The Viper Vibe - Volume 14 Issue 4

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The Good

...of our The public education

Bad The Ugly

Felix Varela Sr. High School * 15255 S.W. 96 St., Miami, FL 33196

Hits and misses

n i t e l l bu rd a o b

Summer Break! See you all in 10 weeks.

Hollywood has officially run out of new ideas (Poltergeist, Mad Max, Terminator, Jurrasic Park)

Bashing on testing has been way too easy this year. Come on Florida!

U.S. News and World Report has ranked Varela #81 in the state among charter, public and private schools.

Summer 2015 coming to a theater near you...along with every other anticipated movie.

Hurrican season starts June 1.

From th e Ed itors

View p oints

the editor says: Farewell seniors Here we are. The last issue of The Viper Vibe for the year. It has not been easy (mostly because we still don’t have a class and it’s been difficult getting these magazine issues done) but we have still tried to ensure that the student body of Felix Varela Senior High School has a voice.

This is also difficult because senior staffers that I’ve known since I was a freshman are all leaving this year. Let me take this opportunity to say goodbye. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with all of you. I wish

you all the best of luck in college, and I thank you for these three excellent years. You’ve not only been great people to work with, you are all family to me. Your commitment to making this magazine happen has inspired me beyond belief.

I’ll miss every second of working with all of you. #SeeYouAgain Cj Salcedo Editor-In-Chief

We Take the good with the bad Say:

After issues of magazines where we looked at either the really good or the really bad, we decided to take a look at the whole picture. Our school (and schools all over the country) is not perfect nor is it completely awful.

The “bad” aspects are quite large, we realize that. According to Local 10 News, Felix Varela Senior High School ranks among the top 10 worst schools in Miami-Dade for drug-related incidents. According to the list “nine percent of the school’s reports were on drug use and 37 percent were on tobacco.”

Scary isn’t it? In total, Varela has had 116 various student behavior violation reports.

Add to that, we only have eight security guards for over 3,000 students.

There is a solution, unfortunately it involves funding.

If the county could allocate some money to hire more security guards, then there wouldn’t be a problem. One could argue that Varela is a relatively safe school, with not much activity going on. So, eight guards seems alright.

Yet, the same way of thinking affected other schools like Columbine or Sandy Hook.

Nobody expected situations like that to happen, but they did. No matter how safe our school seems, we still need to prepare for the worst.

The “ugly” aspect has been beaten to death already, but needs to be addressed.

In our last issue, we spoke about Florida’s testing problem. Now that the school has gone through an official testing season, there are a lot of issues that need to be discussed.

Whether it is glitches in the software, postponement or just strange questions that were not in any curriculum, there are problems with the state’s tests.

So, why is an issue like school violence only “bad” while testing is “ugly?” With violence, teachers and administration can find a solution and know of ways to end it. With the way testing has been lately, nobody knows how to help the students. The state seems to be making up the rules as they go along.

It’s stressful to everyone, including teachers, students, and parents.

While violence remains an issue, at least we have the extra-curriculars to turn to. Our fellow students have won many accolades. Whether it’s drama, cheerleading, veterinary science, or even communications, Felix Varela has some award-winning talent. Not only that, but other schools around the state are incredibly talented in these areas. That takes dedication from both hard-working students and skilled advisers. If we focus on these great programs and try to keep them alive, the school would have more gold on our shelves.

It’s so easy to blame public education for all the ills in the country. And while there are areas that need to be addressed and fixed, there’s also a lot of good being done. Kids can be amazing when they want to be (especially when they aren’t beating on each other or stressing over tests).

Maybe if we spent more time celebrating what public education can do, and less time bashing on its sins, we would begin to see just how lucky we are for our free education.

our school is not perfect nor is it completely awful.

Talk to us: thevipervibe@gmail.com

Your thoughts may be featured in the next issue of the Viper Vibe!

volume 14 May ‘15 Editorial Board EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cj Salcedo

Staffers Jordan Cline Alec Di Lella Danielle Malkin Alexia Ponce De Leon Krystal Valdes

Cover art by

Meghan Espinosa

Adviser Elizabeth Cardenas

Editorial Policy The Viper Vibe is the student newspaper of Felix Varela Senior High (15255 SW 96 St. Miami, FL, 33196).

It is an open forum for student expression. The opinions expressed in the publication do not reflect the official opinions or policies of the school. The Viper Vibe welcomes letters to the editor, but requires that they be signed and reserves the right to reject, edit and condense letters. The staff and advisor can be contacted at 305-752-7900 or thevipervibe@gmail.com

Ads The Viper Vibe solicits advertising but reserves the right to reject any material deemed obscene as to minors, defamatory or materially and substantially disruptive of school activities.

