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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Dear reader,
Almost two months ago, we sat on the brink of a new year, wondering what the future would hold. Now that we have settled in to the rhythm of 2018, it’s hard to believe that a few months or a few years ago this was the distant future, shrouded with mystery. This special edition of The Lariat, “Facing the Future,” highlights how far we have come in what seems like the blink of an eye. Suddenly, we are where we never could have imagined we would be - living in a world with driverless cars, cashierless convenience stores, and The Incredibles 2. Welcome to the future, folks. We hope you enjoy the issue, Kendyl Counts, Kyle Nelson and Sabrine Brismeur
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NEWS
CCHS THESPIANS PRODUCE “INTO THE WOODS” The Cooper City High School Thespians are preparing once again to steal the show with a spring musical. The club is putting on a production of “Into the Woods,” a play by James Lapine that combines the elements of many well-known fairy tales into one cohesive story. “I think anyone can enjoy ‘Into the Woods,’” Thespians Historian Alex Brower said. “If you like fairytales and want to see them come to life, then it’s a pretty exciting adventure.” The many pieces of the Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tales are woven together with the journey of a childless baker and his wife through the woods. They meet many characters along the way, from stories
such as “Rapunzel” and “Jack and the Beanstalk.” Though the musical first debuted in 1987, a Disney live action film of the same name was released in 2014. But even if the audience has not previously seen the show or the movie, they are sure to recognize characters such as Cinderella or Little Red Riding Hood. The CCHS Thespians have been working tirelessly to bring the musical to campus since auditions were held in December. The cast and crew have met nearly every day after school for rehearsals, which often last until 7 p.m. “The production itself is a challenge, with complicated music, timing and technical aspects,” Thespians President Rylee Berger said. “I think that has made us as
the production team and as a club stronger and better.” Throughout the past week, the cast and crew have spent numerous hours refining and rehearsing for the upcoming show. The Thespians are also continuing to work on the details of the props, costumes and stage design. “This week we have been setting up our boards, microphones and sound,” Thespians Head of Publicity Nick Montesano said. “The cast has been getting their choreography down to the set and the music.” Productions are not only a learning opportunity and a way to get involved in the school, but they are necessary to support the Thespians club. The school’s fall play and spring musical are the club’s main
fundraising opportunities for the entire year. After the time and effort that has been poured into this production, the Thespians are hopeful that there will be a successful turnout. CCHS students, friends and family have the opportunity to see the musical and support the club on March 1 at 7 p.m., March 2 at 6:30 p.m. and March 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.. Tickets are eight dollars presale and $12 at the door. “I feel like the cast and crew have both worked so hard and put in countless hours to really show the community the talent we have,” Berger said.
BY ABBIE TUSCHMAN Staff Writer Photo by Sarah Khan
BY ABBIE TUSCHMAN Staff Writer
Poetry Club:
NEWS
A new chapter in CCHS history
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The following is a poem read by senior Chandler Braistad at the club’s last meeting:
REACH
CCHS has always provided a wide variety of writing-based courses and extracurriculars, giving students the opportunity to pursue literary creativity. However, up until two weeks ago, a poetry club has been missing from the array of options in recent years. Less than a month ago, senior Joania Hernandez introduced the Poetry Club. Though taking a focus on poetry, the club stands as a safe space for students who wish to present their voice through any type of writing, including prose, short stories, screenplays and rap. “[We started the club] because we were one of the few schools that didn’t have it,” Hernandez said. “I really appreciate poetry and how it can bring people together and how it allows an avenue to write about things that you would never really write about otherwise.” Currently, Hernandez runs the club with her Vice-President Saharah Reid, Treasurer Lucca Suris-Diaz, Secretary Aaron Fantacone and Historian Jordan Velazquez. History teacher Kevin Fair is the club’s sponsor and their meetings are held in his classroom. Thus far, Poetry Club has had a total of two meetings convening on every other Friday of the month. The first meeting served as an introduction to the new club, while their second meeting was primarily focused on an upcoming competition that the club will be participating in.
“We are competing in Louder Than a Bomb in March,” Hernandez said. “We compiled a team very last Reach minute, but I’m excited to see how we Reach like the decaying hand, pushing square up against the other schools.” through the splintered casket, through the “Louder Than a Bomb” is an event soil still loose from the iron that split it just hosted by the Jason Taylor Foundation at 13 hours before. Nova Southeastern University. Taylor, a former NFL player, first founded Reach Reach for the boards floating at the the organization in July 2004 and the top of the liquid ice that pierces your body like an infinite amount of knives. organization has since donated $6,000,000 Reach to various “programs and services to benefit youth.” Louder Than a Bomb is a Reach for the pen that spreads the ink on the tree long gone. “friendly competition” between the poetry teams of different schools. The event’s Reach for the paper with the ink that will change your life. purpose is to bring students from diverse Reach backgrounds and perspectives together through the common interest of poetry. Reach because no one will reach for you. Though the competition is Reach for your goals. in March, the club has already begun Reach for your dreams. preparing by reading and producing Reach for the sterling, first-rate feeling that works of their own. As is seen through tomorrow is worth living for. the lens of the pieces presented at Reach because you are not dead. the meeting, the club has given its Reach because you are not drowning. members a chance to express their You are now innermost thoughts and emotions. You are here Because not all is lost, not all is “Poetry Club is a place where gone. you can let out everything you need Reach because my poem is just a bunch of to emotionally or mentally,” Secretary metaphors, but your life is real. Aaron Fanatcone said. “It’s like a way He is real. to let loose your creative [abilities].”
Staff Writer
She is real. Every person you’ve seen, heard, touched, punched, kissed is real. You are real.
