October Issue 2012

THE

Lightning Strike Taking Miami-Dade by Storm

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

October 31, 2012 • Issue 2 • Volume 15

Aventura parents charter for new high school Blake Mars news editor Aventura parents in favor of the creation of a charter high school for Aventura residents attended a town hall meeting on Thursday, October 4.

The meeting was requested

by Aventura Mayor Susan Gottlieb and hosted by MiamiDade School Board member Martin Karp in the Aventura Government Center.

Superintendent Alberto Carvalho was in attendance

and opened the meeting with a request for voters to approve the bond referendum on November 6. According to Carvalho, funds from the bond will be used to enhance school safety, improve access to technology and offer a suitable teaching and learning environment for school employees and students.

“Our kids deserve it,” Carvalho said. “There is no time to waste.”

However, Frida Lapidot, president of the Parents For Aventura Charter High School

Association, has alternate plans.

Since October 2011, Lapidot has been at the helm of a grass roots movement for a charter high school and has collected more than 2,100 signatures.

Lapidot has two daughters that attend Aventura’s K-8 charter facility known as Aventura City of Excellence School (ACES). She believes so strongly in the success of ACES that she implored the Aventura City Commission to construct a charter high school.

After Carvalho spoke of the

bond referendum, Lapidot initiated the question-answer session with her plea for an Aventura charter high school. She addressed the “overpopulation in our schools,” while making herself clear that this “has nothing to do with Krop.” Yet Lapidot says that MKHS is not large enough to accommodate students from North Miami Beach, Highland

► see “CHARTER” page 2

FIGHT THE POWER: Aventura elementary and middle school students rally support for a charter high school. Children attended the meeting with their parents and came geared with signs to further their cause.

BLAKE MARS

United Way: small coins forge great change The Change for Change: Class Penny Wars was held from October 22-25 as part of United Way week hosted by SGA. Glass jars labeled with classes’ names (seen right) were displayed during lunch for students to place coins in their respective jars.

Pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters served as positive points, while bills placed in the jars were negative and decreased the classes’ points.

United Way stresses tactics in which a community can prosper: education, income and health. The organization

works to support programs that address these areas, engaging people in their community, advocating better policies and generating resources.

Throughout the month of October, a variety of activities were planned to raise money for United Way, including a pep rally and a Halloween dress up day in which students payed $2 to wear costumes to school for Halloween on October 31. Also, administrators will be submerged in a dunk tank on Water Wednesday, which has been postponed to November 7 due to weather conditions.

-Elisa Schonfeld BLAKE MARS

SENIOR TRAINS FOR

TRACK OLYMPICS

page 17

Election 2012: An inside look at the candidates

pages 10 & 11

CLUBS

Magnet branches unite in F.A.M.E. Clarissa Buch managing editor Since freshman year, Lyndall Vickers has dedicated himself to band and orchestra through the Star Magnet program. Now a senior, Vickers has incorporated his love for music and the Magnet program into a club called F.A.M.E. But the club did not happen overnight.

Towards the end of Vickers’ junior year, he visited Ives Dairy Middle School to pursue a community service project that would use music to develop vocabulary skills. He wanted to create songs from vocabulary books to help students remember words. However, that plan fell through and left Vickers to find an alternate route for his project.

So he turned his attention to annual Visions concert, sponsored by the Magnet program. He would promote the event and establish a “Visions Committee” with three students from each magnet strand.

According to Vickers, Magnet chair Mirtha Funcia suggested expanding his idea into a club that would promote all of Magnet, not just Visions. So during their first official meeting, the “Visions Committee” morphed into Fine Arts Magnet Entertainment, also known as F.A.M.E. F.A.M.E is now an afterschool interest club that combines visual arts, band, chorus, drama and dance magnet programs into one group. They sponsor activities and fundraisers for Magnet and non-Magnet students.

“We really just wanted to give the strands an opportunity to come together, because usually they don’t have an opportunity,” Funcia said.

Even though this is F.A.M.E.’s first year, they have appeared multiple times on the North and South patios during lunch and have planned a “Thriller” dance for Halloween that will take place October 30 during lunch. “Thriller” is part of “F.A.M.E. Fridays” where a different magnet strand performs during lunch on the last Friday of each month.

Gabriela Gomez, vice-president of F.A.M.E., explained that their main goal is to refocus Magnet and inspire students through the arts as well as athletics.

“F.A.M.E. is not only based on performances,” said Vickers.

“It is a way for the arts to interact with the community.”

More Inside: •

Krop’s size fosters diversity- page 5

•

Cruel Summer: Review- page 7

•

Profile on Rosenfield- page 12

News

tops Page 2

KROP’S

The following students received awards at the Speech and Debate Tournament on October 13: 1st Place in Varsity Congress: Ross Piper 1st Place in Novice Congress: Elias Rosenfeld 2nd Place in Novice Congress: Joshua Herman 3rd Place DUO: Jessie Fernandez and Brett Curtis 4th Place in DUO: Ileana Martinez and Kaila Fives Senior Louis Biondolillo is one of the top ten winners in Miami Dade County for the 2012 Do The Right Thing Award.

Congratulations to the following senior Scholars: National Merit Semi-Finalist Gabi Hassonn Alexis Winer National Achievement Scholarship Semi-Finalist Audi Barnes National Merit Commended Scholars Benjamin Englard Elianne Klein Nicolas E. Kuzak Massiel Leiva Matthew N. Lewin Shira Lossos Bruno Lulinski Joaquin Osio-Norgaard Federico Rozenberg Adam Tzur Junior Clarissa Buch was named the district representative for the FSPA state journalism convention in April 2013.

The newly elected Class of 2016 officers: President Alexis Burnett Vice President Stefanie Levy Treasurer Sara Eghtessadi Corresponding Secretary Valentina Lustgarten Recording Secretary Stephanie Serfaty Senator Arie Akinin The 2012 Homecoming Court was announced at the dance on October 6: King and Queen Jamal King Jayda Hall Prince and Princess Christian Medina Serenity Roscoe Duke and Duchess Dante Wilson Faith Michel Lord and Lady Denzel Gelin Lorraine Smith Compiled by Blake Mars

Lightning Strike • October2008 2012 The LightningThe Strike • September

From local to global:

What’s going on around the world?

UNITED STATES: As Hurricane Sandy has barreled towards the east coat, the New York Stock Exchanged was closed for weather related reasons for the first time in 27 years. President Obama has declared a state of emergency in 7 states and D.C., and public schools have been closed for Monday in eight states.

ISRAEL: The United States and Israeli militaries have launched a three week joint military exercise which will include 3,500 U.S. and 1,000 Israeli troops. The long-planned operation comes as the world grapples with the standoff over Iran’s nuclear programme.

JAPAN: Eighteen months after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, workers are saying that they cannot find room to store the 200,000 tonnes of water being used to cool the failed reactors, and the radioactive water may be contaminating the underground water system.

MEXICO: Workers have begun protests across Mexico against proposed labour reforms, which are aimed to create thousands of new jobs. Workers, however, say they will be forced to accept lower wages and will not be able to afford to pay their bills.

CHINA: After a week of protesting and several clashes with police, the construction of a planned $8.9 billion petrochemical plant has been halted. Although authorities have said the project has been canceled, protests continue in the city of 7.6 million people.

UNITED KINGDOM: The third quarter economic data was released for the U.K. this week showing that the country is coming out of the recession. On the back of the Summer Olympics the country recorded growth of 1.0 percent, the highest quarterly growth in over five years. sources: Reuters.com BBC.com

Compiled by Dylan Steele

TEACHER FEATURE

Virtual school substitute masters students in real-time Courtney Goodstein co-sports editor

At 7:25 a.m., substitute teacher Riteau Jean-Louis begins to take attendance for his first period economics class of 50 students.

Growing up in Haiti, JeanLouis always wanted to be a teacher because he thought it would be the best way to make a difference.

“Being a teacher you can do a lot to help your society and students get on the right path in life,” said Jean-Louis.

Before moving to the United States, Jean Louis attended a university in Haiti where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He then earned a degree in Technical Engineering at the Technical School of Electronics in New York and City College.

“I worked for Motorola as a bench technician for seven years FLVS: Last issue, The Lightning Strike reported on overcrowding in virtual school classes as well as a lack of computers for the approximately 60 students in the class. Since then, the administration has taken out desktops lining classroom walls, and brought in over 60 laptops, provided by the school district, one for each student.

Meanwhile, the school has now separated the large virtual school classes into honors and regular classes.

However, they simply split the classes into two semi-distinct rooms, both remaining under the supervision of one facilitator, Riteau Jean Louis. “Now, everyone has what they need to do their work”, explains Jean Louis. For that reason, the administration regards the problem as resolved.

-Arie Hariton

until the company relocated to Malaysia,” said Jean Louis, who discussed his life before becoming a teacher.

While living in Haiti, he taught mathematics and in 2004 he worked in Broward County schools during the day and evenings at the North Miami Adult Center.

In 2007, he started at Krop as a substitute teacher and this year he [Jean-Louis] was assigned as the substitute teacher for six virtual school classes averaging 50 students each.

“I feel okay about the job I am doing,” said Jean-Louis. “Having so many students every day is a challenge.”

Yet Jean-Louis is frustrated about seeing students not do their required work, knowing the consequences. For example, students are given the opportunity to complete their virtual school

during the day, but he sees students listening to their iPods.

Being a teacher for eight years, Jean-Louis’s new role has shed new light on the hardships of being a substitute.

