besmartbehealthy pages 10 & 11
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SCORING GRADES AND GOALS
page 14
More Inside: •
End of world approaches - page 6
•
Honey boo boo: Review - page 9 Fall sports recap - page 16
THE
Lightning Strike Taking Miami-Dade by Storm
Dr. Michael M. Krop Sr. High • 1410 Countyline Road • Miami, Florida 33179
December 17, 2012 • Issue 3 • Volume 15
BACK ON THE COURT After a series of appeals to the FHSAA, the basketball team can now return to the playoffs and the fine has been reduced.
Courtney Goodstein co-sports editor
In his postgame speech to his team following the murder suicide of player Jovan Belcher, Head Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs Romeo Crennel said, “We got through it in a grand way because everybody made a contribution, everybody helped. And that’s what a team is about.” This is the motto Principal Dawn Baglos has followed the past two years as “we,” as a school, have dealt with the consequences of the basketball scandal. The eligibility scandal occurred after the FSHAA discovered that player information was falsified in order to maintain athletic eligibility. Krop was fined half a million dollars, the boys were banned from the playoffs for three years and all sports were put on administrative probation for three years. In a series of appeals to the FSHAA, Baglos successfully reduced the fine to $6,000, gained back post season play for the boys and reduced the administrative probation from three years to one. “I hope it gets better for the
boys and the team,” said Baglos, who says the players were in great spirits after hearing the news despite their 0-6 start to the season. Although most of the sanctions have been reduced, the pressure remains on the athletes and on Athletic Director Elizabeth Morgan. “Doing things like talking to coaches and checking up on athletes is a major part of the job, but now I double and triple check everything to make sure all paperwork is correct because the FSHAA can come check anytime,” said Morgan. FUNDRAISING HELPS
Financing athletics due to the fine has been a challenge for the school, coaches and the teams. When the average football game costs $3000, candy sales, seasonal car washes and other fundraisers have had a major impact. The baseball team, for example, sells advertisement banners to pay for uniforms and equipment and they rely on the school for only transportation to their games. “Fundraising is very important
to our department,” said Morgan. “If the FSHAA says we do not have to pay the remainder of the fine, we will have extra money to do things such as buy new equipment.” Even though all teams are off probation, the FSHAA will still keep an eye on the athletic department and one mistake can result in stringent. For instance, during a boys’ soccer game against Hialeah Gardens Senior High, a player was involved in an altercation which resulted in him getting a red card. The school was fined 150 dollars, and the player was suspended from soccer for the remainder of the season and has to pay a 250-dollar fine himself. “Being an athlete is a privilege,” Assistant Principal Daniel Ponkey said during a meeting with the girls’ and boys’ soccer team following the incident. “If you see your teammate about to get into a fight, another someone needs to step in, so situations like this don’t happen.” Despite the incident, Baglos plans to make one final appeal to the FSHAA in January and hopes to repeal the $6000 left of the fine.
BLAKE MARS
ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
Israel rally ignites controversy among students Clarissa Buch managing editor
THE COLORS OF ISRAEL: From left, seniors David Stolear, Adam Tzur and Kevin Gerszuny sing a Hebrew song that calls for peace. Gerszuny started the rally to show support for Israel; however, it was not a school sponsored event. ABIGAIL DUFFY
“Pro-Israel Rally tomorrow during first lunch!!!! Bring your flags!!!” This status posted by senior Kevin Gerszuny went viral among students and sparked what they called a “pro-Israel rally” during first lunch on Nov. 21. Approximately 30 students gathered with seniors Oree Levy, Ivan Levy-Hara and Gerszuny who led the group. Participants were dressed in the blue and white colors of the Israeli flag and sang Hebrew songs. As the rally moved from the south patio to the north patio, roughly 100 students joined in. Senior Oree Levy wanted to educate the student body on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and thought a pro-Israel rally would engage students.
“All we wanted to do was have students see what we were doing so they could go home and research why we were rallying for Israel and discover the truth,” Levy said. “We want to stop students from getting sucked in by all the propaganda that makes Israel look bad.” However, because the rally was not sanctioned by the school, chaos and confusion erupted among students. Sophomore Jala El-Blali, who is a practicing Muslim, was shocked to see a crowd of students jumping and screaming at lunch. “I didn’t understand what their message was,” El-Blali said. “When I asked a student what was going on, he just said someone told him to dress up in blue and white. He wasn’t even sure what he was supporting.”
Freshman Youssra Yemmas also Muslim disagreed with the rally. “I don’t think it was right, but I don’t have a right to stop them either,” Yemmas said. “It’s their opinion and they can voice it if they want.” However, sophomore Eric Cohen, who participated in the rally, saw nothing wrong with it. “I didn’t feel as if anyone was being offensive at the rally because we weren’t putting anyone down, just expressing our rights,” Cohen said. “I think it was successful because we got people to think about what was going on in Israel.” Levy-Hara explained that because the rally was not planned,
► see “RALLY” page 4
News
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KROP’S
Lightning Strike • November/December 2012 The The Lightning Strike • September 2008
From local to global:
On Dec. 5, 49 students participated in the 10th annual FGCU Math and Chemistry invitational. Chemistry Team - 1st place Chemistry individual: Netgie Laguerre - 2nd place Qiwei Lin - 4th place Jonas Shomorony - 5th Place Salomon Vainstein - 9th place Calculus team - 7th place Benji Englard, Michael Korn, Adriana Sari, Federico Rozenberg Geometry team - 8th place Uyen Nguyen, Lucyana Panti, Casimir Lesperance, Gabriel Shlain Drama Magnet students attended the final stage of competition with both Superior and Excellent ratings. Compiled by Elisa Schonfeld
ISRAEL: How to ... 1. How to make money 2. How to get sick notes 3. How do children
SPAIN: Image Searches 1. Pokemon 2. Flowers 3. Wallpapers
CZECH REPUBLIC: Searches 1. Hotel Paradise 2. Farma 3. Diablo 3
CHINA: People 1. Jeremy Lin 2. Lindane 3. Mo Yan
MEXICO: How to... 1. How to vote? 2. How to Meditate? 3. How to learn Italian?
IRELAND: Searches 1. Euro 2012 2. Katie Taylor 3. Kate Middleton
EGYPT: Foods & Drinks 1. Strawberry juice 2. Kebab 3. Chickpeas tehena
AUSTRALIA: Searches 1. Gangnam Style 2. The Voice 3. One Direction
UNITED STATES: Searches 1. Whitney Houston 2. Hurricane Sandy 3. Election 2012
Speech and Debate Tournament at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia from Nov. 30- Dec. 2: Octofinalist in Lincoln Douglas Debate Arie Hariton Semi-Finalist in Original Oratory and QuarterFinalist in Prose and Humorous Interpretation Brett Curtis
Around the world in 1.2 trillion Google searches
sources: Google.com
Compiled by Dylan Steele
MDCPS
Voters approve $1.2 billion bond Clarissa Buch managing editor
The $1.2 billion bond was approved by over 70 percent of voters during the last general election. The bond is part of a Miami-Dade county initiative to improve public schools’ technology and current infrastructure. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho proposed the bond and stressed to voters how essential it is for all 280 schools which the bond will benefit. More than 50% of Miami-
Teachers OF THE YEAR
Margarita Perez: Teacher of the Year Perez is honored to be selected as Teacher of the Year among the “amazing teachers” at Krop and believes every teacher should be given the title, as she is one contributor to the whole team. With thirty-four years of experience, Perez teaches ESOL students and sponsors both the New American and College Preparatory clubs. She is driven by her successful results on the reading and writing FCAT, and has previously been named the Hispanic Teacher of the Year.
Michelle Kypriss: Rookie of the Year Kypriss believes it was her dedication to the school that got her recognized as Rookie Teacher of the Year. A former Krop student, she was inspired by her own educators like Fass, Diskin and Higgins to return as a teacher and inspire future students. She motivates her ninth grade World History students to be better citizens and more compassionate people when they go out into the world.
PHOTOS BY ABIGAIL DUFFY
Compiled by Brittany Chandani and Blake Mars
Dade public schools are over 40 years old. The majority of the schools have not been renovated in almost half of a century. As education moves into a digital age, schools are forced to move along with it. “One county-wide fix we are focused on is adding more electrical outlets to each classroom to provide for more computer access,” M-DCPS chief communications officer John Schuster said. Schuster explained that schools with the most critical
needs will take priority and overall changes for schools are estimated to take about six to seven years. Of the 10 people asked about the bond, only senior Alex Beiner fully understood the issue. Beiner will not be in Krop to see direct improvements with the bond money, however he believes the approval of the bond is essential for the future of not just Krop, but all Dadecounty schools. “Krop was founded 15 years ago and certain elements in our school are very outdated,”
Beiner said. “I hope that with the bond, Krop will become more technologically advanced.” According to the bond, Krop will receive air conditioning and lighting improvements, hardware replacements, security and surveillance enhancements, portable removal and technology upgrades. Principal Dawn Baglos stated that Krop hopes to establish additional WiFi hotspots for students to accommodate technology use which will be beneficial in the learning environment.