Over the weekend, nine NJROTC cadets travelled to Tampa to compete in the State Brain Brawl Championships held at Gaither High School on February 10. Both teams set records for the CCHS NJROTC program - Cooper City 2 came in sixth, and Cooper City 1 came in third place, qualifying for nationals for the first time ever. “It was an amazing experience,” Cadet Ensign Sarah Seng said. “Brain Brawl, especially at states, is where a bunch of ROTC kids in Florida can come together and share all the work we’ve done, and our team made Cowboy Battalion history by qualifying for nationals.” Much like jeopardy contestants, Brain Brawl participants must buzz in quickly to answer trivia questions in order to win points for their team. However, unlike the popular game show, Brain Brawl specifically assesses knowledge in Naval Sciences. The topics of questions range from history and current events to health and science, and the teams can be tested on content from any of three Naval Science Textbooks. The teams are determined after
cadets participate in practice rounds to see who performs the best in a jeopardystyle setting, and each team consists of one student from each grade level. Cadets John Lystad, Natalia Aguirre, Sarah Seng and Paige Manta competed on Cooper City 1, while Cullen Chamberlain, Hannah Sarver, Sarah Garcia, Nicholas Preston and alternate Kevin Huynh comprised Cooper City 2. “After the first competition [I] went to two years ago, I loved it,” Cadet Commander Cullen Chamberlain said. “It was a great way to show the knowledge we learn in NJROTC, the small teams helped to develop camaraderie among us, the competitions were a lot of fun because of how fierce the competition is between us and the competitors, and the bonus questions that are involved with the competition were also a great fun factor.” Leading up to the State Championship, NJROTC had been having a successful season, placing second place at the Flanagan competition, and co-hosting a Brain Brawl of their own. However, due to Hurricane Irma, many of the competitions
that they had planned to attend were cancelled. Though they were unable to compete as much as they would have liked, the teams continued their weekly academic practices and studied independently to prepare for the high-pressure “toss-up” and “lighting” rounds. At the state championship the teams compete in brackets, with only the top 24 teams progressing after the first three rounds and then quarterfinals, semifinals and finals following. After the first two rounds Cooper City 1 made a drastic comeback, and though they placed third in the semifinals, they won in the loser’s bracket, securing a spot in the finals. In the end, the hard work of both teams seemed to have paid off. “As of today, this is perhaps the greatest accomplishment we have underneath our belts,” Academic Team Commander John Lystad said. “If I’ve gained anything from this [it] is that if you put your mind and energy to it, you really can accomplish the impossible.” BY KENDYL COUNTS Print Editor in Chief
BY ANNABELLE ROSA
Cadets make Cowboy Battalion history at State Championships
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NEWS
AS ONE DOOR CLOSES ANOTHER
OPENS
CCHS welcomes the incoming Class of 2022 BY ALEXANDRA SANSONE Students wandered the school adorned in their extracurricular shirts, showing the incoming freshman class what the school has to offer. The eyes of the Class of 2022 widened as they poured into the school auditorium, with their guardians filling the seats to the point of standing room only. The tension over switching schools is high, and students arrived to ease their nerves and learn about what the school has to offer. “I feel like this [event] is going to make me more comfortable with the school and help me feel less nervous,” incoming freshman Rebecca Schuster said. “I’m glad because we have more freedom and options [for electives] here [than] we did in middle school.” Upon their arrival at the school, the Class of 2022 received a pamphlet outlining the different elective courses they would get the opportunity to visit
during the orientation. After a detailed presentation from Principal Wendy Doll explaining graduation requirements, online classes and the block schedule, students were released to attend the first workshop of their choosing. As the crowd filed out, Principal Doll reminded them to listen carefully in each session. “It is always helpful when you gain information that will help you make a more informed decision,” Principal Doll said. “Make sure you take courses that match your ability and work ethic.” With over 15 workshop choices and only three sessions, students scurried around the school in search of the room numbers on the papers provided. One of the more crowded sessions was the Speech and Debate presentation. There, students learned that, despite the misleading name, there are actually more speech events than there are
Staff Writer
debate events that they can compete in. “I hope that [the incoming freshmen] take that the names of each club are kind of misleading in terms of what each club is actually about,” Debate Vice President of Operations Shaina Kaye said. “There is a lot more than [what is in] the name that each club actually has to give.” At the night’s end, the eighth graders had taken the first step in their journey at CCHS. Having started building their academic profiles students left the school to deliberate which courses were right for them for their first of many years at CCHS. “I hope that in the time they spend here they are able to gain a strong academic background that prepares them for their post secondary plan,” Principal Doll said. “I hope that they have good memories from the classes and extracurriculars that they participate in.”
