May Issue 2012

THE

lightningstr ke Taking Miami-Dade by Storm

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

May 24, 2012 • Issue 7 • Volume 14

presents a testy situation Chris Dougnac outgoing spread editor “Pearson’s standardized tests imposed by the state on students are dehumanizing” said junior Aisha Daniels, who last spring opted out from taking the FCAT despite the risk of not being able to graduate.

In her sophomore year, Aisha refused to test and was not placed in a testing room. Instead she was sent to then principal Dr. Matthew Welker. He tried to convince her to sit for the test, but she was checked out of school before students were released for lunch.

“We are not really learning from standardized tests,” said Aisha. “We’re taught to be test takers and it’s ‘dumbing’ America down.”

Aisha made her decision to opt out of the FCAT after lengthy conversations with her mother, former Krop English teacher Ceresta Smith, who also condemns standardized testing.

Aisha, who has taken the FCAT every year prior to the 10th grade requirement, based the majority of her decision on her own thoughts aside from her mother’s.

“I have no doubt that it was something I wanted to do,” she said.

Smith, however, has a higher political agenda than that of her daughter. She urged Aisha to not sit for any test issued by the state due to their recent contract signed with testing company, Pearson, the same company which administers the SAT. “She will not sit for any standardized testing that is state issued. We opted her out of high stakes testing as we recognized the discriminatory, racist, exploitive and punitive factors that cancelled out any positives,” Smith said.

Smith and Aisha both believe that these tests are culturally biased, stating that because of socioeconomic

divides, minorities are not exposed to specific literary concepts that others are prior to testing.

Aisha is not concerned about threats that she will not graduate. She believes that her performance on the ACT or PERT, an acronym for the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test, will act as a replacement for her 10th grade FCAT scores.

For the first time this year the PERT, a new form of the College Placement Test (CPT) is mandatory for juniors to find who is performing below standard, according to Florida Statutes and State Board legislation. Guidelines for the PERTs usage are still very new and Aisha may be misinformed.

“The PERT does not act as a replacement for the FCAT, at least not right now and not to my knowledge,” said Xandra Lilavois, test chair person. “It only dictates who is and isn’t placed into remedial classes.”

JAVIER STORCH

ONE STUDENT’S CRUSADE: Aisha Daniels opted out of taking the FCAT, which has been administered statewide in Florida since 1998.

A concordant ACT or SAT score could act as a proxy for an unacceptable FCAT score.

Because Aisha has not taken the 10th grade requirement, school testing administrators are unsure of whether concordant scores could be accepted.

“Concordant scores can only work as a substitute for the FCAT if the student has at least attempted the test once” Lilavois said.

It is difficult to reach a sure

conclusion about Aisha’s fate.

She is testing waters that are beginning to churn as her junior year comes to an end. The question of whether she will be able to successfully opt out of the FCAT still lingers. But, the issue must reach its conclusion next year during Aisha’s senior year the same year Pearson’s state contract ends.

In the mean time, Aisha has taken the ACT once and plans to take it again in October.

PROMOTION

Morgan takes over Athletic Director position

Eric Eidelstein outgoing editor-in-chief Sporting her signature PE uniform, a can-do attitude and a whistle around her neck, Athletic Director (AD) Elizabeth Morgan will replace AD Michael Kypriss who has recently stepped down.

With lingering Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) fines from last years basketball scandal, a need to fill under an attended thunderdome and county-mandated health initiatives, Morgan decided to step up to the plate.

With no prior teaching experience, Morgan became a PE teacher five years ago.

Besides teaching PE classes, she also coaches the girls’ varsity soccer team that made it to the

INDEX: OPINION 4-5

traits and a contributing factor conference held on May 9, second round of districts.

“It was the first time we ever to her appointment is her Baglos noted that she formed a committee to brainstorm made it this far and we couldn’t thoroughness.

“I’m ridiculously OCD with activities for next year and have done it without Coach discuss issues facing the school.

Morgan’s incessant yelling and paperwork,” Morgan said.

Baglos will re-appeal the Morgan, a member of this discipline,” soccer co-captain committee, hopes to plan Agostina Trujillo said. athletic activities as well.

After Kypriss stepped I want more people “Nothing is solid yet, down, principal Dawn Baglos sent out a faculty at our events. We used to but [fundraising] worked with the car washes last email looking for those interested in the position. pack the field. I need to year,” Morgan said.

One of Morgan’s main Morgan replied and on figure out how we can bring Apr. 30 it was officially concerns with this year’s more people to games and program is game attendance announced.

Although there is no encourage school spirit.

- or lack thereof. specific requirement to “I want more people at -Elizabeth Morgan our events. We used to pack apply for the AD position, Morgan emphasizes the the field,” Morgan said. “I importance of being familiar nearly $12,000 in fines due need to figure out how we can with FHSAA rules and by February, but Morgan bring more people to games and regulations. is preparing activities and encourage school spirit.”

Morgan believes that one fundraisers regardless.

Morgan believes mediocre of her greater personality In a Lighting Strike press attendance explains the amount

“

”

ENTERTAINMENT 7-8

SENIOR SPREAD 9 -12

FEATURE 13

of talented athletes who attend Krop and do not want to play for a school team.

“Support is a big thing, nobody wants to play in an empty stadium,” Morgan said.

In January, Miami-Dade County Public School’s required all schools to have a Wellness Committee dedicated to educating and reforming a school’s healthiness.

This year, the committee is still in the works with Morgan running it, but next year she hopes to involve teachers, administrators and students.

“I know Coach Morgan has a lot to handle next year, but we can only hope for one thing,” Trujillo said. “That she invests as much time in running athletics as she does whipping us into shape.”

SCIENCE & HEALTH 15

SPORTS 17-18

News

tops From local to global: Page 2

KROP’S

The Orienteering Team competed in the Florida State Championships at Ocala National Forrest. While the team won third place in the overall category, individuals were awarded for achievement in each course.

YELLOW COURSE (1.74 miles) Terrance Brown Manuel Bautista Daniel Feuer Allan Stern ORANGE COURSE (2.8 miles) Mark Hernandez Diondre Mompoint Stanley Slavoutsky Anthony Tejeda GREEN COURSE (3.2 miles) Federico Benavidez Giovanni Calixte Mitchell Ordonez Brian Wu The incoming SGA board for the 2012-2013 school year: President Junior Raquel Sacal Vice President Sophomore Blake Mars Corresponding Secretary Sophomore Chelsea Katz Recording Secretary Sophomore Olivia Sacks Treasurer Junior Kareem Goldson Historian Freshman Karena Halvorssen 10th Grade Senator Freshman Parker Yagman 11th Grade Senator Sophomore Imani Jennings 12th Grade Senator Junior Melesia Mitchell

MEXICO: Same sex civil unions were legalized in Mexico City in November 2006. Months later, on January of 2007, the state of Coahuila granted legal same-sex civil unions, essentially making civil unions legal in all of Mexico.

SPAIN: A closely divided Spanish parliament legalized same-sex marriage in 2005, guaranteeing identical rights to all married couples regardless of sexual orientation.

BELGIUM: In January 2003, the Belgian parliament legalized same-sex marriage, giving gay and lesbian couples the same tax and inheritance rights as heterosexual couples.

IRELAND: Ireland expanded rights for gay and lesbian couples on June 26, 2009 by legalizing same-sex civil partnerships. The new law in the heavily Catholic country grants some, but not all, of the rights of civil marriage.

