Town Hall. The journey continued with the “March For Our Lives,” held in
Washington, D.C. on March 24, when students from across the country gathered in the nation’s capital to demand that the government take action to ensure their safety in school. A Broward County “March for Our Lives” was held at the Parkland Pine Trails Park for those who could not make the trip to Washington. With the march behind them, students around Broward County continue to show their support for the Never Again movement, holding voter registration drives and encouraging their peers to vote when the time comes. With midterm elections approaching in November, those seeking change hope to keep the momentum of the Never Again movement going through next fall and on into the future.
MSD STRONG 13
BY KENDYL COUNTS Print Editor in Chief Photo by Casey Chapter
Photo by Sarah Khan
TOP: Senior Brianna Franco poses a question in response to the tragic events at MSD during a school-wide walkout. ABOVE: CCHS students form a heart on the football field on the 19th anniversary of the deadly Columbine school shooting. RIGHT: Sophomore Abbie Tuschman remembers the victims of MSD during a silent sit-in held in the CCHS courtyard.
Photo by Kyle Nelson
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MSD STRONG
Crying out How students can make their voices heard
Photo by Ben Milgram
Photo by Sarah Khan
TOP: Senior Joania Hernandez demands action during the nationwide school walkout in the aftermath of the Parkland shooting. BOTTOM: From the press box, junior Natalia Aguirre directs students to form a heart on the football field in memory of the Columbine school shooting.
Hundreds of students stand in the CCHS bleachers, wielding hand-painted signs and the inextinguishable anger of a often-silenced generation. A chant rises from the stands and shakes the field. “Enough is enough.” At the walkout on Wednesday, February 21, Cowboys had the opportunity to voice their thoughts on the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. In a society riddled with controversy and disagreement, the demonstration was a way for students to express their views that are so often dismissed as peripheral. Though many students may feel that their opinions are treated as secondary to those of adults, society is evolving. More power is in the hands of the younger generation and politicians, celebrities and world leaders are being forced to listen. Despite what society may believe, any high schooler can make their voice known. The simplest and sometimes most effective route is for a student to inform their peers about the cause. In a world constantly connected through the internet and social media, just making one’s message known can spur a movement. Social media campaigns and hashtags, such as on Twitter and Instagram, can rapidly gain popularity if executed correctly. But sensitivity to online audiences and current issues is crucial for students to effectively raise awareness for a cause while avoiding miscommunication. In the absence of facial expressions and body language, online messages can quickly become misconstrued and subject to unwarranted
criticism. To prevent this, students should go over their messages with others before uploading to ensure the intended meaning remains clear across the barriers of text and screens. Discussing an issue with club leaders can also accelerate plans for action. CCHS clubs that support involvement in the community include Key Club and National Honor Society (NHS). Previous projects of the NHS chapter include raising money for Puerto Ricans impacted by Hurricane Irma and promoting awareness for breast cancer. When proposing an event or fundraiser to any organization or club, one should educate club leaders of the issue at hand, its impact on the student body and potential solutions. Though statistics can be awfully compelling for a student already invested in an issue, numbers can seem innocuous to those with no ties to the subject. For students to feel passionate about an issue, an emotional connection is necessary. By relating a topic back to the student population, others will be more keen to learn about the topic, teach others and participate in a fight for change. In a world where communication is instantaneous, the potential for change is unlimited. Yet the power to make a difference lies in the strength of a voice. By creating a plan for action and sticking to it, students have the chance to make their battle cries momentous and deafening.
