September Issue

LightningStrike Taking Miami-Dade by Storm

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

September 26, 2013 • Issue 1 • Volume 16

EXTRACURRICULARS

New clubs established at Krop Dina Bendayan staff writer

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ABIGAIL DUFFY

Out with the Old, In with the New: Common Core to replace Sunshine State Standards and FCAT

Arie Hariton news editor Fourty-five states and the District of Columbia have collectively developed education state standards which they will adopt over the next few years called the Common Core State Standards. The standards are completely voluntary and meant to raise nationwide standards and help enable comparison.

Common Core standards are also meant to reduce the size of English and math curriculum to enhance the depth in which it is covered. The English curriculum will focus more heavily on non-fiction, looking for career readiness. A shorter curriculum will allow teachers to cover material in depth. The standards will not mandate specific class literature, extending the choice of curriculum to individual teachers.

Students will be expected to draw inferences, analyze tone, and determine author’s purpose.

In writing, students are expected to incorporate well-known American historical documents, like the Constitution or Lincoln’s Gettysburg address as a part of argumentative writing.

In math, questions will focus teacher Mark Butler. on integrating distinct topics “Setting nationwide and working toward real-life standards is great. Our students applications. These topics include are competing internationally algebra, geometry, functions, and grading is always done statistics and probability and relatively,” said Butler. “Students number systems. Common Core have to compete with everyone. looks to “apply mathematical This is the way to compare apples ways of thinking to real world to apples.” issues and challenges.” The Testing, however, is a new standards expect to “link concern among teachers and classroom mathematics and administration. statistics to everyday life, work “Assessment is the variable. and decision-making,” according The test aligned with Common to the Common Core Standards Core is the PARCC (Partnership website. for Assessment of Readiness for Principal Dawn Baglos College and Careers) and we do recognizes some familiarity in the not know whether we will use new standards. that one,” Baglos said.

“Common Core will initially English teacher Audrey be challenging because it is Silverman questions the rapid slightly different in some ways. shift to higher standards.

Reading standards are like “When the Common Core they have been in past years: is introduced as a gamut of benchmarks like knowing the more rigorous and elevated author’s purpose,” said Principal requirements, I have to ask myself: Dawn Baglos. “It’s going to raise how many kids who already the standards for all students. have tremendous difficulties Common Core raises complexity with the requirements for testing by roughly one and a half grade as they are now will fail and be levels.” relegated to even more torturous The prospect of nationwide remediation?” Silverman said. standards which will provide ► see “QUIZ” on page a baseline to compare students page 2 for PARCC nationwide appeals to math

sample questions

Another look at the ‘other side’ of Miley Page 5

Back to school is always a shock. With summer reading tests looming and waking up early, it is hard for students to get through the dreaded 180 days. But better days are ahead with the addition of new clubs.

The process of creating a club is far from easy. Students must fill out a request form that must be approved by Activities Director Michelle Russell as well as Principal Dawn Baglos. Students must also state the purpose of the club, why it is needed, what the service project will be, provide a constitution or bylaws and find a sponsor.

Not all clubs are accepted.

The club must have a unique purpose but if a club idea is pitched and is similar to another one, Russell strongly urges the established club to create a branch that includes the interests of both clubs. A budget cannot be set aside for a club that will benefit only a small portion of the student population.

With roughly 41 clubs, Russell considers Krop to have one of the largest activities programs in all Dade County. She believes so because Baglos makes it a

priority to set aside budgets for clubs.

On Friday Sep. 13, lunch buzzed with the excitement of the club fair, which gave the clubs an opportunity to display their purpose and recruit new and old members.

One of the new clubs this year is the Red Cross Club, sponsored by Spanish teacher, Jorge Ortega. It hopes to raise money for the American Red Cross and teaches survival skills, which include lifeguard certification, learning to perform CPR, knowing what to do in case of natural disasters and becoming a trained instructor who can then teach others.

Red Cross Vice President Johana Wiznitzer says that the club prepares teens for emergency and natural disasters.

Another new club is BioMedical Exploration Club, sponsored by biology teacher, Lolitha Otero. Club president Rebeca Apel says that because of her passion for biology, she hopes to create a club that will assist all types students interested in the subject.

“Students that participate

► see “CLUBS” on page page 3

ABIGAIL DUFFY

PERFECT FCAT: Principal Dawn Baglos congratulates (left to right) freshman Angel Wallace and juniors Laura Katz and Charity Waweru, who hold certificates which include personalized letters from Governor Rick Scott congratulating them on perfect scores on the FCAT 2.0 Reading.

50 years later, More Inside:

Where are we now?

Pages 10-11

• Guide to upcoming concerts - page 7 • How anxiety affects dreams - page 15 • Mr. Ball goes to Washington - page 17

News KROP’S

Krop’s Advance Placement Exam pass rate of 75 percent exceeded the district pass rate of (45.2 percent), as well as that of the state (45.8 percent), southern region (51.1 percent), national , and global (59.0 percent) pass rates.

Sandra Tyler-Mills National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist/ National Achievement Scholar Jamie Odzer National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist Ross Piper National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist Daniel Egozi National Hispanic Recognition Scholar Arie Hariton National Hispanic Recognition Scholar Compiled by Arie Hariton

The Lightning • September 2013 The Lightning Strike •Strike September 2008 IN-SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT

Lights, Camera, Action!: TV production program restarted

Elias Rosenfeld staff writer WLTN Lightning News was discontinued in 2009 because the former video teacher left for John A Ferguson High School.

Four years later, sponsor Ray Thompson volunteered to be the new sponsor of WLTN. Thompson sponsored a TV production program at his previous middle school and is familiar with running such program. There are currently 25 members and Thompson welcomes more students to join.

Thompson says that the morning television news builds communication and speaking skills, while delivering news to the student body. He believes the television program will help students pursue careers related to speaking, such as news anchoring and sports broadcasting.

The program also builds a sense of school spirit.

“When students see each other or themselves on TV, they get more excited and involved,” Thompson said.

WLTN is based in room 2200R in the library, which was previously used for storage.

Thompson personally removed boxes from the room, which before being used for storage was the old TV production room.

When Krop was built, they included a recording studio and a control room to give students the morning

10th

With the 2013-2014 school year in full force, Assistant Principal Francisco Garnica is nowhere to be found.

Garnica is serving as principal at American Senior High School until December.

As a part of the Florida Turnaround Leaders Program, his internship is a springboard to becoming a full principal.

During his time at American, Garnica will take necessary steps required to assume his own school. One of the biggest changes Garnica has felt as being a principal is making decisions that impact not only the school but the

English

Algebra 1

TV PRODUCTION: (top) Junior Victoria Castillo and senior Atima Adams report the newscast, which airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. (bottom) Senior Imani Jennings (left) writes down notes for the broadcast.

announcements.

A TV production class was also offered. However, in 2009, the program was no longer available to students.

Now with the production team back in action, they have planned several projects.

WLTN will interview new teachers at Krop, produce skits on the rules of school and showcase the sports teams and clubs.

Besides newscasts and feature specials, WLTN will make it easier to see schoolsponsored events, like pep rallies and sports games, by live-broadcasting them to students.

You can catch the morning newscasts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you are interested in joining, visit Thompson’s office in RM 2200C located in the library.

Where in the world is Garnica? entire community.

“The internship is going well; I am learning a lot,” Garnica said. “I’ve realized that looking at circumstances from the principal’s position is not the same as doing it from the assistant principal’s perspective.”

With the absence of Garnica, Dr. Beatriz Jorva has joined the administrative staff.

“With the loss of Mr. Garnica, the opportunity for other principals opens up,” Principal Dawn Baglos said.

“Strong personalities are one of a kind, but our school will continue to inspire greatness.”

Dr. Jorva, previously an administrative assistant at G.

Grade

“Proud of his success, the foolish Icarus forsook his guide, and, bold in vanity, began to soar” 1. What does the word vanity mean in these lines from the text?

A. arrogance B. fear C. heroism D. enthusiasm 2. Which word fro the lines of text best helps the reader understand the meaning of vanity.

A. proud B. fear C. heroism D. enthusiasm

ADMINISTRATION

Clarissa Buch managing editor

The PARCC Assessment is one of two Common Core aligned tests being developed. It is expected to replace the FCAT in Florida. See

below for sample questions.

Holmes Braddock Senior High, is involved with the same program as Garnica, aspiring to be an assistant principal. She feels very fortunate that Krop was chosen to be her school for the internship.

“I love this school,” Jorva said.

“The students are well-behaved, and the teachers are always teaching.”

Once Jorva’s ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Dr. Beatriz Jorva time up, Garnica is communicates with her coworkers. She was an expected to return administrative assistant at G. Holmes Braddock sometime before the High School and is currently serving her internship winter break recess. as an Assistant Principal at Krop.

Myla’s swimming pool contains 16,000 gallons of water when it is full. On Thursday, her pool was only partially full. On Friday, Myla decided to fill her pool completely using a hose that flowed at a rate of 10 gallons per minute. It took her 5 hours to completely fill her pool.

Part A Before Myla started filling the pool there were _______ gallons of water in the pool.