“When you are a teacher you see the same students every day, but when you are a substitute you have new students every day and have to handle so many different personalities,” said Jean-Louis.

“Being a substitute is a lot harder than being a teacher.”

Although Jean-Louis has been teaching for nearly a decade, he feels the impact a teacher can have on a student’s life never gets old.

“When you are involved in education, you always have the opportunity to offer advice to students,” said Jean Louis. “Having students come up to me years later saying that I influenced them is the most gratifying part of the job.”

BLAKE MARS

Aventura residents call for charter high school “CHARTER” from front page Lakes, Skylake, Ives Estates and Aventura.

Carvalho responded by stating that Krop’s population has in fact decreased by over 1000 students since the opening of Alonzo and Tracy Mourning High four years ago. What can be done, according to the superintendent, is to renovate our schools that already exist—Krop being one of them.

“Capacity amplification can only be achieved through passing the bond,” Carvalho said.

Principal Dawn Baglos then spoke of our “A” rated school and the opportunities students are offered in education programs, athletics and service clubs.

Carvalho added that small high schools can never offer a wide range of options for academics and activities. Larger schools, on the other hand, tend to offer a greater variety.

“A zipcode should not determine the quality of education for our children,” Carvalho said.

Sophomore Alissa Tennen, a former charter student, says that ACES truly prepared her for high school, though her experience at Krop has been just as fulfilling.

“You can’t fix what’s not broken,” Tennen said. “You have to enhance it and make it better.”

And that is what Carvalho intends to do with the bond referendum. The superintendent closed the meeting by personally inviting parents to visit and take a tour of Krop.

A letter from the Aventura Mayor and City Commission stated: “All of our efforts are better spent on working together to first making Dr. Michael M. Krop High School the best possible option for our community and second urging the Miami Dade School Board to address the High School issue in their proposed $1.2 billion bond issue that is on the ballot this November.”

News Page 3

The Lightning Strike • October September 2012 2012

News Briefs Free lunch merits cheaper Internet

ABIGAIL DUFFY

LETS GET POLITICAL: Social studies teacher Judy Gelber welcomes students to Krop’s first Political Debate in

preparation for the 2012 election. (From left) seniors Adriana Sari, Issy Ojalvo and Thierry Adrien moderated the debate between representatives for the Democratic Barack Obama, Libertarian Gary Johnson and Republican Mitt Romney campaigns. Classes composed of senior students were invited to spectate and ask questions to the representatives.

STAFF

English department deals with Dulanto’s absense Abigail Duffy photo & co-copy editor Teamwork is encouraged among students to maintain a healthy learning environment, but how about teamwork among teachers? English department head Jennifer Hershey, along with English teachers Audrey Silverman and Yvette Gittens collaborated to create lesson plans for Marcelo Dulanto’s four English classes and two creative writing classes in his absence.

Dulanto has been absent since the first week of school due to an extended illness and expected surgery that has left him too sick to return to work, let alone log grades or create lesson plans for his students.

Silverman sat with the editor of Ink magazine, senior Amanda Lau, on a teacherplanning day in September

and created lesson plans for the entire month of October.

But planning lessons only goes so far. According to Hershey, there had been a “revolving door” of substitute teachers in Dulanto’s classroom until she asked administration to have only Diane Marcus monitor every class.

A new English teacher cannot be hired to fill Dulanto’s vacant position because he has not filed for official leave.

Until a certified teacher is hired or Dulanto returns, the students will be doing work that will not be graded until either Hershey or Gittens does so.

Within the first month of school, English teacher Paula Goodman filed for leave until January, making it possible for substitute teacher Jazmin Clements to take her place.

Hershey says that

Clements creates lesson plans for Goodman’s students and grades the assignments so the students can have grades in the grade book. Clements’ name will appear alongside Goodman’s students’ grades on their report cards.

Members of the Creative Writing club, which Dulanto sponsors, have coordinated meetings in his absence and have planned their first Poetry Night under the auspices of Hershey. Due to weather conditions, Poetry Night was postponed until November 8.

Hershey says that this is a difficult situation for everyone, as Dulanto’s students are not getting the education they deserve, nor are her students getting her full attention. She cannot give her own students 100 percent of her ability because she is focusing on other classes.

“The world has gone digital,” reads a Comcast brochure that explains Internet Essentials. According to Comcast, this new service was meant to close a digital divide, which exists for lowerincome families that can not afford to pay for internet service.

Studies show that families who have not adopted Internet use are faced with the inability to pay for monthly Internet service, the cost of a computer and the understanding that the Internet is useful.

100,000 students in Miami-Dade who receive free and reduced lunch could be eligible for this program. Internet Essentials virtually eliminates barriers by providing affordable Internet at less than $10 a month, a low cost computer and free Internet training.

Currently of 2,800 students, 1,481 are receiving free and reduced lunch, meaning that this new service could impact 52% of the student body.

For more information on Internet Essentials, call 1-855-8-INTERNET or visit InternetEssentials.com.

-Lina Zuluaga

Bond proposed to enhance Miami-Dade public schools A bond pitched by Superintendent Alberto Carvalho is Miami-Dade’s chance to modernize schools and upgrade technology.

The $1.2 billion bond, which is up for voter approval on November 6th, will provide money through property tax revenues over the span of 30 years. Essentially, it would extend a similar bond passed in 1988 that is set to expire in 2017.

While a majority of the bond would be used to renovate or replace antiquated buildings, a portion of the money is allocated toward bringing Dade County into the digital age. $47 million would go towards technology, through implementation of SMART Boards (or other interactive technology) into every classroom. The bond issue parallels state efforts to innovate the learning process through the input of technology, such as digitalization of the FCAT and a requirement to take at least one FLVS class for graduation.

-Lina Zuluaga and Arie Hariton

Herald reporter speaks to journalism students

ABIGAIL DUFFY

WRITE ON: Mcgrory reflects on her experiences as a journalist. Over the last

three years, she has served as a mentor for The Lightning Strike by providing internships with The Miami Herald and question-answer sessions with the staff.

Miami Herald reporter Kathleen Mcgrory answered questions and offered advice for The Lightning Strike staff on October 16.

“Young people’s viewpoint is a very valuable one,” Mcgrory said.

Mcgrory, who graduated from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, says that being a journalist allows a person to make a difference in both large and small ways.

She shared highlights of her journalism career such as meeting President Obama on the tarmac near Air Force 1 and visiting Haiti to report after the earthquake. Her extraordinary stories allowed her to be named Florida’s Young Journalist of the Year in 2007.

“I still think there is a lot of promise even though we are moving into a digital age,” Mcgrory said regarding print journalism.

Mcgrory told the staff that their training in the newsroom will be helpful in the future and advised them to pay forward the gift of journalism.

-Blake Mars

Editorial Page 4

Lightning Strike • October2008 2012 The LightningThe Strike • September

STUDENT BEHAVIOR

‘Like the picture, not the link’

for my bra size. That panoramic picture of me lying on the beach IN MY OPINION half-naked is what I want to be represented as. No one has to notice my photoshopped nose. co-spread editor michelle krigsfeld micaha Booty shorts and crop On my college application, I tops announce my availability began to wonder where I could whenever I go out. I plaster put my 200 “likes” for my makeup on my face because Facebook picture after sharing being natural is ugly. By looking it three times. Neither could like a twenty-something yearI find space old woman, I to put that I legitimately made-out with into Feminism is so old morph over twenty school; it’s all about sex. one; that way guys in only Men don’t love me for my older men can night. But I did take advantage brains; they love me for of me. Plus, add a perfect p a r a g r a p h my bra size.

I can get into describing elite South the fact that I Beach clubs by absolutely adore exposing my using my fake Colombian ID. belly button and cleavage. Yes! I am like a traffic cone; I am the kind of girl Harvard everyone can spot me from a University is looking for. mile away. School dress code Feminism is so old school; is a drag. I always need to wear it’s all about sex. Men do not love my heels to elongate my legs as me for my brains; they love me I walk up the science staircase.

“

THE LIGHTNING STRIKE Follow us on Twitter @kropstrike Like us on Facebook

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.

My body is my everything, can’t you tell?

Amelia Earhart, Oprah Winfrey and Hillary Clinton may have defied the boundaries of a womanhood, but I have defied the boundaries of being a foolish teenage girl. Female dissenters mean nothing to me because as long as I get the attention of men and my Instagram followers, that is all I need. High school education is useless to one who garners the experiences of a twenty-five year-old woman.

Instead of focusing on academic progression and my recognition as a strong, independent woman, I have become the new norm of a superficial, corrupt young girl whose goal is to gain the attention of my peers. I will forever resort to being a weak woman dependent on my man.

So Harvard, please accept me.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ABIGAIL DUFFY

AN OCEAN OF LIKES: Junior Michelle Krigsfeld poses at the beach and finds the sand humorous while showing off her scuplted bod. She received over 5,000 likes, after sharing the picture approximately 7 times, leading her to replace it as her current profile picture.

LETTERS There is too much morning traffic

When I pull into the student parking lot in the morning, I am faced with immovable traffic reaching towards Ives Dairy Road. The cars move at a snail’s speed for one hundred feet, stop for thirty seconds and then resume; and so the cycle continues. It is ridiculous that it takes a person seven minutes to get off Ives Dairy and into the school.

The traffic is caused by parents who are dropping off their children in the student parking lot. The current system for parent drop-offs is to let the parents turn into the former drivers-education lot and allow children to exit the car. However, some cars are stopping before turning into the gate, children are taking their time to get their bags and the traffic begins to escalate.