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Seniors have the final say Viper Vibe. Today I By jordan cline Ah, am writing my farewell staff reporter @j_cline82297

letter to you. My entire high school career has consisted of me writing for “The Vibe” and I’m not quite sure how I’m going to feel about having

to leave.

My first two years there was a class, with an editorial board and a staff that had a sizeable amount of people. Those years were easy. Over the summer between my sophomore and junior year, I heard the news that the magazine had been cut from the master schedule.

For the past two years, I have had to stay after school, alongside the editorin-chief, writing articles and hunting for

By alec dilella Going into

staff reporter 9th grade, @alecdilella I hated the idea of being in T.V. Production. I argued against it and complained endlessly when I got my schedule and saw that I had gotten it as a class.

Did my opinion of the class change? The short answer: I’ve been in the class all four years of high school.

The minute I walked in, I felt strangely at home.

I was fairly good at everything and ended up being one of the few in my class who actually cared.

In these years, I have gone to red carpet premieres for movies, met famous actors and actresses, and spent a

quotes and pictures from the band kids, drama kids, and athletes because no one else stays as late as we do after school.

We’ve had it hard for the past couple of years, and I want nothing more than this class to come back next year with an army of staffers ready to take on the Vibe and keep it alive.

If I wasn’t involved in the magazine, I never would have gone to my Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) district or state competitions, to which I went to all four. These trips have taught me an exponential amount of life skills.

These trips have given me best friends, favorite teachers, and feelings of great pride for my publications.

To my editor-in-chief: if it weren’t for you, the Vibe and my first home in the academy would have ceased to exist.

Thank you for all that you have done in keeping it alive. You truly are a brilliant writer and person.

To my Advisor: Oh Mrs. C. I don’t

year making a short film with the Florida Film Institute (that I wrote, filmed, and edited).

I’ve filmed football games and pretty much every single school event… happily. I’ve felt comfortable behind a camera, more so even than behind a desk.

I have to thank Mrs. Guerra for constantly giving

me the opportunity to do amazing things and get better at what I love. She has become not only an important influence in my life, but also another mother.

It’s amazing, the things I have done, and realized I can do, simply from my time in the Communications Academy. Every teacher goes above and beyond for their respective publications and keeps a relationship like no other with their staff and students.

Mrs. Guerra, Mrs. Cardenas, Mrs. Garcia and Mrs. Zoila Garcia have all treated me like their family and for that, I will never forget them and what they have done for me. They’ve dealt with my loud personality, corny jokes

well, well, awesome people, some people whom I By meghan espinosa hereWell, I am. Hard to only befriended for a record time of two staff artist

believe I actually made it this far. It felt like the Hunger Games if it were run by seagulls.

Yeah, I don’t get it either, but let me just say that it was a crazy ride.

I’ve met some

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even know where to start. You’ve taught me so much and you’ve been here for me since I was an itty-bitty freshman. You’ve taught me the ropes of journalism and I’m eternally grateful. You’re my school mom, and my fellow blonde.

I’m not going to ever forget you and believe me, I’m not going to leave you alone next year (thank Cj for that). But good heavens, am I going to miss seeing you every day and hearing you talk about everything that I’ve come to love. I love you Mrs. C.

Okay, now that I’m done crying all over the keyboard, this is my final farewell to the one and only Viper Vibe.

You’ll forever be in my heart, live long and prosper. (That’s for you Mrs. C.) and given me such crazy opportunities that I would never have gotten anywhere else.

What other student can say that they’ve filmed the first red carpet ever to be held on the deck of a giant cruise ship or hosted a Friday night top five countdown on Y100? Not many, I imagine.

Often times, the only reason I’ve been motivated to even come to school is to find out what the next cool thing they have for me to do is, or to work on a project.

Words alone cannot describe how happy I am to have been a part of this big family; however, I’m not sad to be leaving…. only happy to have had the chance to be a part of it.

been quite memorable.

To be honest, I truly am going to minutes, and some people that made me miss a ton of people - from sharing their want to cut down a tree with a toothlaughter to me randomly stealing one of brush. In the rain. With lightning. On top their chicken fingers from behind their of a hill. While wearing boxing gloves. back.

