The Panther 2015-2016 Issue 1: October 2015

PANTHER

the

V 58 N 1

Miami Palmetto Senior High School

7460 SW 118 Street, Miami, FL 33156

Monday 12 October 2015

TEENAGERS ARE...

NOT WHAT YOU THINK

CONTENTS 2

4

PAYING AT THE PUMP

9

13

17 22

Gas prices have seen a recent drop but will it last?

The Panther ate school lunch for a week. This is what we found.

Breaking down the stereotypes that deďŹ ne Generation Z at Palmetto- one student at a time.

The darker side of playing fantasy football in high school

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

TEENAGERS ARE... NOT WHAT YOU THINK

MORE THAN FANTASY

HOME OF THE FREE?

What is the line between religious freedom and following the law?

COVER

ON

THE T

eenagers are selfish.

Teenagers are rude.

Teenagers are ignorant.

Teenagers are more than the stereotypes associated with them.

Palmetto is a testament to that fact. Three thousand students fill the 15 hallways and each one has a different story. The student who balances AP classes, sports and clubs is not the typical procrastinator. The student that dedicates entire weekends to volunteer is not entitled or selfabsorbed. All teenagers cannot be thrown into one all-encompassing category that labels them as lazy and narcissistic. There is always more than meets the eye.

Gabriela Riveros (11) poses for a selďŹ e during the shoot for our cover to emphasize a trend that teenagers have established and made ubiquitous.

The color overlays and different poses on the cover represent the multifaceted personality types of teenagers at Palmetto. Students Trevor Knecht (12), Gabriela Riveros (11) and Joshua Arancratz (10) exemplify their own unique personality traits.

PHOTOS BY ISABELLE CARBAJALES AND ANNABEL SANZ

W E I ReV THE

74

ROUND-UP

THE NUMBER OF SCHOOL SHOOTINGS SINCE SANDY HOOK IN 2014 INFORMATION COURTESY OF NEWSWEEK.COM

REVIEW3

BRIEFING NEW SPECIES DISCOVERED Lee Berger, a professor at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and his crew found remains of what scientists now call the Homo Naledi species, in a South African cave called The Rising Star. The new species’ are believed to be around five feet, with the bone structure of the feet bearing resemblance to humans, leading the scientists to believe Homo Naledi’s walked great distances.

The scientists also hypothesized that the Homo Naledi buried the dead, just like humans. For now, they remain in a vault at the University of Witwatersrand, where they are being studied.

HISTORY

LADY GAGA VOTED BILLBOARD WOMAN OF THE YEAR

“

Lady Gaga is a trendsetter.

She has people like Nicki Minaj and Rihanna following her every move.”

ZALIJAH VAUGHN (12)

FACE-OFF

in the making

1

st Time

THE POPE

came to THE U.S.

SHOULD FACEBOOK HAVE A DISLIKE BUTTON?

CALIFORNIA FOREST FIRES During January, California governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency due to severe droughts. California’s record drought continues to affect the state, diminishing water resources. Strict rules on water conservation have been put on the citizens of California, with fines being issued on homes and businesses that are wasting too much water. Due to the continuous droughts, forest fires have erupted suddenly without warning. The fires have forced residents in the area to evacuate, leaving more than 23,000 people without a home. One death has already been claimed, Barbara McWilliams, a disabled 72 year old.

STEVEN SOTLOFF MEMORIAL

“

To sensor a dislike button would be the same logic as sensoring a like button” MATTHEW LOUCAS (12)

INFORMATION COMPILED BY KATHARINE HSIAO GRAPHICS BY ANNABEL SANZ

“

I think the dislike button is discouraging, especially if people are trying to express themselves.”

TAYLOR WEST (10)

A year has passed since the killing of Steven Sotloff, an American-Israeli journalist and one of the many reporters kidnapped and killed by ISIS. On September 12, a memorial at Pinecrest Gardens was made in honor of Sotloff’s work by family members and the community. The placement of the memorial at Pinecrest Gardens was chosen due to his frequent visits as a child to the discontinued Parrot Jungle.

A foundation was formed in his honor following his death.

2LIVES, developed by Sotloff’s parents to honor Sotloff, awards scholarships to aspiring journalists. Scholarships will be given out at the University of Miami.

REPORT4

PAY LESS

AT THE PUMP “SINCE GAS PRICES ARE DECREASING I CAN USE MY CAR MORE AND GO TO MORE PLACES, GIVING ME MORE MONEY TO SPEND ON OTHER THINGS. THE DECLINING GAS PRICES ALLOW ME TO APPRECIATE DRIVING MORE.” - DANIEL AJABSHIR (11)

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), September gas prices are at their lowest average in over a decade.

The AAA claims that drivers are paying over one dollar less for gasoline than they did one year ago. The national average for regular unleaded gas now stands at $2.34, compared to $3.34 at this time last year.

The benefits of these prices can be observed here in our own community.

Prices in the Pinecrest area go as low as $2.47 per gallon for regular unleaded fuel. Even cheaper prices are found in the Palmetto Bay area with the lowest at $2.25.

“I hope to see gas prices this low for a while,” senior Daniel Diez said. “I really enjoy driving and drag racing, but unfortunately poor gas mileage is a result of that. Lower prices just means I get to do more of what I love.”

The sudden price decline is due to an excess in world oil supplies.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, prices are expected to average between $49 and $54 per barrel next year, which would continue to keep gas prices low.

“I’m glad they’re going down,” senior Julie Walsh said. “But I’m worried about

what that means for oil reserves and exactly how we’re accessing so much oil because it’s probably a pretty environmentally devastating process.”

Gas prices usually drop in the fall and winter due to the fact of lower production costs during this time. Winter blends require less additives than those of summer blends, according to the AAA. Lower prices will most likely lead to increased automobile usage across the country, which will result in more emissions of carbon into the Earth’s atmosphere. The carbon is necessary for our atmosphere, but an excess of carbon has caused global warming.

Sea levels have risen because of thermal expansion of oceans from global warming.

The higher sea levels present higher chances of flood for mainland areas.

“I personally like the price decrease, but it will not have a beneficial impact on the environment whatsoever” senior Trevor Knecht said. “Gasoline in general should be dropped as a major fuel.”

Shane McCrink Sports Editor s.mccrink.thepanther@gmail.com

PHOTO BY CHRYSTAL PETERSON

NATIONAL AVERAGE OF GAS PRICES all grades (2010-2015) 2010

$2.84 INFOGRAPHIC BY SOPHIA CARRILLO

2011

2012

2013

2014

$3.58

$3.68

$3.58

$3.44

2015

$2.53

REPORT5

YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT: PILOT YEAR YMCA Youth and Government will start a chapter at Miami Palmetto Senior High, with the 2015-2016 school year representing its pilot. The YMCA has reached out to the MPSH student government and plans to have the Youth and Government program in full effect at Palmetto for the 2016-2017 school year.

The program will be similar to the one currently in place at Coral Reef Senior High. The nationwide program allows for high school students to serve in model governments at local, state, national and international levels.

According to the program’s mission statement, the intent of the program is to help create the next generation of thoughtful, committed and active citizens by teaching them the principles of a democratic society.

Although the program comes at a time of change for the entire school, many upperclassmen wish they would’ve had an opportunity to be a part of it during their time at Palmetto.

“I wish this would have come to

Ro go les: s lob vern enat o pre byis rs, l ors, ss. ts, a awy nd ers the ,

Roles: mirr or that of th e state legislator

Palmetto earlier,” senior Natalie Silver said. “I would have definitely joined.”

Once MPSH has the program available to all students, members will be able to attend the annual convention in Tallahassee and model events that happen in Florida’s government. Within the Legislative model, bills are drafted, discussed in committee and later debated.

In the Judicial branch of the model, students stay specific to their re role--such as attorney, witness, or Freshman and Sophomo students prepare a case judge--and try a case or present eals. for the Court of App are Juniors and Seniors prep a case to the court. Executive t.

Cour a case for the Supreme branch responsibilities vary state to state, mirroring that state’s elected offices.

“Palmetto will benefit from an interactive club like this one,” sophomore Alexia Lugo said.

“Students will be able to showcase their special abilities.”

Sophia Carrillo INFOGRAPHIC BY EMILY DIEZ

Senior Design Editor s.carrillo.thepanther@gmail.com

A USER FRIENDLY UPGRADE: iPhone 6S On September 12 at 8:01a.m, millions of pre-orders for Apple’s latest product, the iPhone 6S, poured in. At Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco, the billion dollar corporation released its newest devices. Not only did the WWDC introduce the brand new iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S plus, but also other useful devices such as the larger iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil.

The iPhone 6S may not have changed much in appearance, but many new features distinguish the iPhone from its predecessor.

The most notable change to the iPhone 6S is 3D touch feature. 3D touch makes the iPhone pressure sensitive and helps users navigate the device with ease.

The new device also offers improved photography features.

