April Issue by Lightning Strike

SUIT TIE

an inside look at prom

More Inside:

Girls tennis team strikes again

page 10 & 11

Band review: Tabula Rasa - page 8 Craigslist Ultra ticket sales - page 12 Montero wins recognition - page 15

page 17

THE

Lightning Strike Taking Miami-Dade by Storm

Dr. Michael M. Krop Sr. High • 1410 Countyline Road • Miami, Florida 33179

April 29, 2013 • Issue 6 • Volume 15

KHAKIS &

YOUTH INVOLVEMENT

Students advocate issues to state

policy makers

COLLARS

Lina Zuluaga staff writer

Uniforms may be implemented for the 2013-2014 school year if the majority of parents vote in support.

Clarissa Buch managing editor For the upcoming 20132014 school year, parents are faced with a controversial decision: to have or not to have school uniforms. At the March EESAC meeting, the board reached a consensus to conduct a vote on school uniforms. There will be one ballot per family and parents must list each child’s name. Only parents of freshman, sophomores and juniors can vote. “I would be really happy if we have uniforms next year,” junior Gina Alcinvil said. “We won’t have to worry about other people because we would all be wearing the same thing.” A uniform committee was formed to discuss different types of uniforms, consisting of teachers, students and parents. They determined the uniform would consist of blue, black or beige khakis, jeans and polo shirts in purple, white, black or gray. On Fridays, students would be allowed to wear any school shirt from a club, sport or school-sponsored event with jeans or khakis. Principal Dawn Baglos is in favor of uniforms as she thinks it will improve school safety, alleviate disparity in economics and enforce dress code. “The whole administration is in unison [for uniforms],” Baglos said. “And of all the kids I’ve spoken to, all but one supported it.” Before the idea of a uniform was considered, three students approached Baglos in the hallway and asked for school uniforms for next year. The students said they would get ready much quicker and would not be late as much if

“ ,

IN A SCHOOL WHERE WE NEED

they did not have to worry about what to wear. “In a school where we need to focus on education, we spend too much time on what we are wearing,” Baglos said. The cost of uniforms is considerably less than normal school shopping. Uniform polo shirts for the entire year would be under 100 dollars, compared to a range of hundreds to thousands of dollars for school clothes. However, sophomore Mackenzie Duffy disagrees with it entirely. “Uniforms suppress individuality and students will break dress code anyway,” Duffy said. “Also, uniforms don’t save money because you have to buy a whole different wardrobe just for weekdays.” If parents vote in favor of uniforms, administration plans to use the student code of conduct to enforce the new dress code. Students who come to school out of dress code will be given a school shirt to wear instead of the

TO FOCUS ON

EDUCATION

WE SPEND TOO MUCH TIME

“Determined” is the term sophomore Jonah Hinojosa used to describe his attitude when he questioned senators at the Capitol. For three days, Hinojosa along with four other Krop Students afﬁliated with the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) advocated to senators in Tallahassee. YAC, a committee of the Children’s Trust, is funded by taxpayer dollars for the purpose of giving issues affecting youth to legislators. At 5 a.m. on April 8, approximately 30 students from the entire county boarded a coach bus to the state capitol to advocate key issues such as education and youth intervention. “Legislators have to listen to their constituents,” sophomore Kimberly Foreiter said. “Children’s Week allows us to remind our legislators that [children] have a voice. We are the voice.” Over the trip, YAC members attended various press conferences, observed a teensonly town hall meeting and viewed legislatures at work. Students also spoke in a private conference room with Sen. Dwight Bullard and. Rudy Garcia.

Both explained their political philosophies and gave students the chance to ask questions that concern speciﬁc policies they support. YAC members were able to highlight issues such as the environment and children’s education. “I walked into the cabinet one day not as member of the legislature but as a citizen of Florida,” Senator Garcia said. “I thought what they were doing was wrong and they had to change their policy in the way they were treating the citizens of Florida.” The group also attended a Children’s Week reception where Sen. John Thrasher recognized citizens’ service to the community. They later met with Supreme Court Justice James Perry, who offered personal words of advice concerning advocacy. Justice Perry closed by emphasizing the vital role of action. The audience cheered when Justice Perry remarked, “verbalism without activism is idle chatter.” The students agreed the trip was valuable as it served as a hands-on experience with the legislative process. “The trip was really educational, and I learned a lot that will help with my aspiring career as a congresswoman,” Foreiter said.

AWARENESS

Day of Silence speaks volumes

ON WHAT WE ARE

WEARING PRINCIPAL DAWN BAGLOS

one they came to school in. Voting will take place during the week of April 29th – May 4th. In order to vote, parents will be given a paper ballot. The administration has considered calling each parent to validate that the parent—not the student— filled it out. However, that has not been confirmed. Students, parents and staff will be notified of the decision once the votes have been tallied and verified.

ABIGAIL DUFFY

SILENCE IS GOLDEN: Ofﬁce aide Lucas Bowe answers the telephone for Luis Calderon, who participated in the Day of Silence on Friday, April 19. The GayStraight Alliance hosted the event as an effort to create a safe school environment for students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Participants took a vow of silence to symbolize LGBTQ youth who cannot be open and honest about their sexuality without facing judgment and harrassment as well as those who have been silenced by suicide due to antigay bullying. 707 students participated and 42 teachers declared their classrooms as safe spaces.

News Page 2

tops KROP’S

The following students participated in the National Latin Exam: Shana Murphy Magna Cum Laude Tevin Brighton Gold Summa Cum Laude Audi Barnes Gold Summa Cum Laude Fernande Mamane Silver Maxima Cum Laude Dylan Steele Cum Laude

Krop was the highest performing public school and one of the top overall at the Barry University Science Tournament. Chem I Team – 3rd Place: Noam Bendavid, Jonah Hinojosa, Casimir Lesperance, Lucia Mosner Yamila Spak, Shiran Dana Chem II Team – 2nd Place: Qiwei Lin, Salomon Vainstein. Daniel Guberek, Nicholas Hortance, Jonas Shomorony. Bernardo Gampel Physics Team – 3rd Place: Nicolas Kuzak, Benji Englard, Camilo Aguilar, Kevin Gerszuny, Michael Korn, Adriana Sari Individual awards: Qiwei Lin Chem II – 2nd place Salomon Vainstein Chem II – 10th place Noam Bendavid Chem I – 8th place Junior Javier Storch’s ﬁlm won ﬁrst place in the Young Filmmakers Contest at the Environmental Film Festival at Yale University.

The Lightning Strike • April2008 2013 The Lightning Strike • September

From local to global:

What’s going on around the world?

UNITED STATES: Sequester cuts are now beginning to take effect in regards to the Federal Aviation Administration as major U.S. airports began instituting personnel cuts of 10 percent in control towers Sunday night. The cuts in staff could lead to ﬂight delays as long as 50 minutes per ﬂight this week according to the FAA.

PAKISTAN: After former President Pervez Musharraf returned to Pakistan earlier this month to take part in general elections in the divided nation and was denied a place on the ballot, the caretaker government Monday decided not to put Musharraf on trial for treason.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: U.S. ofﬁcials have decided to try Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the surviving suspect of the Boston Marathon bombings, through the civilian courts and not as an enemy combatant. Due to his civilian status, Tsarnaev can receive the death penalty.

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI: After searching the home of Paul Kevin Curtis, the man accused of mailing poisoned letters to President Obama and members of Capitol Hill, federal investigators found no trace of ricin. Through his lawyer, Curtis has denied any involvement in the crime and believes he may have been framed.

SYRIA: Following the resignation of Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib last month, The Syrian National Coalition has named George Sabra as the interim leader of the main opposition group. Sabra has lived in Syria for most of his life and has been jailed many times for dissent, he ﬂed to Paris in 2011 to help form the postuprising opposition.

NIGERIA: Over the weekend, fighting in the small fishing village of Baga between Nigeria’s military and the armed group Boko Haram left at least 185 people dead. The amount of casualties marks a significant increase in violence from muslim insurgency groups in the north like Boko Haram. sources: CNN.com MSNBC.com

Compiled by Dylan Steele

HIGHER EDUCATION

MDC Honors program worth the look

Clarissa Buch managing editor With the help of the MiamiDade College Honors program, former student Michael Ward received a full tuition scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012. “Community college was a great stepping stone, and it really opened my eyes,” Ward said. “I went to MDC honors on a full scholarship, and now I am at UNC with a full scholarship.” More students like Ward are choosing MDC Honors College for their two-year degrees and then transferring, instead of attending a four-year institution straight out of high school. Sean Bari, an alumni from the Class of 2010, chose to attend

MDC Honors instead of FIU after he graduated. “Those two years gave me a chance to ﬁnd myself,” Bari said. “I saved a lot of money and got my priorities in order.” Every year, 200 students are admitted into the Honors College. Those students are eligible to receive ﬁnancial aid or meritbased scholarships that potentially can cover all tuition costs. Sean Bari received a fulltuition scholarship to MDC Honors, which attracted him to the school. “Even though there is not as much school spirit or Greek life at MDC, I was given incredible opportunities,” Bari said. “I also can say I have not paid a penny toward my education.” Bari traveled to Austria in

March 2012 for a 10-day studyabroad program. The trip was funded by the Honors College. He explained how amazing it felt to have a school invest in him and trust him to represent MDC Honors thousands of miles away. CAP advisor Robert Roddy said that the Honors College is primarily for students who want to attend somewhere better than a local university. “The Honors College is very good at helping students go places beyond where they would normally go,” Roddy said. “Students have gone on to a number of top universities.” MDC Honors’ philosophy is that students should be entirely focused on academics and should not work while in the program. The college gives additional

money on top of ﬁnancial aid to cover a student’s expenses to make this possible. While enrolled in the Honors program, one must maintain a 3.5 GPA or be faced with expulsion. “I tend to believe that a lot of students who apply to UF should really do themselves a favor and at least consider this program.” Roddy said. “I think students, who think they are better than the Honors College, are extremely shortsighted. Once you can get over the ﬁrst two years, the next two years can be amazing.” Prospective students must have a 3.7 GPA and a college level placement on the CPT, SAT or ACT or must have a combined SAT score of 1200 or a 26 on the ACT to be eligible for the Honors College.

