September Issue 2014

LightningStrike Taking Miami-Dade by Storm

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

September 29, 2014 • Issue 1 • Volume 17

TEACHER OF THE YEAR Band and Orchestra Director Bringle Cidel recognized for service

Daniela Michanie opinion editor As a young boy who played the ensemble at his church, Bringle Cidel, recipient of this year’s Teacher of the Year award, always knew he wanted to teach music.

“I joined band in middle school and the rest was history,” Cidel said when recalling the start of his love for music. After 18 years in the educational system and ten years at Krop, Cidel has poured his passion for music into teaching the students of Krop’s Magnet program.

Cidel is the conductor of the instrumental band and oversees the jazz ensemble, the symphony, orchestra, concert band and pep band. Each year, the music program grows, but according to Cidel, the amount of student talent never fails to surprise him.

“When I started at Krop, I knew these kids had talent,” Cidel said. “But they didn’t know the true meaning of playing music.”

Cidel was chosen as Teacher of the Year by a committee of teachers and administrators, led by one of the United Teachers of Dade’s Union

representatives, Social Studies teacher Tom Lander. The committee does extensive research to decide on the three candidates. They look at the accomplishments of each teacher over time and how they have gone above and beyond their call of duty.

Cidel nearly tied for the award

with Social Studies Department coChair Mary Lee, and this year’s runner-up was guidance counselor Lisa LaMonica, who lost to Cidel and Lee by just a few votes.

Social Studies teacher Connie Higgins, who has served on the committee to elect the Teacher of the Year in the past, spoke about the honor.

“Each one of the teachers were quality nominees,” Higgins said. “It was an honor and a challenge to vote between three amazing teachers.”

Evidently, Krop’s teachers, who voted on the final winner, agree that Cidel has indeed gone above and beyond his call of duty.

“I truly believe that the world would be a better place if more people had the experience of reading and playing music,” Cidel said.

“That’s what I’m here for.”

TESTING

EOC to be introduced for every class Michael Katz staff writer Passing your classes next year will be like no other. The FCAT will be gone, and there will be nothing to save us from the wraith of the Endof-Course exams, which we can look forward to in each and every class.

Schools in Florida will switch to a new, more contemporary exam which complies with the Common Core State Standards that swept the FCAT away.

The new test, dubbed Florida Standards Assessments (FSA) will be more hands-on than the FCAT, requiring students to create graphs and interact with test content instead of answering multiple-choice questions.

► see “EOC,” page 2

POLITICS

Former principal runs for mayor of Aventura Dan Sicorsky editor-in-chief When Enid Weisman first set foot on what used to be a landfill, black, silver and purple were simply colors, lightning was but another weather pattern, and Michael Krop was just the name of a school board member.

“The walls that you see today weren’t even up when I first came here,” Weisman, Krop’s founding principal, said. “Much of what you see today has stood the test of time.”

Ten years later, just as Krop reaches heights unexpected for a school built on a landfill, so has Weisman. As of Aug. 11, she will run to become the next mayor of the City of Aventura.

So how did Krop’s first principal manage to enter the world of public office? After five years at Krop, Weisman served multiple roles with the region office, including Region Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. While at an Aventura Hos-

Look out for the Strike’s new website @ www.lightning strikenews.com

pital Board of Trustees meeting, two Aventura commissioners approached Weisman and bluntly asked – “Enid, do you want to be mayor?”

Weisman’s initial reaction: “Ah… no.”

“I knew that I was a counselor and a teacher at heart,” Weisman said. “But I was definitely not a politician.”

But after a number of “pleases,” she reconsidered. “Local government is where people can have the greatest influence,” Weisman said. “No place can hold a candle to Aventura’s government, and I truly hope I can keep that up.”

As mayor, Weisman hopes to address what she considers to be Aventura’s major concerns: a need for a reemergence of the arts, the lack of a public library, frequent flooding and hurricane education.

Other issues, like traffic, Weisman sees differently. “If I were a politician, I might tell that you that I’d fix Aventura’s

Courtesy of Enid Weisman

MAKING IT OFFICIAL: Former Krop principal Enid Weisman (right), pictured with Aventura City Clerk Teresa Soroka (left), signs papers on Aug. 11 that officially qualify her to run for Mayor of the City of Aventura. “Schools are sort of like cities.” Weisman said. “In both, you’re managing the same human dynamics.”

traffic problems,” Weisman said. “As great as it would be, we can’t build a road into the

Intracoastal.”

Weisman acknowledges that her days as a principal will

help her become a better mayor.

“Schools are sort of like cities.

In both, you’re managing the same human dynamics,” Weisman said. “I hope my days in a large diverse high school have taught me how to bring people together.”

In her free time, Weisman likes to cook, travel and keep up to date with former students.

“Now that I’m on Facebook, I get to see what all my former graduates are doing,” Weisman said.

At the same time that Weisman runs for mayor, two Krop graduates – Denise Landman and Enbar Cohen – are also taking a shot at the Aventura elections. While Landman is running for a commissioner seat for the first time, Cohen has already secured a second term as commissioner, having run unopposed.

When Election Day arrives on Nov. 4, we’ll find out just how well Krop trains its students and faculty for public office.

Technology Takeover Pages 10-11

Promethean Boards and tablets come to Krop

The perfect gift for every occasion!

18280 W. Dixie Hwy ~ 305-933-4027!

Edible.com

News Page 2

Meet Krop’s Newest Staff

Shawnda Elizando Language Arts

Tarrence Holmes Mathematics

Joshua Joseph Language Arts

Frederick Christie JROTC

Enrique Patterson Spanish

The Lightning Strike •Strike September The Lightning • September2008 2014

From local to global:

What’s going on around the world?

WEED, CALIFORNIA: A wildfire in the small town of Weed, California destroyed 110 homes and damaged another 90 on Wed., Sept. 17.

Meanwhile, another blaze east of Sacramento threatened over 2,000 homes as it burned out of control.

INDIA: On Wed., Sept. 24, India launched its country’s first space mission to Mars.

The Mars Orbiter Mission has broken new ground for the country and is following NASA’s Mars orbiter. The nation hopes to set the record as the first country to successfully put a spacecraft in Mars’ orbit.

AFRICA: (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone) Desperate patients have turned to the black market to buy the blood of patients who survived from Ebola, the deadly disease rampant in these countries. The hope is that after ingesting the blood, they will be cured.

MIAMI, FLORIDA: The federal government is set to approve a project to build an express passenger train, which would be completed by 2019 and have a cost of 2.5 billion dollars.

The private project called “All Aboard Florida” is set to go between Miami and Orlando, with each trip taking about three hours instead of the typical four-hour drive.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Just hours after a concert and sporting competition for wounded and ill veterans took place at Olympic Park on Mon., Sept. 15, a World War IIera bomb was discovered at the same site. The police called for an immediate evacuation of residents and schools, and the bomb was found to be inactive.

RIO DE JANIERO: The archbishop here was held at gunpoint by three unidentified men and robbed of his crucifix and ring on Tues., Sept. 16.

sources: CNN.com MSNBC.com

Compiled by Ethan Curtis, Sophie Muchnick and Michael Katz, Mackenzie Duffy

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Students protest to “save our libraries”

Lina Zuluaga managing editor Irma Leal Spanish

Compiled by Saige Raymond

“EOC TESTING” from front page Principal Dawn Baglos brought students up to date during student orientations. She said that in the past years, EOC’s were required by the state in Algebra One, Algebra Two, Geometry, Biology, and U.S. History courses. Those EOC’s will all continue to be provided by the state, whereas all other EOC’s, now mandatory for all classes, will come from Dade County and count as 30% of final grades. The Florida Standard Literacy Assessment Test will be replacing the FCAT Reading and Writes, and will be taken by all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

English teacher Farrah Frazier clarified some points on the new testing, stating that she has mixed feelings about the test. She says that the test will definitely be more challenging and pass rates will be affected by how high the bar is set for scoring, which, if left at the same level as they were for the FCAT, can be expected to lower.

Ms. Frazier believes that the test is more in line with AP standards, but admits that the test is upsetting from the perspective of an English teacher because 80% of the exam material is taken from non-fiction writing, leaving out the essence of the English language, which Frazier feels lies more in fictional writing.

As students, it is important to know what each class requires and expects of you. Make it a point to speak to your teachers and ask what to expect for the exams and how you can prepare yourself adequately.

Florida is getting serious about testing – so should you.

Demonstrators were dressed in bright-blue t-shirts and held signs that read “Save our libraries because an intelligent community is priceless.”

On Thursday Sept. 4, thirteen student protestors rallied at the North-Dade Regional Library for a town hall meeting that determined how much money libraries would receive this school year.

According to the Coalition to Save Our Libraries, the library system faced a $35 million budget cut after four years of continued cutbacks. The result was felt by communities with crippled resources that were forced to slash their library staffs, cut back on library hours and reduce services.

In July, the Miami-Dade county Commission agreed to a $54 million budget for librar-

LINA ZULUAGA

STANDING FOR A CAUSE: Miami-Dade County Commissioners passed a $54 million library budget on Sept. 18. The final budget increased funding for new materials, programs, and technology upgrades. It allows for expanded operating hours at some locations and prevents layoffs. To the students and the coalition, the final budget is a step in the right direction.

ies after rejecting a $64 million budget proposed by the coalition.

“The negotiations were only a partial victory,” junior Elias Rosenfeld said. “We can’t declare this a win for libraries be-

cause the commission can still reduce library funding at their final meeting and essentially go back on their word.”

The town hall meeting called by Mayor Carlos Gimenez was for the first read-

ing of the final budget.

“They can’t ignore a group this big and that’s the point – we want to show that we care,” senior Lara Sverdlik said.

Students passed out stickers that read “$54 million” and handed out fliers that detailed easy ways to help the cause.

When the meeting began, they were the largest and youngest group in attendance. Mayor Gimenez and his administration took notice. He repeatedly addressed the library budget decision and spoke to the group of students.