Anyways, it was nonetheless an

It’s been a crazy couple of years, experience that I both gladly and sadly but they truly have motivated me to be will not and cannot forget. From the long stronger, more light-hearted, but sadly nights of homework to the pep rallies not any less cynical. where we were inspired to be loud yet

Here’s to you, my fellow Vipers and weren’t allowed to talk, everything has dictators otherwise known as teachers. photos by Z. Garcia and Devoun Cetoute

The Good

The Bad

The Ugly

Public education shows best and worst With education coming under fire, it’s important to see the whole picture

Student achievements are celebrated through the many awards they receive.

Besides awards, students can also receive industry certification in several areas. photo by Devoun Cetoute

1966, Sergio Leone

By Cj Salcedo In released the spaghetti

and Dreamweaver. All of these are beneficial to careers as well.

Editor-in-chief western The Good,

For those headed directly to college, @cj_fett_salcedo the Bad, and the Ugly. students can get a jump start by taking The film concerns the bloody pursuit of Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment Confederate treasure by three different classes. These programs allow students men. The men are given nicknames but to push their intellectual limits and their are ultimately recognized as “the good,” GPA’s. “the bad,” or “the ugly.”

This year, Varela’s sports depart Public education is a lot like the ment saw six athletes sign with colWild West. It’s every man and woman leges for scholarships totally more than for themselves in an environment full of $200,000. With the rigorous participaviolence and corruption from students tion standards for Miami-Dade’s athand teachers. Similar to Leone’s The letes, these students excel in the classGood, the Bad, and the Ugly, there are room, as well as their sport. three sides to our system.

Aside from that, talent from students can be seen in the awards won through the other academies.

Varela’s Troupe 6162 has won

Nowadays, schools not only ofawards from two different competitions. fer a standard textbook education, In their state competitions, they have they allow students a chance to realize won superior in their one-acts. their dreams. Whether it’s working on

“It feels great because all our hard airplanes at the George T. Baker aviation work pays off and we get recognition school or achieving success as a mediin the district for our superior winning cal student in the Medical Academy for shows,” said senior thespian Adriana Science/Technology at Homestead, the Gonzalez. state of Florida offers ways for students Awards like these bring attention to get a head start on their career in high to the school in a positive light. At the school. annual awards ceremony students have

Here at Varela, students have those received awards in several departments same opportunities. Our nursing and vet such as band, foreign language, SPED programs offer tech certifications; stuand even journalism. dents can go right from high school to a

“The awards we receive bring atjob as a nursing or veterinary assistant. tention to our school and academy from Many classes here offer certifications in different districts,” said senior thespian programs such as InDesign, Photoshop Vanessa McCloskey, “We are also recog-

The Good

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previous page photos by Jordan Cline

nized at the state level as well.”

It’s easy to look at the downside to public education. We hear about it every day on the news, and many politicians will be addressing those issues in the coming election. But in reality, there are also many ways for students to excel.

They are the true stories of public education.

The Bad

Living in a post-Columbine and

post-9/11 world has placed certain limitations and rules in different places.

The most prevalent has been in schools.

According to History.com “In the aftermath of the [Columbine] shootings, many schools across America enacted ‘zero tolerance’ rules regarding disruptive behavior and threats of violence from students.”

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that, “In 2012, students ages 12–18 were victims of about 1,364,900 nonfatal victimizations at school, including 615,600 thefts and 749,200 violent victimizations, 89,000 of which were serious violent victimizations.”

In a 2013-2014 school climate survey by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, 88% of parents felt that their children were safe and secure, while 80% of students felt that way.

“The lack of security is a big issue,” junior Tomas Caffe said.

Psychologists has found that “the widespread public impression that schools are unsafe — fueled by rare, but highly visible school shootings — is contradicted by empirical evidence.

In fact, schools are not only safe, but are arguably safer today than they were a decade ago.”

Consequences for violent acts include detention, suspension or just straight expulsion.

Freshman Leonard Criberio said, “The school handles it [consequences] poorly.

Outdoor suspension just seems like a vacation for these people.”

The country has changed since major events like Columbine or Sandy Hook. The safe Varela has eight security guards ty of students has become a major issue, working full-time. The school needs with some State politicians even going some roaming around campus, in the so far as to suggest allowing teachers to open courtyard/cafeteria during lunch, carry guns in school. It begs the queswatching all the cameras, and in the tion…should students be more scared of hallways all day.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any funds their fellow students, or their teachers? to pay for the number of security guards to be in all places at all times, especially with the openness of our campus.

In our last issue, we spoke about

Some students are not concerned testing. The editorial board wrote about with the violence at school. the unrealistic amounts of tests that

“I don’t believe our lack of security is an issue,” said senior Hailey Ellsworth, would be given and the way that they would be graded.