A quality upgrade now allows for 4k quality video and a new photography mode. The camera takes 12MP high quality photos and there is a new feature called Live Photos. Live Photos are initiated by holding down the capture button and keeping the camera still while the subject of the photo stays still and the background changes, creating a moving picture.

The iPhone 6S is equipped with an A9 chip, the most advanced smartphone processor. This allows for faster LTE and processing speeds, making it the fastest smartphone on the market.

The housing of the iPhone 6S has improved as well. It is a 7000 series aluminum alloy, a type of recyclable aluminum used in the aerospace industry. Apple anticipates that the new iPhone will not bend as the last one had.

The iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus will also be available in a

new color, rose gold. It will match the color scheme of the Apple Watch, which was released on April 10, 2015.

The new models will come in three different sizes of internal memory, 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB. The prices of the phones begin at $650 for the 6S and $750 for the 6S Plus for those without a contract.

Most of the additional products created by the company are improvements on previous products, although the Apple Pencil is new. This tool not only feels, but looks like a standard pencil that is used in everyday writing. Apple designed the product to make edits to a single pixel, allowing more creative freedom than in the past.

The Apple Pencil has astounding characteristics. Not only does it allow the user to change the weight of a pencil stroke based on pressure, but it also allows shading at the flick of the wrist. The gadget has an extremely fast response time making the time between making the stroke and it appearing on the iPad imperceptible.

To charge the device, simply plug the Apple Pencil into an iPad. Fifteen seconds of charging allows for 30 minutes of use.

“It seems like a nice upgrade with some interesting new features,” junior Jonathan Roth said. “I would rather wait and get the iPhone 7.”

Maxwell Landy Video Editor m.landy.thepanther@gmail.com

REPORT 6 Three Reasons Why Students Should Care About the Syrian Refugee Crisis 1. This is the largest number of refugees since the end of World War II. At the end of World War II, Germans faced expulsion from their homes in Eastern Europe, displacing 11.5 million people.

While the Syrian Civil War claims responsibility for displacing over 12 million refugees, many of these people seek to escape persecution, violence in wartorn cities and the destruction of REFUGEE INTAKE their livelihoods because of this conflict.

UNITED STATES: 85,000 Of these 12 million refugees, LEBANON: 1.1 MILLION the United States plans to accept IRAQ: 250,000 85,000 refugees. On average, 42,000 people face displacement GERMANY: 800,000 daily; the United States aims JORDAN: 630,000 to accept only two days worth of newly displaced peoples. In contrast, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq Hungarian riot and Jordan have collectively police attacked granted asylum to four million Syrian migrants refugees, with the number growing each day. with water “It worries me,” says senior cannons, batons, Marcello Peschiera. “I feel bad that they’re forced to leave their and tear gas. homes. They’re leaving their homes, their families, everything “This is an they have.”

across the world; the crisis has reached a global scale.

“We have an obligation [to house the refugees],” says freshman Alexandra Gonglewski. “Ignoring the problem only makes this situation worse.”

REFUGEE CRISIS

2. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away.

example of history repeating itself. This is the same as what happened WWII.”

Immigrating to Eastern Europe and they cannot go back home.

Pretending that the crisis does not exist does not bring these refugees to safety. Willful ignorance in lieu of facing - ALFRED SHOMAR (10) the situation only worsens the situation for the refugees.

With such a large number of people displaced, this crisis could last for more than several months. It may take years and INFOGRAPHIC BY SOPHIA CARRILLO the resolution, or lack thereof, will still impact people around the world for decades to come.

This problem lacks an easy solution and we are not dealing with a small number of displaced people. It requires a joint effort and from more than just government officials.

Every effort made to assist the refugees, rather than doing nothing, is a progression. With the United States promising to accept 85,000 Syrian refugees, the likelihood presents itself that some refugees will arrive in Miami and they will become a part of life in the city. This crisis does not only concern people halfway

3. Refugees have few places to go.

Refugees find themselves in a very difficult position: remain in their homes risking their lives, or “These are seek asylum in countries where they may face hostility. Saudi people too.

Arabia, the most culturally similar It’s happening Middle Eastern nation to Syria has right now and it not shown any desire to accept doesn’t have to any refugees into their country.

Likewise, European countries like be.”

Hungary have shown outright - ALEXANDRA hostility to these refugees.

GONGLEWSKI (9) The idea of separate national identities in the 20th century created groups that saw being Desperate white as purity, leaving nonrefugees turn Europeans behind as inferior. These attitudes have permeated in the to human European conscious and created an environment that looks down traffickers upon outsiders. to smuggle The refugees have very few options. If they return home, they them into will return to a country in the Europe, taking middle of turmoil, face persecution for their faith, or find their homes out loans and repossessed or behind enemy lines. spending their Palmetto, although a large school already, has never had an issue savings in the with accepting new students. process.

Whether it’s a kid coming from another county, or a kid coming from another country, Palmetto has always had an open-minded student body. Students should care about this crisis because the student body offers a unique opportunity for these people that other places, even in the United States, may not offer.

“It’s our world,” says senior Marcello Peschiera. “Everyone is a human being. We should try to help them or do what we can to give another human being a safe life.”

GERMANY IS THE FIRST TO WELCOME REFUGEES

Keith Richards Report Editor k.richards.thepanther@gmail.com

REPORT7

AN AMENDMENT TO PALMETTO

PHOTO BY EMILY DIEZ

“

RIGHT NOW, STUDENTS NOT IN THE PROGRAM CAN TAKE STANDARD HUMAN GEOGRAPHY CLASSES. STUDENTS PART OF THE PROGRAM WILL BE TAKING CLASSES THAT RELATE THE SUBJECT TO OTHER CLASSES.

“

Students have the opportunity to take electives that pertain to their interests and goals. Career driven electives at our school include business and entrepreneurship, drafting, photography and journalism among others. Until recently, one of the most popular career paths in the U.S had been unavailable to our students, as a class or club.

Students interested in criminal justice now have the opportunity to join the new Forensic Investigative Academy (FIA), which is now a part of the AP Capstone program this school year. FIA will bring together different aspects of criminal and forensic investigation, according to its program philosophy.

As Palmetto graduated over 95% of his students to college last year, it is likely that many students will jump at the opportunity to build a foundation in forensics through FIA. According to a recent U.S. News and World Report poll, criminal justice is a coveted career path and considered the fifth most well paying job in America.

The Forensic Investigative Academy will also offer prospective students an alternative to Coral Reef”s Legal and Public Affairs program. Also, the program is now available at Palmetto Middle School, providing a solid foundation for students aspiring to join.

The academy will teach students the basics of law, cyber security, applied science and human geography, among other related subjects. While an investigative program would appeal to many students, it will only be available to students already enrolled in the AP Capstone program.

“Right now, students not in the program can take standard human geography classes,” principal Victoria Dobbs said.

“Students part of the program will be taking classes that relate the subject to other studies.”

MPSH will also become the first Dade County public school to have an FIA

principal Victoria Dobbs

program. Current AP Human Geography teacher John Hayduk will teach FIA classes this year, with a soft opening of 25 students taking shape this year.

“The forensic science program is tying in a scientific approach to law,” Hayduk said. “They’re courses of study related to law.”

The program will be one of eight magnets introduced in Dade-County this year, including the Communications program at Sunset Senior High School and the Global Trade and Logistics program at Miami Central High School. The new program is part of an MDCPS initiative to launch individual programs that better cater to the needs of a school’s student body.

“The ultimate goal of the program will be to open up a world of programmatic studies that students may have not considered including high level sciences, with the goal of influencing the careers of the students in the program,” principal Victoria Dobbs said. “I think that this is a program that will be really well received.

It is going to be rigorous and it’ll keep students at Palmetto and entice other students to join the school.”

Thomas Martinez Copy Editor t.martinez.thepanther@gmail.com

FORENSIC

INVESTIGATIVE ACADEMY CAREER PATHWAYS: - FORENSIC FINANCE & ACCOUNTING - LEGAL PROFESSIONS - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - CYBER SECURITY - INTELLIGENCE ANALYST

- INVESTIGATIVE SURVEILLANCE - FEDERAL AGENTS - APPLIED SCIENCE & ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY INFOGRAPHIC BY SOPHIA CARRILLO

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LIFE9

TAKING HOMECOMING

WORLDWIDE As homecoming approaches, excitement builds around this year’s theme. The dance will take students on an international experience, resembling the Brazilian Carnival. During the event, students will experience South American culture with an ‘hora loca,’ featuring eccentric accessories and props for the dance. “[The dance] is going to have some really interesting things this year,” Student Council President Nicole Rosario said. “Panther Prowl is going to be really good this year. We want students to be really excited about it.”

Homecoming attendees will receive a mock passport

upon purchasing their ticket to the dance. Following each homecoming event, participants will acquire ‘jetsetter stamps.’

The students who go to every event and earn all stamps will then be entered into a raffle. The winners will be awarded a gift basket filled with Palmetto spirit items, such as shirts, pins and other school merchandise.