Miami-Dade County Commissioners passed a $54 million library budget on Sept.

18. The final budget increased funding for new materials, programs and technology upgrades. It allows for expanded operating hours at some locations and prevents layoffs. To the students and the coalition, the final budget is a step in the right direction.

THE FUTURE OF MIAMI-DADE LIBRARIES The new budget passed by Mayor Gimenez and the County Commission will bring the following changes to the current library system: REDUCTIONS

PUBLIC OPINION

The library department must covert its workforce, with 94 full-time positions replaced by part-time staff.

Of 5,200 Miami-Dade residents, 80% opposed cuts to the library budget, while 13% supported cuts and 7% did not know or answer.

PROJECTS

INCREASES

The new budget plans to complete the Northeast Regional Library, which is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2014.

Increases in funding for new materials, programs, technology upgrades and expanded operating hours at some locations.

Compiled by Lina Zuluaga

News Page 3

The Lightning Strike • September 2014 2012

POLICY

Sniff and seizure:

Police dogs randomly visit school to search for drugs and weapons

Lina Zuluaga managing editor

While some dogs are busy eating homework, others are trained to sniff through it in search of drugs and weapons.

Miami-Dade County K-9 officers surprised students with search dogs on Thurs., Sept. 11, as part of a new deterrence program.

“It’s all about safety,” officer Victor Hernandez, leader of the K-9 unit said. “Within the school district, any student is subject to search.”

The K-9 unit was given seven European dogs as a result of more funding. The special breeds go through a lengthy training period where they receive commands in the language of the country they are from. For example, German Shepherds are spoken to in German. At the end of their training, the dogs can detect the presence of narcotics and weapons.

The deterrence program’s goal is to discourage through public searches those who carry drugs and weapons on school grounds.

“Schools are selected randomly by a computer,” Sergeant Abrams of the Dade-County police force said.

Marino back in school after suffering knee injury Stephania Salaverria

SEARCH AND SNIFF: A canine member of the Miami-Dade county K-9 unit searched through the journalism class for narcotics and weapons. The dogs are used to implement a new county policy that allows for random drug and weapons searches on school campuses.

Once in the school, the K-9 unit conducts as many random searches as it can. The officers have also taken time to explain their purpose to each class they search because the program is new.

Recent Supreme Court rulings have ruled in favor of K-9 searches in public. Abrams and Hernandez agree that as parents and officers, to them, safety always comes first.

Teachers take new initiatives on cheating “When I got caught cheating, it was a scary moment,” sophomore Libby Szailfer said. “I was afraid and unaware of what was happening until I was actually face-to-face with the teacher and watched her write an F on my paper.”

Statistics show that cheating among high school students has risen dramatically during the past fifty years according to nocheating.org.

Teachers are getting creative and trying new strategies to stop cheating before it happens.

After listening to statistics teacher William Taillon’s speech where he threatened “to make your paper ADVERTISEMENTS

Cause not determined in student’s death

On Wed., Sept. 17, sophomore Edly Pierre-Louis collapsed without warning on the outdoor basketball court after walking several laps around the track. Four faculty coaches who were supervising their classes in the outdoor PE area were present to immediately administer CPR. Although Peirre-Lewis was listed in stable but critical condition at Miami Children’s hospital, he died Sunday evening.

At lunch Monday, students created a paper chain with words of remembrance. Plans are underway to fundraise for Edly’s family.

ETHICS

Shoshana Sommer staff writer

News Briefs

bleed if you were caught cheating,” junior Keleque Smith said that he is definitely scared to even think about cheating in his AP Statistics class.

Taillon’s new method to combat cheating is to instill fear within his students.

And students feel the fear. “If Taillon thinks you are cheating, he will not tell you,” Smith said. He collects the evidence and waits until you think you finally got away with it to bring the hammer down.”

Taillon and Biology teacher Gary Feilich agree the hardest type of cheating to stop is that associated with test banks students find online.

“I can no longer use the most up to date test questions which hurts the kids who would have been honest,”

Feilich said.

One of Feilich’s strategies is to explain to students how morally reprehensible cheating is. “Cheating is like lying to a friend,” Feilich said.

“Once the cheating has been done, the trust is gone.”

According to Feilich, the key to stop cheating is to build a solid student-teacher relationship. “When I was in high school, I had a teacher who walked out of the classroom in the middle of a test, yet everyone felt weird about wanting to cheat because we didn’t want to ruin our relationship with the teacher,” Feilich said. “That is the way I wish I could run my class, where there is 100 percent trust between the teacher and every student.”

The day before school started, Math Department co-Chair Maria Marino fell in the shower and injured her knee. Marino dislocated her patella, damageing her cartilage and pulling her ligaments.

After receiving review work from a substitute for two weeks, students in Marino’s classes were ecstatic to have their real math teacher back.

“The class went from being a joke and not doing anything, to work nonstop,” junior Merce Morgante said.

Morgante is in Marino’s AP Calculus AB class and does not believe the class will permanently suffer from the missed weeks of instruction.

Marino says her absence hasn’t caused a major change to her PreCalculus and AP Calculus AB classes. She is, however, concerned with her Algebra 1 students, because of the upcoming EOC. Marino offers afterschool help in all three subjects, just in case her students need makeup instruction.

Math Department co-Chair Debra Stein was concerned when she found out about the severity of Marino’s injury. Being co-chair of the math department with Marino, Stein said, “Everything had slowed down.

Books took longer to distribute and teachers had to be patient waiting for their supplies.” With her return, Stein believes that because Marino is a true professional, she will be able to provide the best education for her students.

-Mikaela Mendez

PTSA renovates the Thunderdome

Courtesy of Krop PTSA

Over summer vacation, the PTSA fundraised nearly $17,000 to resurface the gym floor that had not been resurfaced since the school first opened. FMS Bonds Inc., donated two-thirds of the money while the rest is still being accounted for by the PTSA “When the floor was first done, it wasn’t made for a school floor, it didn’t have the correct linings and even the mats weren’t our school color – they were red,” Coach Ray Thompson said.

According to Thompson, the old gym floor was problematic because the lines drawn on it weren’t meant for school games. When students played on the floor, they would go out of bounds unknowingly.

“The money spent is worth it because the floor was slippery,” Thompson said.

Apart from being a nuisance, a slippery floor is a serious safety hazard. Last year, a student slipped and tore her ACL while playing a home basketball game. To safeguard, the floors have a protection coat.

Thompson said that our protection coat had worn out.

The new floor has all the correct lines, they have the school colors, and best of all, they are not slippery.

-Lina Zuluaga

Editorial Page 4

The Lightning • September2008 2014 The Lightning Strike •Strike September

PROCEDURE

The “pro” in procrastionation IN MY OPINION daniela michanie micaha

opinion editor

During my sophomore year, I made the grave mistake of making a Netflix account. Since then, I divorced sleep and befriended procrastination.

Since the dawn of tedious tasks, procrastinators have roamed the earth, labeled by society (and radical 17th century priests) as irresponsible sinners.

Ask any teacher; they’ll tell you that a diagnosis of procrastination syndrome is more dangerous than Senioritis, as procrastination syndrome is widespread and can strike at any time.

Yet, as I stay up late to finish last-minute work, with a healthy

dose of adrenaline and desperation, I don’t understand why we can’t see the “pro” in procrastination.

Like most hard-working students, I drown in piles of homework. But when I get home, the kitchen, the next episode of One Tree Hill and my pillow are more enticing than the homework that awaits me on my desk.

After a much needed nap and dose of comedic relief, always available from my friends at every social media site in existence, I am ready to start my homework. The problem seems to be that the rest of the world is ready for bed.

I can understand my parents’ frustration as they walk by my room at all hours of the night and see I am still up doing homework. But they don’t understand:

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 JOSHUA SWERDLOW 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, francesa bozza, ethan curtis, michael katz, devin lee, chelsea lewis, sophie muchnick, saige raymond, mila sicorsky, shoshana sommer 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.

I work best under these exact conditions-- the stress of an imminent deadline.

I am what researchers call an active procrastinator. Unlike passive procrastinators, I make the deliberate decision to put off responsibilities knowing I perform best under the pressure of limited time.

Some of my best research papers have been written hours before their due date, and even as I write this article my editors peer over my shoulders demanding an on-time finished product.

After two years of trying to rid myself of the habit, I have come to realize that once you go down the path of procrastination, you don’t come back. Sure, you can get organized and force yourself to plow through work while the sun is still out, but the urge

to spend hours doing something else will always win out. And so, if this is you, I have compiled some arguments you can present to the people who pester you to “get on the ball” right away: 1. Procrastinating on the internet will be fruitful in some way, whether you learn who your celebrity soulmate is on BuzzFeed or how to make homemade hummus!

2. If an assignment is cancelled at the last minute, you won’t have done it anyway! Like John Perry, author of the Art of Procrastination said, “Never do today any task that may disappear by tomorrow.”

3. Finally, if an assignment is still due the next day, your trusty, responsible friends will be there to lend a hand (and an answer or two)!

Dear Reader, This newspaper is written for you. We write news to inform you. We write opinions that we want to share with you, and entertainment to amuse you. We write features to highlight you and sports to update you. But it seems that we are missing the most important piece – you.

Each month, 23 reporters and editors design stories around what they think matters. We try to ask the questions that need answering and find people with stories to share.

But as we approach our deadline each month, we find our Letter to the Editor mailbox is so empty that dust bunnies have accumulated in its virtual nooks and crannies. Yet since the inception of this paper, way back in the 20th century, we have called for, but rarely received feedback.

We reporters are like ninjas. You don’t recognize who we are in the hallways, but we hear you complaining about teachers, bathroom floors, parking lots and water fountains that are either not working or not providing water cool enough to enjoy.

We want to hear your complaints and ideas. We want to hear what you have to say about new school rules or an article that you disagree with. And, yes, positive feedback is welcome too.

This newspaper, like the school itself, can only be as representative of our student body as you let it be. If you want to be heard, put yourself out there and write us a letter.

