October Issue 2014

LightningStrike Taking Miami-Dade by Storm

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

FL Department of Education

-

A-- c?

Krop, Michael M. 2014-2015 School Grade

New school grading system brings possibility of lower school grades Dan Sicorsky editor-in-chief would turn into ‘F’ schools if teaching strategies, and teachMost people know that the “disconnect between in- ers have been informed of the the FCAT reading and mathcreased student performance new ways in which they will matics assessments are slowand decreased school grades” be assessed. ly being replaced by Florida were not addressed.

Standards Assessments, but “We must align the curRegardless of public oppo- riculum to get a better school few know that a new state sition, the bill was eventually grade,” Baglos said. “But it’s bill could send Krop’s school passed in May 2014 under the going to take us a bit of time to grade plummeting. justification that the changes reach the new standards.”

Florida Senate Bill 1642 will ultimately simplify how is posed to introduce drasWorried that prospective school grades are calculated students might be discouraged tic revisions to the existing and reported. school grading system. More from attending Krop if its ratKrop has been an ‘A’ school ing is lowered, Baglos speaks weight will be placed on since 2010. However, Princi- to parents at PTSA meetings standardized testing in the pal Dawn Baglos worries that and student orientations, excore subjects, industry certification rates, plaining that alcollege credit though Krop’s courses (through grade may drop AP, IB and next year, the dual enrollment oing everything we’ve ever done, school’s perforclasses), overall mance continues performing as well as we’ve ever graduation rates to increase. “Our and the learning performed, we would now be a ‘C’ kids are just as gains of the lowsuper and fanschool under these changes.” er 25 percent. tastic as they’ve Conversely, no ever been,” she –DAWN BAGLOS, principal weight will be said. under this new grading system, given to “at-risk” Baglos explained that the school’s grade will drop. these steps must be taken now, graduation rates and college “Doing everything we’ve ever before it’s too late. “It’s all a readiness measures, particdone, performing as well as chain effect,” she said. “If stuularly the SAT, ACT and we’ve ever performed, we dent population drops, so does PERT. would now be a ‘C’ school school funding and the number Although the bill promisunder these changes,” Baglos of teachers in the building.” es a smooth transition to the said at her recent press connew assessments and grading The bill specifies that the ference with Lightning Strike 2014-2015 academic year policies, teachers, education reporters. officials and parent groups will serve as a transition year To help prepare schools for where school grades will be spoke out against the prothe massive changes in how based on the new system but posed bill, arguing that althey will be held accountable will not have a large bearing though students may be perfor student performance, the on school funding. After that, forming better, their school Florida Department of Educa- beginning with the 2015-2016 grade will still drop since the tion provides online resources academic year school grades bill does not provide schools to help students and teachers across Miami-Dade County, with a sufficient transition adjust to the Florida Standards as well as other counties, are period to adjust to the new Assessments. grading measures. set to change drastically.

At Krop, teachers have In June 2013, Superin“Everyone is concerned,” been offered optional profes- test chairperson Xandra Lilatendent Alberto Carvalho sional development and tech- vois said. “But the concern explained the consequencnology workshops. Depart- comes from how much of this es of the proposed changes. ments have met to discuss new is unknown to us.”

He warned that ‘C’ schools

October 30, 2014 • Issue 2 • Volume 17

AWARENESS

Krop Best Buddies leads in competition “Buddy Bucks gives the club Mila Sicorsky staff writer

They’re like real dollar bills that you can cash into the bank, only better.

Sponsored by Best Buddies, an organization that facilitates the integration of students with mental or physical disabilities into society, the Buddy Bucks program raises funds for the club.

The program was created by Miami Best Buddies, an organization that sets up Best Buddies chapters in schools across the district.

Initiated in the beginning of this school year, this program provides the Best Buddies chapter with an opportunity to earn “Buddy Bucks,” which get cashed in for money.

incentives for doing good deeds to Best Buddies,” senior Kaila Fives, president of Krop’s Best Buddies chapter, said.

Club participants are able to have more activities, and therefore more events, with the profit earned from Buddy Bucks.

As program manager of one of the two groups formed for this fundraiser, Robert Sawyer is impressed at Krop’s progress with Buddy Bucks.

“When I met Kaila, I knew she was going to be an amazing leader for both Best Buddies and Buddy Bucks,” Sawyer said.

With almost 1.5K Buddy Bucks earned resulting from the comments on Instagram, Krop leads other high schools in the area.

EDUCATION

CAP adviser organizes college fair

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Handing more than grades: Students balance school and jobs

SCHOOL pages 10-11

JOBS

COURTESY OF DANIEL PONKEY

MEET THE REPS: On Oct. 13, students gathered in the Thunderdome for Krop’s annual college fair. A total of 114 colleges and university attended.

Erick Cohen business manager Although his small office doesn’t have any windows, CAP adviser Robert Roddy opens windows for students’ futures.

Roddy goes from classroom to classroom giving presentations about the importance of college. He discusses grades, costs, and the importance of preparing for the rigors of college courses. He encourages students to challenge themselves and makes them aware of the high cost of college education.

Although Roddy brings representatives ranging from Tennessee to Tel Aviv to speak with students, the low turnout disappoints him.

“Colleges actually want to come here and meet our students, taking the time to book a flight and hotel to

drive down here.”

Teachers, especially AP teachers, rarely let students leave class for the presentations since they will miss instruction. Roddy has considered moving presentations after school if attendance does not increase.

Roddy makes it easy for students to register for presentations.

Students only need to fill out a form from his email to register for the presentations and print out a pass.

Roddy believes meeting representatives from colleges and universities can make a difference if students ask the right questions.

Roddy has upcoming colleges visits in November. If attendance to presentations does not increase, Roddy may not have college visits so he can focus on classroom presentations.

More Inside:

• Do uniforms make us safer? - page 4 issues new 18+ policy - page 9 • The perfect gift for • Meet some transfer students - page 12 every occasion!

• A student’s identity 18280 W. Dixie Hwy ~ 305-933-4027! transition -page 15

Edible.com

News

tops Page 2

KROP’S

Seniors Daniel Guberek and Elliot Karr have been named National Merit Semi-finalists Seniors Kaila Jones and Stefan Supplice have been named National Achievement Semifinalists Seniors Daniel Guberek, Jonah Hinojosa, Ileana Martinez, Lucia Mosner, Dan Sicorsky and Gabriel Zisman have been awarded the 2014-2015 National Hispanic Recognition Program Seniors Marc Faren, Jonah Hinojosa, Alan Lang, Ileana Martinez, Lucia Mosner and Gabriel Zisman have received National Merit Letter of Commendation The NJROTC Drill Team brought home seven trophies in a competition at Centennial High (St. Lucie West) where they placed 5th overall.

Junior Federico Psevoznik was elected as the District 6 student representative (Miami-Dade/Monroe County) for the fall workshopFlorida Scholastic Press Association Freshmen Emily Palmiero, Catherine Knowles and junior Leeland Bien have all qualified for regionals in varsity golf. Palmiero placed 1st in districts.

The LightningThe Strike • September Lightning Strike • October2008 2014

From local to global: MIAMI-DADE, FLORIDA: MiamiDade firefighters saved the life of a tractor-trailer driver who drove off the road and crashed into a canal on Saturday, Oct. 18th.

FLORIDA: A proposal by the Mayor of South Miami and South Miami City Commission calls for the legal separation of Florida into two separate states. Florida would be split into South Florida and North Florida.

OTTAWA, CANADA: On Oct. 22, A gunman attacked Canada’s parliament with gunfire erupting near where Prime Minister Stephen Harper was speaking. A soldier was fatally shot at a nearby war memorial. The gunman was eventually shot down and killed.

CHENG DU, CHINA: After her boyfriend broke up with her, 26 year old Tan Shen decided to fix her broken heart by sleeping and eating at a KFC opened 24 hours a day for an entire week. It took 3 days for employees to notice, but they decided to let her stay because she wasn’t making a disturbance and was always a paying customer. She left because she got sick of the taste of chicken.

ESSEN, GERMANY: A special project in Essen, Germany, was made to encourage alcoholics and drug users to clean up the city’s streets. This gives them a chance to have a job and participate in helping to clean up the community. The project is called “PickUp,” and it pays the participants with a small hourly wage, and includes free beer.

LONDON, ENGLAND: David Willis was locked in a Waterstones bookstore for nearly three hours after the night staff closed without realizing he was still inside, and was rescued after tweeting for help.

Compiled by Stephania Salaverria

sources: CNN MSNBC

Compiled by Sophie Muchnick, Michael Katz and Juan Borquez

POLITICS

Scott vs. Crist: Making an informed decision Jacob Singer copy editor

The 2014 Florida Gubernatorial election is coming up on Nov 4, and while politics may not be as entertaining as “Keeping up with the Kardashians,” they are still important. Experts consider the race to be a “toss-up” as either candidate could win. The election is also considered one of the most negative races in the country as both candidates are considered unappealing. The following is a guide to introducing readers to the candidates and their policies.

BACKGROUND Rick Scott is the incumbent governor of Florida, and has been the governor since 2010.

He is again running as a member of the Republican Party and will look to secure his second consecutive term. Before becoming a politician, Scott ran Columbia/HCA, the largest private health care company in the United States. But in 1997, Scott became a venture capitalist. In 2009, Scott embarked on his political career, starting “Conservatives for Patients’ Rights,” an organization supporting free-market health care.

Charlie Crist was the governor of Florida from 2006 to 2010, as a member of the Repub-

lican Party. In 2010, he chose not to run for reelection and instead ran for a Senate seat as an Independent, but lost to Marco Rubio, and now he is running as a member of the Democratic Party. Crist has been involved in politics since 1986, five years after he graduated law school.

He won his first nomination to the Florida State Senate in 1992.

Crist was elected Florida Education Commissioner in 2000, and became the Florida Attorney General in 2002.

IMPACT DURING OFFICE Because both candidates have served as governors for the state of Florida, each candidate’s performance accross several sectors can be compared through Crist’s term from 20062010 and Scott’s from 20102014.

Debt: When Crist left office in 2010, Florida’s outstanding debt was $28.2 billion with a new debt increase of a little over $3 billion. In 2014, four years later, the outstanding debt under Scott is $24.6 billion, and the new debt increase is a little less than $0.5 billion dollars. This means that under Scott, Florida’s debt has shrunk and debt growth is smaller than during Crist’s term.

Taxes: State taxes have remained fairly similar with 5.03% in 2010 and 4.99% in 2014.

Employment: In 2010, unemployment was at a high of 11.5% in Florida. Now, it is at about 6.5%. This decrease mirrors a decrease in the national unemployment rate as well. In 2010, almost 110, 000 workers were on the state payroll. In 2014, that number is a little over 100,000, an all-time low in the State of Florida.

Education: Under both candidates, a poor education system was evident. In 2010, Florida was ranked 44th in per pupil spending on education, and in 2014, Florida is 45th. In 2010, teacher salaries were reduced 2.58%. Since then salaries have increased every year, which includes a $480 million dollar raise in 2013. In 2010, the education budget accounted for 31.9% of the state’s budget, in 2014 it accounts for 29.3%.

STANCES ON SOCIAL ISSUES Social issues are also important when choosing the right candidate. Listed below are the stances of each candidate on pertinent issues.

Same-sex marriage: In 2010, Crist opposed gay mar-

riage, but in 2014 he changed his stance and began supporting it. Scott does not support gay marriage and advocates for an amendment to prevent it.

Abortion: Crist is pro-life, but said that he does not want to interfere with a woman’s right to choose. He believes that people should have the choice to do what they please. Scott is prolife and has passed laws limiting abortion rights.

Immigration: Scott is a strong opponent of illegal immigration. He prefers strict security measures to reduce illegal immigration such as laws similar to those in Arizona, which allow police ask suspected illegal immigrants for their papers. Crist does not believe in giving illegal immigrants a free pass either, but differs from Scott in that he would like to see the illegals put on a path to earned citizenship.