SOUTH AFRICA: The parliament legalized same-sex marriage in November 2006, however the new law allows religious institutions and civil officers to refuse to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies, a provision that critics claim violates the rights of same-sex couples under the constitution.

THE NETHERLANDS: In December 2000, the Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage when the Dutch parliament passed by a threeto-one margin. The legislation gave same-sex couples the right to marry, divorce and adopt children.

CANADA: In 2005, the Canadian Parliament passed legislation making same-sex marriage legal nationwide after most of the legal benefits of marriage were given to gay and lesbian couples in 1999. sources: About.com Pewforum.org compiled by Ariana Rogers

EDUCATION

Charter schools thrive in Florida Jared Schermer opinion editor

Florida charter schools are achieving success.

A report released by the Florida Department of Education demonstrated that charter schools have been outperforming traditional public schools in regards to FCAT scores and overall learning gains made by students.

Among impoverished students in charter schools, 70.8 percent of them passed the FCAT while only 61 percent of

impoverished students did so in public schools. Additionally, 68 percent of Hispanic charter school students passed the FCAT compared to just 59.8 percent in public schools.

The Florida Department of Education also conducted 96 learning comparison tests, where charter school students had higher learning gains than public school students in 76 comparisons.

However, despite these recent successes, there is still skepticism from people such as Ed Pratt-Dannals, the Superintendent of Schools in

Jacksonville’s Duval County.

Pratt-Dannals pointed out that only one charter school in Duval county earned an “A” grade, while 58 percent of charter schools statewide did so.

According to Diane Ravitch, historian of education and professor at New York University, even though Florida’s charter school system has achieved success, charter schools across the country have not seen similar results.

“Many studies show that charter schools don’t get better results than public schools,” Ravitch said. “Some get high

scores, some get low scores, but there is no overall difference.”

Ravitch’s argument is supported by the fact that outside of Florida, only ten other states’ charter school systems have an “A” or “B” overall grade, and many states have a “D” or “F” grade for their charter schools. Also, in Ohio, one in 10 charter schools has a grade of “C” or lower.

So while Florida’s charter schools system has been achieving success, the nationwide charter school system has not been as productive.

FUNDRAISER

SGA hosts Dancing with the Staff Blake Mars news editor

Social studies teacher Connie Higgins ditched teaching and transformed senior Curtis Holland into a tap dancing stud in the Dancing with the Staff opening to Beyonce’s “Upgrade U.” In an effort to increase school spirit, on Apr. 9, SGA held the inaugural event that allowed teachers and students to interact in an entertaining way outside the classroom.

Based on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, students invited a teacher to be their dancing partner, chose music, picked costumes and rehearsed for weeks.

Class of 2012 Midnight Magic Creative writing teacher Prom: Jacqueline Reyes and her partner, senior Charles Keita, performed a Prom King hip-hop routine choreographed by Edwin Pierre sophomore Fernanda Izola.

Prom Queen “[Reyes] would yell at me to Bobbi Innis show up after school,” Keita said.

Krop athletes have the third highest “I really didn’t want to dance but GPA in the state. we pushed through it and it paid off Compiled by Blake Mars

in the end.”

The performance started off as a slow dance to Etta James’ ‘At Last’ and morphed into a hip-hop number with songs by Kanye West, LMFAO and Jay-Z. “ W e wanted to choose

songs that the students would really love,” Reyes said. “We wanted a big reaction from the audience.”

The night included salsa, country, jazz, Broadway, and hiphop. In addition, the Majorettes and Silver Dazzlers opened and closed the show with self-choreographed dance numbers.

After each performance, contestants were judged by a panel made up of Principal

Dawn Baglos as well as Xandra Lilavois, Elizabeth Morgan, Kava Stewartson and Ray Thompson.

To determine the audience choice for best performance, vases with the dancers’ name were placed along the stage during intermission and audience members placed ticket stubs in the vase of their choice.

Hosts, seniors Raya EliasPushett and Matthew Moschell, announced the

JACQUELINE REYES

At the annual Scholar-Athlete luncheon presented by the Dade Schools Athletic Foundation, junior Louis Biondolillo earned the Special Olympic Athlete of the Year Award, while seniors Danna Metz and Jonathan Amsili were awarded the Junior Orange Bowl scholarships.

An inside look at gay marriage

SWEDEN: In April 2009, the Swedish parliament voted by an overwhelming majority to legalize samesex marriage. Gay couples in Sweden had been allowed to register for civil unions since 1995.

CHARLES KEITA

At the Silver Knight Awards Ceremony, Krop had more awards than any other school in MiamiDade County.

Honorable Mentions Leigh Markowitz - Journalism Gina Rossman - English Kirlos Haroun - Mathematics Marc Vernick - Science Silver Knights Aston Steele - Music and Dance Prateek Sachdeva - New Media Ryan Breslow - Business Jonathan Ludmir - General Scholarship

The Lightning Strike • May 2012

“Fan PHOTOS BY ABIGAIL DUFFY Favorite,” Reyes and Keita.

“Even though I was a little nervous, we put a lot of effort going into it,” Reyes said. “I’m very proud of my trophy and extremely excited about winning.”

After much deliberation, the judge’s choice for best performance was a tie between Macarena Carillo and Best Buddies sponsor Manuel Quiroga and Edward Roberson and Athletic Business Manager Jacqueline Torano. The pairs went into a sudden death dance-off to Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” and Roberson and Torano were named the judges’ top choice.

The three top performers were awarded trophies that will be on display in the teachers’ classrooms until the next school year.

Nearly 150 people were in attendance and almost $500 was raised. SGA will continue Dancing with the Staff as an annual event.

“Since the goal was to be entertained, laugh and have a good time, it was very successful,” Activities director Michelle Russell said. “Everyone attending the event gave very positive feedback and said they loved it!”

News Page 3

The Lightning Strike • May 2012

Students participate in anti-bully day AWARENESS

News Briefs

Schools attempt to eliminate cheating Because of a cheating scandal, Long Island, New York has imposed new security measures for students taking the college entrance exams, SAT and ACT. Students were paid to pose as other students to get a guaranteed score in the 97th percentile or higher.

Test takers must now submit a photo of themselves during registration. If the student does not upload the photo, they can mail one that will be scanned by the test agency. On the day of the test proctors will affirm the photo with the one on the roster, and the admission ticket. The results will be sent to the student’s high school so that administrators may review the picture and the name.

At the present students need to show ID upon arrival; now they will be checked before the test, after breaks, and when answer sheets are collected. All photos collected will be kept in a database if cheating is suspected.

Changes will be in effect for fall tests.

-Fenica Pierre

Annual PTSA gala achieves success COURTESY OF LISA LAMONICA

SILENCE IS GOLDEN: Over 800 students participate in the Day of Silence in an attempt to raise awareness of the mass suicides committed by the LGBT student community. Some students wore duck tape over their mouths to symbolize the students who are no longer able to speak for themselves.

Blake Mars news editor Sophomore Lucia Pierson was only thirteen years old when her close friend Emma committed suicide. Emma had come out as a lesbian.

Pierson wondered how one person can make another so miserable that death is the only way out.

She reached a conclusion.

“These tragedies don’t have to happen if everyone learned to be more accepting and took the time to try and understand what others are experiencing instead of automatically judging,” Pierson said.

Nearly 20 teen suicides nationwide have been recorded over the last two years and,

ADVERTISEMENT

like Emma, these students are silenced for the rest of their lives. To protest the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students, the GayStraight Alliance (GSA) hosted the Day of Silence on April 27.