We will publish what you submit to us, as long as it keeps within our policies, which you can find in our letterhead to the left.

The paper is sent throughout our community, and we have won numerous contests and gained national recognition.

But our true success is in maintaining a public forum, a marketplace of ideas that depends on hearing all ideas, especially from you – the students and faculty. Meet us halfway...if you speak, we can be your speakerphone.

Either way, feel free to enjoy a coupon to Power Smoothie or just use the front page to play tic-tac-toe with your neighbor during lunch. No matter what, this newspaper will always be written for you.

Sincerely,

The Lightning Strike Staff

STUDENT ROLE

Students should speak out if they want change IN MY OPINION jacob singer micaha

copy editor

For students, the high school experience, loved by some and loathed by others, is in our hands, but we have the ability to make it enjoyable.

Our voice, the student voice, is an important remedy to student problems, and students who are dissatisfied with their life at school need to speak up if they want change.

Students are frustrated with the updated uniform rules. Some of the hundreds of students in the Facebook group, “End Dr. Michael Krop Senior High’s Unifom,” have expressed their anger over the new rules. One student expressed her frustration over the fact that one outfit cost her nearly $40. Other students are irritated that the expensive hoodies that the school sold last year are now disallowed.

Attentive to student problems, SGA met with Principal Dawn Baglos to amend the dress code rules.

SGA compromised with Baglos, who began the discussion with opposition to amending the uniform rules. Baglos’ resistance to the hoodies was rooted in the safety concerns they present. However, Baglos eventually agreed to a “grandfather-clause” that will allow students who previously purchased school affiliated hoodies to wear them.

Other issues were also adressed by the SGA. At the first meeting with Baglos this year, improvements to bathroom cleanliness and adjustments to the school clocks so that they correspond to the time on students’ phones were made. Baglos also agreed to keep the student parking lot open until 3:30.

Class of 2015 senator Daniela Michanie believes that the role of the SGA is a vital one in the school. “It is important for students to know that SGA is fighting for them,” Michanie said.

If students have issues with certain areas of student life, the best way to go about changing those issues is to go to SGA meetings. At these meetings, which take place the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month in the auditorium, time is given for students to voice their concerns. SGA takes student opinion very seriously, and they put forth maximum effort to make sure that amendments are accomplished.

If we do not speak up, our issues may go unchanged. Problems do not go away on their own. Be proactive if you want to make a difference.

Opinion Get out of the (hall)way! Matter?

The Lightning Strike • September 2014

Page 5

What’s

SCHOOL TRAFFIC

the

IN MY OPINION mila sicorsky micaha

staff writer

Navigating the school hallways means rafting through the flow of students in the diverse river we call Krop.

As I trample over students tying their shoes or shoulder-bump a couple in a deep conversation, I feel like I’ve committed a horrible crime when they launch dirty looks or curse words toward me.

I wonder, are the five minutes we have to switch classes on opposite sides of the school the best time to inform your friend that you are “totally” wearing that new outfit for the party this weekend or that you “literally can’t with” geometry?

It can wait.

When switching periods and evaluating the traffic, I plan different routes to get to my next class like a human Mapquest.

While alternative paths help me avoid some of the traffic, it is

MACKENZIE DUFFY

ridiculous that I waste time rerouting because students block my way.

Then there are the sandbars, those hideaways where students can remove themselves for a few moments—like the nook just outside the library.

Although the occasional accidental touch of someone trying to caress their significant other annoys me, I am grateful for the few hallway-related incidents we have had. For a school with thousands of students walking the hallway at once every hour, this figure is extraordinary.

Even though overpopulation sets the stage for the majority of the traffic, people stopped in the halls is a major hindrance for students trying not to be late.

So, please, the next time you try to have a reunion in the middle of incoming traffic, remember: Be more considerate of others in the hallway. Turn river rafting into a smooth kayaking session, and avoid headon-head collisions.

TECHNOLOGY

Tablets: Helpful or harmful?

IN MY OPINION

michael katz micaha

staff writer

Let’s face it—times are changing. But does that mean that our teaching tools should too?

Social Studies Department Chair Mary Lee had to stay after school every day for three weeks in order to plug in her class set of 32 tablets, pack them into a cart, and then transport them to a secure location for the night.

“Once each student gets assigned their own tablet, it’s going to be much less of a headache,” Lee said. “Until then, it is a matter of whether the students remember to charge their tablets at home or not.”

I’m all for technology, but only when it makes sense.

And as of right now, it doesn’t seem like we are ready to mix tablets with classrooms.

Lee has had to forfeit two weeks of her already scarce teaching time to impromptu lectures as a result of the never-ending battle against the stubborn technology.

“Either the students forget their Dadeschools password, or the tablet is having problems with downloading or installing new software,” Principal Dawn Baglos said at student orientation.

Either way, teachers have to spend valuable time resetting a password or trying to figure out what is going on with the tablet. They are teachers, not technicians.

“I like the tablet, but I don’t like having to carry it all the time,” freshman Aaron Kredi said. “I find it would be much simpler to have a class set of tablets and access the textbook from them, while using the student portal for the textbook at home.”

Baglos believes that once the tablet program is fully functional, the whole hassle will prove itself worthwhile.

In other words, once each student has their own tablet, the teachers will no longer have to stress over charging the tablets or handing out or collecting them during class.

Will the time lost by the glitches of the tablets be compensated by their usefulness?

Only time will tell.

The tablets were made possible by a bond which

gave Miami Dade Public Schools $1.2 billion to renovate and modernize schools.

Therefore, the county had the money to invest in the tablets and Promethean Boards without cutting any classes or laying off any teachers.

That’s a pretty sweet deal for students in Dade County, and we have Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho to thank for that.

“

The fact remains that whether the French Revolution is taught in a book, on a screen, or on the ceiling, it’s still just that – the French Revolution. And as of right now, the tablets may just be more of a distraction than a tool.

Of course, we live in a day and age where technology dictates our lives. With that in mind, integrating technology in classrooms seems like a smart idea now that we have the money.

Nevertheless, what are we

doing about classes like Driver’s and Sex Ed. that were cut due to a lack of funding? The public school system is basically saying that it’s acceptable to have pregnant students getting into car accidents, but at least they’ll have tablets.

We must then ask ourselves if tablets really are necessary? In truth, behind the already obsolete Smart Boards, the new-and-improved Promethean Boards, and the high-tech, problematic tablets, it’s all the same knowledge. The fact remains that whether the French Revolution is taught in a book, on a screen, or on the ceiling, it’s still just that - the French Revolution. And as of right now, the tablets may just be more of a distraction than a tool.

On a different note, there is something utterly human about textbooks. You can feel the pages in your hands, and you never have to charge them or worry about dropping them. Yes, they may be a bit old-fashioned, but they’re so much safer. Tablets are a great tool, but an even better distraction, and require a lot of funding that could be better spent elsewhere.

Topic of the Month

Do you think students have the power to influence school decisions?

“Yes; everyone was upset about no hoodies, so SGA persuaded administration to give students a transition year.”

Taylor Wells, 11

“No; students are given options but they are never actually implemented.”

Gabriel Benaim, 11

“No; students are vague in what they want so we never really accomplish things and our demands are too expensive, like a new football field.”

Skyler Lecoq, 9

“Yes; our major goal is for the students to realize that this is their school.”

Michelle Russell,

Activities Director

Compiled by Mila Sicorsky

Entertainment Page 6

The Lightning Strike • September 2014

SHOWS

Fall preview: What to watch on TV

Corbin Bolies staff writer It’s a common scenario among some students: we get home after school, decompress and turn on our television to see what’s new, old or entertaining. Dramas, comedies, that soap opera that you refuse to tell your friends you watch. Shows that help us escape from the stress we get at school. We all have our favorites, and this year, more new shows might become one of yours.

Here’s a list of some new shows premiering this fall by network, so you can add to your list of shows to rave about, rage over and pretend that you never watch.

ABC: How to Get Away With Murder Starring: Viola Davis (The Help), Alfred Enoch (Harry Potter series), Matt McGorry (Orange is the New Black), Jack Falahee (Twisted)

Premise: Students are enrolled in Law 101, taught by Professor Annalise Keating (Davis), or as she prefers to call it, “How to Get Away With Murder.”

Things aren’t what they seem, as Keating demonstrates to her students the real workings of being a lawyer – and the lengths they go to achieve their goals. With students ranging from curious to cunning, they’ll have to apply all they learn to real life to succeed in her class – and not end up dead. It’s being reviewed as one of the best dramas this fall, and it’s executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, creator of shows like Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy.

If you’re looking for a drama that’ll keep you on the edge of your seats, this might be the perfect one for you.

Premiere Date: September 25th, 2014 NBC: Marry Me Starring: Caey Wilson (Happy Endings), Ken Marino (Eastbound & Down) Premise: Two lovebirds who, after six years, still

haven’t managed to get married.

When Jake (Marino) tries to pop the question after a romantic vacation, Annie (Wilson) fumes over his inability to commit. It’s a cute romantic comedy chronicling their journey to marry each other. If you’re looking for a dose of laughter and romance, Marry Me is sure to be more than enough.

Premiere Date: October 14th, 2014

wrongs while leading the investigation on a mysterious murder: the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents. Yes, we meet a young Batman here, chronicling his story also. The show looks visually stunning, and looks to appeal to comic-book fans and general audiences alike. If you like Batman, you’ll love Gotham.

Premiere Date: September 22nd, 2014

FOX: Gotham Starring: Ben McKenzie (Southland), Donal Logue (Sons of Anarchy), Jada Pinkett Smith (Hawthorne) Premise: It’s Batman without B a t man (in a sense).

