The Viper Vibe - Volume 16, Issue 4

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/ ne Ju ‘17

The Mummy

Staying local: South Florida’s hidden gems

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

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Hits and misses

The three best months of the year...June, July, and August!

Have a safe summer everyone!

Too many good faculty and staff leaving Varela this year. You will be missed.

Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the bombing in Manchester, England.

The yearbook was amazing! If you really knew us, you’d know we were super impressed.

Congratulations to our Silver Knight nominees and especially Gabriel Vergara for his win!

And the scorching hot summer has already started. Welcome to the muggy 90s.

table of contents

Ta b le of Contents View p oints

ViEWPOINTS

Letters from the Editors.............................4

News

volume 16 June ‘17

Town Hall Meeting........................6 How the national and state budgets will affect Varela and its schedule for next year.

Editorial Board

Headlines ..............................7 Faculty................................8 Robotics Elective......... 10

SENIOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Devoun Cetoute JUNIOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Christine Monge

lifestyle

Staffers

Summer to do...........11 Binge Worthy TV......16 Summer Movies.......18 13 Reasons Why...... 20

Daniel Cardenas Fernando Cerioni Sasha Contreras Yaira Doyle Valeria Franco Juan Guevara Zeriah Jean Aalaniz Rivera Fabian Rodriguez Krystal Valdes

A look into the controversial show that has taken school districts by storm.

Music.........................21

Adviser

sports

Elizabeth Cardenas

All-Dade......................... 22 Scholarships..................23

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

Varela athelets are moving on to greater things. Congratulations to all those who broke records, and got signed this year.

On the cover: Summer is a great time to get out and enjoy Miami. In this issue we discover some local places worth checking out. photo illustrations by Christine Monge

Above: Senior editors say goodbye.; Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendant Alberto Carvalho speaks at Ferguson Sr. High School at a town hall meeting to discuss HB 7069. photo by E. Cardenas; Netflix has adapted the young adult novel 13 Reasons Why into a series that has become controversial in many school districts. photo with permission Netflix/MCT ; Senior athletes sign their scholarships. photo by Fox-Mar

Talk to us: thevipervibe@gmail.com

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

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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Viewpoi nt s

Lett ers from the Editors

It’s hard to say goodbye to everything you love and are

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

tarting these letters have always doesn’t need anyone and can do everybeen hard for me. This being my thing by myself. fourth and last makes it so much

Thankfully, my wonderful advisers harder. This school year has been changed my thought process and my one of the craziest I have lived. heart, which is one of the greatest things

As a senior, these last four years any teacher has ever done for me. have been the best of my entire life and

They really made Varela my second will probably be the best for a while. home and the students in the academy my

When I first walked through the halls second family. of Varela as a freshman, I barely knew

It has always been hard for me to what the Communications Academy was. accept people in my life who have pushed Now, I am juggling running this publime to be greater than myself, but I will alcation and the yearbook ways see them as the reason why as Editor-in-Chief, and If you keep going and I am able to write this letter to running WVHS News as all of you, the reason why I have never look back there found the career I want to devote it’s Executive Producer.

Getting to where I am will be a silver-lining my life to, the reason why I had has been the hardest jouramazingly successful high somewhere out there. an ney, but as I reflect I think school career, and the reason how that journey changed why I have become the caring, me. understanding individual that I am today

In my freshman year, when I joined that I never was. the academy, I started to realize that it

I cannot thank the academy and my was the perfect place for me. With my first teachers enough, but I will always rememcommunications class being yearbook, ber them for the rest of my life. the adviser, Ms. Zolia Garcia, really taught

This has been the greatest four years me what it was like to be a part of someI could ever ask for. I have found my thing bigger than yourself. To be a part passion and who I am. I hope every senior of something that needed you as much as has had a remarkable four years as I had. you needed it. I didn’t know it then, but I really needed the academy and all the memories it gave to me.

Devoun Cetoute, Senior Editor-In-Chief It taught me about teamwork and The Viper Vibe friendship. How to choose what to let go #ATearfulGoodbye and what to hold on to. It was really hard for me to learn this lesson because I liked being the lone wolf. Being the one who

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Letters from th e Ed itors

View p oints

A fond farewell to the publication that gave me a voice LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

With this bittersweet year coming to an helped me immensely. Danielle, if you’re end, I think it’s safe to say that I would have reading this know all the support you gave never imagined myself excelling so much in me through snapchat and twitter really this publication. I know it’s not the first Vi- inspired me. I’ll never forget how you lost per Vibe farewell out there - and I certainly your keys in the parking lot. Cj, you’ve been hope it won’t be the last - but it was an through this journey with me every step honor to have served as Junior EIC. of the way. Just when I thought I couldn’t

A lot has changed. We went from a full handle it, you were there to keep pushing magazine staff and class to being joined me. You gave me the inspiration I needed to with creative writing, and only having a excel in the Vibe, and most importantly the handful of staffers writing for the Vibe. support. Without you I would have never Needless to say, we persisted, and my grati- found my home here. tude goes way deeper than this letter.

I would also like to thank my parents

The Viper Vibe instilled a new passion for supporting the craziness that came in me, and also helped me realize that I too with being a part of this publication. have a voice. It has opened Thanks mom for taking me to all my eyes as to what I can those movies and locations for The Viper Vibe instilled the reviews. You guys were my achieve.

I’ve had so many mem- a new passion in me, and biggest fans. ories in room 228 that I

Finally, Mrs. Cardenas. will never forget, and it’s all also helped me realize I can’t express my gratitude because of this newsmaga- that I too have a voice. to you for believing in me. I zine. went from a mere staffer last

Devoun, though we’ve year, to Managing Editor this had a rough time this year, we really proved year during Issue One, to Jr. EIC for the that we both had our own abilities. We rest of the year. A big leap, but you knew made it work with minimal resources and I could handle it. I’ll never forget how you staff, and I think we both owe each other a helped me become the journalist I am round of applause. Your dedication and re- today. “Thank you” will never be a suitable silience is astonishing, and I wouldn’t have enough. asked for another editor by my side.

I wish the best for this publication in

Our new staff. Valeria, Yaira, Fabian, the upcoming year, and to the seniors that and Danny. You guys were the best. I could will be leaving. Thank you for a humbling rely on you for anything, and I’m so proud of experience. Room 228 will always have a how much you guys have grown. If you guys special place in my heart. do end up staying on board next year, I wish Christine Monge, Junior Editor-In-Chief you all the best of luck. Know that I will be The Viper Vibe rooting for you guys every new issue. #FarewellandAdieu

Heres to the old staff members who

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News

M-DCPS Superintendent Alberto Carvalho speaks to concerned parents, teachers, administrators, students and community members about the state’s proposed education budget and House Bill 7069 at John A. Ferguson Sr. High School, on May 23. According to the superintendent, the budget and bill will have detrimental effects on public education. photo by Devoun Cetoute

The fight for public education

Federal and state proposed budgets are being debated as they cut funding for public schools

Funding and education are like two siamese Sr. Editor-in-Chief twins. One cannot live DEVOUN24@GMAIL.COM without the other.

With the Miami-Dade County Public School system (M-DCPS) being the fourth largest public school system in the country, the issue of funding is one that comes up very often.

On May 23, Superintendent of Schools Alberto Carvalho held several budget town hall meetings to discuss how current legislation, House Bill 7069 (HB 7069), would leave the state education budget “...way underfunded and features historically low funding for public schools.”