Participating students took a vow of silence that symbolized one’s sexuality without being verbally or physically harassed. In addition to being silent, participants carried cards that explained the reason for protesting.

In 1996, students at the University of Virginia were given a class assignment on nonviolent protests that turned into the inaugural Day of Silence with around 150 participants.

Today, over 8,000 middle schools, high schools, colleges

and universities organize Day of Silence events.

Sophomore Khadijah Carbon participated in the Day of Silence during both the ninth and tenth grade. In middle school, a peer of Carbon was bullied for being gay and as a close friend, Carbon felt isolated in the classroom.

“Because I know what it feels like to be a victim, I think Day of Silence is really important,” Carbon said.

“Everyone deserves equality.”

The Day of Silence is an effort to create safe schools for students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

For more information, log on to www.dayofsilence.org or join Krop GSA, which meets Wednesdays after school in room 2143.

BLAKE MARS

BLAKE MARS

PTSA SHINES AGAIN: Principal Dawn Baglos accompanies the honored community leaders at the 5th annual PTSA Wine Tasting and Silent Auction: (from left) Dr. David Muransky, Dr. Margo Brilliant, Bal Harbour Mayor Jean Rosenfield, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and Aventura Vice Mayor Billy Joel. The silent auction (pictured left) featured items including artworks, show tickets, and memberships, as well as a seven day Carnival cruise. Hosted at the Newport Beachside Resort in Sunny Isles on April 26, the evening was attended by over 140 people and more than 15,000 dollars was raised for senior scholarships and teacher grants.

Editorial Page 4

The Lightning Strike • May 2012

ACTIVISM

‘Slackers’ make a difference someone to form their own opinion about an issue.

But Slacktivism should not be dismissed as useless. Freerice.com, a co-spread editor michael behfar website that donates grains of rice for Social media users like to think that answering questions, has donated over by spreading word of a cause on the 95 billion grains of rice to countries in Internet, they act as catalysts for change. need since Oct. 7, 2007.

But does the click of a mouse help to Trayvon Martin’s case made national change the world, or does it just crowd news thanks to “Justice for Trayvon” our Facebook and spreading over Twitter feeds? social media.

Slacktivism is the Greenpeace Does the click of a caused term to describe this the half-hearted attempt to shutdown of a mouse help to change raise awareness. coal-fired power Kony 2012, an the world, or does it just station on the Invisible Children Dutch coast video condemning crowd our Facebook using 30 second the genocide in and Twitter feeds? advertisements to Uganda, popularized gain supporters.

Slacktivism on the The power station Internet. The video issue spread over social media and received over 100 million views became so popular that the energy due in part to the 14 million Twitter and company decided to stop building rather Facebook users who shared it. than face public criticism.

People opposed to Slacktivism say With the word “slack” in its name, that simply spreading the word is a there is no wonder why Slacktivism has a waste of time as it does not directly help negative connotation, but good intentions a cause like donating or volunteering can be enough to incite change. As more does. of the world moves online, it is logical to Watching a 30 minute video rather believe that helping the world should be than researching a cause does not allow online as well.

IN MY OPINION

THE LIGHTNING STRIKE JAVIER STORCH, Editor-in-Chief CLARISSA BUCH, Managing Editor

BLAKE MARS News Editor JARED SCHERMER Opinion/Editorial Editor DANIELLE MACKSON Entertainment Editor MICHAEL BEHFAR MICHELLE KRIGSFELD Spread Editors ALEXIS FRANKEL Feature Editor

MADELINE GARFINKLE Science & Health Editor ALEC EIDELSTEIN Business & Ad Editor COURTNEY GOODSTEIN DEAN KAIRE Sports Editors MARYKAY SULLIVAN Advisor SUN COAST PRINTER Printer

LETTERS Why this school year has been great As we part ways in the following weeks, I would like to tell you what made 2012 so great… it was me! Hold the applause. Yes, we all know that I’m an extraordinary person.

I mean, c’mon, I’m the most school spirited, I appeared in the yearbook 17 times, I danced with the baddest teacher at Krop and won Dancing with the Staff.

I even walk through the door that says “teachers only, no students allowed.”

I have lunch-ins with the principal and can make people do push-ups (at my ROTC instructors’ discretion). My own brother is even on the wall in the library; that’s surely got something to do with me.

There are countless reasons to support my magnificence that one simply cannot fit into a 150-word letter. Therefore, I would like to end off by saying you’re all welcome that I was able to make you guys look so fabulous this year.

Charles Keita Grade 12

Staff Writers FENICA PIERRE SARA ALVAREZ

AD POLICY The Lightning Strike solicits advertising but reserves the right to reject any material deemed libelous, disruptive, obscene or otherwise inappropriate.

EDITORIAL POLICY The Lightning Strike is the student newspaper of Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School: 1410 Countyline Road, Miami, FL 33179; (305) 652-6808 Ext. 238. Opinions expressed in the editorial section do not reflect the viewpoints or official policies of the school. The Lightning Strike welcomes readers’ opinions on all topics. However, we will NOT print anonymous letters.

Please keep letters under 150 words and saved to disk if possible. The editors reserve the right to reject, edit and condense letters. All letters should be turned in to room 2-233.

Don’t dwell on minor yearbook issues I would like to write this letter to address the senior panoramic issue. The yearbook staff did not just simply forget of the picture, the reason it was not inserted is because of monetary issues.

Next year, the book will be sold at a greater price, and will include all of those precious features from past years.

Seniors will be able to acquire a copy by buying one on signing day, or when they see it shown in the newspaper.

Don’t worry; you will get your picture! Please, stop complaining about such a minor issue that is already known and will be fixed.

There was much time and effort put into producing the yearbook. The final production is the pride and joy of the yearbook class, it is our baby.

Enjoy the other pages which include the senior quotes and incredible student life spreads, in which we attempted to involve as many students as possible. Thank you for your consideration.

Agostina Trujillo Grade 10

Attendance system should be easier Every time we’re absent we have to go to the attendance office to get an admit so we can be excused from class.

For once I would like to get an admit without any drama. With every excuse someone has there’s always an issue. If administration would stop complaining maybe the line to get an admit wouldn’t take so long.

Not only that, but if my parents come pick me up I would appreciate if they were shown some respect, instead of being shown rudeness for taking me home early.

It wouldn’t hurt to be nice sometimes. I understand they are doing their job, but seriously, I hate having to go to the attendance office if it means I’m going to be treated with disrespect.

Shayda Riahi Grade 12

If you are interested in writing a letter, send it to JaredSch619@gmail.com

Opinion Page 5

The Lightning Strike • May 2012 SCHOOL REPUTATION

Actions of a few shouldn’t speak for the whole school IN MY OPINION javier storch

editor-in-chief

A volleyball player from another school walked up to a Krop player at a recent game and told him that Krop was a “sh--ty” school.

Following the difficulties which took place this year, Krop’s reputation has been

mistakenly tarnished.

Our ordeals were made public as reporters scouted the school entrance for weeks. A school known for outstanding academics is now associated with criminals and cheaters.

In the past year, Krop has endured the aftermath of a basketball scandal, a classroom fight which went viral on YouTube, Trayvon Martin’s exposed suspension for graffiti and traces of marijuana, a group

of students who trespassed and robbed a neighbor’s house and a student who murdered his mother.

But why should the actions of a few speak for the whole school?

Aside from the struggles, Krop remains the same school.

The number of students involved in the recent occurrences doesn’t even amount to one percent of the student population.

We are an “A” school and

have been five times in our 14 year history.