Gotham tells the story of Detective James Gordon (McKenzie), who just returned from fighting in the military to the city he calls home: Gotham City. However, corruption runs through the streets, leaving the line between good and evil greyer than ever. Gordon has to work to correct these

CBS: NCIS: New Orleans Starring: Scott Bakula (Star Trek: Enterprise), Lucas Black, Zoe McLellan Premise: Anyone who’s a fan of the hit procedural series, “NCIS” will be a fan of this. Set in the artistic town of New Orleans, Special Agent Dwayne Pride (Bakula) leads a team to solve criminal cases affecting military personnel. Also set to happen this year are crossovers with the parent NCIS and new freshman drama Scorpion. If you’re interested in a “case of the week” type series, you’ve found your match in NCIS: New Orleans.

Premiere 23rd, 2014

Date:

September

FX: American Horror Story: Freak Show Starring: Jessica Lange (Frances), Kathy Bates (Misery), Angela Bassett (Malcolm X), Sarah Paulson (Desperate Housewives) Premise: The latest chapter in the anthology series, American Horror Story: Freak Show features a wide range of talent in the forms of two-time Oscar winner Jessica Lange, Oscar winner Kathy Bates, and Academy Award nominee Angela Bassett. In the fourth season of the critically-acclaimed series, the premise centers on one of the last remaining freak shows, in which its members will do anything to keep the business alive.

Premiere Date: October 8th, 2014 With these new shows leading the block of television this fall, students certainly have something to look forward to after their day in school.

Whether it be a drama in How to Get Away with Murder or a comedy in Marry Me, fans of each show will have something to entertain themselves with throughout the fall, winter, and spring. The question is this: which show is right for you?

PHOTOS: Sarah Paulson as Bette Tattler in American Horror Story (left), Ben McKenzie as Detective James Gordon in Gotham (right).

PHOTOS FROM EONLINE.COM

FOOD

Pretending to be a food critic Dan Sicorsky editor-in-chief I went out to eat and wanted good service and food, so I did the most logical thing I could think of: I pretended to be a food critic.

Logically, I thought, food critics dine better since the managers want them to write good reviews of their restaurants.

So I did what I had to do. I made 8 pm reservations for two at a moderately fancy Italian restaurant. Armed with a eye-catching reporter’s notebook, I made my way over to what I expected to be a dinner of champions.

“As a food con-

noisseur, I was ashamed when I had to ask the waitress to explain “veal” to me.

I was delighted when the manager himself led me toward my table. In only one minute, three servers came to offer me

DINING: By the time the Chicken Parmigiana (pictured above) was brought to my table, I had lost my appetite. Try it for yourself – pretend to be a food critic at a fancy restaurant to see how you’re treated.

beverages. Had they noticed my notebook? Clearly, I was playing the part. My plan was going great… Until it starting going not so great.

Looking over the menu, I understood everything under the “pasta” and “chicken” categories, but once I got past that, I was doomed. As a food connoisseur, I was ashamed when I had to ask the waitress to explain “veal” to me.

After the excruciating task of

deciphering the Italian menu, I ordered the NY Baked Clams as my appetizer and Chicken Parmigiana as my main course. Now, I thought, comes the good part.

Boy, was I wrong.

If not understanding the menu was uncomforting, what came next was dehumanizing.

The buttery clams arrived, and they were beautiful, but there was another problem: I had no idea how to eat them.

Five minutes later, I sat as the waitress came to ask me, the famed food critic, if I was enjoying my still untouched clams. I lied and said “yes” just so she would leave me alone.

After using about every utensil on the table, I finally managed to eat the clams, but by the time the main course came, I had lost my appetite.

My chicken parmigiana largely untouched, I ordered a take-out box and asked for the check. I couldn’t wait to get out of the restaurant. What was supposed to be a night to remember turned into a nightmare I would never forget.

I’ve never read the international rulebook for food critics (if one exists), but if it does I broke almost every rule in the book in only one night.

My experiment failed. If anyone feels they can read menus and eat clams better than I can, then go right ahead, pretend to something you’re not. I, however, have chosen to stick to my role as a regular, non-critical diner.

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Well, RunPee tells you when to run to the bathroom without missing anything major and tells you what’s happening in the movie while you’re away.

Uber For those of us who don’t drive or have the luxury of rides wherever and whenever we want, Uber is there for you.

Uber gives anyone the ability to get a taxi or a private car from their mobile phone with the touch of a button.

Ignore No More This app gives parents the power to lock their child’s smartphones.

When locked, you only have two options, to make an emergency phone call or call your parents to retrieve the passcode to unlock the phone. No access to calling friends, texting, or games.

Compiled by Stephania Salaverria and Joshua Swerdlow

Entertainment Page 7

The Lightning Strike • September 2014 MOVIES

Forget movie theaters:

three interesting alternatives to a normal movie experience reserves you a reclining plush seat plus a pillow, blanket and box of popcorn.

Reyes took advantage of the iPic Theaters experience. “A 30-40 minute car ride to the iPics location in Boca Raton may seem like a far distance,” freshman Elizabeth Reyes said. “But for the experience, it is well worth the drive.”

Stephania Salaverria photo editor It’s Friday night and you have no plans. This is usually the beginning of a Netflix kind-of-night. But tonight you feel like taking your movie watching outside the comfort of your bed. So the only reasonable thing is to search up movie times at your local theater. However there are only so many times a routine can be done before it gets old. So for the movie going enthusiasts, here are some alternatives for those Friday nights.

3. New World

Symphony-Wallcast

1. Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In

Movies under the stars are an American tradition that Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In continues.

However, they provide a different experience. Instead of a huge open field, the drive-in is in the city and has 30 car slots available per showing. Located directly behind The Coconut Grove Playhouse, Blue Starlite creates the perfect environment for a cozy outdoor movie watching in the comfort of your

MIAMI URBAN DRIVE-IN

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: Two moviegoers watch an advertisement at the Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In in Cocunut Grove. The vintage car reinforces the retro theme associated with the drive-In theater.

own car. Reservations are recommended since the car slots are scarce. Viewers are advides to show up 30 minutes prior to the movie because of first come, first serve parking.

Senior Sandra Schoenlank visited the attraction. “It was something cute and differ-

DINING

ent,” Schoenlank said. “We got s’mores and watched a Grease sing-along movie.”

2. iPic Theaters Sit back, relax and enjoy the movie in a large, plush, leather

chair. iPic Theaters offers a movie theater experience unlike no other.

The theater shows both old and new films and the customer is given the option to watch them from a “premium” or “premium plus” seat. For $14 the premium seating offers only the reserved couch seat while the $24 premium plus seat

Starting this fall, the New World Symphony-Wallcast will begin again. The movie is outdoors and screened on a 7000 square foot projection on the side of the building wall. No ticket is required because the show is free. It is the perfect opportunity to take out your blankets and enjoy a picnic under the night sky.

“I went last year to watch a screening of The Great Gatsby,” junior Elizabeth Reyes said. “The environment was much more lively than going to a normal theater and the fact that they show so many classics makes it more enjoyable.”

ATTRACTIONS

ChillN store opens in Aventura Get out (if you can): The Great Escape Room Joshua Swerdlow entertainment editor

Alec Eidelstein news editor Chill-N Ice Cream is the perfect formula for the new “chill” place to eat in the Aventura area.

The concept was created by co-owners Daniel Golick, 26, and Chuck Woodward, 22, who started making ice cream in their garage with the use of a flash freeze liquid nitrogen machine. It was finally perfected after six months of many failed attempts.

“Oh, people thought we had a drug operation going,” Woodward told the Miami Times.

“I didn’t know ice cream had eggs till we started making it, but my family friends told me about a similar concept in Orlando, and I knew it would work here, so we went with it.

At -328 degrees Fahrenheit, the machine freezes a liquid base into ice crystals giving the base a distinct ice cream texture. At the store each machine runs along a glass wall, therefore the nitrogen sprays out right in front of your face, giving the customers a little chill.

From a costumer’s perspective, you walk into the store and look at the board display on the wall.

It reads left to right starting with the cup size and the base

THERAIDERFLASH.COM

WORKING: A ChillN worker infuses ice cream with liquid nitrogen to put the finishing touches on ChillN’s signature ice cream dessert. The periodic table-style menu makes for easy to read options.

(ice cream or yogurt). Every flavor (in black), is abbreviated as an element, giving it the feel of the periodic table of the elements, as well as all the mix-in toppings (in lightblue). Once the liquid is almost at ice cream form, the toppings are poured into the bowl and mixed inside.

Besides the store in Aventura, there is also a ChillN store in Pinecrest that has been open for two years.

“Only after two years in Pinecrest, our lines are out the door,” Golick said. “And considering we’re in Aventura, I can’t wait for what is yet to come.”

Nine strangers join you as you navigate through furniture strewn around the room. Chalk on the walls offers clues that must be deciphered to succeed.

The timer starts. You now have 60 minutes to escape from “The Great Escape Room.”

Two brothers and one of their wives wanted to take virtual gaming to reality and opened up “The Great Escape Room” in Orlando. After TripAdvisor ranked his attraction ADVERTISEMENT

38 out of 198 in Orlando (only after Disney and Universal attractions), Nelson Rodney, the oldest brother, worked on opening another room in Coral Gables.

Teams of up to twelve members are sent into the room for 60 minutes in order to find clues and eventually a key to escape.

The layout of the room and the room’s clues are reassembled every three months to keep the mystery going.

“We wanted to introduce a place that would provide nonthreatening entertainment,” Rodney said. “[The Great Es-

cape Room] is a workout for the mind.

Although player success is a mere 20 percent at the Orlando location, Nelson takes the participant criticism of a low success rate as a compliment.

“It’s not meant to be easy,” Rodney said. “We take pride in the challenges our team comes up with as it truly makes a group of strangers work together to reach a goal.”

If you feel you have what it takes to be part of the 20 percent who succeed, go down to 2315 Le Jeune Rd and start debunking.

Feature

The Lightning Strike • September 2014

Page 8

ATHLETICS

Student recovers from shoulder injury Erick Cohen business manager Opening his yogurt lids and carrying his books was never a problem. Junior Max Stein has always been independent.

Yet after a second degree tear in his left shoulder, he found himself relying on his teeth and his friends for small tasks like opening snack containers and carrying textbooks.