Spirit week will also tie into the dance’s theme and center around the idea of travel. Students will have the opportunity to dress up everyday of the week, including theme park day and class color day. The hallway decoration contest will also revolve around an international

theme, with each hallway dedicated to a different country.

The homecoming football game will be against Miami Senior High School at Tropical Park on October 16th. The game’s theme will mimic the 50th anniversary Super Bowl, dubbed “the Golden Super Bowl”, with themed banners lining the field.

“I’m pretty excited for Homecoming week. It’s fun to see what each event has in store,” sophomore Lilian Delgado said. “I love seeing the pep rallies and I’m ready to purchase my ticket.”

Olympia Rodriguez Life Editor

o.rodriguez.thepanther@gmail.com

GRAPHIC COURTESY OF ASHLEY WEST

PHOTOS BY AGNES BARTHA, MORGAN ELMSLIE AND ANNABELLA RUOZZI

BLOGGERS: BEYOND THE AVERAGE STUDENT From the original printing press to the current digital age, the world of journalism constantly evolves.

Blogging, a relatively modern form of journalism, has gained a formidable amount of popularity over the past few years among a prominent demographic of internet users, teenagers.

Senior Nicole Hidalgo expresses herself every few days through her own blog ‘Evolution of Glam.’

Her website centers around evolving fashion trends and showcasing her style to readers. Hidalgo has been interested in fashion for as long as she can remember but the inspiration to start a blog came over a year ago when her boyfriend’s mom

noticed her affinity for style.

“I was never into sports, but I always loved fashion and shopping,” Hidalgo said.

“I’ve seen pictures of myself in diapers with heels on, so the passion is real.”

Just as fashion blogs have taken Palmetto by storm, some students have started thier own fitness blogs.

Senior Zoe Zelaya credited the inspiration to start her own blog out of her desire to share the workouts that she enjoyed the most. Zelaya posts pictures of her personal progress and videos of the different exercises that have contributed to her success.

“I hope to motivate [students] to work out and try new things,” Zelaya said. “My father has always

Nicole Hidalgo blog: https://www.evolutionofglam.com

served as an inspiration when it came to fitness and health.”

Zelaya says that her father taught her at a young age the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Zelaya began working out at LA Fitness towards the end of eighth grade and ever since then, her gym membership has been a focal point in her life.

Bloggers give their viewers an alternative insight into their life that nobody would have known before.

Blogging offers an outlet for creativity and thoughts that may not have been known otherwise.

Megan Martinez

Business Manager

m.martinez.thepanther@gmail.com

Zoe Zelaya Instagram: @zelfit

LIFE 10

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES Really sweet chocolate chip flavored cookiessold at any lunch cart and as an optional side in the cafeteria.

APPLE SLICES Seemingly freshly cut apple slices packaged in a plastic bag.

TORTILLAS With only 380 calories, the normal quesadilla provided by the school also only contains 18 grams of fat and protein, along side with 36 grams of total carb.

1% LOWFAT MILK Filled with important nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus add on to its satisfactory taste.

PHOTO BY SUNGHO SON

BITING INTO THE SCHOOL YEAR Introduction For one school week, I was assigned to eat the school lunch. A few meals I ate did not provide nutritional information.

Day One On the first day, I bought a meal from one of the outdoor carts. I ate a ground turkey patty inside a whole grain bun, with cheese inside. The cheese lacked flavor, however the turkey patty was appetizing, making up a decent 250 calorie meal. The turkey cheeseburger was accompanied by the required apple slices that tasted like apple, which was a good sign. My beverage for the day was a 1% low-fat white milk.

To top off the meal, I had two chocolate chip cookies. The cookies were enjoyable, with a soft and somewhat moist texture and crunchy edges; a pleasant end to an average lunch meal.

Day Two

Next on the menu were mini pizza bagels from the cafeteria.

I enjoyed these quite a bit, as they seemed healthy due to the whole wheat bun and low-fat cheese (324 calories). I also had a good time drinking chocolate milk that resembled the brand Yoohoo. I looked forward to a frozen juice cup that had an orange-pineapple flavor, a combination which I’d never tasted before. To my disappointment, the frozen juice melted, providing the low point in a promising meal.

Day Three On this day, I had a mediocre Jamaican patty with a bland taste that would’ve been better with ketchup. Reassuringly, the white milk I had was exceptionally thirst quenching and fresh. Also, the required apple slices were great and quite crisp, making up a somewhat satisfying meal.

Day Four From the cafeteria, I was given a questionable meal.

There was general confusion while it sat on my tray. My friend and I spent time trying to decide what I was given.

When I ate it, it resembled a quesadilla. Calling the dark orange content inside a tortilla a “quesadilla” seemed to be the least unsettling answer.

Beside that confusing part of the meal, I had decent mashed potatoes. After that, I had a pineapple cup that happened to taste like applesauce, adding more perplexion. To top off my lunch, I drank a blend of concentrated juice flavors in the school provided fruit punch, giving a subtle end to a memorable lunch.

chicken pleased me at first, until I bit onto something mysteriously hard and decided it was time to move on. Along with the mentioned food, I had the required milk and apple slices. The milk was the usual 1% Lowfat milk and it was disgusting this day. As for the apple slices, they restored yet another meal.

Conclusion There is not much you can expect from school lunch. You just have to withstand those questionable meals provided to you. As strange as it seems, the experience was not that bad, providing a consistent talking point with friends. In my opinion, school lunch isn’t really all that bad.

Day Five From the cart, I had popcorn chicken nuggets along with whole wheat bread inside a plastic box. The popcorn

Annabella Ruozzi Staff Editor

a.ruozzi.thepanther@gmail.com

LIFE 11 THE

American Walking Dead Horror Story SCANDAL

GREY’SANATOMY

F

rom late September to early October, Fall TV captivates viewers with intriguing storylines and engaging dramas. After a long school week, when the greatest desire of your heart is to sit in front of a screen and wash all of your worries away, make sure that the content you plan to watch deserves your time.

Do not settle for one of the many shows that drills holes of boredom into the minds of its victims. Look no further for your next obsession. Fortunately for you, The Panther has compiled the most anticipated returning shows in one guide, ranging from the hottest new drama to the newest addition to horror.

Grey’s Anatomy 2005

2015

2012

TV-14

5 Seasons HD 5.1

Scandal returned this fall for its fifth season on September 24th at 9:00 P.M. on ABC. The highly-anticipated political drama surrounds a crisis management firm led by Olivia Pope. In this season, Pope unites with her long-term love interest, President Fitzgerald (Fitz) Thomas Grant III. The strong female heroine captivates viewers with her intensity, power and complexity. “She’s really determined and she takes charge,” junior Cristina de Castro said. “You want to be her when you watch [Scandal] because she knows what she’s doing and she’s good at problem solving.”

TV-14 12 Seasons HD 5.1

Grey’s Anatomy, a medical drama acclaimed for its gripping plot, developed characters and heartwrenching dialogue, appeared for its twelfth season on September 24th, at 8:00 P.M. Season 12 follows Dr. Miranda Bailey competing for the Chief of Surgery position. Meredith’s half-sister, Maggie appears as one of Meredith’s roommates, after Derek’s death at the end of season 11 (played by Patrick Dempsey).

“I enjoy how the characters develop throughout the series,” sophomore Ji-meoung Kim said, “[Grey’s Anatomy] has made me interested in the health field and think about going into it.”

Empire

Scandal

INFOGRAPHIC BY CARMELLA JIMENEZ AND SUNGHO SON

TV-14

2 Seasons HD 5.1

Empire rose to the top of TV ratings after its first season, and resumed on September 23rd on Fox. The drama centers around a family-owned record label company, headed by Lucious Lyon, now incarcerated for killing Bunkie, a close family friend. Cookie and her allies unite to enact a hostile takeover on Empire Records and destroy Luscious. “I’m looking forward to seeing how [Luscious] interacts with his family and his career from inside of jail,” freshman Paris Imar said.

The Walking Dead

2010 TV-MA 6 Seasons HD 5.1 The Walking Dead will return for its sixth season, October 11th on AMC. Set in a post-zombie apocalyptic world the series continues with the group in the Alexandria Safe Zone, an isolated, selfsufficient community of survivors,.“It has a great cast and it always has a plot twist that makes you want to watch,” sophomore Ashley Mclaughlin said. “The commercials show that Rick loses it. Apparently, he’s going to go crazy.”

American Horror Story 2011 TV-MA 5 Seasons HD 5.1

American Horror Story returned at 10:00 P.M. on October 7th for its fifth season, “AHS: Hotel”. The story continues its anthology trend this season, by following the tale of a detective investigating a group of murders within a hotel owned by the countess Elizabeth (Lady Gaga). “[Lady Gaga’s] going to be an interesting ad to the show,” sophomore Lilian Delgado said. “I feel like it’s going to be scarier than Freak Show [last season].”

LIFE 12

HIGH SCHOOL SUR

Seven Essential Tips I Wish I Knew Before High School Sign up for new activities It is that time of the year when students take out their pens and fill out sign-in sheets during Club Fair.