Originally, Governor Rick Scott’s budget proposal called for a 4% increase in education, which would have been $84 million more in funding compared to last year.

According to Carvalho, over the past year there have been major cost increases over several key areas in the system, these being Health Insurance, Instruction Technology, Utility Rates, 201617 Salary Increase, the Florida Retirement System (FRS), and Charter Schools. These combined cost increases came out to $86 million more M-DCPS would need to keep the system running at an optimal level.

The current budget proposal being given to Governor Scott by state legislators would change the original proposal from 4% to .34%, which would be an estimated $6 million increase instead of the $84 million original proposed increase.

With the $86 million known cost increase, the current purposed funding increase would leave M-DCPS with an $80 million shortfall.

To put it into perspective, Carvalho said that

By Devoun Cetoute

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the .34% proposed budget increase would amount to about a $0.50 increase in funding per child for their education.

“How [this budget proposal] will effect education would be devastating because of the expenses that people need in the schools. He actually brought it down to the penny when he said we would be funded $0.50 per student, which is unreasonable because just the tablets alone are so expensive. It is most importantly going to effect children, which is unacceptable,” Principal Nery Fins said.

If the budget plan were passed, key programs would see funding cuts throughout the county.

According to Carvalho, Title 1 funding may receive a notable funding cut.

Title 1 funding encompasses many programs throughout M-DCPS, these being summer school, before and after school programs, school intervention programs, and many others. For Varela, this could mean losing the possibility of becoming an 8-period day school.

Earlier this year faculty voted on putting in application paperwork to be chosen as one of these schools. This would mean a possible $1 million increase of funding for the school to pay stipends for teachers, new electives, and anything relating to getting the school ready for the new schedule plan. Because this money is offered through Title 1, the passing of the budget plan could put that in jeopardy.

According to Carvalho and some school board members, the sudden drop in funding could be an effect from President Donald Trump’s proposed budget plan. His plan calls for a $9 billion cut to education nationwide.

Carvalho did not only talk about the proposed

budget plan, but also HB 7069. HB 7069 is 274 pages in length and covers many topics.

According to Dr. Nancy Lawther, Florida PTA legislation committee member , HB 7069 is composed of 64 unrelated bills.

“HB 7069 is very much like a freight train. A bunch of cars attached to each other even though they may be carrying different cargo,” Lawther said.

Adversaries say that HB 7069 is heavily focused on charter schools, and only contains some details that would benefit public schools.

For example, the “Schools of Hope” was pushed into the bill’s text, “Schools of Hope” being a $140 million program that would work to turn around failing schools.

Advocates say that HB 7069 encourages a move to increase school-choice options, which can be seen in the many paragraphs of language about charter schools in the 274 page text.

According to the governor’s office they have received notification by 14,849 citizens opposed to the passing of the bill through phone calls, emails, letters, petition signatures, and polls.

Carvalho and multiple school board members have actively told community members to contact Governor Scott to tell him to veto the bill and the budget plan in hopes of him not going through with HB 7069.

“You should really know the process of this bill and the impacts. If not vetoed the bill can have a detrimental impact on the education you benefit from, your teachers, and on the school system. The financial impacts are disastrous on maintenance and construction. As far as education for students, its $0.50 per year, which I don’t think you can say is great,” Carvalho said.

Arou n d Varela N ew s

HEADLINES AND HAPPENINGS April 25

April 26 Awards Ceremony

I Can Do It, You Can Do It

Vipers from all grade levels were recognized in this annual, special event.

Nominees from different categories were chosen, and later invited to a night time ceremony here at varela.

A nice night of recognition, students were given different awards based off of different levels of excellence around Varela. Faculty and staff gave out the awards, honoring those who have shown academic excellence in the 2016-2017 school year.

Some highlights from the event include Sara Ceballos’ Marine Corps scholarship, our very own Devoun Cetoute, Sasha Contreras, and Christine Monge won awards for their publications, and the announcement of the Silver Knight nominees.

Principal Ms. Nery Fins also named an award after Ms. Felicia Christin, who will be leaving at the closing of this school year.

The Awards ceremony gave Vipers a night in the spotlight, as well as the acknowledgment they deserved.

photos by Fox-Mar

Varela hosted the I Can Do It, You Can Do It event in honor of students in Miami-Dade County’s special education students.

Both Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and Congressman Carlos Curbelo were present to hand out about 20 awards.

Over 500 students from all over the county attended and were entertained with music, balloons and special guests like Burnie, the Miami Heat mascot, and Miami Dolphins players.

The event was coordinated

photos by Fox-Mar

May 17

May 11

May 20

Prom

NJROTC

Varela’s NJROTC received a unit achievement award for participating in multiple varsity drill team competitions, dedicating various services to the school and community, as well as following Navy regulation compliance.

The award was presented on Thursday, May 11, by the area seven manager. Of the 56 schools located in area seven, only 15 were awarded the unit achievement.

“It is a complete honor and privilege to be part of something so amazing, and so unique as this extraordinary program,” said 2017-2018 commanding officer, C/LT Brisa Del-Rio, junior.

“Receiving unit achievement was such an accomplishment for this unit, because it goes to show the intense efforts, hard work, and extra hours these cadets put in. It feels absolutely incredible to see our diligence being paid off.”

with Varela’s athletic department, Enchanters and NJROTC.

Silver Knights

Six seniors represented Varlea at the Miami Herald’s Silver Knight Awards on May 17 at the James L. Knight Center.

The Silver Knight Awards is a program for those who have shown hard work in and out of their schools. The award is open to any senior with a 3.2 GPA in both public and private schools in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Silver Knights has been recognizing exceptional seniors for the past 59 years.

With 15 different categories, ranging from Art to Vocational, nominees are up against students who have accomplished impressive feats and unique accomplishments.

Seniors Devoun Cetoute, Amalia Nafal, Brian Nunez, Karla Perez, Ezekiel Vergara, and Gabriel Vergara, were the nominees for this year.

Gabriel Vergara won the award for English & Literature.

photos by Fox-Mar; information gathered by Fernandeo Cerioni, Susana Ceballos and Christine Monge

One of the final events for the 2017 senior class, prom was studded with golden moments this year.

Decorated to the the theme, 17K, the venue was donned in dazzling gold and white, accompanied with a dance floor and stage.

Upon walking in, seniors were greeted with appetizers, drinks, and of course plenty of photo opportunities. WVHS news was on the scene to capture the Seniors arriving in their gowns and suits.

The Class of 2017 was treated like royalty with a buffet-like dinner followed by a sundae bar.

Prom King and Queen, Kenny Castro and Yazleen Lopez, were crowned, and a nice “Goodbye” was given to Mrs. Christin. After the very sentimental moment, attendees danced the night away, enjoying one of the last memories with their classmates.

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TEACHERS MOVING ON AFTER A FULFILLING JOURNEY After many years of teaching, these lucky few are going to greener pastures and new teaching oppurtunites.

activites director

felicia christian

What is the hardest part about leaving Varela?

“I feel bad for leaving the juniors in a way because now I’m starting to work with them and trying to get things started for them next year with Mrs. Gambale, and I’m trying to sort stuff so she sees how I do it. So, I feel guilty. I think Friday when I start packing up this place after graduation, that’s when it’s going to hit me. And I’ll cry like a baby.”

What do you plan to do after Varela?

