vol. 15, is
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Get up and get out Felix Varela Sr. High School * 15255 S.W. 96 St., Miami, FL 33196
Hits and misses
n i t e l l u b d r a o b
The Vipe r Vibe I sponsored ssue 5 by: The Ther nela The Varg n Family as Fami l The Cost antino F y a m ily The Mal kin Fam i ly The Cast ro Famil y The Igles ias Fam ily The Cast illo Fam ily The Mon ge Famil y
Seniors are so excited to graduate that they don’t realize that they’ll end up paying for their own breakfast now. Woo! Seniors, we made it!
Do us a favor and don’t add George Zimmerman’s gun to your Amazon Wishlist this year. We think the revolver that killed Lincoln is a better buy.
Alright guys, the joke is over. Who’s really running for President? Please take this seriously.
Congrats to Varela’s Communications Academy for racking up the awards at FSPA States!
Despite our handsome EIC leaving, we have faith that the Vibe is in good hands next year...hopefully.
No amount of bathroom laws will keep them clean or working.
Ta b le of Cont ents View p oints
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ViEWPOINTS
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NEWS
Senior Editors Goodbye..............4 Prom in all its “Glory” ..............6 As the year closes and graduation rears its ugly head, senior editors say their final goodbye and take their final bow.
From promposals to dresses to flowers to Uber Black...how far do some kids go to make this one night magical.
Socialism woes ...........................5 heading for the real world......8 In an election race so hotly contested, one staffer looks at the dangerous effects of a Bernie Sanders presidency.
Taking a look at the choices seniors have when they leave high school and what they do from here.
volume 15 May ‘16
Editorial Board EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ciro Salcedo Section Editors Devoun Cetoute Giovanni Del Fa Danielle Malkin Krystal Valdes
Reporters
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Lifestyle
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sports
marvel’s Civil War.....................14 Spring Football.........................17 The summer blockbuster season official- Much like an NFL draft, underclassmen ly began with a war between two super- are showing their stuff at the Spring hero titans and ushers in a new era for Football game. the Marvel cinematic universe.
music...........................................16 Athletes go to college.............18 Lumineers, Drake and Ariana Grande are back just in time for summer listening.
Several senior athletes will be using their skills in sports while at college.
About the cover: Seniors have many choices once they leave high school. With Varela’s industry certification, some can even jump right into their career. But for most, college is the way to go, whether a major has been declared or not. For a select few, the military offers not only a career, but a way to get a college education for free. From left to right: Alexa Grau (and Cassie), Javier Garcia, Richard Alonso, Giovanni Del Fa, Ciro Salcedo, and Danielle Malkin. photo by Devoun Cetoute
Your thoughts may be
in the next Talk to us: thevipervibe@gmail.com featured issue of the Viper Vibe!
Yasmin Arancibia Jaiden Butka Alexa Castillo Nicole Castro Laura Chirino-Quinte Sacha Constant Antonella Costantino Taylor Daley Nelly Delgado Michael Espinoza Alicia Garcia Yunier Iglesias Daniel Lehem Hermes Martinez Kathleen Maura Christine Monge Amy Moscoso-Orella Alexia Ponce De Leon Kelvin Valdes Rehyny Vargas
Advisor
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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F rom t h e E ditors
the editor says: It’s been a blast Usually I start these things off with some great reference or a story about me watching a movie or something. I’m kind of lost at this moment. Taken back a bit. I’m listening to “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden while writing this and I doubt that has anything to do with growing up. Anyway, it’s my senior year. Here I am writing my last letter from the editor for The Viper Vibe. I’ve written about 12 of these with this one being my 13th. On issue four of volume 14. I wrote about how sad I was when the class was cut from the schedule. Now I’m sitting here among a full class of staffers and four issues of a magazine that actually printed. Funny how life kind of worked out for me, huh? The magazine has taught me more than how to conduct an interview or write captions. It’s taught me how to grow up. It’s taught me that if I want something, I need to go out