CLASS SIZE
Administration levels science, math classes Abigail Duffy photo & co-copy editor Class reorganization in regular and honors level chemistry, biology and physical science classes has affected the science department. Class leveling occurred at the close of the first marking period, when entire science classes were split up and moved, including Archna Kapur’s chemistry class, Avonelle Lewis’ biology class and Todd Thompkin’s physical science class. The reorganization also affected the math department, but on a lesser scale than in the science department. Principal Dawn Baglos said that the class reorganization in both departments happened to make the large classes more manageable, which has been an issue in the school for nearly three years. The recent class shifts are reminiscent of the 2010-2011 school year, in which students were not only moved from teacher to teacher, but also had their entire schedules changed because of the school’s need to manage
class sizes to follow county-wide requirements. Baglos sat down with assistant principal Francisco Garnica during the first marking period to plan the class changes in a way that would not completely alter students’ schedules. Baglos and Garnica also hired a new teacher to instruct the displaced science students, Maria Martin. Martin, a veteran science teacher, has taught in Florida high schools in Naples and Palmetto and knows how to handle her new classes. Martin said that in the short time she has taught her chemistry, biology and physical science students, she has learned every ADVERTISEMENT
individual personality and has built a relationship with nearly as many of her students. Junior Brandon Ramsay, who was moved from Kapur’s chemistry class, has had no difficulty adjusting to his new schedule with Martin and said that the move had an “incredible” result and that he loves his new chemistry class. “She’s just a nice person and that reflects in her teaching,” said Ramsay. “She’s very patient and understanding.” As of now, there are no further plans for reorganizing classes in any department on a scale comparable to the science department’s changes.
News Page 3
The Lightning Strike • November/December September 2012 2012
News Briefs
Baglos chosen as North Regional Principal of the Year HUMAN RIGHTS: (Above) Juanita Laverde and Maria Esteban sign the petition to be conflict free. (Left) Thierry Adrian and Kiara Talancha explain to students during lunch how materials in popular electronics affect the Democratic Republic of Congo. (Bottom) STAND members created a banner for students to sign their pledge against the use conflict free materials on campus.
ABIGAIL DUFFY
RECOGNITION: Baglos is addressed by the committee that named her the North Regional Principal of the Year. Along with three other regional finalists, Baglos was observed by a committee that spoke to faculty members who work closely with her. In order to advance to the district level, Baglos must now go through a similar process of resubmitting a portfolio and being interviewed and observed. If she is successful in this round, Baglos will be recognized as the District Principal of the Year and proceed to the state level. Baglos has been through this process before as she was the both the district and state level Assistant Principal of the Year in 2007.
On-campus Wifi to be installed Krop was expected to open up wireless internet access by Nov. 2012 and should be completing the development in the upcoming months. Along with the MDCPS bond issue, this effort is part of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s program to bring technology into the classroom. The school currently has Wi-Fi hotspots in four areas: the library, auditorium, cafeteria and main office. However, these are not yet accessible for students, as the filter and entry system is not installed. The login system will model the entry to the Dade Schools website where a student or teacher logs in with their specific account.
-Arie Hariton
Broken pipe results in unsafe drinking water While students and teachers could not drink water from the fountains, Miami-Dade County Public School system came to the rescue. Because the water was turned off for several days, the water required that chlorine be flushed through it to purify bacteria developed while stagnant. Krop was issued a boil-water order so that students, faculty and staff were safe from potential viruses, pathogens and diseases present in the water. Although it was inconvenient, students and faculty did not go without. Water bottles were delivered and distributed among the school’s population. -Christina Carruci
ABIGAIL DUFFY
QUENCHING THE THIRST: Diane Williams distributes water bottles to classrooms as a result of the contaminated water pipe. In a total of six days, about 15,600 bottles were distributed.
PHOTOS BY ABIGAIL DUFFY
ACTIVISM
Students take a STAND against conflict materials Alexis Frankel feature editor Imagine a land filled with lush rainforests, exotic creatures who roam freely and a culture cultivated over thousands of years. This is the Democratic Republic of Congo. Now imagine a land where over 1,512 women and girls are raped daily, and its people are ravaged by war, lack of sanitation and extreme poverty. This is also the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2011, widely unpopular Joseph Kabila was re-elected as president of Congo, over an equally unpopular candidate. While this election was democratic in nature, dissatisfaction brewed within the country, which led to rebel groups like the March 23 Movement (M23) to fight against
the Congolese government. M23, combined with the poor leadership of President Kabila, resulted in widespread chaos across the country. Certain minerals like gold, tin, tantalum and tungsten are components in electronics like iPhones, and coincidentally are mined largely in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Strife between the Congolese government and rebels broke out over these rare and valuable resources. While this issue may seem thousands of miles away, some students have taken a stand to alleviate factors that fuel the war on campus. On December 10th Adriana Sari and other Students Against Genocide Coalition (STAND) members encouraged students to sign petitions to create a “conflict
free” campus and wore green and black to raise awareness on how buying electronics with these minerals fuels the Congolese war. “STAND is a club that works to end mass atrocities around the world, but we’re focused on Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” senior and Co-President Adriana Sari said. “We try to get our school and students to tell their electronic companies to stop using conflict minerals mined in Congo.” Companies like Intel, HP, Philips, Sandisk, and Dell produce electronics that cause the least harm, while Lenovov, Canon, Nikon, Sharp, HTC, and Nintendo rank the highest. By buying electronics from these companies, one can save a Congolese life or two.
News Page 4
Muslim students take offense at Israel rally “RALLY” from front page the message was subsequently lost. “We wanted to support Israel,” Levy-Hara said. “But we didn’t get that message across. [What] we did was come together for the cause.” Gerszuny’s goal was to have a peaceful gathering to show support for Israel. He had no intention in offending anyone. “We didn’t involve anyone who didn’t want to be involved, and we weren’t being aggressive either,” Gerszuny said. “We should have communicated the message better though and made poster boards to avoid the confusion.” In a November press conference with The Lightning Strike, Dawn Baglos said that she does not have an issue with kids expressing themselves, but she does need students to have conversations with her first to make it safe and not offend others. “It is not really effective to yell and scream if you don’t know what you’re screaming about,” Baglos said. “Because it wasn’t handled correctly, it came off as offensive.” El-Blali did not feel personally attacked, although in her first reaction posted on Facebook she stated “Save me from what I’m seeing in school. Inhumane!!!!!” El- Blali feels that if everyone’s goal was peace, creating a stronger divide between students who support Israel and students who support Palestine was not the way to achieve it. “They made me seem like I was supporting a terrorist cause when I’m not. I’m just supporting the Palestinians. I respect all people and their religions, but, like them, I wanted to voice my opinion too,” El-Blali said. “We should all come together to find a way to work peacefully instead of creating a stronger divide.”
Lightning Strike • November/December 2012 TheThe Lightning Strike • September 2008 STUDY AIDS
Students gain access to educational YouTube videos Dylan Steele staff writer
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JAVIER STORCH
ONLINE TEACHING: Senior Azizat Adediran takes notes on a Youtube video to help study for her physics class. Youtube EDU is currently the only part of the site not blocked by the M-DCPS Internet Filter.
The United States has always been opposed to censorship, but until recently, no one could access the third most popular website in the world, YouTube, on a Dade County public school computer. For years, the M-DCPS Internet Filter blocked the entire video sharing site. But now, YouTube has launched Youtube EDU, which contains only educational videos that are accessible at school. YouTube EDU is currently the only part of the site not blocked by the M-DCPS Internet Filter. Students can access thousands of educational videos, from organizations including MIT, Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, TED, and the Khan Academy though the schools network. This follows the trend to give technology a larger place in education. Google, the parent company of YouTube LLC, has placed money and resources toward this movement. In 2010, Google gave two million dollars to the Khan Academy to create
more courses and translate its core library into the world’s most widely spoken languages as a part of Google’s Project 10100. YouTube hosts all of the Khan Academy’s videos, which have received over 216 million views. However, many videos that are purely educational in nature are not in YouTube’s education section, and are still unwatchable. Chemistry teacher Carlos Montero assigns “Chemguy” videos to his A.P. Chemistry students, but they are still unable to watch them at school. Montero says he assigns the videos to show students the material in a different presentation, which they can watch anytime again and again. The school system fully supports the use of Internet resources such as YouTube EDU. “The key is that you’re getting the help necessary to be successful in class,” said Principle Dawn Baglos. To further access to the internet, and thus online educational resources such as YouTube EDU, the school will be installing Wi-Fi throughout the campus in the coming months.
SOCIAL NETWORK
Teachers connect with students through Edmodo
Elisa Schonfeld staff writer This year, teachers and students were advised to “unfriend” each other on Facebook. However, Edmodo, a social learning network, may offer another chance to unite. When a viewer scrolls through the blue and white screen of Edmodo which resembles Facebook, they could engage in class discussions with peers, check grades, or share content and materials. They could post
statuses and insert emojis that express how they feel about something. Edmodo’s screens and content resembles the social network, Facebook. Students often associate the two websites because their similar features. In profiles, individual activity and progress are shown, such as if they are involved in discussions, or see if teachers post badges to complement student academic achievement. “Absent students can quickly obtain missed work without waiting until the next class,”
said Xandra Lilavois, test chair person. “Students can also reach out for concept clarification.” Access to Edmodo is protected through student passwords. Once on, they can collaborate and access material outside of the classroom. Students can express themselves more easily and share projects in a cloud format. Edmodo is safe. Before making an account, school codes are assigned to individual classes to prevent outsiders from accessing the website. This way, everyone can safely post material
with no worry about information going viral. “The website is very effective for my classes because it allows me to post things I don’t want to be globally accessible,” said Macroeconomics teacher Ellen Elias. Nearly 14,000,000 people use Edmodo globally. History, math, English and Spanish teachers use Edmodo with their students. More awareness will allow students to enhance the learning environment or teacher communication outside of class and harness the power of social media.