BY ABBIE TUSCHMAN Staff Writer
Listening for a cause
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Songs for the benefit of Parkland “Where words music speaks.” This famous quote, spoken by Hans Christian Andersen, has come as an inspiration to many who use music as a way to express themselves. Music has the power to touch the souls of those who listen. It has the power to unite, and it can be meaningful in a way that no other form of art can. The tragic school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School gave rise to a new generation of voters and a new wave of protests. The spark from survivors of the shooting has ignited a flame of students who are fighting for gun reform, as demonstrated by the “March for Our Lives” protests not only in America fail,
but around the world. In support of this new wave of voters, some artists have released songs to directly benefit these protests. Composer and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda of the Broadway musical “Hamilton” and actor Ben Platt of the Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen” released a mash-up of a powerful song from each play to benefit the March for our Lives. From “Hamilton” was the song “The Story of Tonight” and from “Dear Evan Hansen” was the song “You Will Be Found.” The union of these songs for support of a powerful and significant cause not only raises money but inspires the youth to get involved and fight for their friends. It takes meaningful music from popular musicals to create a new meaning for those who have
lost and for those who will fight. Two students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Sawyer Garrity and Andrea Peña, composed and performed a song titled “Shine” dedicated to the lives lost in the shooting. They performed their song at the BB&T Center during CNN’s Town Hall regarding gun control discussions. On March 16, Garrity and Peña released “Shine” on iTunes. The proceeds are being used to help students who experienced trauma to heal by expression through the arts (Sun Sentinel). The composition of “Shine” demonstrates the power and effect that music can have on an individual or a whole community. Stoneman Douglas’s band program, Eagle Regiment, traveled to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall just three weeks after the shooting. After losing a member of the band, Alex Schachter, and a member of the color guard, Gina Montalto, the Eagle
Regiment decided to go through with their previously planned trip. The group’s journey together was a powerful movement showing support for the victims of the shooting and it was an effort to unite through the arts. “Heart On Your Sleeve” is a single released by singer and songwriter Nicole Rechtszaid on YouTube about unification after tragedies. The former CCHS student will donate the profits made from the lyrics video to efforts to enact change by the Stoneman Douglas community. The amount of support that the Stoneman Douglas students have received in their efforts to promote gun reform makes a difference. Music, especially, provides an emotional connection, raises awareness and supports the political change that teenagers are trying to inspire.
BY JULIA WENGIER Staff Writer
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FEATURES
Where are they now?
A follow up on the graduating past feature subjects Bruce Glasserman: The power of a voice
After his digitally published December feature, Glasserman has since qualified for NSDA Nationals as well as the Florida Forensic League State Championships. He will be competing in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando respectively. At Harvard Debate, he found himself speaking at quarterfinals. He has participated in National Honor Society’s Mock Debate as a world leader, and is a nominee for a Silver Knight award. Bruce is also finalist for this year’s Broward League of Cities Scholarship for Government Studies. By his graduating class, he was voted ‘Most Likely to Succeed.’ Glasserman will be attending Florida State University in the fall for his undergraduate degree in political science. “It’s been a great final season on the circuit thus far, and I can’t wait for Nationals to top off what’s been a great season and debate career alike,” Glasserman said. “I can’t wait to see what opportunities my future hold.” ORIGINAL FEATURE BY NUHA ISLAM
Joie Meyer: An ocean away
In the September 2017 issue of The Lariat, Joie Meyer shared her experience visiting China for the first time since she was adopted as an infant. Now, with her senior year almost over, she has found her experience to have been useful in navigating her final year of college. “When I got home, I did a lot more research and there are a lot of issues in China and their health system,” Meyer said. “I think knowing that really influenced my interests and future career path and I was able to figure out my [prospective] major in public health through it.” Joie will attend Tulane University in New Orleans in the fall. ORIGINAL FEATURE BY KENDYL COUNTS
Hannah Riggott: Exploring her future
Since being featured in the May 2017 issue of The Lariat, Riggott has continued to be deeply involved in the school community, trying to make Cooper City High School a better place for all students. She was elected as the Class of 2018 Vice President, adding onto her previous extracurricular activities yet never wavering in her dedication to all of them. “Looking back at high school as a senior, I don’t regret a single sport, club, or activity that I participated in,” Riggott said. “Everything from being on the tennis team to being vice president has made me into the person I am now and it’s been an amazing experience.” As a result of her impressive background, Riggott will be going to the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan, a new challenge that she’s eager to take on. “I’ve always known what it means to be dedicated and to have a good work ethic and I’m ready to move on to the next stage of my life,” Riggott said. ORIGINAL FEATURE BY KYLE NELSON AND DARIAN SABLON