and find whatever I want myself. No one was going to hold my hand through it. The magazine has always been credited with helping me find myself in high school. It has allowed me to develop my voice. Yes, it’s not widely known among the school. Yes, I’m sure me throwing an editor card won’t gain me any brownie points anytime soon. But I feel better. This small part of Varela has helped me in more ways than any math class or English class has. That’s what I hope every student gets from high school. Just some direction and some passion. Maybe something that will help them flourish in life. That’s all we could ever hope for in life. Ciro Salcedo, Editor-In-Chief The Viper Vibe #GoodByeVibe
We Leaving high school harder than we thought Say:
Ciro Salcedo Editor-in-Chief
Giovanni Del Fa News Editor 4
How does anyone say goodbye to all the hard work endured through four years or their communications family? To me, it’s more of a strange curse to be in charge of the newsmagazine. Not because of the hard work, but because I knew this day would be here. The day I would have to say goodbye. I’m writing this to Mrs. Elizabeth Cardenas. In my four years, she’s played the parts of teacher, mentor and even mother. I realize that nothing I will ever do will even come close to repaying you for everything you’ve done for me and that at times I can be the biggest pain, but you’ve still believed in me. This is my thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t be the writer or man that everyone tells me they see. This is also my goodbye. My tenure as editor-in-chief wouldn’t have been successful without you and all that you have taught me will not go to waste undergoing the frightening adventures of the real world. After spending most of my life waking up at 6:30 and attending school, changing that can be something scary. Saying goodbye is never an easy thing, but I have come to the end of my high school experience. It has been a year full of new experiences, interesting people and rigid academics. This school has been my home for three years. Staying late and sharing my time with people who have helped shape and change me into the person I am. I cannot begin to express my gratitude to both teachers and students who have been there with me through high school.
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I figured my natural talent and red hair would get me through any situation in the journalism world. I was wrong. I owe the largest thanks to my editor in chief, Ciro Salcedo. With him and Mrs. Cardenas, I realized that not only is there still power in the pen, but I wielded a great amount of it. The Viper Vibe has taught me to be a better journalist and student. Nothing has been more challenging than balancing academia, broadcast journalism, and a print publication all while managing to have some sort of a social life. Thank you to our supporters, and our wonderful band of haters. Thank you Mrs. C for teaching me that I am more than a pretty face on camera, but a free thinking woman as well. As long as there are stories, journalism will be alive and well at Felix Varela. When I walked into room 228 my freshman year, I immediately felt a warm, comforting air wrap around me. Four years later and many “Good Mornings,” not much has changed, just the students. I feel honored to be in the Communications Academy as well as Quill and Scroll. I would love to thank Elizabeth Cardenas for being my school mom all four years of high school. Thank you to Vivian Lorenzo-Guerra and Zoila Garcia for always being there for me. Thank you to Janice Lewis for teaching me that confidence is not arrogance, as well as how to be a “Woman of Tomorrow.” Thank you to Agnes Pagan for encouraging my reading obsession. Thank you to Nery Fins and Felicia Christin. Thank you Felix Varela for everything.
Danielle Malkin Managing Editor
Taylor Daley Veteran Staffer
Colum ns
View p oints
Sanders’ socialism is not the solution new threat to the Through the promises of Bernie By Jaiden Butka A American way of life has Sanders the youth have been brain-
and world economy as we know it. In the beginning, the most strain Staff Reporter arrived. It is not a dicwashed into economic extremists, where will be felt on the small business level. jaiden@live.com tator in a far away land the long-standing belief is that to be part Shortly after, the entire American econnor is it a new terrorist group. of the one percent you must be a greedy omy would tank due to big companies It is Socialism. evil person. going overseas to hire workers in India My views are my own, I was not Sanders is about as un-American and China for ten percent of the cost to brainwashed by the likes of Sean Hannas you can get. Not only is he a financial do business in America. ity and Bill O’Riley. My thought process tyrant who sees himself as some glori The most preposterous promise that occurred through the combination of fied Robin Hood but he also seems to not Sanders has made is his “free college” pure logic and common sense meeting have much of a backbone. social plan. This plan is adequate education and research, which In Seattle, Sanders The things that Sanders purely based on a herd is quite unheard of in the American was giving a speech and a ideology and the need is selling to the