BOOKSTORE
Barnes & Noble to close in Aventura Lina Zuluaga staff writer
The inside of the Aventura Barnes & Noble is cluttered with “For Sale” balloons and various bargains as the date of their official close approaches. According to two employees who asked to be unnamed because they cannot publicly represent the company, Barnes & Noble’s lease with Turnberry Associates had run its course and was not renewed. What students today know as “Loehmann’s Plaza,” will now become “Town Center Aventura.” Restaurants such as Pei Wei and
Chipotle will remain to become part of the town center, but stores such as, Barnes & Noble and Loehmann’s have already left, or are in the process of leaving. In a statement from Turnberry as to why Barnes & Noble was not going to stay, they commented, “We are not at liberty to discuss tenant lease arrangements.” When Borders closed in October 2010, Barnes & Noble was left as the main source of literature and lounging for locals. The absence of a nearby bookstore will pose a problem for students like sophomore Karena Halvorssen who that rely on the
store and its resources. “I go there every Sunday to study for AP Euro because it provides a silent and calming atmosphere. The store has all these books I can use to cross reference with my actual textbook, and then there’s the Starbucks with free wifi,” said Halversson. “It’s going to be a disadvantage not to have Barnes & Noble around.” The school librarian, Jorge Lazo, also mentioned that our media center is not equipped to provide a class set of books. For those who depended on Barnes & Noble for their book requirements, the store closing is a great loss.
A NEW CHAPTER: Sale signs and balloons fill the Aventura Barnes & Noble as the store prepares to close at the end of the year. Students, teachers and locals will lose a valuable community resource.
PHOTOS BY JAVIER STORCH
Editorial Page 6
Lightning Strike • November/December 2012 The The Lightning Strike • September 2008
HUMAN PRESERVATION
End of the world may be around the corner
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JAVIER STORCH, Editor-in-Chief CLARISSA BUCH, Managing Editor BLAKE MARS News Editor ARIE HARITON Opinion Editor Social Network Editor DANIELLE MACKSON Entertainment Editor MICHAEL BEHFAR MICHELLE KRIGSFELD Spread Editors ALEXIS FRANKEL Feature Editor MADELINE GARFINKLE Science & Health Editor
DEAN KAIRE COURTNEY GOODSTEIN Sports Editors ABIGAIL DUFFY CHRISTINA CARUCCI Copy Editors ABIGAIL DUFFY Photo Editor ALEC EIDELSTEIN Business Manager MARYKAY SULLIVAN Advisor SUN COAST PRINTER Printer
STAFF WRITERS BRITTANY CHANDANI, TALYA GEBARA, MATTHEW ISENBERG, ELISA SCHONGELD, DYLAN STEELE, LINA ZULUAGA AD POLICY The Lightning Strike solicits advertising but reserves the right to reject any material deemed libelous, disruptive, obscene or otherwise inappropriate.
EDITORIAL POLICY The Lightning Strike is the student newspaper of Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School: 1410 Countyline Road, Miami, FL 33179; (305) 652-6808 Ext. 238. Opinions expressed in the editorial section do not reflect the viewpoints or official policies of the school. The Lightning Strike welcomes readers’ opinions on all topics. However, we will NOT print anonymous letters. Please keep letters under 150 words and saved to disk if possible. The editors reserve the right to reject, edit and condense letters. All letters should be turned in to room 2-233.
STORY POLICY Questions or comments about the fairness or accuracy of stories should be directed to Javier Storch, Editor in Chief, at jstorchthestrike@gmail.com.
the coast, leaving their cities behind. Maybe a coincidence, maybe a warning. Regardless, it is a cautionary tale that the world will not preserve itself. Even if it is small acts like carpooling, placing paper in the recycle bin or avoiding aerosols, a little concern from everyone makes a big change. As Dr. Seuss once said, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
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An NSPA All-American publication
climate change as a main reason for the downfall of the Mayan empire. The study states that heavy deforestation led to droughts in the usually wet environment. Faced with a dry spell, the Mayans suffered famine and relocated to
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THE LIGHTNING STRIKE
methane gas release, currently stored in the melting glaciers. National Geographic News states that this emission would be more harmful to the atmosphere than the already present carbon dioxide. The consequences would be unimaginable and certainly undesirable. Recent discoveries by the American Geophysical Union point to
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The United Nations reported that 2012 was one of the warmIN MY OPINION est years since climate records began over 160 years ago. This editor-in-chief javier storch rapid global warming may soon micaha be irreversible. Ancient Mayans predicted As a result of the extreme that the world would end this temperature, Arctic ice sheets year on Dec. 21st, the Friday have melted at record speeds before winter break. Luckily, and resulted in higher sea levNASA has els. Over the disproved the past century The world could alone, prophecy and sea we can enjoy become uninhabitable in levels rose our break. generations to come. If nearly eight However, we continue to carelessly inches. the end of the degrade the Earth, soon combine world may not t h e enough, the Earth will accelerating be so distant. With the degrade us. trends with effects of the fact that environmental degradation more 90 percent of the Florida Keys evident than ever, the world are five feet above sea level or could become uninhabitable less, and it would only a take in generations to come. If we few centuries for the Keys to continue to carelessly degrade vanish. the Earth, soon enough, the Rising temperatures have Earth will degrade us. also increased the chances of
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A ‘thank you’ for the administration Often, our administration is criticized for what it does not do. But rarely is it praised for what it does do. I would like to take a second to thank the administration for all it does to help us. Last year, students would push and shove near the lunch area struggling to buy food. This year however, not only has a new vending area been set up in the patio, but the main one between the two has been reformed into two distinct lines with a member of security there to ensure that the lines are orderly and no one cuts. In addition, last year we had to wait every morning as parents who dropped off their children near the student parking lot would make a three-point-turn at the gate. This year, we have set up a system in which their entrance holds up traffic less, and students are closer to the school. While many may criticize the administration, I think we should take the time to say thank you. Anna Esquenazi Grade 10
Let’s start winter cleaning Some may consider our school to be clean and tidy, but it’s not. When students arrive on a Monday morning, they do not expect to see a bag of food from last week on the floor or food stains on the cafeteria tables. We expect a clean school with no hairballs lying under our desk or pieces of gum stuck on the floor for months.
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LETTERS
Schools are not the cleanest places on Earth, but they are expected to be tidy and somewhat devoid of trash. It doesn’t just concern the school custodians but us as well. There are too many students for the custodians to make sure to clean up for us all. Dirt is going to be all over the floor if we don’t do anything. Nicole Urdaneta Grade 10
All school, no play Upon returning home from school at nearly four each day, I am dazed with a dilemma: how the heck am I supposed to balance my graph analysis of human populations, creating an entire yearbook by deadline, and over 30 problems of calculus? Did I mention I have five tests tomorrow? In a perfect world, a teenager should receive eight hours of sleep. If I wake up at six, that means I must go to sleep by 10. Getting home at four, I have six hours for six classes of homework. But that is if I don’t eat, work out or take a single break. My life is entirely comprised and stressed by the overload of tests, leading me to go to sleep later and later each night, which in turn just makes everything worse and worse the following day. Yes, I study in advance and try to complete my homework as soon as possible; but students should not have to choose between work and health - failing one test, passing another. Only one of my six teachers take into consideration the other tests on the same day, but students shouldn’t have to deal with that pressure. But, there
seems to be no solution, so I guess I’ll deal with my 20 hours of sleep per week and five tests per day. It’s fine, really. Olivia Sacks Grade 11
In defense of the intermediate Disputes and debates are a major part of our society. We argue about different things, and display our opinions. This is no different in the subject of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some people are pro-Israel, some people are pro-Palestine, and there is no judgment because everyone is supposedly entitled to their own opinion. But what about those who are in the middle? Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli was under a storm of attacks when she stated: “I pray for the safety of the citizens on both sides and for the day we will live in peace and harmony.” She was criticized when she gave up nationalistic bias to show compassion. Those in the middle are judged and denounced. As an Israeli, I am completely and fully behind Israel, and I will advocate for Israel forever. However, I expressed an opinion quite similar to that of Refaeli. Yes, Israel definitely has a right to defend itself against terrorists. However, I don’t believe that those who have different views than myself should be ostracized. We are all human. Our beliefs may define who we are, but do not make us any less human. The violence and terror needs to stop. Not just in Israel, but all around. Sara Nurieli Grade 11
Opinion Page 7
The Lightning Strike • November/December 2012 STUDENT RESPECT
Students should abandon ‘r’ word STUDENTS’ OPINIONS
“It’s really messed up because it’s degrading to people who have a mental disability. Most times, they don’t even know they are being made fun of and if they do, it is very hurtful to say.” Steven Lopez, 12 “I believe using the [r] word in a derogatory way is offensive and may impact someone more than you’d think. Expressing yourself in a euphemistic way is a better form of getting your point across. “ Matthew Nunez, 12 “People express themselves in ways they see fit. Ending the use of one word will inevitably lead to the creation of a new word. I’m not saying it’s okay to offend others, but if people choose to speak in a certain way, it’s their right.” Kimberly Foreiter, 10 “It’s kind of pointless to use the word when there is a proper way to say it. It’s offensive and the only way it is acceptable to use it should be when it’s used in right context.” Andy Pan, 10
IN MY OPINION lina zuluaga micaha
staff writer
You are in class while your teacher sits there silently grading papers and the class is expected to complete their work, but everyone is softly talking, there are a lot of you so it gets loud. T h e clock is ticking, you hear someone gasp because the boy behind you just said something silly- oh the things people say! The girl next to him to turns in annoyance and says in a tone of disgust with her furrowed brow: “Shut up! Are you retarded?” Variations of this scene happen all the time because no one thinks of this as something socially inappropriate. The use of
the word retarded in our school needs to stop, along with every situation where one student chooses to offend someone affected by an Intellectual or Developmental Disability (IDD). The “r” word does not have to be continually used to insult others, or describe something negative. This borders on the use of explicit hate speech. How normal would it be if the girl in the above scenario would have uttered in annoya n c e , “Shut up! Are you a fanatic churchgoer?” or saying somet h i n g m o r e descriptive such as, “Shut up! Are you an underdevelopedprepubescent- teenager in high school?” Those situations seem somewhat ridiculous because they could easily be seen for what they are. However, using the “r”
word should not be desensitized. “Spread the word to end the word,” an ongoing movement to stop the use of the “r” word, has been brought to our school by Best Buddies. Efforts include a pledge of denouncing the use of the word “retard(ed)” from your vocabulary. This will effectively help put a stop to the dehumanizing affects the use of the “r” word promotes in our school. “The great thing about our school is that we are so diverse,” said Principal Dawn Baglos, “Everyone has the right to say what they need to say if it is voiced appropriately, [but] the ‘r’ word is not appropriate.” An excellent point made by the head of our school. It means that if you want to express negativity, use expressive words. The statement in question would have been much less offensive should the girl have said something like, “Please don’t say such unreasonable slurs,” or “Statements like such do not exemplify your intelligence.” Using descriptive words can better express your thoughts without offending or hurting anyone, a much better and simple solution.