Matt Plonskier: Going global
FEATURES
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In the November 2017 issue of The Lariat, DECA president Matt Plonskier discussed his interest in economics and his love for traveling - both of which have only grown throughout the school year. His adventures across the globe continue to be defined by food, and his list has expanded to include authentic delicacies from the classic bagel in New York City to sausages and wienerschnitzel on a trip to Germany. In recent months Plonskier has become a National Merit finalist, and he has received first place in his category at the DECA state competition as well as 12th place in the DECA national competition. Additionally, his Virtual Enterprise International (VEI) business plan placed first in the state of Florida. Plonskier will continue to study business at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business in the fall. “After my experiences of founding and leading a virtual company as well as writing and presenting a business plan for VEI, I know business is definitely what I want to pursue as a career later,” Plonskier said. ORIGINAL FEATURE BY KENDYL COUNTS
Dashiel Heidt: Building a new reality
In the short time since being featured in the February 2018 issue of The Lariat, Dashiel Heidt has continued working on the Frontwire Studios video game “Galaxy in Turmoil.” “Unfortunately, I can’t really go too much in-depth into the progress because a lot of it has been happening behind closed doors; I'm under NDA,” he said. Earlier this year, Heidt expressed interest in pursuing machine learning in college as opposed to general computer science. However, his continued participation in building the cyberpunk video game has changed his view on what he may do as a career. “I'm growing increasingly drawn to the field of video game development from a general interest in computer science. Currently, computer science is still listed as my intended major… but I have been considering considering changing to computational media as my major as it contains a game studies focus.”
ORIGINAL FEATURE BY SABRINE BRISMEUR
Hannah and Shayna Cohen: It must be Twintuition
Hannah and Shayna Cohen were featured in the February 2018 issue of The Lariat, providing insight into the creation of their ‘Twintuition” clothing line and their other business endeavors. These days, the Cohens are wearing just as much blue and orange as they wear Twintuition. “[Getting into UF] was the most amazing feeling ever,” Hannah Cohen said. “It was something that we had been working towards for so long and to finally achieve it felt so unreal.” The Cohens have since seen their Twintuition clothing line featured on the runway at the first ever CCHS Met Gala in February. With college just around the corner, however, their line is running out of time. “We don’t plan on continuing Twintuition but it has showed me how to properly promote a business, which will carry over when I get a career in the marketing field,” Shayna Cohen said. “Hannah and I had a good time [with Twintuition] while it lasted.” ORIGINAL FEATURE BY KENDYL COUNTS
Dylan Graziani: Taking their shot
Dylan and Dallas Graziani were featured in the February 2018 issue of The Lariat. When the two were featured, they were in the midst of their first basketball season at CCHS. Shortly after publishing, Dallas dropped 40 points against Monarch and Stranahan. “Dallas dropped 40 against Monarch, he had gotten to 38 points with under a minute left, so I told him you're getting 40 tonight,” Dylan said. “Monarch came down with the ball and I dove on it and tipped it to Dallas and they fouled him, and he got the first 40-point game either of us ever had.” Dylan hopes to play college basketball and is still in the search for the right fit for him. His season highlight was scoring his 1,000 career point on senior night against Plantation.Dylan also found himself scoring 40 points, his career highlight, during the same game against Plantation. “I would say the greatest moment was when Dylan had 40 on senior night,” Dallas said. “He went off and that game was so much fun watching him killing it like that.” ORIGINAL FEATURE BY KYLE NELSON
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FEATURES
Teachers and their craft Why CCHS Teachers entered the profession At CCHS, teachers have taken many different paths to arrive at their profession, and each has a unique journey and rationale to share. However, though teachers devote each and every day to helping students as they navigate through life, their own journeys are often overlooked. English teacher Lisa Jones certainly did not become a teacher because she loved grading papers. Jones’s love for teaching can be traced back to her childhood, when she lined up her stuffed animals and later her siblings, guiding them through homemade assignments. After graduating from the local McArthur High School, Jones received her English “ I WANT THEM degree through completing courses [STUDENTS] TO, IF at Broward College and Florida International University (FIU). Once she managed to NOT TO ENJOY MY obtain a teaching position, Jones CLASS - BECAUSE taught middle school for 13 years before transferring to CCHS. I REALIZE NOT Over the years, she has seen EVERYBODY ENJOYS changes in her job that are not necessarily listed in the description. SITTING IN A “There is a lot more pressure on kids than before and so I think CLASSROM - TO a lot of times, when people go into AT LEAST FEEL education, they realize that not only are they responsible for teaching LIKE THEY TOOK the curriculum, but they also kind SOMETHING OUT OF of have to act like a counselor and nurse sometimes and all these IT.” other things,” Jones said. “There is - LISA JONES so much we are responsible for. ” Now coming up on her 20 ENGLISH TEACHER years of teaching, she shared why she has decided to stay despite the constant difficulties the job presents. “There are days when I am stressed, but it is usually because of the adults,” Jones said. “It’s never the kids. I want them [students] to, if not to enjoy my class - because I