The rate at which water is being added to the pool is ______ gallons per hour.

Part B Graph a linear function that represents the amount of water in the pool with respect to time.

Answers: English 1. a 2. a Math 1. 13,000 , 600

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The Lightning Strike • September 2013 2012

ACADEMICS

Feilich and Otero to team up on Biology Stephania Salaverria staff writer Blame it on the luck of the draw. When comparing schedules, biology teachers Gary Feilich and Lolitha Otero noticed they were both teaching the only two AP classes during the same period. Then light bulbs went and both teachers decided to use the situation to their advantage.

The convenience of classrooms only a hallway away plus teaching the same class at the same time allows the teachers to team up to teach according to each other’s strengths.

Being an intense class, this will benefit students.

“Students will get a fuller experience, if anything,” Feilich said.

The teachers plan to switch on lab days. Both classes will

fit into one classroom and will be divided into either the lab or lecture. The teacher who feels the topic is more to his or her strong suit will take over the lecture while the other will oversee the labs. The students will then switch and the teachers will stay in place.

“I think it’ll be more beneficial hearing different topics through different teaching methods,” sophomore Yuria Kusatake said.

Both teachers are known for different teaching styles.

This new idea will allow students to benefit from both their strengths. Otero will share her knowledge of the immune system and evolution while Feilich will teach bio chemistry and the chai square.

“It’ll be good to hear lectures from different teachers,” junior Vanessa Wu said. “It’ll keep things from getting old.”

FOOD

Bagel price increase not arbitrary Daniella Michanie business editor

To buy a bagel or to not buy a bagel…that is the dilemma most students face during their first period class. However, Manny Quiroga who sponsors the Best Buddies group is dealing with a crisis of his own.

When the bagels returned a month into the school year, students were disappointed. Not only did the bagels shrink in size, but 50 cents were added to the total price. This leaves students with emptier stomachs and emptier pockets.

But the price increase is not arbitrary. “We purchase bagels from the ‘a la carte’ program in the cafeteria.” Quiroga said. “The bagels cost about 50 cents each, so last year we were barely making a profit.”

Additionally, the district

► “CLUBS” from

front page

in this club will engage in tutoring, community service projects, dissection, beach clean ups and field trips,” Apel said.

Following Creative Writing teacher, Marcelo Dulanto’s absence last year, Creative Writing club members were lacking open-mic night. Special Education teacher, Manuel Quiroga, stepped up to the plate.

required Quiroga to keep the bagels under 1 ounce.

Not only are the bagels convenient for students who would rather sleep in than have breakfast, but Best Buddies generates revenue to fund their activities.

“The revenue from the bagel sales goes to events that Best Buddies organizes,” Quiroga said. “With the money we raise, we are able to fund a Best Buddies Prom for the students who typically would not be able to attend a regular prom, and we pay for an overnight trip to Disney at the end of the year.”

A trip to Einstein’s Bagels will reveal the cost of a bagel with cream cheese to be $2.50 not including tax. At Bagel Cove in Aventura, a bagel with cream cheese costs $3.39 without tax. Something to keep in mind the next time you hand your $1.50 to Quiroga with a heavy heart.

Art, Music, Poetry Club (AMP) is a new club that allows students that aren’t in the Magnet Program to artistically express themselves. Quiroga says that there are so many more ways that students can express themselves other than Creative Writing.

“This club serves as an outlet for students,” Quiroga said.

At their first meeting, 47 students showed up and the club is having their first open-mic night on October 10th.

Press from the SGA Prez I hope this school year has gotten off to a smooth start for everyone so far! Each year, Student Government Association is tasked with promoting spirit and involvement in school activities. This year will be no exception. Our executive board has been and will continue to plan activities that will enrich the MKHS experience, but we want to hear from you.

Each month, SGA officers will have a table during lunch to address your questions and concerns.

Every second and fourth Monday, SGA meets in the auditorium where we plan events and receive your input. Whether or not SGA is the club for you, we still want to hear your ideas and encourage your participation in any student activity. I encourage all students to get involved and help SGA shape and build upon what will be an outstanding school year!

Editorial Page 4

The Lightning • September2008 2013 The Lightning Strike •Strike September

DIVERSITY

PeaceJam encourages diversity appreciation IN MY OPINION dan sicorsky micaha

opinion editor

During October and February, our school’s chapter of the PeaceJam Foundation will begin activities to help eliminate boundaries of racism and hate while promoting the diversity that walks our hallways.

PeaceJam Foundation is an international organization that focuses on youth becoming peacemakers.

During October’s Mix-it-up

Day, interested students will be seated at culturally diverse tables where they will hopefully learn more about their peer’s traditions.

By participating in this activity, a Nicaraguan student might discover that an Israeli student with cardboard-like pieces of bread is actually eating matzo, a typical food from the Jewish festivity of Passover.

Along with promoting cultural diversity in our school, PeaceJam aims to eliminate boundaries of racial hate.

Regardless of our racial background, most of us haven’t gone a long time without having been called a negative name, whether it be “n-word,” or other

THE LIGHTNING STRIKE An NSPA All-American publication Winner of George H. Gallup Award Follow us on Twitter @kropstrike Like us on Facebook

JAVIER STORCH, Editor-in-Chief CLARISSA BUCH, Managing Editor

ARIE HARITON News Editor DAN SICORSKY Opinion Editor ALEC EIDELSTEIN Sports Editor DANIELLE MACKSON Entertainment Editor MICHAEL BEHFAR Spread Editor LINA ZULUAGA Feature Editor MADELINE GARFINKLE Lifestyle Editor

BLAKE MARS Design Editor MACKENZIE DUFFY CHRISTINA CARUCCI Copy Editors ABIGAIL DUFFY Photo Editor DANIELA MICHANIE Business Manager MARYKAY SULLIVAN Adviser SUN COAST PRINTER Printer

staff writers NICHOLAS ALEMAN, DINA BENDAYAN, MAYAN DERHY, TALYA GEBARA, JUAN LOZANO, ELIAS ROSENFELD, STEPHANIA SALAVERRIA, DYLAN STEELE, AD POLICY The Lightning Strike solicits advertising but reserves the right to reject any material deemed libelous, disruptive, obscene or otherwise inappropriate.

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.

racial slurs. These words are constantly f loating around us, unnoticed to all except the subjects of the remarks.

Not only does the usage of such slurs pollute our school and students, but it contributes to the low self-esteem that many of our students feel.

To eliminate this issue, in February, a metaphorical “brick wall” made out of cardboard representing these derogatory terms will be constructed, with the goal of putting all these self-esteem-destroying words in front of us, literally. Later, this wall will be symbolically destroyed by a unified student body that has understood the damaging potential of these words.

With the onset of these PeaceJam projects, students will hopefully realize

that the time has come to break free from the bubble that has so long restricted them from engaging with others.

The problem in being part of this culturally uniform bubble is that there is not much we can learn from hanging around others that share so much with us.

Those lucky enough to travel look to advance their knowledge of the world and its people. However, the culture in our school, which is far more accessible than that of a remote Italian village, is quietly standing by with no one to appreciate it.

I urge you to join the PeaceJam movement, and prepare to benefit from the opportunities afforded. It is about time we appreciate the global village that our school actually is.

LETTERS

Give us AC that actually cools

Lately, most of us have been forced to deal with our air conditioning system’s problems.

Every day as I walk into my English class, I dread having to sit in there for an hour, or on block days two hours, in the bothersome heat. Many days I find myself having a hard time concentrating because I am too busy focusing on the temperature of the room or watching those around me fold papers into fans to cool themselves off. Not only have we had to deal with the temperature outside being hot and humid, but now we have to deal with the same problem in our classrooms.

I simply do not understand how hard it can be to have an AC system that actually works properly in this school. There is no reason for students to be sweating and losing focus in class. This problem needs to be fixed now.

Yina Cabrera Grade 12

Stop complaining about bagels The new school year has been greeted with a small rise in the price of the famous Krop bagels.

The increase in price from one dollar to one dollar and fifty cents for a bagel and cream cheese has been greeted with mass outrage by the student population. However, this onslaught is totally uncalled for, considering this is a minimal

price difference and the revenue made is going toward a great club.

Coming into school only to hear the usual love for bagels having turned into contempt for their price is ridiculous, and frankly bothersome. Those complaining may be doing so because they find it quaint, possibly humorous. But what they don’t consider is what they are actually complaining about.

While the bagels currently sell for more than they did last year, they cost considerably less than what you can expect to pay for a bagel and cream cheese elsewhere, where this will cost you upwards of two dollars at the very least. Furthermore, it can be safely assumed that the students still enjoy the bagels as much as they did last year, so arguing about their price is unnecessary: students are getting the quality they love for a price lower than most. If the price is truly such a hindrance, the government subsidizes you a free breakfast every morning instead.

The purchase of bagels also benefits Best Buddies, one of the prominent organizations at Krop.

By increasing the prices of the bagels, the club’s profits increase dramatically, thus promoting the flourishing of the group. This allows member costs to stay low, while the club continues to run wonderful activities for its members routinely.