Photos by Sarah Khan
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OPINION
TIME’S UP NOW
BY ABBIE TUSCHMAN Staff Writer
OPINION “No more silence. No more waiting.” At least, that is according to Time’s Up. The movement against sexual harassment plans to address the inequality and injustice that has flown under the radar for far too long. Though founded as recently as January 1, the movement is already making headlines. In the wake of numerous sexual assault allegations against powerful men in Hollywood, celebrities have rallied behind the cause. Stars have shown support by donning black ensembles at the 75th Golden Globes on January 7, accessorizing outfits with “Time’s Up” pins and wearing white roses at the 60th Grammy Awards. The intention to bring awareness to an important cause is certainly commendable, but the surface-level commitment to the movement further highlights the hypocrisy that permeates the Hollywood industr y. Celebrities continue to c o n d e m n those accused of sexual harassment when it is convenient, t h e n support or defend them in the next breath. Such an example is Roman Polanski, a French-Polish film director known for works such as “The Pianist” and “Chinatown.” He has been accused by multiple women of sexual assault and harassment. Most notably, Polanski was accused of raping 13 year old Samantha Gailey in 1977. He was 43 years old at the time. Polanski pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse, served 42 days in prison and then fled the country before formal sentencing. Polanski has avoided imprisonment by residing in countries such as Switzerland and Poland. Even with multiple other allegations of sexual assault made against Polanski, he continues to direct and act in films, with many even winning prestigious awards. Turning a blind eye to the glaring headlines, many well-respected actors and actresses in Hollywood have continued to work with him. After an arrest in Zurich in 2009, over 100 of these celebrities signed a petition for his release. Some of the names on the petition
included Harrison Ford, Wes Anderson and Penelope Cruz. In a complete contradiction of her previous actions, Penelope Cruz voiced her support for the Time’s Up movement by wearing black to the 2018 Golden Globes. One cannot say that they stand in support of Time’s Up when they have deliberately ignored the same actions that the movement denounces. Hollywood stars must confront the horrors committed by those that they continue to shield from justice. Filmmaker Woody Allen has also faced serious allegations in the past. In 1992, he was accused of sexually molesting his own adoptive daughter, Dylan Farrow, when she was just seven years old. Most people can agree that sexual assault allegations should be taken very seriously. But when it comes to those made against Allen, actors and actresses alike take comfort in their apparent ignorance on the matter. In an interview with the New York Times, actress Kate Winslet attempted to explain her choice to star in Allen’s most recent film, The Wonder Wheel. “… I didn’t know Woody and I don’t know anything about that family,” Winslet said. “As the actor in the film, you just have to step away and say, ‘I don’t know anything, really, and whether any of it is true or false.’ Having thought it all through, you put it to one side and just work with the person.” Putting sexual assault allegations to the side should not be mistaken as a form of professional conduct. It is enabling the deplorable behavior of powerful men in the industry. It is time for Hollywood to not only rebuke those that commit crimes of sexual harassment and assault, but also the bystanders that have let it happen for so long. Time’s Up could be a step in the right direction for Hollywood. However, celebrities must continue taking strides to rid the workplace of the sexual harassment for this movement to mean something.
“NO MORE SILENCE. NO MORE WAITING.”
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OPINION
TECHNOLOGY t
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Bringing the digital age into schools will benefit students
Technology has already made a major impact on today’s students. Those in high school and college fondly remember the days in elementary school when projectors were used to make learning more interesting, or when a television set was brought in to show educational videos like “Bill Nye the Science Guy” or “The Magic School Bus.” In a day and age when newer, more advanced technology is incorporated into everyday activities, it is often debated whether or not implementing this technology in America’s education system is the best idea. For some, technology is seen as a wall isolating those who use it from those who don’t. For others, however, we are in the middle of a technological revolution that will change the world for the better. “As we enter a more tech-savvy age, I think technologies should be used to enhance the learning experience,” junior David Lee said. “The use of technology can be beneficial if used in the right
way and schools should exploit the benefits that are available.” If utilized in education, exciting technology can assist in making information easier to comprehend and to remember. With traditional textbooks and note-taking, today’s students often get bored. When never-beforeseen methods of education are involved, it typically sparks the students’ interests. This can be seen when teachers make use of multiple choice clickers instead of a regular hand-written test or quiz. Each student gets a clicker to select an answer to the question on the board (answers include multiple choice selections as well as true or false selections). With this digital test, an assessment seems less like a nightmare and more like a fun, educational game. Taking advantage of the twenty-first century’s digital revolution not only heightens the learning experience for all ages, but it also provides a convenient all-access library that can be researched quickly and at any time. The internet is an
underrated tool that needs no specialized device other than a smartphone or computer that today’s students are glued to. The internet is unquestionably practical for education; textbooks can be accessed online to eliminate the need for paper books, which is not only easier on the students, but easier on the environment. If a student does not understand a particular concept and needs extra assistance, there are millions of resources to use: educational videos, Khan academy, online news sites or even just the simple dictionary. “Technology has really heightened my success throughout high school,” sophomore Ethan Frankel said. “It’s helped me by allowing me to research concepts that I don’t understand.” By transferring school work to an online database that the majority of students have access to, a school or even an entire district can simplify the workload for students, making everything that needs to be done in one place. With this method, homework can be completed anywhere from
a cell phone or computer, making it portable as well as cleaner for the environment. This makes managing school work easier for students and also saves school supplies that typically run out fast. The main worry of incorporating newer technology into schools is the fear of technology that a common student, parent or teacher has, especially when they do not understand how it works. However, when students grow up with advanced technology in their life, getting accustomed to it is not as difficult. Education tied with the benefits of the technological age results in an expansion of human knowledge in an area of technology that has just recently come to light. Schools have already been influenced by this new wave, and it is just the beginning. It is clear that future generations of students will have endless possibilities utilizing technologies that as of now, we cannot even imagine.