Only three cars fit into the lot at once because parents come in at the closest entrance.

I believe the system could be more efficient. One possibility would be to allow parents to enter through the closer entrance and drive closer once already in the lot. This would allow ten or more cars to be lined up inside, rather than outside. Then, students would be able to get through.

Salomon Vainstein Grade 11

Limiting guns is ineffective

The students of our school

deserve a more rational approach to the sensitive topic of gun control, which was brought up

by Dylan Steele in the previous issue of the The Lightning Strike.

I fundamentally disagree with the writer when he states that Americans find horrific shootings to be ‘acceptable,’ further feeding into our gunobsessed culture. This is simply not the case.

Disturbed It is not free- individuals dom to pos- t h a t sess firearms c o m m i t that make these a t r o c i t i e s rare individuals such as the feel the need to Columbine commit unthink- H i g h School able acts. shooting are not representative of the other 300 million Americans that benefit from and respect their unique right to bear arms, protected under our Constitution. It is not freedom to possess firearms that make these rare individuals feel the need to commit unthinkable acts, it is mental illness. Implementing regulation on the sale and purchase of firearms will only be effective in dissuading people from legally acquiring firearms, lowering our nation’s leading per capita firearm ownership, but it will not prevent brutal crimes facilitated by firearm use. Criminals will find a way to obtain guns.

Remember: Guns don’t kill people. People kill people.

Ross Piper Grade 11

“

Patriotism should be part of our lives I am responding to your editorial regarding 9/11. On September 11, 2001, I was attending pre-school in Queens, New York. My parents have told me about that day numerous times. On 9/11, we should not just go about our day clueless and uncaring.

Men and women from all over the world want to come to this country… our country! The impression we give is disgraceful.

Since I was in the 4th grade, it has been “optional” to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. No one rises because they are “too cool” to care.

Forget about standing in honor of our country; I have friends who don’t even know the words. When I question why they are so clueless, they respond, “Well, you know, it’s because you are all patriotic and stuff.”

“And stuff”? It is not just patriotism; it is respect for our country. It is respect for those who came before us – who served – who died.

My family served this country various mediums and I intend to do the same. Is it too much to ask to devote a moment of your time? I think not.

Next time you are offered to give back to this country, do it.

Take a moment out of your hectic day to reflect and remember why we are the United States of America.

Rebecca Balzan Grade 9

Opinion

The Lightning Strike • October 2012

Page 5

PUBLIC EDUCATION

Krop’s size fosters great diversity IN MY OPINION javier storch micaha

editor-in-chief

Aventura parents claim that Krop is overcrowded and are requesting that the county create a new high school. With a population of nearly 2,600 students, Krop may seem huge, but therein lies its beauty.

Where else could you find such diversity among students, teachers, sports, classes and clubs?

We are great because we are large.

From AP and upcoming

Monthly Survey *based on 215 randomized responses

Dual Enrollment classes, to the arts in our magnet program, any student who wants to learn can surely find a place in our school.

We have teachers with PhDs, Masters and real world experience.

When students graduate, they feel prepared for their future. We have an expansive group of alumni at Harvard, Yale, Columbia , M.I.T. and other top institutions.

A large school like ours also gives students a taste of the real world. As a rigorous school, Krop prepares us for the intensity that awaits in college.

In a past letter to the editor, our CAP Advisor Robert Roddy paraphrased an admission officer who said, “It is very well known

78% of Students feel that Krop prepares them for their future

in the ‘college admissions world’ that the students from Krop are by far some of the finest and most sought after students in all of South Florida.”

Our size also allows for so many extracurricular activities that students often have trouble deciding which clubs not to join. Krop offers 30 interest clubs; 12 honor societies; six government associations; six performance groups; three equal access groups; two service clubs; and two student publications.

Krop’s campus expands over an immense 54 acres, almost one third the size of the Sun Life Stadium. Apart from the three main buildings used

for classrooms and offices, our physical size allows for a multitude of sports. We have individual fields for baseball, softball and track; six tennis courts; four basketball courts; and an indoor gym with an additional basketball court also used for volleyball and badminton.

So for those parents who want to build an Aventura charter high school, remember: a little overcrowding doesn’t change the status of our school. Why start a small school that can’t offer nearly as many opportunities as we do?

You can make a large school small but you can’t make a small school large. Don’t start a new school when a great one already stands.

67% of Students

77% of Students

said class size has some or no effect on their education

feel that Krop is somewhat to very overcrowded

STUDENTS SPEAK OUT ON PDA

“It’s ok to show each other affection but when it gets too intense it is unnecessary.”

Megan Arias, 12

“I find it hilarious, seeing the new couples ‘interacting’ with each other” Joel Puterman, 12

DECORUM

PDA: Publicly disgusting affairs IN OUR OPINION

danielle mackson micaha entertainment editor

michelle krigsfeld co-spread editor

Aaaaaah, young love.

How real it is. Every morning we are welcomed by the inappropriate sights of “madly in love” couples. It almost feels as if we are invading their personal space as they take part in what we call “bedroom activities.”

Isn’t it ironic that a school

dress code is enforced to prevent saliva. As we witness such a attention to private body parts, beautiful union, we can’t keep yet actual intimacy takes place our own food in our stomachs. in the most After a long public of seven hours of places? school, students Forget arroz con pollo and Forget rush to the nearest free-and-reduced lunch; it is arroz con exit, but the obvious that the girl’s lips are pollo and erotic escapades much tastier and nutritious to free-andfor these soul the male species. reduced mates have just lunch; it begun. The empty is obvious staircases are that the girl’s lips are much transformed into honeymoon tastier and nutritious to the suites and the abandoned halls male species. The two become are romantic gondolas floating one before the wedding vows in a sea of love. When leaving as they are interlocked by their our extracurricular activities,

“

we encounter the pleasant sight of these couples going at it. But don’t worry; they don’t mind us.

In fact, they don’t even see us.

Such lack of consideration for others while indulging in overly-explicit activities is why we find PDA intolerable.

A sweet kiss here and there is understandable, but intimacy requires privacy.

If couples were aware of their environment, maybe they will see that their honeymoon suites are really designated places of learning.

Hopefully PDA will become private display of affection.

CURRICULUM

Students have too many tests on one day IN MY OPINION michael behfar micaha

co-spread editor

My schedule consists of three AP classes, plus honors history, math and journalism. And each teacher believes that his or her subject takes precedence over the others. Life sucks.

As a result, multiple exams often fall on the same day and studying for several subjects at a time is counterproductive.

Studying is not a matter of

skill as much as it is time management. A good student can finish their homework with enough time left over to learn all they need to know before a test.

However, with multiple tests to study for, the information can get confused, or worse, forgotten.

A student will remember more of what they learn at the beginning and the end of a study session than the things they learned in the middle. This is called the serial position effect. With so much more to read in one sitting, a smaller percentage of the total information

will be remembered.

The negative effects carry over to the day of the tests as well.

Junior Stephane Beauboeuf says that taking multiple tests in one day causes him stress, sometimes inciting panic, which causes him to miss questions on a test.

A solution to this harmful process is already being used by other schools. Aventura City of Excellence School (ACES) has assigned testing days for each subject.

For example, math on Monday, English on Tuesday, etc.

However, principal Dawn Baglos says the problem with testing like this is that if a teacher finishes their lesson on Monday, but can’t test until Friday due to the schedule, too much time is wasted and curriculum pacing slows.

Baglos, who was once an AP student, says that the solution lies within the students, who should know when tests are scheduled, and study for them in advance instead of procrastinating until one or two days prior.

So, we must deal with the hand that is dealt- in other words, suck it up.

“It is disgusting and disrespectful to other students.

It shows no class and it really gets on my nerves.”

Brytney Howell, 11

“It’s really annoying when a couple is displaying affection and stops in the middle of the hallway. I am trying to get to class!”

Lara Sverdlik, 10

“I don’t care if couples are displaying affection. I have my own concerns to worry about.”

Daniel

Ospina,

9

compiled by Christina Carucci

Entertainment

The Lightning Strike • October 2012

7 The Lightning Strike • SeptemberPage 2008

CRUEL SUMMER: some ‘G.O.O.D.’ music ALBUM REVIEW

Matthew Isenberg staff writer

After building anticipation with singles like “Mercy,” “Cold” and “New God Flow,” Kanye West and company made it appear they were heading toward something huge.

“Cruel Summer” looked to make its mark on the music world. What we got instead captured half of that expectation.

The album is a collaborative effort from the artists on Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music label, which he has been developing over the past couple years. Artists John Legend, Kid Cudi and Big Sean have already achieved popularity among the musical community. So MERCY: Cruel Summer was released on September 18 and sold nearly 190,000 when Kanye announced Cruel copies in its first week on sale.

Summer, the music world Killah and Raekwon also share equal room with Kanye. went crazy.

2 Chainz brings nothing to make an appearance on the Kanye brings his creative the table except for clichéd, album but deliver verses below wordplay, but he doesn’t stand dated and uninspired rhymes. the usual standard they set for in the limelight, despite having Rapper Big Sean brings clever themselves. the most appearances on the and witty lyrics, but his style The singing performances album. Although this gives his imitates Kanye too heavily, are hit and miss. The latter other artists a chance to shine, as does fellow rapper Pusha applies to John Legend most of them can’t support T. Wu-Tang Clan members and Teyana Taylor, who themselves well enough to Ghostface. feel as though they could be

easily replaced with any other generic R&B singer without any noticeable difference, which is upsetting, as both usually bring their own spark of originality to the table. On the contrary, R. Kelly brings his best on the title track “To The World,” giving an irreplaceable performance that stands as one of the defining points on the album. The same goes for Kid Cudi’s solo track “Creepers.”