SPEAK OUT ON HOMEWORK OVER BREAK
“I’m not going out of my way to give more homework. I’m giving work to reinforce what was learned in the last week.” Debra Stein, Math
“It shouldn’t exist. I’m off school grounds and my brain is off. No neurons here.” Natasha Rumbos, 12
POLITICS
Interest in politics should not be periodical
election, but only 40 percent in November 2010. Historian Rick Shenkman found in his book How Stupid Are We? Facing the IN MY OPINION Truth about the American Voter that only three-fifths of voters opinion & social editor arie hariton micaha can name the three branches of government. America reveled in the results As much as a student may of the election on Nov. 7th. For know in politics, adults know about a month, the country had more, simply because of become a firestorm of political experience. The Pew Research discussion. However, the day Center reports that older afterward, all that excitement had people were roughly ten disappeared and we had returned percent more to normalcy, which is general likely to know indifference regarding politics. about an issue Google records the popularity in the 2012 of specific terms over extended election in periods of time. comparison to “Politics” their younger peaks once counterparts. very four Developing a years in working knowledge O c t o b e r, of politics requires Micha el Behfar suggesting personal investment Americans in current affairs and are only our country’s history. interested Interest in politics in learning should not be once about the country’s problems every four years. when they expect to visit a President Thomas Jefferson voting booth. The Pew Research once said, “We in America do Center conducts polls to find not have government by the out how much Americans know majority. We have government about current issues. The average by the majority who participate.” knowledge rate was roughly 60 And the youth does participate, percent in the buildup to the 2012 as we should.
As the future of this nation, students have the opportunity to shape the nation we will inherit. In the next election, current Krop students will vote for our 45th president. We must inform our-
selves, not just for voting, especially because of the impact we will have. In the past elections, youth did not have as much of an impact, but in 2008 and 2012, far more young people voted, surprising the country. Obama’s campaign focused on expanding the base and finding new voters, mostly youth. The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement reports that youth voters had a massive impact on this election. Voters 30 years-old or younger managed to swing Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, key swing states, in favor of Barack Obama. These 80 votes would have brought
Romney to 286, making him our next president. The impact we have is substantial, and we should keep that in mind. “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education”, explained Franklin Roosevelt. When we go to t h e polls, we should not just know who we are voting for, but what we are voting for. And even when we aren’t voting, there are ways to advocate for what we want from our government. Indifferent voters might argue that any interest is good interest. I agree and encourage that interest. However, that interest should be enduring. It is great that youth cares about the outcome of the election and the issues that accompany it. Those issues do not disappear after the votes are counted. We should maintain a working knowledge of politics all the time, not just in the confines of a ballot box.
“I’d prefer a study guide over work because the break should be less work than usual. We can do something, but it doesn’t have to be too much.” Jared Cove, 11
“It’s a break! We shouldn’t have to worry about school.” Alexandra Khoudari, 10
“I would be very disappointed and angry if we had homework over the break. When we have homework, it’s never a break.” Shaihan Brown, 9 compiled by Christina Carucci
Editorial Page 8
STAFF EDITORIAL
Teachers should not give excessive work over break After a tiring seven hours of school each day, students rush off to part-time jobs, extracurricular activities or SAT classes. Others race home to help with chores or complete homework assignments before collapsing into bed. We need a break. Hello, winter vacation! Winter break is the perfect time for students to get muchneeded rest after four intense months of school. Two weeks away to relax and have fun is just what the doctor ordered. Unfortunately, some teachers do not see it that way. They assign homework or projects over the break and force us to give up our valuable free time that we have waited for. If a student has multiple teachers who assign homework during winter break, the student can wind up with no break at all. This is not a healthy situation. In order for students to return to school refreshed in January, they need time to clear their minds and enjoy two weeks off with no school pressures. A vacation is hardly a vacation if pressure continues. If a teacher feels that homework over break is a must, he or she might consider a small assignment that can be completed in an hour or two, rather than a lengthy assignment demanding hours of work. “Homework over break is meaningless and is not a true assessment of a student’s capabilities because it is usually rushed and done last minute,” junior Shehzad Maniar said. Math teacher Adriana DiazBergnes understands the need for a relaxing winter vacation. “I think there is a time to work and a time to play. And the holidays are a time to play,” she said. Some teachers disagree with this and feel that homework over winter break is necessary. “I believe homework, in moderation, over winter break can be beneficial for reinforcement and retention of previously taught material,” Principal Dawn Baglos said. “I give normal assignments to keep students fresh on curriculum”, agreed math teacher Rosanne Mishan. But, students would be grateful if all teachers would simply give us a break – during winter break.
Lightning Strike • November/December 2012 The The Lightning Strike • September 2008
STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Students should respect school property IN MY OPINION danielle mackson micaha
entertainment editor
Styrofoam trays, plastic bags, and lunch residue are strewn on the ground of the north and south patios. In the bathrooms, stalls are overrun with loose toilet paper, and garbage cans lay sideways on the floor. Krop is our second home where we spend seven hours a day, five days a week. Students wouldn’t trash their real homes, so why do they do it at school? Simply acting respectfully and cleaning up after themselves would drastically improve the campus. It is shocking that a simple two-step walk to a trash can is complex to those students who choose to throw their trash on the ground. Eating lunch outside and not in a crowded cafeteria is a privilege that we take advantage of. In 2011 clubs and honor societies participated in helping
our school environment by decorating trash to spread awareness. Cans are available throughout the patios and hallways yet the school grounds remain filthy. Aside from the patios, the grimy bathrooms can be unbearable. Some students will endure bloated bladders just to avoid using dirty restrooms during school hours. Students who brave the bathrooms during the school day will often discover empty soap dispensers, urine in places besides the toilet, paper-towel filled sinks, clogged toilets, paper-covered floors, and writing on the bathroom walls. “There needs to be more respect for school property,” said custodian Iliana Bonella. DEDICATED TO DIRTY: The photo above was posted to Instagram by “Some boys even pee on the @kropprobzzz, an account dedicated to chronicling obscenities at Krop. In this toilet paper.” picture, a wastebasket has been emptied into the sink. Custodians work daily to maintain bathroom cleanliness, when students recognize they trash around their real home, but they are fighting a losing are the source of havoc and are why won’t they clean up after battle against students who willing to treat their school with themselves in school where are thoughtless and lazy. The respect. they spend a majority of problem can only be solved If students don’t leave their time?
COMMUNICATION
From ‘call me maybe’ to text me maybe IN MY OPINION
brittany chandani micaha
staff writer
Parents say that teens do too much texting. But they do not understand that calling someone is awkward. Random silences, out of pitch voices and the possibility of someone listening are repugnant. With texting, there is more privacy and no unnatural pauses. A person has time to think of how they will respond rather than an immediate blurt out on the phone. Also, you waste 15 seconds while you wait for a friend to pick up their phone. You wonder whether to leave a voicemail as you listen to “robot lady’s” voice, and if you do leave one, it may not be heard. When they finally pick up, your friend begins the conversation with “Hey girl heeeeyyyy, whats gucci!” It is quicker to read than hear. With a text, you do not have to deal with this nonsense. “We’re breaking up,” heard on the phone could either
mean you are driving through a tunnel or your significant other did something quite despicable. However if your phone auto-corrects “haha” to hash browns, you can easily correct this blunder. If you are taking the first bite out of a steamy, guacamole-filled Chipotle burrito, and someone calls, how do you choose? Do you keep savoring the burrito or take the call? What a predicament. If you are at Aventura Mall with your friends and someone calls to read you their literary analysis essay, who has time for that? Text messaging allows for such multitasking, as eating while texting, skimming a picture message while with company or getting a full message across when you have the attention span of a cereal box like I do. On the phone, I always get distracted and
waste minutes and then my mom yaks at me for using up all of the roll over minutes. “Hey, we should hang out on Friday. There’s this thing and….uh….um…hold up.” This abomination would not occur over text. Texting is a more convenient way of communication. Some moments cannot be explained over the phone. Asking your BFF if your butt looks big in the new Pink yoga pants you just bought through a picture message is better than having to call and explain. If your friend is at Shabbat and you need to ask them what the
math homework was without interrupting and having their whole family shun you the next time you meet up at the JCC, text them and they can read it when they are finished. Times have changed. In the United States, phone calls are getting dropped as only 39 percent of teens make daily calls while 63 percent text daily. Teens send about 3000 texts per month, which means about five text messages are typed up per hour. Texting has grown from 14 billion texts in 2000 to 188 billion in 2010. Texting is not just a trend, it is now a lifestyle.