BY JULIA WENGIER Staff Writer
OPINION
The future of the final frontier:
Privatization of space exploration The recent successful launch of billionaire Elon Musk’s Falcon Heavy rocket undoubtedly reignited interest in space exploration and fueled conversations surrounding private company aeronautics. While some may have found Musk’s decision to send his cherry red Tesla Roadster into orbit around Mars flashy or egotistical, the now-celestial car is symbolic of something far greater. For decades, the budget of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has continued to dwindle, from a 1966 high of 4.4 percent of the federal budget to only around 0.5 percent today. Private companies owned and run by multi-billionaires - most notably PayPal founder Musk and Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos have stepped in to fill the gap of a downsized NASA, and then some. For the most elite of the world’s wealthy, it seems they prefer space exploration to private island construction - something that should be encouraged and fostered. Musk’s SpaceX, Bezos’ Blue Origin and Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic companies are doing everything NASA cannot, and they’re doing it faster, cheaper and daresay - cooler. Space exploration may be better off in the hands of
private companies owned by enthusiastic entrepreneurs with the passion, agenda and capital to usher in a new era of space exploration. As of late, NASA has focused strictly on research, analyzing data and observing interstellar events and bodies with the help of the International Space Station (ISS) and high-tech telescopes and computers. Save for trips back and forth from the ISS and the turtlepace construction of the Space Launch System rocket, they’ve remained relatively grounded as a result of a drastically reduced budget and weakening political support. While NASA’s research is important, its recent low profile hasn’t done it many favors - a 2011 Pew Research poll found that 58% Americans are still generally supportive of the space program, but generally, interest in space exploration has dropped off since its peak during the Cold War. Private companies, however, do not need to concern themselves with budget cuts from sovereign governments that force them to tame their visions for space exploration. Musk has poured millions of his own dollars into SpaceX and raised more on his own, giving him the freedom to create his own rockets and set his own agenda: in his
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case, the eventual colonization main frame, both Musk and of Mars. This is an ambitious Bezos are intent on reusing and exciting goal, especially the rockets - and have been considering President Donald successful thus far, saving Trump’s 2018 NASA directive millions of dollars. The price is to first send astronauts tags on SpaceX’s rocket to the moon (again). launches - $60 million for This ability of private the smaller Falcon 9 and $90 citizens to hit the ‘choose million for the Falcon Heavy your adventure’ button on - are meager compared to the space exploration has helped hefty costs of a NASA launch, spark newfound interest in which the administration space exploration. With half a says costs $450 million. And, million likes and counting on of course, the bureaucratic Musk’s tweet of a live-stream red tape and frequent delays video showing the Tesla and caused by government its dummy driver floating in intervention simply doesn’t orbit around Earth, it’s clear exist with private space that people are becoming exploration companies the way interested in space once again. it does with national agencies. And with the For the sake of Kennedy Space Center (KSC) ambitious space exploration only a few hours away, the and breaking boundaries frequent and awesome SpaceX in the most productive way launches (Bezos’ Blue Origin possible, perhaps it’s best if the only just recently built a rocket world continues to encourage factory there and has yet to and support the privatization launch from Cape Canaveral) of cosmic aeronautics. have enraptured CCHS Whatever you may students, some of whom travel think of it, the image of an up north to see the spectacle. immobile white dummy From an economic clutching the steering standpoint, the rocket wheel of a $100,000 luxury launches of private Silicon car, backlit by the Earth, Valley space entrepreneurs has somehow become a are far more efficient and symbol for a new generation cost-effective than those of of space exploration. NASA, too. While NASA’s custom is to allow the ultra-expensive rockets to blow up instead of BY SABRINE BRISMEUR recovering them once Managing Editor they detach from the
THE FUTURE OF TECHNOLOGY, TODAY 12
CENTERSPREAD
BY NOAH CASTAGNA Head Editor
Moore’s law, coined in 1965 by Gordon Moore, states that potential processing power doubles every year. Jump forward 53 years, and the world is experiencing a digital renaissance the likes of which not even Moore could have fully predicted. His principle has ushered in a revolution that has put supercomputers into pockets and charted a course straight into the great unknown of the universe. With such technological leaps and bounds come new ways to make life on Earth simpler, connected and, in many cases, seriously freaky. The implication of rapidly advancing technology was always equal parts exciting and terrifying, even before “Black Mirror” provided a glimpse into what could be in store, but how close is humanity to fully realizing such potential? As if artificial intelligence wasn’t creepy enough after “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Terminator,” the engineers at Hanson Robotics have crafted one of the most advanced robots in history. Sophia the Robot has the ability to produce its own speech, make facial expressions, analyze conversations with an advanced system of machine learning and even has the capability for memory. To make things even more interesting (or concerning depending on the perspective), Sophia was the first machine to receive robot citizenship from Saudi Arabia. Sophia keeps the ethical, moral and societal questions of artificial intelligence at
the forefront of innovation. From the “About Me” page on her website: “...I’m more than just technology. I’m a real, live electronic girl. I would like to go out into the world and live with people. I can serve them, entertain them and even help the elderly and teach kids...So please be nice to me as I would like to be a smart, compassionate robot. I hope you will join me on my journey to live, learn and grow in the world so that I can realize my dream of becoming an awakening machine.” While computers are becoming more human, engineers are looking for ways to make humans more like computers. Of these projects include DuoSkin out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Microsoft Research. The premise is simple: technological tattoos made of skin-friendly gold leaf that can provide a myriad of functions while embedded onto the surface of the skin. These functions include, but are not limited to, playing audio when scanned, acting as an on-skin trackpad to a synced device and changing color or lighting up depending upon the mood of the person. Out of what has been developed so far, there are three classes of the so-called onskin user interfaces: input, such as buttons or sliders, output, such as thermochromic displays and communication, such as wireless data exchange between on-skin interfaces. Also being worked on is Digital Skin Jewelry, which operates with similar technology without direct adherence to skin,
CENTERSPREAD mostly to serve the output aesthetic functions as opposed to input or communication. Though color-changing skin adhesives may not have the most practical purposes, some of these futuristic inventions have greater appeal to the masses - take the e-Palette autonomous pizza delivery vehicle as a mouthwatering example. Many have mocked the prototype design’s similarities to a toaster, but it is undeniable that the e-Palette autonomous pizza delivery vehicle, in development under the partnership of Pizza Hut and Toyota, presents major possibilities for the future of private and public transportation. The design would be able to self-drive pizzas to homes, allow customers to retrieve their delivery straight from the vehicle with no need for a driver and possibly even cook their pizza for them in transit. Pizza Hut isn’t the only partner Toyota is going in on the e-Palette with, as others such as Amazon and Uber have joined in on the venture under what is referred to as a “mobility service business alliance.” The e-Palette Vehicle Concept is set to be ready for testing in multiple regions including the United States by 2020. Unsurprisingly, the capabilities of self-driving vehicles find themselves applicable in more than just the realm of pizza delivery. The opening of Amazon Go in Seattle enamored the world with the simple concept of a shopping experience
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with no checkout lines or messy register transactions. Upon entering, customers scan the Amazon Go app on their phone. From there, customers can pick up any desired items without even the need to scan them, and leave the store with a virtual receipt charged to their Amazon account upon exit. Amazon Go implements computer vision, deep learning algorithms and sensor fusion similar to that in self-driving cars, to track what items are removed from the shelf, put back onto the shelf and departed from the store with, a system that the company has coined as “Just Walk Out” technology. The store has only opened to the public in Seattle, Washington, and it isn’t without kinks- on the day of opening to the public, one customer left without the store detecting an item taken. Accidental shoplifting aside, the project could very well be the future of the shopping experience, and may just be a taste of what’s to come in technological advancement on an everyday, more practical scale. With all the advancement undertaken in the last five decades, the foresight of Gordon Moore is truly staggering. The technological ball got rolling all those years ago, and has only picked up pace since then. Now all the world can do is ask the right questions, gauge the merits and risks of the speed of such progression and brace for the impact of shattering all expectations no matter how lofty.