“My husband is still going to be working, so it’s not like were going off to North Carolina and moving into a cabin. I’d like to move to Italy and sit on the side of the road, but anyways, I have a granddaughter who I will take to school, since she’s going to be starting middle school. I don’t have a definite plan but I’m going to come up with a plan. I’m hoping to travel a little bit more with my husband because he does travel a bit more than I do for certain things.“

technology teacher

What is a highlight of your miami dade schools career?

“It’s been different because when we opened up W. R. Thomas in the 70’s, I was a brand new teacher, I was 23 years old, and I was starting a dance program that didn’t exist. Then I had kids, went back to teaching after 12 years at Palmetto Middle, where the principal Mrs. Fornell and I met. She wanted to start a dance program, so I went on to starting another one. Then Mrs. Fornell comes here and I said ‘No, I’m not building another dance program’ so that’s when I told her that I was getting older and wanted to do activities. So it’s been different kinds of highlights in my career. Like starting a dance program twice and then starting traditions with the activities in this school. “ Ms. Felicia Christin prepares to announce the prom king and queen at this year’s prom. She has organized every prom at Varela since its opening in 2000. photo by Fox-Mar

catherine laroche

What’s on your bucket list?

“I don’t have a bucket list, because I think if you do you set yourself up for expectations and if what happens to you doesn’t meet those expectations you are led to disappointment. So I just kind of go with the wind, like a leaf in the wind, and plan to go wherever life takes me after this..”

Ms. Catherine Laroche teaches science and technology here at Varela. Over the years, she has introduced students to CISCO, programming and game design. photo by Sasha Contreras.

osvaldo quintana

What is your favorite thing about teaching?

“My favorite aspect of teaching is when the students show that they changed after a whole school year of whatever their experience might have been.”

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What inspires you to teach?

“What inspires me to be the best teacher is the moment where you see the change in a student, especially in acting. Sometimes students that never say a word perform in front of a group of strangers by the end of the year. “

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What is one thing you are going to miss about Varela?

“I’m going to miss Gambale, the craziness, yelling at Mr. Bode, or teachers coming in here and stealing my food and candy. You know, stuff like that.”

29 years of teaching What would you tell rookie teachers to keep on doing through the next 27 years?

“Have a sense of humor. I know a lot of my students would ask where is mine, but I think that sometimes you should just have some sense of humor, step back and really enjoy the kids and really have a sense of humor about it all.”

What will you miss the most about teaching?

“The kids, absolutely, I love the kids. I teach because I love the teenagers. I will definitely miss all of them.”

Why do you think technology is important to teach in schools?

“Technology is a tool we use in our lives on a daily basis and if we’re going to be helping these students be productive, they need to learn how to use this technology in particular. I think that our students are so used to using technology now with the multi-sensory inputs that the students are already used to, we’re going to really bore them in the class.”

30 years of teaching

What is the most memorable moment in your career?

“The most memorable moment in my teaching career is when a student I didn’t even know came up to me a week before graduation and said that I had seen her in the hall and she was upset and I stopped to see if she was okay and she said at that moment she was thinking about killing herself. But she said that because I stopped and talked to her for a moment, she said she felt like she had value and that she was graduating that week because of my intervention. Another moment was when a student named their child after me.”

reynaldo bode

What will be the hardest thing about leaving varela?

“This has been home for 14 years. I’ve been to different schools before, but the students here are different. It’s the students and the faculty I will miss the most because I have a lot of friends here.”

Osvaldo Quintana and Reynaldo Bode lead the drama department for the final time here at Varela. Though they will miss their troupe and classes here, they look forward to what the future will hold. photo by Krystal Valdes.

What’s the most challenging aspect of being a teacher?

“Trying to get through to kids who have real life problems.”

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TEACHERS GET WELL-DESERVED RECOGNiTION

With the school year coming to a close, it’s time to honor these two teachers who were chosen by the faculty to represent Felix Varela Sr. High as Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year.

teacher of the year

math teacher

Barbara Velunza

24 years of teaching

Why are math and technology important?

“Math and technology go hand in hand and you need to be able to move on to the future and technology is part of that.”

What profession other than yours would you like to try out?

“I honestly have only thought of myself as a high school teacher, so no other professions come to mind.”

What’s your proudest moment at Varela?

“Seeing my students succeed and hopefully seeing them pass the EOC. Probably my proudest moment would be being nominated as teacher of the year for Felix Varela Sr. High School. That was a very proud moment and I’m honored to be selected.”

What inspires you?

“Seeing my students succeed, seeing their eyes open up when they finally understand and are able to do math.”

Barbara Velunza teaches Algebra I to freshmen. She began her career at Miami High and loves to tutor her friend sin math. photo

by Fabian Rodriguez

rookie teacher of the year Physics and Math

Richard Gonzalez

What profession other than yours would you like to try out?

“When I was younger, I attemped to go into theather. I actually ran a theater company for many years, and it just didn’t work out. So I started focusing on my teaching, in which I have become a better teacher since then.”

3 years of teaching Why is technology important?

“I use technology in my classroom a lot. For my Physics class I was teaching microcontrolers, which is how you build anamatronic robots, and I also taught how to build electronic cars, which you can see in the class. That was actually built and designed by my students. I believe using technology in the classroom is really inmportant because you get all of these opportunites, and you get a chance to be really creative with it. When I have an opportunity to use technology, I go for it.”

What inspires you?

“I love to help other people, I like to see people learn and see people grow. The look a kid gets when he understands something. Also, to see a kid become passionate about something, that really means a lot to me. And that’s the reason why I still teach, even though sometimes it’s not the easiest.”

Though Richard Gonzalez is a- teacher, his activities span longer than 7:20 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. He’s the co-sponsor and mentor of SECME, and has attended various competitions for racing and robotics. photo by Richard Gonzalez

What’s your proudest moment at Varela?

“I’ve done a lot this year and it’s been a crazy year.

Becoming Rookie Teacher of the Year, it meant a lot. Espeically since there’s stuff I have gone through in the past, and to be told I’m a rookie teacher at this school, meant a lot to me. Another proud moment to me was when the racing team got invited to nationals.”

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Robotics

Students learn to work together in mechanics and engineering SECME students spent countless hours after school working on robotics projects. There hard work may pay off with the addition of a Robotics class next year, allowing them time in class to perfect their passions.

SECME, the Science

By Aalaniz Rivera Engineering Communication Staff Reporter Mathematics and aalaniz@mbgagroup.com Enrichment Club, Valeria Franco began as a way for Staff Reporter students to come valeriafranco55@gmail.com together and learn about mechanics, as well as other academic aspects that are woven into their technological projects. This year, students participated in the Robotics and Racing Team after school through SECME with its sponsor, math teacher, Mr. Richard Gonzalez. Most of the students who entered had absolutely no experience in robotics or racing, but joining the club gave them the opportunity to learn and discover a new love for mechanics.

“I came in not knowing anything about it [mechanics and engineering] so I was really intrigued about all the ways and about what racing was. I learned a lot more because of Mr. Gonzalez’s help,” said junior member Kathleen Vera.

As students began to construct robots and

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cars, they became comfortable with their projects and made a team decision to join competitions.

The robotics team entered several competitions including SECME Olympics, the Miami-Dade County Youth Fair, and Roboslam, which was a big and fierce competition that had 54 teams competing. They made it to the quarter finals, but were unfortunately bumped off. Despite their loss, making it far was a huge achievement for the firstyear team.

On the other side of the spectrum, the racing team attended the Miami Spring Invitational where they won a Drag Racing competition, and achieved second place for the most laps in 10 minutes. The racing team also got a special invitation, but were unable to attend.