Stein was tackled by a fellow teammate during a practice session weeks before the the season began. “I fell on the floor the wrong way,” Stein said. The tackle occurred during an “Oklahoma drill” designed to test the ability of the players during strong defensive situations.

“The floor kinda hit me,” Stein said, recalling

COURTESY OF JUANA ARGIRO

DEDICATION: Max Stein dresses in his practice sweats regardless of his injury while also going to physical therapy to re-gain strength in his shoulder. Stein was injured during a football practice drill.

the moment of his injury.

“Half the team doesn’t even recall the play since I got back up and kept practicing for about ten more minutes before realizing I wouldn’t be able to walk it off. “I knew

something felt wrong,” he said. Stein had separated his AC joint, one of the joints in the shoulder.

When he got to the hospital, Stein was told his recovery would take two

months, along with sessions of rehab. “They told me I’d be out for the season, but I don’t believe it,” Stein said.

“If it’s better for me to be out this season so I can make a full recovery for next year,” he said. “I will.”

Despite not being able to play or move his left arm, Stein still shows up to team meetings and cheers his team on in games. “I’m a player from the sidelines for now,” he said.

Stein doesn’t complain.

Although lugging around textbooks and his backpack causes constant pain to his back and right arm, the wide receiver wants no sympathy.

Stein will wear the arm sling for two months. He remains hopeful about his future on the team and hopes for a speedy recovery.

EDUCATION

Research at center of new AP course Sophie Muchnik staff writer

AP Capstone, a course developed by Harvard University, is being offered to a select group of sophomores.

Of 140 10th grade students who applied, 60 were selected. AP Capstone is divided into two classes over two years, AP Seminar and AP Research.

“This course is going to

help me in future classes like writing and is definitely preparing me for college.” sophomore Gabriella Dunaevaski said. “It’s making me more aware of how data should be used and interpreted.”

AP Seminar teaches students to observe and analyze data. Students learn how to look at problems from multiple perspectives, then develop arguments and defend ideas. AP Research requires students to write a research paper on a topic of individ-

ual interest over junior year.

Science teacher Dr. David Buncher was chosen to teach this class. Last year, Principal Dawn Baglos sent out an email asking teachers who would want to teach this course, she asked them to explain why they qualified. Baglos then selected a few teachers that applied and notified College Board.

With Buncher’s 33 years of experience in research and his doctorate in science curriculum, he was chosen to

spearhead the course.

“He told us how hard he works and how much time and effort he puts into this class, and I respect him for that.” sophomore Agustin Pillado said. Buncher attended a week long seminar presented by College Board.

In the seminar he wrote a paper, created a presentation and defended what he wrote, just like his students will be required to do. Buncher got a five, the highest score in the class.

10 tips to make your backpack lighter Schoolbags don’t need to be big and heavy – if you use these tips. Think of this as a Weight Watchers for your backpack.

1. Order the contents

of your bag from smallest to largest.

By placing your smallest books and binders in the front of your bag, you will avoid creating a lump on your bag.

2. Purchase a

four-pocket folder to avoid having to carry a folder for each class.

3. Empty out returned

class work and homework weekly or biweekly so as to not carry unnecessary weight.

4. Instead of using a

6. On even block days, 8. When making your

don’t bring books and binders for odd periods. Likewise, on odd block days, leave the notebooks from even periods at home.

bag, pack according to what you can carry, not what you can fit.

9. Don’t use rolling back-

packs. They tend to weigh more (and are considered You don’t need to pencil pouch, put your pencils, erasers, and highlighters bring a dictionary, thesaurus, safety hazards). in your bag’s front pocket. or encyclopedia to school.

Carry textbooks Most classes allow the use . Purchase one multiof technology for education and other large contents on your person instead of inple-subject notebook to take purposes. Reference books side your bag. Alternativenotes for every class instead can be found on school ly, carry around your water of using one notebook for computers, tablets, and bottle instead of carrying it each class. smart phones. in your bag.

5

7.

10.

-Dan Sicorsky

KEEPING IT

A

modern

Transcendentalist movement:

The movement, started by senior Erwin Yol and a collaborator, was intended to refocus on nature and leave modern burdens behind in order to express individuality.

Following the ideals of authors like Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, Yol and his collaborator have spread their ideals across the school: FOCUS DON’T FIXATE: Observe things to your fullest potential, but don’t become obsessed; there’s is always more to grow.

WHAT’S IMPORTANT: Before you worry about being cool, rich, noticed or someone you’re not, worry about being a human being.

BRILLIANCE: Brilliance is acheived through hard work.

FINAL QUESTION: When was the last time you flexed your individuality?

KEEP IT “100”: Which means to stay true to yourself and expressing your full individuality.

Compiled by Saige Raymond

Feature Page 9

The Lightning Strike • September 2014 SUMMER

Vacations persist despite Middle Eastern conflict Jacob Singer copy editor The Israeli Defense Force reported that the worlds fastest man can run 200 meters in 20 seconds, but an Israeli only has fifteen seconds to make it to the bomb shelter when rockets fall from Gaza.

Students who spent their summer in Israel had to live with the threat of rockets, but those same students would say that no other summer was quite as memorable. Sophomore Amit Swissa spent her summer in Ashdod, a town close to the conflict. Swissa, who goes to Israel every summer, recalls her first encounter with the missile fire.

“It was the scariest moment of my life,” Swissa said. “I heard a loud noise, but my cousin explained that it was ‘Azakah,’ the

siren that warns of rockets.”

After hearing the siren, Swissa ran to the bomb shelter and stayed there until the rocket fire was over. “We heard a big boom, and everyone started crying,” Swissa said. The roar signaled that the rocket was shot down and that everyone was safe to leave the shelter.

The Iron Dome, one of the most effective missile defense systems in the world, mitigated these threats. Israel’s use of the Iron Dome, which shot down rockets headed Israel’s, helped allow students to enjoy their summer despite the circumstances by ensuring almost complete safety.

The students who spent their summer in Israel made it clear that the rockets did not damper their enjoyment.

Sophomore Moises Franco spent his summer in Galilee

COURTESY OF AMIT SWISSA

ENJOYING THE VIEW: Sophomore Amit Swissa, pictured at Golan Heights in northern Israel, traveled along the border of Israel and Syria while a conflict between Israel and Gaza was taking place.

in the north; Jerusalem, Israel’s capital; and Tel-Aviv, Israel’s biggest city. Franco enjoyed his outdoor lifestyle in Galilee. “Almost every day, we would hike through the mountains and we would always end up at amazing

waterfalls,” Franco said.

One of Franco’s most memorable experiences took place in Jerusalem at the Jerusalem Day festival. He enjoyed the musicians and dancers performing, and admired the enthusiasm

and spirit that the Israelis had in commemoration of regaining Jerusalem in 1967. “You could really feel the energy and spirit that everyone had there,” Franco said.

Both Franco and Swissa were fond of a large outdoor market called the “Shuk.” The items sold at the “Shuk” range from produce, baked goods and clothing. “I spent a lot of time at the shuk,” Swissa said, “There are so many vendors. I could always find new things when I shopped there.”

The students impacted by this experience were able to take away valuable lessons.

Swissa views her summer as an eye-opening experience. “It really makes me value how important peace is,” Swissa said, “I’m so grateful to live in a place where I don’t have to worry about this every day.”

RECOVERY

Mishan returns following double-knee surgery Sophie Muchnick staff writer Math teacher Rosanne Mishan went through an ordeal like no other. After years of trying to avoid surgery, she ended up going under the knife to get both her knees replaced.

She now refers to herself as “the bionic teacher”. That doesn’t mean she has super strength or robot-like abilities, but it does mean she is extremely brave.

“All I want is for Ms. Mishan to get better,” sophomore Gabriella Dunaevski said. “Even though she went through two major sur-

geries, she doesn’t let that get in the way of being such an amazing and committed teacher.”

Beginning in 2001, Mishan tried different ways to avoid surgeries. She completed two arthroscopic surgeries which is a minimally invasive surgery on a joint where an examination takes place and where sometimes treatmenttake place on the damage of the joints. Unfortunately, both procedures failed. Mishan also endured many injections to try and speed up the healing process of her knees. She visited four doctors, but the final decision was that double knee replacement surgery was the only way.

MACKENZIE DUFFY

PERSISTENCE: Math teacher Rosanne Mishan (right) stands at the front of the classroom talking to students. Mishan recently underwent double-knee surgery.

After the surgeries, Mishan spent four days in the hospital.

She was then sent to an acute re-

habilitation facility where she had to do three hours of exercise a day, which can be very painful after

surgery. “People thought I was either extremely brave or extremely foolish for having both my knees replaced,” Mishan said. But, she proved them wrong.

Her doctor told her that she was the “poster child” for double knee replacement surgery. Coincidentally, the head of Orthopedics at Holy Cross Hospital was a former student of hers from 1989.

Even though Mishan is not as mobile as she was in previous years, she has not let that stop her from having perfect attendance and staying after school for tutoring.

Plus, she has physical therapy twice a week and exercises every day at home.

Humans of Krop: What lies beneath the faces of teachers and students “Tell me about the scariest moment of your life.”

“I recently found out that my parents were getting divorved and the reasons why. All of that new information not only scared me but made me angry. Thinking that my family wasn’t going to be the same anymore was crazy.”

-Daykym Harris, 10

remember the hospital room they put me in while the anesthesia was kicking in. It was so cold that it made me more nervous. I didn’t really know what was happening or how serious it was, but I was still scared. Especially after the doctor told us that if they cut too deep into my “When I was 11, I had face, then part of my face to get surgery to remove would be permanently a tumor on my face. I parazlyed.”

-Joshua Gottlieb, 11

(If you want to share your stories, submit them to lightningstrikenews@gmail.com

and your submission might be featured in the next HUMANS OF KROP

Compiled by Mackenzie Duffy

The Lightning Strike • September 2014

Page 10

Teacher Talk: What do you think about Prometheans?