Compiled by Blake Mars

FUNDRAISER

STAND holds 5K for refugee school

Christina Carucci co-copy editor

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADRIANA SARI

DARFUR DASH: (top) Social Studies teacher Michael Fass and students prepare for the race before it begins. (bottom) STAND members Azizat Adediran, Netgie Laguerre, Maria Manrique and Joshua Clarke register participants.

Students, teachers and parents gathered on Krop’s track to participate in this year’s Darfur Dash. Junior Jennifer Leizerovich, woke up early on a Saturday morning ready to show her support. As she ran the track, she felt tired but she focused on the important goal. She thought of the people in Darfur, especially the children and used them as her inspiration to ﬁnish the 5K. When Sudanese forces and Janjaweed militia attacked villages throughout Darfur in 2003, they left the villages in shambles and civilians were forced to flee their homes.

Ten years later, harsh conditions remain and more people are dying each day. STAND’s goal is to raise funds to go toward a school for Darfur refugees. There has not been a Darfur Dash since the ﬁrst one was held ﬁve years ago, but STAND decided to host the event again this year. Principal Dawn Baglos and Assistant Principal Francisco Garnica also showed their support at the event. “I thought it was interesting seeing people that were not even in STAND come at 7:30 a.m. on a Saturday just to support this cause,” junior Alexandra Soza, who is a STAND member, said. STAND has assisted Darfur

and other genocides for over six years since the club was formed, through fundraisers and efforts to make Krop a conﬂict-free mineral school. STAND has also helped the women of Darfur by purchasing solar cookers. When women go to retrieve wood for cooking, many are raped. By providing them with solar cookers, they can cook their food without looking for wood and remain safe. Each solar cooker is $15 each and so far, 10 cookers were bought this year. STAND sponsor, Dr. Michael Fass says that by the end of this year there will probably be about $750 to $1,000 to aid Darfur, due to the proceeds raised from students’ pledges to donate money and the Darfur Dash.

News Page 3

The Lightning Strike • April September 2013 2012

News Briefs

Students recognize National Autism Month

CLARISSA BUCH

STUDENT JOURNALISM DAY: Superintendent Alberto Carvalho answers student questions during the annual Journalism Forum at the School Board in downtown Miami on April 9. Panel members consisting of broadcast journalists and reporters talked about their careers and answered questions from student journalists. In response to a question about the usage of guns to protect schools, Carvalho said, “It is insane, crazy, despicable and adds fire to fire to suppress fire. There is no war except the war on education- one not won by bullets.”

ACTIVISM

Student government members attend Peace Jam conference Brittany Chandani staff writer When Oscar Arias, Noble Peace Laureate and past President of Costa Rica was asked what made him want to change the military policy of his country, he responded with “common sense.” Arias impacted all who attended this year’s PeaceJam conference at Florida State University in Tallahassee. Activities Director Michelle Russell chaperoned the conference with seven SGA involved students. PeaceJam is an international education program that teams up students from across a region, Florida’s being the southeast, to inspire change through service projects. Students present their service projects, which range from ending racism and hate to equal access to water and other natural resources. The SGA project was

categorized under the “GCA” or Global Call to Action project of Eliminating Extreme Poverty. SGA organized fall and spring food drives, and pep rallies that students could only attend if they brought in canned foods. SGA also organized the “March for Hunger 5k” on March 13th to raise awareness and funds. Krop then teamed up with Feeding South Florida to sort and package food to be shipped out to those in need. SGA’s project focused on changing the public’s view of hunger from that of third world countries to realizing that the face of hunger is all around us, even in Miami-Dade. There are 3.1 million Floridians who are food insecure, meaning that they do not have the means to get food. Of them, 1.1 million are children. PeaceJam is centered on three pillars: education, inspiration and action. At the convention, students were split from their schools into “family groups”

with around six students per group and two mentors, who are college students at Florida State University. Students learned about world issues by attending service projects and workshops, ranging from anti-genocide to human trafficking awareness. Sophomore Peyton Freeman, who attended the human trafficking workshop, was surprised to learn how many of the products she uses, even the coffee she drinks, is made through forced labor. “The human trafficking event truly opened my eyes to all the slaves required to make our iPhones work or those Nike shoes we love,” Freeman said. “It really hurts me to know these people have to work against their will.” At a leadership workshop, sophomore Stephania Salaverria gained a new perspective on what it takes to be a leader. “I loved meeting other students who want to achieve the same goals,” Salaverria said.

Krop’s “buddies,” or students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) move through the school day mingling with other students by selling them bagels and removing recyclables from classrooms. The month of April is a time to appreciate these special students and recognize Autism. National Autism Awareness Month has been observed since the 1970s with the aim of raising awareness about autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a variety of disorders that generally deal with brain development. The disorder can lead to several intellectual and physical disabilities; however, in some cases people with ASD are exceedingly talented in areas of music, math, art and visual skills. While there is no set cause for autism, research indicates that the illness is a result of a combination of factors. Genetic predisposition and environmental stresses can increase a child’s risk of being autistic. Founded by the Autism Society, the month is dedicated to encouraging the public to support the ASD community. People worldwide participate in inclusion walks, contact local legislators and assist families that deal with autism. Krop Best Buddies is selling hand-painted puzzle pins, which were made by the buddies. Sales of pins add to the recognition and awareness that students have towards Autism as they represent support for the community and the disorder. -Lina Zuluaga

International exchange program set for next EXCHANGE year CHINESE As part of the 2013-2014 school year, 10 Miami-Dade high schools have been selected to participate in an International Student Academy. Exchange students from China and South America will come to Miami for their senior year to work on college admission in the United States. According to Principal Dawn Baglos, parents in foreign nations save huge sums of money for years to send their children to the US, where it is believed they will earn a better education and hopefully raise the economic status of their families upon return. The expected exchange students are academically oriented and will take Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment courses. However, students will not be the only ones switching schools; teachers will too. As part of the exchange program, teachers in Miami-Dade have applied to work in foreign countries and teachers from China will be working here as well. Social studies teacher Judy Gelber was accepted to teach abroad in China during the summer. She will spend six weeks teaching US History, US Government and Civics. “It seemed like a once in a lifetime experience, since I’ve always found China fascinating,” Gelber said. In order for Krop to participate in the International Student Academy, families must volunteer their homes for the exchange students. Spaces are still available for host families. For more information, visit www.ohla.com.

-Blake Mars

Editorial Page 4

The Lightning Strike • April2008 2013 The Lightning Strike • September

EDUCATION

FCAT usage should be lessened More students STAFF EDITORIAL

IN MY OPINION arie hariton micaha

opinion & social editor

Over the past month, our school has been overrun by a variety of acronyms: FCAT, PERT, EOC, SAT, ACT and AP, as standardized testing has become an integral part of the educational process. Still the only measure to compare student achievement between schools, states or countries, tests like the FCAT and SAT are useful tools for educators. From an administrator’s perspective, standardized testing is a way to measure student progress. “Schools need to be held accountable in demonstrating student achievement,” Principal Dawn Baglos said. “The real question is what do you do with that information; how do you use it

to measure the success of a school, school district, or teacher?” Currently, the impact of FCAT testing on the day-to-day operations is greater than in previous years. In years past, the upperclassmen went to the auditorium while underclassmen tested, but that only lasted, at most, a week. Because the FCAT and EOC exams must be taken on computers, the testing window now extends for two months. Students in computer lab classrooms are relocated for days at a time, sending them to watch movies instead of learning new material. This, in turn, breeds a general malaise among students as though school is already over. However, the administration has tried to ensure that testing does not signiﬁcantly impact the learning process. Certain classes, like English teacher Marcelo Dulanto’s, have been relocated to other classrooms. FCAT impacts the classroom more, where it is heavily weighed

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EDITORIAL POLICY The Lightning Strike is the student newspaper of Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School: 1410 Countyline Road, Miami, FL 33179; (305) 652-6808 Ext. 238. Opinions expressed in the editorial section do not reﬂect the viewpoints or ofﬁcial policies of the school. The Lightning Strike welcomes readers’ opinions on all topics. However, we will NOT print anonymous letters. Please keep letters under 150 words and saved to disk if possible. The editors reserve the right to reject, edit and condense letters. All letters should be turned in to room 2-233.

STORY POLICY Questions or comments about the fairness or accuracy of stories should be directed to Javier Storch, Editor in Chief, at jstorchthestrike@gmail.com.

on the teacher’s curriculum. “The school forces a certain amount of testing practice,” English teacher Jessica Fishbein said. “We do the practice because scoring high on high-stakes testing is important, but it limits the amount of important material we can cover.” Baglos downplays the impact of the testing on curriculum, “Our teachers do a good job of meshing their academic freedom with requirements for testing,” Baglos said. “The benchmarks for reading are the same that you’ve had since kindergarten. To that extent, those benchmarks can be brought into a ﬁction or nonﬁction book.” Although standardized testing can be effective in terms of evaluating student progress, it should not dictate teachers’ success. For that reason, seven Florida teachers are suing the state Education Commissioner and Board of Education over the way they handle teacher evaluations.

Two years ago, legislators mandated that FCAT reading and math gains be factored into teacher evaluations.. But, for teachers who do not teach reading or math, or who teach grades other than those that take the FCAT, the law means teacher are evaluated on students they do not teach. It is not difficult to see why such an evaluation is unfair, but it determines a teacher’s salary and can result in their being fired. FCAT scores can be a useful tool, but they have come to dominate far too much of the educational process. A single test should not dictate the way a school is run or the legitimacy of its teachers. Over-emphasis on the FCAT has forced our school to prioritize testing over learning. Education should always come first in the school environment. We need to pursue a testing policy that will represent this unquestionable mindset.