“We were invited to attend the national competition in New York, but we couldn’t afford it,” said Gonzalez. “But that’s one of our goals for next year, to be able to go.”

The team did however join the competition online, where they ended up in 14th place overall in the Nation.

While the team worked to perfect its robotic

and racing elements, some members were learning more than just mechanics and engineering.

“I learned to actually open up to more people, because we have to work as a team, and I learned a lot more about cars, and that’s why next year I’m joining the whole racing class,” said Vera. “I was able to find people who had the same interests as me, and we got to work together.”

Captain Claudio Cardozo, junior, said the team has helped him achieve A’s and B’s in his classes.

SECME plans to expand the program and turn it into a class for next year called Robotics, which is already starting to fill up with students who have been on the teams this year. The fate of the class will greatly depend

The ultimate goal for both clubs is to achieve a higher rank, and attend more and bigger competitions. Both the racing and robotics team work extremely hard, putting in the time and dedication and staying after school almost every day, perfecting their techniques and technology.

The dedication and teamwork is astonishing, proving that the SECME team can achieve anything they put their minds - or robots - to.

Photos by Richard Gonzalez and Sasha Contreras

Lifestyle

Aro u n d M iam i

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SUMMER TO-DO Theres always something to do in South Florida.

With every summer comes an age long problem; boredom. Most people go down easy saying ‘There is nothing to do in Miami’ and ‘All you can do is go to the beach,’ but that isn’t true. From snorkeling to rock climbing there is something out there for everyone. Here is a quick list with some of the hottest attractions in South Florida that deserve a visit. In order not to break the bank this summer, you will find that almost every event on this list has a Groupon or Culture Shock deal attached to it with some crazy deals.

Go out and have some fun!

Miami is one of these great places that is a really sensual, physically beautiful place.

- Michael Mann photo by: christine monge

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L if est y le

A ro u n d M i ami

jet boat miami

1635 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33132 On this summertime ride of a life time you will be able to travel at extremely high speeds and take in some of Miami’s sights. On this rocket paced adventure you will be driven by guides who take tight turns, do pivots, and have some fun with some high-speed bursts. Along the journey, they offer guests the chance to take in nearby sights, such as the beautiful San Marco Island and the fabulous houses that line Flagler Memorial Island’s shores. They end their tour with an extended high-speed journey back to Sea Isle Marina, throwing in extra 360-degree turns and leaps upon passengers’ requests.

Groupon Deal: 2 tickets - $35 4 tickets - $70

Knockerball south florida

14271 SW 120th St Suite 108, Miami, FL 33186 Knockerball South Florida brings the game of soccer to a whole new level.

The reason: Knockerball puts you into a person-sized inflatable sphere. It allows players to roll around or bounce off of other players during one-of-akind soccer game.

Groupon Deal: 1 hour for 10 people - $99

photo provided by: Action Town Florida

photo provided by: Jet Boat Miami

laser tag-action town florida 7965 W 2nd Ct., Hialeah, FL 33014

Action Town Florida is a sprawling place of fun stuffed with bumper cars, climbing walls, arcade games, a paintball arena, and indoor laser tag. The laser tag arena offers a fun, fast paced game because of its tight corners, long hallways, neon walls, and near pitch black room. After one game it will have you begging to play again and again.

Groupon Deal: 2 games for 4 people - $35 2 games for 6 people - $56

Paintball-action town florida 7965 W 2nd Ct., Hialeah, FL 33014

At Action Town Florida, battles take place with paint, lasers, and putters.

A professional paintball team designed the outdoor paintball arena, which sprawls across two acres and encompasses urban-warfare and garage areas.

For first timers, the first few shots may sting a little, but that won’t stop you from playing. From crawling on your belly to jumping over obstacles to hit friends or family, your adrenaline will be pumping. Paintball at Action Town Florida is a great way to shred some weight and strengthen bonds with friends and family.

Groupon Deal: Paintball Rental Package for 4 people - $18 Paintball Rental Package for 6 people - $25

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stories by Devoun Cetoute

paniq room escape

x-treme rock climbing

388 NW 27th St, Miami, FL 33127

13972 SW 139th Ct, Miami, FL 33186

This new and weirdly entertaining attraction brings about a new way to have fun. The PanIQ Room Escape, stresses the importance of using critical thinking and problem-solving skills to escape. Although this sounds like a mind numbing experience, it is a crazy amount of fun.

There are multiple rooms at the Miami location, each with a uniquely imaginative theme. Although you may not be able to finish it the first time around, it is still a fun way to try out your mental skills.

X-treme Rock Climbing offers a vertical maze of more than 14,000 square feet of climbing. At this fun attraction there is something for those of all skill levels. There are basic paths for beginners, with challenging roofs and overhangs for more experienced scalers. The routes change often, adding a layer of surprise to each return visit. You can also be taught by skilled instructor who teach you the skills to be a master indoor and outdoor rock climber.

With mats throughout the complex and strong grappling lines, there is no fear of getting hurt hear.

Groupon Deal: 2 tickets - $35 4 tickets - $70

Groupon Deal: Rock Climbing Package for 2 - $59 Rock Climbing Package for 4 - $118 photo provided by: X-treme Rock Climbing

bowling-strikers family sportcenter 8500 NW 44th St, Sunrise, FL 33351 Strikers Family Sportscenter invites guests to perfect their pin felling on 1 of 40 lanes. Bowlers handpick their favorite from a selection of neon balls.

While waiting for their turn the players can watch the 42-inch scoring monitors come to life with animated computer graphics from the comfort of a couch. On weekend nights, flashing lights and music are everywhere during Rockin’ Roll glow bowl. Not only can you bowl, but the arcade is stocked with skee-ball, Jurassic Park, and whack-a-duck.

Groupon Deal: Bowling for Five with Pizza - $45

zoo miami

12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177 It is always a perfect time to visit Zoo Miami, one of Miami’s most popular attractions. From the winged animals of Asia to the wild ones of Africa, there is plenty to see at the Zoo. While there you get to experience their brand new entrance and attraction, Florida: Mission Everglades. There is always a wild time to have at the zoo from adults to kids of all ages. So come on down have an animaltasitic time.

Culture Shock Deal: 4 tickets - $10

perez art museum miami 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

Sometimes is good to sit back, relax and enjoy whats around, and there is no better place to do that then the Perez Art Museum Miami. It features 200,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor program space with diverse galleries, shaded outdoor verandas, a waterfront restaurant, a museum shop and an education center with a library and media lab. The Perez Art Museum Miami is a must go for those dedicated to the museum scene to newcomers who want to do something a little different.

Culture Shock Deal: 4 tickets - $10 stories by Devoun Cetoute

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snorkeling-surf you to the moon 85500 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Surf You to the Moon makes it easy for new explorers and experts to see new and beautiful locales, above and below the waves. Snorkeling down at the Florida Keys gives you a chance to see them in a whole new and fun light. On their tours they make the snorkeling feel like a personalized bucket-list-worthy experiences in some of Florida’s most awe-inspiring environments.

Groupon Deal: Caribbean Native Fish Snorkeling Tour for 2 people - $59 Caribbean Native Fish Snorkeling Tour for 4 people - $109

lion country safari

2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470 Lion Country Safari is a zoo experience like no other in Florida. It is Florida’s only drive-through safari and walk-through amusement park. While going on this fun zoo experience you will be able to spend the day with over 900 animals. With animal displays and encounters, animal feeding experiences, 5 rides, water sprayground, food, shopping and more, you are sure to have a memorable experience at Lion Country Safari.