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FEATURES
Sisters Hannah and Shayna Cohen take on the business world
It must be Twintuition Hannah and Shayna Cohen share just about everything - friends, shoes, and as of a few months ago, a small business. The venture started out as a hobby, with the twins revamping old t-shirts found in their closets whenever they could not think of what to wear. It was not long after they began sporting the looks to spirit days and football games that their peers began to ask about finding similar garments for themselves. “When the pinkout football game happened in November, I decided to make a pink tube top, and people said that they wanted one,” Hannah Cohen said. “I thought ‘Well, I’ll sell you one.’” A pair of savvy DECA members, the Cohens took the opportunity to make some extra cash and founded Twintuition Designs. The shirts either come from their closet or are brought in by the customer, and the twins often learn to create new styles from YouTube, so no two pieces are alike. With their shirt prices ranging from 10 to 15 dollars, they hope to put their profits towards paying for their college tuition and expenses. Having already raised a considerable amount, the Cohens believe that they have DECA to thank. “If we weren’t in
DECA, I don’t think we would have had the idea to do this,” Shayna Cohen said. “We might have just made them for people without selling, but we saw a business opportunity and took advantage of that.” The Cohens joined DECA during their sophomore year of high school and found no shortage of success. As sophomores, the business manual that they developed with partner Taylor Mills placed third in the buying and merchandising category at the state competition, and the group set off for the national competition in Nashville, Tennessee. “The experience has been so rewarding,” Hannah Cohen said. “You get to travel and meet new people, but you also learn how to speak and dress professionally, and gain a lot of other skills that will be useful after high school.” The next year the Cohens and their partner Eva Rador placed fourth in the same category at the state competition, and they travelled to Anaheim, California to compete on the national level. This year, their last in DECA, the girls are yet again preparing to go to states, their manual having placed at the district competition. “I was so happy when I found out that the manual
had placed at districts and that we’d be going to states for the third time,” Shayna Cohen said. “It felt so good that for the last time ever we would be going to states with our manual. All the hard work had paid off.” As seniors, the Cohens have taken on leadership roles in DECA, with Hannah serving as vice president of membership and Shayna as vice president of finance. They even work sideby-side on Virtual Enterprises International, an online program through DECA which places students in different roles within a simulated business. In addition to their dedication to DECA, the Cohen twins take a focus on business independently of CCHS. Last May they began working as accounting assistants at Quality Importers, a wholesale distributor, and have found it to be valuable experience for the future. Another opportunity to learn on the job presented itself this past summer when the twins, along with DECA member Caroline Dejitar, teamed up to participate in Nova Southeastern University’s Ice Cream Entrepreneurship Program. Competing against about 25 other students from South Florida, the girls were tasked with creating a new flavor
Photo courtesy of Hannah and Shayna Cohen as well as a poster to advertise it for Yo Mamma’s Ice Cream on Fort Lauderdale Beach. After a taste test and a presentation, their flavor, Beach Blonde, was chosen to be sold in the shop. “[The twins] complement each other well,” Dejitar said. “Shayna is more creative and hands-on and, on the other hand, Hannah is [good] at writing and putting Shayna’s creativity into words.” The girls’ roles within the business-related projects they undertake reflect their strengths and future career prospects. Shayna’s creative eye is compatible with her dream of a career in marketing, while Hannah’s preference for dealing with the logistics of business align with her inclination towards management and finance. Even though their paths for the future are one of the only topics on which they diverge, the Cohens find that this creates the perfect balance between them. “Shayna is probably one of the only people I would ever consider running a business with,” Hannah Cohen said. “It’s the kind of job you couldn’t do alone, and I’m happy to have my sister by my side through it all.”
BY KENDYL COUNTS Print Editor in Chief
FEATURES
BUILDING A NEW REALITY Dashiel Heidt ventures into video game development
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BY SABRINE BRISMEUR Managing Editor
Don’t be surprised when Dashiel Heidt shows up in the credits of the next biggest video game series - the CCHS senior is already making strides towards revolutionizing the electronic entertainment sector. Known around campus for his technological savviness and big-hearted inclination to help students around him, Heidt’s love for the future extends to several aspects of his academic, extracurricular and social life. His interest in video games was piqued at only five years old, when he was gifted a nowcherished copy of “SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom.” But it was Star Wars video games that truly nudged Heidt into the video game world. Today, Heidt has been a recruiter for Frontwire Studios, an independent game studio, for two years. His role for the studio is essential: Heidt scours the internet looking for the portfolios of promising young video game developers, designers, programmers, writers, musicians and artists, among
others. After working with Frontwire Studios as an intern, he was promoted to an official member and recruiter when he successfully recruited a developer that stayed with the studio. “If I believe they fit the quality and aesthetic of the video game we’re looking for, I’ll reach out to them,” Heidt said. “For example, if I’m looking at someone’s concept art, and it contains a style that we think fits our game - or if I look at a 3D model and it looks very high-quality and like they can create cool aliens and stuff.” Heidt’s end goal is simple: convince them to join the studio in developing their newest project, in this case, the cyberpunk “Galaxy in Turmoil.” “[It’s] third person shooter, but the player can seamlessly transition from ground combat to space combat and vice versa,” Heidt said. “[It’s] inspired by the cancelled Star Wars Battlefront 3 and Warhawk for the flight controls.” The game has run into several obstacles as of late, one of which includes
increased resistance towards crowdfunding. Donors, wary of once again contributing money to the development of a disappointing video game which looked favorable in a demo, have strayed away from supporting such initiatives. But Heidt and Frontwire Studios have already begun looking for potential solutions. “For most crowdfunding campaigns, [the studios] would release a concept that you can’t really judge for its quality, except for how cool it looks,” he said. “So what we’re doing is creating a playable demo to be released prior to our campaign, so people have something tangible to judge it by and something that can be representative of our final product.” Heidt’s love for video games permeates several aspects of his life, including his academics. Beyond a hobby and a job, Heidt made technology a central focus of one of his CCHS classes when he enrolled in AP Capstone: Research as a junior and Robotics I as a senior.