So if you have been denouncing the bagels recently, take a reality check and stop being blasphemous. Buy Krop bagels. Promote an amazing organization.

Daniel Guberek Grade 11

STAFF EDITORIAL

Administration deserves praise for great start During a board meeting this month, we sat down to discuss an issue for the staff editorial ref lecting the opinion of the paper. After a 30 minute discussion, less than five topics were suggested and not a single one was unanimously considered a major issue.

As a school newspaper, it is our duty to be the watchdog of the school. When we see something wrong, we bring attention to it in order to bring change. But there is a time for criticism and a time for praise.

With that said, we would like to commend the administration for a smooth opening. The fact that the increase in bagel prices was one of the suggested topics perfectly illustrates the tone of this year.

“

It’s about exellence this year.

-Principal Dawn Baglos

Compared to past years, this school year has seen a great start: an overwhelming compliance with school uniforms, a resolution of the fines and penalties from the High School Athletic Association, a new and improved school website and the start of televised announcements.

Like with every school, there are minor issues but the administration’s efforts to run a smooth school year are worthy of recognition.

“It’s about excellence this year,” Principal Dawn Baglos said in a press conference with our staff, describing the start of the year and what we hope will be the rest of this school year.

“What’s wrong with the school this year?”

MICHAEL BEHFAR

Opinion Page 5

The Lightning Strike • September 2013 MEDIA

This twerk is not going to work...

IN MY OPINION

dylan steele micaha

staff writer

I, like most people, was personally appalled by Miley Cyrus’ performance at the Video Music Awards. Over the last few weeks I have been unable to comprehend what gave the 20 year-old pop star the idea that it was okay to act in such a lewd way on national television, especially at an event made to celebrate music videos, a part of modern society that has become known for only the utmost class, taste and respect for women.

Miley Cyrus should know that for the remainder of her life she will be expected to carry

herself just as she did in the first episode of her Disney Channel show “Hannah Montana” - as if she were 13 years old. How dare she think that as she grows up and writes songs aimed at an older demographic that she can sexualize her body to sell records? We all know that’s not how the music industry works in 2013.

But what really made me angry was how she performed such undignified actions on fellow musical artist Robin Thicke, a man whose entire reputation has been built upon the image of a good, down to earth, family man. How is it possible that Miley did not pay respect to the fact that Robin Thicke is married man with a son? It is beyond reason to expect the married man to object to such

details in the performance; we, in modern society, all know that any man, regardless of his vows, would not only be permitted but expected to partake in such a feast when put before him.

Ridiculously, some have gone as far as saying Robin Thicke is really the person society should be angry at. It may be true that he is a 36 year-old married man with a son, grinding on a girl with whom it is barely legal for him to do such an action with.

But to that I respond, nonsense!

Sure, Robin Thicke’s #1 song Blurred Lines features several topless women in the music video, but for anyone to say that the objectification of women is wrong, or to imply that Robin Thicke is a misogynist, is just illogical. Anyone who has heard “Blurred Lines”- a song about

how consent is so unclear that one should just disregard when a woman in a relationship says “no” to sexual advances- knows how Robin Thicke has distanced himself from being a sexist.

It may be true that the music industry objectifies women for profit and uses their bodies and sexuality to sell records, but that’s fine. We all know that the women in music videos and on album covers, sometimes nearly, and at times completely naked, are nothing more than objects as far as we should be concerned.

However, Miley Cyrus is different. We watched this girl grow up, and much to our misfortune and dismay, we see her as an actual person. That’s why it upsets us so much when we see her openly sexualize herself, it makes us uncomfortable.

SENIOR REFLECTION

Which year of high school was the best?

IN MY OPINION danielle mackson micaha

entertainment editor

Sophomore year is the best year of high school. You’re not the new kid in town, you’re not the stressed out overworked junior and you’re not the collegeapplying senior. You’re right in the middle, which is exactly what makes 10th grade so enjoyable.

Freshman year was a year of adjustment. As a ninth grader, Krop was an entirely new environment, with thousands of students I didn’t know, gigantic buildings I had to navigate and new teachers I knew nothing about.

Junior year was also difficult because it’s the busiest year of high school. With SAT preparation, difficult AP classes, and extracurricular activities, I was forced to sacrifice some of my social life and free time, and instead, focus on building up my college resume.

Sophomore year, on the other hand, was the perfect mix. I had adjusted to the routines of Krop, established my group of friends, met many teachers and felt completely comfortable. I formed bonds with several teachers and administrators, and I played a stronger role in my extracurricular activities.

Holding the position of Vice President of the class of 2014 was a rewarding part of my year.

I love being involved in class activities, and being able to hold a leadership position added to my love of sophomore year.

Obtaining my driver’s license during 10th grade was an added bonus as it gave me greater freedom. I no longer had to rely on others to drive me to or from school or to social events. I could stay after school for activities without scavenging for a ride home. For the first time, I was on my own schedule and could do as I pleased.

Without the worry of SATs, I could focus on my classes and make good grades, while still having plenty of time for a social life. I had many junior and senior friends I enjoyed spending time with, who were available to help me with schoolwork or give advice on teachers if I needed it.

Having Dr. Trafton was a bonus to my year, as well.

Although chemistry has probably been one of the most challenging classes for me in high school so far, I learned more than I ever thought I would. The great student-teacher relationship we created and still maintain will be one that will remain with me forever.

With extra time on my hands during sophomore year, I enrolled in dance classes, my favorite hobby. I have danced since I was a child, and was thrilled to be able to start again in 10th grade.

Sophomore year was by far my favorite time in high school.

But so far, senior year is running a close second.

IN MY OPINION abigail duffy micaha

photo editor

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

Our four years of high school are characterized by the series of successes and failures that we experience.

Being a typical high school student in this respect, I have experienced my fair share of triumphs, as well as moments I wish I could take back.

While my nearly four years have been positive, my junior year stands head and shoulders above the others.

The summer before 11th grade, I found a group of friends that I am thankful for every day. At the time, I was struggling and unhappy with my life, but they took my hands and supported me at my weakest. They are my second family and I would not be the person I am today had they not found me when they did.

My success in junior year was driven not only by my newfound social life, but also by my academic achievement.

I began the school year determined to raise my GPA and learn about things to increase my understanding of the world. I developed a

newfound appreciation for learning that had escaped me in my previous years. I was excited to wake up in the morning and go to school to see what was in store.

The highlight of my junior year was an AP Psychology class taught by Dr. Michael Fass. I was intrigued by the subject and Dr. Fass’ class convinced me that I was meant to pursue psychology.

Dr. Fass’ passion for psychology flipped my view of education upside-down and helped to solidify my path.

Psychology now runs through my veins and is my calling.

I view the world and regard people as a psychologist would. I have developed an understanding of human nature, which I observe and analyze wherever I am.

Junior year was a time of self-discovery and I developed an overall confidence in who I am. I am no longer selfconscious about my appearance or intellect because I know myself and what I am capable of.

If you are a freshman or sophomore and feel that “your year” has not yet graced you with its presence, do not fret.

It will happen. If you are a senior who feels that “your year” is passing you by, keep in mind that this year has only just begun. The possibilities are endless.

What’s the

Matter...

Topic of the Month Technology in the Classroom

“W e need technology to succeed in our classrooms because a library can never be more convenient than a computer.”

Yvana Alvarez, 11

“A lthough helpful, technology is not necessary. So many others before us were educated without it, and they ‘worked.’”

Ben Rosenthal, 12

“T echnology has presented me with lots of resources to help with homework, such as video tutorials on YouTube.”

Juanita Laverde, 12

Compiled by Mackenzie Duffy

Entertainment

The Lightning Strike • September 2013

7 The Lightning Strike • September Page 2008

Six seconds of fame

Vine’s popularity spurs new and creative media Mackenzie Duffy copy editor With all the social media applications that have been diffused around the globe, Vine is ranked highly among the likes of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Vine allows users to make six-second videos to share with followers and to scroll through the videos of the accounts they follow. It opened to the public as an app available only on the Apple App Store and then gained popularity. Vine became available on the Google Play Store in June and now 40 million people use the app.

Certain Vine users gained followers at rapid rates as more people downloaded the app. Top “Viners” who have become

well known around the be a good idea, so I just country post Vines to en- did,” Giraldo said.

Her rising popularity is tertain their massive viewership. Former student attributed to the hilarious Lauren Giraldo, known by Vines she makes, which her Vine name “Princess frequent the app’s “Popular Now” Lauren,” page.

Whenis one of these VinVine allows users ever Giraldo comes up ers. After to make six-secnod with an idea, being convinced by videos to share with she turns on her friend the followers and her camera and starts to create to scroll through filming.

“I an account, the videos of the usually come Giraldo began re- accounts they follow. up with the idea for my cording videos about and posting five minutes before I make vines. Her videos include them,” she said. things like joking around Giraldo created a Youwith her friends and scarTube account based off the ing unknowing shoppers in places like Target or the success she has experienced with her Vine account. Her Aventura Mall.

“One day when my first YouTube video has refriend Estrella and I were ceived 36,032 views so far.

Vine continues to gain hanging out, she told me users wanting to post their to make an account besix-second videos cause she thought it would own

“

and be entertained by others’ Vines.