Pricing: Regular Admission for 1 - $35 Regular Admission for 4- $140 Parking - $8 photo provided by: Surf You To The Moon

photo provided by: Monster Mini-Golf

monster mini-golf

9533 Westview Dr., Coral Springs, FL 33076

Monster Mini Golf welcomes guests of all ages with 18 holes of spooky, glow-in-the-dark fun. Fog machines, colorful lasers, and special effects lighting surround the indoor course. While your golfing you will be listening to the soundtracks of the 70s, 80s, and 90s as you conquer each hole’s monster-themed obstacles and hazards. During games you play interactive games and do some trivia questions rewarding winners with take-home prizes. There is also an arcade, which has glowing air hockey tables, skee ball machines, and other games.

Groupon Deal: 4 rounds of Mini Golf and One Arcade Game Card for 4 people - $112

frost museum of science

1101 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132 The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a newly relocated museum dedicated to sharing the power of science, sparking wonder and investigation, and fueling innovation for the future. Divided into four buildings, the huge Frost Planetarium, the breathtaking Aquarium, and the North and West Wings, where guests can learn about the core science behind living systems, the solar system and known universe, the physics of flight, light and lasers, the biology of the human body and mind, and much more. Guests can explore the world of STEM with interactive exhibitions and unique shows.

Culture Shock Deal: 4 tickets - $10

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stories by Devoun Cetoute

coral castle

28655 S Dixie Hwy., Homestead, FL 33033 Part museum, part sculpture garden, Coral Castle is something you have never seen before. It features a hand-carved 9-ton gate, a Polaris telescope, and a sundial with seasons—all carved from coral rock. Visitors can explore the site through guided tours, which delve into the history and science behind the structures, as well as a love story. Walking through the exhibits is breathtaking, and easy to compare as one of the Wonders of Florida.

Groupon Deal: 2 Adult Tickets - $19 4 Adult Tickets - $38

Trampoline high

12395 SW 130th St #111, Miami, FL 33186 Jumping around has never been this fun. Trampoline High offers 10,000 sq. ft. of indoor trampoline bouncing fun and aerobic exercise are ready for your enjoyment. Their facilities include a large open jump court, a dodge-ball court, and a multi-hoop basketball lane. Bring your friends and family to bounce your way to aerobic health while having a great time.

Pricing: Unlimited Jump Time for 1 - $20 Unlimited Jump Time for 4 - $80 First 30 minutes for 1 - $8

Horseback riding lessons

22620 Southwest 134th Avenue, Miami, FL 33170 The Miami International Riding Club is a joint venture between mother-daughter team Celia and Daniela Bunge. They are certified in the English riding style, and they focus on hunt-seat and jump-seat riding as they work with students ranging in age and experience levels from beginners to competitive experts. With the help of friendly school horses, students also learn how to groom and tack horses.

Groupon Deal: 2 Private Horseback Riding Lessons - $38 4 Private Horseback Riding Lessons - $73

miami seaquarium

4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 Miami Seaquarium is a must see attraction when looking for things to do in South Florida. It is a 38 acre tropical paradise, featuring dolphins, killer whales and more. When visiting you have to make to sure to visit Lolita, the world’s oldest captive orca. Not only can you walk around this expansive oceanarium, but you can also catch one of the dolphin, sea lion, or killer whale shows. From the manatees to parrots to penguins, there is something for everyone at Miami Seaquarium.

photo provided by: Vizcaya Museum & Garden

vizcaya museum & gardens 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is one of the most beautiful nature driven museums in Florida. This fine attraction includes extensive Italian Renaissance gardens; native woodland landscape; and a historic village outbuildings compound.

There is also Mr. James Deering’s estate on the grounds which has 34 rooms filled with 15th - 19th century antiques. A trip here is like a trip back in time.

Culture Shock Deal: 4 tickets - $10

Pricing: Regular Admission - $35-45 stories by Devoun Cetoute

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TV

Binge worthy

Streaming shows are created and distributed by online production companies making all their seasons readily available.

Z:The Beginning of Everything Seasons: 1 Episodes: 10 TV-MA

Amazon Prime Original

* Renewed for a new season

The Man in the High Castle Seasons: 2

Once child star Christina Ricci takes on the role of the elusive Zelda Sayre, a southern belle turned New York City debutante who marries the soon to be famous F. Scott Fitzgerald. This historical fiction show depicts the notorious Prohibition Era which fueled the outburst of scandals, partying, and of course, American authors. The series depicts the luxurious and provocative lives of the young couple that would soon be the poster children of the Roaring Twenties.

Loosely based off of Philip K. Dick’s novel of the same name, this Amazon Prime series details the events that follow the alternate story of events after Germany and Japan win the Second World War. Filled with conspiracy, a blend of history and fiction and a lot of action, this Ridley Scott-produced project shows that there’s nothing like the past. Especially if that past involves uncovering Nazi mysteries.

Seasons: 1

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 10 TV-MA

Hulu Original

Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel is brought to life on Hulu’s service. The story of a totalitarian and oppressive government controlling the United States after a Civil War could not have come in at a better time. In a world filled with destruction and complete control, it is up to a group of remaining fertile women to help populate the country. Those looking for an intense, insightful and prophetic series, should look no further.

Episodes: 11 TV-MA

Netlix Original

TV-MA

Peter Morgan follows up his 2006 Oscar-winning film, The Queen with this Netflix biopic. The Crown is a biographical story about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, and her ascension to the English throne.

The first season covers a time in between her marriage to Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1947 to her sister’s, Princess Margaret’s, engagement to Peter Townsend terminating in 1955.

Episodes: 10

TV-MA

Amazon Prime Original

Seasons: 2

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 20 TV-MA

Struggling comedians Julie Kessler (Julie Klausner) and Billy Epstein (Billy Eichner) may have a love-hate relationship, but they unite over one thing - the will of becoming well known comedians in the Big Apple.

While the people around them are leaving, pursuing bigger, and probably more realistic things, the middle aged duo remain, in hopes of their careers taking off. As each passing day goes by, they start becoming, difficult people.

* Renewed for a new season

Sneaky Pete Seasons: 1

Giovani Ribisi stars in this Amazon Prime exclusive crime-drama series. Ex-convict Marius Josipovic takes on the identity of his cell mate, Pete Murphy, to avoid the wrath of a gangster. Taking on this new cloak, Josipovic goes back into civilization, and unites with Murphy’s family, getting dragged into the family business. Life goes great for Josipovic under this new persona, until people begin discover this con-man’s tricks.

Hulu Original

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Episodes: 10

Netflix Original

Baz Luhrmann leaves the Roaring Twenties behind to give audiences the story of Hip Hop’s roots. Set in Brooklyn in the 1970s, the end of the disco era sees the opportunity of a lifetime for a young and aspiring rapper, Ezekiel ‘Books’ Figuero, (Justice Smith). The show offers a diverse cast and a different look at one of the most influential music eras in history. Plus, Nas narrates the show. There is no excuse to not watch it.

Difficult People

* Renewed for a new season

The Crown

The Get Down

Seasons: 1

* Renewed for a new season

TV-MA

Amazon Prime Original

The Handmaid’s Tale

* Renewed for a new season * Still airing

Episodes: 20

* Renewed for a new season

Santa Clarita Diet

Episodes: 10 TV-MA

Netflix Original

In Drew Barrymore’s final attempt to be relevant after two Adam Sandler movies, she stars in this gore-fest for Netflix. She plays a married real-estate agent turned living dead in Santa Clarita, California.