TEACHING TOOLS THROUGH TIME 1800s : 1900s: Blackboards Pencils and Paper

1950s: Headsets

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“It’s not a hinderance, it’s very beneficial just a lot to learn and get use to.”

-Science teacher, Avonelle Lewis

“Promethean

boards are terrific, it’s very versatile especially with the touch screens.”

-Social Studies teacher, Faith Turk

1970s: Scantrons 1980s: Hand held graphing calculators

1. Social media website that is used by teachers and students to interact.

2. Website that offers free video tutoring.

3. Website used to teach people to speak and write a new language.

4. Online textbook source that provides most subscribers with guided solutions to problems.

5. App that helps students with SAT related subjects, by using quizes and tips.

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8. Organization with videos called talks that share ideas with others.

W

Pros of Promethean Boards

Mackenzie Duffy feature editor

The board of the future has arrived! Luckily for students, the new invention of the future has arrived before time.

The “Smart Boards” are the new “Dumb Boards” and the Promethean boards-- better yet, known for the titan Prometheus who was the benefactor of mankind. The Promethean boards have not only aided teachers, but students as well, to become the all-knowing titans of Krop.

The first transition into the 21st century was installing Promethean Boards in all classes; replacing Smart Boards began when the boards were purchased following the allocation of bond money.

The boards include a feature called “Flipchart” where teachers can better en-

gage students in daily lessons.

This program can be used to display lecture notes, math equations and literature passages.

In addition to the Flipchart feature, Promethean boards come with a pen, which could be used for highlighting important lessons and writing on the Flipchart. English teacher Shawanda Elizando uses these tools to teach grammar and literature to her students.

“I’m able to call on students to come up and highlight grammatical errors,” Elizando said. “It’s just more interactive.”

The main purpose of the boards was interactivity between teachers and their students. The boards aid those who are classified as either “hands-on” or “visual learners.”

Teachers were offered training provided through Dade County during the summer break

X leading up to the school year. Since the boards were installed over the summer, teachers also had the opportunity to get a “one-onboard” practice with the board during the planning week before school started.

By taking time to get acquainted with the board, teachers were able to become better prepared for their new teaching method.

“Sometimes during lunch or before school I just play around with the different tools,” Elizando said.

The boards bring Krop into a new, technologicallysavvy era, where students and teachers can interact by learning together. At 1205 dollars a board, the marginal benefit of a more visual learning method outweigh the fiscal cost of the boards.

Page 11

The Lightning Strike • September 2014

How new gadgets are changing the way we learn

Teacher Talk: What do you think about Prometheans?

Tablets introduced in World History classes Joshua Swerdlow entertainment editor Good-bye sticky notes, bookmarks and highlighters. With the new county-issued tablets, freshmen are being introduced to the first phase of technology-based education.

Across the county, the Microsoft Helic mobile devices were issued to all World History students. The goal is to give access to eTextbooks, write notes and surf the internet for educational purposes.

Apart from world history, all core subjects are available on eTextbooks for students, and can use the device in any class with substantial Wi-Fi. Slow Wi-Fi has caused problems with access to the eTextbook. When accessible, the tablet is useful in learning relationships normal textbooks would not make.

“Connecting ISIS today to cultural traditions of the past was possible through the tablet,” History teacher Thomas Lander said.

Teachers have a learning curve to fully understand the capacity of tablet resources, just like the Promethean Boards. “[The tablets] will be better later in the year,” Lander said.

Students have mixed feelings about the tablet. Most are used to writing their notes by hand and complain that carrying heavy tablet along with other class supplies are bothersome.

“The tablet is useful for writing notes,” freshman Andrea Mesa said, “but I find handwriting notes so much better.”

A student of history teacher Thomas James, Mesa was not informed of the tablet until three days after school started. Adjustment to the tablet has been difficult for Mesa as she has never had a tablet before and has rarely used it in class.

“I was confused because I didn’t even

2003: Windows XP is released

2010: iPads

know what I would use [the tablet] for,” Mesa said.

Daniella Dombey, a freshman in Mrs. Lee’s honors gifted world history, believes the tablets to be a useful resource, but not necessary as computers and a printed textbook are available.

“We won’t learn by typing our notes on the tablet.” Dombey said. “Students learn by writing on paper.”

Sylvia Diaz, Assistant Superintendent for Innovation and School Choice in Miami-Dade told the Herald that the district hopes all high school students will eventually have tablets. The growth in the number of students who are given tablets warrants multiple classes being synced toward tablet use.

“Having one subject on the tablet is pointless,” Mesa said. “If all of our classes utilized the tablet option, it would be better because we wouldn’t need to worry about carrying all of our textbooks and notes.”

“Advancing tools in technology allows teachers to reach students at levels they’re most interested in.”

-Science teacher, Lisa Berner

2014: Source: New York Times Promethean Boards

“The psychological

gains of technology are the new formats are beneficial to some students that learn in diverse ways.”

W

Cons of Promethean Boards

X

ers complained about the difficulties they had with the Promethean boards. Slideshows did not move to the next slide, the board was not calibrated, and no matter how many times they tapped the board, the board would not function.

Teachers who never used a Promethean board until the first day of school found it difficult to turn on the functions like new surround sound speakers.

Unfortunately, of the five hours a week for class, some teachers spend from five to fifteen minutes of class time trying to fix a glitch on the board. Those minutes add up. A teacher who spends approximately five minutes a day fixing a problem with the board spends 25 minutes a week, or 100 minutes a month.

But teachers could have learned before school started. Lilavois said that teachers were offered district level classes throughout the summer and school site classes during the first week of school to help them understand how to use the boards. The district class offered three different levels: introductory, inter-

mediate, and advanced. “Sixty-two teachers attended the school-site training, but many of them desire additional training,” Lilavois said.

To become more familiar with the boards, teachers must use time before and after school, during lunch, or during their planning periods.

Gary Feilich, a teacher who was one of the more frustrated teachers, says that “ unless you are thoroughly trained, its problematic.”

True enough “the missing piece of the puzzle is that no training session can provide each teacher the opportunity to interact with a board of their own during the session,” Lilavois said. “Teachers must continue learning on their own with the boards in their classroom.”

But Feilich sees a different dimension after all, it is not the technology that matters in a class room setting, “good teachers should be effective regardless of the resources given,” Feilich said.

Mikaela Mendez spread editor

The year is 2014 and Promethean boards have taken control of classrooms. Math, science, English, and social studies classes have a 73.5in x 52.3 in board at the front of the class that has replaced former white board space.

But most teachers have yet to learn the up-to-date advantages available for them on the board. However, according to test chairperson Xandra Lilavois, the main feature of the board is interactivity. “A teacher can pull up a website or document (including a presentation) and write directly on it,” Lilavois said.

The board comes with tools dedicated to math such as a calculator, rules, and an equation editor. Teachers can also download read-made flipcharts for specific subjects. Other tools include built-in annotation tools for PowerPoint, have screen recordings to show in class, and allow file sharing websites like OneDrive.

In the first weeks of school, teach-

-Social Studies teacher, Michael Fass

“I think that the Promethean boards are a step up from smart boards, in that my vision is no longer impaired walking infront of the board.”

-English teacher, Joshua Joseph

Designed by Mikaela Mendez Spread Editor

Lifestyle

The Lightning Strike • September 2014

Page 13

Depression: the hidden pain MENTAL HEALTH

Francesca Bozza staff writer Even after viewing one Robin Williams movie after another, fans were under the false impression that they knew him. We saw him as a babysitter, a professor, and a psychologist.

We didn’t, however, know him as a man suffering from clinical depression.

In a little-viewed interview published in 2006 with Diane Sawyer, Williams gave hints of his troubles.

“You are standing at a precipice and you look down,” Williams said. “There’s a voice and it’s a little quiet voice that goes ‘jump’. It’s the same voice and that same voice goes ‘just once.’”

Williams’s tragedy revealed that depression is a nefarious illness that can attack any person, successful or poor, and must be treated.

How many people do we encounter every day that seem fine on the outside but are

“

The sun could have been shining, but all I saw was the everlasting darkness consuming me.

-*Esmeralda screaming for help from within?

In the 2006 Sawyer interview, Williams said that we must

accept the saddness of “bad things” happening and be hopeful that there is a loving God. We know now that acceptance and hoefullness cannot alone cure depression.

The story of my school friend, *Esmeralda, is a clear example of our inability to recognize the symptoms of a depressive state.

She struggled waking up and doing daily routines, and had to force herself into eating because of her lack of energy.

“All I knew is that I had no motivation.” Esmeralda said. “I woke up, but I felt as though I wasn’t living in reality, but trying to survive in my own pits of hell, trying not to surrender.”

Esmeralda tried to cope with her feelings by trying to write poetry. The natural reaction to

MUSIC

The dangers of listening to loud music Erick Cohen buisness manager What do a jet taking off from 305 meters away, a power lawn mower, a motorcycle, a jackhammer, a garbage truck and a pair of headphones have in common? At 100 decibels, they are all the same noise level.

Enough to cause noise-induced hearing loss.

People enjoy listening to their music, but they often take for granted how listening too loud can cause permanent hearing loss. Hearing loss can go undetected until it is significant enough to affect everyday communication.

Headphones were made for personal enjoyment, but when you can’t hear a conversation while listening to your music, it is too loud.

It’s a catch-22: we can’t

hear our music because our environment is too loud, but if we don’t make the music louder, we can’t hear our music.

The problem is actually the headphones. Good headphones that allow you to hear your music without causing noiseinduced hearing loss cancel the noise around you. When we turn the volume up to hear our music and drown out the outside environment, we damage our hearing in the process.

This generation is at great risk for premature hearing loss because we abuse our ears with our loud music. Human ears can hear under 85 decibels (about the noise of a blender) without damaging the eardrums, but average headphones reach 100 decibels.

Teens take their hearing for granted. Once damage is done to your hearing, it’s gone.