Many students have created accounts, causing their eyes to drift away from their homework and onto their newsfeeds. Freshman Melanie Valdes uses Vine to spend some of her free and homework time watching these comedic clips. “I didn’t make a Vine to make videos really, but to just watch the funny videos of people I follow,” she said.

These comedy themed Vines feature topics from impressions of famous faces of pop culture, planned practical jokes and parodies of famous songs.

One common practical joke that is widespread amongst Viners is known as “Smack cam.” Viners fill their hands with materials like shaving cream or toothpaste and violently

twitter.com

slap their unsuspecting loved ones i n the face. This painful trend is featured throughout the newsfeeds of many Vine users and is one of the themes of comedic Vines.

In the spirit of TerRio, Vine has been “Ooh, killen’ em.” The future of the application is bright as it gains users and continues to gain popularity around the world. Top Viners have become celebrities in their own right and their followers are always eager to see their newest videos as they scroll through their Vine feeds.

CATCH THESE CONCERTS The Weeknd James L. Knight Center 9/28/13

Keith Urban Cruzan Amphitheater 10/5/13

Sarah Brightman: BB&T Center 10/5/13

Kid Cudi American Airlines Arena 10/8/13

Rusko Jackie Gleason 10/10/13

Emeli Sande Jackie Gleason 10/11/13

Hinder Revolution Live 10/15/13

Austin Mahone Jackie Gleason 10/17/13

The Lumineers Sunset Cove Amphitheater 10/20/13

Entertainment Page 8

Netflix: A New Network

FRAT APPAREL

Talya Gebara staff writer

For its first year producing original programming, Netflix has come out swinging with several hit shows, whose success can be measured in ratings and Emmy nominations, totalling 14 for the year.

Netflix launched its fourth original series of the year, Orange is the New Black, one of seven coming out in 2013. It has the most successful ratings and critical reception of an original Netflix series overall.

Orange is the New Black is set inside a prison in New York, where Piper Chapman (played by Taylor Schilling) is plucked from her happy life and is sent to prison for smuggling drug money for an ex-girlfriend Alex Vause (Laura Prepon) ten years prior. Alex Vause is sent to the same prison for her involvement in a drug cartel.

The series also follows the stories of fellow inmates like Sophia Burset (Laverne Cox) who is a transgendered woman sent to prison for running a credit card scheme to pay for her transition, and the relationships that these women of all color, shape and sexual identities have with each other.

Orange is the New Black is a drama/comedy made by the creator of Weeds, Jenji Kohan, and is based on the true events in a novel

by Piper Kerman.

Although Netflix made its debut with original programming in 2012 with Lilyhammer, the first major series premier was House Of Cards.

House of Cards is a big budget political drama set in Washington D.C directed by David Fincher (of The Social Network, Fight Club). Kevin Spacey stars as Frank Underwood, a congressman from South Carolina who, when snubbed for a cabinet position he was originally promised, devises a plan to exploit his enemies in government to gain political power.

The most anticipated series to be released by Netflix was the continuation of Arrested Development, which prior to its cancellation in 2006, had amassed a huge cult following. Four years after its cancellation on FOX, Netflix agreed to pick up the show for a fourth season, where all previous cast members including Michael Cera and Jason Bateman had agreed to reprise their roles.

The show follows the dysfunctional Bluth Family prior to the arrest of the family patriarch, George Senior (Jeffrey Tambor), for committing fraud using their housing development business.

Although the new series didn’t receive high praise, it did cater to a loyal following and established the web channel in creating shows for viewers to be excited about.

The goals of Netflix as a web channel are to establish a library of content only available through subscription, much like with HBO. So far Netflix is catching up quickly.

The Lightning Strike • September 2013

RAYBANS

POLO SHIRT

Juan Lozano staff writer Fraternities and sororities are not quite what popular culture makes them seem. America’s biggest partiers are more wellrounded than one might think.

The actual word “fraternity” means a state of friendship and mutual support within a group.

More than anything else, this is what “Greek life” is all about.

“You spend a lot of time with the boys,” said Bruno Lulinski, a Krop alumni pledging at a fraternity at the University of Florida.

“You meet people you would have never known otherwise, and you all become a close-knit family” According to former student Ivan LevyHara, camaraderie is a part of sports, social, and community service

HORROR, COMEDY &

DRAMA:

BEST OF SUMMER MOVIES

by Stephania Salaveria

traditions at “TEP,” a Jewish fraternity LevyHara is pledging for at the University of Florida.

However, Greek life is not cheap. Costs range from $1,400 to $2,500 a semester.

Sara Alvarez, currently pledging at Florida State University, says that compared to sororities, fraternities are a lot cheaper.

“The difference is about $2,500 for an expensive sorority, in comparison to about $1,800 for an expensive fraternity,” Alvarez said.

According to Lulinski, even though fraternities are cheaper, girls have held the benefit of the doubt.

“When girls get their bid (invitation into the sorority), their “older sisters” give them gifts and everything is very lovely,” Lulinski said.

“The girls don’t have to work as hard to get in; they just have to dress nice. The boys’ process is much more

BOARD SHORTS

SPERRYS

in depth.”

According to Lulinksi and Levy-Hara, girls are automatically allowed into any sorority instead of getting chosen specifically during rush week like the boys.

Let’s take this moment to put down our eight pound textbooks and last minute reading and reminisce about the summer we just left behind. Think back to when the air was sucked out of us from laughter, shock or horror. No, not at Disney World or Chipotle, but at our local movie theatre.

Word in the hall is that the following left an impression this past summer. imdb.com

imdb.com

Released on July 12, 2013, Fruivale Station stars Michael B. Jordan as Oscar Grant, a 22 yearold Bay Area resident who wakes up on December 31, 2008 and decides that it is the perfect day to get a head start on his New Year’s Resolutions. He plans to become a better son to his mother, husband to his wife, and father to his four year old daughter. He finds out his resolutions are easier said than done when his day takes a tragic turn and officers shoot him in cold blood at the Fruitvale Subway stop. Oscar’s life and death would not only affect the family and friends he left behind but the entire nation.

Most Impacting Scene: “When he dies, in the station, lying face down” Senior Ishmael Pierre

imdb.com

Regardless of pledging for a sorority or fraternity, the reward is a new family of collegiate brothers and sisters for a lifetime.

“The brotherhood is the whole point of a fraternity,” Lulinski said.

Released on June 12, 2013, This Is The End, stars Seth Rogan and Jay Baruchel as themselves, along with a handful of other talented comedian actors. The movie starts out with a group of friends who meet up at a party at James Franco’s house. The house party quickly turns into a hide out as an apocalypse begins to destroy the L.A. area.

Funniest Scene: “When the Back Street Boys came out in the end” Junior Jordan Aparicio.

Released on July 19, 2013, The Conjuring, inspired by true events, revolves around a secluded farmhouse, whose demonic essence interest paranormal researchers Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga). Believing the house to be haunted by the spirit of a deceased young girl, they tell her to take the form of a doll. The spirit has other plans as it wants a human host. Three years later, the Perron family moves into, what they think is, their country dream home. A series of events leave the Perron family terrified, causing them to reach out to the Warrens for help. They learn that the demonic entity has no intentions of letting them go.

Scariest Scene: “When the psychic saw a kid in the background when looking at the little music toy and freaked out” Sophomore Rachel Morales

Krop Coupon: BUY ONE LARGE CHEESE PIZZA, GET ONE FREE! Show this coupon with your purchase.

THEN AND NOW 1963 PeaceJam Promotes Positivity

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The Lightning Strike • September 2013

gvshp.org

Blake Mars design editor

While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. set a strong footstep on the path toward equality and tolerance, his final destination has not yet been reached. It is still common today for people to hate based on religion, color, disability, sexual orientation or ethnicity--and the impact can be harmful even to those who are not the direct targets. However, this year’s SGA PeaceJam Committee has set out to end racism and hatred in our school community through educational seminars, service opportunities and inspiration from Nobel Peace Laureates.

“PeaceJam is one of those activities that brings everyone together in order to take action and better the world,” said junior

Rachel Morales, who has been actively involved for two years.

PeaceJam was introduced last year when former student Michelle Avaroma contacted Activities Director Michelle Russell. Avaroma is President of the PeaceJam Student Leadership Council at Florida State University where she works with high school and college students to identify societal issues and bring about change.

The program is centered around ten “Global Call to Action” issues ranging from global disease and the proliferation of weapons to the environment and rights for women and children. Last year, our school’s PeaceJam group focused on eliminating extreme poverty and identifying the face of hunger in Miami-Dade county.

Students organized fall and spring food drives, participated

in the “March for Hunger 5k” and worked with Feeding South Florida to sort and package food for those in need.

In its second year at MKHS, the PeaceJam Committee has teamed up with clubs such as Best Buddies, Gay-Straight Alliance and International Club and prepared various events to combat racism and hatred at our school and in the community.

The first event, Mix-It-Up Day, will take place on Oct. 29.

This national event encourages students to identify, question and cross social boundaries as a means of reducing prejudice.