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Entertainment
The Lightning Strike • November/December 2012
9 The Lightning Strike • September Page 2008
MOVIE REVIEW
Lincoln movie falls short
IN MY OPINION dylan steele micaha
staff writer
It is a cold rainy day in 1865, the American Civil war has raged on for four bloody years and the lives of over 600,000 young men have been lost. Abraham Lincoln has just been re-elected President of the United States and another war, one of politics, is about to take center stage in Washington. This is where Lincoln begins. Based on the book Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, the movie follows the president’s fight in the final months of his life to pass a 13th Amendment, making slavery illegal in all lands controlled by the U.S. government. Lincoln is not the kind of I’ve-got-an-hour to kill movie; it is a two-and-half-hour film. The cast is composed of Hollywood A-listers, with Lincoln portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis and a cast that includes Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, Joseph Gordon-
Levitt and James Spader. This is a movie I want to love, but I could not. It has everything, great actors, an interesting plot and great beards throughout. Still, knowing all that, I never got from “Hm, this is good” to “Wow, this is great!” The real problem is where most historical movies go wrong: the history. This movie is called Lincoln, after a man with a long 56-year life who became the 16th U.S. president and most importantly preserved the Union in the American Civil War. Yet, Lincoln only covers the last four months of the President’s life, in which he is not busy making decisions of war strategy, or attempting to preserve the Union, but making decisions of shady political strategy. Spoiler Alert: at the end of the movie, Lincoln dies, but his death is very tacked on. The first two hours and 15 minutes of the movie are the month of January 1865, covering the passage of an amendment, then, all of a sudden, it skips three months and goes to his death. His assassination just feels like
an attempt to add excitement to an otherwise calm and cerebral movie. It is the fact that this is such a small slice of such great man that bothers me. I am not saying the 13th Amendment did not deserve a movie, but, it should have gotten its own movie c a l l e d The 13th Amendment, and let Lincoln be about Lincoln. You want to see all the struggles and battles Lincoln fought through in his life. You want his life story. But instead, you get the smallest taste and frankly, it is a tease. Lincoln was good, but that is the problem, it was just good. When I go to see a movie about one of the most revered and respected men in American history, especially with as much hype as Lincoln got, I expect to have my mind blown. I wanted to come out of that theater
thinking that it was an amazing story of the life of an amazing man, not “Oh well, I got my $11 worth.”
Touchstone Pictures
TV SHOW REVIEW
‘Honey boo boo child’ IN MY OPINION lina zuluaga micaha
staff writer
Who could forget the wonders that reality T.V. shows like Jersey Shore and Toddlers and Tiaras brought to viewers when they first appeared in 2009? Now The Learning Channel (TLC) has a new “family” sitcom that will make you stop and “redneckognize.” Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, is a spin-off from TLC’s infamous Toddlers and Tiaras. The show features Alana Thompson, aka “Honey Boo Boo Child,” and her eccentric family. The matriarchal household includes “Mama” (June), her “baby daddy,” “Sugar Bear,” and daughters “Pumpkin” (Lauryn 12), “Chubbs” (Jessica 15) and “Chickadee” (Anna 17). In the first episode, viewers watched the “Redneck Games,”
which Mama parallels to the Olympics. Yes folks, here you can see the sportsmanship in bobbing for raw pigs’ feet, the extremely competitive belly flop, followed by an optional swim in the redneck pool, a lake that may or may not carry a n
infestation of flesh eating bacteria. However, do not fear! Mama demonstrates her amazing parenting skills by refusing her
daughter’s entrance into the lake, while letting her bob for pigs’ feet. The wealth of knowledge the show offers allows viewers to become fluent in the family’s lingo. Here is a list: 1 . v a jiggle jaggle – a term used to
Santa Rosa Family Lawyer Blog
describe areas of fat on someone’s body 2. neck crust- the fat on someone’s neck; might give the appearance of two chins ( or more). 3. pregnantest- used on “Chickadde,” to describe her state of being the most “pregnant.” 4. seximous/beautimousterms mama and the girls use to describe their attractiveness. Alana ingests caffeinated beverages while her mother describes how much Alana is enjoying it all. When Alana does not win, Mama attributes her tears of loss to a bad day. However, the idea that she was not pretty or good enough to win does not escape Alana. Mama claims that it is all part of the learning experience. She is indeed teaching her daughter how to toughen up and be a good sport. As far as redneckognizing goes, this show is riddled with laugh-out -loud entertainment, while also exploiting a small child who does not know better.
A new kind of music Brittany Chandani staff writer The Trans-Siberian Orchestra takes classics to a new level with a mix of rock music and Christmas tunes in their new tour, “The Lost Christmas Eve.” The unique rock and roll twist on classical songs and supreme light show with the best laser beams create an unforgettable musical experience that most teens are unaware of. The mix of a full orchestra of guitarists, drummers and bassists changes the game of classics as a range of rock sounds coalesce, to play a simple classic like their famous “Carol of the Bells.” The name comes from the Trans-Siberian Railway built in Russia during the Romanov dynasty, in which it provided a relatively safe way of transportation through the harshness of the landscape: the way music connects people safely through harsh times in life. Paul O’Neill and Robert Kinkell, producers of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, wanted to blend their favorite genres of music into a new one. The music came from O’Neill’s experiences as he grew up in New York City. He took the “wow factors” from popular rock bands such as The Who, to create an experience enjoyable for a range of audiences. He also implemented Pink Floyd’s spectacular light show and Broadway’s dramatic acting. The light show features state of the art laser beams, flames and pyrotechnics. Not even those in the nosebleed seats are excluded. This rock and roll and Broadway show combination creates a “rock opera” type performance. A lead guitarist from traditional rock is swapped with a lead violinist, and lead singers must also be actors with a large orchestra using rock as well as classical instruments. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has produced eight albums with a central theme of Christmas and holiday music. Charles Dickens’ tale “The Lost Christmas Eve,” inspired this year’s tour album, which went double platinum. The band has played in over 80 cities, and in this tour, they will be performing 100 concerts in 65 cities.
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Courtney Goodstein co-sports editor After a three hour soccer practice, sophomore Florencia Dadone arrives home to begin homework for two Advanced Placement classes. This is a normal day for her and many other student athletes. “Being a student athlete is an everyday struggle, but you have to find a way to manage,” said Dadone, who is a cross country runner and girls’ soccer player. “I bring all my study materials with me to the game so I can study on the bus ride there and back.” Sports such as soccer, football, baseball, basketball and cheerleading practice every day for at least two hours, leaving athletes mentally and physically exhausted when they go home. “When I would get home from cheerleading practice, I was often too tired to complete my homework, let alone study for my tests,” said senior Jaydah Smith. “I knew about the workload of being a cheerleader before I joined the team, so it was my decision to join.” To play on a sports team, an athlete must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average, but for some athletes such as sophomore Thalita Azevado, the pressure
The Lightning Strike • November/December 2012
became too much to handle. “Missing so much school to go to games definitely affected how I performed in the classroom,” said Azevado. “Even though the classes I missed were only an hour long, I felt like I missed a whole week’s worth of material.” After Azevado’s freshman year, her grade point average dropped below a 2.0 and she became ineligible to play. By taking a Florida Virtual School class, a seventh period class and attending tutoring, she raised her GPA and became eligible again. To help athletes who are struggling with academics, Coach Elizabeth Morgan, along with Michelle Russell initiated a new tutoring program. In the program, Honor Society students will tutor athletes and teachers such as English teacher Jennifer Hershey and coach Ray Thompson will stay after school and on Saturday to supervise students in the computer lab so that they can complete activities such as reading plus. Sports can not only affect an athlete academically, but also physically. “During a game against North Miami Beach last season, I went in for a slide tackle, injuring my knee and my coach would not take me immediately out of the game,” said junior Vanessa
Forero. “Though I was in pain, I knew that the team needed me.” According to Morgan, it is the coach’s job to do what is best for the athlete and they can decide if a player should stay in the game or be pulled out. For sports such as football, mental and physical toughness is at times more important than skill and players often stay in games as to not look weak. “I remember seeing a player get knocked out and he stayed in the game,” said junior varsity coach Sam Cohen. “When the ball was snapped for the next play he stood there frozen; it was really scary to see.” Even though the un-named player recovered fully from his head injury, remaining in games following injuries such as concussions is risky and can result in long term affects such as memory loss, depression and neurological damage that can lead some athletes to have thoughts of suicide. Last year, the school ranked third in athletic GPA and this year, the swim team ranked third among GPA in the state. According to principal Dawn Baglos, “athletics and academics” are among the aspects of our school that we excel in.
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Matthew Isenberg staff writer The baseball team is in trouble this year. Not from a rival team, but from a lack of funds. Until this year, the team raised funds by selling ads to cover equipment, insurance and field maintenance. But this year, funds are low because companies are not buying. Pitcher Efraim Vainstein, a sophomore, said that it is hard to secure ads, as the companies are hesitant to buy them from a high school baseball team. “You have to talk to a lot of people and rejection happens often,” Vainstein says. “And getting
money for the booster club is a lot harder than it seems.” Abby Karr, vice president of the booster club, also says the economy is taking its toll on companies that are willing to buy, plus competition with other schools for ads. “It’s the time of year when middle schools and other high schools are racing to go get ads for their own sports teams, and it makes it much harder to get ads,” said Karr. One ad costs 250 dollars and takes at least a week to acquire, not including the time it takes to make the ads. The team needs to sell the ads or risk playing without proper equipment, field maintenance,
uniforms or insurance. Karr said that this year they are planning to sell cookie dough, do car washes and run a clothing drive. But funds are also not coming in as they have in the past because there are fewer athletes on the team to raise money, which means that there are fewer moms to raise money as well. The season starts late in winter (late January to early February). By then, each player is expected to have 1000 dollars in ads. Some do not even have 100 dollars. The pressure is here, and the race is on to see if they can get these ads before the deadline comes in early January.