No matter what the lyrical content is of any track, the beats are always spectacular, and stand as the defining point in the album. Among all the producers featured, Hit-Boy pounds out climatic sounding symphony instruments, hard-hitting keyboards and beautifully precise percussion on the tracks “Cold,” “Higher” and “Clique.”

Through its good and bad moments, Cruel Summer never truly disappoints. Although G.O.O.D. Music may not be the strongest collection of rappers, it surpasses the efforts of other labels. It is obvious that the label is full of potential that has not fully been unleashed.

MOVIE REVIEW

New film brings “perks” to book fans

IN MY OPINION talya gebera micaha

staff writer

In the spirit of films like “The Breakfast Club” and “Dead Poet Society” that tell relatable tales of growing up, “The Perks Of Being A Wallflower,” a new film based on the novel by Stephen Chbosky, is the newest attempt at portraying the terrifying and joyful period of coming of age on the big screen.

Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks Of Being A Wallflower” has garnered attention of teens and adults for bringing out dark but close to home topics to light. The book’s brave portrayal of drugs, sexuality and depression has riled up school districts around the country, bringing it to the top ten of ALA’s frequently challenged book list several times in the last decade.

But for many teenagers like myself, “The Perks” has guided us through the joys and struggles of being a misfit teen.

Chbosky himself, who has adapted the musical Rent into a screenplay and directed his own indie film The Four Corners Of Nowhere, pleased fanatics of the book everywhere by taking on writing and directing the film.

The movie adaptation of the cult classic book is the coming of age story of Charlie (Logan

Lerman) the “Wallflower,” a troubled freshman in the early 90’s, whose difficulties “participating” make him an outsider among his peers. That is until he meets Sam (Emma Watson) and Patrick (Ezra Miller), two eccentric siblings who accept Charlie into their personal brand of misfits, despite his social shortcomings.

Both the fans of the book and audiences who may not be familiar with the story will enjoy the movie, yet some of the content may come as a surprise. “The Perks” tackles topics that are much more taboo than a typical “Coming of age” film, and still has managed to keep a PG-13 rating.

Performances by actor Ezra Miller (We Need To Talk About Kevin) as Patrick, an openly gay underachiever, was a favorite of the film. He was compelling, humorous and often times outshined his bigger named co-stars Emma Watson of the Harry Potter franchise and Logan Lerman of Percy Jackson & The Olympians.

The choice to narrate Charlie’s freshmen year through a series of letters stayed the most true to the original story, while also allowing audiences to experience events like unrequited crushes and The Rocky Horror Picture Show through Charlie’s eyes.

The attempts at 90-esque era references like “Asleep” by

The Smiths, “Heroes” by David Bowie, and many books like “The Catcher In the Rye” were dropped sometimes even uncomfortably as reminders of the time period.

The movie managed to translate as an interesting portrayal of growing up, but whether it was as relatable other classic tales, I’m unsure.

Often times accidently pretentious, dropping unnatural lines like “Welcome to the land of misfit toys,” said by Sam. The film held its main characters to higher ADVERTISEMENT

standards than most teenagers, which lost integrity as a film meant to represent growing up for all people, not just those who fell into the category of “Special enough.”

Whether Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks Of Being A Wallflower” will join the ranks of some of the greatest coming of age films of the century, time will tell. But as a movie that unearths stories usually kept in the dark, it has the potential to follow the generations after through that time of self discovery and new experiences.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

A taste of Israel

Blake Mars news editor Throughout my trip to Israel this past summer, I developed a taste for Israeli cuisine that would be missed upon returning home.

Fortunately, at Etzel Itzik Deli, customers can find a slice of Israel right in North Miami Beach.

This hole-in-the-wall restaurant is placed in an equally hidden strip mall on West Dixie Highway between Miami Gardens and Ives Dairy Road. Yet its lack of publicity does not compare to the amount of clientele that dine there on a daily basis. In terms of décor, every last inch of wall space is covered with developed pictures of regulars gathered around tables since the restaurant’s opening.

Once seated, my waitress brought over small bowls of complimentary salads including chickpeas, coleslaw, corn, carrots, beets and fresh pita bread. While eating the salads, I looked over the menu, written in Hebrew with English translation. The restaurant serves traditional Israeli dishes, but is considered kosher-style for it does not adhere to Jewish dietary laws.

Choosing an entrée was no easy task among the range of classic Israeli dishes including falafel, shakshuka, bourekas and kebabs.

But my preferred meal, shawarma, could not be found.

So I decided on the schnitzel pita plate and a “limonana,” an iced lemonade drink with mint—a classic Etzel Itzik beverage. When my food arrived in less than ten minutes, I was greeted by a full plate of two crispy breaded chicken breasts, a handful of homemade French fries, a generous amount of chopped Israeli salad (cucumbers and tomatoes) and a side of hummus. I dug in; each bite savored by succulent flavors and washed down by the sour, yet satisfying limonana.

While waiting for the bill, I watched as the owner, Itzik, went from table to table making small talk. He found his way to my table and made my companions and me feel as though we were friends and not customers.

The bill came out to be $11.25 before tax, which was well worth the quality meal. Near the cash register, I could not miss the chalk board sign that read, “At Itzik’s, you’re at home!” After my nostalgic Israeli meal, I could not agree more.

Etzel Itzik Deli is open on Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 P.M. For an online menu, log on to www.etzelitzik.com.

Entertainment Page 8

TELEVISION SHOW REVIEW

Breaking Bad breaks into Krop Alexis Frankel feature editor Combine the father of “Malcolm in the Middle” with the chemistry skills of Mr. Montero and add a dash of drug deals. The result should be AMC’s hit show, Breaking Bad. As the first episode opens, the audience is introduced to Walter White, a seemingly normal man who has just had his 50th birthday.

He works as a chemistry teacher in his community’s high school and as a cashier at a car wash. But his fate changes when he is diagnosed with cancer.

“After he’s diagnosed, he realizes he still needs to provide for his family,” Breaking Bad aficionado junior Evan Gruda said.

“Walt uses his knowledge of science to start making methamphetamine after he goes with his DEA brotherin-law to a meth lab crack down.”

Well into its sixth season, Breaking Bad still remains popular with students because of its twists and turns, in

addition to its accomplished actors. Aaron Paul, who plays Jesse Pinkman, recently won two Primetime Emmy Awards; Bryan Cranston, who plays Walter White, won three.

“I’ve never watched a show similar to Breaking Bad. It always delivers,” sophomore Daniel Guberek said. “I really enjoy science, particularly chemistry, so getting to watch a show based around chemistry is pretty cool.

All the acting is very impressive-Jesse Pinkman is my favorite.”

Although White is a fictional character, the chemistry he uses to solve his drug-dealing dilemmas is accurate, according to chemistry teacher Carlos Montero.

“The chemistry is accurate, but exaggerated, like when he uses mercury fulminate to blow up a place,” Montero said. “It is explosive to the touch, but not to that extent.”

Regardless of the science behind White’s science, Breaking Bad has cooked up the perfect formula for a hit show. Students can watch the antics of White and Pinkman on AMC.

The Lightning Strike • October 2012

TOP TWEETS

@TheNamesCalvin

Last homework assignment to submit before 720 than I’m out of the library finally @Vane_gentile

They made us go to second period for ten minutes. #krop @alyssamoraa

Somebody should go with me to chipotle @buenosdias99

wish i didnt have this much hw @sharitoszm

officially no more SAT testing for the rest of my life #success

@jay_r_clarke

i honestly am dying to go home and crash and its only second hour. myyy lifeeee.......

@ckatzz Krop takes ultra #LevelsInTheHalls Compiled by Danielle Mackson and Arie Hariton

ADVERTISEMENT

RESTAURANT REVIEW

TACO TAKEOVER Dean Kaire sports editor Chipotle, watch out, there is new competition in South Florida.

Over the past few months several taco restaurants have opened up and left their mark. Rocco’s Tacos and The Taco Beach Shack are just two of the many restaurants that are giving fast food Mexican restaurants like Chipotle and Taco Bell “un problemo.”

If you are looking for a rambunctious, outgoing, and affordable place to eat and have fun with your friends, Rocco’s Tacos is the place to go. With five different locations located throughout Florida, Rocco’s is establishing itself as a serious competitor in the Mexican cuisine market.

T h e restaurant h a s become a hotspot on weekends so if you intend to go, make sure you have a reservation booked ahead of time. Virtually everything on the menu is cost efficient and appetizing. Each taco ranges from three to five dollars depending on what you

get inside. If you are really hungry, three tacos should do the job.

Tacos come with a number of different meats available to choose from such as chicken, steak, fish, and more, each equally appealing. The only costly thing on the menu is the chips with guacamole which is served for $12 but if you are a real guacamole fan, it is well worth it.

Overall, the restaurant seems to be a success. With a great atmosphere and great food, the franchise certainly seems to be making a name for itself.

Located about 25 yards from the beach in

Hollywood, the Taco Beach Shack appeals to people for its great location, fun music and atmosphere, and most importantly its great food. With entertaining Reggaeton music

playing in the background, customers have the option to either eat outside in cozy seating areas and regular live music or be treated inside with tables and televisions. The Taco Beach Shack is a great place to go with families and groups as you can dance and have a good time and while you are waiting for your food you can even play a game of ping pong.