imyouth. pair of Black Lives Matter to appeal to younger pressionable American voters to try to secure a Socialism is the specific and inten“activists” stormed his youth aren’t things we presidential nomination. tional oppression of the motivated and stage and took the mic. the driven. It is the eradication of the Did Sanders valiantly In the world of the living should be buying or sandbox mentality in which free market strip the microphone this so called “plan” is even considering. capitalism thrives. Under Socialism evfrom the intruders like fiscally impossible. eryone is kept at the same level as not to the great presidential According to the Wall make the “less fortunate” feel bad for not candidate he pretends to be? No, he Street Journal, Sanders’ promises would achieving what the hard-working have. simply coiled in the corner and let the add another $18 trillion to our national I write today, 18 years old with “activists” speak for an entire twenty debt. nothing but my dreams and aspirations. minutes. Even if you were to tax the one In ten years I will have my dream job in Sanders seems to also be inspiring percent all of their earnings for 10 years politics and maybe someday be able to young liberals to take action against and were to cut the defense budget by affect the way that this great country is their Republican rivals. Bernie support- 100% you still wouldn’t be able to come run. I will go as far as my intellect will ers have, more than once, interrupted close to the amount of money it would take me. Trump rallies and actually have commit- cost, as you would only raise $12 trillion I will not, and do not, want to reted violent acts upon Trump supporters to fulfill Sanders’ promises. ceive handouts that Bernie Sanders has such as the shutdown of the Trump Through history we as a people have promised to give to me. rally in Chicago in which learned to not mimic broken systems or I do not care if the one flawed ideals. Sanders apparently didn’t Socialism is the specific the protesters threw percent has more money stones at cops, hit Trump get the memo. He, surprisingly, bases and intentional oppresthan I can ever fathom. I supporters, blocked of his beliefs and ideals on Swesion of the motivated ambulances and sported most don’t care if I won’t be the den, which is a pro-Socialism country. and the driven. richest man in the world “Vote Trump, get jumped” Perhaps Sanders should conduct more or that others have more shirts. research before full heartedly backing a money than I have at this moment. All I But of course, the media and Bernie broken horse. According the United Nawant is opportunity, the right to be able seem to pretend that having the likes of tions, Sweden has been predicted to be show my worth. “Killer Mike” regularly speaking at Sand- a third world country by the year 2030. This is impossible under socialism; ers rallies somehow has no correlation Not such a good idea Sanders. I don’t want an even playing field. I want with the atmosphere of Sanders’ rallies As for my fellow millennials who to be able to show that I am better than and the actions that his supporters com- constantly spew the same socialist the lazy masses of zombies who have mit. rhetoric without proper research, they bent to the will of those who promised The things that Sanders is selling to should realize that the more successful them free everything. the impressionable American youth arSocialist countries do not suffer from the Our country is currently experienc- en’t things we should be buying or even same amount of illegal immigrants that ing massive obstacles. High taxes are considering. we are forced to deal with. destroying the upper class, we currently Sanders has promised to raise the The USA has the most illegal imhave the weakest military since World minimum wage to $15 an hour, supply migrants out of all of first world counWar II, welfare rates reaching record eligible students free college tuition, tries (13 million); it’s the reason why levels, and the worst foreign policy deals “better’ healthcare,” and other expanhospitals around the southern border in American history. sions to social programs. are closing due to the children of illegal Don’t get me wrong, there are flaws Sanders has no grasp on economics aliens using their facilities and not havto the system, but replacing the flawed to even begin to propose these outland- ing to pay for them. with the broken is never the answer. ish ideas. Not only did he not have a I urge all of you to conduct proper What we need are tweaks and slight real job for 30 years, but he (and other research and truly find out the effects of reforms, not the entire overhauls of the democratic hopefuls) also doesn’t seem Socialism before you go out and vote for past that has made this country the best to grasp the fact that an increase in min- someone who will destroy the America place on Earth. imum wage would destroy the American we know and love today.