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The Lightning Strike • November/December 2012
Michelle Krifgsfeld co-spread editor Twins, bookends, alter ego, unrelated siblings, counterparts and All-Dade Scholar Athletes. All are epithets that describe seniors Adam Tzur and Shira Lossos. They have faced strikingly equivalent challenges and victories in their high school careers. Side by side, they have swum since middle school and years later may receive the award for parallel achievements in academics and athletics. The summer entering eighth grade, Tzur and Lossos watched Michael Phelps at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Inspired by Phelps, they simultaneously decided to swim. Although they were both acquainted with recreational swimming, it was that summer that ignited their devotion for the sport. “Michael Phelps has been my role model since Beijing,” said Lossos. “He seems like he’s got everything figured out, but it’s his giving back to the community that really makes me
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identify with him.” For the past four years, Lossos has taught underprivileged children how to swim at her local community center through a program called Learn to Swim. She has also volunteered at the University of Miami researching HIV positive women and their dietary intakes. Lossos also works with children at JAFCO, Jewish Adoption Foster Care Options. Tzur, an avid scuba diver since the age of ten, joined a Chicago-based organization called DiveHeart. Tzur taught children with disabilities ranging from Down Syndrome to Spina Bifidia how to scuba dive. He believes that children suffering from such restrictions should have the rehabilitative experience of weightlessness in the water. Tzur hopes to open a Miami chapter of DiveHeart. Aside from their humanitarian work, Lossos, president of the Class of 2013, and Tzur, historian of National Honor Society, excel in academics. They have both conquered several Advanced
Placement and honors courses and have maintained GPAs above 3.5. They each won a College Book Award last year and maintained honor roll throughout high school. Their achievements go beyond the classroom. Personally, Lossos has placed either third or fourth place in the 1500 freestyle for four years, while Tzur placed 1st in the 200 freestyle relay, holding the all-time Krop record. But with extraordinary records, both Tzur and Lossos are modest and humble and rarely flaunt their achievements. Excelling in rigorous academics courses during timeconsuming sports seasons lead to social sacrifices. Although they had to miss many social events due to meets, practices and studying for exams, the usually social teenagers believe it was worth it at the end. “When I look back at my high school experience, I won’t regret a thing,” said Tzur. “Winning All-Dade Scholar Athlete along with Shira, would just be an extra reward.”
Feature Page 12
The Lightning Strike • November/December 2012
PENMANSHIP
Students benefit from learning to write in cursive Christina Carucci co-copy editor
Students who took the PSAT last October were caught by surprise when the test read “Must sign. Do not print.” Anxiously looking around the classroom, at least half of the students were left without an option. They signed the test agreement the best they could, mostly in some sort of print. With technology becoming the more demanding way of completing assignments, the importance of writing cursive seems minimal. Assignments are typed, notes are taken on iPads. Rarely does a student choose pen and paper over a keyboard and computer. Nevertheless, the question must be raised: should cursive remain part of the curriculum? Frances Green, a third grade teacher at Sunny Isles Beach K-8 school, stresses the influence cursive writing has on a student’s education. Until this year, cursive writing was not included in the third grade curriculum, and it is still only part of the first nine weeks syllabus. Being a teacher for 30 years, Green says whether or not cursive is part of the curriculum, she teaches it. That is how relevant it is. “ As a teacher, I personally feel cursive writing is an indication of fine education. Imagine not being able to put your ‘John
Hancock’ on a piece of paper. It was always a part of the third grade curriculum, and should continue to be. Unfortunately, not all teachers teaching, can write in cursive.” Some see cursive as a waste of time when even signatures are sometimes digitized; however, the benefits of learning cursive
“
As a teacher, I personally feel cursive writing is an indication of fine education. Imagine not being able to put your ‘John Hancock’ on a piece of paper. - Frances Green at an early age are significant. Research shows that there is a connection between cursive writing and brain development. Gripping a pen or pencil and practicing the swirls of cursive writing activates the brain and leads to an increase in language fluency. It also increases speed in note taking. According to a study done by R. Shadmehr and H. Holcomb of John Hopkins University, brain activity changes in reaction to physical instruction, such as cursive handwriting. By practicing motor skills, knowledge becomes
more stable. One student spoke of her difficulty to write cursive when taking the SAT. “ It took me about 15 minutes to sign the agreement and make it look decent. I was taught cursive in elementary school but, because I haven’t used it in a while, I wasn’t fluent in writing it,” junior Katherine Zheveleva said. Cursive writing is simply a matter of forming lines in a certain way just like learning how to write manuscript for the first time. It is a beneficial skill students that should be taught in elementary school and continue to use afterwards. Writing will remain a necessity even in the midst of a technological era. “Regardless of technology, you still have to write,” Green said. “How will you sign a car loan? I started writing in cursive the first day of school so my third graders can at least recognize the words. They think it’s cool, so why not teach them?” Cursive handwriting also shows intelligence and personality, especially when you can write a note to someone or write an essay in class. Even though you might not have learned cursive in third grade, it is not too late to learn. That way, the next time you read “Must sign. Do not print.” you will be able to successfully make your mark.
AFFIRMATION
Lander cycles his way to acceptance Mackenzie Duffy guest writer History teacher Thomas Lander has traveled to places like Mongolia, England and Germany. The trip that changed his life the most was a 21-day bike from Miami to New York. Before going into teaching, or learning to be at one with himself, Lander tried to become a Catholic priest. During the final stages, he was asked whether or not he was a homosexual. Lander did not have an immediate answer, causing him to make the long bike trip to chase after the answer. Over the course of 21 days, Lander pedaled through seven states and ended his journey in New York after beginning in Florida. He set out on this journey in search of himself, and as he prayed to God and sang gospel songs, he began to feel at peace with himself and who he was. At the end of his travels, he came to accept that he was a gay man. Like many struggling with their sexuality, the biggest factor holding Lander back from selfacceptance and peace was fear.
fact or fiction?
Are Mr. Feilich and Dr. Buncher opening a bookstore to tutor in? FICTION: “It’s unfortunate that Barnes and Noble is closing. Students don’t have a good place to study and get review books. A place to hang out and get smart is gone.” - Gary Feilich
Does Mr. Kelly have a Shakespeare tattoo? FACT: “I was dating someone 1,000 years ago who had a tattoo, and I decided to get one. I’m not really a tattoo person, but I decided to get a tattoo of the greatest playwright of all time.” - Michael Kelly
COURTESY OF THOMAS LANDER
BIKE TREK: History teacher Thomas Lander bikes 1,371 miles from Florida to New York as a personal goal. Lander considered stopping at one point, but realized he would not have a ride back.
“Fear robs people of amazing opportunities,” he said. Fear was the main reason holding Lander back because of his strong ties to his religion and the religious community. After finding peace with himself, Lander believed he could save them from their fears. “President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, ‘we
have nothing to fear but fear itself,’” Lander said. Lander makes his classroom a friendly and safe environment for students of any sexual orientation. Every day during lunch, he bounces through the hallways, greeting former students and their friends, checking to see how the school year is going and how they are feeling.
“I love kids and I love teaching,” he said. Mongolia, England and Germany, all places that people travel to in order to explore the world, as well as themselves. Thomas Lander took a 21day bike trip along the eastern United States, enjoying every sight he saw and finding acceptance as a gay man.
Is Mrs. Otero pregnant? FACT: “Yes, it’s true. I’m due June 11, 2013. Hopefully I’ll be here for the whole school Compiled by Brittany Chandani year.” - Lolitha Otero Compiled by Brittany Chandani
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The Lightning Strike • November/December 2012 ACHIEVEMENT
Manfredi moves up to head counselor Brittany Chandani staff writer Hidden behind stacks of paper surrounding her crowded desk, Sandra Manfredi seems like the average, overworked counselor. But when she interacts with students, she shines as the new head counselor. Manfredi has 23 years of experience in Miami-Dade County, with 11 of them here. She taught social studies at Miami Carol City and at Turner Tech until she transferred to Krop as a counselor. When Principal Dawn Baglos asked her to take charge as head counselor, Manfredi was not sure it was the right move. “I was hesitant because I saw the type of work it entailed and the responsibilities,” Manfredi said. “I agreed, and I am glad to work with the administration.” Manfedi organizes department meetings, student schedules, subject selections and senior events, all while counseling 300 students. Additionally, she is the co-facilitator of the Student Voices Program, previously known as Heritage Panel, it is a program in which students hold presentations about bullying and discrimination. Manfredi, along with Melissa Falco-diaz and Lisa Lamonica, trains 20 to 25 students each year to become panelists and present their life experiences when they faced discrimination and how
COMMUNITY
Juniors and seniors lend a helping hand through YAMI Matthew Isenberg staff writer
ABIGAIL DUFFY
RESPONSIBILITIES: Head counselor Sandra Manfredi speaks to a student about class changes. Manfredi started as a social studies teacher, but went on to earn a degree in counseling because she wanted to make a difference.
their race or looks have caused these harsh experiences. She has trained 47 students so far. Manfredi says she is the “frontline” or the face of the department, as she sees many students and parents when other counselors are unavailable. She is the first one to go to when issues arise at Krop. Although Manfredi faces difficulties in handling all of her multiple responsibilities, she is grateful for her department’s support. She said that Stephanie Turnipseed, the previous head counselor, was the testing chair and helped her step into the job as Turnipseed was very organized, which is a main component of being head counselor. Grace Lopez, the registrar is also one of Manfredi’s VIP. She could not do her job without Lopez. “Sometimes things just come
at you,” Manfredi said. “You have to do this, review this, all by this date. You have to stop what you’re doing to handle something else.” Despite all of the work and stress, Manfredi says there are some perks to the job. “I remember when I parked in my usual spot,” said Sandra Manfredi. “A counselor came up to me and said ‘Isn’t this is your spot?”, and she pointed to one of the first ones that said ‘Student Services’, and I said ‘Oh! Didn’t realize it.’” Enjoyment drives Manfredi and her kind and caring qualities help her connect with students. “I’m very fortunate to have a job I enjoy,” Manfredi said. “When working with students, you see how you help them. It’s all about the kids. Directly or indirectly, if I can make things better for students as a whole, it’s all worth it.”