Welfare and poverty: Scott believes that the poor can get on the path to success through education. He believes that the impoverished want to work hard and not sit around collecting handouts from the government. Crist’s biggest priority for the lower class is increasing minimum wage. Much of his campaign focused on helping the lower class.

Information gathered from Project Vote Smart, OnTheIssues, Ballotpedia, PolitiFact and the Miami Herald

FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT THE ELECTION

Senior Ryan Jackson leads Miami-Dade county in tackles with 103.

Seniors Kimberly Foreiter and Lina Zuluaga are finalists for the Posse Foundation Scholarhip.

What’s going on around the world?

$ VOTERS

FAN DRAMA

50/50

TELEVISION

5,359,735: Number of people who voted in the 2010 Florida gubernatorial election

A debate between Crist and Scott was delayed when Scott refused to debate scott if he kept an electronic fan under his podium that was against the rules.

50%: the probability that either candidate will win, per a Huffington Post model tracking 65 polls.

The total cost of television ads for the two candidates has gone over 50 million dollars.

Compiled by Jacob Singer

News Page 3

The Lightning Strike • October September 2014 2012 CURRENT EVENTS

Protests erupt in Hong Kong, here’s why:

COURTESY OF CNN

FIGHTING FOR DEMOCRACY: Protests erupted in Hong Kong around late September when China began to in-

fringe on Hong Kong’s autonomy. Demonstrators are led by students and have gained international attention. The protests are now known as “The Umbrella Revolution” because students began using umbrellas to protect themselves from police tear-gas.

Lina Zuluaga managing editor The People’s Republic of China is obsessed with control and strength- so much so that they searched the butts of pigeons.

On Oct.1, Chinese National Day the government released 12,000 doves of peace in Beijing.

Prior to releasing the doves, they cavity searched every single dove (as in they looked inside each dove’s butt) to make sure they weren’t carrying explosives… yes this actually happened.

The point is that communist China will go through drastic measures in order to appear strong and in control.

Hong Kong is unlike other Chinese territories because it is given autonomy, or certain rights to govern its self.

The dynamics of Hong Kong and China can be traced back to the Opium Wars of 1847, when the United Kingdom was granted a 99-year lease over Hong Kong.

So basically the U.K. told China, “Hi we’re going to take this economically productive land and use it for our gain and we will worry about giving it back in… say 100 years?”

In turn, Hong Kong fostered a capitalist economy. British in-

fluence also caused the people of Hong Kong to develop their own culture and dialects that are different to China’s.

In 1997, when the U.K honored their agreement to China, both countries agreed that Hong Kong would get certain rights like self-representation. Today it is considered a special administrative region and the policy of governance is called “one country, two systems.”

China and Hong Kong are like awkward relatives The people of Hong Kong share an ethnic connection to Chinese people, but do not consider themselves “Chinese” in the same way that people from Beijing, Shenghai, and Guangzhou (all within communist China) do.

People from Hong Kong have a western culture were English is a major language spoken.

Educational YouTuber Hank Green illustrated this best with two examples in his video “Hong Kong Protests Explained,” that show just how weird the Hong Kong-Chinese relationship is: 1. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, China and Hong Kong had separate teams competing for the same country.

2. When a Chinese person travels within China and passes

through Hong Kong, Chinese people must go through immigration even though they are traveling within the country.

So what are the people of Hong Kong protesting?

As part of their autonomy, the people of Hong Kong are supposed to be allowed to democratically elect their “Chief Executive” (which is what we would consider a President). The Beijing government is allowing these elections, but they plan to select a pool of candidates that the people can vote for. This policy ignores a recent vote by 780,000 Hong Kong citizens that favored democratic reforms.

Protestors believe the government will cherry- pick candidates that will further Beijing’s interest rather than Hong Kong’s. .

Peaceful protest is common in Hong Kong Protests are not uncommon in Hong Kong. The difference with these recent protests lies in the government’s reaction. When protests began on Sun., Sept. 29, police responded by tear gassing crowds and using what many considered excessive force. The government’s aggression ironically helped rally more supporters.

NEWS BRIEFS Lights go out at Krop

Although Miami-Dade County spent over a billion dollars to upgrade school technology, there was no way to prepare for the lights going out.

On October 3, a transformer blew and for most of first period, the school went Paleolithic. For nearly two hours, the school ran on the backup generator, which left most classrooms in the dark. FPL resolved the issue at 8:06 a.m. and the day continued as normal.

Principal Dawn Baglos addressed the school on the PA system and commended everyone on their actions. “Thank you for your teamwork and cooperation in making sure this morning ran as smoothly as possible,” Baglos said.

Baglos also made sure to keep composed and upbeat throughout the incident. When a student approached Baglos and asked if the power would get fixed, Baglos answered, “Do you think we’re going to leave it like this?”

While the complete power outage lasted less than an hour into the school day, after a week, classrooms were still being affected by the outage. Classrooms like those in the science hallway, the news room and the debate classroom had light but no power, and an air conditioning chiller went down. Baglos made sure people came to fix these issues soon thereafter.

-Jacob Singer

While most students are still tanning at the beach and dreading the start of the school year, Student Government Association is already hard at work planning Homecoming week.

In early August, the SGA Executive Board votes on a theme. By the time October comes around every hallway is decorated, every minute of the pep-rally is planned and students anticipate dressing in thematic costumes.

While most students were still tanning at the beach and dreading This year’s theme, Alice In Wonderland, was chosen for its vibrant colors and powerful mesthe start of the school year, Student Government Association was sages. already hard at work planning week.

“Alice in Wonderland has important messagesHomecoming for young people who are still searching for themselves and their place in high senior SGABoard Executivevoted Officer on Danelle AmIn early August, theschool,” SGA said Executive a theme. sellem.

By the time October came around every hallway was decorated, SGA has spent nearly $10,000 to bring Alice’s Wonderland to life. According to Michelle Russell, Activities Director Sponsor, SGA the costs are not covered by the every minute of and theSGA pep-rally wasabsorbs planned andthat students anticipated $40 tickets sales, which amount to less than $9,000. dressing in thematic costumes.

“While students may find the tickets expensive, every penny of the fee goes into paying for the facility,This food, music, and decorations the Homecoming dance, the various year’slighting, theme, Alice InforWonderland, was and chosen for supits plies we need for daily lunch activities and the pep-rally,” said Amsellem.

SGA brings wonderland to life

vibrant colors and powerful messages.

“Alice in Wonderland has important messages for young people who are still searching for themselves and their place in high school,” senior SGA Executive Officer Danelle Amsellem said.

SGA has spent nearly $10,000 to bring Alice’s Wonderland to life. According to Michelle Russell, Activities Director and SGA Sponsor, SGA absorbs the costs that are not covered by the $40 tickets sales, which amount to less than $9,000.

“While students may find the tickets expensive, every penny of the fee goes into paying for the facility, food, music, lighting, and decorations for the Homecoming dance, and the various supplies we need for daily lunch activities and the pep-rally,” said Amsellem.

-Daniela Michanie

While most students are still tanning at the beach and dreading the start of the school year, Student Government Association is already hard at work planning Homecoming week.

In early August, the SGA Executive Board votes on a theme. By the time October comes around every hallway is decorated, every minute of the pep-rally is planned and students anticipate October dressing in thematiccomes costumes. with gifts—the start of the NBA season, This year’s theme,and Alicethe In Wonderland, wasof chosen its vibrant and powerful mesHalloween sure signs fall for and Breastcolors Cancer Awareness sages.

Month, which encompasses all 31 days of the month.

“Alice in Wonderland has important messages for young people who are still searching for themselves and their place in high school,” saidCancer senior SGA Executivebreast Officer Danelle AmAccording to the American Society, cancer is a sellem. malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast, where it can SGA has spent nearly $10,000 to bring Alice’s Wonderland to life. According to Michelle Russpread to Director other parts ofSponsor, the body may sell, Activities and SGA SGAand absorbs the result costs thatinaredeath. not covered by the $40 tickets whichhigh amount to less than $9,000. the nation, Krop has students Likesales, other schools across “While students may find the tickets expensive, every penny of the fee goes into paying for the and faculty that have been affected, directly orand indirectly, by facility, food, music, lighting, and decorations for theeither Homecoming dance, the various supplies we need for daily lunch activities and the pep-rally,” said Amsellem. breast cancer.

October: The month of awareness

While some say that those affected by breast cancer are cast upon a negative light, others, like guidance counselor Melissa Falco-Diaz who works closely with students like this, explains that it is equally true that many make the best of it.

“It is good to use the negative for a positive change,” Falco-Diaz said.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month kicks off with a 5K managed by the athletic department.

“Every nine weeks we like to have an event that promotes fitness and gets some donations for a good cause,” said physical education teacher Caron Schiffman. “Since it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we decided to do this.”

This event consists of five kilometers to be walked or ran and food and goodies distributed to those who donate. Additionally, JROTC is invited to help carry out and control the course.

“I like the idea that we can put together fitness, health, and awareness all for a good cause,” said Schiffman.

The varsity football team also wears accessories with the color pink during the games in commemoration of the month’s color.

With help from all these active supporters, the public can be made more aware about this illness and the battle that goes alongside it. Krop: 1; Breast cancer: 0.

-Mila Sicorsky

Editorial Page 4

Lightning Strike • October2008 2014 The LightningTheStrike • September

REGULATIONS

Uniforms don’t make the school safer IN MY OPINION erick cohen

business manager

In my first two years of Krop, before uniforms were implemented, I would wear my favorite soccer team’s jersey to school to show my support. It is unfair that I don’t get the right to wear what I want anymore, but some teachers still do.

According to Principal Dawn Baglos, uniforms were set in place because “safety is our number one concern.”

Aside from how I will never understand how wearing one of three common colored shirts with a big letter “K” on it is supposed to keep us safe, I don’t know what was so dangerous about wearing a soccer jersey.

Uniforms do not make the

school any safer, if anything they make it more dangerous.

Anyone with bad intentions and $20 can go buy their own Krop uniform and enter the school grounds if they wanted to; they would blend right into a sea of Krop students.

School was just as safe before we had uniforms. Even if there was some sort of threat to safety, having a school-wide uniform policy is an indirect solution to a nonexistent issue.

Changing students’ shirts will not prevent a threat to safety.

Oppressing students’ rights to wear what they want for a false sense of security is not worth the tradeoff.

If safety was really a big school concern, changes to how people dress isn’t what needs to be changed.

A logical thing to do would be to hire more security guards and

THE LIGHTNING STRIKE An NSPA All-American publication Winner of George H. Gallup Award NSPA Pacemaker Finalist An FSPA All-Florida publication Follow us on Twitter @kropstrike Like us on Facebook Visit us online at www.lightningstrikenews.com

DAN SICORSKY, Editor-in-chief LINA ZULUAGA, Managing Editor ALEC EIDELSTEIN News Editor DANIELA MICHANIE Opinion Editor NICOLAS ALEMAN Sports Editor SHOSHANA SOMMER Entertainment Editor MIKAELA MENDEZ Spread Editor MACKENZIE DUFFY Feature Editor

MAYAN DERHY Lifestyle Editor JACOB SINGER Copy Editor STEPHANIA SALAVERRIA Photo Editor ERICK COHEN Business Manager MARYKAY SULLIVAN Adviser SUN COAST PRINTER Printer

STAFF WRITERS CORBIN BOLIES, JUAN BORQUEZ, FRANCESA BOZZA, ETHAN CURTIS, MICHAEL KATZ, DEVIN LEE, CHELSEA LEWIS, SOPHIE MUCHNICK, SAIGE RAYMOND, MILA SICORSKY,

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 a computer if possible. The editor 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 Dan Sicorsky, Editor-in-chief, at dsicorskythestrike@gmail.com.

STAFF EDITORIAL

Remembering a legend

AP

Benjamin “Ben” Crowninshield Bradlee

MACKENZIE DUFFY

make them do more than direct a lunch line and make sure we don’t walk to the bathroom without a yellow piece of paper.