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C ol u m ns
Varela needs to prepare for HB 7029 Earlier this electives they offer, because high school By Devoun Cetoute year our faculty made is not all about the core classes students Section Editor
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variety of electives it would have been an easy marketing point for keeping and a couple of decisions take; it is also about the electives they gaining students when this storm finally DEVOUN24@GMAIL.COM that have become a take on the side to strengthen or find hits. huge error, that will harm the school in a passion for a future career or college Years ago, Varela offered classes in the end. I believe these decisions will ul- major. Ceramics, six languages, architecture timately lead to negative outcomes, even Here at Varela, if a student has to and construction, legal studies, more though at the time, it made sense for our take Intensive Reading and Math there is specific music classes (like keyboard school. no longer any space for electives in a six and guitar), and others. Although these Enrollment here at Varela is going class schedule. But at a school like Ferelectives were disbanded for legitimate down and it does not look like it will guson, a student who has to take those reasons, I believe we should begin to be getting better anytime soon, and an same classes still has space for electives. bring these classes back in order to ateight-period day, more dual enrollment As it is, Varela is not marketable tract students away from other schools. classes and aiding our academy/magnet enough to say that right know Ferguson Varela is a good school with programs can help to get students back. is not a threat. Currently, Ferguson has award-winning programs and a high In our current situation, we are like an International Baccalaureate (IB) school-grade. But that alone will not a home without hurricane shutters in program, and all we can say we have is a keep us standing against the Goliaths in Florida. With a powerful enough piece of lot of Advanced Placement courses. But our area. We need to broaden our horilegislation, it can shake the foundation of the fact is that many other high schools zons and show Miami that Varela can our school and cause the enrollment gap have big Advanced Placement programs. offer an education beyond the regular to become a chasm. So just relying on that fact alone doesn’t school. Sadly, this is the storm warning. It aid Varela at all. I urge the administration and faculty was signed by Governor Rick Scott on What we should be looking at and to keep in mind that with fewer stuApril 14, and it hits July 1, 2017. We call putting time into is something that other dents, we need fewer teachers. The best it School of Choice, technically Educaschools rarely have, such as a larger Dual way to ensure our teachers stay emtion Bill HB 7029. This is the Hurricane Enrollment program. The School for ployed at Varela is to grow our student Andrew of education bills. Advanced Studies (SAS) is opening up population. And the best way to grow What this bill puts into effect is that new campuses all over Dade County and our student population is to give parents Florida’s public school students, startthey are pulling top students from neigh- and kids a reason to come here. If we ing in 2017-18, will be able to attend borhood schools. SAS offers students continue down our current road, Hurriany school in the state that has space a chance to earn an Associate’s Degree cane HB 7029 will drain the rest of the available regardless of where they live. while finishing a high school degree by enrollment out of our school. The measure will also let high school taking AP and Dual athletes have immediate eligibility when Enrollment classes. transferring schools. However, SAS At the current time, our school is lacks the community reaching unbelievable lows in enrollof a neighborhood ment. In its first few years, Varela enroll- school. Students at ment swelled to over 4,000, necessitatVarela, who want to ing the building of the concretables. achieve the higher This new bill spells trouble and will degree, would have lead to an increased loss of enrollment the advantage of also in our school. Now, students can attend being able to play a another school and not be bounded to sport, be a cheerleadtheir home school. er, and participate This opens up for parents of current in local community students and incoming middle schoolevents with their ers a chance to compare our school to neighborhood others that may be a slightly longer 10 to friends. We could 15 minute drive away, like Braddock and potentially steal Ferguson. High schools will now become students from that products that need to be marketed to be program and gain sold. new students ready If we look at Ferguson as a compar- for a different type of ison, we can start to see how students program. within our own school may opt for other Although I high schools. The first thing we have to already mentioned look at is the structure of our school day, that there is no space M-DCPS which is six periods. for electives, it must School of Choice One thing students and parents look be reemphasized that at when choosing a high school is what if we had more of a
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illustration by Hermes Martinez
Aro u n d Varela N ew s
News
It’s not the yes or no, it’s the way you ask Staff Reporter it all is getting asked out. No one can really say when IG:nicolee53_ the first promposal was, but it’s said to have started in 2001 when the Dallas Morning News made the ‘first promposal’ story. Then by 2002 promposals kept on getting bigger and better. In 2002 promposals started becoming a regular tradition. According to the Washington Post, “Boys in Arizona leave trails of rose petals from their dates’ houses to the school. A young man in Idaho somehow sneaks an alarm clock into his girlfriend’s room, where it rings at 3 a.m. and displays a message ‘Hope it’s not too late – will you go with me to the prom?’ She, for some reason, says yes.” In 2007 promposals were going viral all over the internet. There are now more than 40,000 videos tagged ‘promposal’ on YouTube, without mentioning other social media. By 2012, kids started asking celebrities like singers and actors out to prom. Unfortunately, most of the celebrities rejected their invitations. At Varela, while big productions are frowned on, many teachers help out their students by accommodating the asker. Senior Joseph Fleites asked his girlfriend senior Gracia Sutter to prom during their third period Jazz Band class. “As long as it’s not too often and I get a heads up ahead of time and it doesn’t interrupt instruction, I’m fine,” Band Director Dr. Sam Lussier said. While, it’s fun to watch a promposal during class, many students did their asking outside of school. Senior Giovani Chavez asked his girlfriend, senior Keity Marquez, at her house with a dog. “So he calls me because we had plans to hang out, but I didn’t know he was going to ask me to prom. So when I go outside, I see a dog and my first reaction is ‘Oh my God, a dog.’ And then I see him come out with a poster and I literally cried because it was such a cute promposal,” Marquez said. “I was nervous for the dog, but I wasn’t nervous for my part because it was pretty simple,” Chavez said.