Students walk around with their friends, signing up for standard and exclusive clubs that might have caught their interest. The fear of joining a club that none of their friends have also joined limits one to stay identical among everybody else. “Don’t be afraid to do activities out of the norm,” senior Emilio Arias said. “It’s always good to expand your circle because you’ll never know what you truly like until you’ve done it.”

Don’t act arrogant There is nothing wrong with being confident, but acting cocky can land one a ticket to the school’s clinic or Mr. Hunter’s office. Everyone knows at least one person who brags about their grades every single time they take a test or a natural comedian that takes his act one step too far by pranking the upperclassmen. Although such scenes rarely escalate to the point in which one gets punched in the face, keep a low profile because rumors travel fast among all grades. “Don’t mess with the wrong people because then you will get a bad reputation,” freshman Madeline Coiner said.

Only impress yourself High school represents a fresh start for the incoming freshman class.

Many try to gain a large group of new friends by pursuing the same classes, clubs and activities to the point where a stranger cannot tell the difference

between them. It happens way too often when students sign up for more AP classes than they can handle so that they wouldn’t look unintelligent when all of their friends are in multiple AP’s except them. “Just be you,” freshman Daniel Benique said. “You don’t have to impress anybody.”

Don’t start high school with “freshmanitis” Everyone talks about having senioritis. However, freshmanitis is just as prevelant, as the first year of high schoolmatters just as much as the last.

Freshmen regularly take the first year of high school for granted, although most consider it the easiest year of the four. Instead of starting their high school career strong, their GPA proves otherwise. Freshmen tend to think in the present and don’t realize how difficult it is to slack and get into their desired school. To promote academic excellence, the school administrators placed a minimum requirement on sports, activities and some clubs.

“Don’t slack in your 9th grade year because it’ll ruin your chances on getting into sports the following year and could affect your overall GPA,” sophomore Jason Rodriguez said.

Act Polarizing High school gives incoming students a fresh, new page to write.

Whatever they choose to do, students always run into obstacles. Ignorant boys laugh and egotistical girls spread gossip because they lack the courage to express themselves. It’s better to have people dislike you and others absolutely love you rather than

everyone like you.

“Don’t let what others do interfere with what you want to do,” junior Jonathan Searle said.

Upperclassmen do not care Take a reality check: seniors cannot differentiate between freshmen, sophomores and juniors. They have experienced every aspect of high school and met every single type of person. Seniors shouldn’t care less about the underclassmen. They are not out to make fun of, prank, bully or “own” a freshman. As long as the freshmen do not show off their dominance that they had three months ago in middle school, the first year will seem like a breeze. “Seniors actually don’t care about you,” senior Julia Demayo said. “Don’t try and impress someone who’s older than you.”

Ignore rumors On the first day of school, many freshmen search frantically for their next class within the short five minutes they have. Having a school map may help but if it’s still confusing, ask the teachers or security guards. Not the upperclassmen. Asking upperclassmen for help may sound like a great idea at first, but they may purposely lead you to wrong directions to get a good laugh out of it. “There isn’t actually a pool on the third floor,” junior Ashley Thompson said. “Don’t listen to anyone that says that.”

Sungho Son

Design Editor

s.son.thepanther@gmail.com

URVIVAL GUIDE Six Apps to Keep You Sane

1.

2.

iBooks comes pre-installed to any Apple iPhone as a virtual library. With an Apple ID, any iTunes account holder can purchase a book directly through their Apple device and it will sync to all of their devices quickly. You can use iBooks when completing reading assignments if you ever leave your book at home. The app is also meant for getting a digital copy of something rather than carrying a textbook in your backpack all day.

4.

Slader will act as an essential aid every time you have difficulty with either a math problem or a problem related to chemistry. In order to solve the the problem you are working on, Slader gives you step-bystep processes. This allows you to understand how an answer is found. Free to use, Slader allows students to upload pictures of completed problems for other students who may be struggling. This application is most useful for homework.

Just choose your textbook and the page number and get the answers you need.

5.

With Mindsnacks, you can study SAT vocabulary words while playing addictive games.

This app is designed to build SAT, ACT, PSAT and GRE vocabulary in an engaging manner. Playing games while studying enables students to memorize terms faster than studying the old-fashioned way and be more entertained in doing so.

LIFE 13

Google Drive is a cloud storage app for documents, photos, videos and anything you want to share as a larger file. Google Drive can organize your documents and save memory on your computer’s internal hard drive. On Google Drive, students can collaborate on the same document for projects, rather then email their work to one anotherw. This helpful app grants students accessibility to their work at their own convenience.

3.

Quizlet is a memorization tool that allows a person to create a set of terms for any use.

Whether it be for vocabulary or other forms of study, Quizlet is a fast and efficient way to memorize terms you need. You can make memorizing content more entertaining and prepare yourself for information you may need to understand. Also, 100% Verizon LTE 12:11 PM material for various classes has Categories Top Charts already been created on the app, Free Top Grossing Paid saving the time it would take you to create your personal studying Google Drive set. With six different ways to GET 1 Productivity learn, including a variety of games to help you memorize the iBooks information, Quizlet can come in GET 2 Education handy for anyone looking for an efficient way to study.

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PhotoMath is a fast and simple app that reads and solves math problems by using your smartphone camera. Simply aim your camera at any math problem and in seconds, a step by step list of how to solve it is in your hands. The free application allows students to understand math problems they may struggle with. Photomath’s easy-to-use features allow for math students to learn at home in a quick and reliable way.

Chrystal Peterson Staff Writer

c.peterson.thepanther@gmail.com INFOGRAPHIC BY SUNGHO SON

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A generation is defined as all of the people born and living at the same time. The “G.I. Generation”, children who lived through the Great Depression, exemplify teamwork and strong civic duty. Millennials, born from the 1980s to late 1990s, respect authority and set high expectations for themselves. Then comes Generation Z, the generation born after the 2000s, often labeled as lazy, entitled and ignorant. While a portion of the generation may subscribe to these descriptions, others defy their preconceived standards.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CLAUDIA VERA

I AM N FEATURE 16

PROCRASTINATOR

After two Advanced Placement classes and training with an elite Jamaican soccer team, sophomore Lyana Steele has no time for laziness. From the moment she wakes up at 5:30 A.M. until she goes to sleep at 11:45 P.M., Steele is constantly on her feet, moving from one thing to the next.

“I don’t complain about not having enough time with my friends because I’m doing something that I’m passionate about and can pursue in the future,” Steele said.

As an AP student, Steele maintains focus and manages to get her work done while participating in competitive sports. Even when she’s busy with soccer tournaments throughout the entire state, Steele prioritizes her school work above all.

Coming from Jamaican roots, Steele takes pride in playing for her home soccer team and she hopes to change the way the world views Caribbean athletics.

“Playing for Jamaica makes me feel proud because it’s such a small country” Steele said, “and I’m honored to represent where I come from.”

Later in the fall, she will compete in the World Cup Qualifiers tournament. Juggling AP courses and playing for the Jamaican U17 National Team gives Steele no room to procrastinate.

Olympia Rodriguez Life Editor

o.rodriguez.thepanther@gmail.com

PHOTOS BY SARAH SICLAIT, REMY FARKAS AND AGNES BARTHA

TECH-OBSESSED

Jacob Williams has no likes, no views and no retweets; that is how he likes it. Although he has an iPhone 5, Williams feels no tie to the technological world.

“It wouldn’t be so bad going a week without my phone, I would survive it,” Williams said. “If I don’t have access to technology, there are other things to do for me that would be enjoyable. I like swimming and I really like history and science.”

Williams finds social media entirely distracting but thinks technology can be a useful resource for acquiring information.

“Social media is just filled with unwanted information. People are using it to do things that aren’t needed, like post sixteen selfies of themselves,” Williams said. “People think that teenagers don’t really care about learning. Teenagers, a lot of them, focus their time towards learning about things.”

When he does use his phone, it is not for selfies, but to play some games, inquire about a friend through text messages, or read up on articles about science or history, two subjects he finds interesting. Despite his feelings about social media and the assumptions people have about teenagers, Williams hopes to advocate for his peers’ deeper interests.

Susan Aghedo

Staff Writer

s.aghedo.thepanther@gmail.com

NOT...

IGNORANT

Senior Kaitlyn Wisdom is always questioning. Disagreement with friends about a political or social issue can persist for days.

“I think having an open mind and being open to accepting that I’m wrong and that there are always multiple sides to situations make me not ignorant,” Wisdom said.

Wisdom has learned through the years to always fact-check any ideas presented to her before believing wholly in them. This natural skepticism has led Wisdom on a constant quest for information. Recently, Wisdom came across the story of Ahmed Mohamed with the headline: “Muslim Boy Arrested Over Clock.” Due to the misleading headline, Wisdom formulated the idea that the story of the arrest was racially motivated.