In those same 14 years, we have earned nine State Championships, 29 Silver Knight awards and 69 Scholastic Gold Medals in writing, the most in Dade County.

We have also produced among the highest graduation rates in the county, students who are accepted into universities such as Harvard and Yale every year and some of the best

athletic and magnet programs in the state. And that’s just to name a few.

We should not allow our reputation to be destroyed by a series of difficulties.

Three tragedies that happened outside of our schoolone not even in our district- do not define the 2,800 students and 200 faculty members who come to school every morning and perform their best. Krop is far from a “sh--ty” school.

STAFF EDITORIAL

Krop dancers’ uniforms are inappropriate

Dressed in nothing but skin-tight, sequined shorts and shirts with holes cut out from the sides, girls stand with their backs to the audience, lean over, and shake their backsides.

In another routine, the same dancers emerge half-dressed in men’s button-down shirts, a tie and black spanx.

At a club in south beach, this scene would not be out of place; however, at a school gym or auditorium, it is an embarrassment.

At school functions, costumes for the Silver Dazzler’s dance line should complement bodies to emphasize each graceful movement. At our pep rallies however, the audience sees dancers’ derrière as their costumes ride up their thighs and expose more than their good graces. The outfits add neither artistry nor charm to the routines.

LIGHTNING STRIKE FILE DANCE UNIFORMS: Krop dancers show off their moves and outfits at “Dancing with the Staff”

The girls on the dance team are talented dancers, for they can move their bodies rhythmically and in sync to the music.

However, their choreography shifts the focus away from their skill and toward sections of the anatomy that send the wrong

message.

To accompany these routines, described as “pole dancing without the pole,” Big Sean’s song “Dance” was played between performances at the last pep rally. It contains the lyrics “They pay me

respect, they pay me in checks and if she look good she pay me in sex.” Are these the kinds of messages we want blasted out of the speakers of the gymnasium?

Such inappropriate messages seep onto other school events.

Fashion Apocalypse, a fashion show held in the auditorium on April 25 to raise school spirit and promote student involvement, was clearly not in line with school dress-code.

In an announcement over the loudspeaker, Principal Dawn Baglos recently urged students to continue “taking Miami Dade County by Storm.”

She referenced the academic success of our students as well as the accomplishments of our sports teams and clubs.

Unfortunately, the administration’s failure to regulate dress code at school events has

not improved Krop’s reputation.

The 500 people who attended Fashion Apocalypse witnessed Krop’s female students strut across the stage of the auditorium, and while some were dressed beautifully in formal attire, others wore shirts that exposed midriff and leggings that left very little of a woman’s body to the imagination.

The flyer for the event posted on the north patio featured a young lady with yellow caution tape wrapped around her breasts that served as her shirt.

A girl’s decision to dress in scanty clothing begins at home, a place where schools have no jurisdiction. However, dress-code was enforced at senior breakfast where girls with dresses deemed “too short” were asked to put on shorts.

The same attention should be paid to all school functions.

TEST INTEGRITY

The DMV: another cheating outlet IN MY OPINION ariana rogers

outgoing news editor

Recently, a reporter from Channel 10 news investigated local DMV buildings in Pembroke Pines and discovered workers selling answers to the driving test out of the trunk of their cars for 30 dollars.

DMV workers guaranteed the undercover reporter a passing score if he studied the answers right before the test.

Several test takers were spotted sitting outside the DMV office memorizing the test ques-

tions and answers before the actual exam without having to pick up a Florida Driver’s Handbook.

DMV officials stated that distributing the answers is not considered cheating. According to them the actual test has 20 questions instead of the 160 sold to test takers and are placed in a different order.

Also, the DMV Handbook provides practice questions at the end of the booklet, though the answers aren’t included.

The question is, should DMV workers be allowed to sell the answers to test takers even

when it’s not considered cheating?

No, for several reasons. The

“

Drivers who learn nothing from memorizing answers may endanger themselves and other drivers on the road with them.

”

point isn’t that potential drivers are allegedly cheating, it’s that they aren’t learning the rules of the road.

Information memorized for the test is stored in the short term memory bank which has the capacity to hold seven items for no longer than 20 or 30 seconds. This means that drivers who learn nothing from memorizing answers may endanger themselves and other drivers on the road with them.

The handbook contains information covering everything from street signs, road rules and who has the right of way during certain situations.

These are essential rules made to ensure the streets are safe.

Accidents are bound to occur if drivers don’t know the funda-

mental road rules provided by a Florida Handbook. The potential consequences are endless: loss of lives, cost of damages, and devastation for families of the victims involved.

As for the DMV workers making a quick buck at the expense of everyone on the road, selling test answers isn’t just ethically wrong, it adds to the 400,000 accidents that occur on a daily basis.

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 34. This shows that drivers can cheat on the test all they like, but one will not cheat death if they are ignorant of the rules.

The Lightning Strike • May 2012

Entertainment Page 7

BAND PROFILE

Student finds his ‘call’ing in punk band

By Danielle Mackson entertainment editor

Sophomore Jared Cove is not just an avid concert-goer.

He also knows what it’s like to be on stage in front of admiring fans. Cove is the lead singer of a five member pop punk band called A Call To Arms that has played in venues throughout South Florida.

Because band members live in both Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, practice can be difficult. Cove attends Krop while band members Will Rion and Chris Ross attend McFatter High, Alex Seidenberg goes to Nova High School, and Jagger Thom attends Fort Lauderdale High.

“Practicing is a little hard for us, but we all find time once a week, usually on Friday, to JENNA BERNSTEIN meet up at Will’s house, write EAR CANDY: A Call To Arms members (from left to right): Jagger Thom, Jared Cove, Chris Ross, Alex Seidenberg, new material, and just enjoy and Will Rion. play a show at Churchill’s Pub in Miami. The band’ is currently recording an untitled EP. being with each other,” Cove Insertion using Date: March said. played a dozen shows, including posted two on Facebook but they’re specifically to give Client: Keiser-FTL Most material of “A Call The Talent Farm in Pembroke an interface and a ++laptop. people a vague idea of what Job Number: 231-1316-DMKHS-Grow-HS-10x8BW “We’ve got poorly recorded Dr.kind to Arms” is original, but the Pines, Solid Sounds Studio of Krop soundHigh we’re going for, Michael School Product/Pub: Revision 2 Revision 3 x 7.5 to give people something Size:I 10 and demosRevision on4 Facebook where band also performs cover Revision and1 Churchill’s Pub in Miami.

Production: JMto listen to until our EP is sound more like a 12-year-old songs. Blink 182‘s “Dammit” The1: group has yet toASproduce Creative Proofer Proofer 1: girl than a 16-yearWork old Date: guy, 2/14 is a favorite cover. They have a professional demo,ASbut finished,” Cove said.

Creative Proofer 2: Prooferhas 2:

The group spent a few hours in a local studio as winner of “The Next Big Thing,” a local battle of the bands held in Fort Lauderdale.

Sophomore Jenna Bernstein attended “The Next Big Thing” and was impressed by Cove’s band.

“They are super talented and their music has a pop punk feel that everyone loves,” Bernstein said. “Out of all the bands that performed, they had the biggest, most incredible audience response.”

Bernstein said that the band’s sense of humor and overall vibe was fantastic and predicts that A Call to Arms will be successful in the future.

Cove appreciates every moment with his band members and considers himself lucky.

“It’s a really clichéd concepta bunch of high schoolers playing music, playing shows, calling themselves a band and it’s a story that people hear all the time, “Cove said.