However it is the food that attracts its customer base. There are a wide variety of tacos for the customer; the Korean Short Rib Taco seems to be the most popular amidst the customer base. Along with tacos, you will be treated to corn on the cob that is cooked just right flavored with a hint of parmesan cheese. The best part about this flip-flop casual restaurant is that a well-portioned meal will only cost about $15. The Taco Beach Shack looks to be fitting in with Hollywood’s top-notch restaurant market.

Rocco’s Tacos and the Taco Beach Shack along with others like Lola’s Taco Lounge and El Vato Tacos look to be adding a new image of Mexican cuisine in South Florida.

JOIN YOUR

November 6 - Election Day Bake Sale Highland Oaks Middle School 7 a.m. to 12 noon November 14 - PTSA Meeting Media Center 6:00 p.m. Refreshments 6:30 p.m. Meeting begins Membership applications available in the Attendance Office

Page 10

The Lightning Strike • October 2012

“

Two Parties,

Who will Barack th

“ GOVERNOR

ROMNEY DOESN’T HAVE A FIVE-POINT PLAN HE HAS A ONE-POINT PLAN, AND THAT’S TO MAKE SURE THE PEOPLE AT THE TOP PLAY BY A DIFFERENT SET OF RULES.

“

-OBAMA

Looking ‘Four’ More IN MY OPINION dylan steele micaha

staff writer

Fifty-one years ago, John Fitzgerald Kennedy stood in front of the American people on his inauguration day and said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country!” This quote is still relevant today.

Come November, all Americans have the duty to go to the polls and ask themselves that very question, “What can I do for my country?”

Think about which candidate is best for America and why they are best for America as whole, not just for the top two percent of Americans.

During his first term in office, President Obama signed into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which ensures equal pay for men and women. He also signed into law the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, which along with its expansion of Medicaid for the poor and the young, has ensured equal insurance costs and benefits for all people, regardless of gender.

But equal treatment of women is something Mitt Romney does not seem to care about. With

his desire to cut funding to Planned Parenthood and repeal Obamacare, Romney has no regard for the women who make up 51 percent of the U.S. population.

Not to mention the seven percent of Americans, over 21 million people, who are noncitizens in the United States.

If you live in the United States for 95 percent of your life, your first language is English, you have gone to American schools for your entire education, and you pledge allegiance to the American Flag, are you not American?

“

Yet somehow people have the nerve to say President Obama is a fiscally unsound president.

Not according to Mitt Romney, who opposes the Dream Act, a bill that would allow people already considered American to officially become Citizens.

People say that the President of the United States should not be elected based on his social policy, but Obama should be reelected based on his economic record as well.

After 24 consecutive months of job growth, how could anyone say that President Obama has been anything but a great fiscal president?

During his first term, President Obama has reduced the deficit from $1.3 trillion when he came into office, down to $1.1 trillion, brought unemployment below eight percent, saved the auto industry, saved the banks and brought the Dow Jones Industrial Average (the stock market) up to 13,500, only 500 points shy of its all time high.

Gas prices are a major concern for Americans, but the president has no control over this market because it is governed by demand and speculation.

Yet somehow people have the nerve to say President Obama is a fiscally unsound president.

Four years ago Barack Obama brought us the message of hope and change, I still have hope, and I do not want any more change. With President Obama we are on the right path: the path to social equality, the path to economic recovery, the path to prosperity. J.F.K. said to ask what you can do for your county and on Election Day, the best thing anyone can do for their country, is to reelect President Obama.

Page 11

The Lightning Strike • October 2012

One Nation

the vote ultiMittly?

“

“ IT IS FRANKLY

The ‘Right’ Choice IN MY OPINION arie hariton micaha

opinion & social editor

In the aftermath of the first presidential debate between President Barack Obama and former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney, many criticized the president's sluggish and almost drowsy display.

In all fairness, who can blame him? Prior to the debate, Obama was several percentage points ahead of Romney in key states.

Many assumed the election was already decided in the incumbent’s favor.

Since the start of the debates, however, Mitt Romney has taken polling leads in key states such as Florida and Virginia as a result of his amazingly aggressive performance in the debate.

Romney was confident, forceful and prepared. A CNN poll reports that 67 percent of viewers thought Romney won, and only 25 percent saw the president as the victor.

Since then, we’ve seen Obama wake up, and with good reason. In the third presidential debate, Obama was inspired and alert. Attacking Romney’s few agreements with the President.

Romney countered easily that attacking Romney was not a

presidential plan.

Romney is a formidable candidate who can easily make his case for president, especially in today’s economic situation. The former governor has campaigned with jobs as his main advocacy, putting forth a plan that will create 12 million jobs for Americans.

Should we choose to give him a second term, President Obama has not established his plans.

For now, all we have to go on is look at his record from the last four years. A recent jobs report published that the unemployment rate is at 7.8 percent. However, keeping in mind those who simply stopped looking for employment, the rate is actually at 11 percent.

Not quite as reassuring.

“

It is about the economy and about bringing our country back together; Mitt Romney is the man who can solve our problems.

Romney may not be thought of as a perfect candidate, but for this election, he very well may be. He boasts a strong record of success in business and balancing a budget, as does his running-mate Senate Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan. Job creation was in the

NOT MORALFOR MY GENERATION TO KEEP SPENDING MASSIVELYMORE THANWETAKEIN, KNOWING THAT THE BURDEN IS GOING TO BE PASSED ONTO THE NEXTGENERATION.

negatives going into Romney’s first year as Massachusetts’s governor; he turned it around to positive by his last year in office.

Romney also took control of the indebted 2002 Winter Olympic Games and turned them into a money-making success.

Romney’s business prowess made him a self-made multimillionaire.

Mitt Romney also has a strong record of going across the aisle and being open to cooperation with democrats. Romney cooperated with democrats in Massachusetts, an extremely liberal state as governor to pass his state-specific plan for healthcare. Massachusetts ranked number 1 in the country in education under Romney’s leadership. The gridlock and partisanship that has plagued D.C. in Obama’s administration is unnecessary and detrimental to our country’s goals; we need a candidate who will overcome it.

Admittedly, I am not a social conservative. My support for gay rights and abortion is my only discrepancy with our Republican candidate, but I understand, as should America, that this is not an election on social issues.

It is about the economy and about bringing our country back together; Mitt Romney is the man who can solve our problems. Vote Romney/Ryan on November 6th.

“

-ROMNEY

Feature Page 12

The Lightning Strike • October 2012

MAYOR

The many roles of Rosenfield

fact or fiction?

Brittany Chandani staff writer Silver Knight Coordinator Regina Rosenfield has experienced it all, from segregation in her early teaching years to being the mayor of the modern village of Bal Harbor.

Rosenfield, who ran for a four year term as mayor was chosen by The Bal Harbor Village Council.

A group of colleagues urged Rosenfield to run for mayor because of her knowledge in teaching Government and Economics and AP United States History at Miami Beach Senior High. She was also the social studies chairwoman and debate coach.

While students struggle to keep up with an average of three AP tests a week, Rosenfield maintains top standards for the Silver Knight program, and she organizes the Teacher of the Year program and the student award program at the end of the year.

After school, Rosenfield switches to “mayor mode” and oversees the expansion of Bal Harbor Shops and other rezoning issues. She is also the Tourism Chair for Bal Harbor.

Rosenfield seems to take all her responsibilities in stride: “When you know you have to do something, you just do it. I do not sleep at night anymore!” said Rosenfield. “The Bal Harbor Village Council has meetings until around ten at night, but it is not as bad as staying until ROSENFIELD’S SIX SUGGESTIONS 1. Peer education and

mixed classes will help and challenge each student, pushing them to work harder.

Will Principal Dawn Baglos sing a song during the hallway music time?

ABIGAIL DUFFY

DOUBLE LIFE: Rosenfield explains aspects of the Silver Knight process. She was chosen as the Mayor of Bal Harbour by the council in 2011 and still serves as mayor now.

two in the morning as North Miami Beach’s Council does.”

When Rosenfield began teaching, there were no Gifted or AP programs. Black students and white students were segregated.

Rosenfield remembers when the NAACP sponsored the first black girl to go to John F. Kennedy Middle school, where she began teaching in 1962.

Rosenfield witnessed the breakdown of racial barriers.

She remembers that in 1965, six white teachers from Miami Beach Senior High voluntarily switched with six black teachers from Northwestern Senior

High to ease the culture clash.

A drastic change Rosenfield has seen today is in testing. She argues that teachers’ plans have been compromised too many times because of endless exams.

“Count how many times a library has to be closed for testing, how many activities have to be cancelled for testing,” said Rosenfield. “I am not against testing, but there are too many things happening for whole testing days.”

Rosenfield says that teachers must prepare students for a technological world and a variety of new jobs, but in doing

SPORTS

Get a grip with the ping-pong club

2. The academic preparation should begin within elementary schools to set higher standards.

3. Schools should thoroughly interview teachers like how well they can write to how they think.

4. At Krop, I’d love to see a new science and math building where the portables are.

5. For testing, Rosenfield said that state exams should have a classroom teacher help write them.

This would test students on what has been taught in the classroom.

6. Rosenfield added that teachers should know from the beginning what they want students to remember by the end of the year, and train them to be critical thinkers.

Compiled by Brittany Chandani

so this eliminates creativity.

She wonders if we are truly preparing students for success.

“I remember when students would fix cars and learn hands on without a handbook, she said. But now, Turnitin.com shows that students do not work independently.” As Rosenfield has worked in Dade County for 53 years, one wonders what keeps her so motivated: “I like to watch students grow up and achieve their dreams and desires,” Rosenfield said. “Kids make me laugh.