realize not everybody enjoys sitting in a classroom - to at least feel like they took something out of it.” Below Jones’s third floor classroom lies ninth grade English teacher Melissa Cabrera’s class, with walls decorated with student art and inspirational posters. Cabrera, unlike Jones, graduated having studied communications and advertising before realizing that she wasn't in the right profession. Before connecting the dots, Cabrera had been working as a nanny in New York and took care of two children, one of whom had autism. She was able to teach the child sign language, opening up the door for communication that was previously shut. For the first time, the boy was able to communicate with his family. “It was such a beautiful thing that I wanted to go ahead and do that with my entire life,” Cabrera said. Upon realizing her true calling, Cabrera went back to school to receive education credits, but having come from a long line of teachers, she was heavily warned against taking on the profession. Instead, Cabrera followed her heart and is merrily celebrating her tenth year of teaching. “The kids are the reason I keep coming to work every single day,” Cabrera said. “I just want to help them to be the best version of themselves that they could possibly be.” Next door to Cabrera’s colorful classroom is ninth grade English teacher Fallan Patterson. Patterson has only been teaching for three years after having pursued a career as a journalist. Patterson first fell in love with journalism in high school when she joined her school’s paper. She
“THE KIDS ARE THE REASON I KEEP COMING TO WORK EVERY SINGLE DAY. I JUST WANT TO HELP THEM TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF THEMSELVES THAT THEY COULD POSSIBLY BE.” - MELISSA CABRERA ENGLISH TEACHER
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later worked as a professional newspaper reporter for eight years, but it was not meant to last. “I'm kind of a nosy person and I really like knowing what's going on and that was a way to kind of feed that,” Patterson said. “I tried really hard for eight years to fight for a position I was happy with and at a certain point I had to give up that dream.” Teaching had always rested in the back of Patterson’s mind, so she fulfilled the requirements and earned her teaching certificate. Having been influenced by her own high school teachers, Patterson recalls how valued she felt walking into the classroom. “I think at the end of the day “I THINK AT THE I wanted to have that impact on END OF THE DAY I students because I think that we, as a society, have gotten away from WANTED TO HAVE that a bit,” Patterson said. “You guys [students] are with us seven hours a THAT IMPACT ON day, where else are you going to get STUDENTS BECAUSE those corny jokes and high fives?” Sometimes, a teacher journeys I THINK THAT WAS, through multiple professions AS A SOCIETY, HAVE before finding the one that suits GOTTEN AWAY FROM them. Peggy Wilfong, Honors and AP World History teacher, did THAT A BIT. YOU not find herself teaching until 10 GUYS [STUDENTS] years ago. In college, she set out ARE WITH US SEVEN with the intention of becoming a veterinarian. While her love for HOURS A DAY, animals and biology compelled her, chemistry seemed to be the defining WHERE ELSE ARE factor in her change in studies. YOU GOING TO GET “I was much more interested THOSE CORNY JOKES in having fun in college than making sure I did well in chemistry,” AND HIGH FIVES?” Wilfong said. “Before I knew it, it - FALLAN PATTERSON [pursuing veterinary medicine] would have meant a lot more years ENGLISH TEACHER at school and I really didn’t want to do that, so I became an American study and economics major.” After graduation, Wilfong
ventured out into the business world. Acquiring a job on Wall Street, she remained there for about 20 years but wasn’t content. “I made very good money but I never liked it,” Wilfong said. “We are kind of young when we make the decision of what we want to do and we don't really know what it is we want to do.” So, when she moved to Florida she decided it was time for a change. Instead of pursuing a job in the business field, she took the classes needed to become a real estate agent. Still unsatisfied, Wilfong began to substitute teach and liked it so much that she worked towards having her very own classroom. Upon receiving her teaching certificate, Wilfong took up her first teaching job at a middle school in Coral Springs but was surplused at the end of the year and reassigned to CCHS. During her first few years at the school, Wilfong did not have her own classroom but instead had to switch between buildings for different periods. That was until she asked to take on AP World History as the former teacher was retiring. “I was scared to death but at that point, there were only two AP classes,” Wilfong said. “I have kind of embraced it and made it mine and I love it.” Whether focusing on humanities or STEM, one thing these teachers have in common is their love of spreading information and important skills to their students. “Students will learn that whatever rises falls,” Wilfong said. “We always need to know where we came from to know where we're going. I think that is really important and I want to be able to communicate that to my students.”