LETTERS Uniforms may be a good idea Bringing uniforms to Krop sounds like a horrible idea, but if you think about it, it makes life so much easier for students. Every day, before school, I spend 10 minutes staring at my closet thinking of what to wear to school. By having uniforms, I will not worry about fashion or looking nice. For students who cannot afford nice clothing, uniforms spare them from humiliation. There are also studies that show correlations between uniforms and better grades. Uniforms may also create a sense of belonging in the school. Sports teams, military forces and police departments all wear uniforms and teamwork is vital in all these occupations. Moises Abadi Grade 12

Let’s beat bullying Asher Brown was 13 years old. Phillip Parker was 14 years old. Jamie Hubley was 15 years old. Every couple of months, we hear of another young life lost to suicide due to anti-gay bullying, before that child got the chance to ﬁ nd out how beautiful the world can be. Every time, I’m left devastated and confused. This needs to end. There is no way to qualify or defend this epidemic. I could argue for days about how all love is valid and deserves to be created equal in the eyes of the law, but

this particular issue reaches far beyond the boundaries of gay rights. This is about the right every student has to feel safe and accepted in his or her school. Prior to each of these suicides came both a lack of willingness on these students’ classmates’ part to learn more about that which they did not necessarily understand, as well as a lack of realization of the possible consequences of their actions. Yes, it is part of the human condition to fear and therefore hate what we are not accustomed to, but it is also part of the human obligation to assist one another. It is unacceptable to make someone feel inferior because of one facet of their identity, especially something that they have no control over. This does not only apply to discrimination based on sexual orientation; that based on race, ethnicity, appearance and intellectual ability also needs to be avoided. I consider myself lucky to attend a school as diverse and accepting as Krop. However, we need to assume responsibility for our words and actions. All too often, I hear the words “faggot” and “retard” uttered in misguided connotation. That needs to stop. One can never be aware of the effect they can have on a person, so we need to be careful. We need to help, not hurt. We need to open our minds and learn, instead of discriminating based on a lack of understanding. We owe that to one another. Lucia Pierson Grade 11

should attend after-school events

When the winners of Dancing with the Staff performed at last month’s pep rally, students went wild. So wild that the screams were at times louder then the music itself. The crowd’s reaction at the after school event was identical, except for the difference in size. At the pep rally, the gym was packed. At Dancing with the Staff, about one third of the auditorium’s first floor was empty. Sure, any opportunity to miss class will gather a big crowd, but the low attendance at Dancing with the Staff cannot be blamed on the fact that it was an after school event. As a board member of Student Government, I was assigned to sell 10 tickets for the event. If students were enthusiastic about school events, this would not have been a challenge. But to my surprise, most students gave me a face that said, “You’re kidding, right?” For some reason, students believe that after-school events are lame. This is really a silly perception because if students enjoyed the performance at the pep rally, why would they not enjoy it at Dancing with the Staff? When our newspaper staff went to see the show, we all had a great time. There was not a bored face in sight; everyone was either laughing, cheering or taking pictures. Dancing with the Staff was not what I would consider a lame event. A lot of people worked really hard to put on a great show and they deserve an audience that is equally as good. So the next time tickets for an after school event go on sale, try giving it a chance. I promise you it will be the best five bucks you spend while at Krop (well, maybe after bagels).

Annual afterschool events • Fashion Show • Dancing with the Staff • Magnet Visions

Opinion Page 5

The Lightning Strike • April 2013 NATIONAL ISSUES

Congress is not representing IN MY OPINION dylan steele micaha

staff writer

Every year in the United States, there are over 30,000 ﬁ rearm-related deaths. With the most recent massacres in Aurora, Colorado and Newtown, Connecticut, 2012 was a traumatizing year for the nation, and as the year came to a close, a shift in public opinion regarding gun regulation became evident. A Gallup poll in December found that 58 percent of Americans said gun laws should be made stricter, the highest percentage in over eight years. This is a clear sign to

Washington that the federal government needs to crack down on guns. Congress has now responded to this blatant call for action by doing what it does best: absolutely nothing. On April 17, the Senate rejected a bipartisan compromise that would have added several popular gun regulations. The plan included expanding background checks for would-be gun purchasers, supported by 91 percent of Americans, a ban on assault weapons, supported by 54 percent of Americans and a ban on high-capacity gun magazines, supported by 60 percent of Americans. In recent years, it has become evident that Congress is out of touch with the desires

of the nation, but this foolish disregard for the safety of the nation and its children cannot go unrecognized. Capitol Hill appears to be the last holdout of ignorance regarding gun control in the country. In January, President Obama signed 23 executive orders in an attempt to crack down on guns and in November, federal courts upheld New York’s new gun laws. Congress, either out of sheer stupidity or fear of the National Rif le Association, is the only branch of our government that continues to turn a blind eye to the slaughter of thousands of Americans. With its century-old procedures and partisan politics, Congress is, and many would argue is meant to be, a very

slow and inefﬁcient machine. Normally, this inefﬁciency is a good thing; it makes the men and women that write legislation think it over before declaring it law, but not in this case. When over twice as many Americans die from gun violence each year in this country than American soldiers have died in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last 12 years, it is clear that we need change now. It is an outrage that our representatives in Congress refuse to pass laws that actually represent the wishes of an overwhelming majority of Americans. If the members of Congress do not take action to protect those they supposedly represent, then we must change the people representing us.

Is Social Media a Bad Influence? IN MY OPINION madeline garﬁnkle micaha

science & health editor

The evolution of social media has transformed our world into a continuous present moment, which is both a blessing and a curse. We are now able to easily keep in touch and follow those close to us, but we have also become a little too comfortable with the option to know everything happening at every waking moment. Social networks make it all too easy to log on and instantly be force-fed information on what all your “friends” are doing. This can Do we make one feel really care if informed by that person the constant you met one updates, but time got a the truth is that the new haircut? majority of the information is useless. Do we really care if that person you met one time got a new haircut? Social media glamorizes and broadcasts what appears to be information worthy of our time, but it only serves as another medium to distract us and put off other productive activities. Scrolling through social network feeds can often be mind-numbing and has replaced other downtime activities that can be more mentally stimulating. Whenever a teen is bored, they often resort to Facebook or other social networks to pass the

“

YES

time, instead of reading a book or being productive. According to 2012 statistics, an average of 15 hours and 33 minutes are spent on Facebook every month. With so much time spent looking at what others are doing, users could be engaging in moments of their own. Most social network users only document the happiest moments of their lives. This creates a superficial world where we only see the best of everyone, ignoring the fact that behind everyone’s profile is just another person, with flaws like everyone else. Not only is this perfect world an allusion, but it can cause teens to feel insecure and elicit new levels of competition. As the old Greek saying goes, everything should be done in moderation. Social networking is no exception. Users must realize that we are all still human and, even though it is convenient, there is no reason to always be connected and in the “know.” Enjoy a concert without “checking-in.” Reminisce on an old memory without posting a “throwback Thursday.” Make memories on your summer vacation without making a new album documenting everything you did. Enjoy the moments we are given, instead of desperately trying to hold on to them by broadcasting every detail on the Internet.

IN MY OPINION clarissa buch micaha

managing editor

We live in a world saturated with social media: on our computers, our phones and always on our minds. On April 18, disaster struck the annual Boston Marathon. After two explosions, many were left wounded and some dead. The city of Boston temporarily shut down cell phone towers, which prevented families to get in touch with their loved ones. In response, Google created a “People Finder” where people could give or receive information regarding those present at the race. Less than two hours later, Google had over 4,000 records. Anyone who wanted to ﬁnd out about a friend or family member in Boston could easily do so. When the tragedy of 9/11 struck, long before the stronger use of social media, families had to post pictures of loved ones on buildings and light poles in an attempt to ﬁnd them. We are now able to do the unimaginable and reach the unattainable. With the click of a button, we can video chat with relatives across the globe. With the tap of an app, we can “tweet” our favorite celebrity and await a possible response. And with one last swipe, we can receive minuteby-minute news updates from

NO hundreds of different networks. According to “Social Media: The New News Source,” over 50 percent of people learn about breaking news on social media and 52 percent of media reporters and editors use Twitter. We can use social media to learn about change and ignite it. Yoani Sanchez is a Cuban blogger known for her controversial posts, which depict daily life in Cuba. Despite C u b a ’s Although censorship social media on the mehas its flaws, dia, Sanwe chez pub- which lishes her need to be work by conscious of, e - m a i l i n g we must look her posts at the screen to friends outside of as half full, the coun- rather than try who half empty. then post it to her blog, Generacion Y. In 2008, she was listed as one of Time Magazine’s “World’s Top 100 Most Inﬂuential People.” Although social media has its ﬂaws, which we need to be conscious of, we must look at the screen as half full, rather than half empty. We should embrace its power and take advantage of its potential.