The school should focus on checking for Krop IDs that cannot

be bought outside of school, unlike the uniforms, before anyone walks in the building.

It is safer and cheaper for students to buy a five dollar ID, than an entire school wardrobe.

LETTERS Bathrooms need a Too much testing: face-lift EOC takeover I would like to inform you on an issue that bothers me a whole lot. Throughout the day, I am constantly drinking water.

Usually, I try to avoid the bathrooms, but I can’t on my way to the water fountains. One day, on my way to the fountain, the foul smell of the girl’s bathroom hit my nose instantly.

When I walked in, the stall doors were wide open, and inside the floors were flooded with water. The toilet paper was shredded on the floor, the trash can flipped and the toilet was clogged. Even the sinks were dirty and there were no napkins in sight. It would be nice if the mirrors weren’t always dirty and the bathrooms were cleaned more often.

If this issue was resolved, we wouldnt’ have to hold and wait until we get back home, which is extremely unhealthy.

Yours Truly, M. Azania Dear M. Azania, Thank you for your letter. We not only appreciate your concern about the school’s bathrooms, but we understand it.

While none of us are trained janitors, we do have some ideas about how to improve the situation.

Student Government has a committee open to all that focuses on the school environment, which meets every other Monday.

No matter what, the most powerful thing you can do, is talk to your peers. They are, after all, the people doing the littering.

Sincerely, The Strike’s Opinion Editor

I read your article last issue, and I strongly disagree with the decisions made about testing this past year.

I know that there’s nothing that you can really do about it, but if all of Miami-Dade comes together to sign a petition and protest it, some things might change.

It’s not fair that we have to take an EOC for every class! It’s simply a set up for failure. How many kids do you think will be able to pass 6 EOC’s along with state testing and the tests that we already have in class? It’s not impossible, but I doubt there will be high pass rates.

Don’t those pass rates count for our school grade? I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I really want you guys to consider going on strike.

I am a 9th grader and I have all of high school ahead of me. I don’t want to spend the entire time testing.

Sincerely, Etienne Nelchaelle Dear Etienne, Welcome to high school. the land of more time spent testing than teaching.

Just kidding.

Actually, most of the new testing requirements are being imposed by the Florida Department of Education.

And you are right. While it’s definitely not the Strike’s fault that you are being flooded with tests, we can do something about it.

As students, enough protesting and petition-making can truly make a difference, if you have strength in numbers!

Sincerely, The Strike’s Opinion Editor

The staff of the Lightning Strike was touched by the Oct. 21 passing of one of its heroes – Benjamin “Ben” Crowninshield Bradlee.

To the world, Bradlee was the editor of the Washington Post who led Richard Nixon to his resignation.

But to Strike journalists, and journalists worldwide, his passing is the end of an era.

In his 26 years as the executive editor of the Post, Bradlee transformed the paper into the legendary powerhouse it is today.

Of all his accomplishments, none was as notable as his role in uncovering the Watergate scandal.

Bradlee oversaw Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, two Post reporters, as they “followed the money” from the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters all the way back to the Justice Department, the CIA, the FBI and, eventually, the White House.

By continuously supporting his reporters as they followed anonymous sources and published secret government papers, Bradlee enabled his reporters to fulfill the promise of journalism to arrive at “the best known version of the truth,” no matter what obstacles lay in the way.

The staff of the Strike will hold true to Bradlee’s ideal as long as the paper remains in circulation.

Granted, no presidents have resigned as a result of articles written in this paper, but school and county issues have been addressed multiple times, and change has come about as a result of the Strike’s reporting.

For example, three years ago, a story published in the Strike spoke against the revealing outfits worn by pep rally dancers while the rest of the student body followed dress code regulations.

Following the publication of the article, changes were made to the dress code that dancers must now adhere to.

With Bradlee’s death comes the passing of an era of reliable, trustworthy reporting not clouded by unverified news gathered from Twitter and other social medias.

Upon his passing, Ben Bradlee is remembered by the Strike for his courage and fearless pursuit of printing what was true.

Opinion

The Lightning Strike • October 2014

Page 5

HEALTH

Ebola must be taken seriously

IN MY OPINION dan sicorsky

editor-in-chief

Since March, almost 5,000 people have died after contracting Ebola. Also since March, I’ve received dozens of Snapchats from bedridden friends claiming they “have Ebola.”

Village after village, story after story, Ebola virus disease (EVD) is exactly what the local West African nurses call it as they protest on the streets – a “family destroyer.”

If one family member contracts the disease, all members of the household are at increased risk of getting infected. Often times, the more than 3,700 children who have lost one or both parents, as reported

by UNICEF, have turned to relatives and friends for help, only to be chased away because of their exposure to the virus and possible risk of infection.

Meanwhile, in the United States, a teenage girl changes her Instagram biography to “I HAVE EBOLA” and Chris Brown tweets that the disease is a “form of population control.”

The virus attacking West Africa has been around since 1976, but this outbreak is the biggest yet, with cases reaching North America and Europe. The countries most affected by the epidemic – Sierra

Former student speaks out against anti-semitic acts Mayan Derhy lifestyle editor For Jewish Americans who live in the Aventura bubble, anti-semitism is a phenomenon heard of but rarely seen.

The cultural shock of college campuses can be especially poignant to Jewish students that are used to a Jewish supportive community.

For these students, such as Krop alumnus, Blake Mars, anti-semitic hate acts are unfamiliar and intolerable.

The morning of Oct. 5, as the end to the holiest day in Judaism, Yom Kippur, approached, the AEPi fraternity at Emory University was vandalized with two swastikas painted in the front of their house.

In a statement to changethebrand.com, Blake Mars said, “seeing swastikas drawn in my own backyard is real, disgusting, and scary. Take a stand to wipe out intolerance of any sort and ensure the acceptance of everyone in your communities.”

Bravo.

Leone, Guinea and Liberia – all lack sufficient human and infrastructural resources, ranging from medics to body bags. Because of this, they have failed to contain the disease, whose fatality rate in this outbreak averages 50 percent, but can reach as high as 90 percent, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Regardless of its high fatality rate, Ebola is not very contagious, the WHO reports. The virus that

other organizations have provided afflicted countries with specialists and medical supplies. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla, and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen have played their part in stopping Ebola by donating a combined $175 million.

It isn’t expected that any one of us offer our home as a hospital for Ebola patients, or that we donate millions of dollars for the cause. It

VILLAGE AFTER VILLAGE, STORY

AFTER STORY, EBOLA IS EXACTLY WHAT THE LOCAL WEST AFRICAN NURSES CALL IT AS THEY PROTEST ON THE STREETS – A ‘FAMILY

DESTROYER.’”

causes it isn’t airborne, and the disease can only be transmitted via close contact with broken skin, mucous membranes, and household items contaminated with the bodily fluids (blood, secretions, and organs, especially) of those infected. Even though Ebola isn’t as contagious as, say, malaria, the WHO projects that, by December, the disease will be infecting 10,000 people a week.

Doctors Without Borders, the American Red Cross, UNICEF and

is, however, expected that we not ridicule a disease that could, in a worst-case scenario report published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reach over 1.3 million cases worldwide by January.

Even though an Ebola-contaminated plane landed in Ft. Lauderdale International Airport on Oct. 13, health officials continue to insist there is no need for concern.

But naturally, as suspicions of Ebola close schools and shut down

neighborhoods in Dallas and other cities, people are going to express concern. However, concern should not arise solely from the fear that Ebola will spread in the United States. Concern should also come from realizing how little the average American is doing to support the cause and how much some, like Chris Brown, are doing to hurt it.

There are many humorous things going on in the world right now – for example, a California woman got stuck in a chimney trying to sneak into the house of a man she met online – but a disease that has wiped out entire villages is not one of them.

Most organizations providing aid in the Ebola outbreak have reported historically low levels of donations from the public. So instead of attributing your seasonal cough to Ebola, consider donating to one of the hundreds of nonprofits accepting donations to help fight Ebola, or at least educate yourself and others so limited concern does not morph into widespread panic.

Editor’s note: While no one organization is better than the others, look into UNICEF, a children’s rights and emergency relief organization that promises every gift will be met with a $1-for-$1 match, and 91% of each dollar donated will be used directly to assist children with Ebola. Visit unicef.org or call 1.800.FOR. KIDS to get started.

EBOLA OUTBREAK

BY THE NUMBERS

1,300,000 WORLDWIDE CASES PROJECTED IN WORSTCASE SCENARIO

$500,000 AVERAGE COST OF TREATMENT FOR A SINGLE PATIENT

10,141

REGISTERED CASES AS OF OCT. 25

4,922

DEATHS AS OF OCT. 25

50% AVERAGE FATALITY RATE

0 PROVEN TREATMENTS Compiled by Jake Singer

Sources: WHO, CDC and Avalere Health

SCHOOL POLICY

Krop’s tardy policy: better never than late IN MY OPINION sophie muchnik

opinion editor

Things in life are unpredictable, we can get a flat tire on our way to school or forget a doctor’s note after an appointment, and we can’t always control the situation.

The tardy policy states if we are late to school, we go to CSI to get a late pass, and at our third tardy, we get a detention. Once the detention is served, we get a clean slate. To excuse a tardy, you must bring a doctors note.

We, the students, found a way around this policy. Because a tardy can’t be excused unless you have a doctor’s note, to miss a full day of school is easier than to come late.

Instead of Z’s in the grade book from having an unexcused tardy, the absence is easier to get excused.

The school’s tardy policy should be the same as the absence policy. We should be al-

LINA ZULUAGA

lowed notes from our parents explaining why we missed class, just like absence notes.

For example, sophomore Maria Pineda had a dentist appointment, but forgot a note from the office to excuse her tardy. Pineda missed two classes, and all the work due that day would go in the grade-book as Z’s.

Pineda explained the situation to the attendance office, but there was little they could do because of the policy. Instead, Pineda did not go back to class.

She went home and brought in an excused absence letter from her parents the next day. Pineda made up all work missed, no questions asked.

“I didn’t think it was fair that I had to make up two tests and use one of my absences just because I couldn’t get my tardy excused,” Pineda said.

The argument is that some students will take advantage of these new rules, but there will always be those who abuse the situation.

If the rules change to be more like the absentee policy, those who take advantage won’t get that option because the policy will not allow it.

But, for the students who won’t, it’s their right to excuse something, which if not excused, will affect their overall performance.

The solution to this problem is to make tardy rules similar to absence rules. To miss an entire day of school just to make up work in a few classes is not the solution.

An academically viable solution would be for the administration to change the tardy policy to help accommodate us and to not make us feel like missing school is better for our grades.

Editorial Page 6

The Lightning Strike • October 2014

SOCIAL ISSUES

Let’s talk about the “F” word: Feminism IN MY OPINION daniela michanie micaha

opinion editor

I always knew Hermione was a feminist. Now Emma Watson, the woman behind the courageous spell caster, is taking feminism for a broom-ride.

In a speech before the United Nations, Watson spoke on behalf of the HeForShe campaign, a part of UN Women that believes that gender equality cannot come about if it is only on behalf of half of the world’s population that is, only women.

Essentially, Watson wanted to clarify what feminism really is, which is almost as confusing as Severus Snape and what side he’s really on.

The feminist movement is an attempt on behalf of both men and women to achieve gender equality. Notice the part that says “men and women.” That’s because both genders are hurt by sexism, and both genders need to stand up against it.

An example of male sexism can be seen in the recent hazing incident in New Jersey, in which several male high school football

FEMINISM

BY THE NUMBERS IN THE USA

players were accused of sexually assaulting other younger male players. Moreover, men, too, are trapped by “gender boxes” or lines which encourage them to “act like a man” and show no emotion. This is just as seri-

Because of the fact that I was born with two X chromosomes instead of one, I was taught to only play with dolls and wear dresses, warned not to be assertive, and pressured to accept the fact that when I enter the work-

force I will only make 77 cents to a man’s dollar.