BY ALEXANDRA SANSONE Staff Writer
“WE ALWAYS NEED TO KNOW WHERE WE CAME FROM TO KNOW WHERE WE’RE GOING. I THINK THAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT AND I WANT TO BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE THAT TO MY STUDENTS.” -PEGGY WILFONG WORLD HISTORY TEACHER
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ENTERTAINMENT
Really cheesy
I Heart Mac and Cheese is pretty gouda Residents of Cooper City and the neighboring Pembroke Pines no longer have to venture down to Wilton Manors or up to Boca Raton for a good mac and cheese selection. “I Heart Mac and Cheese,” established only five months ago on Pines Boulevard, is part of a chain spreading across Broward and Palm Beach County that specializes in quick and custom mac and cheese orders. From traditional mac and cheese to other favorites such as Philly cheese steaks, Cuban sandwiches or lobster and white truffle mac and cheese, the restaurant offers a wide selection of cheesy entrées. Walking into the Pembroke Pines location, the first thing that catches the eye is the minimalism of the restaurant. While the floors are speckled red and black, and the far walls along the back a striking red, a long plain white wall and several assortments of metal chairs and tables give the location a chilly atmosphere. Not even the peppy pop music on the speakers could save Pembroke Pines’ “I Heart Mac and Cheese” from a desolate atmosphere. But ordering the mac and cheese is anything but an emotionally frigid experience. Picking between an already large ‘regular’ size ($7.95) and an even more enormous ‘large’ size ($9.95) is only the first stressful
obstacle of the difficult task of putting together the perfect mac and cheese. From there on, a person will need to pick a type of cheese - Gruyère, Havarti, wonderfully White Cheddar and smoked Alexander’s Gouda are only a few of the rich “Not Your Ordinary seven cheese types to select Mac and Cheese (NYO)” is from. Add on a protein - woefully nonexistent. The bacon, pulled pork, chicken chicken strips, while not bad, or something else entirely were a far cry from fresh - and two veggie toppings, protein and tasted more like microwavable such as broccoli, scallions or pre-frozen nuggets. carrots, and it’s good to go. chicken The macaroni dish is The dish is sent through an assembly line, where it’s nicely complemented with loaded up with preferences a side of balsamic tomatoes before being put onto a or chicken soup - be sure conveyor belt to melt. It’s to get something strikingly placed onto a tray hot, melted different to break up the taste, and most significantly of all, whether it’s another side dish baked crunchy on the top or a sweet tea. The dish is and still gooey in the middle. piping hot and appetizingly The first bites of the melted on the sides, however, overall enjoyable. macaroni are heavenly and It may not be a hand- crispy with golden breadcrumbs and the first crafted mac and cheese hints of soft cheese sauce - prepared for Thanksgiving, but digging further in, the but what else is? For a fast crunchy top layer gives way food chain of macaroni and to a liquidy cheese sauce cheese, I Heart Mac and that’s a little too watery Cheese is certainly worth the for an exceptional mac price and very quick wait. and cheese. For a fast food chain, it’s expected, but disappointing nonetheless. BY SABRINE BRISMEUR The thick, creamy Béchamel sauce associated with Managing Editor homemade mac, or J.