During both lunches, participants will be drawn from their comfort zones, assigned to a table with people they would not typically interact with and connect through ice-breakers and activities.

“I hope students will be able to talk to others comfortably

and meet new people that can become potential close friends,” Morales said.

During lunch on Nov. 21, students will learn about the cultures and backgrounds that make up our school at the Diversity Fair. Interested students must contact. Russell in advance to host a table.

PeaceJam’s most substantial event will stretch for 10 days in February. Beginning on Feb. 18, students will be able to paint a brick with any derogatory name they have ever been labeled.

When assembled in the south patio, these bricks will build a wall of intolerance to stand for two weeks as a symbol of hate.

At the “Breaking Down the Wall” ceremony, the wall will be knocked down by the strength of a united student body.

The events will culminate with the annual Southeast

PeaceJam Conference at Florida State University on April 1114. In Tallahassee, students will present our school’s PeaceJam project, learn about other schools’ service efforts and hear from a Nobel Peace Laureate.

Last year’s host and Laureate, President Oscar Arias from Costa Rica, brought inspiration to our school’s attendees.

“It was life changing hearing from and eating lunch with [Arias],” senior Imani Jennings said. “Being teenagers, we sometimes feel that we can’t really make a difference in this world. PeaceJam teaches us that we can.”

For more information on how to get involved with PeaceJam, visit the Activities Office or attend SGA meetings where the PeaceJam Committee works on the project every 2nd and 4th Monday in the Auditorium.

A look at 50 years of progress IN MY OPINION saniorah edouard micaha

staff writer

August 28, 2013, marked the 50th anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech by civil rights activist and hero Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Delivered during the March on Washington to over 250,000 supporters on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, King’s address is a defining moment of the Civil Rights Movement.

Beginning with “Five score years ago,” a reference to Lincoln’s Emancipation, King observes that even “100 years

later, the Negroe still is not free.”

Two score and 10 years since King’s riveting call for the end of racism, has his dream become reality? Or would poet Langston Hughes describe it as a “dream deferred?”

Since King‘s speech, we have celebrated many triumphs. Equal voting rights, desegregation of schools and the appointment of the first African American President being among them.

A black president, though groundbreaking, does not equate to true freedom or cure the racial divide. It is evident that although we have made great strides as a nation, equality is a battle not yet won.

For example, this year Nina Davuluri became the first woman of Indian descent to the win the Miss America Pageant.

Immediately after being crowned, haters swooped to the Internet to christen Davuluri “Miss 9-11” and “Miss Terrorist,” criticizing the pageant for crowning a woman who was “Muslim, and not American.”

Davuluri is not Muslim, and even if she was, would that disqualify her as an American? These rude, racist criticisms showcase that the work for equality is far from over.

As a black girl growing up in America, I have been afforded many blessings because of the

work done by activists like King.

I look around my classrooms and see different faces from different places. I know that I can marry a white man, or not, whatever my heart desires. I know can I get a quality education and go as far as my dreams can take me. Simple as it is, I know that I can sit where ever I want on a bus ride home with no law to dictate that I should move.

At the same time I am painfully aware that not every community is as culturally diverse or accepting as mine.

Although we have equal rights, there is a definite need for more equal opportunity. In 2011, according to the Digest of

Education Statistics, 21 percent of blacks were enrolled in college compared with 35 percent of whites. But compare that to blacks representing 45 percent of drug offenders in prison and 8 percent who have lost the right to vote as a result of a felony conviction.

Many minority students slip through the cracks because of the overwhelming sense that they are more likely to be imprisoned than to go to college.

We have come a long way, but there is, as King wrote, “the fierce urgency of now” to mobilize us on the long way to go. I have a dream that I will live to see King’s dream become reality.

gvshp.org

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The Lightning Strike • September 2013

An analysis of the progress made in Civil Rights since 1963

Photo by MCT

Civil Rights By the Numbers Compiled by Michael Behfar

200,000 attended the march in 1963

20,000 attended the

march anniversary in 2013

John Lewis was the only person to speak

at both the march and the anniversary The number of blacks in college has since 1963

tripled

The percentage of blacks living in poverty has decreased by

14% since 1963

2013 De

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Feature

The Lightning Strike • September 2013

Page 12

OUTREACH

Senior visits Haiti to aid chidren who are beaten and treated like slaves. The pastor and a lawyer speak to the child’s real parents and often permit the child This past summer, senior to be rescued from Restavec Aleksandra Czarkowska left for conditions and placed into a Les Cayes, Haiti to make a dif- home with the pastors’ families.

In these homes, they have ference in Haitian children’s lives. But it was really the chil- bunk beds, hot meals, clean dren who changed her life. sanitary facilities and courtChildren as young as three yards where they participate in are taken from their families activities with other children.

Czarkowska went to Haiti to and put to work as slaves for families who do not provide for help transform the childrens’ lives.

“The first day, I met the chilthem, abuse them and deny them dren at church. an education.

The first day, I met the They were T h e children of children at church. They singing, dancing and so full Haiti have had a place in were singing, dancing of life. It meltCzarkowska’s and so full of life. It ed my heart heart since she melted my heart to see to see them wanting to be was younger. loved S e e i n g them wanting to be held, held, organizations loved and so eager to and so eager to meet us” Czaron T.V. that meet us. kowska said. showed the -Aleksandra Czarkowska The chilc h i l d r e n ’s dren are taught struggles moved her to make a difference. lessons about hygiene, their culSince last year, she saved ture and learn how to read at a every penny earned from her school house near the homes.

“To see them so interested job to make this possible.

With the help of the Restavec in other countries and cultures Freedom Alliance (RFA), a branch besides their own was incredof the Bethesda Evangelical ible,” Czarkowska said. “They Mission (BEM), Restavec (creole were looking through pictures term for “staying with”) children, on my camera of Port-au-Prince who are taken from their families, from when I arrived at the airare given a safe home to live in. port. They never really see Through word of mouth, outside from where they live pastors hear about the children and to see their minds exposed

Fact or Fiction?

Christina Carucci co-copy editor

“

COURTESY OF ALEKSANDRA CZARKOWSKA

GETTING INVOLVED: (left to right) Senior Aleksandra Czarwoska is pictured among Hatian children she was helping. The organization she worked with provided an avenue for others like her who wanted to help children in distress.

to new things was amazing.”

Two years ago, the children were asked what they wanted to be when older. Many of the boys said car mechanics and the girls for the most part had no idea. Now, after being taught lessons about the world and its opportunities, the boys and girls aspire to be doctors, lawyers and teachers. One boy even said he would like to be president.

When Czarkowska returned home, the phrase “Don’t take the little things for granted” became much more real.

“I could not begin to imagine what these children went through, and even after taking this trip to Haiti, I still can’t,” Czarkowska said. “I just wanted to show them care and be a part

of seeing their lives changed.”

Currently, there are two refugee homes and they are in the process of renting a third home. There is still a waiting list of about 100 children eager to have a better childhood.

Czarkowska is in the process of planning fundraisers with the help of our school. Hygiene products, school supplies and books in French will be collected and all proceeds will be given to the RFA to help benefit their lives.

There are children still waiting to be sponsored and taken into these homes. You can give these children hope by sponsoring a child monthly or making a donation. Please visit www.rfahaiti.org for more information on how to help.

Former student struck by rare disease ILLNESS

Lina Zuluaga feature editor

One month ago, 17-yearold Jazzmin Peluchette was forced to stop in her tracks in order to fight for her health when a rare illness left her paralyzed from the waist down with no sight in her right eye.

Peluchette was diagnosed with Neuromyelitisoptica (NMO), a rare autoimmune disorder that systematically attacks the optic nerves and spinal cord. “[The day it happened] she was driving to school and experienced pains in her chest; it felt bad so she turned around and went home,” her close friend Martina Tuaty said, “Then she began to throw up and from then on things got worse.”

That evening Peluchette had a seizure. She woke up paralyzed and was rushed to Joe Dimaggio Children’s Hospital.

Peluchette left for FIU’s dual enrollment program her junior year. Now a senior in the program, Peluchette is known among her friends for her dedication to the varsity volleyball team and love her for academics.

COURTESY OF MARTINA TUATY

FRIENDS SUPPORT: (left to right) Seniors Martina Tuaty, Brittany Milo, Jazzmin Peluchette, Maria Rodriguez, and Adrien Voigt surround Peluchette. Tuaty, a close friend, has been attempting to visit Jazzmin at least once a week. Their help and support has gone a long way.

“She took AP classes and mostly got A’s and B’s,” former classmate Brittany Milo said, “She liked a challenge.”

After over two months of inpatient treatment, Peluchette has recently been allowed to go home.

“Jazz already spoke to Ms. Baglos in regards to how she can finish the year,” her close friend Maria Rodriguez said, “It

shows how hardworking she is.”

Jazzmin exercised daily and stayed active by running, rollerblading and biking among other things. She knows she wants to work in business and finance.

Her only obstacle is recovery.

Due to the rarity of NMO, there is no known time span for her treatment. Peluchette’s family must manage the daunting expense for several

weeks of inpatient treatment.

Now that she is home, they have an additional expense of therapy that she will need if she hopes to regain movement in her legs and recover her eyesight.