That’s without including ethnicity or race. Statistically, an African-American woman will make 66 cents to a white man’s dollar, and a Hispanic woman a mere 58 cents. In fact, as a Hispanic woman, I can expect

to make $400,000-700,000 less than a man in my lifetime. That’s almost the amount of money I would have if I were given a dollar for everytime I am called a radical for demanding equal rights.

The overwhelming majority of women and men still refuse to identify with the movement that seeks nothing more than equality. In a 2013 poll conducted by The Economist, 72 percent of Americans did not identify as feminists.

Why is it that so many people of both genders are afraid of labeling themselves feminists?

The answer is simple: Being a feminist carries a stigma that has confused people about what the movement truly stands for. Stereotypes that brand all feminists as radicals or man-haters are no different from the ones that brand all Muslims as terrorists, all Americans as obese and greedy, and all black people as lazy. These are hurtful, offensive and generally untrue.

Many ask, “Why does a movement about equality refer to only one gender in its name? Wouldn’t ‘equalism’ or ‘humanism’ make more sense?”

ASSAULT

UNDER REPRESENTATION

RAPE CULTURE

IS HOW OFTEN SOMEONE IN AMERICA IS SEXUALLY VIOLATED

OF WOMEN MAKE UP CONGRESS EVEN THOUGH MORE THAN 50% OF THE POPULATION ARE WOMEN

WOMEN REPORT TO HAVE BEEN RAPED IN 2011 ALONE.

MEN -- I WOULD

COURTESTY OF ULOOP.COM

ous as women being pressured to dress conservatively, and hazing is just as serious as the common instances of boys slipping drugs into a girl’s drink to get her into bed. While not as prevalent for men, these are the issues that feminism addresses on behalf of both genders.

WAGE GAP

$431,000

IS THE AMOUNT THE AVERAGE WOMAN WILL HAVE LOST BY THE AGE OF 65 DUE TO THE WAGE GAP

LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EXTEND YOUR FORMAL INVITATION. GENDER EQUALITY IS YOUR ISSUE TOO.”

–EMMA WATSON UN Women

2 minutes

18.5 %

While feminism does aim for gender equality, women are historically more oppressed than men. However, even though the historical focus has been on women, feminism is about the equality of all people, no matter their race, gender, sexuality, or socioeconomic standing-- all of which include men too.

We need men and women to be feminists because society still deems it wrong for men to be expressive about their emotions.

We need men and women to be feminists because if a young girl wants to wear a short dress, she should do so without fear of sexual assault. Because it shouldn’t be normal to expect women to carry around pepper spray in order to walk safely at night.

We need men and women to be feminists because a female body part should not be the most derogatory thing a man can be called.

The feminist movement is much more than a call for economic, social and political equality. It is a call for humanity, which in order to happen, must be accomplished by both genders – and Hermione Granger, of course.

1 in 5

SOURCES 1. whitehouse.gov, 2. Rape Abuse & Incest National Network, 3. http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu, 4. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the CDC Compiled by Lina Zuluaga

TECHNOLOGY

Don’t leave your phone unattended while reading this

IN MY OPINION michael katz micaha

staff writer

Some people steal hearts, some kids steal candy, and some students steal phones.

“Students just don’t protect their belongings,” said social studies department chair Connie Higgins.

Although stealing is a nervewracking experience no matter the circumstances, the students stealing have found a way to make getting caught harder and stealing easier. “They have a system in place where a stolen item gets handed off multiple times so that it’s impossible to know where it is. By the end of the period, that phone is halfway across the school,” junior Mark Riley said. “They turn your phone off as soon as they get it so that you can’t track it,

and they won’t turn it back on for two or three months until you’ve already forgotten.”

The stories are endless- if there is a student who hasn’t gotten anything stolen from them at school, odds are they know someone who has.

“My freshman year, one of my friends left his locker unlocked and got his Blackberry stolen while he was at P.E.,” said junior Sean Portman. “The kid who stole it changed the phone’s BBM status and profile picture to a picture of himself.”

“These kids aren’t scared of stealing because they aren’t worried about getting caught,” said Higgins. “Worst case scenario, they just have to give the phone back. As teachers, we can’t search our students. We have to call in an administrator to search the student’s possessions.”

Students tend to criticize

the administration for not being strict enough on the stealing policy, but if we’re leaving our phones on our desks and going out into the halls to buy a Jamaican patty, what can we expect- that our classmates are going to clean the screen for us and give it back?

Asking someone to please not steal your phone isn’t going to cut it. If you want to put an end to the stealing in school, start with yourself. Be conscious of your possessions and keep an eye out for your friends, too.

“Students are warned against bringing valuables to school at orientation,” said Principal Dawn Baglos. “If you want to bring expensive posses-

sions to school, have common sense. That’s the best solution.”

But there are some cases where common sense can cause problems.

“I have some students who refuse to take off their book bags, or who hug their bags all period long because they feel the need to constantly be watching their things,” Higgins said.

One of my teachers told me to surround myself with the people I wanted to be like. The choice is up to you- do you want to be

surrounded by Gucci belts and flashy shoes, or real people that will have your back even if you were barefoot?

After having my phone stolen last year, the thing that bothered me most, aside from the empty feeling in my pocket, was not knowing why. I kept searching the faces of my classmates, looking, wondering, searching for any reason why someone might have a reason to trade their dignity, their self-respect, for a few hundred dollars. But all I saw were Gucci belts and flashy shoes.

Basically, watch out for: 1. The chicken line 2. People staring at you while you put in your locker code 3. Evidence of tampering with your lock 4. Your friendsdon’t let them leave their stuff unattended

JOIN YOUR

UPCOMING EVENTS

•Nov. 4 - Teacher Planning Day & “Bowl for Krop” at Holiday Bowling Alley

•Nov. 10-15 - “Spa for Krop” Nuova Bella Med Spa. 2250 NE 163 Street

#3B, NMB, FL 10% of all proceeds go to Krop PTSA if client mentions Krop

•Nov. 18- 4th General PTSA meeting

•Nov. 20 - Dress Down Day (volunteers needed to sell tickets)

•Nov. 22- Practice ACT test. PTSA members can take it for free if it’s their first exam, otherwise the cost is $10. For non-members, the cost is $10.

TO JOIN THE PTSA, FILL OUT A MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Membership applications available in the Attendance Office or at kropseniorhigh.org/ptsa

Entertainment

The Lightning Strike • October 2014

Page 8

EXPECTATIONS

TV SHOWS TO KEEP ON WATCHING Corbin Bolies staff writer

Although it’s easy to get caught up in the crazy number of shows released in just the last month, the burden isn’t yours to undertake alone. This guide’s here to help.

Whether or not a show is “successful” depends on its ratings – the measure of age demographics and total viewers.

For example, if a show manages to score a 3.8 in an 18-49 demo (in their shares, which are different for every show) and 11 million viewers, than the show would be considered a success. However, if a show performs terribly (0.9 in the demo and four million viewers), than it would be one likely to be cancelled. Basically, any show that falls below a 1.5 would be considered for cancellation.

Now, enough with numbers. Here’s a rundown of

which shows you should keep up with, save for the Ultimate Summer Binge-Watch, or just drop entirely before you get your heart broken by a terrible cancellation:

Show #1: Red Band Society (FOX)

reviews criticized the show’s believability and its cliché characters), the ratings for the show have been dismal. Fluctuating between a 0.9 and a 1.1 in the demos, with viewership averages around three million, the show is likely headed toward cancellation.

Show # 2: The Flash (The CW)

Sneak peek: A group of kids, who wouldn’t normally hang out, form a bond through their illnesses in Ocean Park Hospital, the show’s fictional setting.

Considered an early favorite before its premiere, the show managed to nab Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer in a leading role and Steven Spielberg as an executive producer.

Verdict: Drop. While the show has increased its quality in terms of storytelling (initial

Verdict:

Watch.

This show surpassed expectations set from their network, gaining higher ratings than the competing superhero show of the night, “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” (a 1.9 to a 1.6, respectively) and this is on a network that already does not require the higher ratings that other broadcast networks do.

Because of this, this show is worth sticking around on viewer’s lists.

Show # 3: How To Get Away With Murder (ABC)

Sneak peek: A spin-off of the hit series, “Arrow,” this show centers on Barry Allen, a young scientist who gets struck by lightning, thereby becoming “The Flash.” Also an early favorite, this show had to lay its ground first in “Arrow” before becoming fullyfleshed into its own series.

Sneak peek: Students in Professor Annaliese Keating’s Criminal Law 100 class manage to learn the law while having to put it to the test…in

two separate murders. Led by powerhouse Viola Davis and a star-studded ensemble cast, this show was heralded as one to watch.

Verdict: WATCH. This show has managed to be the highest-rated new show of the Fall Season, gaining large numbers in its demo and managing to retain a lot of its lead-in’s numbers (Scandal, another high-rated show), which is important for the network. In fact, it delivered a 3.8 rating and 14.3 million viewers. This, plus an intriguing story and phenomenal acting (Viola Davis’ acting has been constantly heralded as outstanding), makes this show the top choice to continue watching.

With so many new shows, picking which one to continue can be truly hard. However, with this guide, you should be able to manage your entertainment with your (surely studious) life.

CONCERT

TECHNOLOGY

Cat Stevens returns to U.S. Android vs. iOS The ultimate battle: Chelsea Lewis staff writer Since the release of the first iPhone in 2007, Apple has been competing with other phone companies to be number one.

Continuous commercials and rumors about one phone being better than other, such as the Samsung ad which stated that its competitors are imitating them, have spiraled throughout social media. In response, I’ve decided to test those

rumors out for myself.

I started with my fully charged iPhone 6. Taking both a selfie and a shot of my surroundings.

Just by taping the screen, focus was instantaneous and the clarity of the image captured was impressive.

New features that come with iOS 8 include quicker access to recent contacts by just double clicking the home button, adding voice recording when texting and a collection of built-in apps such as the health and fitness apps.

I also noticed the battery life decreased faster the more I used the phone, lowering to 40 percent by the end of a normal school day.

Next, I tested my friend’s Galaxy S5. My experience was the opposite of what I expected. To my surprise, the image came out with exceptional quality.

Next, I tested out the front camera. Compared to the selfies I took with my iPhone, the quality of the selfies I took with the Galaxy S5 were not as good.

What stood out the most was the Galaxy S5’s interesting features that I was initially not aware of. To change to another screen, all I had to do was wave my hand over the face of the phone.

Although the Galaxy S5 does have auto-correct for texting, instead of just typing out a message, I could choose from sliding my finger from letter to letter to create words or use the drawing tool that leaves space on the screen that allows me to draw in letters with my fingers, and it will automatically appear typed up. These features are lacking in the iPhone 6.

The Galaxy S5 wasn’t as easy to navigate as the iPhone, but its battery life decreased substantially to 20 percent by the time I was done using it in the same time frame as the iPhone.

Since experiencing the Galaxy for myself, I still prefer the iPhone, but it has its own differences that make it unique. Ultimately, it comes down to a person’s personal preference, but for me Apple remains the best. It’s fast, simple and cannot be matched.

COMING BACK STRONG: Cat Stevens is back in America after finding himself through the Islamic religion. He will visit six cities in the upcomming months.

Stephania Salaverria photo editor It has been 35 years since Cat Stevens performed live in America.

In these upcoming months, Cat Stevens will return to North America to play his old and new music alike in six U.S. cities.

Stevens, a well-known artist from the sixties, seemed to have fallen off the face of the planet decades ago. After battling tuberculosis, he began to follow a more spiritual path constantly looking for inner peace through meditation.

The music he composed during this time reflected the perspective he had on the world. His lyrics transformed to involving many aspects of his life, like in his song “Father and Son”, his lyrics became more personal. In 1977, his mindset led him to pick up a Koran and embrace Islam after almost drowning in the Pacific.

The day he converted to Islam, Stevens decided to walk away from his music career, and left the world

in shock. Stevens focused on starting a family while he became heavily involved in charity work and education.

As he immersed himself in humanitarian works, Stevens has slowly come back to his musical roots. After 9/11, Stevens reappeared singing one of his most well-known songs, Peace Train, as a call for peace. Five years later, he released his album An Other Cup, and since then he has merged both his personal life with his beloved music.