However, after gathering all of the facts and evaluating each individual perspective her opinion changed.

“Before I form an opinion on something, or believe fully in something I need all the facts,” Wisdom said.

Katharine Hsiao Design Editor

k.hsaio.thepanther@gmail.com

FEATURE 17

NARCISSISTIC ENTITLED He holds the door for strangers. He listens intently to others. He values human conversation. Junior Sean Bunce is as unselfish as they come. Unlike the majority of today’s generation, Bunce discards concerns of physical appearance and focuses on congenial treatment towards others.

Bunce’s simple acts of kindness stem from his upbringing. Born to a charitable mother and raised by a stepfather who willingly serves the needs of others, Bunce strives to emulate the basic hospitality his parents taught him.

Despite others’ selfish acts, Bunce remains optimistic of their intentions, considering their unknown situations. His silent character and curious nature allow him to observe his surroundings, heedless to himself. Bunce’s friends know him for his compassionate personality. Even everyday events affect him.

“I hate it when I see a kid and their balloon falls off of their wrist,” Bunce said, “That’s so heartbreaking.”

Doing everything with a smile on her face, senior Kayla Spigelman puts others before herself. President of the O’Interact club; Spigelman also works on her own community service project and volunteers at the Children’s Bereavement Center.

Spigelman always makes the time to help others around her community.

To Spigelman, hard work, gratitude and passion have molded her into the person she is today and has allowed her to take on many responsibilities. Since the seventh grade, she has led a community service project called “Trick Or Treat Food to Eat” to end hunger in South Florida. Instead of collecting candy on Halloween, Spigelman and fellow volunteers collect canned foods throughout the month of October which are then donated to Feeding South Florida.

“I put my best effort in what I do and really give my 101%,” Spigelman said. “It has taught me work ethic and how to be a leader and to do the right thing so that other people can follow.”

Marlowe Starling

Sofia Brand

m.starling.thepanther@gmail.com

s.brand.thepanther@gmail.com

Insight Editor

Staff Writer

FEATURE 18

Defining Generation Z How accurately do the stigmas behind the stereotypes of Generation Z reflect teenagers in the 21st century?

In a nation where Kim Kardashian has more twitter followers than the president of the United States and the word “selfie” holds a place in the Oxford Dictionary, one may have trouble coming up with a solid defense for the Generation Z. Generation Z, those born after 1995, has had access to computers for their entire lives. iTunes has replaced record stores and Online streaming has led to the decline of DVDs and their often forgotten ancestor, the VCR. A Google search can answer most questions in under a second, making information more accessible at an unprecedented rate. Whereas older generations had to search for answers in dictionaries, atlases and encyclopedias, the clicks of a screen can reveal a solution that requires no effort to retrieve.

“Most kids will tell you that they don’t listen to NPR or read the newspaper, but certain interest groups can infiltrate social media and feed information that has to do with current events in a way that kids absorb it,” junior Colin Doscher said.

Words such as lazy, narcissistic, arrogant, and entitled all accompany the title “Generation Z,” even considering their contributions to society. Rooms once filled with voices now light up with phone screens, the sounds limited to the clicks of typing and notification alerts. According to Time Magazine, the average attention span has decreased by 4 seconds since 2000 and attention deficiency syndrome has risen over three percent GRAPHIC BY REMY FARKAS since 2003.

“I think the only reason the older generation thinks our generation is lazy is because they are our parents but once we leave to college, we’re going to have to live on our own,” sophomore Alexa Rizas said. “I don’t think we work as hard as they do now but we eventually will when we leave and live on our own.”

In 2002, fifty eight percent more students scored higher on a narcissism scale than in 1982 and in 2007, three times as many teenage girls said they wanted to become a personal assistant to a famous person as opposed to being a Senator, Time reported. The spotlight shines on Hollywood stars and sport professionals more than ambassadors and engineers, thus making the former more sought after.

“In a society today I would say that [narcissism] is what kids grow up knowing and a personality that everyone has become subject to,” senior Isaiah Hernandez said.

O

The inflation of social media has also contributed to the rise of egotism among the “me” generation. Instead of using sites to connect with each other, they have become a career choice for those who hope to achieve Internet fame. Companies such as Skinny Teatox offer free products in exchange for a feature shout out on different media platforms for accounts with over 5,000 followers.

Vine users can make anywhere between $20,000 and $50,000 for giving endorsements during their videos. In 2014, the top grossing YouTuber, Shane Dawson, made $315,000 through his channel. “[Our generation is] pampered because of technological conveniences where everything is in the palm of our hands,” junior Christian Grossenbacher said. “The next generation will preserve the lazy and ignorant ethics of our current society.

Despite overwhelming evidence suggesting an underwhelming generation, the negative stereotypes do not encompass the entire population.

Blind to color and gender roles, the individuals in Generation Z exemplify a more tolerant society than those in the past. A study done at Northeastern University shows that 74 percent of people surveyed support equal rights for transgender people and 73 percent of people believe in same-sex marriage. The people in Generation Z also make up the most diverse population in United States history.

Just like the real world, students at Palmetto have defied the stereotypes attached to their generation through their dedication and involvement both inside and outside of school. The drama students voluntarily stay an extra hour after the final bell rings to rehearse for upcoming shows.

The football team practices five days a week to improve their skills before every game. Flyers advertising individual community service projects decorate the school hallways, promoting giving back to surrounding areas.

“There are those students who dedicate their time to the school.

The variations spend their time dancing instead of on Instagram and the drama kids spend our time rehearsing,” senior Kelsey Harlow said. “Yes, we do use technology but at the same time, we don’t center around it.”

Emma Seckinger

Print Managing Editor

e.seckinger.thepanther@gmail.com

GENERATION Z I IN 2 PEOPLE WILL BE UNIVERSITYEDUCATED

BY 2063, THE AVERAGE ANNUAL INCOME WILL BE $222,000 PER PERSON

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IN THEIR LIFETIME

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KYLIE JENNER

Vine star Nash Grier uploaded a video to YouTube in which he defined an attractive girl’s physical features and behavior, based on his preferences. Over four million viewers responded with negative backlash on various social media platforms. The video was later taken down.

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Reality star, Kylie Jenner uses her social media as a platform to flaunt her wealth with selfies and photos of her multiple cars and her designer wardrobe. Jenner denied allegations of body enhancement until they were later confirmed by her older half-sister and fellow reality star, Khloe Kardashian.

NASH GRIER

In July, singer Ariana Grande visited a donut shop with her friend. A surveillance camera caught Grande licking donuts in the display cases and daring her accomplice to do the same. She continues to express her dislike for America and its citizens.

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SPORTS 22

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Since its modern debut in 1997, fantasy football has become more and more popular among teens. Of the 56.8 million people who play fantasy football in the United States and Canada annually, 18 percent of participants are teenagers.

“I play fantasy football because it makes watching the games more enjoyable,” sophomore Matthew Buttofuoco said. “Being in a league with friends makes fantasy football fun because it’s a friendly competition and whoever wins gets bragging rights.”

However, some students have decided to take it to the next level and wager money on the outcome of their games. While it may be harmless in small amounts, in doing so they violate legal gambling regulations .

On fantasy football hosts such as Yahoo, ESPN and CBS Sports, money pools can be entered and in this widely unregulated industry, there are few restrictions to who can enter these pools. In many states, these online pools have actually been declared illegal.

Recently, controversial websites such as DraftKings and FanDuel have come under fire for facilitating illegal gambling. However, in the state of Florida, fantasy football has been declared a game of skill rather than chance and therefore not illegal.

“Any gambling not approved by the state is illegal.” said Pinecrest police Lieutenant James Bridges. “It’s not a violent or potentially dangerous crime, but juveniles should not be gambling.”

However, some students have a different perspective. On the surface, it appears to be an innocent crime and such a minor exchange of money adds an elevated level of competition between friends.

“I feel that as long as it is their own money and not their parents, kids should be able to do whatever they want with their money” senior Nathaniel Parker said.

According to some, it is a victimless crime, and an enjoyable pastime.

Fantasy football is not something just limited to students. Some teachers have also gotten in on the world of fantasy sports, as a way to stay connected with friends and family.

“Well first of all, I have a pretty big family and friends I don’t get to see,” Marine Biology teacher Alex Osuna said. “It’s a good way for me to stay connected and it keeps me up to date with the current football news.”

Brian Morrison Copy Editor

b.morrison.thepanther@gmail.com

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SPORTS 23

CREATING A GENDER BALANCE IN SPORTS PHOTO BY AGNES BARTHA

The recent emergence of women in sports has led people to assess the misconception that men control the athletic arena.

According to a study by the High School Athletics Participation Survey, more girls are participating in high school sports than ever before. Whether it’s lacrosse, volleyball, swimming, bowling, softball, or other sports, many female students at our school have found a passion for the sport they play.

“Joining the lacrosse team has been one of the best decisions I have made so far in my high school career,” junior Rebecca Rousseau said. “My passion for the sport has grown over the past couple of years. This goes to show that girls can be passionate for a sport as much or sometimes even more than guys.”