“It’s really like nothing I’ve ever been part of, and nothing I ever will be a part of again, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

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Entertainment

The Lightning Strike • May 2012

Page 8

FASHION TRENDS

“My style is inspired by Solange Knoles, Corrine Bailey Rae, and 80’s color palettes. I ordered my dress online, my jacket is from a thrift store and my stockings are hand-me -downs.”

Maiya Plather 11th Grade

“My style is inspired by outfits I see on Tumblr that I then put my own personal twist to. I travel to thrift stores all over Miami to compile my outfit: from the Goodwill in Miami Gardens to the Salvation Army on University.”

Edward Roberson 12th Grade

“My style is inspired by my emotions. I like to shop at Glasslands Thrift Store.”

Patricia Suarez 10th Grade

“I bought my dress and cardigan at Plato’s Closet.

My stockings are from Forever 21 and my shoes are from Urban Outfitters.”

“I like to shop everywhere, except Forever 21. Someone should shut that store down.

There’s nothing original or creative about it.”

Talya Gebara 10th Grade

Mary- Kate Bruce 9th grade

compiled by Chris Dougnac

MOVIE REVIEW

The Dictator: not nearly offensive enough INMYOPINION

eric eidelstein

outgoing editor-in-chief

At the Oscars red carpet ceremony Admiral General Hafez Aladeen of the Republic of Wadiya made headlines when he spilled the late Kim Jong-Il’s ashes on host Ryan Seacrest.

This act of publicity (the ashes were pancake-mix), as well as an appearance on Saturday Night Live and the Daily Show were part of Sacha Baron Cohen’s promotional rounds for his latest film The Dictator.

Following in the footsteps of Borat and Brüno, The Dictator was guaranteed to be offensive,

hilarious and outrageous.

It wasn’t.

Baron plays Aladeen, dictator of the fictional North African country Wadiya, and is forced to speak at a United Nations (UN) meeting in New York after his nuclear endeavors caused international alarm.

In New York, Aladeen’s right hand man Tamir (Ben Kingsley) arranges to have him murdered, in an attempt to democratize Wadiya and open its reserves to BP, Exxon and an insignificant Chinese company.

The condition: BP cannot use their drills.

During the failed murdered attempt, Aladeen is brutally tortured — he has his beard shaved off—before finally escaping.

Lost in the melting pot that is New York, with a doppelganger taking his place, Aladeen encounters a stereotypical liberal woman (who majored in feminist literature at Amherst College) and begins to fall for her despite her Justin Bieber-like cropped hair and unshaved underarms.

The woman, Zoey (Anna Faris), owns a health-foods store where all the employees are immigrant refugees including Aladeen who goes under the pseudonym “Allison Burgers.”

Up until Aladeen met Zoey, I had not lost hope for The Dictator. But even the most offensive jokes, including a

comparison of Dick Cheney to Muammar Gaddafi, were not enough to save this film from a clichéd plot.

Part of the appeal of Cohen’s other films was the non-linear plot structure where nothing was predictable or repeated.

The overdone boy-meets-girl plot, where boy changes for girl detracted from the humor.

The Dictator was not over-the-top offensive and the anti-feminist and anti-American jokes grew tiresome.

Towards the end of the film, when the imposter Aladeen is about to sign a constitution democratizing Wadiya, the real Aladeen appears and gives an empowering speech on the pro’s of a totalitarian regime. He explains that in a dictatorship the top 1 percent are in control of the country’s economy, that jails are filled with only one race and how the media only focuses on issues to sway public opinion.

In its entirety The Dictator is a weak film. It could be funnier, messier and more memorable.

When Borat was released, two University of South Carolina students sued the producers for slander. When Brüno came out the Austrian government criticized the film for only associating their country with Hitler and Josef Fritzl.

Unfortunately, The Dictator isn’t outrageous enough for anyone to remember.

The May Playlist Songs Wide Awake by Katy Perry

Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection

Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood I’m Sorry...EP

Beat Down by Steve Aoki, Angger Dimas & Iggy Azalea Beat Down - Single

The Wolves by Ben Howard Every Kingdom

The Fighter by Gym Class Heroes Ft. Ryan Tedder The Papercut Chronicles II

It’s Time by Imagine Dragons Continued Silence EP

Middle of the Bed by Lucy Rose Middle of the Bed

Scream by Usher Scream - Single

Other People by Beach House Bloom

The House That Heaven Built by Japandroids The House That Heaven Built - Single

Compiled by Clarissa Buch and Taylor Silver

Page 10

2012

The Lightning Strike • May 2012

Departing Words

Class of Favorite Memory

”

Being invited to prom by 12 different people, including students from other schools, a British guy, friends and even girls.

-Natalie Izakova, 12

”

”

Being elected Students Against Destructive Decision (SADD) president. It showed I could be rewarded for all the effort I put into sending out the message of our club.

-Lauren Silk, 12

”

”” ”

Coming out in the end of 11th grade.

-Ariel Ben-Shimol, 12 The first time I wore my Gumby costume to school. I bought it exclusively to wear it to school.

-Jack Leech, 12

”

”

Trayvon Martin’s chain of life.

I really like the way the school conducted the commemoration for him.

-Latoy Waite, 12

” ”

”

Concerting everyday in Anatomy in front of the whole class in 11th grade.

-Demetri Tertulien, 12

”

After a pep rally in 11th grade, all the juniors and the seniors were crowded in front of the gym yelling at each other to see who the best was. Class of 2012 won, and in the midst of it one of the tables broke and some people fell on top of each other.

-Shayda Riahi, 12

”

”

When I paid for cap and gown and I finally knew I was done.

-Deshawn Smith, 12

”

”

In 9th grade, I performed at the Coffee Shop, which was where all the magnet kids would perform in the band room. The first time I performed I was really nervous, and the girl who I was singing with completely messed me up.

-Ke’undre Charles, 12

”

”

My parents came to school assuming that I was failing my classes only to find out that I had amazing grades. They took me out to eat afterwards.

-Aimee Vargas, 12

”

”

When I brought my grade high enough to graduate.

-Stephen Laurent, 12

”

Most E

” ”

Diskin called front of the whol -Shyanne Apo

I got pantsed two days in a ro fore that in P.E... guy.

-Sebastian Al

”

”

One time [in during lunch at bag fell over and tampons fell out the cafeteria.

-Stefany Baba

”

” ”

Throwing up class in 10th gra -Cosme Garc

I fell down th my skirt flew up.

-Monique Ad

2

The Lightning Strike • May 2012

Embarassing

d me ‘dry hair’ in le class. onte, 12

”

in the lunch line ow, and then be.. all by the same

lzate, 12

n] freshman year t the annex my d all my pads and in the middle of

ain, 12

p in geometry ade. cia, 12

” ”

he stairwell and . dams, 12

”

I was pretending to do parkour and I fell onto one of the bushes near the spillout. I was in uniform too.

-Christian Roman, 12

”

”” ”

When I was skipping and Ms. Elias caught me walking to my car.

-Rod Danan, 12 Freshman year I was changing in the bathroom and two girls walked by and saw me in my boxers.

-Ubaid Peerani, 12

”

”

I slept in my 2nd period class and my teacher didn’t wake me up until the middle of 4th period.

-Nima Nasserzare, 12

”

Page 11

Biggest Regret

”

” ”” ” ” ” ”” ” ”

I regret cursing out my teacher in 10th grade because he failed me and it slowed the boy down.

-Jason Levine

” ” ” ””

Not signing up for free lunch.

-Michael Cohen

Not running for Prom King...