former mentor who also went to Krop, and thought it would be a rewarding experience. Every Monday from 4-5 “I am very happy to be p.m., junior Lucia Pierson working with Claudine because meets with her mentee, I'm sure we'll learn a lot from freshman Claudine Girard, to each other,” Pierson said. "It help her with her school and feels so great to care for someone social life. This is part of the like this." Jewish Community Center's Pierson has helped Girard mentoring program, called the with her math work and the YouthAide Mentoring Initiative effect on her grade has been (or YAMI), where juniors and noticeable. seniors from different schools Mentees are happy with help freshmen with their daily the program. Freshman Lucy life for an hour a day. Esperanza says that her mentor, The program, which sophomore Laura Katz, has started three years ago, has benefited her tremendously. helped teens and pre-teens “She helped me to be myself with problems that they do not and I feel more confident with feel they can turn to anyone my work and life with else for help. This her at my side,” includes Girard, who Esperanza said. expressed her "Before I had satisfaction no one to talk to with the about my problems experience. and feelings with, “Lucia has so it was like I had helped me a lot a big sister “She’s given with my schoolwork in my me tips and has and my grades have l i f e assisted me really improved that I whenever since beginning the never had I asked for program,” Girard said. before." her help.” “She’s given me tips Now going and has assisted me two months strong, the -Claudine whenever I asked for her program will continue to Girard help.” move forward by helping Pierson heard about teenagers from Dade to the program from a Broward.
ECOLOGY
Students revive environmental garden Abigail Duffy photo and co-copy editor In the corner of the garden, two small kittens huddle up underneath a thick layer of weeds that remained rooted all summer, the man-made pond in the back of the garden clouded with dense green algae. The once thriving oasis where the kittens were born took a turn for the worse over the break until science teacher David Twitchell, student volunteers and SSEA members united to bring the garden back to life.
Compared to how the garden looked before the cleanup, there was a “drastic” change and it looks worlds better.
JAMIE ODZER
CLEANUP: (From left to right) Senior Thierry Adrien, freshman Adar Reed and sophomore Joseph Levy work together to bring the environmental garden back to its former glory. The garden usually has a makeover every year by environmental science students, but this year it was led by David Twitchell and Students Spreading Environmental Awareness (SSEA).
-Jamie Odzer For years, the school’s garden was monitored by environmental science teacher Sue Green and was a natural haven open to
students to enjoy in their free time. Green retired last year and left the garden’s maintenance in Twitchell’s hands. But keeping the garden in working order is
a tough job for just one person. Junior Jamie Odzer, the co-president of the school’s SSEA (Students Spreading Environmental Awareness)
organization, said that the club wanted to help Twitchell restore the garden. To assist Twitchell, 30 people, including his own
students, SSEA members and other volunteers stayed after school to clean up the garden. To begin to get the garden back to how it was under Green’s care, the volunteers pulled weeds to make room for new plants, organized gardening tools and removed the algae from the pond that was once home to coy fish and pond slider turtles. Compared to how the garden looked before the cleanup, Odzer said that there was a “drastic” change and it looks worlds better. As incentives to attend the cleanup, science teacher Avonelle Lewis offered her students extra credit if they pitched in to help and SSEA promised community service hours to those who attended. And in the corner of the garden, two small kittens sleep under the cover of trees that sway in the breeze, the man-made pond is crystal clear and the soil is ready to be planted with vegetable plants and flowers. Thanks to the work done by Twitchell and his team, students have regained their natural haven and the kittens now have a lovely place to call home.
Science & Health Page 14
The Lightning Strike • November/December 2012
SCHOOL PROGRAM
HIP educates freshmen on health issues Blake Mars news editor When comprehensive health education was eliminated in 2008, it was a “big mistake.” As a replacement for a health class requirement to graduate high school, the Health Information Project (HIP) is now incorporated into all ninth grade physical education classes. HIP is a nonprofit organization that educates teenagers about health issues, from reproductive health to drug abuse, and assists them in accessing community health resources. But what distinguishes HIP from the average health class is peer-to-peer education that focuses on interactive discussions, games and scenarios. HIP was introduced to Krop last spring when students met with HIP founder, Risa Berrin, and discussed the need for adequate health education. When creating the HIP
program, Berrin knew from first-hand experience that youth often make poor decisions that have detrimental consequences on their bodies and do not know where to access health resources. She decided the most effective means of getting this information across to young people was through a studentled program. Theses students, known as Peer Health Educators (PHEs), attended a full day training workshop with sponsors Michelle Russell and Elizabeth Morgan that included classroom management, public speaking and the HIP curriculum. After training for the first module, the PHEs were divided into groups of three or four to teach all periods of ninth grade physical education. During the first session, ninth graders were introduced to the program and filled out anonymous “Have you ever” surveys related to the HIP curriculum: mental health, reproductive health, relationships, drugs, alcohol and
TRENDS
tobacco, nutrition, exercise and obesity. PHE Olivia Sacks was astonished by the results of the surveys. “Their responses helped confirm that health education is crucial, and it needs to start when people are young,” Sacks said. At the end of the session, students submitted anonymous questions on any health-related topic to the Black Box to be answered by professionals and posted on the HIP Facebook and Twitter. The program recognizes that PHEs are not trained health professionals, and therefore cannot give out medical advice. “Although the material we teach might seem basic, a lot of it is new to people, and if the program can make a difference in at least one kid’s life, then it’s a success,” PHE Daniel Egozi said. The HIP program also emphasizes the interactive HIP website, which offers reliable, reputable and free health
ABIGAIL DUFFY
INFORMING: Junior Kyle Lampkin instructs other HIP members on how to discuss HIV and AIDS with students.
information and local health resources. In addition to the classroom workshops and website, HIP’s third component is a schoolwide campaign that encourages students to use local health clinics and receive yearly wellness checkups. PHEs will hang up banners, hand out giveaways and broadcast the slogan, “Be Smart, Be Healthy,
Be HIP.” As of now, it is too early to determine HIP’s impact on students, according to Russell and Morgan. “But we see that kids are thinking about their decisions, and its obvious through the Black Box questions,” Russell said. For more information on HIP, visit the website, www. behip.org.
HEALTH
The tea craze ‘School is killing me’ Tayla Gebara staff writer
Our history with tea has been a hostile one. However, we have come a long way from pushing precious amounts of cargo into a harbor. America’s customs for drinking tea has differed from most cultures in the world. Whether this dates back to our colonial history or because of the China’s ban on exports to America that made Green tea unattainable until the band was lifted in 1971. Americans are primarily coffee drinkers. However, tea is still popular, only it is primarily consumed cold as sweet tea or iced tea and is usually associated with hot days, classic American dinners, and southern hospitality. In contrast to, traditional afternoon tea like in Britain, or Tea breaks in South Africa. In fact, 80% of the tea Americans consume is cold or iced. But more so now, hot tea is a common alternative for coffee in the mornings. At night, herbal or decaffeinated teas are used for winding down and going to sleep. Even more so, friends will meet up over chai tea lattes in coffee shops or cups of tea at home. Tea is noted as being one of the healthiest drinks in the world. With antioxidants, being twice as hydrating as water, mild
Michael Behfar co-spread editor
ORI YEHEZKELY
OBSESSED: Junior Ori Yehezkely shows her well organized tea collection.
amounts of caffeine and virtually no calories, the benefits of tea are unprecedented. Tea also contains polyphones that are linked to fighting Parkinson’s disease and cancer. The versatility of the drink is an added bonus, skilled growers and blenders can create a variety of different flavorful mixtures to choose. From black, green, white and herbal with added herbs and spices. Common flavors like Chai, Earl Grey and fruit mixtures are common basic blends of tea. Stores like Teavana and Adagio allow you to become your own blender and mix a variety of basic teas and premade blends. But if that is not something you are ready for, bagged and pre made loose leaf teas are readily available anywhere. Our culture may not serve tea for every occasion or take tea breaks like in Japan or South Africa, or be the most cherished and patriotic drink like in the United Kingdom, but tea culture is growing in America.
Just 30 miles away from Krop last month, a Coral Reef High School student died from an infection called bacterial meningitis. The disease is highly contagious and is spread by touching objects such as desks and door handles. Two males in South Florida, including the Coral Reef student, have succumbed to it already. Without soap in some bathrooms, the few teachers who keep anti-bacterial wipes and bottles of hand sanitizer are all that defend us from the infection. Reading teacher Linda Wills is one of them. “If you have flulike symptoms or a fever, make sure you go to the emergency room because [bacterial meningitis] is very contagious,” said Wills. D V T ( D e e p - Ve i n Thrombosis), a type of blood clot, is also a potential risk due to extended periods of inactivity in school. However, science teacher Lincing Hernandez believes that the act of denying students the right to use the
restroom when they need to is even more dangerous. Holding one’s bladder can stretch the tissue, causing the body to lose sense of when it is full. In addition, a full bladder is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to urinary infections. Because teachers are frugal with passes out of class, students often do not ask to drink from a water fountain. Students should drink two to three liters of water a day or face the physical consequences including dizziness, weakness or severe headaches. If a student finds his or herself feeling queasy, depressed or anxious when
entering a classroom, they may be affected by Pavlovian Conditioning. Physical responses can be triggered by stimuli from noises to a colors. If most of the experiences had in a specific classroom are negative, then the student is conditioned to feel uncomfortable whenever entering this classroom. This can be caused by intimidating teachers, peer pressure or a rigorous course. School can be a dangerous place. The best way to stay healthy is to be aware of the potential hazards and prepare accordingly. Hand washing, periodic exercise and a small bottle of hand sanitizer can save lives.