During the 2014-15 school year, approximately 220 female students participated in Palmetto athletics. The success is evident in their 11 state championships, which constitute for half of the school’s total state titles. Most of the success occurred during the 40 year tenure of former athletic director, Yvette McKinney.

“I think it’s great when anyone who wants to participate in high school sports has the opportunity to try out for what sport they want to play,” junior Catherine Miyazaki said. “If there has been an increase in girls playing and trying out for sports, then I’m glad that they feel comfortable being athletic and pursuing a sport even though there are some people who think girls are not as athletic as guys.”

Over the past 6 months, several females have joined the world of men’s professional sports. Pushing past a gender barrier that seemed unbreakable, women have made a mark in the male dominated arena this year.

Back in April, 38-year-old Becky Hammon was named the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs summer league team.

Hammon was a former college basketball player at Colorado State. She also led the team to a 6-1 record and a championship victory over the Phoenix Suns. Although a small sample size, this served as a monumental step towards proving that gender has no relation to success in coaching men’s sports.

“I am glad to see that professional sports are beginning to recognize professionals based on their ability, not on their gender.” girls basketball coach Lisa Naninga said.

“Unfortunately there are so many more opportunities in men’s professional sports than in women’s professional sports.”

Around the same time that Hammon was introduced as the Spurs summer league head coach, Sarah Thomas received news that she would become the first full-time female referee in NFL history this fall. As far as refereeing professional football games, the barrier has also been broken in that regard.

Most recently, the Arizona Cardinals football team announced Jen Walters will be used as an intern inside linebacker coach for the pre-season. Walters previously worked for the Texas Revolution, an indoor football team and even played running back for

the team. She has become the first female coach in the history of the National Football League, empowering women everywhere.

“Women are rightfully being given more opportunities in men’s professional sports.” senior Evan Sutta said. “The case of the Arizona Cardinals is just one example.

They may have started a trend that may be spreading to other sports in the near future.”

Alec Lanzas

Sports Editor

a.lanzas.thepanther@gmail.com

PHOTO BY CHRYSTAL PETERSON

SERVING SENIOR:

Addie Arill (12) prepares for a volleyball match against the Coral Reef Barracudas.

Arill has been a member of the volleyball team all of her four years at Palmetto. “When I was 12, I played club, and they didn’t have a setter so I volunteered and from there it just stuck to me.”

SPORTS 24

Inside The Numbers

NEW SEASON, NEW COACHES: Get to know the new and returning coaches at Palmetto PHOTOS BY AGNES BARTHA AND SOFIA BRAND

Coach Chase

Coach Singleton

Boys Wrestling

Boys and Girls Swimming/Water Polo

“

“I chose number 12 because my coach gave it to me my first year of football and I have worn it ever since.”

“

Hugh Lowson (11)

PHOTOS BY SHANE MCCRINK AND AGNES BARTHA

“

“I chose number 4 because that was my mom’s number when she used to play volleyball.”

“

Palmetto alumnus, Charles J. Singleton, wrestled throughout his high school years.

Coach C.J. has lead wrestling teams now for 21 years now, including Hialeah Gardens and Coral Reef. He was the assistant coach for the team last year, under the leadership of Coach Soderholm. Now, after Soderholm’s retirement, Singleton has taken the role as the main wrestling coach. “It’s like a dream to come back to your Alma Mater and coach and take over the program,”said Coach C.J. On the side, he works around the school as a security guard. For this year, Coach C.J. will work to maintain the wrestling team’s level of athletic excellence by keeping his students prepared for each match.

Coach Klektoka

Coach Palacio

Boys Golf

Girls Volleyball

Kayla Buttafuoco (12)

There is a story behind each number.

On the field, athletes choose certain numbers to represent them. The number athletes wear makes it unique to them, almost as if each number has its own individual story.

However, sports including tennis, bowling, swimming and golf do not allow for jersey numbers.

“If I could have a number, I would probably choose number 14, probably because it’s the date of my birthday and also my favorite number,” sophomore bowler Delaney Richman said.

Blake Rubenstein Staff Writer

A former Palmetto student who played water polo all four years, Coach Chase Vaughan has coached water polo and swimming for ten years now. Outside of coaching the Palmetto team, he spends his time instructing club swimming and water polo for Riptides Aquatics and University of Miami Men’s Club Water Polo team.

“Palmetto has a lot of dedicated, hardworking swimmers who have personal goals they want to reach,” said Coach Chase. For swimming Coach Chase hopes to win states, and win GMAC, Greater Miami Athletic Conference titles for boys and girl’s water polo and work towards building a state title contender.

b.rubenstein.thepanther@gmail.com

Coach Mauricio Palacio, affectionately known as ‘Coach Mo,’ has led the volleyball team for the past five years. Before his time at Palmetto, Mauricio Palacio was the junior varsity head coach at Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Westminster Christian School and Club Miami Elite. This has prepared Palacio for coaching a varsity program for the first time in his entire career.

“What is most different about [this team] is their ability to be silly and work hard at the same time,” Coach Mo said. “It’s the first team I’ve coached that’s had a lot of really good talent.”

Coach Michael Klekotka returns to Palmetto with the golf team following a break during the 2013-2014 season. He coached from 2004 to 2012. Known by his team and students as ‘Coach K,’ Klekoka, he also teaches English 3 honors, regular and American literature. The excitement and philosophy of the new athletic director, Mr. Steven Batten, brought Coach K back to the athletic department. In every tournament, Coach K hopes bring the team back to the level of their former rankings. In order to achieve high-level performance, Coach K engages and interests students in practice.

Sofia Brand Staff Writer

s.brand.thepanther@gmail.com

INSIGHT25

THE EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGE

PHOTO BY ROBERTA NICASTRO

Oprah Winfrey once said that learning is the key to unlocking the world- it is a passport to freedom. It provides students with an understanding of the human experience and what they can to do enhance it and make it more suitable for life. Nothing in the modern world is black and white and an education allows one to start seeing shades of grey.

Often perceived as an obligation, going to school is nothing but a privilege. However, waking up early in the morning and having to sit in class for hours does not sound as appealing as sleeping in late and then going to the beach with friends. The problem stems from the fact that the benefits of receiving an education are often clouded by the stress that comes with it.

Understand education’s true meaning.

The idea is not to absorb information from a book in order to regurgitate it for a test. Education is meant to enhance your knowledge and expand your intellect. It increases one’s ability to think about things critically and analytically, much like the way a student analyzes a graph. If students give school subjects further examination, they might be more open to new ideas. Not only does an education allow you to chase your dreams, but it teaches you how to follow them. Education is key.

Students regularly complain about how much they “hate school” and would rather be anywhere but in class. Many privileged men and women disregard the fact that others

I think school is a great place to learn and bond with teachers and friends, making it one of the most important places in life.”

- Juan Suhr (11)

never learn to read nor write. Women in Pakistan, India and Cambodia among other countries are prohibited from receiving an education due to cultural beliefs. However, Haiti faces shortages in educational supplies and teachers. According to unicef.org, approximately 30% of children do not attend primary school in Haiti and about 80% of those students abandon school before the sixth grade. Imagine not being able to add simple numbers, not understanding the writing on someone’s t-shirt. Imagine not knowing how to write your own name.

Education is key.

In 2010, Haiti suffered a deadly tsunami after a magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake hit. Hundreds of thousands of people were either killed or left without food and water. According to coastalliving.com, in 2005 Hurricane Katrina, one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the United States, exceeded 1,800 deaths in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Many of today’s high schools students remember witnessing the catastrophe, yet when scrolling through social media nowadays, one will find students wishing for a natural disaster for the possibility of missing school.

In 2012 Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani student, was shot in the head by Taliban gunman, on the premises of speaking up for the right of young girls to receive an education in her country. Malala’s survival created a sense of victory within education.

[School] requires hard work but the outcome influences your entire life that’s ahead of you.”

- Natalie Fernandez (9)

However, the effects of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner haven’t stimulated much change among our nation’s students.

While school does provide stress at times, that shouldn’t provide an excuse for students to waste opportunities in school, or skip school altogether. The ability to chase one’s dream is a rarity in today’s world and the ability to do so should not be taken for granted. Education is key.

Chip Kinsey, the founder and CEO of Kinsey International, an organization dedicated to helping individuals and businesses obtain health and financial freedom gave a motivational speech called ‘How Bad Do You Want It?’ “Most of you say you want to be successful but you don’t want it bad, you just kind of want it,” said Kinsey. “You don’t want it as much as you want to party or as much as you want to be cool. Some of you love sleep more than you love success. I’m here to tell you that if you want to be successful you need to give up some sleep.”

Complaining about it will only make the days longer, the work more stressful and the time less appreciative. Focus on the benefits school provides you with and where it might take you in the future. If education is the key, then school is the lock.