Between his sporadic album releases and tours across Europe, Stevens is finally making a much sought after appearance throughout North America in Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Once again, his fans will be able to enjoy his soft voice, melodies and passionate lyrics.

The past will be re-kindled with the excitement of his tour and his songs that carry the spirit of his earliest days.

The Lightning Strike • October 2014

Entertainment Page 9

DEVELOPMENT

Pegasus: The new structure in Gulfstream Park

Shoshana Sommer entertainment editor

It’s a planetarium…. It’s a movie theater… It’s a 110foot Pegasus! Rumors are that the Gulfstream Pegasus could be anything ranging from a planetarium, to a movie theater or even a hotel.

According to my sources, which you may not trust, the Pegasus is going to be all that and more! The new Gulfstream Pegasus will be the center for an exclusive shopping plaza, a luxury hotel, a theme park with the world’s largest roller coaster plus a place to look at the stars.

Now for the truth, the Pegasus is going to be the center for a park which will feature lights and water attractions such as fountains and waterfalls but will not have any actual water slides.

Around the Pegasus will be green space and beautiful scenery where families will be able to walk around and enjoy the sites.

IN MY OPINION Mackenzie Duffy micaha

GULFSTREAM PARK

NEW SIGHTS: Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino in Hallandale Beach released this visual of what it’s construction project will look like upon its completion. The pegasus will be at the center of a family park and recreation center.

The Pegasus eating the dragon represents good versus evil and ultimately is the symbol of The Village at Gulfstream Park. The statue is a way for the park to brand

itself, according to Ken Ritzo President and General of Gulfstream Park.

Eventually, The Village at Gulfstream will open up a hotel and a residential tower.

These buildings, along with the new Pegasus, will attract many different types of people. “The purpose is to bring the community together,” Ritzo said.

CONCERT

Ultra Music Festival issues 18 and above policy

ULTRA MUSIC

CHANGES: Beginning with its 2015 concert, Ultra Music Festival will enforce a new age limit and a change in ticket price. The festival will be taking place from Mar. 27-29.

Nicholas Aleman sports editor For those hoping to attend the Ultra Music Festival, expect to see changes this upcoming March.

For the first time in the seventeen year history of the premier Miami based festival, ticket prices decrease while the age limit rises to 18. The change comes after vast public disappointment about the rise in ticket prices that caused many longtime fans to turn away from attending the event.

“I went to Ultra for their 15th year anniversary two years ago, and it was amazing,” senior Josh

Book Review: We Should Hang Out Sometime

Swerdlow said. “I couldn’t go last year because I didn’t have half a grand to just blow on a weekend.”

For the Mar. 27-29 event, general admission for 2015 is priced at $449.95, a $50 dollar decrease from last year’s asking price of about $500 after taxes.

Instead of having a day where all fans can purchase early bird tickets for a cheaper price, this year UMF is having fans register with basic personal information on their website, www.ultramusicfestival.com, to be able to purchase “Tier 1” ($299.95) and “Tier 2” ($379.95) early bird tickets.

Registration closed on Sept.

30 as general admission tickets

went on sale the following day.

“EDC and Tomorrowworld are way less expensive for a ticket than Ultra,” senior Nathan Brahka said. “Just because they lowered the price by 50 dollars doesn’t mean they won me back.”

The rise in popularity in electronic music has not only caused the rise in prices, but for many of the premier festivals around the country, to change their age limit to 16 and for some 18 due to the fear of minors harming themselves.

Like UMF, Life in Color will again enforce their strict 16 year age policy when the festival returns to Sun Life Stadium for the two day event on Dec. 26-27.

According to UMF organiz-

ers, the reason for the age change to 18 was to “reinforce and promote the safety of all Ultra Music Festival fans and to ensure the overall enjoyment of all future attendees.”

“I’m so disappointed I can’t go,” said junior Taylor Wells, who attended the festival for the past two years. “Ultra was better last year than the year before, so the expectations were high this year.”

While many are displeased with the rule changes, UMF fans of all ages know the wait is worth it.

“It’s something I think everyone should attend at least once in their lifetime,” freshman Max Carpez said. “It’s amazing.”

feature editor

Guys might think finding a girlfriend in high school is tough- strong cologne, expensive dates or a fancy car. But, factor in being home schooled until freshman year, coming from a strict Christian family and having your leg amputated at the hip. It’s pretty slim pickings.

Josh Sundquist, author of the upcoming memoir “We Should Hang Out Sometime” set to release in January of 2015, writes an anecdotal memoir of all failed attempts at relationships up until the age of 25. As Sundquist’s first novel, he dives into his memory to recall events within these endeavors for young love.

At the age of nine, Sundquist was diagnosed with a form of cancer called Ewing’s sarcoma and shortly after was told by his doctor that his left leg needed to be amputated. Although the chance for survival was grim, Sundquist eventually went into remission.

The book begins with Sarah Stevens, Sundquist’s first crush at the age of 13, and concludes with Sasha Wright, a graduate school flame. Each “relationship” is separated into its’ own section, with paragraphs entitled background, investigation and hypothesis of what occurred.

The background gives the readers a description of each girl, investigation goes in depth as to what transpired and the hypothesis provides an analysis of the relationship’s downfall.

Throughout the novel, Sundquist satirizes his own situation through irony, witty puns and humorous graphs.

These traits are mirrored on his YouTube channel as well as his first memoir “Just Don’t Fall.”

“Of all the socially awkward behaviors I exhibited during my transition from homeschool to public school in ninth grade,” he wrote. “Perhaps the most outrageous was my decision to memorize everyone in the eighth-grade yearbook so I could greet my classmates by name on the first day of school.

“We Should Hang Out Sometime” includes accounts of Sundquist’s romantic endeavors leading up to meeting his current girlfriend, Ashley Samsonite, who has also been featured on select YouTube videos.

Page 10

The Lightning Strike • October 2014

:

Page 11

The Lightning Strike • October 2014

Students balance demanding work schedules with even more demanding school schedules. From working to fulfill families’ necessities, to working for a passion, to saving for future expenses, everyone has their own personal reason as to why they work.

A: I work

to help pay my family’s bills

Q: Why are YOU working working?

Total number of people per race earning minimum wage or below

Mikaela Mendez spread editor As if waking up at six a.m. every morning and taking six classes were not hard enough; senior Joseph Monteagudo works about 34 hours a week for $4.10 an hour plus tips at Steak & Shake.

“Depending on the time I get to work, I either get put in the red or blue section,” said Monteagudo. “The red is the best section it takes the majority of the booth orders and a few tables, but the blue section is the worst, it has the least amount of people.”

At Steak & Shake, Monteagudo takes orders and delivers food to the customers table. Besides this, he assigns people to their table and sweeps. If he messes up an order, customers complain to management or call corporate. If the customer calls corporate, the blame falls on the manager costing him 25% of his bonus.

Monteagudo started living with his uncle halfway through eighth grade year, when his father was stricken by illness and rendered unfit to care for him. Without his mother in the picture, his uncle’s involvement seemed like a blessing to Monteagudo. But he was wrong.

In his junior year, he was evicted from his house in Aventura and lived in a motel for a month. A previous drug conviction and a battle with substance abuse made it difficult for his uncle to find a job. Monteagudo knew he had to step up to the challenge of financially maintaining them both.

The money he makes at Steak & Shake helps him pay the phone bill that he and his uncle share, plus the food bill on the weekend. Starting next month, Monteagudo will also pay half of the light bill.

Even though he is willing to help his family economically, it is hard to balance three AP classes with a 34 hour a week work schedule.

Because of long hours at work, six hour weekdays and seven on weekends, Monteagudo’s grades have understandably dropped; but things are clearing up for him. His uncle found a job at Restaurant Depot, and they have been “happily struggling” ever since.

However, senior Tomas Guzman has a different story.

Guzman works at Luca Bella, an Italian restaurant in Aventura, for $4.91 an hour plus tips for seven and a half hours on weekdays to help his family pay their electricity bill.

His parents are employed parttime making it difficult for them to handle the family’s expenses on their own. Guzman’s mother cleans houses and his father works at a coffee company but they do not work full time. Luckily, they have their three kids working, and helping them with finances.

“You can manage school and work as long as you are organized and dedicated, “Guzman said.

Guzman learned from working long shifts at Luca Bella during junior year that organization is key to balancing a job and school.

Although he helps pay the electricity bill, his family is still struggling. He believes the most important thing is that they stick together to overcome struggles, and face them together.

Guzman believes students, especially underclassmen, should stay dedicated to school unless they absolutely need to work.

A: I

ONE

3,000,000

2,554,000

in four teenagers have a job

2,000,000

FIVE

Krop students work at ChillN Nitrogen Ice Cream

1,000,000

500,000 114,000

80% 31%

of teens work at least part-time

SEVEN

Krop students work at Luca Bella Family Style Italian Restaurant

643,000

Ethan Curtis staff writer

of teens between 16 and 19 make-up all minimum wage workers

MACKENZIE DUFFY

$7.93 30-35 minimum wage in Florida

average number of hours worked by a part-time employee

Information gathered from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A: I work to do what I love

Most teenagers spend an average of seven hours a day on social media but junior Isaac Levi spends about the same time producing and editing media.

One reason Levi edits is in order to satisfy his love for editing.

“Video editing seemed the most fulfilling aspect of film for me,” Levi said. “It’s where multiple jumbled up clips get put together in order to make the final product.”

Levi went to Cedar Lake sleep-away camp that allowed campers to choose activities. On

a whim Isaac decided to choose film and never looked back.

At camp, Levi was tasked to film and edit a video with two other campers. According to Levi, it ended up being the most popular video with the unique theme of Elmo killing Sesame Street characters.

When Levi got home from camp, he was sure that film was his passion.

The

job aspect started in ninth grade when a friend of Levi’s put him in contact with a musician who needed a video done.

Levi spends hours dedicated to editing videos to perfection.

A video that is three minutes or less could take two to four hours to edit. If the video is longer, he breaks it up into two-and-a-half-hour increments.

The amount of work

he does comes with a price. A finished product can be as much as $250 if media is provided. If media is not provided the project can cost up to $550 because he would have to record the video himself.

Isaac Levi is currently working on a portfolio to use in order to apply to different film schools.

Although most people might find the money the most appealing aspect of the job, Levi might say otherwise.

“I’ve been doing film and editing way before getting paid,” Levi said. “I do it mostly for the love of it, it just so happens to be a very profitable hobby to love.”

White

Hispanic Black or Asian or Latino AfricanAmerican Information gathered

from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

332,000

16 to 19 year old males work at or below minimum wage

466,000

16 to 19 year old females work at or below minimum wage

work to save for the future Corbin Bolies staff writer While some students work for their families or to pay off obligations, or just for extra cash, senior Daniel Khlioustov is different – he works to invest in the future.

“I’m hoping to save my money for college and a car,” he said. Khlioustov also plans to pursue a career in cooking, his passion.

Khlioustov works at Café Cita, and he plans to until he finishes school.

“I’m hoping to work at Fountain Bleu after I finish with school,” he says.

Working as a chef, Khlioustov says the profession allows him to express himself fully. He can be serious and loud, but he’s generally nice and friendly.

However, apart from the money he earns, Khlioustov makes sure to help pay his family’s expenses.

“I use my money every month to help my mom out, plus to pay my phone bill, but I mostly save it for a car and college,” Khlioustov said. Khiloustov hopes to attend Le Cordon Bleu to pursue his passion.

But Khlioustov is not all work. On his days off, he likes to relax, hang out with friends, and play music. “I had to sell my instruments I bought for my band to help pay for my car.” he says, “But I still kept and like to play piano and guitar.”

For his car, he’s aiming for something small and humble.

“For now, I just need a decent car, so maybe a nice Volkswagen or Nissan,” Khiloustov said. “But I plan to eventually own my own restaurant with a nice, beautiful Jaguar.”