STUDENTS SPEAK OUT ON STANDARDIZED TESTING

“I don’t believe standardized testing helps with my education or helps with college. One test is not a good measure for judging what type of student a person is. If a teacher wastes their time teaching based on one test, students will miss out on a more rigorous and interesting curriculum.” Yina Cabrera, 11

“I believe standardized testing doesn’t beneﬁt our students because when we are testing it takes time away from doing more important class work.” Peyton Freeman, 11

“

“Standardized testing has its advantages and disadvantages, but I would say it’s more of a disadvantage. It doesn’t beneﬁt education because students and teachers are pressured to teach towards passing the FCAT and not on topics that will help you in future in college.” Tracey Perodin, 9 compiled by Christina Carucci

Entertainment

The Lightning Strike • April 2013

7 The Lightning Strike • September Page 2008

CONCERT REVIEW

Music Festivals Sunfest: Miami’s very own five day music festival returns with huge acts like Kendrick Lamar, the Smashing Pumpkins, Ed Sheeran, Train, and Big Sean. (May 1 to 5) Sunset: Impatient for Ultra 2014? In the meantime, you can drive up to Tampa for this festival, a one day spectacle that features some of today’s hottest DJ’s, including David Guetta, Knife Party, Steve Aoki, Krewella, and Flosstradamus. (May 25) Bonnaroo: The haul up to Tennessee may be far for some, but it’s worth it in the end for this four day festival, which features huge names such as Paul McCartney, Mumford & Sons, A$AP Rocky, and Porter Robinson. There’s even a comedy tent with comedy acts like Daniel Tosh from Comedy Central’s “Tosh.O”. (June 13-16) Warped Tour: The pop punk parade around the country finally finds its way to West Palm Beach, featuring acts like the Black Veil Brides, All Star Weekend, The Wonder Years, Never Shout Never, and Bring Me The Horizon. (July 27) Mayhem Festival: Get ready to head bang! America’s definite metal festival comes back to Tampa this year with some of the biggest names in metal, like Rob Zombie, Mastodon, Children of Bodom, Five Finger Death Punch, and Amon Amarth. (July 31)

Compiled by Matthew Isenberg

MSI rocks Revolution Live Alexis Frankel feature editor

As you walk into Revolution Live on April 6, you are instantly met with the smells of sweat, blood and something indistinguishable. A woman stares at you with whiteout contacts and futuristic braids, as a man with spiked up, orange hair gruffly pushes past you. At first you think you have interrupted a Satanist gathering, but are reassured by the surrounding crowd’s t-shirts that you are in fact at a Mindless Self Indulgence concert. Mindless Self Indulgence (MSI) is composed of lead singer Jimmy Euringer (Jimmy Urine), drummer Jennifer Dunn (Kitty), guitarist Steve Montano (Steve, Righ?) and bassist Lindsey Ann Way (Lyn-Z). Their sound ranges from punk rock to electronic hip-hop. Although the band halted tours to finish up their new album, “How I Learned to Stop Giving a S**t and Love Mindless Self Indulgence,” they returned to the stages on March 27, gracing Fort Lauderdale along the way. After a 30 minute wait (obviously to build suspense), a single note was struck on

BOOK VS MOVIE

Pages or theaters? Lina Zuluaga staff writer •The Book “The Host,” a novel by Stephanie Meyer, is an unconventional science fiction story where humans have lost in the war against an invading species and are only attempting to survive the would-be extermination of the entire race. The story depicts superior aliens as “souls” that sustain life on Earth by occupying “host” human bodies. In this scenario, souls dominate the mind of their host, killing a human in the process. However, a conflict arises when a particular host, Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away and let her mind be overcome by her invader, “Wanderer.” The plot then develops when “seekers,” or souls that work in localizing uninhabited host bodies assign “Wanderer” to infiltrate Melanie’s memories in an attempt to localize a rumored human resistance. Melanie on the other hand, must shield her memories to save her lover Jared and her little brother Jamie from becoming captives. Slowly, as the minds of both Wanderer and Melanie coalesce, the passionate love that Melanie feels for her family becomes infused with that of Wanderers thoughts. This is met

with much betrayal from Wanderer towards her species, that share the collective goal of honesty and greatness through “good.” Ultimately, the climax arrives when Wanderer decides to help Melanie ﬁnd her family and doing so, joins the resistance. Meyersuccessfullyexploresthemes of individualism when she unites both minds and thought processes of the invader and the invaded. Wanderer is forced to see things through Melanie’s perspective. Essentially, empathy is not a question but an action that the alien must feel. Wanderer and Melanie both feel the same pain, share the same thoughts, and understand one another’s sincerity, even if they do not want to. Human identity is also emphasized, which is uniquely displayed from an alien’s perspective. Sacriﬁce in the name of love catalyzes key events in the novel. Overall “The Host” is quite compelling for those who like to avoid genre clichés and enjoy interesting love triangles. •The Movie “The Host” begins with the initial body snatching of Melanie

Stryder, by alien “soul,” As a movie, the character of Melanie Stryder, played by Soairse Ronan, must deal with the portrayal of two entirely different people occupying the same body. In itself, the film undermines the back story that is so thoroughly presented in the first 120 pages of the 600-page novel. The film’s brevity can be attributed to time restrictions of films in general; however there is some essential lack of plot development. Director Andrew Niccol ingeniously captures an image of the future and deftly plays with the desert terrain to add an exciting feel of action when chases and gunfights take place. The core of “The Host,” being the human question of identity, individualism, and the many facets of love are genuinely depicted through creative screenplay. Overall, both novel and movie make for compelling entertainment. Appropriate audiences would vary from teenagers to young adults who can find “The Host” playing in almost any theater nearby.

amctheaters.com

www.tellallyourfriends.com

Montano’s guitar as the curtains opened. Cheering fans were met with nostalgia as Jimmy’s piercing voice belted out “Shut Me Up” from their 2006 album “You’ll Rebel to Anything.” “They put a bar between us because they know I love you too much,” Euringer said, referring to the barrier in between the rowdy crowd and stage while transitioning to their synth rock song “Stupid MF.” As MSI jammed out, pausing for fans to ﬁll in X-rated lyrics a lone crowd-surfer was pulled roughly toward the barrier by security. Before they could escort her away though, Euringer still singing grabbed her, rufﬂing her hair fondly. “Never Wanted to Dance” was the third song on MSI’s set list and showcased Euringer’s bare stomach and his microphone stand baton skills. UV light danced around the stage with holographic spider webs, turning white articles of clothing neon. Meanwhile, band

members inched dangerously close to the crowd, launching fans into a frenzy, desperately grabbing at Euringer’s outstretched hand. A ﬂurry of songs (whose names are too raunchy to be mentioned), one of them a song off of their newly released album, played throughout the rest of the two-hour set. At one point Jimmy stopped singing and looked dead center at a man with spiked up, orange hair. “This is me in the future,” Euringer said while inviting him on stage to sing along with the band. At the end of the act, the lights dimmed and all the members of MSI cleared the stage, leaving its lead singer alone. Suddenly the slow, wistful tune of “We’ll Meet Again” by 1940’s singer Vera Lynn rang out from the speakers. Donning white shades and a voodoo doll, Euringer lipsynched Lynn’s song, backing slowly away from the stage until all that was left was a lonely drum set and memories of an incredible performance.

COMEDY

JUST THE FUNNY COMEDY CLUB Dylan Steele staff writer Today it is hard to find entertainment that is both good and affordable, but that is exactly what “Just the Funny” is. Situated at the intersection of Coral Way and SW 31 Ave., “Just the Funny” is an improv comedy theater that opened in 1999 and is self-described as a combination of “Saturday Night Live” and “Whose Line is it Anyway.” For 10 dollars, you get the live two-hour show along with a drink or snack, far more economical than the movies where any film runs 11 dollars and a drink or snack costs you a limb. The entertainment value of the small theater is extraordinary as improv comedy revolves around input and participation from the audience that keeps everyone involved and laughing from start to finish. When you walk into the “Just the Funny” you are given your refreshment and are directed to write a quote and a proper noun to be placed in separate bins and used in the show. After entering the theater and choosing an open seat, the cast members

run out on stage with musical accompaniment, bumping chests and getting hyped for the show. Skit after skit, the “Just the Funny” cast gets you laughing and involved in the show. Eventually, the cast launches into the rows in search of a “victim,” someone who is either clearly terrified of receiving the call to the stage or who just has not been laughing hard enough. If you are lucky enough to be chosen, you are roped up onto the stage and quickly put to good use. What you do on stage depends on the skit you’re pulled up for, you may even get pulled up to be the bachelor or bachelorette on a dating show appropriately titled “The Love Machine.” You may be slightly embarrassed by your starring role but it is all in good fun, and after all, the embarrassment is what makes the skit funny. The Friday night outing, including about seven dollars in gas and the cost of two tickets, totaled no more than 27 dollars. “Just the Funny” brought me within inches of tears repeatedly and kept me wanting more until the cast ran off stage, the show is a must see for anyone looking for cheap plans on the weekend.

Entertainment Page 8

The Lightning Strike • April 2013

MUSIC

Timberlake brings his “sexy back” Matthew Isenberg staff writer It has been a while since we last heard from Justin Timberlake in the music world. Over the past six years, the former shining star of boy band ‘N Sync has been busy enchanting cinema screens and “Saturday Night Live” episodes with his charm and grace. But JT has finally returned and has brought “The 20/20 Experience,” an album unlike anything Timberlake has ever released before. But is this a good thing? Well, yes and no. The first thing anyone will notice when looking at the album’s track listing is the length of the tracks: none of the tracks go below four minutes, and, except for the track “That Girl,” all songs shoot past the five-minute mark. It is unusual for a pop album

to go this route, stretching out songs to lengths seen in classic rock albums, but that is what makes it unique: having the boldness and integrity to not go the same way as Timberlake’s pop star peers. Various styles are thrown in to the album, including R&B, electronic, hip-hop, jazz and rock. Tracks tend to change their entire sound and structure within their last three minutes and, save for the transition on the track “Pusher Love Girl,” are executed flawlessly. The production on the album is handled extremely well, showing a triumphant return for producer Timbaland, especially on the tracks “Tunnel Vision” and “Let The Groove In.” Timberlake knows how to use his voice as a musical instrument all on its own. But the album has faults. Timberlake’s lyrics are mostly about either dancing with a girl or romance and, while those

are not awful topics for a pop album, Timberlake seems a mature enough musician to be able to evolve past such simple themes in music. Also, while the production is handled extremely well, it still feels as though it is missing something. Some tracks could use additional percussion and some bass boosts here and there, although this is far from a major flaw. Although the aesthetic having a pop album with long, arena like songs is interesting, some of the songs lack the same motivation, and a lot of them tend to run longer than they should. Despite its flaws, “The 2/20 Experience” is definitely one of the most interesting pop albums to come out this year and is worth a listen. Justin Timberlake still has not lost his musical knack, and from here, it looks like it can only keep expanding.