Roberta Nicastro Design Editor

r.nicastro.thepanther@gmail.com

It’s bad that there are people who can’t go to school and don’t have the chance to, we have to appreciate it.”

- Luis Gonzalez (10)

INSIGHT26

numbers DRIVING THROUGH know THE AGES

DRIVING AGE BY STATE

PHOTO BY CLAUDIA VERA

r.farkas.thepanther@gmail.com

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LEARNERS

Remy Farkas

Florida INFORMATION COURTESY OF PARENTINGTEENS.COM INFOGRAPHIC BY ROBERTA NICASTRO

license as early as 16 years old, but in states such as South Dakota, teens can drive at 14 with a learner’s permit, meanwhile in New Jersey, a teenager is unable to receive their license until they are 17. This age variance between states for obtaining a licence proves that age is not an accurate measure of one’s driving ability. A teen might be of driving age but unprepared for the responsibility.

The opposite goes for the elderly, as the age of someone does not necessarily prove or disprove their abilities.

Driving represents a right of passage for many teens. Counting down the days until one can get their license is thrilling, regardless of age. At a certain point, the ability to drive is crucial. Not only does it symbolize adulthood, but it presents the ability to easily get from place to place without relying on someone else to drive. Driving allows teens to help out with errands, get a job and gain independence, as it does for the elderly.

Furthermore, both the elderly and the teens represent people from separate generations symbolizing the past and the future.

Hence, it remains crucial to keep freedom alive by not limiting the young or the old from doing what they love. These important aspects help determine the freedom of teenagers everywhere.

LEARNERS

Driving is a basic ability every American should have regardless of age. The right to drive represents freedom for the young and old alike.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute, the number of accidents involving teenage drivers was surpassed only by those involving elderly drivers in 2013.

Regularly, the acquired wisdom of aging is accompanied by detrimental changes such as loss of hearing, sight, agility and even slowed reaction times, which can impair an elderly driver or cause an accident.

However, driving provides independence for the elderly, as it gives them the ability to do basic activities without the help of a younger aid.

Although it might be dangerous for some elderly people to drive, it is wrong to restrict their freedom at a certain age. Age is not always an accurate measure of ability or health. An 85 year old might have trouble walking and seeing while another 85 year old may be completely healthy. Revoking one’s license at a certain age undermines those who function well. If a doctor finds a person unfit to drive, only then should their license be revoked. Ability should be based on one’s health and capability to drive, rather than age.

Just as driving represents independence and freedom for the elderly, it does the same for teenagers, allowing them to go where they please, when they please and do what they please, within limits, of course.

When it comes to beginning to drive, that choice varies by state.

In Florida, one can obtain a driver’s

INSIGHT27

amerICAN ideals a

a

Since the first settlers of North America set foot on our grounds, the prospect of religious freedom was the ultimate goal.

Evading the oppressive Church of England, the Puritans and the Separatists alike hoped to establish a place of tolerance and liberty.

Compared to other peoples of the world, Americans tend to participate much more in religious institutions; we place higher values on the validity of our individual faiths and the freedom to practice such faiths. Religion is considered one of the strongest agents of political socialization.

Yet in today’s progressive and increasingly liberal society, a fine line divides the importance of religion and the importance of a religiously independent state.

Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis decided to take matters into her own hands after expressing extreme disapproval for the Supreme Court ruling that legalized same sex marriage across the United States.

Davis claimed that the ruling violated her right to freely practice her religion. The Kentucky clerk consequently refused to issue marriage licenses to all couples-same sex or heterosexual- and she banned her six person staff from issuing them, as well.

As an elected official, Davis has an obligation to fulfill her duties as a county clerk and serve her constituents under the land of the law and their; no matter if such

PHOTO BY ROBERTA NICASTRO

rossroads duties contradict her personal beliefs or preferences. Notarizing marriage licenses is a simple responsibility of a county clerk and by no means is she required to agree with the court’s ruling on moral grounds or by her individual principles of decency.

Kim Davis’s religion-based ideals not only violate and undermine the authority of the Supreme Court, but they also hinder the strides in social progress which minorities have worked so hard to achieve. The ideal of a representative democracy rests in the notion that our public officials will serve the greater good and represent the majority, so long as it supports the common good. If all political professionals acted out of personal disagreement with the fundamental base of their responsibilities, our nation would no longer be considered a democracy under any definition. The most basic and agreeable characteristic of the United States would be nonexistent.

An effective and educated political figure knows the role of religion in politics and they know the influence faith can have over political platforms. More importantly, an effective political figure must abandon their preconceived notions about an issue to harness the power of popular passions and work toward equality and unity. Under our republic form of government, religion has no place in direct policy-making. The

United States has no official state religion out of respect for the founding doctrine of separation of the church and the state.

Although denominations of Christianity dominate our religious landscape (with seven in every ten people identifying with a branch of Christianity), by the very core values of our constitution, neither Christianity, nor Judaism nor Islam have a place in our government.

While students often feel silenced by political issues either because of age or because of the stigma of ignorance, it is our duty as developing voters to educate ourselves about the role of personal preference in our government. Speak up, become politically active (even if it means stopping in line at Chipotle to sign a petition), watch the news, and read the newspapers. Gather the facts and decide what kind of United States you want to call home. Participation in religious institutions is a personal choice, as is participation in political affairs. If we fail to make informed and educated choices, the idea of efficacy, which is so distinctive to the United States, becomes obsolete.

Samantha Ganter

Senior Copy Editor

s.ganter.thepanther@gmail.com

INSIGHT28

NOT ALL EMPLOYEES WERE CREATED EQUAL Evidence from psychological studies dating back to those of Charles Darwin shows that the first few years of a child’s life are very-- if not the most-- critical to the child’s development. Among other things, infants form attachment tendencies with their guardians early on, tendencies that will resonate with their other relationships throughout the rest of their lives. The question remains: how is it that the United States is one of the most developed countries in the world, but there are no federal laws mandating paid maternity and paternity leave? And when paid leave is offered, why is it only offered to a select group of parents?

Recently, companies like Netflix and Microsoft announced that they will be offering their employees increased paternity leave. Although this privilege does not extended to all Netflix employees (those in the DVD division can take up to 12 months leave at their own discretion), the company promised unlimited paid leave during the first year of their child’s life.

Microsoft, along with other companies such as Google and Bank of America, offer 12 weeks of paid paternal leave to new fathers. This amount of paid leave equates to what new mothers are offered, however some of the fine print states that the employee claiming the paid leave must be the primary caregiver of the child.

Consider this: a couple, both Google employees, is expecting their third child.

The mother claims herself as the primary caregiver, leaving the father as the secondary caregiver. She receives 12 weeks of paid leave, while he only receives eight

because he does not claim himself as the primary caregiver. As a result, the father loses the opportunity to not only care for his other children while the mother attends to the needs of the newborn, but he also loses the chance to bond with his newborn alongside his wife.

Advances in paternity leave, in turn, promote gender equality in the workplace.

When employers are considering applicants, one may choose a man in his childbearing years over a woman of the same age because they believe the man would not take six months of paid leave. By providing the option of paid leave to raise a baby to both men and women, employers eliminate the possibility of bias.

Paid maternity and paternity leave should not be a “special perk” of certain companies and occupations. Yes, gender equality in the workplace is alluring. No, it should not be surprising for companies to offer men paid leave to raise a child. After all, fathers in heterosexual relationships are as responsible for their offspring as the child’s mother is; the responsibility of a child does not only belong to the mother.

The United States should not have the right to declare itself as one of the most developed countries in the world if we still have policies as archaic as denying a parent the right to spend the most important time with the new addition to their family just because of their gender. Am I right, ladies?

Victoria Arguelles

Online Managing Editor

v.arguelles.thepanther@gmail.com INFOGRAPHIC BY ROBERTA NICASTRO

Companies who offer paid paternity leave

Facebook

twitter

4 10 MONTHS

INFORMATION COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK TIMES

WEEKS

netflix UNLIMITED FOR THE FIRST YEAR

(not all emolyees eligable)

google

microsoft

12 12 WEEKS

WEEKS

INSIGHT29

SHOULD STUDENTS PAY FOR AP EXAMS? Receiving a quality education is priceless. However, the highcosts of Advanced Placement (AP) examinations are not. Students will face charges if they do not take the AP exam after being enrolled in an Advanced Placement course, effective this school year.

Students enroll in Advanced Placement classes for several reasons. The benefits of college credit and money saved attract some students. However, for others, an opportunity to challenge themselves and enrich their minds provides their motivation for taking an AP class.

For various reasons, students may not want to take the AP examination. Regardless of their motive, unnecessary penalties should not burden those individuals who would rather opt out of the exam.

According to collegeboard.com, the price for each Advanced Placement exam is $92, including $9 that acts as a rebate for the school administering the tests. Each unused exam costs the school $15. According Ms. Janice Fair, Palmetto’s testing chair, approximately ten students did not take the advanced placement examinations last year at Palmetto, out of the 2,676 exams taken.