Review: A tale of horror that hits close to home for many of its viewers, “A Quiet Place” effectively grasps the emotions of those watching and keeps the stakes high at all times. It mixes sheer horror with issues that kids and parents face daily to result in a truly terrifying story that goes deeper than surface-level. John Krasinski, who wrote and directed the film, stars as the father of a family that has survived the introduction of blind but soundsensitive monsters that live to hunt. The movie is centered around the push-pull dynamic within the family as they try to remain silent to stay alive. The film centers around the strong love within a family, focusing on the interdependence needed for survival and the extent one will go to protect their loved ones. Sacrifices are shown on both ends, parent and child, for the good of the group. The actors do an incredible job of portraying their characters’ feelings and actions without the use of dialogue. They convey their fear, anxiety, despair and their love for each other not with powerful, impactful monologues but through legitimate facial expressions and mannerisms throughout the movie. Krasinski’s wife, Emily Blunt, plays his wife in the film, adding a new dimension of emotion. “A Quiet Place” captures the gaping hole of silence to make the fear factor stronger. Krasinski implemented moments of complete, uncomfortable silence to supplement the “jump scares” of loud and sudden noises. These moments happened very little in comparison to the amount of dead-silent scenes, but the effect of dead silence assisted in creating truly unexpected and effective jump scares. Krasinski went deeper than many horror films out there. Typically, horror movies exist to scare the viewers, especially with fictional monsters or paranormal activity and lack effective plot development, character development, themes and additional meaning that can be tied into the lives of the viewers. “A Quiet Place,” however, is more than just a scary movie. Its plot develops in a way that maintains the suspense and high levels of anxiety that don’t resolve. It’s easy for the viewer to become emotionally invested in the characters’ lives and development, as they are not the flat characters that are typically involved in popular horror movies. This pull of the viewers’ emotions is significant to the movie’s success. To feel true terror in the cinema, the audience must be fully immersed in the story. “A Quiet Place” uses silence and emotional involvement to capture its viewers and provide a sense of authentic horror.
BY JULIA WENGIER Staff Writer
Get Ready
All photos comply with fair use standards.
ENTERTAINMENT 21
“Ready Player One” is a disappointment
“Ready Player One,” the debut book of author Ernest Cline, was an instant hit with readers of all ages. Not only did it bring back great memories of the 80s for adults but it also included references that kids could understand as well. Although some cried out against the heavy emphasis of nostalgia the book had, it didn’t stop many fans from shrieking in delight at the news that their favorite book was going to be made into a movie by Steven Spielberg. With “Ready Player One” recently released, the question on everyone’s mind has been if the movie is as good as the book. The answer: not so much. One of the movie’s biggest negatives is the almost nauseating amount of references it has to pop culture from the 80s to now. From as far as the eye can see there are easter eggs everywhere, and while some have been hidden in the background, others are screaming for the audience’s attention, which is when the movie is at its worst. W h e n viewers are forced to recognize that there is a reference that they should be aware of, it detracts from the movie as a whole. This becomes especially annoying when the movie’s protagonists are just rambling about things they know about the pop culture, boring viewers quickly. Adding onto this is the fact that the majority of the characters
in “Ready Player One” are very bland and one-dimensional. The main protagonist Wade Watts is an irredeemable, self-absorbed person that the movie attempts at making audiences cheer for but ultimately fails in doing so. This probably has to do more with the writing and source material than Tye Sheridan, who played Watts, having played the role of the annoying jerk pretty well. Most of the other characters, like Watts, are as likeable as eating a rotten egg. The plot is also extremely mundane and predictable, which in turn hurts character development since the audience is not invested in the progression of the heroes that they should be interested in. There are some positives to this bore of a movie. For one, the world of the OASIS, the virtual reality this movie takes place in, is amazing to look at. It’s fantastical and makes the idea that someone would want to spend their entire day inside the OASIS realistic. The amazing cinematography in the OASIS is capable of drawing audiences in despite the obvious drawbacks of the overall film. Also, not all of the characters are without merit, with Lena Waithe as Helen/Ache, Watts’s best friend, and Ben Mendelsohn as Nolan Sorrento, the CEO of the IOI and the main antagonist, as stand-outs. Aside from these few shining moments, “Ready Player One” somehow manages to make watching paint dry a more favorable alternative. What it makes up in cinematography, it lacks in plot, character development and likability of the protagonists. There's also the fact that this movie shoves every possible reference and easter egg that they could think of into viewers’ faces. In the end, “Ready Player One” audiences will be left disappointed that they wasted money on such a mess of a movie.