According to Peluchette’s doctors, full recovery is possible but every case is different. On MedScape, a medical news website, the most popular NMO article is based on theory.

Since the incident occurred two months ago, Jazzmin’s vision has improved, but her legs still remain paralyzed.

She goes through daily physical therapy and remains both hopeful and positive.

“She will not stop until she gets better,” Tuaty said, “Every week she’s more determined and assured- [her experience] has made me appreciate what I have, and all the little things we take for granted,” Tuaty said.

“Her strength inspires me.”

As of now, Jazzmin’s family has set up a fundraising page on www.giveforward.com/ bestrongjazz. Donations will go towards her medical expenses which already surpass $200,000.

Are students allowed to wear slides and gym shorts as part of their uniform?

FACT: “Slides, yes.”

FICTION: “Gym shorts, never. ” - Athletics and Business manager Jacquelyne Torano

Was Mrs. Sullivan a hippie?

FACT: “Yes! Back in the day I went all out and even walked barefoot.”

- English and Journalim teacher Mary Sullivan

Is it true that some teachers work as volunteers and do not get paid for teaching?

FICTION: “No, all teachers get paid.”

- Assistant Principal Daniel Ponkey Compiled by Mayan Derhy and Joshua Swerdlow

Feature Page 13

The Lightning Strike • September 2013 ACHIEVEMENT

FACULTY

New year, new teachers Krop Alumni: Where are they now?

Keith Ross

in the right direction, and Ms. Metcalfe got involved right away with the first tournament we were involved with on Saturday, September 14,” he said.

A smile stretches across Metcalfe’s face as she explains her involvement and determination in the team achieving success.

This optimism and positive nature is attributed to her strong faith. “God wouldn’t take something away without giving me something in return,” she said in reference to being surplused from New World and then receiving the opportunity to teach at Krop. “I’m ready and excited for this year. The administration de-briefed me upon my arrival and I’m feeling

good about this year at this new school,” she said.

Metcalfe’s message for her students is to never give up.

The debate team hopes to attend tournaments, some that take place around the country, to gain new members and who will fundraise to finance activities.

“There’s nothing we can’t do, and there’s nothing we won’t do,” Metcalfe said.

Stepping out of ones’ comfort zone is difficult, but for new teachers Berkin and Metcalfe, taking on a new school of over 2,600 is a challenge they are committed to. Although some teachers come and go, new additions like Metcalfe and Berkin have filled the empty classrooms.

Curtis Holland •Class of 2012 •Tap dancer •So You Think You Can Dance? contestant •Qualified to top 14

Evan Ross

SERVICE PROJECT

Club helps freshmen‘transition’ into high school Maddie Garfinkle lifestyle editor We all experience that initial stress when entering high school. Worry, nervousness, and unanswered questions can be overwhelming in a new environment. Senior Brett Curtis sought to solve this annual strain that freshmen go through by creating a mentoring program.

With his new club, “Transition,” freshmen have an upper classman who serves as a mentor that help make their “transition” into high school as smooth as possible.

“I started Transition because I remember what it was like moving into high school, having to deal with a much bigger school,

harder classes and a larger work- at any time and even exchanged load,” Curtis said. “I recognized contact information so they can be reached at any how much time. easier this “Over the move would I started Transition summer when be with an because I remember I wasn’t sure older menwhat it was like when freshtor in high into high man orientation school who moving had success- school, having to deal was, I called fully over- with a much bigger my mentor and he answered all come this school, harder classes my questions,” period and and a larger workload. freshmen Hazel could share Fuentes said. “If insight.”

- Brett Curtis I need anything, The obthey’re really jective of the helpful.” club is to proTransition allows freshmen vide an outlet for freshmen who and upperclassmen to break barhave questions or need help reriers and provide an accommogarding almost anything. Mentors dating support system. are happy to help their mentees

“

FOX.COM

NEW BEGINNINGS: Science teacher Michael Berkin (above) writes a chemical equation for his chemistry class while Ruthie Metcalfe (below) laughs with her students as she instructs them on an assignment.

•Graduate of 2008 •Was president of the Miami-Dade County Young Democrats •Now running political campaigns and lobbying

Enbar Cohen •Class of 2007 •Commissioner of Aventura •First Krop alumna in public office •Seat 5

MYEMAIL.CONSTANTCONTACT.COM

ABIGAIL DUFFY

•Class of 2008 •Aka: Keith Bizz •Producer/songwriter/engineer •Worked with Pitbull, Leona Lewis, Robin Thicke, Timbaland •R&B, Hip-hop, rap

NASSAKPOST.BLOGSPOT.COM

In addition to all the physical changes to the school such as uniforms and new tables at lunch, new teachers have been added to the faculty roster. Although saying goodbye to beloved teachers like chemistry teacher Carlos Montero and social studies teacher Judith Gelber is difficult, greeting “rookie” teachers is a good way to kick off the new school year.

New chemistry and physical science teacher Michael Berkin, fresh from John F. Kennedy (JFK) Middle School, has prepared for this year and the ones yet to come. Upon hearing of Monteros’ departure, Berkin was eager to apply for the open position. For him, the transition from middle to high school has been a happy one.

Teaching freshmen and juniors, Berkin appreciates the more mature students. “I like working with older kids who are able to pick up advanced concepts in chemistry,” he said. In his first year of teaching high school, Berkin, who is skilled in areas of chemistry and biology, wants to add classes to his schedule. “I hope to eventually teach a biology class and Advanced Placement chemistry,” he said.

Berkin is not the only teacher new to the halls of the second floor. Ruthie Metcalfe, who formerly taught at New World School of the Arts, teaches English and Speech and Debate.

Co-president of the speech and debate team, senior Brett Curtis, expects members to compete and be successful in competitions and to become acclimated to the new advisor. “Our team is going

KEITHBIZZ.COM

Mackenzie Duffy co-copy editor

Compiled by Alec Eidelstein

Law offices of: Beckham & & Beckham Beckham Beckham

“We wish all the students of Krop good luck on the rest of the year, and we hope you are successful in reaching all your goals.”

- Pamela and Eugene Beckham, partners Contact us: Phone: 305-957-3900 Fax: 305-940-8706

Lifestyle

The Lightning Strike • September 2013

Page 15

SUBCONCIOUS

School anxiety can be expressed through dreams

Tayla Gebara staff writer Anxiety has many ways of manifesting itself, whether by physical reactions or through the subconscious mind.

Dreams that feature scenarios like showing up to school with no pants on or taking a test in a subject you do not understand are common examples of how anxiety will present itself.

“The weekend before school started, I had a dream that I stripped my pants off at school,” senior Brittany Fucheck said.

“That wasn’t okay at all, because my biggest insecurity is my legs and all of these familiar faces from school were just grabbing at me.”

These dreams are classified as “anxiety dreams” and are

“

distinguished by the feelings of embarrassment, distress or unease during the dream.

Anxiety dreams occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the lightest of stage of sleep that occurs before a person wakes.

Up until the end of August, students had a much more “lax” routine, which for many meant

The weekend before school started, I had a dream that I stripped my pants off at school.”

-Brittany operating between the hours of 12pm and 3am. But with summer’s end, the stress of returning to school left unease in the early morning hours upon waking up.

“Anxiety dreams” manifest

themselves through unpleasant occurrences in dreams such as embarrassment, failure or incomplete tasks.

Senior Angelic Cox remembers one particular dream.

“College application deadlines were coming up, and I was stuck in my grandma’s room, and I wasn’t doing anything for them,” Cox said. “I stayed in the room for so long that I missed all the deadlines.”

An anxiety dream is not a nightmare, but it is also not exactly pleasant.

Sometimes these dreams are so absurd they are almost comical, like with senior Azucena Torres’ dream.

“I was being chased by vampires into a warehouse. But while they were chasing me they were telling me that I didn’t belong in high school,” she said.

TECHNOLOGY

Teens’ online personas do not always reflect reality Dina Bendayan staff writer “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” Harper Lee wrote in To Kill A Mockingbird.

It is difficult to literally climb inside of someone’s skin, but adding them on Facebook might suffice.

With the onset of social media, no one knows who they are truly talking to online because few people are the same online and in person. Social media allows people to see the true colors of their friends, however there are also people who prefer the old fashioned way of exhibiting themselves, by communicating mostly in person while engaging in faceto-face communication.

Junior Danelle Amesellem prefers to be loud online because she can be more cautious with what she says to people.

“I feel more comfortable online because I can stop and think before I say, text or post something,” she said.

Just like everyone else, Amesellem says that she

hates being put on the spot, whether it is during class, or out of school. She says that talking in person makes her speak impulsively, whereas typing helps her absorb what she is saying.

Junior Luc Pierre-louis, uses social media sites to express himself in ways he can’t in person.

“I often use the internet to express myself, my opinions or my concerns,” Pierre-loius said. “In all honesty, I often call people out online, which is something I would never actually do in person.”

Pierre-louis says that social media is a way for individuals to express themselves in a different light because it empowers people to do and say things comfortably. Social media lets him open up because he has the courage to say what he really feels.