Stacy Santalis
Prom is all about the excitement of getting By Nicole Castro ready, looking for a dress or tux, and the best part of
World of Pandora
Keity Marquez
Students traveled to By Alexia Ponce De Leon the World of Pandora and Staff Reporter experienced a night of food, alexia0114@hotmail.com dancing and a lot of senior memories. Colored lights of blue, white, green, orange, and purple greeted students at the Treetop Ballroom in Jungle Island. “The decor was absolutely beautiful. I was in awe the whole night,” senior Robert Perez said. Students helped themselves to different types of breads and salads, along with seasoned baked potato slices, pasta with red sauce, creamed steamed vegetables, chicken, and steak. “The food was great,” senior Austin Santos said. “We had a buffet set up and everyone served themselves their food.” Students were also treated to several genres of music. The DJ went from playing Hip Hop, to some Bachata, to house music, to Salsa, to Pop. Artists such as Drake, Rihanna, Fetty Wap and even Romeo Santos crafted the soundtrack to this senior event. “My favorite part of prom was the music,” Maria Hernandez said. “I loved the variety and it was especially fun to see the Spanish teachers dance to Salsa music.” The climax of the event was the traditional slow dance. Every year, seniors vote on which two Vipers are crowned prom king and queen. This year, Jahhel Thernelan and Yiifedji Final took the titles, and celebrated with a dance to “Acquaintance” by the Weeknd. “There was only positive vibes the whole night. Everyone was just having a good time,” senior Adrian Perozo said. From the food, to a photo booth filled with over the top props, or even complimentary cups received as gifts, prom managed to be a night for seniors to remember. “It was so fun. It never died out and everyone was always enjoying themselves,” senior Gustavo Zambrano said.
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New s A ro u n d V arel a ( C ountry) Senior year is summarized in three By Danielle Malkin words: Prom, Graduation, and College. Managing Editor IG: _candidani
Two of the three come long after Senior Crown Day or Senior Tailgate, but college readiness and the topic of higher education is debated among Varela seniors, ticking the days away until June 2. However, it is the topic of college that has students up in arms, victorious or not. For many students here at Felix Varela, as well as in Miami-Dade County, the most obvious choice for higher education is Miami-Dade College (MDC) or Florida International University (FIU). There is a heated debate on what is causing students to stay home for their next step in schooling. Independent Educational Consultant David Altshuler says that the blame no long falls on the Hispanic culture. “Many families, especially the high income families, specifically Hispanic families, allow their children to aim high,” Altshuler said. The developmental psychologist also asserts that the idea that Hispanics don’t wish for their children to travel far from home is a 30 year old thought. “The problem is economic.” Regardless of economic availability, more and more Hispanics are entering the world of higher education. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, published in 2013, shows that 69% of Hispanic high school graduates in the class of 2012 were enrolled in college the following fall, two points higher (67%) than their white counterparts. Despite the narrowing of the education gaps, Hispanics still lag behind whites in four year college enrollment, 56% versus 72%. Hispanics, according to the report, are less likely to attend a selective college, and be enrolled in college full time. “To succeed, they need to be motivated and focused,” Varela College Assistance Program (CAP) Counselor Clara Gonzalez said. “The motivation is what gets them.” When asked why many Hispanic kids don’t leave for higher education, Gonzalez says it is simply due to the Hispanic culture. “The parents want the kids to stay,” Gonzalez said. Senior Lien Cabrera knows this all too well. An Advanced Placement Capstone student, Cabrera realized that behind her parent’s reluctance to her departure was economic fear. “I didn’t know about college, or how it was framed, until I was in middle school. It works different in Cuba,” Cabrera said. She also compares the educational system between Cuba and more developed countries, such as Argentina and Venezuela. This played a big role in her transition into the American Education system. “When I told them I might be leaving, they did everything in their power to discourage me from leaving, but then ultimately when I reviewed their tax funds I realized leaving would be too expensive,” Cabrera said. Students like Max Dou and Christopher Pinango, however, looked past their financial and ethnic blockades. Both young men will be attending Florida State University (FSU) in the upcoming summer, studying Biology and Chemistry, respectively. “When it came to telling my parents, ‘hey I want to go to a school that is not in Miami’ was somewhat hard and their first reaction was denial,” Pinango said. “After embracing the fact that we are no longer in that Hispanic country, I think they’re okay with it.” Dou, who came to the United States from Spain in 2013,
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Oh the Place
The Viper Vibe conducted a random survey of 347 seniors to collect data on where the graduating class will be attending college the following fall. This illustration does not represent all members of the Class of 2016. Only those that were surveyed in May. illustration by Danielle Malkin