I missed the deadline.

-Mitchell Feigeles

”

”

Not taking more Ap’s.

-Marina Ribeiro

Messing up freshman year [by] screwballing and lollygagging.

-Anthony Vasquez

”

Not taking OJT. -Juliana Weizenauer

Not trying out for the football team.

-Vincent Drinks

Not dunking Dr. Trafton in the dunk tank.

-Dafna Zacharin

”

Hanging with the wrong crowd junior year and losing focus.

-Remekie Bent

”

Sleeping too much in school.

-Robert Konigsberg

I wish I’d taken Geometry online or dyed my hair black.

-David Gesua compiled by Nathalie Prieto and Sebastian Elejalde

”

Senior Pullout

The Lightning Strike • May 2012

Page 12

The Class of 2012: By the Numbers

*Data collected up to May 17, 2012.

332 seniors participated.

Students’ planned majors MAJOR Agriculture / Related Sciences Architecture Arts / Visual Performing Arts Business / Finance Communication / Journalism Computer / Information Systems Education Engineering English / Literature Health Professions Hospitality Languages Law Math Science Social Science Not Sure Other N/A

PERCENT .06% .09% 5% 14% 6% 3% 2% 7% .09% 21% .09% .03% 6% .03% 6% 8% 8% 8% 5%

JAVIER STORCH

CAP Advisor Robert Roddy (pictured above) distributed the survey via e-mail to the senior class and provided The Lightning Strike with results. He is an integral part of helping send seniors to college and encourages students to take advantage of his open-door policy.

How well has school prepared you?

50%

Seniors Awarded Financial Aid Yes No N/A

42% 22%

29%

54%

5%

42% 4%

0%

0%

100%

50%

Very Well Prepared

Well Prepared

Somewhat Prepared

Not Very Prepared

1% Not Prepared at all

Where are Krop seniors going after graduation? Have you ever .3%

.7%

1%

Out-of-State University

8%

Florida Public University

19%

29%

KEY

started your own business?

Florida Private University

42%

Florida Community College Vocational School None Military

YES 13% NO 87%

Feature Page 13

The Lightning Strike • May 2012 STYLE

Students strike poses at Fashion Apocalypse students and administrators.

Five hundred tickets were

By Clarissa Buch managing editor The lights dimmed, silencing the crowd of students, parents and teachers. Senior Edward Roberson took center stage with his co-host, junior Paulesha Frazer and introduced the firstannual fashion show on April 25, named the Fashion Apocalypse.

“At my old school we would always put on a fashion show to raise money for the drama club,” Roberson said. “So me, Swanise Brown and Cheranna Dottin got together to find a way to make one happen at Krop even though a lot of people said we could not pull it off.”

But Roberson, Brown and Dottin did pull it off. They spent months planning the event where they recruited models, filled out permission papers, found sponsors and choreographed dances. The trio accepted all volunteers because they wanted to bring people together and increase school spirit.

sold, which maxed out the auditorium’s capacity.

JAVIER STORCH

MUSE: (Left to right) Sophomore Serenity Roscoe, senior Keturah Fudge and freshman Mary Kerr model in the Apocalypse-themed fashion show. Money raised from the show went toward the flagettes, majorettes and other auxiliaries.

World history teacher Taneisha McKenzie and English teacher Thisa Tynes agreed to sponsor the production of the show.

Practice began March 15

which meant models had only one month to prepare. All of the clothes they wore were personal items except for 3,000 dollars worth of formal wear provided by David’s Bridal.

“You can look in your closet or look in a thrift shop. You don’t need to go to the mall.”

Roberson said. “The point of this show was not to spend money.”

The show was a hit among

RETIREMENT

‘Green’ Revolution comes to an end

By Leigh Markowitz outgoing feature editor

Ten-year-old Sue Green was in awe of the multi-colored clay, pipe cleaners and pencils in the stock room at the elementary school where her father was the principal.

“I thought that if I was a teacher, I could have access to all that stuff,” science teacher Sue Green said.

Now, after almost 35 years of teaching, she will retire at the end of this year.

Green had planned to be an art teacher but in her senior year of high school, she fell in love with Physical Education.

Her first job was as a Physical Education teacher at Miami Northwestern High School.

However, Green was disappointed with the department there, as she had expected a program similar to that of her high school where classes like aerobics, folk dancing and rhythms were offered.

One day Green received a call from the principal at Nautilus Junior High School who offered her a position to teach two science classes.

From then on science, especially Environmental Science, became Green’s passion.

When Green came to teach at Krop she was told by former principal Dr. Matthew Welker, a vice principal at the time, that

Juniors Knight Rivera, Shimron Larose and senior Luis Dandrades agreed that they enjoyed the dance performances the most because it added creativity to the show.

“Overall, I was extremely impressed,” principal Dawn Baglos said. “It demonstrated a lot of student-led initiative.”

To close the show, the models gathered on stage and positioned themselves in rows.

All outfits were black, green and brown to represent army uniforms. The scene’s purpose was to demonstrate unity for our school because they came together on stage for the last time.

“It brought back the liveliness of Krop,” senior Terrance Brown said. “It was all over Twitter and Facebook that night and it really showed students from other schools that Krop kids do have great school spirit.”

TRAVEL

Magnet students compete in New York City Sara Alvarez staff writer

ALEXIS FRANKEL

GREEN THUMB: Sue Green stacks tomato cones for the last time in the Butterfly Garden. Over the years she has taught her students to grow vegetables such as peppers, zucchini and eggplant.

he wanted the best Environmental Science program possible.

“It enabled me to expand my dreams,” Green said with tears in her eyes.

It was what Green did to expand those dreams that led to her nomination for the 2006 Teacher of the Year at Krop and her victory in the regional competition.

The pictures in her classroom show her dedication in the development of the land outside her room since 1998.

At first she and her students planted sunflowers; two years later the gumbo limbo trees went in. Green built the pond in 2001, installed the strawberry poles in 2002 and the butterfly

garden and compost bin were unveiled in 2005. Finally, in 2010 Green and her husband installed solar panels by hand to run the aquaculture tanks.

“That’s what gets kids liking school,” Green said about these projects.

Green believes in giving students hand-on experience, which is what led to the creation of the nature trail. In the forested area next to the school, Green and her students cleared a trail, filling two dumpsters with everything from old cars to televisions.

Although the nature trail could not be continued for safety reasons, Green was grateful

for the experience it provided her students as they learned about the ecology of their surroundings while roasting marshmallows around a campfire.

Now, with retirement in site, Green has already bought a house in Wyoming where she plans to join a master swim team, do creative sewing, ski and hopefully do research with the University of Wyoming.

Green said that what she will miss most is the interaction with the kids because she believes that is what has kept her young.

“If I had to do my life over again, I’d be a teacher,” Green said.

Forty-four students from the Magnet program took a trip to New York to sing in the Big Apple Music Festival and explore the many attractions New York City has to offer.

The trip was chaperoned by teachers Gary Keating, Julie Shakher, Ernesto Montes, Sergio Martin and Mirtha Funcia on March 24 to 30.

The singing competition was held at Staton Island University, where the singing portion of the Magnet students placed third out of five schools.

During this competition, the Magnet students who were not involved in singing visited museums while they waited for their peers to finish.

Throughout the five days, the students went to Bubba Gump, Planet Hollywood, The American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, the Planetarium and John Lennon’s house, in addition to several shopping excursions.

The trip was not only a singing competition that gave some of the students more experience but a chance for new memories and friendships.