Unfortunately, life takes a different turn for them when she starts transforming into a zombie. The family has to keep her abnormality a secret, all while finding a way to feed her zombie cravings. Family entertainment has never been this...bloody.

* Renewed for a new season

Photo illustrations and stories by Christine Monge

TV

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summer shows

Cable network shows may have previous seasons available on streaming channels while current seasons are available now.

Mr. Robot

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Seasons: 4

* Renewed for a new season * Still airing

Episodes: 91 TV-14

FOX

A miracle that this show has gone on for as long as it has, this train-wreck of a show puts comedy and crime fighting together.

Taking place in the ninety ninth police precinct in Brooklyn, it follows the shenanigans of detective Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) and the rest of the nine-nine crew.

In this not so accurate representation of a police force, comedy is prevalent, resulting in a mix of witty and hysterical episodes.

Ripper Street Seasons: 5

Episodes: 36 TV-MA

BBC

This BBC original puts you right in the middle of the action of Whitechapel, England, during the late 1800s. More than just another boring detective show, Ripper Street has more to it than just solving your classic Sherlock Holmes style mysteries.

Filled with drama, action, and betrayal, it gives you a look at the corruption and dangers of the Leman Street Police Station, as well as a look into the lives of those who run it.

Westworld

Seasons: 1

* Renewed for a new season

Episodes: 10 TV-MA

HBO

A remake of the 1970s film of the same name, Westworld is a Wild West themed theme park run by robots. Produced by Jonathan Nolan and J.J. Abrams (fresh off of CBS’s Person of Interest), Westworld offers HBO subscribers more fantastical action and a celebration of western tropes.

For those wanting a vacation from Westeros, maybe Westworld might offer some R&R from real life.

Game of Thrones Seasons: 8

* Renewed for a new season

Episodes: 73 TV-MA

HBO

One of the biggest shows out there, Game of Thrones is sure to give you something to binge-watch. Following a series of characters in the fictional world of Westeros, Game of Thrones examines death and political intrigue in a fantasy setting. Six seasons in and a new one coming, if you plan to catch up to the new season, you better do it fast before you find out any spoilers.

Photo illustrations and stories by Christine Monge

Seasons: 2

Episodes: 32 TV-MA

USA

For those who feel like the perils of society are too much and have their paranoia towards major corporations, this is the perfect show. Telling the story of a young programmer working as a security engineer for a large company, his world is turned around when a Christian Slater-esque figure (played by Christian Slater) convinces him to become a cyber vigilante by night. It’s an upgrade worth looking into.

* Renewed for a new season

The Leftovers Seasons: 3

Episodes: 28 TV-MA

HBO

Genres seem to escape most HBO shows.

The Leftovers seems to be in that camp, with a mix of psychological thriller tropes, fantasy and a little mystery. This series tells the story of a rapture-like “Sudden Departure,” an inexplicable disappearance of 140 million people, and an investigation of how people will react during times of trouble. A darkly funny, dramatic and poignant show, it just entered its third and final season.

* still airing

Turn: Washington’s Spies

Episodes: 40 TV-MA

Seasons: 4

AMC

A show set in the American Revolution, which shows everything besides the overtold events of the era. Following the few who started America’s first spy ring, and its attempt to knock off the British through the inside. Don’t be fooled - this isn’t your classic American Revolution series your history teacher would show. Like a 1700s version of Mission Impossible, Turn: Washington’s Spies depicts the clever tactics used by this new spy ring.

* Renewed for a new season

Preacher

Seasons: 1

Episodes: 10 TV-MA

AMC

Based off a DC comic, Dominic Cooper plays a smoking, alcoholic, priest that doesn’t quiet exactly practice what he preaches. Set in Annville, Texas, Cooper’s character, Jesse Custer has what one would call a religious experience,when he is possessed by a mischievous spirit. Custer goes across the country, discovering his new powers, and trying to find God. Talk about a bad omen.

* Renewed for a new season

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Beat the Heat Baywatch Release Date: May 25

R

The Dark Tower Release Date: August 4 NR

1 hr 59 mins.

Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron

In the same vein of the Jump Street movies, Baywatch takes a classic procedural TV series from the 80s and turned into a modern day raunchy comedy. Starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron, the film details Efron’s character, Matt Brody, and his journey into being a lifeguard while training - and clashing - with Johnson’s devoted lifeguard character, Mitch Buchannon.

Through the competition between Brody and Buchannon, the life guards uncover a conspiracy that threatens the bay. Buchannon and Brody must put their rivalry aside for the better of the beach. Horrible Bosses director Seth Gordon leads this modern day adaptation.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Release Date: May 26

PG-13

2 hrs. 9 mins.

Baby Driver

1 hr. 53 mins.

PG-13

2 hrs.

Director Christopher Nolan drops the time twisting and space angle and sets his sight on something new - the Dunkirk Evacuation. A true event during World War II, spanning from May 26 to June 4, 1940. Dunkirk shows the evacuation of the allies from the French port, during a brutal German attack. Land, sea, and air battles ensue, raining down on the nearly 400,000 men. Farrier, played by Tom Hardy, is in the middle of the action, witnessing the horrid acts of war. While the struggle continues at Dunkirk, people abroad in England are doing the best they can to bring the troops home, before time runs out.

Spider-Man: Homecoming Release Date: July 7 PG-13

Stars: Lily James, Ansel Elgort

Stars: Tom Holland, Marisa Tomei

Take it from us, the less you know, the better. Edgar Wright’s first film since his 2013 film, The World’s End. This new summer blockbuster includes a cast of repuitable actors like Kevin Spacey, John Hamm, Ansel Elgort, and Cinderella’s Lily James. Don’t waste your time with trailers or plot summaries on this one. It needs to be experienced blindly.

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Dunkirk Stars: Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy

Johnny Depp returns as Captain Jack Sparrow for the final installment of the swashbuckling saga. Sparrow’s luck runs out yet again, when his former nemesis Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem) returns with his army of the dead return from the ends of the earth with one goal to complete abolish everyone at sea, including Sparrow.

The only way to potentially save his life is through the Trident of Poseidon, which requires the help some unlikely heroes, and another action filled adventure. Old characters return, as well as more background to Captain Jack and what occured to Elizabeth Swann (Kiera Knightly) and William Turner’s (Orlando Bloom) son.

NR

Loosely based off of the series by Stephen King, The Dark Tower alternates from two universes. A present day New York City, and a fantasy dystopian parallel universe, called Mid-World. Eleven year old Jake Chambers (Tom Taylor) finds evidence of this so called Mid-World and gets transported to the opposite world, meeting Gunslinger Roland Deschain (Idris Ebla) and his attempts to find the “Dark Tower” from The Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey). Deschain and Chambers encounter a series of attacks and creatures on their journey to EndWorld, where the Tower is located, in hopes to save both universes from disaster.

Release Date: July 21

Stars: Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem

Release Date: June 28

1 hr. 25 mins.

Stars: Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey

After his appearance in Captain America: Civil War, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) begins to discover his newfound abilities.

Swinging around New York City fighting crime, he tries to forget whatever happened and focuses on his new web-slinging abilities, while struggling to get back to his old teenage routines and hid his powers from Aunt May (Marisa Tomei). Parker finds himself trying to prove himself, and sets his eyes on something bigger. After having an inspirational experience with the Avengers, Parker is ready to become one, but not without the approval of his mentor, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.).