said that despite his parent’s reluctance, he knew taking the step outside his zip code was worthwhile. “From an economic standpoint, even though I have to pay more loans and search somewhere under the sofa for money, it’s the price to be independent,” Dou said. Many students at Varela face the question of where their tuition, room and board, and living expenses will come from, perhaps the leading factor in why so many students choose to stay local. The Viper Vibe conducted a random survey of 347 seniors, approximately 42.11% of the graduating class. The survey showed that 201 students planned on attending MDC, 57% of seniors surveyed. Another 66 seniors, 19.02% of the 347 seniors surveyed, said they will be attending FIU in the coming fall. According to Gonzalez, the senior class has 824 members. However, college is not the choice for everyone. With schools such as George T. Baker and Robert Morgan Educational Center, more and more vocational and technical options are becoming available to students who are not “college ready.” Industry certification testing, in subjects such as Veteri-
Aro u n d Varela (Co u ntr y) N ew s
es You’ll Go
nary Assisting, Adobe Associates, and nursing are opening a world of occupational opportunities for students who enter the work force straight out of high school. Another popular choice is to enter the military. Of the 347 seniors surveyed by The Viper Vibe, six students said they had made commitments to enter the military following high school, in Army, Navy and Air Force branches. NJROTC student and senior Richard Alonso, however, will take a special path to serving his country. Nominated by Major Sargent Gunny Lowe at Varela and Congressman Carlos Curbelo, Alonso will attend the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, on a full scholarship. The success of so many senior Vipers leaves others to wonder: how do they do it? The same can be said of seniors Samantha Ferguson and Alejandro Gonzalez, Vipers who demonstrate extraordinary qualities in and outside the classroom. In the fall, Ferguson will attend Columbia University to study microbiology, and Gonzalez will attend New York University for engineering. However, what seems easy on the outside has been a four year battle. “It’s about having priorities,” Ferguson said. “If you have
a party to go to, but you also have two papers and a Calculus test, you know you’re not going to sleep, but you make sure you get those assignments done before you go out.” Altshuler, holding a master’s degree in developmental psychology from the University of Miami, says that motivation and focus does not come from parents, but from students themselves. Altshuler, who’s clients range from Ivy League prospects to substance abusive teens believes that powerful parenting will do nothing to aid a child making a college choice. “This [choice] is yours. Kids can distinguish what is important versus what’s unimportant,” Altshuler said. “The responsibility [to be college ready] is a three legged stool between families, counselors and teachers, and the colleges themselves.” At Varela, that responsibility falls to CAP adviser Clara Gonzalez, who has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, with a minor in business. While it is “a challenge” to manage 800 seniors on a personal level, seniors believe the results don’t measure up. When asked to rate the CAP advising and student services program, student reactions were far from positive. “Can it be a negative number? I would get scholarship information a week before it was due,” Lien Cabrera said. Pinango said the process is unfair to students who are not “borderline,” as there remains too much emphasis on graduation rather than college readiness. “It’s one CAP adviser for 800 students,” Alejandro Gonzalez said. “That is ridiculous.” There is also heated debate over the validity of the CAP process. According to Gonzalez, students fill out profiles when they visit her office, and distribution lists are created from these profiles. Gonzalez defends the notion that these lists are not based on grade point average (GPA). Office aides, who choose to remain anonymous, said that reports and invitations were sent based on GPA. Students who were in the higher bracket were invited to more prestigious events, while students with lower GPAs attended events for less rigorous schools and academic institutions. “They overlook everybody who doesn’t have a certain GPA,” Pinango said. “It’s not the counselors themselves, but it’s the system.” When asked to rate the CAP program and student services, Samantha Ferguson’s response was not as lackluster as that of her classmates. Ferguson said that while she did receive more help from individual Advanced Placement teachers, it was not entirely the fault of student services. “A lot of things I didn’t know how to do and I had to learn as time went by... I did not learn from her but by trial and error,” Ferguson said. Whether they’ve chosen to take the next step in pursuing a collegiate education, entering the work force, serving the country, or staying close to home, June 2 brings along a day of happiness, fear, and excitement for the class of 2016. Regardless of where Vipers may end up, experts like Altshuler say the choice of college has and never will define ‘you’ as a person. Higher education and the future will change and so will Vipers themselves, along a journey to impacting society. “Where you go is not who you’ll be…The most important fact is that there is a college for everyone,” Altshuler said.