With an interesting - and delicious - career choice and quiet, yet ambitious path to getting there, it seems like Khiloustov is sure to go far in cooking.

Feature

The Lightning Strike • October 2014

Page 12

STUDENTS

The tale of a transfer student: Part one Michael Katz staff writer The average human will travel 3,658,753 miles in their lifetime, yet the average student only travels from their bed to school and back. There is one exception, however—transfer students.

Who are they?

Coming from halfway across the globe, Lukas Kortendieck, a German sophomore, and Tadeas Bocek, a junior from the Czech Republic, both transferred at the beginning of this school year to get a glimpse of the life, culture and education of a high school student in the United States.

Both Kortendieck and Bocek demonstrated motivation, determination and perseverance in order to get here. In addition to taking a two hour exam to ensure their competency with the language, they filled out a stack of 25 papers to provide proof of vaccinations and academic and extracurricular involvement.

They also both wrote essays to their host families introducing themselves.

Some people just don’t understand.

Don’t think so? Check this out.

This conversation really happened.

Classmate: Where are you from? You have a really cool accent.

Bocek: I’m from the Czech Republic.

Classmate: Where is that?

Bocek: Czech Republic is a country next to Germany.

Classmate: Is that in the United States?

STEPHANIA SALAVERRIA

MACKENZIE DUFFY

NEW FRIENDS: Tadeas Bocek shows his fellow students in computer class how to use different programs like Microsoft Excel.

LEARNING IS FUN: Lukas Kortendieck and his classmates have fun while completing a map in his AP Human Geography class.

Really?

Bocek and Kortendieck agree that the amount of geographical and cultural ignorance demonstrated by peers has astonished them.

In Germany, students have school five days a week and study 14 different subjects. No, that wasn’t a typo- 14 different subjects. Students have the same classmates from fifth to 10th grade, after which in grades 11 and 12, they begin to specialize in careers by selecting which subjects they study. They remain in the same classrooms all day long, except for a few select classes like chemistry or P.E., and their teachers come to their classrooms for each period. Every day is a block day, so they see only seven classes each day. Yes, only seven classes each day.

“The most challenging part of school here is switching classes- it’s so confusing,” said Kortendieck. But the academic part seems to be a breeze for both Bocek and Kortendieck, who took

Algebra II before they entered ninth grade. Tadeas says he took AP Physics last year, yet he makes sure to stay absorbed in class so that he can keep his A’s. In addition to AP Human Geography and three other honors classes, Lukas also runs cross country, which he sees as a good way to stay in shape.

What do they miss most?

“I miss bread. This isn’t bread,” said Lukas as he ripped apart his whole wheat bread. “In Germany, you don’t buy bread at a grocery store. You buy it at a bakery- and it’s so much better.”

“I miss my friends,” said Bocek. “It was hard to say goodbye, even though I know I’m going back.”

were after just seconds of just knowing them. “People aren’t like that in Czechoslovakia,” said Bocek.

“Krispy Kreme is the best,” said Kortendieck when asked what his favorite food was.

“The hamburgers here are my favorite,” said Bocek. “We have McDonald’s in Czechoslovakia, too. We also have Big Mac’s, but a Big Mac here is much better than a Big Mac there.”

Do they feel welcome at Krop?

“People are really nice,” said both Bocek and Kortendieck. “You can usually tell when someone is genuinely kind or if they are just being fake,” said Kortendieck. “I felt really welcomed the first few days; everyone was approaching me and asking me questions.”

STUDENT Q:

{

LIFE

What’s the best part about going to such a diverse school?

“You get used to not being around the same people that you’re always around and you get the chance to interact with new people.”

- Katrina Matador, 10

The perspective of a teacher:

“Lukas is the perfect model of a student coming from another country successfully,” said English teacher, Joshua Joseph.

“He’s a determined, admirable student who has a really positive vibe to him.”

Tadeas is excelling in his classes, too.

“He is a star,” said math teacher Debra Stein. “He is a responsible, model student who could serve as a role model for other students. He values his education very much.”

“There are no limits, you can be accepted regardless of culture and basically do as you please.”

-Liam Anderson, 12

What are some cultural difEditor’s note: This story and ferences? the magnet story on page 13 are Bocek was surprised by the comfort people feel around each other and how welcoming people

the first in a series that will be spread out over multiple issues.

Be on the lookout!

PROFILE

Coach Thompson pushes students to the limit Saige Raymond staff writer

“Mr. Thompson is truly an optimist,” senior girls basketball player Isis Julmiste said. “He is a man that never says no, he is always willing to help and he does it with a smile.”

The coach in Coach Ray Thompson is an understatement considering everything he does for the school. Aside from serving as assistant Athletics Director, media specialist, security and the 5000 Role Model club sponsor, he runs around the halls unlocking doors for substitutes before class and changes the Krop marquee on Sunday nights. On top of all of that he is the proud head coach of the girls’ basketball team.

Thompson is man rich in character and lives by a set of ethics that he expresses in every task he takes on. “Maybe I was

raised with different values but I was brought up to believe you have apply hard work in whatever you do,” he said.

Coach says he just plays it forward, meaning he returns the favors that were given to him by his parents during his adolescence. “I was raised given the principles on how to be the best I can, its only right to pass that on”, he said. “I’m passionate about the future of the youth, I just believe in students going on to be productive citizens.”

Thompson is a simple man who lives by basic positive principles. He finds the bright side of every situation and completes all tasks wholeheartedly. He is a man of chivalry and education so he constantly seeks to help young people strive to their fullest potential. One of his biggest expressions of his belief in chivalry is being an active club sponsor for 5000 Role Models of Excellence, a project created

“You get a little bit of the whole world and it makes our school stronger.”

- Destiny Sahagun, 12

SAIGE RAYMOND

DEDICATION: Coach Ray Thompson keeps a close eye on the girls basketball team during their practice, monitoring their passing and shooting.

to boost the self-image, social skills and academic performance of male students. “He teaches us to be an exemplary model of a student, he’s a gentleman and a role model to me and he wants us to be that for other students,” senior Kyle Washington said.

One year, Thompson was asked to act as security monitoring

students entering school in the morning, he accepted this task and was satisfied with taking the job solely based off of the experience he had every morning when he got to witness the amazing sunrise. His focus is not praise, it’s to be productive and helpful to the best of his ability alongside it.

“You get exposed to a multitude of diverse opinions and ideas because of everyone’s backgrounds” - Ernesto Montes, art teacher

Compiled by Mila Sicorsky

Feature

The Lightning Strike • October 2014

Page 13

MAGNET

STAR students stay well-rounded for their future Mackenzie Duffy feature editor With all the clubs and activities that are offered to the students of Krop, one would think it is easy to get involved.

However, when someone is in the Magnet program, working on your art concentration, music piece or dance number, there is not enough time to join a club or take an AP class.

Drama Magnet “Enjoy whatever you’re involved in because it pushes you to excel academically,” senior Jessica Antoine said.

This personal philosophy resonates with Antoine and helps her get through her day filled with drama and academic classes Antoine has been a member

of the drama magnet since freshman year, and has also managed to take AP classes, become co-captain of the cheerleading team and be an involved member of SGA. When she is not reciting sonnets or memorizing lines, she is either cheering for athletes at games and pep rallies or facilitating school activities like homecoming week.

Although these responsibilities bring her stress, she knows that being involved in school is very important and beneficial to her high school experience as well as her future.

“It’s all worth it,” Antoine said. “It helps build my resume for college and I’m able to surround myself with smart and talented people.”

Throughout Spirit Week, Antoine ran around the courtyard, handled the

activities, she often spends her time between club meetings and practice in the library studying for tests.

Dance Magnet

MIAMI URBAN DRIVE-IN MACKENZIE DUFFY

ALL AT ONCE: Jessica Antoine walks around the SGA booth directing students buying pep rally tickets.

microphone, painted faces and even played musical hats.

While she uses a portion of her time assisting with school-wide activities, she does not let this interfere with her academic success.

In order to balance school work with her extracurricular

Plié, relevé, study.

For senior Khareece Mattis, this is a daily routine. An immigrant from Jamaica, Mattis auditioned for the dance magnet program in order to attend Krop.

In addition to having two classes for dance, she also takes AP classes like Environmental Science and is a member of the track and field team, in order to better her average and make-up for all the magnet classes she has to take for the program.

With the strain that both dance classes and track and field practice add, Mattis often feels like she is struggling with fatigue and studying for tests in her classes.

“I don’t know how I do it,

MACKENZIE DUFFY

BALANCING ACT: Khareece Mattis works in her probability and statistics class after taking two dance classes that morning.

man,” she said. “I’m just super tired sometimes, and I want to do well, but I just have so much on my plate.”

Editor’s note: This story and the story on page 12 about transfer students are the first in a series that will be spread out over multiple issues.

GENDER

Imprisoned by identity: a students’ struggle of self-discovery and transtition Gabriela Flores guest writer

Imagine living every day of your life in the wrong body. Imagine dreaming of a Barbie Dream House and being handed Hot Wheels. To be a 13-year-old girl with hair on your chin, or a 13-year-old boy with developing breasts. And if your mind cannot wrap itself around this idea, then imagine if it was your child.

The most important thing in the world to you, living every day in a life of misery. Most are aware of gender identity dysphoria, some accept it, but do we really know how such people struggle?

Samantha Lanker*, born Samuel Lanker, is a junior. Born in a male body, Samantha realized she was a girl in the third grade.

Knowing the obstacles she would

have to deal with, she put off the trauma of transitioning until much later in life. But in the summer between her freshman and sophomore year when a friend gave

sO IF OUR

TEACHERS, OUR MODELS, SHOW PREJUDICE THROUGH IGNORANCE, HOW CAN WE IMITATE THEM?

her a makeover, Samantha first saw her true reflection staring back at her.

That was the point of no return.

Since then, Samantha not only accepts her identity, but shares it with others. While most respect it, Samantha says, there have been problems with faculty. Teachers, who should not discriminate but teach tolerance to every student, do not always set the proper example.

In high school, adults emphasize that we are still children, but have expectations for us far beyond our capacity. We are told we must obey our elders, as they are the ones who mold us into the beings we will become. Our teachers are excellent.

They help us earn incredible test scores and achieve beyond our greatest aspirations. But as we learn to find the square root, or apply for Silver Knights, we must also learn to have a broad outlook on life. We must leave school smart, but openminded.

So if our teachers, our models, show prejudice through ignorance, how can we imitate them? How can we listen to their lecture, or accept their harsh grading, if they cannot even acknowledge us as the person we are? Samantha does not want to respond to “Samuel,” because to her, Samuel is the boy that was bullied, the boy that cried and the boy that was a girl. Samuel is the boy that was left behind when Samantha learned to accept herself, to love herself, and to share herself with the world; something everyone of us still have not learned to do.

Teachers need to understand that Samantha is not confused or going through a phase; this is her truth.

The truth of self-acceptance. So teachers, learn from your students as they learn from you. It is never too late to accept one more thing in life and will only make you a better

person. We are a different generation with different perspectives. Look past your opinion of whether it is right and wrong, and know that it exists. Look beyond your entitled judgment and feel compassion for your students who are going through a groundbreaking transition. For they, as adolescents, are far beyond their years, and far braver than you have proved to be. To put yourself bare in front of the world is a skill you may not have mastered in your many years of life, and one you must learn to be respected as an elder, for elders are wise.

Samantha Lanker is a beautiful girl whose morals are inspiring.

Samantha is a woman, a feminist, a transgender. But before that, Samantha is a human being, just like you. *Name has been changed to protect identity and privacy.

Top 10 things you didn’t know about Ms. Daniels 1. Family Matters

6. Transitions

2. A mother to all

7. New babies

Ms. Daniels, one of four children, grew up surrounded by her grandmother, aunts and cousins. Now, a single mother of two sons, Daniels has raised her kids on her own since they were three.

Apart from being a mother, Daniels is the godmother of nine children. Some of these godchildren even asked Daniels themselves to be their God Mother.