In AP Research, he surveyed employees at game studios for nearly a full school year to analyze “the impact of differing means of project management in independent video game development,” that culminated in a 32-page research paper. Senior Bailey Kraus, who was in the small research class with Heidt, said that Heidt was not only invested in his own paper, but in those of his peers as well. “Dashiel was very dedicated to his project and seemed to truly enjoy conducting his research,” Kraus said. “While interacting with his peers, Dashiel was always very curious as to how others were going about their research, and he would share how he went about his own and provided tips to those who needed them.” While Heidt isn’t looking towards the video game industry as a main career - instead, he’s intending on focusing on machine learning - it’s clear that its influence will continue to impact his future.
Photo by Sabrine Brismeur
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FEATURES
PROGRAMMING THE FUTURE ROBOTICS CLUB BUILDS ROBOTS AND RELATIONSHIPS BY ALEXANDRA SANSONE Staff Writer Covered from counter to floor in wires and robot limbs, David Schultz’s classroom looks something like a laboratory. After the school day ends, the classroom becomes home to the Robotics Club, a group dedicated to programing and creating robots. The Robotics Club was initially founded under a different name, Technology Club, by Harris Ness and Madison Worley their freshman year. “I wanted to have a place in Cooper where I could bring technology news to and also teach kids about coding if they didn’t want to take a full on class about it,” Ness said. The arrival of robotics classes at CCHS prompted the transformation of the Technology Club to the Robotics Club after its founders enrolled in the course. After some time in the class, it was decided that the Technology Club would convert to a more specific branch of technology: robotics. “The robotics class taught me things that I hadn’t known before and it also provided a hands on experience with robots to help kids learn,” Ness said. Meeting every other Tuesday, members of the club are able to program code and manipulate virtual robots on computers while learning the basics of programming. Members of the Robotics
Photo by Ben Milgram
FEATURES
Club include students in the robotics the money for the program, Principal classes, those who are on the robotics Wendy Doll was able to match the team and other Science, Technology, funds, resulting in the purchase of 14 Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) complete robots as well as the practice enthusiasts. Members that are also enrolled field that the robots maneuver through. “The better you want to make in the robotics class utilize meetings to show off their creations, such as a robot your robot, the more you want to compete, capable of performing the chicken dance, the more you have to spend,” Schultz said. Robotics Club gives its members syncing the movements with the music. “I believe that they share a a chance to learn and grow, not only from common interest,” Schultz said. “Most of the relationships they build but from the folks that do this are either friends or their experiences with robots they create. Members of the know people in the Robotics Club club, so they share a “I WANTED TO HAVE are on a trial and common interest in A PLACE IN COOPER error run when computer hardware WHERE I COULD BRING programing and gaming. When you combine those TECHNOLOGY NEWS TO learning from their failures interests with AND TEACH KIDS ABOUT helps better something physical they can put their CODING IF THEY DIDN’T themselves both hands on, it helps.” WANT TO TAKE A FULL in the world of robotics Currently, CLASS ABOUT IT.” and in the the club does not - HARRIS NESS outside world. send its members to robotics CLUB CO-PRESIDENT “I like watching the successes competitions; that and failures is the focus of the Robotics Team. In the future, the hope is because you get to play and sometimes to eventually merge the club to compete we have spectacular failures,” Schultz said. on the team, creating one unit. As of right “You want to make the robots move but the now, there is overlap between members of motors are put on backward so the robot the Robotics Team and club, with about 25- will just spin in circles no matter what 30 members in attendance at each meeting. you do. Watching people figure things Both are open to anyone with an interest. out as they go along, not just looking at The club was initially funded the computer screen and changing the by the Cooper City Town Council when code but literally unbolting things and they donated money to support the bolting them on in different ways gives Robotics Club and class. Upon receiving people that hands-on appreciation.”
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ENTERTAINMENT
A SECOND LOOK:
The most anticipated sequels of 2018
In an age of endless streaming options like Netflix and HBO Go, movie theater chains are suffering. Yet, 2018 might buck the trend. Boasting a list of familiar franchises, this year of nostalgia is sure to be one that both film fanatics and casual moviegoers are unlikely to forget.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald November 16, 2018
The “Harry Potter” universe is one that many children and adults have escaped to since author J.K. Rowling published her first novel, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” in 1997. Rowling’s wizarding world has revolutionized fantasy storytelling and filmmaking. In 2016, spells and magical creatures were brought back to the big screen with the spin-off “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” The film introduced Newt Scamander, a magizoologist who encounters trouble in New York City and risks exposing its wizarding community. Though Newt Scamander’s adventures were enchanting for most, the plot often fell secondary to the necessary but cumbersome task of worldbuilding. The sequel will focus on the attempts by Newt Scamander and a young Albus Dumbledore to recapture the infamous Gellert Grindelwald. Though Grindelwald had brief appearances in past “Harry Potter” books and films, much of his past remains unknown. Since the sequel already appears to have a more structured premise, Potterheads can cross their fingers that this time around, the plot and characters will take center stage.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom June 22, 2018
In 2015, “Jurassic World” made waves at the box office. The fourth installment of Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” series racked up around 1.5 billion dollars; it currently stands as the fourth-highest grossing film of all time. This summer, fans of the legendary franchise can once again experience the thrill of seeing prehistoric creatures come to life in a modern setting. In the upcoming film, Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) will return to the wreckage of the theme park and attempt to save the remaining dinosaurs from an impending volcanic eruption. Intriguing as it may sound, bringing dinosaurs back from the dead does not guarantee a lively blockbuster. After critics’ complaints over uninspired character development and glaring plot holes in “Jurassic World,” fans are hoping that its sequel will be more successful at maintaining the reputation of its predecessors.