Photo Illustration by Maddie Garfinkle
The Lightning Strike • November/December 2012
Science & Health Page 15
LIFESTYLE
Meat the vegans Local flavor Talya Gebara staff writer
Vegans get their fair share of criticisms. They are too preachy or their lifestyles are lacking, but that could be because the lifestyle seems unrealistic without the proper information. The exclusion of meat products may be hard enough, but to go without all animal products is an extraordinary feat for most. That would mean no dairy for cheese or chocolate, no honey or eggs and especially not gelatin, a common ingredient in most snack foods. With this level of restrictions some people may ask, “What can I eat?” The answer is a variety of foods. The trick to entering the vegan lifestyle is substituting certain ingredients for vegan friendly meals. Freshman Claudine Girard became a vegan this year for her health.
“When I was pescetarian (Doesn’t eat meat, just fish) I would only eat junk food and became very anemic,” Girard said. “But since I’ve become a vegan, I have to be a lot more disciplined so I get sick less often.” Still, it might be hard to believe that someone could be healthy while cutting out so much of his or her diet. “My mom thinks I’m not getting enough food without meat, or I’m just not eating,” she said. “But I eat a lot.” Claudine will eat pita bread and hummus for breakfast, vegan friendly sandwiches for lunch and options like vegan pasta and sauce for dinner. When becoming a vegan you must know your options. People have different preferences when choosing substitutes for food that could determine texture, taste and nutritional value. Dairy can be replaced by plant-based milk
such as soy, coconut, or almond to make cheese or yogurt. Tofu or beans are a substitute for foods like eggs, or meat for protein. Having substitutions on hand for snacking or cooking will make the transition easier. Many associate veganism as a way of acting on the belief using animal products is cruel, or harmful. But many benefits go hand in hand to changing lifestyles. When the task of breaking down animal products is cut by eliminating that need, the body can have a lot more energy for daily life. Veganism has also been cited for curing daily problems, such as migraines as well as preventing bigger diseases like cancer. But there are reasons why becoming a vegan may not be the best decision. Some people experience a drop in iron or anemia, a direct effect of diet. And while careful planning may fill the holes in a diet that becoming a vegan causes, supplying your body with enough essential oils, vitamins and proteins may still prove difficult.
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TECHNOLOGY
Students create new app Alec Eidelstein business manager
With a mixture of talent and skill, seniors Stephen Wittels and Benjamin Englard created a non-profit app that makes students’ lives easier. They call it “iGradeit.” iGradeit’s main function is to calculate your grade, just like the student portal. You can enter your class name, input the weight of the assignment and the grade you ABIGAIL DUFFY got, and it will average out your GPA in the class. It also serves INNOVATORS: Steven Wittles and Benjamin Englard show enthusiasm for their as a future grade simulator. For new app. instance if you are looking to get an A in your class and you development framework for because they were made for you, have a high B, you can submit some of the most popular phones the typical high school student,” said Englard. “We also plan on the weight of your releasing the app on the Android upcoming assignment market pretty soon.” and it will let you know We definitely encourage iGradeit is only offered to what you need in order everyone to download our students at Krop, but they hope to get that A. to extend it to different school “I had the idea last apps because they were systems within the next year. year in March, and made for you, the typical Another new app that is releasing we started working soon, iQuadsolve, can solve any on it this summer,” high school student. quadratic equation for both real said Wittels. “Our first -Benjamin Englard and imaginary roots. version released early “With iGradeit, I knew that I in October.” needed to get an 87 or higher to Englard has been researching how to make iPhone in the market and just started to go from a C to a B in my Algebra II class,” said junior Karen apps since 7th grade. Last year play around with it. he discovered the Corona DSK, “We definitely encourage Garcia. “I use the app for all of which is the leading mobile everyone to download our apps my classes now.”
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Sports Page 17
The Lightning Strike • November/December 2012 PROFILE
Football star scores scholarships by Elisa Schonfeld staff writer Athletic scholarships are tough to receive, especially when you are a sophomore. Jovon Durante has already received five scholarships for football from FIU, Clemson University, Missouri University, Ole Miss University and Tennessee University. “I went to college tours, and saw divisional schools,” Durante said. “It made me get the mindset of winning, and compete in the next level.” Durante thinks the reason he received these scholarships was the way he caught the ball, the yard distance and the amount of touchdowns he made while playing. To improve his game, Durante runs track in off season and everyday after school he goes to the weight room. Though receiving these scholarships may be overwhelming, Durante has received advice from his brother Johnnie. “He told me do not get too bigheaded and never get overconfident,” said Durante. Johnnie graduated in 2011 and received a full athletic scholarship from FIU.
Durante has had some rough patches while playing football. Last year, during the second game of the season, he dislocated his shoulder and had a concussion. He felt discouraged and had to leave the team. “It happened all at once. I picked up an offguard block and then all momentum shifted,” said Durante. “I felt like I didn’t have a concussion, I wanted to get up and play but I knew it would be worse.” Durante’s favorite thing about football is how he feels when he hits his contact. It takes away his anger and stress.
Durante remembered the first time he won a one-onone game of football against his brother. He won after he picked up a block and scored. Football is not the only sport played by Durante. When he is not playing football, Durante runs track. “I haven’t received any scholarships for it yet, but it’s going to happen.” Managing athletics is not a problem for Durante. After his many accomplishments, Durante tries his best to stay level headed. He keeps working hard and tries to do everything to the best of his ability.
Running for a cause Coach Schiffman, Latessa and Morgan, along with Healthy Generation encourage students to run for a good cause. For their final 5K of the year, Healthier Generation along with “Shape up with Schiffy” were in the holiday spirit. The goal of the 5K was to stock the shelves at the Ronald McDonald House for the holiday season, while still exercising. In order to participate, each person had to bring one item on the Ronald McDonald House Wish List. The items on the list included cleaning products, gift cards, canned foods, cereal, board games and stuffed animals. “Helping families is a great feeling, and I try to do it as much as possible,” said Coach Schiffman, who also cooked Thanksgiving dinner for families at the Ronald McDonald House. If you could not attend the 5K but would still like to donate, see Coach Morgan to drop off your donation. -Courtney Goodstein
ABIGAIL DUFFY COURTNEY GOODSTEIN
PHYSICALLY FIT: Coach Schiffman along with other runners pose for a picture after completing the 5K. This was the final run of the year.
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Sports Page 18
Lightning Strike • November/December 2012 The The Lightning Strike • September 2008
HIGHLIGHTS
Recap of Fall Sports Football
Boys’ Swimming
RECEPTION: Sophomore Jovan Durante leaps in the air to make the catch.
Record: 6-6 Lost in District Playoffs
Boys’ Cross Country
SPRINT: Freshmen Spencer Tate sprints to the finish as his race comes to an end.
Won the district title and advanced to regionals.
BACKSTROKE: Senior Nicholas Coard gets a head start in his preliminary event.
Five swimmers made regionals and one made states.
Girls’ Swimming
FREESTYLE: Freshman Valentina Gamburd leaps off the block to start her race.
Five swimmers made regionals
Golf
Girls’ Cross Country
SPRINT: Sophomore Jala El-Biali begins to pick up the pace as her race comes to a close.
Lost in disctricts but still sent runners to regionals.
PUTT: Junior Tyler Sloman looks to finish off the hole with his putter.
One golfer advanced to regionals.
Girls’ Volleyball
SET: Junior Alyssa Mora attempts to set the ball for her teammate.
Record: 5-9 Lost in District Playoffs
Bowling
STRIKE: Junior Shana Murphy puts her ball on track for a strike.
One bowler made it to state finals.
HEALTH
New weightlifting class raises the bar
Taylor Rosenblat guest writer Previously, weight training classes have been primarily for males, but no longer. Coaches Caron Schiffman, Elizabeth Morgan and Krista Latessa now offer the same opportunity for their female students, and they can now work out without worrying about the boys. “It wasn’t only our effort, some girls actually came to us and asked for their own period of weight training just for
them,” said Schiffman. “We can never say no to getting fit.” The coaches loved the idea of giving the girls time to work out alone. “Some girls want to work out without being bothered by any nonsense,” said Schiffman. “It gives them a great chance to get in shape on their own, with the help of the coaches.” The weight room used by the girls is out-dated, but the girls make good use of what they have. Schiffman says “the girls work harder and get better results on their own without the
boys around to make them feel uncomfortable. They take pride in the class and love being able to get in shape.” Some of the students taking the class are athletes who wanted to get stronger, while others just wanted to get in shape. Overall, the coaches see that it is helping girls boost their self confidence. “It was about equal opportunity,” said coach Schiffman. “I think creating this class was an effective idea for the girls and we will definitely be continuing this class in the upcoming years.”
ABIGAIL DUFFY
WORKOUT: Coach Schiffman works on shoulder presses with her weightlifting class.
The Lightning Strike • November/December 2012
ON CAMPUS EVENTS
Bulletin Board Page 19
EASY SUDOKU
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 Varsity Boys’ Soccer (Home) 2:00 pm- against North Miami Varsity Girls’ Soccer (Home) 2:00 pm- against North Miami
TUESDAY-THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18-20 Senior Breakfast Tickets on sale- Activities Office
MONDAY-FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24- JANUARY 7 Winter Break Vacation
SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS
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COMIC
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Through the Lens Page 20
The Lightning Strike • November/December 2012
Top Unpublished Photos of 2012 1.
Assistant Principal Daniel Ponkey stands next to the dunk tank during Water Wednesday. This is Ponkey’s first year at the school and his first Spirit Week.
2. History teacher Thomas Lander at the
Homecoming football game. Lander is often an outrageous supporter of school events, even dressing up as a clown during Halloween.
3. Principal Dawn Baglos and Regina
Rosenfield meet with the Silver Knight nominees. In total, the school has won over 29 Silver Knight awards.
1
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2
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