Advanced Placement psychology teacher Dr. Michael Fass says that being online lets people be anonymous or reduce personal identity.

“Online communication provides you with more time to organize thoughts as well as not make eye contact, especially when delivering bad news,” Fass said.

In contrast to Amesellem and Pierre-louis, senior Iara Prus has a different opinion regarding her expressiveness on social media. She does not extensively express herself online, just with her close friends.

“I don’t feel the need to tell the whole world of social media about my personal life, much less what I’m doing every second of my life, unlike others,” Prus said.

Prus says that people do not really get to know her until they meet her in person, regardless if they have her on Facebook or other social media sites.

Depending on the person, adding them on Facebook might be the open door to walk in their shoes, or it can merely be one more friend on their friend list.

Student Innovators The Voice of LGBTQ Youth

by Clarissa Buch

This past summer, I attended the University of Miami’s three-week intensive journalism workshop. The topic for the program was youth homelessness and we produced a newspaper with multiple videos on the subject. However, I decided to take the theme in a different direction.

I chose to write about youth homelessness in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) community. For my story and video, I profiled a 26-year-old bisexual woman who has been battling her sexuality and life on the streets for the last decade.

After finishing my project and developing a friendship with her, I wanted to continue my journey to uncover the untold stories of LGBTQ homeless youth in our area.

Once the program ended, I created a website called The Voice of LGBTQ Youth to focus on the struggles of homeless LGBTQ youth. As I continued my search to find more stories, I decided to broaden my website and profile not only the homeless, but also LGBTQ youth facing other problems like bullying, suicide, coming out and acceptance.

On Sept. 15, 2013, the website went live. Currently there are four stories posted, with more on the way.

There is an option on the website to donate money, and all the proceeds will go to Pridelines Youth Services.

Pridelines is the main LGBTQ organization for youth ages 18-24 in South Florida. They serve 900 young people in 1,000 square feet of space and wish to expand into a larger space of about 5,000 square feet sometime in 2014. However, because they are a not-for-profit organization, they will rely on grants and donations to make this possible.

My website is just one way I can help Pridelines continue to serve the LGBTQ youth community in South Florida.

Far beyond that, my main goal is to uncover as many stories as I possibly can. With the power of my website, I hope to educate the public on issues the LGBTQ population faces that are widely overlooked.

If you or a friend has a story to share, contact me at contactclarissabuch@gmail.com.

To access the website, go to: www. thevoiceoflgbtqyouth.com

Lifestyle Page 16

The Lightning Strike • September 2013

SCHOOL CLUB

“Savage Zoukers” take their talents to the streets Elias Rosenfeld staff writer Imagine countries on every continent in 180 cities around the world joining together to dance on the same day, at the same time and to the same song.

On Sept. 21, 2013, through the auspices of International Peace Day, the world’s largest flash mob danced its way into history.

International Peace Day began as a U.N. resolution to open their first session in 1982. Then in 2001, a further resolution was passed establishing September 21 as an annual day of non-violence and unification among countries.

The idea of an international flash mob was conceived in May of 2012 in Perth, Australia

by Zouk Bob. In 2012, Zouk Bob gathered a crowd of zouk dancers in the center of Perth and began “zouking.” Zouk, short for Zouk Lambada, is a dance based on Caribbean music (“Zouk”) and a Brazilian dance (Lambada A week after the event, Bob, created a Facebook page titled “International Zouk Flash Mob Day.” The group grew and

“Zoukers” all over the world began forming en masse.

Flash forward to today.

Bob’s dream came true when hundreds of cities in different countries simultaneously joined to dance on International Peace Day last year. This year he decided to do it again in twice as many countries.

This year the organization hosted a song contest for musicians all over the globe and selected “The Dance of Love” by Paul Max. The song was specifically written for this event and was the one performers danced to on International Peace Day. Last year Bob visited Krop to speak to students, English teacher Natalie Savage organized the flash mob.

Savage has been working on the Krop Flash Mob since the end of last school year.

She has been giving free Latin dance lessons for five years in her spare time and spent Mondays and Wednesdays after school instructing students in the movement of Zouk.

Although it costs students a $20 fee to participate in the flash mob, and Savage

receives a small stipend to run the program as an after-school class, it does not cover her personal donation of time and money to the event.

“I don’t care,” said Savage, “I just want to see the kids dancing.”

Students have responded well to the flash mob.

THE DANCE OF LOVE:

“I joined this unique experience because of the vibrant dancing and the message of unity it will bring to our school,” senior Julia Beck said.

Savage said that at first the team was small, but noted they were “very dedicated.”

After students see the outcome

Students participating in International Zouk Flash Mob on Lincoln Road to celebrate International Peace Day.

Spice up your uniform While uniform options are limited, students find unique ways to express themselves while still following the dresscode.

Customize your backpack

Add a jacket or vest

of this year’s dance, Savage hopes more will join next year’s flash mob.

Currently she has 30 “Savage Zoukers,” who participated in this year’s International Zouk Flash Mob on Lincoln Road at South Beach to celebrate International Peace Day 2013.

Bagel Madness

Wear some fancy footwear

Try a cool headband From being reduced in size in 2012 to being raised in price by 25 cents in 2013, students are expressing dissatisfaction with one of the school’s most popular foods.

• Bagels are boiled before they are baked in order to retain their shape • The hole in the center allows the bagel to cook evenly and also provides a place for a dowel to be inserted for easy transportation • The earliest bagels date back to 1783 MICHAEL BEHFAR

Sports The Lightning Strike • September 2013

Page 17

RECOGNITION

Mr. Ball goes to Washington Nicholas Aleman staff writer President Obama recently honored the 1972 Miami Dolphins team that is the only NFL team to go undefeated in an entire season. Former Chair of the guidance department Larry Ball was a part of that team and took the trip up to Washington with them.

“We got the call to go visit, and we only had twelve days to prepare,” Ball said.

“Some of the members of the team did not get to go with us because it was such short notice.”

In 1972, the undefeated Dolphins were not able to see President Nixon due to the Watergate scandal and the fact that Nixon was a huge supporter of the Washington Redskins, the team the Dolphins defeated in the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl winning teams did not get to go inside the White House until 1978, so when they got the call to go visit, it was a bit of a surprise.

Ball has the distinct accomplishment of being in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the only member of a team that went undefeated in an entire season and also a member of the 1978 Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that went winless during the season.

“Different atmosphere for sure,” Ball said.

“Everything was more organized playing for the Dolphins coming off a trip to the Super Bowl and when I got to Tampa, everything was hectic.”

After winning two

jim-heftyinfo.blogspot.com

Super Bowls with the Dolphins in 1972 and 1973, Ball played four more years before becoming a guidance counselor.

He was a high school counselor at Carol City and North Miami before coming to Krop for its’ opening year in 1998.

Here he was a guidance counselor for thirteen years and head of the department for 11 before retiring in 2011.

“When I was growing up I never thought that I’d be invited to the White

House,” he said. “Being in a place with so much history, it gave me chills.”

FHSAA takes hit on concussions

Football team looks ahead to strong season

Alec Eidelstein sports editor

Nicholas Aleman staff writer

A concussion is a minor traumatic brain injury that occurs when the skull crashes against the cranium. It causes excruciating pain.

The Florida High School Athletics Association (FHSAA) has taken this into account and as of 2011, it is now mandatory for all athletes to take a computer concussion test prior to any involvement in school sports.

The exams test for memory-recall, attention span, non-verbal problem solving and reaction time. If a student suffers from a concussion, they must retake the exam to compare test results with their previous score.

Part of the FHSAA’s concussion plan is that all athletes must leave practice or a game right away if they are dealing with symptoms of a concussion such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, blurriness, or confusion. Players are not to return to practice until cleared by a certified physician.

“A concussion in high school sports is something that should always be taken into consideration,” senior Shehzad Maniar said. “I’m

The football team has been through some renovations, but the Lightning is trying to move forward and make the playoffs for fifth consecutive year.

“The guys that we have are going to have to step up,” said head coach David Hudson. After the departure of 28 out of 32 varsity members, the team is left with mostly first-year starters.

“We want guys out there who academically want to work hard and who believe in our football program,” said Hudson.

Leading the offense and defense this year are juniors, Clifford Hamilton and Malcolm Martin.

Under Hudson’s direction, we have made the playoffs for four consecutive years after not having made it for the previous six.

District play began on September 20th, and with the additions of Hialeah Gardens and Ronald Reagan to our district division, Class 8A District 13, the

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BYJAVIER STORCH

glad to see the FHSAA taking a stand to prevent such a serious injury from not getting the proper attention it needs.”

Concussions are common in contact sports such as basketball, lacrosse, hockey, and especially football. The NFL recently settled a lawsuit for $765 million with former players who suffered from multiple concussions in their career. Most of the money will go to families who have millions of dollars in medical bills between 50 and 60 million dollars will be going to concussion research.

“The most common injuries back then were knee and shoulder injuries, but most players didn’t understand the

severity of concussions,” said former guidance counselor and 1972 Dolphins player, Larry Ball.