“I feel very safe here.”

Much has changed since then. Most

Despite what students say, the facts of the elective EOCs were cancelled. This say otherwise. According to Local 10 was a relief to many teachers who taught news, Varela (who ranks among the 10 classes like drama, yearbook and band. worst schools in the county for drugs) had a total of 37 fights during the 2013- The core classes however, were still required to have tests. Algebra, Geom2014 school year. Other reports included, “11 drug use, 37 fights, 14 thefts, etry, Algebra II and United States History 6 bullying, 43 tobacco, 1 battery & 1 sex all have exams. The reception has been mixed. harassment”(Local 10). In total, there

“The tests felt disorganized. Since have been 116 school reports filled out we were supposed this year. to have EOCs for

Other schools on the list included every class, all the are G. Holmes Braddock Senior, Hialeah teachers rushed Senior, Miami Killian Senior and Miami Sunset Senior (which, according to Local their benchmarks and the students 10, has the “2nd highest percentage of might’ve learned drug use reports in Miami-Dade”). less,” said junior

Some students feel too much secuMarco Paez. “Then, rity would be a major problem. Senior Richard Benvenutti said that more secu- they said it wasn’t rity would lead to a “prison-like environ- necessary towards the end of the ment.” year.”

“It’ll make students feel less safe,” he said, “they will live in constant fear of Complaints stemmed from security.” faulty software to

The National Association of School

The Ugly

ill preparation. The Algebra II EOC especially has been subject to criticism.

“I feel like I wasn’t prepared for what was thrown at me,” said sophomore Patricia Gonzalez. “There’s a lot of room to improve since this was our first year with a new EOC and I feel that’s why everyone was so stressed.”

Math teachers have also voiced their concerned, with Algebra 2 teacher Soheila Kasmaii criticizing the state’s policy on the EOC test.

“It put a lot of stress on teachers and students to go over material that they weren’t even tested on. Afterwards, they [the state] said that they were not going to count it, so now those weeks are wasted,” she said.

One solution was to have teachers create their own EOC, similar to a final exam. However, the teacher union, UTD, fought this. Having teachers create a test that would then be used for accountability and school grades was out of the scope of what teachers should be required to do.

The new ELA (English Language Arts) test which replaced FCAT has also had problems. Student enrollment in the Intensive Reading classes is determined by a student’s performance on the FCAT. However, this year, the 9th and 10th graders took the new ELA. The State realized that they cannot compare the old FCAT with the new ELA since they are completely different tests. So the school will have to use FCAT scores from last year.

Also, any students currently in Intensive Reading will have to achieve a certain score on the FAIR (Florida Assessment for Instruction in Reading), a state mandated reading test, in order to get out of the class.

Whatever the solution is, most students, teachers, and parents can agree that the issue is still prevalent. One year, there could be no EOCs at all, the next, EOCs are demanded for every class.

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News A ro u n d V arel a

Inside the Staff Lounge What is the strangest thing you’ve ever had to do as an administrator?

What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

Performing CPR to bring somebody back to life.

Law enforcement (or Batman)

What sound or noise do you hate?

The alarm clock Mr. Adrian Sanchez

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

“Welcome to the Jungle”

What is the best advice you can give a student?

What is your favorite word?

Mr. Sanchez has been teaching for M-DCPS There are plenty of hurdles Determination for 16 years. He has spent three years as on the roads. Look at them, know them, cross them. an Assistant Principal with the last two here Why do you enjoy What profesat Varela. He oversees What is your least favorite word? the 9th grade from his being an AP? sion other than office in room 10. yours would

Defeat

What sound or noise do you love?

The sound coming from my earbuds 8 t h ev i p er vi b e @ g mai l. com

I can make a differyou not ence from within like to particiWhat inspires pate in? the office.

I also gain you? a new perspective Waste management My mother every day.

These questions are based on the French television series Bouillon de Culture hosted by Bernard Pivot. photo by Jordan Cline

Arou n d Varela N ew s

By the Numbers...

406

2015

photo by Fox-Mar

415

Class of

821 Number of seniors

$35,000 Senior Debt 2014-2015

on i t ua s d a Gr Hood

125

39

41

Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude

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Avengers shoots too high, misses Age of crafted the most eerie looking, smartBy Cj Salcedo Avengers: Ultron made me talking and all-around awesome villain, Editor-in-chief

feel stuffed.

Before I hear the words “heresy” or “execute him” from the legions of fans weeping as I type, allow me to clear things up. Age of Ultron is not a bad movie. It was a fun, action-packed and dazzling sequel to 2012’s The Avengers.