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New s A ro u n d V arel a
Inside the Staff Lounge What is your favorite memory from teaching?
What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
I guess when I have a low Nothing, this one achieving student that kinda shows that they are is probably most rewarding. learning. What is your least favorite word?
Profanity Ms. Gailyn Saahir
Ms. Saahir has been a teacher for 39 years with the last 16 years here at Varela. She teaches Chemistry in room 254. Ms. Saahir will be retiring from Miami-Dade County Public Schools this year.
Have you ever had an experiment go wrong and cause a problem in the classroom?
I had acid bottles that exploded.
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
“You’re a good and faithful servant. Well done.” What is your favorite word?
Jesus
What profession other than yours would you not like to participate in?
Garbage man
What’s the coolest experiment you have ever done with your students?
Probably the flame What inspires you? test. The kids love What sound or When my students noise do you love? that one. It gives achieve and they are Bird sounds off color and little learning. things like that. 1 0 t h ev i per vi b e @ g mai l . com
What sound or noise do you hate?
Loud talking
These questions are based on the French television series Bouillon de Culture hosted by Bernard Pivot. Information gathered and photo by Taylor Daley
Aro u n d th e W or ld
Raul Fernandez/TNS
the Cuban embassy opened in Washington D.C. for the first time in nearly 54 years and America opened its embassy in Havana earlier this year. President Barrack Obama has pushed to normalize relations with Cuba by visiting the island nation in March, making him the first sitting president to visit Cuba in 88 years. With the lessening of restrictions, businesses are seeing a whole new country less than 90 miles from the U.S. with which they can work. The most visible company has been Carnival Corp which began cruising to Cuba on May 1. At first, Carnival denied Cuban-born citizens passage, claiming that a Cuban law prohibited them from coming into the country on a ship. The media and social backlash quickly had Carnival changing its tune and refusFidel Castro, Cuban ing to sail to Cuba if the law was not By Yasmin Arancibia revolutionary changed. In April, Cuba changed its polistaff reporter cy allowing Cuban-born people to arrive leader, delivered a IG: _curls__ on a cruise ship. speech in May to With that being said, the governthe Communist Party about his coming into power about a half-century ago. He ment of Cuba has come to show that they do not recognize the dual nationaltold party members that he is nearing the end of his life and he wants his lega- ity of U.S citizens who are Cuban-born. Originally, the Embassy of the United cy to survive. States Havana, Cuba site claimed that “I’ll be 90 years old soon,” Castro “The Government of Cuba does not recsaid in the most extensive speech he’s ognize the U.S. nationality of U.S. citizens given in a while. “Soon I’ll be like all the who are Cuban-born or are the children others. The time will come for all of us, of Cuban parents.” but the ideas of the Cuban Communists Posted on social media, many Amerwill remain as proof on this planet that if icans who are children of Cuban parents they are worked at with fervor and digwondered how the State Department nity, they can produce the material and could justify this statement. Recently, the cultural goods that human beings need, statement was modified to include only and we need to fight without a truce to Cuban-born citizens. obtain them” (The New York Times). Also, originally, the U.S. Embassy During his speech, he mentioned site warned that “Cuban-American dual that Raul, his brother, will continue to nationals should be especially wary of hold the position of first secretary. any attempt by the Cuban authorities to As the speech goes on, Fidel is compel them to sign ‘repatriation’ docmaking sure the Cuban lifestyle doesn’t uments” and that “in several instances, change its ways and also helping the Cuban people feel comfortable. In 2015, the Government of Cuba has seized the
Normalizing relations
An old car passes in front of the U.S Embassy in Havana, Cuba, on March 17. U.S. President Barack Obama’s visit to Cuba on March 21-22 makes him the first U.S. sitting president in 88 years to do so. photo courtesy Abaca Press/TNS
N ew s
U.S. passport of dual nationals signing declarations of repatriation and has denied these individuals permission to return to the United States.” These statements have also been removed from the current site.