BY DARIAN SABLON Head Editor
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SPORTS
Cowboy power
Cooper City High’s Varsity football team’s “successful” lift-a-thon On April 18, Cooper City’s football team was lifting weights to do more than just improve their performance. All packed in the weight room, 65 Cowboys were present for the lift-a-thon and raised over 13,000 dollars to help fund new equipment, workout gear, camps, an end zone camera and their HUDL subscriptions. Players executed 4 workouts: bench press, deadlift, chin-ups and 40 yard dash to complete their donation. Starting earlier in the year, players began fundraising and each player who received a donation had to lift in the event. Organized by newlyappointed head coach Dan Carlisle, the event was meant to benefit the team both fiscally and morally. “This event brought some tradition back to the football team,” Carlisle said. “This event will boost team morale by showing the kids if you put in the work you are going to have positive results.” When asked how the team is looking early on, the
Love for tennis
coach said that they’re working hard but it’s too early to tell. “Results aren’t going to happen over night,” Carlisle said. “It’s all a process” In addition to boosting the team’s finances and morale, for some, the function served as a way to unite those who support the team. “The Liftathon was put together perfectly by coach Carlisle,” junior Braden Long said. “It was a great time with friends and family.” With next year being Carlisle’s first year at CCHS, seasoned players are expecting next season to be a different experience than in the past. “We are establishing a new culture of teamwork and brotherhood,” junior quarterback Xander Stokes said. “All these guys have been in the weight room every Sophomore Jasmine Maduel day and they also all helped with has yet to meet her match on the raising money. Overall I'm excited tennis court - though only 15, she for the season and what's to come." was recently named champion of the entire district meet. Maduel BY KYLE NELSON now has states coming up in on May 1, where she Online Editor in Chief Orlando will play with the intentions of making it on to nationals. Maduel’s dream began one day when she was six years old, sitting with her parents and watching a tennis match. Inspired, she told them how she wanted to play, and soon after she began taking tennis lessons and participating in small local tournaments. “I remember I just loved [tennis] ever since,” Maduel said. Maduel was the first in her family to develop a passion for tennis, as neither of her parents ever played. Now, she mentors her younger sister who followed in her footsteps and picked up the sport. Describing tennis as her whole entire life, Maduel dedicates three hours every day to practicing her passion at C.B. Smith park. Her intensive
Jasmine Maduel is fueled by her passion for the game
training has earned her a spot at the University of Miami, and from there she hopes to go pro-national. With college two years away, Maduel has plenty of time to continue gaining experience from high school competitions. Maduel was particularly excited when she found out that she made it to states; though she competes internationally, traveling to places such as Germany and even making it to the finals, she felt that winning districts really showed her hard work was paying off. “It was amazing, the whole experience of playing for the school tennis team and the journey to get to where I am, Maduel said. “It was all worth it and it makes me even more excited to go to Orlando and represent my team, friends and school.”
BY HANNAH EUBANKS Sports Writer
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“Math has been the most challenging subject for me, and I was afraid my test scores would suffer because of it. Mike helped me improve more than I thought would be possible, and going to BTS became something I looked loo forward to instead of dreaded.” Sabrine Brismeur CCHS ‘18
“Getting tutored by Adam Moss at Broward Tutorial Services was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Without him, my score wouldn’t have gone up 140 points. I wouldn’t have wanted to get tutored by anyone else, anywhere else!” any
Taylor Goldman University of Florida ‘22
“I highly recommend BTS to anyone getting ready to take the SAT or ACT. Adam and Mike are really dedicated to the success of their students. They provided different strategies to reviewing material and practice testing and motivated pr me to do well.” Sam Mickenberg CCHS ‘19
+6 ACT MAT H
SAT 1300
SAT 1520