The story this time sees the Avengers as an established team and protecting earth from evil. Seeing the destruction caused by them, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) devise a plan to build an Artificial Intelligence program capable of protecting the universe, hopefully ending all the casualties that come with being a superhero.

Unfortunately, the program goes rogue and becomes the android supervillain Ultron (James Spader).

This is my favorite aspect of the film. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has @cj_fett_salcedo

Ultron. Spader’s voice acting is absolutely perfect. He is reminiscent of earlier villain roles such as The Office and Secretary. He brings a lot of humor to the movie, which is a better change from Loki (Tom Hiddleston) constantly being sinister and conniving. Those words can also describe Ultron, but he also delivers some hilarious moments.

Another positive point is the expansion of certain characters. Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) are given more backstory. In addition to that, Hawkeye has an excellent subplot which brings some strong emotional depth.

It also raises questions that superhero films don’t normally address.

(Specifically, those concerning people without powers among a group full of super humans.)

The action is also top-notch. Some superb special effects make this a visual

treat for viewers.

All of that changes when the story rears its ugly head around the corner.

While not awful like a lot of superhero movies (Daredevil, Batman and Robin, and Spider-Man 3, just to name a few), it could be a lot better, especially coming from the god of all nerds, Joss Whedon.

It feels very rushed, and never slows down. One minute there’s a Hulk-buster, the next, Captain America is arguing with Tony Stark.

So, while not the worst superhero movie out there, it could’ve been way better. The comic book fan in me is satisfied with all the action, heroes and fan service. (That post-credits scene was worth the two-and-a-half hours.) The movie critic in me is disappointed in how the story turned out.

Overall, comic book fans will be happy to see their favorite superheroes beating the ever-loving snot out of bad guys. Hopefully, they could do a better job of looking past the issues.

Left: Mark Ruffalo (Hulk), Chris Evans (Captain America), Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) in “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders), Evans, Don Cheadle (James “Rhodey” Rhodes/War Machine), Claudia Kim (Dr. Cho), Hemsworth, Downey Jr., Renner, Ruffalo, and Johansson.

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Ultron Prime (voiced

by James Spader).” photos with permission Marvel/MCT

Furious 7 is fitting end for Paul Walker

Seven films in The Fast and the Furious series. Seven. Soon enough this series will catch up to the amount of movies in the Star Trek series (excluding the most recent reboots). With so many movies in a series, does Furious 7 do its job as a sequel? Well, let’s go over what I feel the definition of an effective and viewer-friendly sequel is.

It must carry the storyline while remaining understandable and easily followed by newcomers to the series.

Thankfully, Furious 7 does just that. It appeals to both the fans of the entire series, like me, and action lovers that are fresh to the series.

If you’ve never seen Tokyo Drift - if you haven’t, shame on you for committing such a heinous social and moral crime - you can easily figure out where the series left off and not find yourself lost in a sea of references and inside jokes.

Not many people can grasp the value of cars and the bonds they procure amongst gearheads. If you’re one of these people, boy or girl, man or woman, (it also helps to be a fan of the series)

you know who you are. This is the movie for you.

In the effort of not spoiling the movie, I’ll analyze the predictable. With the sudden and tragic death of actor Paul Walker, who plays Brian O’Conner in the series, many fans were anxious to see how the movie could possibly meet their expectations. Though I can’t (and won’t) tell you how that predicament is alleviated, I can say that the predictable tribute to Walker was tear-invoking, to say the least.

It isn’t often that a movie gets me to show any kind of emotion, but the ending to Furious 7 proved to be the greatest ending to any movie in the series by far.

It made my stomach sink with empathy and sadness over the loss of a main character of a series of movies that shaped my unbreakable passion for cars.

Not only did it relate to those who empathized with Walker’s family and friends in the time of his (and that of his often forgotten stunt-driver Roger Rodas) death, but it also strongly appealed to fans of The Fast and the Furious series in that it revisited Walker’s role and

By alec dilella Staff Reporter @alecdilella

importance to the series as a main character in each movie (though he did not appear in Tokyo Drift). As a tribute, its effectiveness is unmistakable, and, very possibly, unparalleled.

Moving away from the meaning of the movie as a tribute to Walker and the rest of the series, we start seeing the same aspects of every movie in the series that are highly regarded and loved: the cars, the fighting, the action, and the cars.

Did I mention the cars? I’m pretty sure I didn’t.