“The trip was a great bonding experience between the Magnets,” senior Marina Pinagel, who is involved in the signing portion said.

Science & Health

The Lightning Strike • May 2012 SOCIAL NETWORKS

Page 15

COCHINEAL BUGS

Facebook buys Instagram

Bugs found in popular products

By Alexis Frankel feature editor

By Alexis Frankel feature editor

On April 9, photo-sharing app Instagram signed on to the picture perfect deal with Facebook, which promised them about $1 billion in cash and stocks, according to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook Timeline.

The sale is expected to close later this quarter and will bring the nine-person staff of Instagram to Facebook.

Most students know about the social networking site, Facebook, which has approximately 845 million active users but are clueless as to what the purpose of Instagram is.

Junior Sharon Vetoshikova has friends who use Instagram, yet she has no idea why they use it. Instead of taking photos just for Instagram, she feels they should participate in what they are photographing.

Instagram is a free, mobile photo sharing program that allows users to take a photo, apply a digital filter then share it on a variety of social networking services, including Instagram’s own. It was developed by Stanford University graduates Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, who wanted to advance mobile photography.

Although Facebook has photo sharing similar to Instagram, it lacks the effects and mobile community that its formercompetitor possesses. Students find that this addition will improve the Facebook community.

“With Instagram, it’s like being able to put up pictures of how you and everyone else sees their lives,” sophomore Mariana Olave said. “It’s the best thing, and I’m honestly so happy it exists.”

While Instagram was bought for $1 billion dollars, it was valued only at $500 million before it was bought since it was not that popular.

“I don’t like it because instead of being in the moment, you just take pictures,” junior Joaquin Osio said. “Instagram also devalues the effort put into real photography because the filters make it seem so simple; they don’t represent the real effort put in by photographers.”

Osio’s father dabbled in professional photography when he was younger, which provoked his interest. Without programs like Instagram, he explained, effects can only be achieved through choosing certain photography rolls, chemicals and then allotting time for the photo to be developed.

Originally for iPhones, the app is now available for Androids and allows students to post photos to sites like Twitter, Tumblr and of course Facebook— all for free.

If you are in the mood to have your frappuccino with a garnish of creepy crawlers, Starbucks might have been the place to be.

After it was revealed that Starbucks used cochineal bugs to color their food and drinks, consumers got the company to use a tomato alternative on April 12.

Even though they rid their products of cochineal coloring, other items contain it like red apple sauce, Pop-Tarts and even make-up.

“I think that it’s a gross way to add color, but if it’s harmless and still tastes fine, then I don’t think people will stop buying [products] with it,” freshman Leeor Alon, who frequents the coffee shop, said.

Since the time of the Mayas and Aztecs, cochineal bugs have been used as a dye and was a commodity comparable to gold. So what’s the harm?

Animal activists, vegetarians and vegans complain that it disrupts that natural balance of the ecosystem that the bugs inhabit. With this, they detest the process in which they are made from insect to coloring.

These insects are killed by immersion in hot water (after which they are dried) or by exposure to sunlight, steam, or heat from an oven, all which produce different colors. While these bugs create an array of colors, it takes about 70,000 of them just to make one lb.

“It’s not necessary to kill them,” junior, animal-activist and fishetarian Maria Rincon said. “You’re killing a bunch of bugs just for color, and its terrible for the ecosystem.”

Although some of the school’s population may find this extra “ingredient” repulsive, the same is not for all of them.

“If it’s not harmful, I don’t see the problem,” science teacher Sue Green said. “It’s probably better than all the other stuff they put in food, like preservatives.”

Green explained that other living beings like phytoplankton, which are plant-like organisms, have been used in merchandise like toothpaste to make it more abrasive and that this process is not anything new.

According to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), companies hide their true form of cochineal bugs with names like carmine, cochineal and carminic acid. So if bugs don’t suit your appetite, read the list of ingredients before purchasing a product.

Foods that contain cochineal bugs: Mentos Candy & Chewing Gum

Hershey’s Good N’ Fruity & Good N’ Plenty

Dole Foods, Inc. Fruit N’ Gel Bowls

Minute Maid – 100% Pink Grapefruit Juice

complied by Maddie Garfinkle

HEALTH

The forgotten vitamin

Not getting enough Vitamin D, the natural supplement from the sun, can cause serious health problems

By Maddie Garfinkle science & health editor Getting too much sun is a concern. However not getting enough sun poses a problem as well.

Vitamin D deficiency, the natural vitamin we get from the sun, is an increasing problem. With scares of skin cancer, people have been using sunscreen more often or just

avoiding the sun entirely. Little do they know that this results in just as many problems as being in the sun.

“We get Vitamin D from the sun, and it is very important. It helps absorb Vitamin C in the body,” head volleyball coach Caron Schiffman said. “Kids today are deficient in Vitamin D, they do not eat right and they do not get direct sun. They need at least 10-20 minutes of direct

sun two to four days a week.”

A new problem for teenagers is rickets, a disorder that weakens the bones. It is caused by lack of phosphate, calcium or Vitamin D. Lack of vitamin D not only weakens the bones, but is linked to many other diseases such as depression, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and forms of cancer.

Studies have found that African Americans are the most at risk for Vitamin D deficiency. A national study found that almost half of the African American women of childbearing age may be Vitamin D deficient.

Even though this is an important supplement needed in ones body, the dosage is different for everyone. It varies depending on where people live, skin pigment, age and overall health.

Easy ways to get essential Vitamin D Use a supplement Get 5-10 minutes of direct sunlight a day.

Eat foods with vitamin D such as milk, eggs, fish and mushrooms.

JOIN YOUR

Parent Benefits: Information about important issues affecting your child Volunteer opportunities Invitation to all PTSA meetings Assistance from experienced parent-members

Student Benefits: Annual Student Lunch One free practice SAT or ACT test Volunteer opportunities Representation at PTSA meetings Opportunity to apply to PTSA scholarships Student prizes

Sports Page 17

The Lightning Strike • May 2012 STEPPING DOWN

Kypriss steps down after successful career

By Dean Kaire co sports editor

“Coach Kypriss has done a tremendous job here,” Principal Dawn Baglos said. Whether playing baseball at Norland, his middle school, or throwing touchdowns as the starting quarterback at the University of Kentucky, sports are more than just a game to Coach Kypriss. But at the end of this year, Coach Kypriss will be stepping down as athletic director.

Three years ago, when Kypriss was on the verge of winning another state championship as the school’s tennis coach, former principal, Dr. Matthew Welker promoted him to athletic director.

Since then, he has been nothing shy of successful, bringing the school numerous district, regional, and state titles.

“He’s done an incredible job helping students and their teams,” Baglos said, who believes Kypriss has also helped increase our school spirit.

Kypriss will miss the pep rallies, along with the coaches and athletes. When the news was made public that he would be stepping down, a lot of assumptions

were made regarding the resignation and if it was due to the basketball scandal. Baglos made it clear that it was not her decision at all, and it was Kypriss who decided to resign.

“I love teaching. I wanted to get back to teaching Global Geography full time.” said Kypriss when asked why he wanted to resign. Over 300 students have applied for the course next year and it was Kypriss’ call to come back and teach.

Although he is stepping down from the athletic director position, he will still continue to teach global

geography and will coach the girl’s golf team. Former girls’ soccer coach, Elizabeth Morgan will replace him as athletic director.

“She has all the qualifications and I have high hopes for her,” Baglos said.