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Sustained noise, even from a day at a construction site is enough to cause NIHL, or noise-induced hearing loss. Being at a concert or Ultra Music Festival can cause damage within minutes.

The inner ear has microscopic hairs that vibrate along the cochlea that transmit vibrations to the brain that allows us to hear sound. These delicate hairs stop working when they are exposed to loud sounds for too long. If enough of the hairs get damaged, permanent hearing loss can result.

Sounds that exceed 120 decibels, like gun shots and thunder from close range, can cause immediate permanent hearing loss.

If we want to continue hearing symphonies and conversations, we should be more careful and listen to our music at a safe volume.

the initial stage of depression is to find a distraction for the pain, like taking an aspirin for a simple headache and hoping that it is nothing more. But when those initial symptoms increase, getting yourself help is necessary.

Esmeralda’s lack of motivation and happiness continued, and she ultimately realized she was depressed.

“The sun could have been shining, but all I saw was the everlasting darkness consuming me’” she said. “A voice in my head that was not my own, forcing me to stop living and let myself go because that was the only way I could ever be free.”

Esmeralda is not alone.

According to the article, “Depression in Teens and Children” writtten by Kalman

Heller for PsychCentral, about 10 to 15 percent of teens or children go through depression.

Robin Williams, along with Demi Lovato, Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway, Lindsay Lohan and even presidents such as Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt, are all victims of depression. Their inner struggles were largely hidden from the public view, as are many people’s.

We need to learn that depression must be dealt with as any other illness and that when symptoms arise, one must seek proper medical attention.

Hiding the dust under the carpet is not healthy. It shows bravery when one steps into the light and asks for help. *Name Has Been Changed

How to: Get a good night’s sleep

1.

Turn off all electronics before going to bed

Electronics stimulate the brain. Just like a “cool down” process after exercising, the brain also needs its own “cool down” process before going to sleep. Turning off electronics around an hour before going to bed will help the mind relax and go into a deeper.

2.

Keep your environment as dark and quiet as possible

Your body produces melatonin, a natural hormone set off by light exposure that controls the wake cycle. When exposed to bright lights, the production of melatonin is suppressed, stopping the brain from going into a deep sleep. Make sure to keep your room dark when going to sleep.

3.

Exercise and eat healthy

Exercising regularly is extremely vital in helping the body go into a deep sleep. You should exercise in the morning or early afternoon since stimulating the body at night is not recommended. Besides exercising, you should eat healthy. Big meals fill the stomach and can take a while to digest, creating an upset stomach.

This is unhealthy and can delay a deep sleep.

4.

Cut the caffeine

Caffeine cuts off sleep-inducing chemicals made in the brain. According to the Sleep Health Fundation, you should cut down on caffeine four to six hours before going to sleep.

nearly 300

12

5.

Reserve your bed for sleeping

Teens tend to do their work on their bed, which is something our bodies would normally associate with sleep. When somebody constantly works on their bed, their body will get used to staying awake on the bed instead of getting comfortable to go to sleep.

Compiled by Francesca Bozza

Lifestyle

The Lightning Strike • September 2014

Page 14

TRENDS

Nikes, Adidas and Jordans, Oh My!

Chelsea Lewis staff writer

They clean them, organize them and collect who knows how many pairs of them.

They are just your everyday people, but their interests are different– sneakers are what they crave. They are referred to as “sneakerheads.”

They are the ones who constantly look down at their feet to make sure their “precious babies” haven’t contracted a single smudge. They’re the

FRESHKICKS

HOTSPOT

F

Shoshana Sommer staff writer

kids who don’t care if it takes centuries waiting in long lines to obtain the newest pair.

Sophomore Alexander Tellfort fits the description.

“Seeing others with good looking shoes made me want them,” Tellfort said. “I got jealous seeing pictures on Instagram; I needed a pair of my own.”

“Jordan” and “Nike” sneaker lines tend to be the most popular among sneakerheads.

The sneakerhead culture came to the United States in the 1980s and can be accredited to two major sources: the emergence of Michael Jordan and his release of the Air Jordan line in 1985 and the growth of hip hop music.

“Choosing your favorite shoe is like choosing your favorite child – you can’t,” freshman Jaishree Deonarinesingh said, referring to her collection of Jordans.

Sneakerheads can’t take it when someone steps on their shoes. Such is the case for junior Kiana Reaves, who gives them

her most unpleasant look until they apologize for their crime.

Organization is one of the key elements that a sneakerhead must have. With 26 pairs of sneakers,

“

Choosing your favorite shoe is like choosing your favorite child - you can’t.

- Jaishree Deonarinesingh

Deonarinesingh says she not only places her sneakers in a separate closet but arranges them by pattern, style and release date.

But what about the prices?

The typical price range for newly released Air Jordans is $250, but if buyers want them early, they can pre-order for $300.

“As long as I have the money the price doesn’t matter to me,” Tellfort said.

These students are called “sneakerheads” for a reason; it’s their lifestyle, their trend, and it’s what makes them who they are.

d on wheels:

Visiting the food trucks is like traveling around the world.

The casual diner gets to sample different types of foods from diverse cultures such as Mexican, Argentinian, Puerto Rican and Asian all at once.

The culinary adventure starts with a truck called Top Fries.

At Top Fries, french-fries are covered in toppings such as Philly Cheese Steak and Alfredo sauce. The Poutine fries put the French back in French fries. This Quebec delight starts off with a layer of perfectly crisp frenchfries smothered in hot gravy and covered with cheese curds that melt over the top of the dish for the perfect bite.

But my favorite were the tacos from a Mexican Fusion food truck called Poblanos. The tacos were filled with spicy chicken and were dolloped with a silky sauce to cool down your taste buds, and were accompanied by crunchy cucumber slaw, which added another dimension to the dish to make these tacos unique. The owner of the Poblanos food truck said that he would be featured in the month of September on Deco Drive for his savory tacos and Mexican-American cuisine.

To my surprise Inspirasian was not as inspiring as I would have liked. The orange chicken wasn’t very traditional. The first red flag for the meal was when

I opened the box and the orange chicken was red. Besides the change in color, the chicken was lacking in flavor and texture. It didn’t have that “Asian Chao” orange chicken from the mall taste that everyone loves.

However, the dish came with vegetables that were marinated in a tangy citrus sauce and were quite tasty compared to the rest of the meal. Even though the chicken from Inspirasian wasn’t my favorite, I had high hopes for dessert.

I don’t think I could find anyone who would turn down a s’mores brownie from “Marnie’s Delight.”

This homemade brownie was chocolaty and coted with a thick layer of gooey marshmallow, gram cracker and chocolate syrup. Although the brownie sounded like it would be

Alternative Lifestyles

Food trucks meet at Young Circle

heavy, it was light and made me feel as if I was biting into a cloud.

The last visit was to Hip-hop, the most unique food truck. A custom made “pop” at Hip pop consists of a variety flavors of ice cream covered in cholate and a crunchy topping. The best part was watching my pop being made right in front of me. It had cappuccino ice cream, silky smooth with a rich coffee taste, submerged in a decadent milk chocolate shell, and covered in Oreo. The first bite I had was the ultimate texture experience of soft, hard and crunchy all at once.

Food trucks allow you to try all different types of meals instead of a traditional restaurant, which is limited to one choice. Take some friends and try them on Mondays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m at Young Circle in Hollywood.

FOOD JUNKIES: A food truck sells Mexican dishes to customers. Food trucks meet every Monday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m at Young Circle in Hollywood.

Buncher runs more than the Science Department

by Mila Sicorsky It is 4 o’clock in the morning. There is not a living soul on the street, but a figure is seen running though the darkness. The sun is not yet out, but Science Department Chair Dr. David Buncher is.

Why would someone wake up this early to exercise? The answer is simple: the effects of this daily routine are remarkable.

“I enjoy the feeling about four hours later,” Buncher said. “I’m much more focused.”

Buncher’s daily routine consists of getting up anywhere from 3:45 to 4:00 a.m without an alarm clock. His rise-and-not-so-shine routine consists of a three-mile run and a workout at the gym.

He points out that he only feels ready to face a long day at Krop if he exercises beforehand.

“On days I don’t run, I’m in the haze,” Buncher said.

Although he understands it is unusual to wake up so early to work out, Buncher explains that his motivation is only present in the morning.

“If I waited until the afternoon,” Buncher said, “running would never happen.”

For someone that wakes up when most others are sound asleep, Buncher’s mood is over-thetop. He is very enthusiastic and full of energy when he is working out.

“I’m always too tired at the end of the day,” Buncher said. “Most of my energy is in the morning.”

Buncher mentions that his love for food is another reason for his healthy routine. Jogging three miles every morning allows him to eat all he wants. This way, he can balance both of his passions.

However, Buncher prefers to go on his athletic adventures alone. Since he is accustomed to a strict routine, it is difficult for him to exercise with others.

“I don’t have to rely on others or count on anyone,” Buncher said. “I do my own schedule.”

Whether the reason is a love for food or a desire to stay fit, Buncher manages to stay on top of his health and fitness.

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

Lifestyle

The Lightning Strike • September 2014

Page 15

STUDENT LIFE

The real ALS challenge: Student who lost father to ALS now an advocate of the Ice Bucket Challenge

Mayan Derhy lifestyle editor There is no right way to learn that your father has a terminal disease.

Walking through CVS, Adam Hadar and his family passed by a donation box for ALS. Hadar didn’t know much about the disease, but his father decided to tell him then and there that he was diagnosed with a disease that was incurable.

Three years later, his father, Jacob Hadar, succumbed to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Adam was 12 years old.

A disease with no cure, ALS, also known as Lough Gehrig’s Disease, affects the nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, slowly paralizing the muscles of the body, bringing its victims to a point where simple tasks such as walking, talking, and, eventually, eating require assistance.

Adam’s father’s ALS started in the right arm and eventually spread throughout

his body, slowly degenerating his muscles. Adam remembers thinking his father’s arm was more defined and muscular in the first few months. He thought that his father worked out, but

“

He learned that the disease was terminal and that his father had anywhere from three to five years left to live. soon realized it was due to a loss of fat.