BAND REVIEW

@Clarissa_Buch

Never realized how powerful a Living Rainbow performance could be #GSA #LivingRainbow #krop @_TheEyes

When Mr. Roddy comes in to talk about financial aid #krop @AshSilvers13

Trayvon Martin shirt on Jaimie Foxx during MTV Movie Awards... #wut #krop @carlyy-frenchyy

THANKS GOD FOR MY TEACHER NOT BEING HERE

@Kukz5

#prayforboston </3 @Wesfoster24

Good luck to my boys #krop @Lorber96 @JakeNorman10 @C_MUR13 and the test of the team

TV SHOW REVIEW

Tabula Rasa fills the music slate

Game of Thrones Talya Gebara staff writer

Michelle Krigsfeld spread editor Tabula Rasa, a philosophy developed by John Locke, is the belief that humans are born with a “blank slate,” then shaped by their environment and education. Senior Matthew Lewin’s band adapt this philosophy by taking every type of music and naming their band Tabula Rasa or “blank slates.” Mica Tenenbaum, female vocalist and keyboardist of Tabula Rasa, wails “And I dry the ink off my hands,” in their first and most intense song, “India Ink,” off of their “Tabula Rasa EP.” Tenenbaum, who is a sophomore at DASH, has a silky voice that hits passionate high notes over a jazz-inspired tune. The song starts off slow and transforms into a powerful ballad. “It is basically about turning a new leaf, ridding your hands of the ink stains made by your past experiences,” Tenenbaum. said. Tabula Rasa began when Tenenbaum, guitarist and Krop student Lewin, drummer Nick Villamizar, guitarist Dylan McCue and Mariano Sarrate were placed together as a band at Live! School of Music, an extracurricular music program. They instantly “clicked” when they began songwriting and decided to form the beyond school. Although Tabula Rasa is classified as an experimental

TOP TWEETS

Courtesy of Matthew Lewin

rock band, the members thrive on their uniqueness and ability to incorporate an array of music heard today. Lewin also announced that they would be releasing a dubstep-inspired track. “We are all influenced by different styles. I find myself listening to music that is not at all similar to Tabula Rasa,” Villamizar said. Tenebaum says that Tabula Rasa distinguishes themselves from the mainstream pop music heard on the radio by infusing each of their musical influences into their sound. Aside from having a female vocalist in a male-dominated band, Lewin and Tenebaum’s love for music later translated to their love for each other. The other band members initially joked that they need to “get a room,” but McCue later revealed his admiration for the couple. “When they’re with the band,

they seem to prioritize band matters over their relationship,” the guitarist said. “Don’t get me wrong, they’re some of the most passionate lovebirds I’ve ever seen, but they approach music the same way they would with any of the other band members.” Tenebaum and Lewin’s relationship is not the only bond that has formed in the band. The entire band feels like family. Because they attend separate schools and tend to get “caught up” with life beyond the band, their first priority is to find time to spend together. The future is promising for Tabula Rasa. Lewin announced that this summer they will be working on their first full-length EP and the upcoming release of their new single “Don’t Look Down.” Their first EP is available for free download on Bandcamp. com and upcoming concert dates can be seen on their Facebook page. Villamizar says that their upcoming album will be “kick ass.”

The hit HBO series “Game of Thrones,” based on the book series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin, returned for its third season in March. The new season is based of the first half of the third book in the series, “A Storm of Swords.” “Game of Thrones” recreates the elaborate fantasy world of Westeros and Essos, where war is breaking out all over the seven kingdoms of Westeros and beyond over who will end up on the Iron Throne. Meanwhile, ancient creatures and magic are being reborn into the world and a winter that could last decades is slowly blowing in. The “Game” is about power and survival, in a world that is dangerous for all people. The series follows many characters and places, many of whom will die or suffer horribly. The story is stressful and overwhelming as you learn quickly that no character is spared, for example, when a main character is beheaded in the first season. “Game of Thrones” gets a big “R” rating as a television show for violence, sex, nudity, language, mature themes... the list goes on. The series is not for the faint of heart or easily offended, but its fearlessness in portraying a world that is cruel and terrifying is the show’s high point, as well as its downfall. While the

show uses violence and brutality to lay out the oppressive quasi-medieval society, many scenes deviate from the plot for a needless sex scene, or use brutality for shock value. GoT triumphs and stumbles mainly in its portrayals of women. Where there are many dynamic, goal oriented female characters who are fan favorites, like Arya Stark, played by Maisie Williams, there are also many nameless, faceless characters that are only used to fulfill HBO’s quota of needless sexual activity and nudity. With how much story is squished into every episode, HBO has a hard time prioritizing stor over shock value. “Game of Thrones” also has been praised for its talented cast of actors, Lena Heady (Cersie Lannister), Sean Bean (Ned Stark) and winner of a Golden Globe for his role of Tyrion Lannister, Peter Dinklage. Dinklage plays a dwarf in a powerful family who relies on his wit and humor to overcome difficult situations and the prejudices against him. The legions of loyal fans with their familiar look of excitement and devotion, also coined as the “Nerd Glaze” by Peter Dinklage, have returned to watch the show’s third season this year. The excitement of incorporating fantasy and a complex society with characters to match makes for a successful show.

JOIN YOUR

May 3- PTSA Student Member Lunch May 7- Teacher and Staff Appreciation Lunch May 17- End of year Installation PTSA Lunch May 20-24- Books and Books Book Fair May 23- Dade County PTSA End of Year event May 29- Yearbook Signing Party

Membership applications available in the Attendance Office

Page 10

Suit Tie

Students prepare for the year’s biggest event: prom

Will you go to prom with me?

Seniors get creative with prom proposals Michelle Krigsfeld co-spread editor

Prom: the night senior girls turn into their own versions of Cinderella and senior boys awkwardly sport their rented suits. The clichéd depiction of prom, the last school-organized dance for seniors, is overly portrayed in movies and books. But these depictions fail to show what most of the Class of 2013 is really planning: prom proposals. Senior Adam Tzur started his day just like any other, but he hid the bouquet of roses in his car and a Tuxedo tee under his sweatshirt. He gave Ofﬁcer Dunn the cue; the plan was a go. Tzur replaced senior Natalie Hoberman’s license plate with one he made in graphics that read, “Prom?” He hopped into his trunk and waited for Ofﬁcer Dunn to escort Hoberman out of class due to her parking neighbor

“accidentally crashing into her.” As she inspected the car with Dunn, Tzur popped out from his trunk, roses in hand while Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” blasted from his car. Tzur, along with other senior boys, declared war on the simple prom proposals to seek new, elaborate ways to ask. “Not only do we want to look back at prom night,” senior Bruno Lulinski, the go-to guy for proposal ideas amongst his friends said, “We want to remember how we won our dates over.” Both Lulinski and Tzur admit that there is a “competitive edge” to the proposals with guys trying to out-do each other in creativity. Social networking sites are to blame with students showcasing how they were asked. Lulinski, who asked senior Massiel Leiva with a Youtube video asking her to prom during different DJ sets at Ultra Music Festival, said, “At the end of the day each proposal should suit

the girl and make her happy.” Inspired by a bucket of Christmas lights lying in his garage, senior David Stolear “proposed” to his girlfriend senior, Francine Lederman, by wrapping the lights around a fence to spell out “Prom?” By dressing up as a chauffer and waiting for her at the airport when she landed from a trip, senior Moises Abadi asked senior Agustina Goldbaum. With the help of the Magnet chorus, senior Joey Ginzburg asked senior Maia Levin by singing his remixed version of Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend.” Levin believes that the proposals have become elaborate because girls “love creativity,” but also argues that prom dates should not decide how enjoyable and memorable prom should be. At the end of the night, Levin says that prom is about savoring Class of 2013’s ﬁnal moments as a family. Maybe the proposal is the glass slipper prelude to the truly magical night.

The Lightning Strike • April 2013

Page 11

The Lightning Strike • April 2013

Cost of Prom (estimated)

Venue + Food = $30,000 DJ + Lights = $13,000 Decor = $6,000 Invitation + Tickets = $1,000 Security = $1,000 Estimated total cost

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A Look Back

Lander’s 1973 “prom” experience Social Studies teacher Thomas Lander was unable to attend his 1973 prom so instead he attended his church’s formal banquet. Lander is pictured with his date Sandy Rivero, who is still a close personal friend. His tuxedo cost him $15 and Rivero’s mother made her dress. The total cost of his “prom” was $91.10 but he says memories are truly priceless. “No limo, no hotel room, no alcohol but what a wonderful, fabulous evening,” said Landers. -Michelle Krigsfeld

Don’t stress the dress Ways to avoid matching someone else’s prom dress Danielle Mackson entertainment editor

You have searched for days and combed through hundreds of clothing racks to find that perfect prom dress – the one that fits you perfectly and makes you stand out from the crowd. But after all your effort, you are mortified when you spot another girl at the prom wearing the exact same dress! Thankfully, this fashion disaster can be avoided or at least reduced by a Facebook page called “Krop Prom Dresses.” Created by senior Sydney Levy, approximately 60 students are members of the Facebook group, where posts of dresses help to avoid embarrassing duplication. “I made the Facebook

group to prevent the problem of people wearing the same dress. No one wants to show up in the same dress as someone else,” Levy said. “Once a girl buys her dress, she posts it in the group and everyone knows not to buy it.” Group USA at Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise is a popular prom dress destination. According to sales supervisor Maria-Claudia Changanaque, the store increases its dress inventory for prom season. Unfortunately, she says, her store does not keep records of the dresses sold to students from a particular high school, and she was unaware of other stores that provide this service. “Brightly colored dresses have been some of the best sellers this season,” she said. To reduce the chances of dress

duplication, therefore, you may want to choose a dress in a more subdued color. Other tips are helpful to avoid the “prom twin” dilemma. According to the blog thingstoknowbeforebuying promdresses.wordpress.com, there are rules to remember if you want to be unique in your attire. First, avoid the newest trend. Even if your dress is not identical, you still do not want to wear a dress that is basically the same design as everyone else’s. Second, do not shop in the same stores as everyone else. Take a trip out of town, or shop on the hundreds of Internet sites to ﬁnd unique dresses. Finally, shop vintage. Whatever style and shape you ﬁnd in vintage clothing is likely to be distinctive.