Photos Courtesy of Atlas Entertainment, Big Talk Productions, Chernin Entertainment, Columbia Pictures, Europacopa, Paramount Pictures, Sony, Twentieth Century Fox Film, Walt Disney Pictures, Warner Brothers, and Universal Pictures.

M ovies

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At the Theater Wonder Woman Release Date: June 2 PG-13

2 hrs. 21 mins.

Stars: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine

The iconic superhero of the 1940s finally gets her own shot in the modern movie industry. Diana Prince (Gal Gadot), Princess of the Amazons, she contineus to live her secluded life in the island of Themyscira, until the crash landing of Major Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), an Air Force pilot. Trevor alerts her of the war outside of her Themyscira, and she follows him, in an attempt to use her abilites to end all wars. With her venture outside of her home for the first time, Prince fights against the Axis powers during World War I, while adapting to the strange enviroment. Prince learns her true abilities through her journey, becoming the iconic Wonder Woman.

Transformers: The Last Knight Release Date: June 21 PG-13

Stars: Laura Haddock, Mark Whalberg Yet another installment of the Transformers series, Transformers: The Last Knight introduces a world without Optimus Prime.

In a war ravaged earth,it’s a constant battle between transformers and Humans. A choice between saving Earth or Cybertron, the truth about the past of the transformers must come to light before any further action is taken. Signs of these robotic cars go back to the beginning of time, through events like World War II and even medieval times. New autobots are introduced - as well as new decepticons. The lines between good and evil are blurred, as the fight for Earth and Cybertron continues.

War for the Planet of the Apes Release Date: July 14 PG-13

Stars: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson In the third film in this ever popular reboot series, apes and man continue to fight in this elaborate war against each other. After the last installment of the Planet of the Apes series, Caesar (Andy Serkis) devises a plan to avenge the loss of his kind due to the atrocities of the last film. With his enlightenment, Caesar raises an army to fight against the Colonel’s (Woody Harrelson) forces. The guerilla war-like tactics of the apes clash with the modern, brutal forces of the Colonel’s army. The battle continues, between primate, and man.

Stories by Christine Monge

Alien: Covenant Release Date: May 19

R

2 hrs. 2 mins.

Stars: Katherine Waterson, Michael Fassbender Alien: Covenant fast forwards 10 years after the 2012 film Prometheus. A sequel to Prometheus, and a prequel to the 1979 movie, Alien, the film is set to explore the origins of the classic Xenomorph species, as seen in the Alien franchise. This new film depicts the story of spaceship, Covenant, and its arrival in a foreign, Earth like planet.

What was assumed to be a new, peaceful colonization turns deadly. The pilgrims of this new planet realize they aren’t the only living things to arrive there first, when they arrive to a destroyed shelter, filled with alien lifeforms. .

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets Release Date: July 21

PG-13

2 hrs. 17 mins.

Stars: Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne

Based off of the comic by Pierre Christin, director Luc Besson (Léon: The Professional, Lucy) takes on this new science fiction, action, and adventure film. Taking place in the 28th century, special operatives Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are in charge of maintaining peace and order throughout the human inhabited “territories.” On a mission to the ever growing metropolis “Alpha,” they discover a threat to the City of a Thousand Planets. The two must neutralize the threat, before it destroys not only Alpha, but the Universe.

The Mummy Release Date: June 9

PG-13

2 hrs.

Stars: Sofia Boutella, Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise abandons his Mission Impossible roles and dives into a new adventure in this summer blockbuster. A reboot of the 1999 The Mummy franchise, Tom Cruise stars as Nick Morton, who discovers the tomb of Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella), an ancient princess. Upon her awakening, a train of disasters begin to occur, putting him in the middle of Ahmanet’s distruction.

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TV

New Netflix series sparks controversy Netflix’s original jr. Editor-in-Chief series, Thirchristinemonge99@gmail.com teen Reasons Why, has become a popular show on the streaming service; and it’s success isn’t surprising.

The show, depicting the story of Hannah Baker who commits suicide and it’s aftermath, is eye opening, needless to say. Unlike any other teen drama out there, Thirteen Reasons Why manages to get heavy and provocative subjects, and use them to bring awareness to topics that we usually don’t openly discuss.

Since for entertainment purposes the show is longer than Jay Asher’s novel of the same name, the series keeps the premise of the show suspenseful, for all 13 episodes. At an hour an episode, it gets tiring, and you just want to finish the tapes as much as Clay Jensen wants to; but the attention to detail is inded impressive.

Thirteen Reasons Why also does a good job at depicting the fact that everything builds up on everything.

In an interview with Brandon Flynn - who plays Justin Foley - he highlights the fact that “Everything affects everything..” It’s not so much the individual events that leads to Baker killing herself, but more of the cumulation of everything that piles up on her, hence her 13 reasons.

Though the show can be incredibly explicit it covers topics like rape, bullying, and obviously suicide - it does explain everything candidly, and realistically.

The no holds barred approach to these sensitive topics is what I believe makes it a good show. It puts a face to these things, and helps the viewer see that these things are still going on, and that it’s not just something you see in movies made during the 90s.

“I think it’s important that boys watch

By Christine Monge

this show.” Said Flynn. He believes that Thirteen Reasons Why can explain just how profound those “compliments” can affect girls.

The whole show is a good way to get a look at different perspectives, and see that we really dont know whats going on in other’s lives.

It could be used as a learning tool, to teach others the impact our voices can have. Some teachers around Varela were using it to relay this strong message - until various school districts condemned its teachings.

Due to its heavy topics, school districts around the country, including our very own Miami-Dade County, have banned the teaching of Jay Asher’s novel, as well as the showing of the show in class. Many worry that it shows the idea that adults can’t help a child on the edge, and that it will inspire teens to follow the example of Baker.

Though the show has more prominent parent figures in comparison to the novel, its the thought that they weren’t able to save Baker that is troubling to those in the school district. Flynn mentioned in the interview with us that he found this extremely important, as it brings awareness to the devastation that occurs after Baker’s death, and how parents sometimes don’t know what’s really going on.

As a follower of the series, I believe that this show is needed to bring awareness to everyone, especially high school students.

We never know what’s going on in someone else’s life, and we should know how to see the warning signs from those that are on the edge.

Most importantly, we should know that what you say without remorse can be someone’s last straw.

We should be more preoccupied in trying to teach kids how to avoid events like those in show, and be teaching others how to handle dire situations like bullying, rape, and suicide. Why shield kids from situations that they could possibly face in their future?

Katherine Langford in "13 Reasons Why." (Beth Dubber/Netflix)

Dylan Minnette in 13 Reasons Why (Netflix)

Alisha Boe in the Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why.” (Beth Dubber/Netflix)

Novel vs. Netflix

1

Time Between Tapes

2

Role of the Parents

3

Diversity Within the Cast

4

Modern Implications

5

Clay’s Confrontations

7

The Tapes After Clay

8

Tyler’s Plans

9

Jeff’s Character

In the novel, Clay binge-listens all of the tapes in one night. Essentially, all the events take place within a day, instead of 13.

Most of the stuff that gets spread around the school through mere rumors, not pictures.

Group texts weren’t a thing in the novel.

Clay leaves the fate of the tapes up to counselor Kevin Porter. In the novel, Jensen passes them onto the next person, like the rest of the others did.

Hannah Baker and Jensen’s parents are almost never present in the book. In the show, Jensen’s parents keep tabs on him, and Baker’s parents even go as far as getting a lawsuit against the school.