Adam, not knowing much about ALS, decided to do research. He remembers being surprised at how little there was to read about. At the time, there was ALS awareness going on. He learned that the disease was terminal and that his father had anywhere from three to five years left to live.

Hadar was nine-years-old at

the time.

“I remember him being so strong, both physically and mentally,” Hadar said. “But ALS is completely random. I know that now.”

After one and a half years of living with ALS, Hadar’s father was impaired and needed a wheelchair. The disease had completely taken over Jacob Hadar’s life. Adam recalls his father sitting like a statue, not being able to do more than making a twitch.

“I remember telling people my dad had ALS,” Hadar said, “and they would just look confused because they didn’t know what it was.”

Understandably, Hadar is an advocate for raising ALS awareness. Posting countless Facebook posts and pictures about ALS since 2007, Hadar couldn’t believe the recent publicity from the Ice Bucket Challenge.

“I went on a walk for ALS in Coconut Grove a few years ago,” Hadar said, “and barely 50

COURTESY OF ADAM HADAR

STAYING STRONG: Adam Hadar and his father Jacob Hadar went on with their daily routines for as long as they could despite Jacob’s ALS. Unfortunately, Jacob passed away in 2007.

people showed up. Now I don’t go on Facebook without seeing a feed full of videos.”

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has shown that even donating can go viral. The Challenge spread online though Facebook to places ranging from Canada and Mexico to the

Philippines and India. ALSA. org reports that as of Sept. 2, it has received $106 million in Ice Bucket donations from over 3 million donors.

Hadar hopes a cure for the disease will be discovered one day, and claims that the fight against ALS has only just begun.

ADVERTISEMENT

Designed by Facundo Bianchi-Lopez, Federico Castro, and Juan Borquez

JOIN YOUR

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR VENDORS AT COLLEGE FAIR: If you have a community business that you would like to showcase for the 2500 expected parents and students, email us for an application.

• The MKHS College Fair is October 13th

• A table is only $100 donation to the PTSA PTSA is seeking donations for drinks and desserts for the College Fair.

•Contact: Marilynn Bahamondes - mariv1066@aol.com OR

Michelle Zachary - zacharytwins@aol.com

TEACHER CONTEST!!!

The PTSA will award the three home room teachers who can get the greatest number of memberships from Sept. 22- Oct. 31. The first place winner will receive a $50 gift and the two runner ups will receive $25 gift cards each.

TO JOIN THE PTSA FILL OUT A MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Membership applications available in the Attendance Office or at kropseniorhigh.org

Sports The Lightning Strike • September 2014

PROFILE

Page 17

Senior athletes feel pressure of scouts Devin Lee staff writer

The clock is ticking and your team is down by one; will you have what it takes to help get the win?

With many athletes striving to play at the collegiate level, failure to perform well on game day could make the difference between going to college for free and having to pay tuition, according to senior basketball player Corey Alexander.

“Lowerclassmen have the luxury of not having to worry about performing well in front of college scouts,” Alexander said. “Seniors don’t have that luxury and have to perform to the best of their abilities at all times.”

Being a senior athlete may seem tough to some with college scouts watching your every move but senior Robert Henderson believes that it doesn’t have a big effect on someone in a game.

“You honestly don’t even think about that in a game,” Henderson said. “When your adrenaline is pumping all you care about is trying to make a play for your team so you try to do your best regardless.”

Despite the attention of scouts, Henderson believes that he is ready and well prepared for his senior year.

“After all the years I’ve been here, I was able to learn the entire playbook,” Henderson said. “I became a better running back while

taking my time and not rushing into everything.”

With the lessons they’ve learned from playing sports, both Henderson and Alexander agree that they will be able to carry what they’ve learned to other areas of their life.

“Hard work really pays off” said Henderson. “I can apply that to my school work or whatever else I want to do in life.”

Corey believes that the experience is preparing him for college.

“I have a team I’ve bonded with and consider my family, along with coaches that will push me to my limits,” he said. “It’s a big learning experience but in the end it will be worth it.”

FEATURE

Above and beyond the call of duty:

What do you think?

Should student athletes be tested for steroid use?

“I approve of the testing. I don’t

use steroids and it’s unfair to use them in sports. It ruins the integrity and pride of the game.”

Jason Giradi, 10 Baseball

Sophomore student athletes dedicate themselves to the love of the game

“It’s good to test for steroids; it’s

not fair for other athletes to work hard and spend time on a sport and then to have another player just take steroids.”

Zachary Scarlett, 12 Basketball COURTESY OF ETHAN CURTIS

DEDICATION: Sophomores Brooke Studnik and Lenny Bates pose for a picture. Both have shown excellent work ethic and dedication to their respective sports.

Ethan Curtis staff writer As they run out onto the field, the hours of training and exceedingly hard work pay off.

Sophomores Lenny Bates and Brooke Studnik have dedicated themselves to their sports after school, on the weekends and over the summer.

Bates starts baseball early in the fall, practicing five days a week from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Tired from the afternoon heat, Bates tries to balance baseball and school.

Bates also practices every Sunday in the spring for two and a half hours. School base-

ball takes a pause between fall and spring, but that doesn’t mean Bates will.

Once the school baseball season is over, Bates continues playing in a summer league.

During the summer, he practices four days a week for two hours, with one game a week.

“As much as I practice and dedicate myself to the game, I know all of my hard work will pay off,” Bates said.

A two-sport athlete, Brooke Studnik, has no time to waste when it comes to playing soccer and softball for the school, while also playing on a travel softball team.

Studnik is the starting goalie for the varsity soccer team and

plays first base for the softball team. During the fall, Studnik practices soccer four times a week and plays a weekly soccer match.

Hitting fourth in the lineup for the softball team and playing first base, practicing five days a week, plus a game weekly, Studnick has no time between soccer and softball season.

She also takes two AP classes and maintains a GPA of 3.9. Studnik has received interest emails from colleges such as Princeton, Tuffs, Emory, and Yale to play college softball for them.

“I have played sports for as long as I can remember,” Studnick said. “Nothing will stop me until I reach my goals.”

“A young person’s body can’t

take the stress of steroids because it takes a toll on your body; Steriods is a drug, if you abuse it you’re bound to get hurt.”

Julie Edwards Athletic Trainer Compiled by Devin Lee

Sports Page 18

The Lightning • September2008 2014 The Lightning Strike Strike • September

PREVIEW

Team regroups, season begins:

The football team looks to rebound from last year’s disappointing season and make another playoff appearance Nicholas Aleman sports editor Football is back and in full gear!

New Additions

Senior Raekwon Hankerson will be a big addition to the offense this season. Hankerson, who briefly attended Krop during his freshman year, will be used as an all-purpose athlete on both offense and defense.

He started the first game of the season as quarterback against the Edison Red Raiders, a 53-14 loss, and has been the Lightning’s starting number one wide receiver since.

When Junior Clifford Hamilton transferred to Hialeah High School last year, he left a major hole at quarterback, but Edison transfer junior Eddie Mendez has since filled in and started in two of the first three games.

“Both [Mendez and Hankerson] are new to the system,” former wide receivers coach and first year offensive coordinator Danac Lebrun said. “They are still learning and with game time experience, they’ll get better.”

Experience was an issue for the team last season, with ten seniors on the roster for their last game against the Killian Tigers. But with a full season and offseason of workouts under their belts, expectations are high this year.

“We expect to win the district championship,” head coach David Hudson said. “We want to give ourselves a chance to play for a title and make it to states.”

Hudson Success

Hudson has coached football for nine years, taking over the varsity team in 2008. During his six seaADVERTISEMENTS

sons as head coach, the Lightning had an overall record of 31-39-1.

Under the leadership of Hudson, the team has advanced to the district playoffs four times and captured the title during the 2010-11 campaign. His best postseason finish however, was the 2009-10 season when the team finished 9-5 but second in the district to the Carol City Chiefs.

The Lightning went on to get revenge over the Chiefs 10-6 in the regional semifinals and make a regional finals appearance, a 34-0 loss to the eventual state champions the Miramar Patriots.

Defense

Led by seven starting seniors, team captain and safety Malcolm Martin and linebacker Ryan Jackson led a Lightning defense that has improved in each game.

The team gave up a school record 34 points a game last season, but this year, the defense has given up 27 points a game, a touchdown difference.

“The atmosphere is much different this year,” senior lineman Izaiah Gutierrez said. “We’re more aggressive because we’re still upset from last season.”

The defensive unit has always been strong during the Hudson era, but after last year’s porous effort, Hudson has put an emphasis on fitness.

“This year coach is pushing us with conditioning,” said Coard.

“He is getting us prepared so we’re ready for all four quarters.”

Season Outlook

After starting the season with two away loses to the Red Raiders and the Coral Gables Cavaliers, the Lightning won their home opener

COURTESY OF FOXMAR

TACKLE: Senior Lanis Albert makes a tackle during the first game of the season against the Edison Red Raiders. The Lightning would go on to lose, 53-14.

against cross town rival the Alonzo Tracey Mourning Sharks, 13-0.

Giving up a combined 82 points in their loses, the defense had a throwback performance against the Sharks giving up just 90 yards, while intercepting the ball three times and allowing only one completion the entire game.

Key district games to look forward too are the home matches

against the Southridge Spartans on Oct. 10 and the Hialeah Thoroughbreds on Oct. 23, the latter being this year’s homecoming game.

Following the matchup against the Thoroughbreds, the Lightning will face the reigning district champions the North Miami Pioneers in a tough away game on Halloween before returning home to try to get

revenge over Killian, after a lopsided 52-0 loss that ended in both teams coming to blows in the middle of the field that put an end to the disappointing season.

“Were looking to upset a lot of teams,” Hudson said. “It’s still a work in progress, but we have the right players who show the right determination and dedication that makes a good team.”

The Lightning Strike • September 2014

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The Lightning Strike • September 2014

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