As always, the driving scenes are as impressive as ever (not as impressive as the drifting scenes from Tokyo Drift in my opinion, but hey, different strokes for different folks, right?) and the fighting scenes prove to be incredibly suspenseful.

That brings me to my never before aforementioned topic: the cars. I’m not the only guy obsessed with cars, if that’s what you’re thinking. These machines are beautiful of course, but the pain of seeing them battered and destroyed took a piece of my soul with them. At the end of each scene, however, it’s important to remember that the cars are enjoyed to their fullest and lived a happy life.

Since I feel as if I’ve left this out… the cars were spectacular.

Above: Furious 7 marks Paul Walker’s final film appearance. photo with permission Universal Pictures/MCT Left: Dom (Vin Diesel) stars in Furious 7. photo with permission Universal Pictures/MCT

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Girls Night Out vs. Boys Night Out Pitch Perfect 2 hits a high note

Miller brings back the Road Warrior

By Alexia Ponce de leon Staff Reporter alexia0114@hotmail.com

You won’t be dis-accapointed with Pitch Perfect 2. From the comedy to the music, from the laughter to the tears, this sequel totally rocked. Becca, played by Anna Kendrick, returns with the rest of the a cappella girls, The Barden Bellas, to compete at the international singing competition called Worlds. In a contest where no U.S. team has ever won, the Bellas have a new rival from Germany called The Sound Machine.

The movie really sends a message of sisterhood.

Aubrey, played by Anna Camp, returns to help them throughout this journey to rediscover themselves, their sound, and their pitch. This movie had the audience laughing from beginning to end. Rebel Wilson, who plays Fat Amy in the movie definitely stole the show with her outrageous physical comedy.

Keegan-Michael Key of

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Key and Peele fame makes his debut as a condescending music producer with an amusing kick.

Elizabeth Banks (Hunger Games) returns as one of the contest judges and also makes her movie directorial debut.

If you liked Pitch Perfect you will surely love Pitch Perfect 2. The movie is not a continuation of the first; it’s just a new challenge. So you can enjoy this movie all on its own. The music was great and they even included real life a cappella group Pentatonix.

I really enjoyed watching this film. Plan a girls night out and watch Pitch Perfect 2. You won’t regret it.

Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron star in the film Mad Max: Fury Road. photo with permission Warner Bros. Pictures/MCT

Being the first film in the Mad Max series in over 30 years, the film is an excellent place for newcomers to start the series. Taking place directly after the events of the first film (Mad Max, which was released in 1979), the movie sees Max taken prisoner by a gang of cult followers called the War Boys led by Immortan Joe (Hugh Keys-Byrne).

Meanwhile, Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) is driving a heavily armored War Rig to get ammo and gasoline for the people of the wasteland. Joe finds out that Furiosa has taken his wives away from his enslavement and enlists the help of his War Boys to capture her and the mothers of his children.

This entire chase is the central focus of the film. Miller uses techniques from his original Mad Max trilogy, and employs them well in Fury Road. All of the stunt work is real, with all the vehicular combat achieved without the use of CGI.

That is an incredible feat, considering people are flying out of cars, large trucks are

Above, Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) will do anything for love. Below, The Barden Bellas reunite in Pitch Perfect 2. photos with permission Universal Pictures/MCT

exploding

By Cj Salcedo and there Editor-in-chief is a guitar @cj_fett_salcedo playing War Boy whose instrument shoots flames from its neck.

The editing also enhances the effects greatly, with some really fast cuts being made all the time. There are extreme close-ups and random wideangle shots thrown in there to make this a surreal experience.

The performances from the leads are also excellent.

Hardy and Theron steal the show, and are given a wellwritten script full of narrative heft, that matches all the action on screen. With themes of feminism, survival and home, Fury Road is the most mature blockbuster put to screen in ages.

Fury Road delivers on every level. Visually, it’s unmatched by any other film released this year. Director George Miller has brought back the grandfather of all dystopian films, and it’s a great welcome.

Max, it’s been 30 years, and I’m glad to see you back and madder than ever.

M usic L if estyle

Sheppard is an indie pop group that consists of siblings George, Amy and Emma Sheppard, guitarists Jay Bovino and Dean Gordon and drummer Michael Butler.

The band was originally created as a duo between George and Amy Sheppard, when she had asked for help on a music assignment. As time went on, the band expanded and began to produce and write their own music professionally.

The Australian family founded band, has released their new album Bombs Away which is rapidly ascending the U.S charts.

This album includes the amazing hit single “Geronimo.”

This catchy tune is upbeat and

exciting—making you want to sing along. Not only is “Geronimo” a lyrical de-stressor but it offers your ears the pleasure of euphoric melodies.