After having kids, Daniels moved to Florida and started working in the school system. She chose a place where she could spend nights, holidays and weekends with her kids.

3. Hobbies

Daniels has two Chihuahuas: Ms. Sophie and Coco. She likes to accessorize her dogs the way she likes to decorate rooms.

Daniels considers her dogs to be her babies and everyone around her, including her sons, claims she spoils them.

4. Biggest fear

Daniels’ ultimate fantasy is to buy a piece of land and build a house by scratch, brick by brick.

Daniels has a natural love for interior design and remodeling small spaces.

Her biggest fear is to not being able to help and love her kids, grandkids and students.

5. Her happiness

Students, who always seem to bring a smile to her face, are her favorite part about Krop.

10. Biggest dream

When her love of design began, Daniels developed the dream to buy a piece of land and build a house brick by brick. With designs exactly to her liking, it will be everything she wants.

8. Dreams

9. Best advice

When she was younger, a woman once told her that all the answers to her problem were within herself. As an adult, she tries to dig deep within herself to find the solution.

Compiled by Shoshana Sommer

Lifestyle

The Lightning Strike • October 2014

Page 14

Health

Plastic bottles: The hidden dangers Devin Lee staff writer Plastic water bottles are a way of life.

After quenching our thirst, we often throw them to the ground without a care in the world. We know this is bad for the environment, but we just don’t care. What you don’t know is that the same beverage you just gulped may not actually be the best for your body- at least not in that plastic bottle.

Plastic water bottles have been around for decades, but they could be taking a toll on your body.

Plastic water bottles are made from a range of different chemicals.

Indicated by a code on the bottom of the bottle, most plastic water bottles contain Bisphenol –A and phthalates. If consumed, these chemicals can cause irregular hormonal changes in the body and make a person sick.

According to a study conducted by a company known as “Ban the Bottle,” in plastic bottles that are exposed to heat for too long or are too old, the chemicals can “leach” from the bottle into the liquid and wreak havoc on your digestive systems.

Your body isn’t the only thing that suffers from plastic water bottles. The environment does too. Plastic bottles aren’t very eco-friendly and do damage to our

earth long after they have been thrown out and forgotten.

The bottles collected from homes end up in large garbage deposit sites known as landfills.

Depending on the type of plastic in the bottles, it can take the average bottle about 450 to 1000 years to decompose. To make matters worse, most bottles are made from P.E.T.E plastic. This standard plastic will never rot and decompose into the environment.

But these problems can be avoided. Instead of spending money on a new bottle of water

COURTESY OF RAZ MYARA

PLASTIC NO MORE: A company in western Michigan is advocating for reducing the use of platic bottles. The company has been getting attention from many celebrities.

every day, simply buy a reusable aluminum or steel water bottle and fill it with tap water. According to the NRDC (Nation Resources Defense Council), there is no guarantee that bottled water is any better than regular tap water, and one in every four bottles of water contains tap water itself.

The U.S Food and Drug administration (FDA) manages bottled water through high established standards. However, Consumer Reports state that tap water must meet a higher quality than bottled water and that companies bottling water are not forced by law to provide safety testing results to the FDA or the consumers. This means that water from your faucet may actually be cleaner than that in a plastic bottle.

Aside from steel bottles, a company in western Michigan is making another cool alternative to plastic bottles: boxed water. Their slogan “Boxed water is better” is getting attention and has been seen in the thirsty hands of celebrities such as Anne Hathaway and Blake Lively.

The cartons are also fully recyclable and the trees used to make them are replaced with brand new ones in well managed and sustained forest.

Plastic bottles may be popular now, but with the help of eco-friendly consumers and new alternatives, we can save our beautiful earth.

PSYCHOLOGY

The effects of music on the brain

Chelsea Lewis staff writer Ever wished you could do just a tad better in math? Ever thought of why it was so hard for you to comprehend a class assignment, but it was rather effortless for your classmate?

The answer may come to you as a surprise, but for those who have grown up playing an instrument these are just some of the few advantages they have.

In the last few decades neuroscientists have conducted breakthroughs on the way our brains work. They did this by monitoring brain activity using instruments such as FMRi (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanners.

When scientists observed the brains of musicians using scanners, they found out something incredible: playing an instrument involves practically every area of the brain at once, giving their brains the equivalent to a full body workout. Say what?

That’s right. The scanners showed not only multiple areas of the brain lighting up, but they were all concurrently processing different information. Especially in the motor cortex (the brain part involved with planning, control

and carrying out movements) and visual and auditory parts of the brain.

This, along with disciplined structured practice from playing music, strengthens these brain parts and allows musicians to excel in other activities.

“How the brain adapts or changes when learning how to play an instrument allows the brain to interpret sensory information in an easier fashion,” psychology teacher Michael Fass said. “That is a positive difference not a negative one.”

If that doesn’t convince you to start picking up an instrument, this will.

Examples of benefits from playing an instrument include the enhanced mathematical abilities, improved time management and organizational skills plus increased

Scientific American

reading and comprehension skills.

It also promotes self-expression and relieves stress.

To further explain each: Reading music involves dividing time into increments by counting notes that create rhythms. Thus, musicians learn math skills.

Musicians must also teach themselves to organize their practice time, a life skill they can apply to academics.

Research has shown that students who have grown up playing an instrument perform better both academically and socially than those who haven’t.

Band teacher Bringle Cidel agrees with this statement.

“As a student performs, they have to determine what note is on the staff, their fingering matches up with the notes, and the air control to produce the sound,” Cidel said “As a result the brain develops faster than the average student.”

Finally, musicians play their instruments with emotion that is proven as good therapy to relieve stress.

The discovery of how music can actually change the way a person acts or thinks overtime is astonishing, and it showed greater admiration for the unnoticed potential instrument lovers have with knowledge.

Alternative Lifestyles styles Four in the morning: The perfect time to play

by Mayan Derhy At 4 o’clock in the morning, when most students are still well into their dreams, Spanish teacher Tomas Gonzalez is wide awake and living out a dream of his own: playing guitar.

What motivates someone to wake up at such an early hour? Gonzalez says that four in the morning is the most peaceful hour to play because the stresses of the day have not yet begun.

“It is between day and night, when barely anyone is awake and everything is quiet and calm,” Gonzalez said, “the perfect time to play.”

Gonzalez has been playing guitar all of his life and does not remember a time when he did not have a guitar in his hand. Not having a proper teacher until the age of 21, Gonzalez spent most of his childhood teaching himself to play.

“There was a time when I would not go to class and I would play any chance I could,” Gonzalez said. “School was so strict and harsh while guitar was easy and fun.”

Coming from a musical family with two siblings who also play instruments, including the cello, viola, violin and piano, Gonzalez says music is in his blood. He gravitated towards the guitar because of its specific sound that he describes as unique and calming.

“I express myself better with the guitar,” Gonzalez said. “It calms me down and gives me peace.”

Gonzalez compares his guitar to a good friend. He says that there are both easy and hard times, but they are all worth it.

Though he has played guitar all his life and it is his true passion, Gonzalez says that he is not considering playing in public or for money anytime soon; his 4 a.m. sessions more than satisfy him.

“I am too young to die, but too old to be a rock and roll star,” Gonzalez says.

Students and faculty – Do you have a crazy extracurricular routine or hobby? Let us know at lightningstrikenews@gmail.com

Lifestyle

The Lightning Strike • October 2014

Page 15

50 shades of vegetarians HEALTH

PESCATARIAN:

VEGETARIAN:

SEMI-VEGAN:

VEGAN:

The diet of a pescatarian is similar to the one of a vegetarian.

A pescatarian tends to stay away from all meat with the exception of seafood, including fish, mollusks and crustaceans.

A vegetarians diet does not include any meat, including red meat, poultry, seafood and the flesh of any other animal, but does include animal products, unlike vegans.

Also called flexitarians, these are people who stick to the vegan diets with certain exceptions.

For example, Lacto-vegetarians eat dairy products and Ovovegetarians eat eggs.

Vegans don’t eat meat of any kind or any animal product, including eggs, dairy products or any processed foods containing these animal-derived ingredients, such as honey and gelatin.

What? You’re a VEGETARIAN?!

Q:

What DO you eat?

A*: Everything else!

There are plenty of vegetarian foods out there.

Q:

How do you get your protein?

Plant protein is just as abundant in a balanced vegetarian diet.

A:

‘‘ ‘‘ ‘‘ ‘‘ Julieta Rakover, junior Pescatarian for two years

It never felt good when I ate meat, so I did some research on it since I like to know what I’m eating. Being a vegan has too many restrictions, and I learned that being a pescatarian could be healthy if you know the right kind of fish to eat. It definitely feels healthier once you stick to it.”

Natalie Rossian, senior Vegetarian for eight years

Around the time I was nineyears-old, something about eating meat started to gross me out. I would think of the animal I was eating and want to spit it out, so I slowly became a vegetarian. It’s not as hard as people may think; I just had to learn how to get my proteins from foods other than meat.”

Ryan Lang, freshman Semi-vegan for one year

I became a vegan because I made a bet with my mom, but after two weeks it became second nature, so I kept going with it. It feels generally healthier to be rid of meat, but I do make exceptions sometimes, like when I was at my friend’s birthday dinner and felt bad for not eating the chicken his mother made.”

Art Teacher Julie Orsini Shakher Vegan for three years I became a vegetarian 29 years ago. I truly love animals and I couldn’t stand the thought of eating them. Later I realized that eating animal products wasn’t getting rid of animals from my diet, so I became a full vegan.

I feel healthier and I have a burst of energy every morning, I go up hills, I jog; I feel like superwoman!”

Compiled by Mayan Derhy and Ethan Curtis

HAIRSTYLES

Q:

Aren’t vegetarians super skinny?

Carbs make up for the calories that are no longer intaken by meat.

A:

*Answers based off typical vegetarian responses

MENTAL HEALTH

The struggle of being Anxiety hitting close to home naturally curly Mikaela Mendez spread editor

Chelsea Lewis staff writer People tend to ask me questions like: Is that your real hair? What is it mixed with?

How do you get your hair to look so good?

What they don’t realize is that these lovely locks take tons of tending.

There are different kinds of curly hair, ranging from soft and wavy to kinky and coily curls, and my hair type falls somewhere in the middle of those categories. It is considered coily and springy.

Managing my hair is the true challenge. Here’s how its done:

What Tools do I Need To Start?

To begin this journey into the world of curly hair you must have the right tools. I always need a bottle of conditioner and shampoo, some oil (preferably coconut), grease, hair spray, styling gel, and a wide tooth comb.

How do I Get Started?

I first have to make sure to wash my hair with warm water to get it thoroughly, clean then rinse with cold water to help protect

my cuticles (the scaly protective outer layer of the hair.) I use the wide tooth comb to detangle my hair. This generally takes me 20 to 30 minutes.

How is it Maintained?

After the wash comes the hard part. I part my hair into small sections and apply the essential products: conditioner, oil, grease, and styling gel.

I do this all while my hair is semi-wet. This takes up to an hour and 3a half to complete.

Afterwards I let my hair air dry for 10 to 20 minutes and before I go to sleep, I tie it down with a head scarf.

How does it Stay Beautiful Until the Next Wash?

In the morning, I remove the head scarf and gently run my fingers through my curls so they can look bouncy and gorgeous. I also apply hair spray at to keep the curls safe from humidity and frizzing. Occasionally, I apply some hair oil if my hair feels dry to keep it moisturized.

I repeat this same process every day, waking to apply what I need when I need to until the next wash. Following these same steps is what allows my hair to be manageable.

In the hallways we hear, “The test next period is giving me so much anxiety,” or I just had a panic attack.” But imagine how a person diagnosed with general anxiety disorder feels.

Experiencing everyday anxiety can range from an increase in heartbeat to a persistent worry. But people with anxiety disorders have constant, unwanted and intrusive thoughts that overwhelm their life.

Society views anxiety disorders as being “stressed,” or being put under immense pressure from oneself, peers and parents.