Since most Advanced Placement students take the course and the exam, administration should allot a small amount of the rebated costs to those individuals who do not wish to take the exam.

Also, the high passing rates on AP exams present the school with many monetary benefits. Therefore, a portion of that money should be designated to pay for AP costs, including the cost for unused exams. It is unfair to force students to pay for their missed exams, especially if their reason for missing it is beyond their control.

Although some may believe that paying for an exam acts as an incentive to take it, it only serves to discourage individuals from taking an Advanced Placement course. As stated by collegeboard.com, students sign up for AP classes for an enhanced classroom experience. Individuals who solely seek to learn the course material to educate themselves are monetarily penalized; this in itself is unfair. The idea of education for education’s sake has been forsaken for test scores and class rankings.

Money does not grow on trees. We have all heard the expression countless times throughout our lives. Our parents repeat it incessantly whenever we ask for just a little more money for another activity. The truth is, they are right; money is not always easy to come by. So why should our school pay for the Advanced Placement (AP) exams that students refuse to take?

Currently, Florida stands as the only state to provide students with free AP exams and Palmetto goes the extra mile, covering the cost of missed exams. Although Florida’s policy states that each student enrolled in an AP course must take the exam, that is not always the case. Each AP exam comes in at $86 and each unused exam costs the school $15; with ten missed exams in the past year alone, that adds up to $150. While that may not seem like an exorbitant amount, the cost adds up with each student that refuses to sit for the exam. Regardless of whether an unused exam costs the school $1 or $100, the school should not have to pay the cost. The responsibility to take the class for a year and sit for the exam at the end of it lies with the student and the responsibility of missing the test should lie with them as well.

Perhaps upon discovering that they will have to pay for their own exam, students will become more invested in the class as opposed to opting out of the test as a ‘plan B.’ Unavoidably, some students will have to miss the exam for valid reasons that may be out of their control but in that case, those students sign up to take the make-up, thus preventing the school for covering the cost of an exam that the student can take.

The money that the school wastes on covering the cost for missed AP exams could easily find a better home. That money should go towards improving and enriching the school’s AP programs and create brighter students.

Ultimately the realization that money does not magically sit in the school’s bank account in copious amounts, ready to be spent on anything, lies with students.

Making someone pay for something they are not responsible for and have no control over is unjust and unfair.

PHOTOS BY AGNES BARTHA

Isabelle Carbajales

Annabel Sanz

i.carbajales.thepanther@gmail.com

a.sanz.thepanther@gmail.com

Editor in Chief of The Panther

Print Editor in Chief

EDITORIAL 30

STAFF

FAST FORWARD EDITORIAL ON JUNE 26, 1896 On June 26, 1896, the United States opened the first movie theater, charging 10 cents to see a feature film on the big screen. Audiences gathered to watch a silent films in black and white, amazed at the latest technology.

Now, we live in an era where going to the movies costs over $10, not including snacks or a drink. Paying to see silent film is unheard of among the general public and watching a movie without color is like reading a history textbook for fun.

119 YEARS LATER...

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lasting high school tradition, homecoming costs have become a limiting factor for students. At $60 per person, those who wish to attend the homecoming dance will have to dig deeper into their pockets in order to partake in an integral high school experience.

The burden of the cost weighs even heavier on the shoulders of those who are expected to pay not only for their own ticket, but for their date’s ticket as well. For students who cover the upfront cost of their date, homecoming already costs $120 at the bare minimum.

The ticket only accounts for a small portion of the exorbitant cost.

Dresses can average anywhere from under $100 up to multiple hundreds.

Peer-operated facebook pages instill a certain ideal of how a dress should look and what labels are most appropriate to wear, further pressuring students to fork over unnecessary amounts of money. Those who already pay for two tickets can also spend hundreds of dollars on suits or dresses of their own.

Transportation to and from the event, often in the form of buses or limousines, can run upwards of $15 per person. Those who attend privately-held after parties, may also pay for entrance to cover the cost of supplies, decorations, entertainment and food.

Although homecoming is a landmark event for high school students, these high prices make the event quite difficult for many students and their families. By eliminating the stigma to model designer clothing and by promoting a sense of equal responsibility among dates, financial worries become less of a burden on students and thus, enjoying a milestone of the high school experience becomes more attainable for all students.

LETTERS TO THE

EDITOR

On June 26th, 2015, the United States Supreme Court legalized same sex marriage across the nation, eliminating the state-wide discrepancies regarding the validity of marriage licenses for couples that did not fit the traditional husband and wife union . Gay marriage prevailed in the battle against the Supreme Court with a final vote of 5-4, resulting in celebrations and newly legal marriages across the country; as well as protests and upset by many government officials. Prior to the ruling, only 11 states embraced same-sex marriage democratically. Thirty seven other states allowed unions because of court rulings. The majority of the justices that approved the decision stated that same-sex marriage is protected under the 14th Amendment because of its equal protection and due process guarantee.In a nation where racial segregation came only 60 years prior, the ruling shocked supporters and opponents alike.

In 1896, people’s ideas of the world seemed as black and white as the movies they were watching.

People refused to associate themselves with anybody of different race, much less tolerate one with another sexuality. In 2015, the silver screens are bigger, brighter and much more reflective of our social climate. Century old movies lacked sound, much less minorities as the lead roles. Award winning actors and movies represent the LGBTQ community as they exist in our world; as equals to the heterosexual norm. One of the most popular films of 2012, Perks of Being a Wallflower featured a closeted homosexual relationship in a high school setting, a predicament that those of the 1890’s would have otherwise considered taboo.

Coming home- at a high price

DEAR EDITOR,

*Letters submitted may be edited for length, grammar and clarity. Letters can be submitted to Room 911B or thepanthermpsh@gmail.com

DEAR EDITOR,

I feel that a big problem in our school is the cafeteria lunch lines. These lunch lines are so long that some kids miss parts of 5th period due to waiting. I suggest that Palmetto should make more lunch lines which would help everything run more smoothly.

This information could be used to write a very interesting article on this issue. It is unfair that since I bring lunch I have the entire lunch period while others are not as lucky.

The Panther is a great way to keep students and parents informed about school-related current events. As a freshman, unless you have a relative or friend already attending high school, it is unlikely that you will be regularly informed. Waking up early lowers the likability that I will remember what is going on around school. The Panther is extremely helpful to not only all students interested in being informed but also lost freshmen such as myself.

SINCERELY,

SINCERELY,

BEN SPIEGELMAN (10)

ANNETTE GONZALEZ (12)

The Panther staff aims to inform fellow students and parents about school-wide, local, national, and international news. The Panther’s content aims to represent the student body. Editorials feature the opinions of staffers. Features of other students, teachers and clubs further promote the spirit, culture and personality of Miami Palmetto Senior High School.

the

MISSION STATEMENT

PANTHER STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF THE PANTHER

Isabelle Carbajales PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Annabel Sanz ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Claudia Vera

PRINT MANAGING EDITOR

Emma Seckinger ONLINE MANAGING EDITOR

EDITORIAL POLICY The Panther is a monthly publication of Miami Palmetto Senior High located at 7460 S.W. 118th Street Miami, FL 33156, (305) 235-1360 ext. 2337. The views expressed are solely those of The Panther staff. Students who wish to respond to an article in this publication or discuss another issue may write letters to the editor and submit them to room 911B or e-mail us at thepanthermpsh@ gmail.com. The Panther has professional membership in NSPA and CSPA. The Panther prints 3,000 copies per issue for distribution. The Panther is distributed for free to all students in school. Subscriptions (for cost) are also available. Please visit our paper online at thepalmettopanther.com.

Byline policy: All creative work (such as illustrations, graphics, photos and writing) excluding staff editorials and staff member pictures will include byline credits.

Victoria Arguelles SENIOR COPY EDITOR

Samantha Ganter DESIGN EDITOR

Sophia Carrillo COPY TEAM

Brian Morrison Thomas Martinez Carmella Jimenez DESIGN TEAM

Katherine Hsiao Roberta Nicastro Sungho Son REPORT EDITORS

Emily Diez Keith Richards LIFE EDITOR

Olympia Rodriguez Correction Policy: Any errors in print will be acknowledged in the next print issue in a correction box. Any errors online will be acknowledged immediately. Errors include facts, figures, misquoting and name misspellings Advertising Policy: Ads will be designed by the advertiser and include all information the advertiser wants included. If the advertiser asks the staff to design the ad, the individual who sold the ad will design the ad or the Ads Manager will. Ads will be approved

by EICs, the Adviser and the Ads Manager. If an ad produced is illegible, contains false information, or the advertiser does not like it, they will receive a free ad in the next issue. If you would like to advertise, please contact us.

FEATURE EDITOR

Remy Farkas SPORTS EDITORS

Alec Lanzas Shane McCrink

INSIGHT EDITOR

Marlowe Starling PHOTO EDITOR

Agnes Bartha

VIDEO EDITOR

Maxwell Landy

BUSINESS/PR MANAGER

Megan Martinez

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