Due to the novel covering only 24 hours, Jensen really didn’t get a chance to confront anyone. He just listened to the tapes and heard how everyone affected Baker, and then moved on.

Yet another addition to the plot, Tyler Down doesn’t reveal his arsenal of weapons or his potential plans to shoot up the school in the book.

In the show, it’s obvious that Baker and Jensen have some chemistry, but don’t want to admit it. The book version of their relationship is more one sided.

Jeff Atkin’s role in the show is more prominent than in the novel. He has a closer relationship with Jensen, while in the book he is simply a minor character.

It’s no lie that the show has an extremely talented and diverse cast. Since the novel did not specify the race or sexual orientation of the characters, the producers took advantage of it.

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6 Hannah and Clay’s Relationship

M usic

Gawvi We Belong

Solo artist, Gawvi is a twenty-eight year old singer from New York, who produces electronic pop. His album We Belong, has a lot more meaning than you would think.

The first song on the album, “Rock N Roll,” is about his experience in the music industry and how they can tear you down. It is slow in the beginning but then quickly picks up the pace. I don’t find it depressing, instead more eye opening.

Another meaningful song is, “Like We Belong.” It can be perceived as romantic but, it is actually about the struggle of trying to please people; and how we should all just accept that we all belong and are equal.

What I like about this album is the variety.

You have some songs that are more realistic and raw and some that are just fun to listen and dance to like, “En La Calle,” which is a Latin song in which he says is about “the 116 movement and singing Romans 1:16 proudly.”

Most of his songs are inspired by his faith in God. He also dedicates one of his songs to his wife, “Hold On.” If you like songs that have a By yaira Doyle message and are lively, you will Staff Reporter want to give this album a listen.

IG: yairadoyle

Photos Courtesy of Moxie

Julie Brennan Inner Demons

Minneapolis singer and songwriter, Julia Brennan, released the song “Inner Demons.”

This song was written while she was home in bed all day because of an accident that resulted in her breaking her collarbone.

“Inner Demons” is about insecurities and how you should not let them get in your way.

She says, “I think everyone has those times where you feel you don’t fit in; when you’re pushed out of your comfort zone. ‘Inner Demons’ comes from those fears we all have.”

For an 18-year-old, she has an admirable understanding of how to love and accept yourself, which is a great message for young kids.

As for the song itself, her voice is accompanied with a beautifully played piano, which she plays herself. It is in no way a fast paced song, but if it were, it probably wouldn’t sound as good.

I would recommend to listen to this song, so you can see why I think it is favorable.

L if estyle

Max Bouratoglou Idle Intuition

Pop/rock singer, Max Bouratoglou, released his third album, Idle Intuition.

At only 16, Bouratoglou has a very mature sound; but his songs don’t have much diversity.

Personally, I like it when artists make each song sound different, and Idle Intuition has the same sound and uses the same instruments throughout it.

I probably would like it more if he would take his chances and used different instruments, it would make the album more enjoyable. But, what I can say is I like the actual lyrics of the songs. I also like that he doesn’t really remind me of any artists; he sounds unique. The song “Reminisce” is probably my favorite because of the lyrics.

This album is for people that enjoy more lyrics than the actual music aspect.

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Spor t s

Varel a

top honors

sports

Darian Muñoz - Baseball

ALL-DADE

HIGH

SCHOOL SPORTS

George Lubian - Swimming

Have you broken any records? "I have broken all the school records except one.

Knowing that in those events, I was the best in Varela history is a big accomplishment, and can be used as motivation for future people."

What made you stand out for the All-Dade Team?

"How I swam in states, and being one of the fastest swimmers in states was a big reason."

How do you feel being part of the All-Dade Team?

"It feels great being one of the best in the school and the district."

Leana Lu - Badminton Have you broken any records?

"No, I have not broken any records, but my partner and I are the first All-Dade Badminton team at the school."

What made you stand out for the All-Dade Team?

"Well in order to qualify for All-Dade you need to place 1st or 2nd in districts and then you qualify for GMAC (Greater Miami Athletic Conference)."

How do you feel being part of the All-Dade team?

2 2 t h ev i per vi b e @ g mai l . com

"I'm honored since my partner and I are the first to do it in school

history."

Have you broken any records?

- "Not that I know of, I don't pay attention to that."

What made you stand out for the All-Dade Team?

- "Being the leading hitter in Florida."

How do you feel being part of the All-Dade Team?

- "It’s a pretty big accomplishment, I wasn’t able to do it last year but I was able to do it this year."

Mathew Corea - Soccer Have you broken any records?

- "No, I didn’t break any records that I know of."

What made you stand out for the All-Dade Team?

- "Our defense had the least goals scored against in the whole district and, not to brag or anything, but I feel I had a big part in that."

How do you feel being part of the All-Dade Team?

- "It was really cool, and you can tell that everyone there is really good."

Valerie Sanchez - Badminton Have you broken any records?

- "I don’t think so" What made you stand out for the All-Dade Team?

- "Well my partner Leana Lu and I worked hard, we tried to go undefeated, we didn’t sadly but we did go very far."

How do you feel being part of the All-Dade Team?

- "I didn’t believe it at first, but I feel very proud of myself"

Varela

Mariana Morante - Track&Field Karina Medina - Soccer College: St. Thomas University Scholarship Type: Full-Ride scholarship to run Track & Field Major: Education What are you looking forward to in college?

"Looking forward to getting faster in Track and being a family with my teammates becuase thats what I think is most exciting about being in a college team."

Sofia Naya - Track&Field

College: St. Thomas University Scholarship Type: Athletic and Academic Scholarship Major: Bachelor's in Biology and transfer to another school and study Physical Therapy.

What are you looking forward to in college?

"Being able to run with a team that I don't know and being able to travel with that team and compete."

Tiffany Bolanos - Volleyball

College: FMU (Florida Memorial University) Scholarship Type: Athletic and Academic Scholarship Major: Chemistry What are you looking forward to in college?

"Making new friends, having an experience, continuing volleyball for sure, and earning my degree."

scholarships

As another school year begins to wind down, Varela athletes set their sights on the future. Many staff reporter have put in countless hours - and dedication - into juanferguev@yahoo.com their teams.

For many, their one goal as a part of Varela's teams is to represent us Vipers and perfect our teams; for others it's that, and to get "signed" to a university of choice for their athletic achievements.

Signing a scholarship to a university not only gives these senior athletes the recognition they deserve, but it also gives them an opportunity to attend a college with a scholarship attached.

These Viper athletes have made an enormous impact and have been the epitome of effort in our school.

By Juan Guevara

S p or ts

College: St. Thomas University Scholarship Type: Nursing Scholarship Major: Nursing What are you looking forward to in college?

"Making a lot of friends on my team."

Natasha Polanco - Basketball College: Miami-Dade College Scholarship Type: Full Ride Scholarship Major: Psychology What are you looking forward to in college?

"I'm looking forward to growing as a person for myself, my family, and loved ones."

Irving Baez - Cross Country/ Track&Field

College: St. Thomas University Scholarship Type: Althetic and Academic Scholarship Major: Nursing What are you looking forward to in college?

"Making new friends, and running around the nation with my new team."

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Senior class of 2018, don’t forget to make an appointment this summer with Fox-Mar for your senior portraits. No purchase required.

305-596-1750 The 2017-2018 yearbook will be sold in the fall at Open House and Senior Parent Night for $65.

Take home memories of your year Senior Video $20 Graduation Video $35 Order your videos today in room 200K