Feature Page 12

The Lightning Strike • April 2013

RIGHTS

Petition site brings power to the people Arie Hariton opinion & social editor Americans over the past decade have been looking for ways to stimulate the US economy. One man got creative, collected almost $35,000 signatures and received an official response from the Obama administration, all in support of building the Death Star (yes, from the Star Wars franchise). Advocates of the petition argued it would help national defense, spur job creation and strengthen our space superiority. As expected, the administration shot down the petition, citing the huge estimated construction cost, $850 quadrillion, and the

administration’s lack of support for blowing up planets. Many have dismissed the a d m i n i s t r a t io n’s petition website as a place only for humor, as opposed to real action. “I signed the petition for the Death Star,” sophomore Alan Lang said. “It’s mostly for jokes. I don’t take it seriously.” Although several more humourous petitions exist, like one to change the national anthem to R.Kelly’s “Ignition (Remix),” most of the site is dedicated to serious petitions. Over

100 have received off icial responses. W e T h e People, the name of the White Hou se’s website, has a fairly s i m p l e process. Anyone can start a petition. At ﬁ rst the petition is not made public on the website. Instead, the person who starts it is

responsible for sharing the petition’s link and getting 150 signatures, at which point the petition goes public. The petition then has 30 days to reach 100,000 signatures. If it does, a member of the Obama administration, sometimes the president himself (like in response to a petition to lessen gun violence), answers the petition. Significant petitions include ones to recognize the Westboro Baptist Church as a hate group, proposing action to combat gun violence, giving D.C. representation in Congress and ensuring equal protection for LGBT Americans. To start your own petition, visit www.petitions. whitehouse.gov .

ULTRA

Craigslist ad turns into student’s nightmare

fact or fiction?

Was there a stray dog running around Krop? FACT: “This is the 15th dog that we [Latessa, Schiffman, and Morgan] have found in the school.” -Caron Schiffman

Michael Behfar spread editor With his bag on his one uninjured shoulder, a noticeable limp, but a smile on his face, junior Kyle Lampkin walked into school late on Thursday, March 20. He had not quite recuperated from the night before, but was content just to be at school again. The night before, Lampkin met with a girl whom he contacted on the classified ad site Craigslist at around 10 p.m. She allegedly agreed to buy two of his Ultra Music Festival tickets for $1,300. He went alone because he did not think there would be any problem, considering he sold two separate Ultra tickets the week before. They met face-to-face for the first time in the Aventura Mall parking lot near Cheesecake Factory. Lampkin saw her car double parked perpendicular to the parked cars and pulled up behind her. He handed her the tickets upon request to “see if they were real.” He said she took the tickets and handed him what appeared to be a wad of hundred dollar bills. But she was already in her car by the time he noticed that the wad was filled with assorted other small bills adding up to nowhere near the agreed sum. Utter chaos ensued once he stuck his hand in her window to take back his tickets. She then, according to Lampkin, accelerated her late model Land Rover, causing him to grab onto the door with his right arm as the rest of his body dragged behind.

Can the security chase you off campus? FICTION: “No, we stay on campus. We let the cameras do the rest; leave it to technology.” -James “Debo” Robinson JAVIER STORCH

DANGEROUS DECISIONS: Junior Kyle Lampkin returns to his normal schedule after he was almost swindled out of his money and dragged by a car for Ultra tickets. After the incident he had multiple injuries on his right arm and one on his left leg.

Lampkin said he was not going to let the car drive away because if he only got the license plate, it would take days to ﬁnd her and Ultra took place the next day. Neither could he let go because they were driving fast enough to gravely injure him. He said while the girl assaulted him with one hand, he saw an opportunity to save himself, knowing that once she reached an open road, she would speed up far too fast for him to hold on. He grabbed the steering wheel and swerved the truck into a row of parked cars. The money in his hand ﬂew up upon impact, but Lampkin still held on to the wheel tightly as she allegedly attempted to reverse, hitting more cars in the process. Finally, the truck came

to a halt and Lampkin fell onto the ground in relief. Six cars in total were damaged and ﬁve police cars arrived and handcuffed both Lampkin and the driver. She allegedly told police that he assaulted her and she had never spoken to him in her life. “They arrested me because they didn’t know what happened,” Lampkin said. “To them, I looked like a deranged black man who attacked some innocent young white girl in her car.” He disproved that with a text message conversation with her in which they arranged the transaction. Police then searched her car and found the two Ultra tickets along with multiple fake tickets.

Lampkin’s phone was taken as evidence, but his tickets were returned. He sold one of them and with the other enjoyed Ultra.

“To

them, I looked like a deranged Black man who attacked some innocent young White girl in her car. - Kyle Lampkin The girl’s name, and where she is being held are unknown, and she has yet to be charged with any offence.

Are they trying to build a 15-story high-rise next to the entrance of Greynolds Park? FACT: “I saw something in the ‘Herald’ that said they’re going to start building something there. I always used to take my daughter there.” Compiled by Brittany Chandani

-Coleen Graves Compiled by Brittany Chandani and Matthew Isenberg

Feature Page 13

The Lightning Strike • April 2013 SHOPPING

Wanelo: Buy all the things you want, love and need

COURTESY OF WANELO

BUY ONLINE: All images above are products that can be bought off the Internet. To browse the website, students created an account using their name and e-mail, or linking up the account with Facebook which allows them to save products they liked onto their proﬁle and follow people on Wanelo with similar likes.

Lina Zuluaga staff writer “That’s so Tumblr,” is a common phrase people come across, usually alluding to the content of an artsy image that is blog-worthy. Wanelo, a combination of “Want Need Love” is a new website that serves as a shopping reference for coveted clothing items. Most online picture blogs

tend to build off photographic proﬁles that encompass images of fashion, nature, trends and inventive décor. Wanelo is crafted to share that image, but unlike blogs that usually have almost no credit or source to the items displayed, Wanelo allows viewers to purchase the item with the click of a button. The online store was the product of Deena Varshavskaya, a Los Angeles local that wanted to have a fun trendy reference

for clothing items she wanted to purchase online, but unfortunately had no source to do so. Currently, Wanelo is number one in the Apple App Store rankings for lifestyle downloads, and overwhelmingly caters to a younger woman demographic. Any store can be found on Wanelo, it differs from others because it directs users to online websites. “Wanelo is great in comparison to websites like Tumblr that kind of tease me with beautiful things

that have no way to purchase. I can ﬁnd products I like for a reasonable price,” sophomore Shaene Bello said. Growing in popularity, Wanelo has simpliﬁed the availability to attain articles of clothing, accessories and furniture. Some students however, dislike multiple websites for all individual items. “ Everything looks beautiful, but if I want several things they all have different sources and that

gets a bit annoying,” Bello said. Wanelo is more like a productreference website, rather than an actual online store. Products are sourced to their actual provider but like Bello commented, one must individually buy different products. The mission of Wanelo is to “literally buy all the things you love.” The open forum that the website creates a global platform for shopping based off people’s wants.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Students ﬁnd new friends through the Internet Talya Gebara staff writer

The criteria for a friendship is simple: a personal bond between two or more people that exists for various reasons. Friendship can happen between anyone these days, even people you have never met thousands of miles away. Proof of this is junior Summer Pizura and senior Johnny Nguyen, who have both had internet friends for several years. “You don’t need physical contact with someone to be friends with them,” Pizura said. “You don’t need to see someone everyday.”

Tumblr, Facebook, and Twitter have changed the way we approach what friends are. On Tumblr you can connect to someone you’ve never met but has similar interests and personality to you. While Facebook is usually for people you know in real life, it can also give people a look into the lives of someone they would have never gotten to. Pizura met her Internet friend from Arizona through Tumblr, then became close through role playing as characters from Harry Potter on different chat rooms and forums. Nguyen met his Internet friend from Mississippi while enjoying the same video game and

then became friends through Skype. Friendships between people

These people “ are hundreds of miles away, I’m never going to meet them unless I verify first. - Johnny Nguyen who have never met may start at one website, but grow with the help of multiple platforms of communication such as texting, Skype and Facebook.

With chat rooms, social networks and instant messaging, the ability to connect with people who are non-judgmental, share similar interests and are looking for company is instantaneous. “There’s anonymity on the internet because you lack the same social barriers of real life, because all you are is a name. The friends that you find on the Internet are people that genuinely find you interesting,” Nguyen said. However, safety is always a concern when it concerns the Internet. Many things have been said about the type of people you will meet on the Internet that fall along the lines of pedophiles and scammers.

But others disagree. “These people are hundreds of miles away, I’m never going to meet them unless I verify first,” Nguyen said. “But there’s no reason to, I enjoy the relationship I have.” Today’s connectivity where two people on different sides of the world can speak in an instant has moved us away from snail mail and pen pals into a new age. Where adults of the past may have spoken to someone they have never met, technology has taken away hiding behind pen and paper and has given us options where the possibilities of connecting to people like you are endless.