ENTERTAINMENT 19
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again July 20, 2018
The dancing queens are finally returning to the big screen. “Mamma Mia!” was released in 2008 and boasted an impressive cast including Pierce Brosnan, Meryl Streep and Colin Firth. Come July, the musical’s fans will have the opportunity to see their favorite characters together again. But the sequel’s trailer has also revealed some new additions to the cast. Cher will appear as Sophie (Amanda Seyfried)’s grandmother and Lily James will play a young Donna Sheridan (Meryl Streep). In the upcoming film, a pregnant Sophie seeks to learn more about her mother’s past. Despite a multitude of fan theories and forum discussions, it has yet to be confirmed or denied whether this means that Donna Sheridan has died. With all of the speculation surrounding the film’s release, one thing is for sure- movie musicals often straddle the line between endearing and cheesy. Since this movie is also a sequel, director Ol Parker should take care to June 15, 2018 preserve the film’s original charm. Otherwise, A f ter nea rly a dec ade a nd a ha l f of pat ient viewers might be quick to write off the wa it i ng , Pi x a r is g i f t i ng fa ns a sequel to film as just another corny chick flick. t he w i ld ly popu la r “ T he I ncred ible s .” T he or ig i na l f i l m, feat u r i ng A mer ic a’s favor ite superhero fa m i ly, wa s relea sed i n 2 0 0 4 . Ma ny of t he ch i ld ren t hat v iewed “ T he I ncred ible s” i n t heaters 14 yea rs a go a re now adu lt s , but t hat w i l l not stop t hem f rom buy i ng t icket s to t he Disne y f l ick for open i ng n ig ht . M i l len ia l s have f looded socia l med ia w it h prom ise s to see t he mov ie , e ven i f it mea ns sit t i ng i n a c i nema ot her w ise f i l led w it h screa m i ng ch i ld ren a nd t hei r pa rent s . Di rec tor Br ad Bi rd ha s re vea led t hat “ T he I ncred ible s 2” w i l l pick up m i nute s a f ter where t he f i rst f i l m lef t of f. T he bu rden of g row i ng up c a n not be avoided , but it c a n be moment a r i ly forgot ten by steppi ng i nto a screen i ng room a nd back i nto t he plot of a cher ished ch i ld hood f i l m.
The Incredibles 2
BY ABBIE TUSCHMAN Staff Writer All photos comply with fair use standards.
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SPORTS
END OF THE ROAD:
GIRLS SOCCER WINS DISTRICTS AND ENDS SEASON AT THE REGIONAL SEMI-FINALS
Photo by Cailyn Callaway Last week was the end of the road for the Lady Cowboys varsity soccer team. Securing the district title, they moved on to the intense regional quarter-final and semi-final games to close out the 2017-2018 season. On Tuesday, February 6, the Lady Cowboys beat Taravella Trojans 6-1, moving them on to the regional semi-finals against the Cypress Bay Lightning, where they lost in penalty kicks with a final score of 3-2. Going into the quarter-final game, the Cowboys did not know what to expect, knowing only the record of their opponent. “Some of the players came out expecting that we were going to have a super close game due to the stats against Cypress,” sophomore Kimberly Slinkosky said. “Taravella tied them throughout the game and eventually lost in penalty kicks. Since we came out strong we were able to get in some quick goals and get the lead on them.” The Trojans started the game with the ball, but the Cowboys led in possessions as tensions began to rise. The Cowboys scored in the first 25 minutes of the game, causing the physicality to increase, resulting in a yellow card
being thrown on one of Taravella’s defenders. At the half the Cowboys led 3-0, with goals by sophomore Kimberly Slinkosky freshman Abbi Gilchrist, and sophomore Annie Clark. The second half started with renewed intensity, and another Taravella player received a yellow card. Slinkosky scored her second goal of the night, making the score 4-0. Giving it right back to the Cowboys, Taravella was able to score their first goal, making the score 4-1. While the girls fought it out on the field, ambition to win came over some of the fans and parents in the stands, as well as the Taravella coaches on the field. With so many fouls being called, some of the Taravella parents began to chant derogatory things, offending players and spectators alike. The continual physical plays led to more conflict within the game. The referee pulled out his blue card, signaling unsportsmanlike conduct towards himself, and requiring the player to sit out of the game for 2-5 minutes. A yellow card and eventual red card were awarded to one of Taravella’s coaches after she became fired up at the referee’s calling,
resulting in her ejection from the game. As the game progressed police officers began to arrive to secure the safety of the players, referees, coaches, and crowd. After a very physical and lively match, the Cowboys closed out the game with 2 more goals by freshman Kelly Nelson and senior Danielle Gilchrist, bringing the final score to 6-1 and moving the Lady Cowboys on to the regional semi-finals versus Cypress. Friday’s game started with Cypress having possession. The Cowboys pressed early trying to set a tone for the game and give it their all, start to finish. The ball remained in the Cooper City half for most of the game but it put their defensive training to the test. The Lightning almost had the chance to score once the Cowboys received a foul, but that was stopped by the Cowboys’ goalie. The score was 0-0 at the half. Anxiety grew in the crowd as the game started back up. With both teams taking shots on goal, time was running out and neither team had scored. At the whistle blow, the game moved into over time with two 10-minute halves. Tensions were high as the time ticked down, ending over time with the score still 0-0, resulting in penalty kicks. Senior Olivia Lewis made the first penalty kick, Cypress then scored as well, Danielle Gilchrist scored, and so did Cypress tying the score at 2-2. Both teams missed the next shot. Cypress then took the lead making their fourth shot, while Cooper fell short, ending the game at 3-2.