As long as they keep doing it, I’ll keep doing my job.”

ABIGAIL DUFFY

BALLS OF FURY: Students Salomon Vainstein, Jon Milan and Caleb Kim play ping-pong outside of Trafton’s classroom.

Matthew Isenberg staff writer

Each Friday, a group of students rush to John Trafton's room because they share a common bond: a club dedicated to the sport of ping-pong. Although the club isn't official, Trafton still sponsor it, because

in his words: “they have fun.”

The ping-pong club allows students to put the two lonely tennis tables that sit in John Trafton's room to good use. Players relieve vast stress with each round of ping-pong. The co-founder of the club, junior Salomon Vainstein was inspired to start the club after

playing it daily over the summer.

Ping-pong is a smaller version of tennis with a similar set of rules. Special tricks with the ball that could not be performed in normal tennis can be used in this game, such as “the chop,” which is used to make sure the ball doesn't fall onto the floor and out of play. It is specifically used for ping-pong because the ball bounces off of the table rather than just bouncing on the court like in regular tennis.

Club members have sought to become an official club, but they have been rejected in the past.

Activity director Michelle Russell’s main reason for disapproving the club is money, as Dade County Board rule states that each club’s sponsor must get paid.

Also, most of the members of the ping-pong club are members of the chemistry club, and Trafton is the sponsor for both clubs.

So what’s the future for the ping-pong club? As long as the passion is strong and the balls can be hit, the group will keep playing.

The ping-pong club is located in the hallway next to room 2250 and meets every Friday after school.

FICTION: “No, she will not. There is no live music, all are previously recorded.”

-Michelle Russell

Was there a dangerous gas leak in the cafeteria?

FICTION: “There was a gas smell and possible leak in the cafeteria. It was determined not to be a gas leak, but rather fumes from a piece of lawn equipment.”

-Thomas Lander

Does Kurt Grant, math teacher, speak seven languages?

FACT: “I speak Spanish, French, Dutch, German, Portuguese, English and Yiddish.”

Compiled by Brittany Chandani

-Kurt Grant

Compiled by Brittany Chandani

Feature

The Lightning Strike • October 2012

Page 13

TEACHER FEATURE

Life before the classroom: What did you do?

Judy Gelberr

“ Where do I begin? I was a reporter for the Miami News (now defunct), covering mostly features when I was right out of college at 22. The strangest and most fun was when I tried out undercover for the “Wendy’s Girls,” cheerleader/dancers for a semi-pro baseball team, the Miami Amigos, and wrote an article about the experience. I made the squad, but declined the honor of joining.”

“Prior to being employed by MCDPS I enjoyed a 17-year career in banking. I thought I wanted to be a principal. I took the Florida Educational Leadership Examination, known as the FELE, and passed but later (after experience working at high school) decided I did not want to be an administrator.”

“I taught skiing at a summer camp from 1980 until 1985, along with part time construction demolition and air conditioning work.”

Jonathan Diskin

“Working for Eastern Airlines, I used to climb into the wing of an L1011 Aircraft where the fuel is stored with a tank light and hose to suck up excess oil prior to the mechanic checking for leaks. The fuel tank is pitch black and the fumes extremely toxic, so I had to wear a respirator to protect my lungs. I started with Eastern Airlines six Debra Simmons months out of college and worked there for ten years in various jobs.”

RESPONSIBILITIES

Student jobs: work hard, study harder Maddie Garfinkle science and health editor

Student by day, employee by night. Whether having an after school job will affect a student’s GPA depends on who you talk to.

Senior Jeffrey Tait works part time at Runners Depot, and sees it both ways.

Although Tait says his job is time consuming because of his intense schedule, he finds that having a part time job can be gratifying.

"The responsibilities of working a part time job as a full time student, can be extremely rewarding in that I'm prepared for the real world," Tait said.

Tait advises students that if they have or are thinking of getting a part time job, they should start with just a few hours in order to maintain a healthy balance.

According to 2012 statistics, 47 percent of teens between the ages of 16-24 are employed in either a full or part-time job.

Luciana Rodriguez works at Hollister five hours a day, five days a week, sometimes six.

"It is very stressful, but I

depend on earning and spending my money instead of taking my parents’ [money], and with that comes a lot of responsibility," Rodgriguez said.

Rodriguez manages her time well and gets her work done, but says that she only sleeps an average of four hours a night.

Hollister manager, Maggie McNutly, talks about what it is like having so many student employees working at the store.

“If student employees have a lot of last minute studying to do or are stressed and unprepared for an upcoming test, we encourage them to get their shifts covered at work,” McNutly said.

“This will allow them to focus on school rather than bringing their stress into the workplace.”

McNutly, who was also a student employee in high school, recommends that all students try part time jobs. “[Working part time] was a great experience and allowed me to learn time management skills that helped me throughout high school and college.”

Gary Felich

“I was a dolphin and whale trainer at the Miami Seaquarium, a flight attendant, and fitness director for the City of Miami Police Department.”

- Lisa Cox Regina Feldman

“I started teaching in New York in 1973.

I was laid off when the NYC budget crisis exploded in 1976. I started doing cancer research at NYU Medical Center and was on my way to a Ph.D. in biochemistry. About two years into the job, I had an argument with my boss, which prompted me to contact my department chairman to see if a position would be available later that year in September 1978.”

“My first profession was forestry. I spent the majority of my work days mapping out grids, hiking through forests, wading through swamps, and using a machete to clear paths through dense underbrush to inventory forests.”

“I was a wholesale jeweler/ manufacturer.”

-Manuel Quiroga “I was a manager at a movie theater at Pinecrest.”

-Jennifer Hershey “I worked as a senior education policy analyst for the Commissioner of Education in Tallahassee. I worked in the state capital during the disputed 2000 Bush-Gore election.”

-Tom James “I worked at Johnny Rockets in the Grove (a LONG time ago).”

-Kim Ferreira

David Twitchell

She was the Conference Director for the Comprehensive School Health Office in the Florida Department of Education and the Program Director at the American Cancer Society.

-Michelle Russell

MODEL

Suarez struts on the catwalk

CHRISTOPHER MAKRIS

IN VOGUE: Senior Patricia Suarez takes professional photos for her model-

ing portfolio. She catwalked for designer Judith Barnes.

Maddie Garfinkle science and health editor Whether she parades down the halls or the runway, senior Patrica Suarez looks the part of one about to break into the modeling industry.

Suarez has not been profes-

sionally modeling for long, but it has always been a dream of hers.

“Ever since I was too little to wear high heels, I wanted to be a model,” Suarez said, “but it wasn’t until recently that I got started.”

The TV show America's Next Top Model and Tyra Banks are two

of Suarez's biggest inspirations that helped her kick-starting her modeling career. In middle school she would put on her sister’s high heels and walk up and down the halls perfecting her runway walk, something she still does now.

With just four months of experience behind her, Suarez has already walked in New York Couture Fashion Week, Neiman Marcus’ Fashion Night Out and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

She has also appeared in several magazines such as Latin Connection and Think Magazine.

Suarez, who cried when she found out she was walking in fashion designer Nicoleta’s show said, “I just feel my best when I’m on the runway.”

Since modeling is her dream, she has made some sacrifices to pursue her career.

“Modeling occupies so much time and this summer I barely ‘chilled’ with my friends because I was constantly going to castings, photo shoots and runways,” Suarez said.

Even though she has made sacrifices, it’s all worth it when she steps on the runway. She feels nervous and anxious before walking on the runway, but once she’s in the spot light, all her tensions go away.

Science & Health Page 14

SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

New club is catalyst for knowledge: Chemistry club takes students’ to the next level by doing hands on activities

The Lightning Strike • October 2012

What are you eating? (or drinking)

Christina Carucci co-copy editor With the hourly classes and lack of adequate equipment, students do not get the best experience of working handson, which is essential in understanding lessons.

As a solution, science teacher John Trafton, started the chemistry club.

According to a recent study performed by Columbia University, an instructor says about 100-200 words a minute and a student only hears half those words. By simply adding a visual aid, students’ retention increased by about 20 percent.

Consisting of labs, lectures and a tutoring program, the chemistry club will take students’ knowledge of chemistry beyond the high school and AP levels.

Netgie Laguerre, the club’s president, hopes the labs will help chemistry students understand what is being taught and perform better on exams.

“Exposure to labs is key in helping students learn,” said Laguerre.

Members have already completed an Alum Lab, where students dissolved aluminum foil into potassium hydroxide to create alum. They then used

“I brought myself some Kiwis because they’re healthy and one of my favorite foods.”

-Camila Mello, 12

CHRISTINA CARUCCI

ALUM LAB: Students in chemistry club participate in a lab to create alum by dissolving aluminum foil into potassium hydroxide.

the alum to form their own crystals.

One member finds that the labs are an effective addition to the lectures.

“Labs are helpful because when I read from the textbook, I don’t always understand what I am reading,” said junior Katherine Zheveleva. “But, just doing labs isn’t helpful either. There must be a balance between labs and lectures.”

Last year, a dual enrollment organic chemistry course was considered at Krop; however, because of the lack of equipment, the course was made unavailable.

Trafton took this opportunity to teach organic chemistry during the club meetings.

Because every member has not taken AP chemistry, it is difficult at times to understand the organic chemistry. Trafton takes this into consideration and has developed a solution.

The more advanced club members help the others through a monthly tutoring program.