AUTHOR

John Green creates impressive novels, relationships with fans Abigail Duffy photo & co-copy editor “Luminous.” That is all that “Entertainment Weekly” needed to say to describe John Green’s latest novel, “The Fault In Our Stars.” The same can be said about the author himself. Green has written four “New York Times” bestselling books for young adults that capture the unique hardships that his teenage characters face. With “Looking for Alaska,” “An Abundance of Katherines,” “Paper Towns,” “Will Grayson,” (co-written by David Levithan) and “The Fault in Our Stars,” Green breaks the

mold of the typical young adult writer and presents emotionallyheavy stories with a signature sense of humor. Green approaches subjects like complicated friendships, and budding romance – even cancer – with grace and care. His characters engage in quintessential teen dialogue, yet speak poetically and with an atypical depth that sticks with readers long after the ending. Green makes “teen angst” acceptable and writes with a truthfulness that teenagers embrace. He highlights genuine emotion that impacts readers as they devour the books. Green’s novels possess maturity and wit that most

his “Nerdfighters.” With 1.4 followers on Twitter, Green approaches million 1,080,198 faithful YouTube subjects like complicat- subscribers (and counting) and ed friendships, budding a flourishing Tumblr account, Green keeps his fans “in the romance – even cancer loop” about his life, offers – with grace and care. advice on teenage issues and links breaking news updates that some of his fans would not be interested in seeing young adult authors refrain from incorporating in their stories otherwise. Through his Twitter, YouTube because of their misconception that teenagers will not understand. and Tumblr, Green discusses It is hard to believe that such a candid, light-hearted topics like his distinguished and refined author family, teen dating and romance as well as more serious topics like is just 35 years old. His novels are not the only the sequester, impending conflict way Green reaches out to his with North Korea and the Boston fans, whom he affectionately calls Marathon bombings.

“

Green makes the news accessible and digestible for his young adult fans, adding humor, side commentary and his own emotion while explaining the issue in-depth to help his fans comprehend national and global events. To his precious “Nerdﬁghters,” John Green is a friend who guides them through difﬁcult moments with the stories he publishes, the personal posts he blogs and the informative videos he records. His approachability and openness sets him apart from other young adult authors that never make an effort to communicate with their readers.

Science & Health Page 14

The Lightning Strike • April 2013

VLOG

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries: YouTube series takes a new spin on an old classic Talya Gebara staff writer

story or story experience using multiple digital technologies, the lives of these characters are given the illusion of real people. Numerous characters get their own video blogs, have active Twitter pages and active Facebook pages where developments can be played out in-between videos. Some have Tumblrs, and even a functioning Lookbook, a fashion website, for Jane Bennet who strives for a job in the fashion industry. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries was the first transmedia project by popular YouTube vlogger Hank Green of the vlogbrothers and writer Bernie Su. Together they created what the Guardian calls, “the best adaptation around.” Some videos are spent talking out thoughts and problems on camera, recounting events through

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” These are the recognizable first words of the classic Jane Austin novel, “Pride and Prejudice” as well as the first words of popular YouTube series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. The 100 episode series has been on YouTube since last April, and ended this March. Pride and Prejudice is a classic novel from the 1800s about the large but poor Bennet family that gets mixed up with the rich and pompous families of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingly when the two oldest Bennet daughters attract their attention. Adapting the novel in the modern world may seem impossible to do without disgracing its legacy; however, the Lizzie Bennet Diaries is a modernized adaptation of the classic with a twist. Set in California rather than in England, the story is still told through Elizabeth, or in this case “Lizzie” through a series of YouTube vlogs as a part of a graduate project in mass communications. YouTube is far from the only place this story is told. Through the use of “Transmedia,” the TRANSMEDIA: Ashley Clements takes on technique of telling a single modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

costume theater and others with special appearances from characters where conflict can be played out on camera. Modernizing a 200 year old classic demands major changes, like cutting Lizzie’s five sisters to three. While other changes include changing marriage proposals to business proposals as with Ricky Collins, originally William Collins, Maxwell Glick to Lizzie and then Charlotte. As one of the first of its kind, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is quickly breaking out from the pact. “It’s a really interesting way of getting the youger generation into classic literature. I want to read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ now,” sophomore Laura Katz said. If you are interested in viewing it for yourself, check it out at www.youtube.com/ user/LizzieBennet.

BBC

the persona of Lizzie Bennet in the

Mosquitoes pose dangerous threats Although they do not carry diseases like the West Nile virus, their bite is very painful and the female Gallinippers can bite through clothes. They As summer approaches, feed on blood both day and it may not be the “summer of night and the pain has a lifetime.” South been described as being Florida residents stabbed. may have to deal The best you can with a species of do to prevent these large mosquitoes mosquitoes from called Psorophora biting you is to wear ciliate, also known as long sleeve shirts and Gallinippers. pants or wear an insect These mosquitoes repellent. can grow up to 20 On a better note, times the average Gallinippers do eat the mosquito. Wet, larvae of their smaller flooded environments, cousins along with typical of the weather GROWINGPRODUCE tadpoles, so the found in South population will be Florida, is where these GALINIPPERS: This abnormally large mosquito, shown above, is 20 times bigger than the average mosquito found contained. mosquitoes live. Their eggs are laid in potential flooding areas where they can remain for years until they are soaked with heavy rains, after which they will hatch.

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INSECTS

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Science & Health Page 15

The Lightning Strike • April 2013 VALUES

Students should put health above grades IN MY OPINION

abigail duffy micaha

photo & copy editor

Staying up into the wee hours of the morning with a cup of coffee in hand and textbooks, notes and flashcards splayed across your bed sounds like a good idea, especially when it earns you an “A” on your exam in the morning. But when you start sneezing, a fever creeps over you and you cannot keep your eyes open in class, was jeopardizing your health for the grade worth it? I studied for my first AP exams last spring, sacrificing food, relaxation and sleep in order to do my best on the grueling tests. Studying an excess of five hours every day cut into my sleep

schedule and my immune system health’s expense. According to a Harvard Students with AP schedules Medical School study, memory suffered the consequences. From April to May, my health declined, are frequently sick because their consolidation, a process in but I pushed through for the sake immune systems break down from which a memory becomes the onslaught of stress brought on stable, happens when you sleep. of my exams. Consequently, I fell ill with by sleep deprivation . Missing one During consolidation, the brain mononucleosis because I practices and solidifies neglected my health for what you have just Instead of cramming the night read on World War II or nearly a month. Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr before an exam, students should how to do the calculus virus which spreads through prioritize their time and get problems you have just contact with the saliva of an organized. tackled. EBV carrier. Mono does not My peers remark always elicit illness, but my that during the school weakened immune system made night of sleep does not batter the year, they never feel totally me vulnerable to the characteristic body, but the students’ sleepless healthy. They suffer from high fever, severe sore throat, cycles do serious damage. chronic coughs and headaches, Staying up all night reading congestion and lethargy. One weakness and fatigue. Mono’s punishing blows and memorizing material for an even experienced the worst caused a week-long absence from exam is not an effective habit asthma attack of her life due to to adopt because the brain is stress and minimal sleep. school and a dive in my grades. Experiencing mono as a bi- more likely to retain learned In order to be healthy product of my relentless studying information while you sleep, adults, students need a strong made it clear that my success in as the brain processes and foundation now. It may not be school is essential, but not at my rehearses what it has received. possible to sleep the necessary

“

nine hours that teenagers need nightly, but students should certainly squeeze in more than two. Instead of cramming the night before an exam, students should prioritize their time and get organized. Students do not have to allow their bodies to fall victim to the sleepless nights that result from their procrastination. Grades will only matter for so long, but health is permanent. While grades and college are priorities now, my body will stay with me far beyond high school and I must treat it as something that will carry on with me through majoring in psychology and growing old with my loved ones. I do not want my cause of death to be, “Exhaustion due to overzealous studying.”

ACHIEVEMENTS

Montero earns national Beyond the lunch line: recognition an inside look at the cafeteria Alec Eidelestein business manager A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, a master’s degree in industrial engineering, experience as a professional golfer and nine years of teaching honors/AP chemistry are only a small part of science teacher, Carlos Montero’s accomplishments. In 2008, Montero was named Miami-Dade Public Schools Science teacher of the year and also received National Board Certiﬁcation in Science. Last year, senior Mark Vernick was accepted to the University of Chicago and was asked to write about a teacher that inﬂuenced him the most throughout high school. He chose Montero. Top-notch universities, such as U Chicago honor these teachers by sending them an award and letter. He has also received similar recognition from MIT and Stanford. The University of Chicago contacted Montero and asked more about him and his method of teaching. He was then showcased on their website and he was chosen as one of the winners of the award, which is called the Outstanding Educators Award. “Mr. Montero is a consummate educator.

His zeal for chemistry is infectious, and is, in large part, the cause for my own interest in the sciences,” said Vernick. “Mr. Montero has been my teacher, my mentor and my friend.” This year, Montero applied for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), which is one of the highest honors for a math/science teacher. Finalists for the award are recognized by the President and are invited to Washington D.C. as well as a granted $10,000 from the National Science Foundation. Each person will also be background checked by the FBI. “Who knows if I will win, but it sure would be nice,” said Montero. “No teacher from our school has ever won this award.”

JAVIER STORCH

Complied by Alexis Frankel

Sports

The Lightning Strike • April 2013

Page 17

VICTORY

Girls’ tennis team captures eighth GMAC title

FOXMAR PHOTOGRAPHY

POSE: The girls’ tennis team, along with their coach Michelle Kypriss, are all smiles as they pose for a team picture prior to a tennis match.

Courtney Goodstein co-sports editor Since our school’s opening in 1998, the girls’tennis team has won eight GMAC championships and is competing in the state tournament for the 13th consecutive year. As the only senior on the 2012-2013 tennis team, Cassie Pough’s goal was to help her younger teammates reach their full potential both on and off the court. She wanted to teach them

the importance of being on the court but also in the classroom. “I wanted the younger players to feel what it’s like to win a GMAC title and hopefully be part of an undefeated team like I have,” Pough said. “This season I’ve been more of a leader and it’s put more pressure on me, but I’ve enjoyed it.” The girls captured their eighth consecutive title by defeating Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High by a score of 5-0. With the victory, Pough

completed a career sweep in the GMAC tournament and will compete in the school’s 13th consecutive state tournament with her team. “It’s an amazing feeling to be on a winning team and we are like a family,” sophomore Sophia Sultan said. “I think we are as successful as we are because we have such great support from our teammates and coaches, which allows us to execute our game plans.” Although she is graduating, Pough has been

a mentor to her teammates. “Cassie has taught me to be a more dedicated player,” Sultan said. “She also is always there to motivate us and can always make us laugh.” For example, junior Jamie Odzer says watching Pough teach the tall girls on the team how to twerk is just one thing Pough does to make the team laugh and keep them in good spirits. All ﬁve starters on this year’s team are ranked either statewide or nationally and four of the girls are returning next season. The girls include Danna Gandelman, Naiya Oden, Naomi Maehama and Sultan. The girls competed in the State tournament and placed ﬁfth.