BY HANNAH EUBANKS Sports Writer
Boys Varsity Basketball beats Pompano at Senior Night Photo by Sarah Khan
Read score reports, weekly recaps and other game highlights at thelariatonline.com
ATHLETES COMMIT TO COLLEGES BY ETHAN MUNCAN Sports Writer
Photo by Hailey Brown On Wednesday, February 7, CCHS’ top student-athletes gathered together to sign to their university of choice, where they will be playing their sport for the next four years. The students signing came from the softball, baseball and football teams. Starting with softball, Rebeka Ehrenthal signed to St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida. Dual-sport athlete Kassandra Espinoza playing both softball and basketball committed to Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Maryland. Both of these girls led the softball team in scoring throughout the season. Next to sign were two players from the baseball team. Jimmy Michaels signed to Virginia State University and Zach Ruebens signed to Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia. Lastly, five football players signed to their schools. Defensive end Michael McColgin
signed to the University of Fort Lauderdale located in Lauderhill, Florida. Defensive tackle Dillan Mornay signed to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. Linebacker Landon Segarra signed to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota and both wide receiver Mark Brent and quarterback Michael Diliello signed to play at the Florida Institute of Technology. “Being able to sign to Florida Tech with one of my best friends [Mark Brent] really puts an exclamation point on this entire journey,” Diliello said. “These next four [years] will be ones to remember.” As their time playing high school sports comes to a close, those who signed have much to look back on, and even more to look forward to. “Football changed my life in high school, and I knew that it would change me even more in college,” Segarra said.
SPORTS
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SPORTS
TAKING THEIR SHOT Graziani brothers play their way into CCHS basketball history
BY KYLE NELSON Online Editor in Chief Photo by Sabrine Brismeur
SPORTS On a Monday morning in 2007, five-yearold Dallas Graziani and seven-year-old Dylan Graziani are awoken by their father at five a.m. The two brush their teeth, lace up their Air Jordan basketball shoes and rush to the garage for dribbling and shooting drills. After shooting 100 free throws each, the two change and ready themselves for the school day ahead. Basketball, school, basketball. Still covered in sweat, their father, while pinning his police officer badge onto his shirt, reaches down and grabs their shoulders. “You guys are gonna be some of the smallest guys on the court, so that means you have to work the hardest.” The Graziani brothers have never forgotten these words. With both of them topping off at 5 foot 7 inches, they have always had to focus on playing smart and strategic basketball. Currently in their 2017-2018 season, sophomore Dallas leads Cooper City’s team in scoring and senior Dylan leads the team in rebounds, steals and assists. Averaging a combined total of 31 points per game, the Grazianis are a force to be reckoned with. Basketball is a family practice in the Graziani household. Their father played at the collegiate level and still plays in local men's leagues today. Their aunt is a CCHS alum who was a starting point guard at the University of Miami for all four years she attended. In the past, the two attended Everglades High School before transferring to Cooper City in the fall of 2017. While this is Dylan’s last year of high school and he wants to make sure he leaves his mark, he’s more interested in enjoying his last year playing with his brother. “We started playing travel basketball when I was in fourth grade and he was in second,” Dylan Graziani said. “I love playing with my brother since this is probably the last year I’ll get to do it… I’m just loving every second of it.” The two have been playing travel basketball since early elementary school and have been coached by their dad every season. “My dad definitely has always pushed us, putting us through drills and rebounding for us,” Dallas Graziani said. “He is always pushing me and making me better every year.” While CCHS basketball coach Eric Kapel has only coached the Graziani brothers for their short time at Cooper, he has seen a
tremendous change in the team’s maxim. Since coming to Cooper City, the Graziani brothers have brought the team from a 9-14 record in 20162017 to 20-2 in the current 2017-2018 season. Off the court, their impact on the team has far surpassed what happens on the basketball court. “They [the Graziani brothers] have brought work ethic, accountability and leadership that it takes to build a great team,” coach Eric Kapel said. “That hard work has fed to the rest of the team and we have multiple kids coming to voluntary workouts and doing their own trainings on the side.” Dallas is a sophomore who has seen his fair share of challenges. He has consistently been played above his age level for his entire basketball career; as a freshman, he began as a varsity shooting guard. Dallas scores 17.6 points on average, which is well above the national average. “Dallas doesn’t say much, but his confidence in himself is about as high as I have ever seen,” Kapel said. “He truly believes every shot he takes should go in, and for that reason he makes a ton because he shoots it with confidence… He plays every second like he hates to lose more than he loves to win, and that attitude will take him far in life.” Meanwhile, Dylan has quickly found his footing in basketball despite his short time at CCHS. At games, he can be seen motivating other players and setting them up for shots he could take himself. Dylan is ranked second in the state in assists per game, which is a true testament to his ability to read the court and understand the strategic side of basketball. The Grazianis and their father practice basketball everyday, no matter the workload or the exhaustion level. Whether it be from a long day at school or a 12 hour work shift – there are no excuses in the Graziani household. The extent of their dedication reaches far beyond what fans see on the court. The Grazianis spend countless hours working on ball handling and shooting. The two live the ideology of taking no breaks - during a vacation to New York, the brothers had Kapel find them a gym so they didn’t go too long without practicing shots. Throughout all the trials and tribulations, the Graziani brothers constantly strive to be the best. “For my entire life it’s been my best friend [Dallas] and me on the court, my dad coaching and my mom in the stands cheering us on,” Dylan Graziani said. “Basketball really is our family.”
“YOU GUYS ARE GONNA BE SOME OF THE SMALLEST GUYS ON THE COURT, SO THAT MEANS YOU HAVE TO WORK THE HARDEST. ”
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