Although some of the songs on Bombs Away may be too mellow for me, there are a few that caught my attention, including “Halfway To Hell,” “Let Me Down Easy,” and “Find Someone.”

The songs are all cheerful, including amazing, ear-enhancing harmonies and efficient instrument use.

All in all, the album has its faults in certain song choices but overall, Sheppard has done an excellent job in portraying their originality in creating music and pleasing an audience.

Sheppard is blowing up the U.S. charts with Bombs Away

By Krystal Valdes Staff Reporter IG: @i’mal00ser

YouTube sensations Kalin and Myles take over the airwaves

Kalin White and Myles Parrish are new pop sensations that have just recently released their EP, Dedication.

Although business is booming, there was a time where the boys were just regular people.

That all changed though, when Kalin was introduced to Myles through a mutual friend in 2011. Since then, they have been working on producing their own music.

Throughout the journey, Kalin and Myles were given the chance to perform shows with Austin Mahone and Megan & Liz, which greatly expanded their fan

photos with permission Universal Records and Decca Records

base. After creating their hit single “Love Robbery” in 2014, it racked up over 1.8 million views on YouTube and became the most played song on Spotify for that year.

The dynamic duo has almost one million followers on their Vine account, 12 million-plus Youtube views, and even 200 thousand-plus on Instagram.

As for the EP, an enormous amount of work was put into it, and it is shown in the amazing choruses, harmonies and instrumental breaks.

Dedication starts off with “Trampoline” and boy, does that song make you want to bounce. Although the meaning of the song isn’t too life changing, it includes very catchy lyrics and has a great beat. I can confirm that after a tiring day of sitting in a classroom, this song gave me a source of energy and a better mood.

My personal favorite, “You’re The Only One I Need” contains beautiful guitar riffs and a finger-snapping chorus.

The song was written with the help of Eminem and Lil Wayne, which is probably why it’s so captivating.

Overall, Dedication is a great EP for people who enjoy upbeat songs. Kalin and Myles did a great job of portraying their originality and creativity. Hopefully we’ll hear more of them on the radio.

th evip ervib e@ gmail.c om 1 3

Signing Day

S por t s V arel a

There are few teenagers that will sign their name to a contract, let alone one that binds them academically, athletically, and financially to an institution. Yet, six Felix Varela students did just that, as they participated in National Signing Day.

The athletes, Neysa Parham (Cross Country and Track and Field), Mathew Franco (Boys’ Soccer), Robert Armand (Football), Nick Leon (Baseball), Amanda Perez (Girls’ Soccer), and Sabrina Verdes (Girls’ Basketball), were surrounded by their biological and Viper families, who were more than excited to be present for such a momentous occasion.

“It’s a proud and emotional moment,” said Varela

Spring Football shows glimpse of fall season

1 4 t h ev i p er vi b e @ g mai l. com

Athletic Director Lisa Spinosa.

“They’re babies when they come here, and now they’ve grown up and are off to the real world.”

Viper Central was home to six collegiate contracts, totaling over $200,000 in scholarship and aid. But the occasion was more than dollars and cents; it was a morning of emotions for so many involved.

Students were recognized not only for their spectacular athletic achievements, but also for their work in the classroom and community.

“I am just so proud of her.

She has done an amazing job with school, with running… there aren’t enough words to describe my pride in her,” said Susie Parham, Parham’s

In all seriousness, Viper football fans should hope that this year’s “Black and Green Scrimmage” is not a representation of the fall season to come; while the players forecast a promising season filled with young energy, a fresh quarterback, and a sparkling new defense, the event itself proved to be near lackluster.

Thanks to Mother Nature, not much would occur prior to a nearly 90 minute rain delay and 3:30 p.m. start time that would find reporters, fans, and players still playing at 7:15 p.m.

The Varela Viper football

mother.

Parham signed a $68,000 cross country and track scholarship with Stevenson University in Maryland; she spent her last year at Felix Varela as one of the top female athletes, representing both Varela and Miami-Dade in competitions.

Before signing, Cross Country and Track Coach Borris Lopez remarked on Parham’s growth throughout the sport.

“When I came to work at Felix Varela, Neysa was just a silly little fast girl. Now, she’s a fast, well-to-do, in college girl. In the last two years, she had put a lot of work into her training….it’s great to see her excel in running and her school work.”

The participants in the

team doesn’t not have a strong reputation of spring football games, however, this year’s “Black and Green Scrimmage” leaves fans with a hint of what they can expect in the fall season: and fans, it looks promising.