Throughout the years, helmets have gotten safer in terms of the material and padding. In 2002 the Riddell Revolution helmet was made in order for all football players to reduce the risk of head injury. Now high school players are 31 percent less likely to suffer from a concussion if they choose to wear the helmet.

Concussions can be very serious and athletes have to be cautious of their surroundings. It can lead to damage in the brain and potential Alzheimer’s disease.

road to the playoffs might be a little more difficult than the previous years.

This season has gotten off to a slow start by losing the first four games. We lost the opener against Edison 18-0 and then dropped the following three games against Coral Gables, ATM, and North Miami Beach by a combined score of 123-18.

Our first district game was at home against North Miami Beach, a team who defeated us last year 4027 on Homecoming night.

“I always look forward to playing them because it’s a rivalry game,” said senior Chris Noel, “It took us twelve years to beat them and it’s time to show them we’re for real.”

As for expectations, Hudson is taking it one game at a time.

Other key games to look for are against Reagan on Oct. 3, our toughest opponent based on last year’s record, our Homecoming game against Hialeah Gardens on Oct. 18, and North Miami on Halloween.

“I can’t wait to welcome Reagan to our district” said junior Ryan Jackson, “They don’t know what’s coming.”

Sports Page 18

The Lightning • September2008 2013 The Lightning Strike Strike • September

BASEBALL

Morgan brings new replacement home Joshua Swerdlow staff writer The Lightning Baseball team is going through the loss of another head coach.

Two years ago Krop lost head coach Brian Larsen to a contract with Northside Christian Academy, a college in North Carolina.

The assistant coach at the time, Jason Sullivan took Larsen’s role.

With the arrival of a baby, Sullivan, too, has notified the team of his leaving this past summer.

So far no coach has been hired to replace Sullivan. “We know they have interviewed a couple of people [but] that’s about it,” now captain, senior Ian Santana, said.

The administration is trying to make the best of the situation where Principal Dawn Baglos said, “Ms. Clappier and I will coach if we have to.”

It is clear the Athletic FITNESS

Director is looking for a person who cares about the athletes.

“We want someone who [will] continue what Larsen and Sullivan have built,” said Elizabeth Morgan. “We are more focused on finding a professional individual who could coach baseball, rather than ‘just a baseball coach.’”

We want some“ one to continue what

Coach Larson and Coach Sullivan have built.

-Elizabeth Morgan Morgan emphasized needing a mentor more than a coach. “Sullivan left an impact on the team,” Morgan said. The loss of such a determined individual is felt at large. Currently, Morgan has found a replacement, but final county security checks must be made before any

more information is released.

On their own, the players have conducted themselves as disciplined as possible by conditioning, practicing,and working out as they did with Sullivan. Focus is the most important thing on their minds right now.

Santana has given the impression that baseball will always be a serious matter for the student athletes. He feels that the loss of Sullivan is tough because the coach was like “the head of our family.”

The team feels better that Sullivan is still in touch.

“Sullivan has told us that he is making sure he is part of the hiring process to ensure we get a coach that cares for the game as much as we do,” Santana said.

Optimism carries the day.

“We’ve been through this before,” Santana said, “It’s not easy, it never is, but with the group of guys returning we have the will to do whatever it takes to win.”

Shape up with Schiffy

Coach Schiffman’s program encourages students to work out and get fit Mayan Derhy staff writer Coach Caron “Schiffy” Shiffman doesn’t let her workout end when she leaves the school gym; twice a week she has over 50 people going the distance with her.

‘Shape Up with Schiffy’ started as a group of four to five people in the summer of 2012 and grew into a movement of up to 55 people craving for more.

Schiffman encourages students to stay active with her Tuesday and Thursday workouts. At 6:45 p.m., students meet up for an hour of Shape Up at the JCC and Runner’s Depot. Schiffy says she loves to help people achieve more if they’re willing to put in the effort.

“It’s not like a normal everyday run,” Schiffman said. “It’s the beginning of a healthier lifestyle.”

The workout attracts a wide range of people from former football players and students to current Krop kids; from people who are in shape to some that are not. Shape Up participants collaborate to reach one goal: getting fit. The students start

October 1-8 - 10/1: Girls’ Volleyball vs. Hialeah - 10/3: Swim GMAC @ Miami Springs Aquatic Center, United Way Pep Rally, Girls’ Volleyball vs.

North Miami, Varsity Football @ Reagan -10/4: Cross Country @ JR Orange Bowl, Girls’ Volleyball @ Miami Springs, Swim GMAC (cont.)

-10/7: Swim Meet vs. Reagan -10/8: Boys’ Golf @ Killian/Coral Park, Girls’ Volleyball @ Hialeah Gardens

October 9-16 - 10/9: Junior Varisty Football vs. Miami Springs, Cross Country @ Ives Estates, Girls Volleyball vs.

Norland - 10/10: Girls’ Volleyball vs. Miami High -10/11: Cross Country Viper Invitational, Swim Meet @ATM, Varsity Football @ Southridge -10/14: Golf Districts @ TBA -10/15: Golf Districts (cont.), Cross Country @ Ives Estates -10/16: Junior Varisty Football vs. Halieah Gardens

October 17-25 - 10/18: Cross Country GMAC @ Ives, Homecoming Pep Rally, Varsity Football vs. Hialeah Gardens -10/22: Girls’ Volleyball District Tournament @ Miami Beach -10/24: Girls’ District Volleyabll Tournament (cont.)

October 26-31 - 10/26: Varsity Football @ Hialeah -10/29: Girls’ Soccer vs. Hialeah -10/31: Pep Rally, Varsity Football vs. North Miami

Health & Wellness Facts • Did you know

a one hour workout can

represent 4% of your day?

• Did you know more than 95% of all chronic diseases are caused by poor food choices?

• 50 grapes is 80 calories, and 12 gummies is COURTESY OF CARON SCHIFFMAN

DO YOU EVEN LIFT?:Coach Schiffman showing off her guns at the Aventura Circle. She wore her “Shape up with Schiffy” shirt.

with warm ups and go on to a run broken up into two-minute intervals. Every two minutes, Schiffy stops and waits for the slower ones, or “Chihuahuas,” to catch up while the faster kids, or “big dogs,” turn around to join her in a short break.

“I just love helping people achieve more than they thought they could,” said Schiffman, “people kick their own butt and they love it!”

Schiffy’s workouts may sound fun, but are also challenging. Krop participants are

pushed to do jumping squats, sit-ups, and crunches as a warm up for the main event. The group runs down to the Aventura police station and uses the ramp bars to do pull-ups. They then run up and down the back stairs to increase stamina.

On the back of each of the ‘Shape Up with Schiffy’ shirts, her inspirational quote encourages people to come back every week: “I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy, I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.

Just finish.”

110 calories

• 37% of kids ages 7-19 are out of shape • If you cannot pronounce an ingrediant you proably should not eat it

• Diet soda drinkers have a 70% bigger gain in waist circumfrence

• 3500 calories = 1 pound • Drinking cold water can give you an energy increase

• Eating too much fat can increase a person’s cholestrol levels

Compiled by Coach Schiffy’s dual enrollment class

JOIN YOUR

Tuesday, Oct.8, 2013

Lifemeisters free community education forum - 7 PM in the Auditorium

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013

Stanley Kaplan Practice SAT test - 9 AM in the cafeteria

Tuesday, Oct.15, 2013

General PTSA meeting - 8:00 AM in the Media Center

Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013

Dine for Krop at Pei Wei in Aventura. 10% of tracked sales go back to Krop

Membership applications available in the Attendance Office

Calendar Page 20

The Lightning Strike • September 2013

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

MONDAY

23

TUESDAY

24

6:30pm Senior Parent Meeting

30

Class Ring Sales - Lunch

1

OCTOBER BEGINS

WEDNESDAY

25

26

THURSDAY

Early Release

27

FRIDAY

Class Ring Sales - Lunch

12:20 Parking Stop Painting Party PTSA Dine for Krop at Burgerfi

2

College Fair - Gym

3

4

1:30 United Way Pep Rally

7

2:30 Homecoming Court Interest Meeting

8

9

10

Cap & Gown Sales - Lunch (North Patio)

14

15

HOMECOMING SPIRIT WEEK BEGINS

70s Disco Day

2:30 AMP Open Mic Night Media Center

17

16

50s Grease Day 1:30pm Pep Rally

Class Colors Senior Panoramic Picture Day

ALL STYLES WELCOME

If you’re thinking about colleges, think about this: one of the most exhilarating, inspiring, and international colleges in the country is right here in South Florida. (Lynn students come from 87 countries and 45 states.)

To see Lynn for yourself, come to one of our Open House events or schedule a personalized visit when it’s more convenient. You’ll find all the details online.

If you’d like to speak to someone in admission, call 561-237-7545.

We’d love to talk to you!

Connect with us at

BOCA RATON, FLORIDA

11

lynn.edu/social

60s Hippie Day

7:30 Football Game vs. Hialeah Gardens

25 majors including: Biology Communication and Emerging Media Criminal Justice Elementary Education Fashion and Retail International Business Management Psychology Sports Management

lynn.edu/visit

Lynn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability and/or age in administration of its educational and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and/or other schooladministered programs. Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Lynn University.