“Hopefully, the lectures, labs and tutoring will assist them in college so that they will not only be ahead of the pack, but stay ahead of the pack,” said Trafton.

“I eat these Smartfood chips because I like to stay healthy in school.”

-Gabriela Alcolea, 11

“I picked this fruit cake because it’s my guilty pleasure and I like to entertain my friends with weird food.”

-Keleque Smith, 9

ADVERTISEMENT

“I made these cupcakes because as an artist I like to express myself in many ways, including food.”

-Adrianna Kuhlman, 10

“I bring a gallon of water because I need to stay hydrated for baseball.”

-Salo Levy, 9

Complied by Maddie Garfinkle

Science & Health

The Lightning Strike • October 2012

Page 15

WRESTLING

Tackling an intense diet Alec Eidelstein business manager High school wrestling is a rigorous sport involving endurance and strength. During the regular season, wrestlers experience an intense diet and hard core workouts to meet the requirements for their weight class.

Junior Asha Smith knows this due to the fact that he was a former middle school wrestler.

“The majority of the time you are overweight, so you have to eat small portions and avoid as many liquids as possible.”

During the season, the wrestling team practices everyday. Coach Kent London weighs his wrestlers randomly to see if they are maintaining their weight. For wrestlers, practice is not always on the wrestling mat. They also run outside frequently and hit the weight room.

The diet they must adapt to can be very stressful. Besides having to deal with six classes,

Miguel Rodriguez

wrestlers must worry about the foods they eat during waking hours.

“When I am overweight for my weight class, I usually eat a

Daily calorie counter When you multiply your weight by 17, it estimates an average of how many calories you should consume daily.

Wrestling weight class diet: Weight 142: Daily calories= 2400 Breakfast: 2 Eggo Waffles with Syrup (380) Glass of Orange Juice (115) Blueberry Muffin (385) Lunch: Slice of Cheese Pizza (230) A serving of chocolate chip cookies (390)

Snack: Honey Bun (315) Dinner: 2 Slices of Bread with Butter (215) Fillet Steak, Cooked Medium (300)

Complied by Alec Edelstein ADVERTISEMENT

chicken sandwich and cut back on water as much as possible,” said senior Miguel Rodriguez.

“I go hard at practice and go for a run right after.”

During competitions, each wrestler is weighed before their match and can only be three pounds over or under weight.

If they are not able to meet these requirements, they are disqualified from the match.

“If we are underweight, we have to drink as much as possible to gain water weight for the final weigh in,” Smith said.

According to Livestrong. com, one-third of high school wrestlers use a method called “Weight-Cutting” for rapid weight loss. It involves supplements such as laxatives and diuretics.

“Although there are many obstacles in the wrestling field, I had to overcome them because it is my passion,” said Smith. “I had to start at one point if I want to go somewhere.”

Technology related health issues Blackberry Thumb The scrolling ball on a BlackBerry can cause tendonitis from the stress constantly applied to the thumb.

Crazy Phones 68 percent of cell phone users admit to thinking they heard a phone vibrate when in reality it did not.

A.D.D. New studies show that the constant moving on your Facebook newsfeed, affects the brain and can potentially lead to A.D.D.

Cell Phone Elbow By bending your elbows too much when using the phone, blood flow supply to the nerves is stopped.

Sleeping problems Artificial lighting from computer screens can suppress the release of the hormone melatonin which helps us sleep.

Acne Cell phones can be covered in bacteria causing oils to collect when placed against the face.

Complied by Christina Carucci

TECHNOLOGY

Modern technology causes severe health problems Talya Gebara staff writer It is no question that modern ways of living and technology have furthered society. But the idea that it has only lead to happier and healthier lives is not entirely true.

While life expectancy has gone up eight to nine years in the United States over the last half century, many health issues that did not exist 50 years ago are problems now.

Problems like noise induced hearing loss and vision problems from computer screen glare are the most prevalent among young people.

The reason: much of the technology commonly used today can cause harm to the body’s important functions.

Say for all the existence of humans, hearing has been used for communication and survival. But since the invention of amplifiers, radios and headphones, the ears have had to adjust to a variant of sounds that range in proximity and loudness.

From concerts that leave ears ringing for hours to headphones that constantly

feed music directly into the eardrum, noise induced hearing loss has increased rapidly. With approximately one in five young people, about 30 percent of teens in the United States are experiencing hearing loss. In our school of about 2600, it could be estimated that 780 students have or will experience hearing loss.

“I prefer listening to music on my headphones whenever possible, it’s like a surround sound in my head,” said freshmen Claudine Girard. “I used to be able to keep the volume at least in the middle when I listened to my iPod, now I have to keep it all the way up or it doesn’t sound right. It’s really depressing” The invention of computers has also created eye issues.

Computer Vision Syndrome or CVS is when the glare

and contrast from extensive use of computers screens cause issues such as, headaches, difficulties focusing, light s e n s i t i v i t y,

double vision and a number of other symptoms. CVS is so common that according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, 90 percent of people who use computers three or more hours a day will be affected.

For most young people, the use of computers in daily life is mandatory. However, issues like CVS and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss can be prevented through small changes in habits. CVS can be avoided by reducing the glare and harsh lighting on computers screens and taking breaks to focus on further points every 20 or so minutes. While hearing loss can be avoided by keeping audio to minimum or 60 percent for no longer than 30 minutes.

Sports

The Lightning Strike • October 2012

Page 16

Highlights of the Homecoming Game

Pump-Up:

coming game.

JAVIER STORCH

Coach Hudson encourages his team during a water break during the Home-

JAVIER STORCH

SACK:

Senior, Webster St. Georges passes an offensive lineman as he tries to sack the quarterback.

JAVIER STORCH

REUNION: The class of 2002 has a reunion as they cheer on the football team during

the homecoming game.

BREAKAWAY:

JAVIER STORCH

Senior, Toro Nelson escapes his defender as he makes a break downfield.

JAVIER STORCH

PASS RUSH: Seniors, Mark Bellinger and Jamal King attempt to fight off linemen to

tackle the running back for a loss.

Krop’s Tops on the Field

Linebacker Knowledge Washington leads Miami-Dade county with 114 total tackles.

Quaterback Keon Roman leads all class 8A-6A with 1508 passing yards and 14 TD’s.

Kicker Alex Beiner is second in kicking class 8A-6A as he is 7 for 7 on Field Goals.

Linebacker Jeff Ausirus is second in the county with 84 total tackles.

Sports It’s a hard knock life for athletes Page 17

The Lightning Strike • October 2012

CONCUSSIONS

Courtney Goodstein co-sports editor

During a soccer game last season, senior Maria Correa was heading a ball when she collided with a player from the opposing team.

A day later, she was diagnosed with a concussion.

“I remember taking a math test and not being able to identify the x and y axes on a graph,” said Correa, who suffered a grade two concussion.

Concussions are categorized by grades. Grade one is temporary disorientation for a few seconds, grade two is disorientation for fifteen minutes or more, and grade three includes loss of consciousness for several minutes.

Before athletes can begin playing a sport, head trainer Julie Edwards requires them to take an imPact test, which addresses memory through a series of activities. If he or she sustains a head injury during a game or complains of headaches, dizziness or memory loss, he or she will retake the imPact test, which will show whether a concussion is present or occurred.

Miami-DadeCounty was the first county to implement imPact testing.

By the numbers: Athletic concussions

“

You can use your body as a shield but you cannot be accountable for what your opponent will do.

-Agostina Trujillo “ImPact testing will help develop new treatment plans to ensure athletes’ safety,” said Gillian A.Hotz, who is an imPact consultant, as well as the director of the KiDZ Neuroscience Center.

With rates of concussions among athletes increasing, a new legislative bill called the Student Athletic Concussion Bill (HB 291) was passed by Governor Rick Scott. The bill

INFO-GRAPH: Graph shows the percentage of concussions caused by

different sports.

requires all athletes who suffered concussions to have written medical clearance from their doctor along with an evaluation from their athletic trainer or other health care provider.

This bill was proposed

by David Goldstein, a senior at Ransom Everglades High School, who suffered four concussions during the three years he played soccer. Suffering heavily from the side effects

of a concussion, he says, “I spent more time in the nurse’s office than in the classroom.”

Goldstein has now fully recovered. With the help of State Senator Anitere Flores, they have worked to raise awareness of concussions and their effects, saying he “does not want any athlete to go through what he went through.”

“Our main job is to protect our students athletes,” said

Governor Scott, who attended the bill signing at the Miami Paralysis Center. “With 90 percent of the 300,000 injuries nation-wide concussion related, this bill was necessary.”

When a running back carries a football, researchers have discovered that one blow to the head is nearly 300 times the normal force of gravity.

These new findings have led students nation-wide to wear guardian caps, padded headgear that is placed on the outside of a helmet and is designed to reduce the impact of collisions.

While the rates of football concussions are higher than sports such as girls’ soccer, rates have increased over the years.

Though soccer is a very aggressive sport, there are techniques taught that help minimize the risk of receiving injuries such as concussions, like properly heading a ball or how to cleanly go after a ball. According to girls’ soccer Captain Agostina Trujillo, “You can use your body as a shield but you cannot be accountable for what your opponent will do.”

With the continuance of ImPact testing and with the passing of HB 291, new discoveries are being made about concussions and will help students like Maria and David in the future.

On track for the Olympics

PROFILE

Abigail Duffy photo & co-copy editor

Millions of people watch the Olympics from their home television sets; fewer of them have the opportunity to watch the festivities in the host city. Senior Obinna Anyamele may not only get an up-close view of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, he could be the person we sit back and watch.