Coach Morgan has the experience needed to be a successful athletic director, as she was the soccer coach at the school, helped with the eligibility issues at the beginning of the year, is very organized, and skilled with working with other coaches. Due to the fact she used to be the physical education coach, she knows a lot of the student population.

In a very important and upcoming year for the school’s athletic department, the school will pay off the second half of the fine, which is currently another $11,500. While the school is still under probation from the FHSAA, and the basketball team still has another two year ban on playoff competition, the reigns will be handed to Coach Morgan who will play a large role in our school next year, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Coach Kypriss.

SEBASTIAN ELEJALDE

Athletic Awards

1st Team All-Dade:

Nicholas Coard - Swimming Johnnie Durante - Football Alisha Shepherd - Volleyball Marina Ribeiro - Water Polo Cassie Pough - Tennis Shea Brodsky - Tennis Paul Andrey-Tennis Pierre-Louis - Tennis

2nd Team All-Dade:

Paul James - Football Brittney Torano - Volleyball Taylor Torano - Volleyball

3rd Team All-Dade:

Keon Roman - Football Toro Nelson - Football

Scholar Athlete Award:

Jonathan Amsili - Volleyball & Cross Country Danna Metz - Water Polo & Swimming

Special Olympics Athlete of the Year Louis Biondolilo - Wrestling & Football

Compiled by Dean Kaire

Student Athletic Scholarships Johnnie Durante Football (Florida International University )

RETIREMENT

Shakey Rodriguez says his final goodbye

By Courtney Goodstein co sports editor

Marcos “Shakey” Rodriguez, the driven and hardworking coach that revived basketball in MiamiDade County, has decided to retire at the end of the school year.

Rodriguez began his coaching career at Miami High, where he coached for 14 seasons and led the team to 11 district championships, eight GMAC titles and five state championships.

After his successful career at Miami High, Rodriguez began coaching at Florida International University, where he became the first Hispanic to coach a Division one team.

Five seasons and 79 career wins later, Rodriguez resigned from FIU and decided to take some time off from basketball and began working at a mortgage lending company.

His passion for coaching was brought back from a conversation he had with his son.

While watching his son’s basketball practice, Rodriguez questioned what the coach was saying which made his son wonder what his dad knew about basketball.

“I told him, I don’t think you

remember what your dad used to do,” Rodriguez said.

Five years after his last coaching job, Rodriguez started working at Krop as a social studies teacher and became head coach of the boys’ basketball team.

He to implement his coaching style that made him one of the most respected coaches in high school basketball.

“I am very competitive and passionate about my job and work very hard at it. I hold student athletes accountable for maximizing their natural talents on and off the court and will accept nothing less,” Rodriguez said.

He won a total of 608 games in his career as a head coach.

During games, Rodriguez often stays away from

the typical mold of a coach.

“If you walk into a basketball game you will often see me talking to myself, chatting with the referees and pacing,” Rodriguez said, who acquired the nickname “Shakey” because he could never sit still.

Throughout his coaching career, Rodriguez has faced ups and downs.

“My best moments have been watching the evolvement and success of my players and the lifelong friendships I have formed with them,” Rodriguez said, who has helped over 70 of his players receive basketball scholarships.

The worst moment of his career was last year’s basketball scandal that led to the team’s disqualification in the state playoffs. But Rodriguez does not want the scandal to interfere with the legacy he wants to leave.

“I want people to remember me as winner and as someone who has made a positive difference in the lives of my players and helped them become better people and players,” Rodriguez said.

As Shakey’s career comes to an end, he leaves winning five district championships, eleven GMAC Championships and leaves a legacy of passion and hard work.

NATHALIE PRIETO

Tyron Haughton Basketball (University of South Carolina)

Joshua Donath Football (Pace University)

Shea Brodsky Tennis (Binghamton University)

Dylan Karell Basketball (University of Central Florida) Compiled by Nathalie Prieto

Sports Page 18

The Lightning Strike • May 2012

HIGHLIGHTS

Recap of Spring Sports Boys’ Water Polo

Baseball

Boys’ Tennis

OFFENSE: Freshman Benji Sheinman prepares to pass the ball during the game.

SINGLES: Sophomore Alexander Rothman serves the ball during a match.

Record: 14-10 Lost in 1st round of district playoffs.

Record: 11-11 Runner up for the district championship.

Record:17-3 Finished third in the state playoffs.

Softball

Girls’ Water Polo

PITCHER: Senior Ryan Heisler follows through after delivering a fast ball.

BATTER:Senior Victoria Unger line drives the ball while at bat.

Record: 10-7 Lost in 1st round of district playoffs.

DRIVER: Junior Tori Block winds up for a shot.

Record: 24-3 Won district championship, lost in first round of state playoffs.

Boys’ Volleyball

HARD-HITTER: Senior Benjamin Mandowsky sets up to spike the ball in a game.

Record: 14-6 Lost in first round of district playoffs.

Girls’ Tennis

Badminton

FOCUS:Senior Prateek Sachdeva rebounds a shot over the net.

DEFENSE:Sophomore Naomi Maehama volleys a ball over the net.

Record: 21-1 Won their 5th state title at the 2012 State Championship.

Record: 10-4

Lost in the district playoffs.

Photos courtesy of Foxmar and Priscilla Maldonado Compiled by: Nathalie Prieto

CHAMPIONSHIP

Tennis teams sets first and third place at states

By Gabriela McKenzie outgoing sports editor Walking through the doors of the Sanlando Tennis Center in Altamonte Springs, the girls and boys tennis teams were determined to serve up a victory.

In the finals, the girls faced Tampa Plant where, after two days of competition, they hit 11 points first and became co-state champions, with Tampa Plant.

The boys finished in third, placing after Cypress Bay and Coral Gables.

“We really wanted this win,” junior Cassie Pough who has played for three years said. “The fact that we’re a family and we wanted something positive for our school was our driving forces to make this championship possible.”

CASSIE POUGH

POSE: The girl’s tennis team along with their coaches, smile after winning their fifth state tennis championship.

To prepare for states, the teams worked hard. In the last month of the season, they practiced as if they were already at states Coach Michael Kypriss said.

“I think the chemistry played a great role and what ultimately helped us win,” Kypriss said.

There were probably other teams that were better than Krop at states, but our tight knit family

and team is what helped us in the end.”

The boys’ and girls’ are proud of their win. They can be seen walking around campus with their medals or pointing out the new banner that will be placed in the Thunderdome.

Tennis players also achieved individual medals, Danna Gandleman (10) placed third in

singles’ and Victoria Williams (12) placed fifth. Cassie Pough (11), Shea Brodsky (12), and Dominique Henry (11) were state runner ups.

Alan Chocron (12) and Alex Knight (10) placed second in boys’ doubles.

“The last night in Orlando we all went to dinner with the first place boys’ champs from Cypress Bay and celebrated our championships,” Pough said. “It was really a good time because we were all in high spirits and now being back home, I just want to show off my accomplishments.”

The girls’ tennis team (21-1) is now five times state champions and the boys (17-3) are four time state champions, this year being the second time they have placed third.

Next year, the teams are preparing for a tougher season.

“Were planning on reaching for that sixth state title and once again

bringing it home,” Pough said.

Tennis Team Winners Alan Chocron (12) and Alexander Knight (10) 2nd placed second in boys’ doubles.

Danna Gandleman (10) placed third in women’s 3rd singles.

Victoria Williams (12) 5th placed fifth in women’s singles.

Cassie Pough (11), Shea Brodsky (12), and Runner Dominique Henry (11) Ups

were state runner ups.

The Lightning Strike • May 2012

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