But students with anxiety disorders experience a 40% increase in heart rate from a normal heart rate of 60-100 bpm, to 100-160bpm. Blood pressure also rises while thinking or preparing for an unwanted situation. In most cases, general anxiety disorders improve with talk therapy. If not, people with extreme anxiety receive medication to help them cope.

Last year, school psychologist Randy Berry created an after-school support group that met once a week from 2:30-3:30p.m. for students diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

In the group, the students practice deep breathing along with concentration and mediation techniques.

F o r phobias, Berry uses a cognitive

behavioral therapy in which he desensitizes clients by exposing them to their fearful situation in a slow and safe environment.

For example, if a student has phobia about walking in a crowded hallway, Berry walks with the student in an empty hallway during break and allows the student to get comfortable with their surroundings. Then, he guides the student through the hallway with more people during class breaks. Finally, Berry asks the student to face the hallway full of people, alone.

Berry had two to six students who were diagnosed with general anxiety disorders and needed his advice to help conquer their phobias. By relating to students who were like them, group members would not feel alone or abnormal because they had people to rely on.

“The students were supportive of each other,” said Berry. “Some of them even became friends.”

Berry wants to initiate the support group for students with anxiety disorders this year, and help them cope with their anxieties. He hopes to start an afterschool support group for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Mackenzie Duffy

Sports Page 16

The Lightning Strike • October 2014

IN-DEPTH

Badminton, golf not as they seem Jacob Singer copy editor Badminton and golf aren’t as popular as football and basketball, but the coaches of these sports believe that badminton and golf deserve more respect.

In badminton players attempt to hit a shuttlecock over the net onto the floor of their opponent’s side. It is rarely seen in the United States except during the summer Olympics.

Math teacher Mark Butler was asked to coach the badminton team after long time coach Larry Ball left. Ball, a member of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins team, coached the badminton team to several district championships.

When Butler took over, he had little experience in badminton.

“I didn’t know what to expect during my first season,” Butler said. “But I was very familiar with net sports like volleyball and table tennis, and figured [badminton] would be similar.”

Now that Butler has experience, the team is performing well.

Last year, they finished second place in the district in girls and boys singles and third place in mixed doubles.

Butler takes badminton seriously, but knows that the students are there to have fun.

He realizes that their lack

MISCONCEPTIONS: Although badminton and golf are often overlooked, senior Parker Yagman (left) and junior Zachary Bien (right) know how great their sports can be.

of seriousness derives from While those under 18 golf team after he stepped America’s unfamiliarity with represent only 4 percent of down as athletic director. the sport. golf’s viewership, coach Unlike Butler, Kypriss “Baseball was very players in my familiar with class made fun golf. An avid of badminton,” golfer, Kypriss Butler said. “I shoots a five ASEBALL PLAYERS IN MY CLASS showed them handicap, MADE FUN OF BADMINTON, I SHOWED close to a a clip of a professional professional THEM A CLIP OF A PROFESSIONAL match, and it score.

MATCH, AND IT QUIETED THEM.” quieted them.”

“Golf has W h i l e always been –MARK BUTLER, badminton coach those who hit my passion,” s h u t t l e c o c k s are under Michael Kypriss believes that Kypriss said. “When I was the umbrella of obscure golf should become a favorite asked to coach the team, I was sportsmen, those who hit golf of the younger generation. definitely looking forward to balls are under this umbrella Principal Dawn Baglos it.” as well. asked Kypriss to coach the This year the team has been

B

PROFILE

Freshman Devin Pryor fast beyond his age Juan Borquez staff writer As if being a new face in school as a freshmen isn’t hard enough.

Devin Pryor was different from the start. At 15, he is one of the youngest runners on the cross-country team.

Considering there are only three freshmen on the team, his teammates where surprised with his performance.

“He went a step above the curve from the start,” junior team captain Spencer Tate said. “He gave it his all, pushing himself throughout the whole practice.”

Pryor’s coaches and teammates have also noticed his hard effort during practice.

“He is a hard working freshman, and I’m looking for wonderful things from him if he keeps up the hard work and dedication”.

“The hardest part of training is making sure you push yourself the entire practice,” Pryor said.

The cross-country team practices after school by running on the track or an actual course set up by Caron Schiffman, coach of the team for the last four seasons and Krista Lattesa, who is also head coach of the girls’ softball team.

The week doesn’t end there.

Rain or shine, they meet up on Saturday mornings and run the Aventura Circle.

They also go through intense workouts indoors from a series of exercise

videos called Insanity during the week when they can’t get out onto the course.

“It’s a mix of mental and physical ability,” Tate says.

“Both are key to success and both are difficult to master.”

Pryor shows endurance by keeping up with the veteran runners on the team.

He attributes his success to his experience during his last year at Highland Oaks Middle School.

“Cross country is a tough sport,” says Schiffman.

Pryor’s performance has demonstrated potential to achieve his goals.

“I see a bit of myself in him,” said Tate.

“He has the mentality that no dream is unattainable. I feel confident that when I leave in two years, he will be a great leader.”

very successful. Freshman Emily Palmeiro won the district championship with a score of 95. Kyrpiss explained that it is unheard of to see a freshman win districts. Two other golfers also finished in third place in their divisions.

Kypriss wants students to know that inexperienced golfers can still come out and play for the team. This season, three beginning golfers joined.

They did not gain enough experience to play in any matches this season, but they made great progress, which gives Kypriss hope for next season “Golf is a game for life,” Kypriss says. He wants more young people to play golf because unlike football and basketball, age does not matter in golf. Golf is also useful in the professional world. “A lot of business is done on the golf course,” Kypriss said.

“If you’ve never even picked up a club, you can still come out and give golf a shot,” Kypriss said.

In both golf and badminton, those who are inexperienced are welcomed. Butler and Kypriss want students to come out and gauge their interest for the sports.

While the golf season is over, Kypriss said that in May, those interested for next year should talk to him. The badminton season starts in the spring and Butler is also hoping for a new “crop” of kids to join the team.

Fear the

freshmen Girls’ Volleyball As she strives for her maximum potential, Layla Medrano of the volleyball team will be a key factor to the team’s success.

Girls’ Golf Expected to lead all girls’ golfers, Emily Palmeiro made a difference on the golf team this year, finishing first at districts.

Bowling Katlyn Guise of the bowling team has high hopes this year. Coach Jason Sullivan believes his best freshman can help lead the way.

Compiled by Ethan Curtis

Sports

The Lightning Strike • October 2014

Page 17

EXPECTATIONS

Life of a pro: Devin Lee staff writer When they were young they dreamed of being amazing professional athletes. As they got older they managed to juggle the mentally demanding school curriculum with the physical demands of their sports. These are the phenomenal student athletes.

Playing football since he was eight years old, senior Nicholas Khouri was already experienced in the sport long before high school.

Khouri played for his local optimist team and was able to figure out his strengths and weaknesses and hone them to become a better athlete.

“In my first year, looking around the field and deciding what to do was the hardest thing for me,” Khouri said.

Student athletes look forward to future

“My coach told me it’s like a checkerboard. Once you make the first right move, everything after is just easy.”

THEY HANDED

ME A BASKETBALL AND I BEGAN TO DRIBBLE WITH MY FEET. I WAS HOOKED ON THE SPORT FROM THE START.” –Felipe Souza, junior

Khouri had the game winning interception to seal the homecoming game victory over the Hialeah Thoroughbreds, which he returned for a

touchdown.

“I’m head strong in games and a leader; it sets me apart from the competition.”

On the basketball court Junior Felipe Souza is a force to be reckoned with. Standing at a towering six feet and seven inches, Souza has played on the boys’ varsity basketball team all through high school.

Coming from Brazil at a young age, Souza wasn’t always accustom to the sport.

“I was five years old and [my parents] took me to the local park,” Souza said. “They handed me a basketball and I began to dribble with my feet.

I was hooked on the sport from the start.”

Averaging 11.5 points per game last year, Souza was able to give solid contribution to his team and hopes to continue the trend this year.

COVERAGE

Girls’ volleyball team advances to districts Francesca Bozza staff writer Sweat drips down their bodies as the feeling of excitement spreads throughout the Thunderdome.

Through hard work, the girls’ varsity volleyball team has improved its overall record from last year.

Tania Torres, who has coached the team since 2012, attributes these improvements to better team dynamics.

“The team as a whole has improved tremendously compared to last year,” Torres said. “There is a lot more chemistry and improvement in discipline.”

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Those who have been on the team both years agree that the team has upped its game.

“This season has been more demanding,” senior Fabiana Ramirez said. “The games have been more nail-biting and exciting.”

Junior varsity players Ines Ploceinik, Claudel Fortunato, and Alissa Tennen have moved up to the varsity team, and according to senior Daniella Fierro, have helped the team get to the next level.

“New faces are seen in the varsity team that came from JV.” Fierro said. “They are helping the team step up by pushing us in practice.”

Practice plays a big role

of the girls’ daily deeds and improvement. Practice starts from 3 pm and goes until 5 pm, every day of the week. The girls train longer and practice new drills such as getting balls and hard hits when defending.

“Sometimes practice does get a little stressful since we have to stay after school every day,” Ramirez said. “But it is needed and we do see improvements in the way we play.”

The girls’ varsity volleyball team is not giving up on their quest for the district title, Ramirez added.

“Even after losing seasons we kept on fighting, we’re going to make the best of this opportunity to finally win districts.”

Winter Coaches Boys’ Soccer

2013-14 Record: 112-4

District finish: 3rd

(5-3)

Seasons as coach: 3rd

Girls’ Basketball

2013-14 Record: 11-6 District finish: 2nd

(6-1)

Seasons as coach:

14th

Boys’ Basketball 2013-14 Record: 3-17 District finish: 5th

(1-8)

Seasons as coach: 1st* Compiled by Nicholas Aleman

Terrific Torres Girls’ and boys’ volleyball coach Tania Torres has led the revival of the team

AWARDS & ACCOLADES -2010 National Champion -2011 Sunshine State Conference All-Newcomer Team -2012 All SSC Team -2012 CoSIDA Academic All-District Team -2013 Sister Jeanne O’Laughlin Community Service Award -2013 Excellence in Leadership Award

BIOGRAPHY Torres was born in Camuy, Puerto Rico, where she lived there until she completed high school. She then attended Western Nebraska Community College, where she led the Cougars in blocks during her sophomore year. After completing her associates’ degree, she moved to Miami, where she finished her bachelors in Biology and was named to the Sunshine State Conference All-Newcomer Team at Barry University before concluding her volleyball career. In 2012, Torres was hired to coach the boys’ volleyball team and after an impressive season, was hired to become coach of the girls’ team a year later. She replaced Virginia Olwell as a math teacher who retired during the 2013-14 school year. She is now works at Alonzo and Tracy Mourning high school.

Don’t let someone steal your yearbook.

Buy your own!

Yearbooks can be ordered at the box office during both lunches for $65 until Nov. 5.

Starting Dec. 2, the price will go up to $75!

LAST DAY TO PURCHASE: JAN. 15

Questions?

Visit room 2233

The Lightning Strike • October 2014

Fun & Games Page 19

Halloween Word SEARCH WORD BANK GHOST HAUNTED SPOOKY PUMPKIN SPIDER CASPER LANTERN WEREWOLF NIGHTMARE VAMPIRE COSTUMES DRACULA VOLDEMORT BATS GHOUL FREDDYKRUEGER DEATHEATER MUMMY SCARECROW GOBLIN ADVERTISEMENTS

Through the Lens Page 20

The Lightning Strike • October 2014

FOXMAR

KROP YEARBOOK

KROP YEARBOOK

A WEEK IN WONDERLAND: From Oct. 20 to Oct. 23, Krop celebrated its Alice in Wonderland-themed Homecoming Week. At the Homecoming Football Game on Oct. 23, a Krop football player dashes toward his team’s end zone (top left). Principal Dawn Baglos participates in Mad Hatter Monday by wearing a crazy hat (above). Gay-Straight Alliance’s award-winning poster covers the doors of the media center (bottom left).