Anyamele started out at as any other child who could not be kept still, participating in football, soccer and basketball throughout his childhood.

Notice these sports all have one common denominator: running.

“

I’ve been running since I came out of the womb.

-Obinna Anyamele

Anyamele discovered an early affinity for running, which inspired him to join the school’s track team in his freshman year. He spent that season running for the team, but discontinued his participation when the season ended to focus on other sports such as wrestling.

But he could not stay away

START: Senior Obinna Anyamele works on his start for the 100 meter from track. Anyamele rejoined the school’s track team in 2011 as a junior and met assistant coach Frankie Allen, who worked alongside Coach Lebrun.

Anyamele had a successful season with the team and said that he reached his best performance just before April 2012, when he suffered a terrible injury.

At a school-held track meet, he was running in his best event, the 100 m, when he

felt a strange sensation in his hip shortly after leaving the starting block. Immediately after feeling the sensation, his hip dislocated, sending Anyamele toppling to the track.

“It felt like pulling the emergency brake in a car,” he said.

After six weeks in recovery, Anyamele hit the track and began practice with Allen, but was discouraged when his times did not compare to his pre-

Obinna Anyamele

injury performance.

The disappointment he felt in himself was almost enough to drive him away from track again, but Allen would not let him give up.

“Frankie encouraged me and told me to go to [physical] therapy,” said Anyamele.

Allen and physical therapy helped get Anyamele back to running times he was proud of, with a combination of mental and physical support.

Since recovering from his injury, Anyamele has been training exclusively with Allen in his two best events, the 100m and 200m. His times are a 10.1 and 21.4, respectively.

According to USA Track and Field, in order to qualify for the 2012 United States Olympic Trials, a male athlete needed to run at least a 10.18 100 m and a 20.55 200 m.

Over the summer, Anyamele travelled with Allen and his team to Dallas, Texas, for the Junior Olympics, where the best track runners from across the nation flock to compete.

“That’s where the real competition is,” said Anyamele.

Qualifying for the Junior Olympics, as well as the intensity of the competition affirmed his desire to go to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Anyamele understands that he still has two to three more years of training to reach Olympic times, but he is determined to achieve them.

Obinna Anyamele, besides being a tremendous athlete, possesses one of the key elements of being successful in his sport and in life: he believes in himself.

Sports Page 18

Lightning Strike • October2008 2012 The LightningThe Strike • September

Student Athlete Profiles Three students excelling at three different sports

Stefen Supplice: Star skater Hayli DeManno guest writer Skateboards? He’s got that. Long boards? He rides that. Backside pop shove it?

He can do that, too.

For sophomore Stefen Supplice skateboarding comes naturally because he likes the way it makes him feel.

“I’d sometimes do the same trick for hours until I’d get it just right,” said Supplice, who views his skating as his life rather than just some hobby.

Skateboarding can be a dangerous sport if not taken

seriously, but Stefen has never sustained a serious injury from skating other than minor cuts and scrapes.

“I have a lot of permanent body scars,” he said. “However, a major injury for me would be a fractured bone.”

Supplice’s favorite trick is a backside fakie fullicab, a simultaneous 360 degree rotation of both the rider and board while riding it backwards. His typical skating attire includes a pair of skinny jeans and sleeveless shirt.

He [Supplice] skates every

Milo sets team for victory Nicholas Aleman guest writer Standing at five feet, six inches, someone would never guess that junior Brittany Milo is a driving force and team captain of the school volleyball team.

Since she started volleyball in the eighth grade, she has been able to use the game to relieve stress and have fun at the same time.

“I joined volleyball because I saw how stress free my sister was on the court,” said Milo.

“As my role model, I wanted to be just like her.”

Middle school is when Milo found her passion for volleyball. She was named captain in her first season and led the team to third place in the region.

“It was a great feeling,” Milo said. “Being able to go out there in my first year and do what I did, it was amazing.”

When she reached high school, she said the talent of the volleyball players here was so grand that it was a volleyball cultural shock. Milo ADVERTISEMENT

was captain of both J.V teams and led them to a 9-4 record and a 13-2 record in her second year.

“My first year probably was the scariest.” said Milo.

“I didn’t feel comfortable out [on the court] until the end of the season.”

At the end of her freshman year, Milo needed change in her play and she started hitting the gym four times a week and in her words, she was in the best shape of her life.

“Being able to roam the court and feel more comfortable was a big reason why we did so well in my second year,” said Milo.

Now Milo is helping her team recoup from the departure of the starting line-up due to graduation.

The lack of leadership and experience on the young volleyball team has caused Milo to change her leadership to a more aggressive style on the court. “I used to be laid back.” she said. “Now I motivate my teammates to keep a positive attitude, even after a bad play.”

chance he gets, however, Supplice’s preference is between 7 and 10 PM. “The weather is cooling down, you get to watch the sunset, and most businesses are closed, which means no getting kicked out,” Supplice said.

Supplice has a street skateboard and a long board.

He does most of his skating at the California Club shopping plaza because it is close to home and has good spots to perform tricks. Supplice spends his weekend pushing himself and accomplishing

new tricks. However there is a point where he draws the line.

“Every skater should know their limitations and be able to determine if the trick they are practicing is realistic or not applicable for their talent.” said Supplice. “I’m not out there to end up in a coma, just to have fun.”

“One of the worst sacrifices I’ve made to skating is giving up my skin to the ground,” Supplice said. He looks to continue with his passion and hopefully one day, make a career out of it.

Rakover racks up goals Mayan Derhy guest writer With sweat pouring down her face, hockey stick in hand and goal in sight, Julieta Rakover can almost taste victory. With focus, she hit the ball toward its intended goal, and knew she had won the game.

“Field hockey isn’t an easy sport,” she said. “But just like anything, if you put in the hard work you get results.”

Rakover is now 14 years old and has been playing field hockey since she was five.

For the past seven years she has been going to two-hour practices, four times a week at the JCC. Her coach, Manuel Morales, makes the team run or jog half an hour and then works on technique for the remaining hour and a half.

“Sometimes I come out of practice soaking with sweat,” said Rakover. “Those are the practices I love the most because of how strong I feel afterwards.”

Her team, “Aventura Pride,” goes to competitions in Orlando a couple of times a year. Rakover’s mom, Gabriela Rakover, played field hockey as a teenager, and is proud of her daughter’s accomplishments.

She says that she is not the mother that cares about how many games her daughter wins, but is happy because she knows Julieta loves what she is doing.

An important quality of a good hockey player is dedication and the desire to improve, and Rakover has it.

After every tournament, she looks back at what she could have done better for the next game. In the end, she says all of the hard work pays off.

A year ago, the Aventura Pride went to a

tournament near Orlando where they had to play against adults.

“My coach made me think back to all the hard practices and training,” she said, “And I wasn’t nervous anymore.

We ended up winning.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Rakover is taking gifted and honors classes along with one AP course. With tests almost every day and stacks of homework every night, sometimes field hockey is too much.

“I have around 100 questions to answer every week just from my AP world history class,” Rakover said, “I usually try to finish my homework on time but if it came down to homework or hockey, I’d probably choose hockey.”

To Rakover, hockey is not a game, it is a lifelong dream.

She hopes to play field hockey in college and see where it takes her. She even still gets excited to practice.

“We still get chills before we go!” said teammate Juana Argiro.

“Julieta has been my best friend since we were five, and for as long as I can remember, we dreamed about being on a hockey team. Now we get to live that dream every day.”

The Lightning Strike • October 2012

Bulletin Board Page 19

ON CAMPUS EVENTS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 All Day- United Way Halloween Dress-Up SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 8:00 am to 1:30 pm- FIU Ethics Advisory Committee Summit TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 All Day- Shop for Krop at Pinkberry PTSA Teacher Planning Day SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 All Day- 2013 Class Trip to Disney World FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 1:30 pm- Winter Sports Pep Rally in the Gym TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 9:30 am- SADD Presentation TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 All Day- Club Pictures

Hint: Mr. Garnica says this 4-word phrase all the time.

Easy Sudoku

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28 All Day- Club Pictures

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS

mkhslightningstrike@gmail.com

ADVERTISEMENT

Difficult Sudoku

Answer: Go get a pass.

Through the Lens Page 20

The Lightning Strike • October 2012

#KROP

Tweet or Instagram your pictures with #krop to be featured in The Strike 1.

2.

3.

4.

1

Follow The Strike Online!

Twitter

franciiromana chileoni randomnai juang_arango

Homecoming Pep Rally

Facebook

Check out our digital newspaper!

2

Sophomore Hallway

3

Junior Hallway

4

Homecoming Game

ADVERTISEMENT

all styles welcome

Exciting majors, including:

If you’re thinking about colleges, think about this: one of the most exhilarating, inspiring, and

Entrepreneurship

international colleges in the country is right here in South Florida. (Lynn students come from

Psychology

84 countries and 41 states.)

Multimedia Journalism Environmental Studies

To see Lynn for yourself, come to one of our Open House events or schedule a personalized visit

Sports Management

when it’s more convenient. You’ll find all the details online.

Elementary Education

If you’d like to speak to someone in admission, call 561.237.7545. We’d love to talk to you!

Fashion and Retail

3601 N. Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33431

Forensic Science

lynn.edu/ visit

Lynn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability and/or age in administration of its educational and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and /or other school-administered programs. Lynn University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; phone number: 404-679-4500) for questions about the accreditation of Lynn University.