“We could have done better,” said junior Ricardo Matos, who plays receiver, tight end, and linebacker. “But it’s good because we really see how we stand on the field and what we need to improve on.”

With the graduation of over 20 seniors, the team saw a shift in strategy on both sides of the ball. The Varela offense, despite possession of sophomore running back Julian Harris, has found more comfort with the pistol offense.

The offense is ways away from the Wing-T, utilizing three wide receivers and multiple tight ends, while allowing for easier defensive reads by the quar-

photos by Danielle Malkin

Varela S p or ts

Ten musings of Miss Sports Guy Varela Sports by Danielle Malkin Staff Reporter dani.ginger97@hotmail.com

May 18 ceremony know all too well the benefits of hard work and being a wellrounded individual. Armand, signing a football commitment with Stetson University, is advanced on more than just the line of scrimmage. He takes Advanced Placement and Duel Enrollment classes, while maintaining an internship and playing time on the varsity football team.

Fellow athlete Leon, who will join the Lenoir-Rhyne Baseball team next spring, was shocked at his growth from the “pee-wee” league days, but excited for what the future holds.

“It feels great knowing that little kid from Tamiami Park would be coming here and doing great things, it’s a

great feeling,” he said.

“He’s always had to work twice as hard as the athlete next to him, since age four, playing baseball. Just seeing him achieve this goal….proud is an understatement,” said Leon’s mother, Alina Lorenzo.

Aside from celebration and excitement for their first collegiate seasons, graduates are leaving behind quite the reputation for athletes to follow.

With records broken, titles earned, and the next stepping stone to a collegiate career official, what do the signees have to say to their underclassmen?

“Just work hard,” said Lincoln Memorial commit Amanda Perez. “You guys can do it.”

Left to right: Neysa Parham, Mathew Franco, Robert Armand, Nick Leon, Amanda Perez, and Sabrina Verdes. photos

by Cj Salcedo and Danielle Malkin

Although I may not be privileged enough to wear a Varela Viper jersey, I’ve learned some invaluable lessons from the days and hours spent as a sports reporter for The Viper Vibe. There is no doubt, than within the next year, my list will grow as these athletes and their stories have taught me about success on and off the field.

1. Athletes are some of the kindest people within our student population.

Yes they appear scary, and they may appear to have their cliques, but nobody knows teamwork and the value of family like a Viper athlete.

2. There are good days and there are bad; only the strong realize how important it is to have both.

3. “Mind over Matter” is the mantra: Vipers prove that size is a factor they do not fear.

4. There will always be a rebuilding year.

5. The most successful people are beautifully humble.

6. Athletics are changing the lives of young people everywhere, including Felix Varela students.

7. Hard work is everything. Period.

8. The big leagues are not impossible. terback. for a few short months. But the spring Big news came for the Viper family team

As for the defense, Vipers now line scrimmage also marks the commencewhen Varela Baseball alumna Johnny up in a “30 stack,” which promotes speed ment of a new season; new players find Barbato was traded to the New York over size, allows for confusion of the of- their way into the hallowed halls of Vifense, and is easily adjusted by defensive per football, while veterans move up the Yankees, bringing a little “pinstripe readers. ranks, taking the numbers and positions pride” to Viper territory. Not the first

“Defense still has some areas to im- of their former teammates, and the slate and definitely not the last – could you be next? prove. Offense we have to tighten up and is seemingly clean. make those little things right,” said Gio The summer allows for rebuild- 9. There is nothing like the atmosphere of athletic events; be a fan. Hey, Matos, sophomore safety, running ing, and a (hopefully dry) fall be a crazy fan. back, and slot receiver. season will bring out a new and 10. Nothing is comparable to being a

Matos, much like his older improved Viper Football team. sports reporter. The athletes, the coachbrother, will find himself playing What does the future hold for Viper ing staff, the atmosphere, the ability to both sides of the Viper ball. football? That, fans, is up to them. be in the midst of the craze and find the

“It’s going to be a little tiring, In mere seconds, 21 players besmall, beautiful stories of people just but it’s going to be a great expetween the lines of Tropical Park can like you and me. Thank you to all those rience for me,” he said. make all the difference for a team involved in Varela athletics, for provid The spring of 50, a staff of 10, and a school of ing a future for these talented young scrimmage marks the conclusion of 3,000. And as this family settles the off-season: lockers are cleaned out, down for a serious renovation, people, as well as allowing me to find those stories. schedules are thrown away, and players we can look nowhere but up. say goodbye to their brothers in green

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