FOXMAR PHOTOGRAPHY

FOCUS: Junior Alex Knight waits to receive a ball during a match. work because you don’t have all the time everybody else does. You have to push through it no matter how late the night gets,” Knight said. “When my friends call on the weekends, I would deﬁnitely rather hang out than study but sometimes you have to catch up and that’s what it takes.” The long hours of practice are a detriment to Knight’s studies, especially when he attends out-of-state tournaments. However, when stuck inside studying for hours, hitting in a stress free environment helps.

Girls’ tennis teammate, junior Danna Gandelman, knows how determined Knight is. “He’s super motivated, so talented and works hard,” Gandelman said. “He’s a great teammate.” Knight says that he will continue to play tennis through college, hoping to improve and become a professional. He is looking for a school that has a good balance between academics and athletics. “I want to go to college with a good tennis program and develop my skills there as

“She steps up to any challenge and she never complains.” -Coach Latessa

Water Polo: Jade Lubie “She is one of the best sets in Dade county.” -Coach Gordon

Won eight GMAC titles and four state titles. Competed in the State Championship 13 times with our school being open for 15 years. Senior Cassie Pough has won two State Championships.

Alexander the Great conquers the state

Alex Knight steps onto the court and serves the ball from the baseline, aggressively launching it at his opponent. He chases short balls down to the net and makes his opponent run, returning the ball with elegant power. Knight began playing tennis at the age of eight and worked his way to the top. He also skipped a grade, making him one of the youngest juniors at Krop. “Skipping a grade was a horrible tennis decision because I’m being recruited as junior instead of sophomore with my age group so I have to keep up,” Knight said. He is ranked first in the state and in the top 20 in the nation for tennis in the 16-and-under category. He trains both in and out of school. He spends hours on the court, on the track and at the gym. “You have to practice hard, work on your game and get into mad shape,” Knight said. “I have to put myself in the best position to win by watching what I eat and taking in [nutritious] food. I just need to be healthy.” Knight aces it on the court and in class, but his dedication to tennis makes keeping up with his four AP classes difficult. “I get home late, around seven every night. You need to find motivation to keep up with school

Softball: Yuria Kusatake

Girls’ Tennis through the years

PROFILE

Brittany Chandani staff writer

Athletes of the Month

well as get a good education,” Knight said. “I’m looking for the balance that includes fun, a coach to bring me to the pro level and a team that’s dedicated. From UCLA to Northwestern, I’m sure when I visit them I’ll figure out which is best for me.” On the court, Knight does not let his feelings get in the way; he keeps a clear mind. He says that you never know what to expect from an opponent, whether it will be a quick match or a four-hour grind match. “I always try to keep myself in a zone because if I’m distracted, my tennis game decreases,” Knight said. “You need to focus on what you have to do because the main part of tennis is mental, not physical.” In order to fulfill his passion, Knight has to make sacrifices. “Going to school is a major sacrifice. Most tennis players are home-schooled because they play [almost] eight hours a day,” Knight said. “It’s a sacrifice I have to make, but I think that every athlete, across all sports, has to make sacrifices.” Knight is an extraordinary athlete and student who does it all. This is possible because he truly enjoys what he does. Knight defeated the previous state champion 6-2, 6-3, to take first place at States.

Track & Field: Spencer Tate “He won a key event that helped us win Districts.” -Coach Lebrun

Tennis: Alex Knight “ He is number one in the State and just won a state title.” -Coach Kypriss

Baseball: Jake Norman “He has carried us both on the mound and at the plate.”

-Coach Sullivan

Badminton: Kim Foreiter “She performs

inthe classroom just as well as on the court.” -Coach Butler

All photos taken by Abigail Duffy

Sports Page 18

The Lightning Strike • April2008 2013 The Lightning Strike • September

INTERNATIONAL SPORTS

Agustin Cygiel makes U.S. team

Dean Kaire co-sports editor “Hard work pays off” is an expression that junior Agustin Cygiel knows all about. After playing soccer for the majority of his life, Cygiel decided to test his talents by trying out for the U.S. National Team in the upcoming Maccabi Games. The Maccabi Games, which are a yearly event, are going to be held in Israel this summer. The games are the third largest event in the world after the Olympics and the World Cup. More than 9,000 athletes from around the world participate in sports ranging from badminton to rugby. This past January, Cygiel flew to Phildaelphia to compete with some of the nation’s best players for a spot on the national team. “It felt incredible,” Cygiel said. “After competing with some of the best talent in the country, making the team was really an incredible feeling.” Cygiel’s division is Youth Men, which includes 11 other countries scattered around the

COURTESY OF AGUSTIN CYGIEL

JUKE MOVE: Junior Agustin Cygiel displays his agility as he jukes out his defender in a local tournament. Cygiel’s team placed first in their tournament.

world with teams from Asia, Europe, Australia, South America and Africa. “The level of talent that will be there is just crazy when you think about it,” Cygiel said. “In the soccer division alone you have some of the best teenagers

in the world all competing on one big stage. This has been my dream for as long as I can remember.” Once the player makes the cut, they are required to host a fundraiser as part of their commitment to their team. The money goes toward expenses for

the trip, including the plane ride, hotel costs and more. Known as a “Yachad Goal,” Cygiel hosted his fundraiser at the Jewish Community Center where he ran a tennis tournament. “It’s really going to be the experience of a lifetime,” Cygiel

said. The team will begin training as a unit several weeks before the tournament. The date for the 19th annual Maccabi Games is set for July 17 and Cygiel hopes to use his skills to do what he usually does: make his sport look like an art form.

REVIEW

TRANSITION

From player to coach 42 : the story of an American hero Courtney Goodstein co-sports editor After learning his baseball career was over at the age of 20, Kyle Baumholtz is now the new assistant coach of the baseball team. Baumholtz was diagnosed with osteoarthritis, a severe joint disease, in his right knee in September 2011 while playing Division 1 baseball at Florida Gulf Coast University. “I was informed by the team doctors at Gulf Coast that playing was no longer an option,” Baumholtz said. “Without any thinking, I knew that coaching was the next best thing that I could do.” Head coach Jason Sullivan decided in the off season that due to a lack of an assistant coach, he needed to hire someone before the start of the 2012-2013 school year. According to Sullivan, Baumholtz knows and can teach every aspect of baseball and is a young and energetic guy who has the passion to coach. This is Baumholtz’s first year of coaching, but he has been playing baseball since he was three years old. He played throughout high school and earned an athletic scholarship for baseball to Florida Gulf Coast University. He also received offers from the University of Ohio and West Virginia. “I was always an ‘A’ student

in school,” Baumholtz said. “The term ‘student-athlete’ speaks for itself. Student comes first.” Although this is his first year of coaching, Baumholtz feels very confident in his position and what the team can achieve. “This is definitely going to be a great experience,” Baumholtz said. “We have a special group of guys this year and feel that we can go very far if we stay focused and work as hard as we can.” Baumholtz said his coaching style is disciplined and compliments head coach Jason Sullivan who, according to players, is very “in your face and to the point.” “Coach Sullivan and I see eye-to-eye on pretty much everything and the work ethic that he has instilled in the players is incredible and have put them in a position to be a successful team,” Baumholtz said. Baumholtz graduated high school in 2010 and says that due to his age, he can relate to his players because he was in their position. He says he knows the mindset that they have from experience and believes that his experience will only make them a stronger team. The team went 6-16 last season, but with the addition of Coach Baumholtz, the team is hoping to reclaim the top spot in the District 13-8A, an accomplishment that has not been achieved since 2007. The team’s current record is 9-11.

Alec Eidelstein business manager 42, starring Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford, is a sports drama that tells the story about Jackie Robinson, the first African American to break the baseball color barrier and beat all the discriminations he faced while trying to send a message. The movie starts off in 1946 when the Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey goes out on a limb and signs Jackie Robinson thinking he will make history. Robinson, who was court-martialed by the military after refusing to sit in the back of a bus, promises Rickey to keep calm no matter what insult or hatred comes his way. The movie hit a home run in their opening as they earned $23.7 million, the highest opening for a baseball movie. It came out with perfect timing on April 12, three days before Jackie Robinson Day and almost two weeks after baseball’s opening day. Despite his outstanding performance in both Minor and Major league play, Robinson was not allowed to stay in the same hotel or fly on the same plane as his teammates. Kudos to Harrison Ford, in his portrayal of Brooklyn

BLACKPAST.ORG

SAFE: Jackie Robinson slides into homeplate after a bad pitch by the opposing team’s pitcher. Robinson was the first player in history to steal home plate.

Dodgers GM Branch Rickey, a business man that wants to fill up seats at the stadium. Ford wore a fat suit and prosthetic makeup in order to get into his character. “The voice characterization, the way he spoke, the way he moved was very different to what people expect to see when they’re

looking at me,” Ford said in an interview about his character. Robinson’s teammates finally realize that they can accept him and events will change the way people view the game of baseball. Both Rickey and Robinson’s message shows that the color of your skin does not change the way you are viewed in baseball.

Bulletin Board Page 19

The Lightning Strike • April 2013

MONTHLY COMICS

MONTHLY SUDOKU

MICHAEL BEHFAR

Through the Lens Page 20

The Lightning Strike • April 2013

Best Buddies is selling bracelets to raise money for Best Buddies International to help fund chapters in schools that can not afford them.

Lucia Pierson captures Day of Silence volunteers on April 19. Students attempt to raise awareness regarding the discrimination faced by LGBTQ youth.

Girls’ track and ﬁeld won runnerup in the 2013 District Championships.

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