U.S. Citizens Services Embassy of the United States Havana, Cuba General Information The U.S. Embassy represents American citizens and the U.S. Government in Cuba. The Embassy’s American Citizens Services (ACS) staff provides the full range of services for American Citizens in Cuba. The ACS unit is unable to answer any visa-related inquiries. U.S. citizens who travel to Cuba are encouraged to contact and register with the ACS unit. U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Havana may obtain updated information on travel and security within the country. American citizens should show their American passport to the Embassy security when they approach the gate.
Dual Nationality The Government of Cuba does not recognize the U.S. nationality of U.S. citizens who are Cuban-born. These individuals will be treated solely as Cuban citizens and may be subject to a range of restrictions and obligations. The Cuban government may require these individuals to enter and depart Cuba using a Cuban passport. Using a Cuban passport for this purpose does not jeopardize one’s U.S. citizenship; however, such persons must use their U.S. passports to enter and depart the United States.
Cubans line up at the United States Interests Section in Havana, Cuba to apply for visas to go the the United States on Jan. 30, 2015. The U.S. flag is not flown outside the building. photo courtesy Los Angeles Times/TNS
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New s A ro u n d t h e W or l d
Video games crossing over to help with medical conditions By Nelly Delgado
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that causes stiff, spastic muscles in the legs and, Staff Reporter to a lesser extent, in the arms. IG: Neidelyn99 In the late 1800s, William Little wrote the first known description of the disease. Despite there not being a cure to the disorder, scientists have developed assistive technology to allow communication at home, school or work. There are a number of devices that help individuals to stand upright and walk, as postural support or seating systems, front opening walkers, canes, quadrupeds (lightweight metal canes with four legs) and gait poles. The world of video games has drastically grown as well. Gone are the days of pixels on an Atari as we move into a new era.
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They can also be a powerful education tool and have been proven to improve motor skills and medical conditions. Video games can also assist in the fight for better communication with victims of cerebral palsy. Arcade Land, a game adapted for these types of people, is meant to promote social inclusion. Released exclusively for the PlayStation 4, the game includes mini games, in which players can complete over a hundred levels that are based on six major classic video games like Snake and Pac-Man with 3D technology, developed by Koth Studio. The game is also, solely in Spanish. Juan Jose Gonzalez Lopez, the leader of a social marketing campaign called Helping, came up with the idea for the game. It is an inclusive video game, it is not designed exclusively for people with cerebral palsy, but that suits them. Creators and developers decided that the game would not be part of the medical process, but would serve to eliminate barriers between people with mobility problems and the rest of society. Neurology specialists have been involved throughout the process of creation and have previously been tested by patients with these physical disabilities. The launch of Arcade Land reached Spain and in the rest of Europe; the United States will get the game much later. Arcade Land will be available on the PlayStation online store this summer, with a price of 9.99 Euros. The computer is an example of a communication device that can make a big difference in the lives of people with cerebral palsy. Now, video games can help break barriers and help those in need.
Games
L if estyle
lifestyle Doom brings bloody fun back to gamers By sacha Constant
With over 23 years full of bloodshed, demons and really big guns, Id Software’s successful first-perstaff reporter son shooter series, Doom, makes its triumphant IG: sacha_509 return as a reboot to next-generation consoles and
PC. The game came out on May 13, on PS4, XBOX one, and PC. A beta came out before and received praise from gamers and critics alike. The completed version of the game is comprised of a single player campaign, online multiplayer, and snap map. The biggest improvement to the series is the faster combat. Gone are the days of aimlessley firing shotgun rounds at flying demons for hours. Now, the game will reward gamers for stylish kills and play styles. These finishers, or glory kills animations are an important aspect of the game. Gamers get grades at the end of the missions on how stylish and smooth their gameplay was. Similar to older ports of the game, gamers are also given the ability to create their own level, just in case the player wants a more unique play style. This is developed by Escalation Studios, and allows players to share their crazy levels with others online. The multiplayer returns but with vast improvements such as a powerup that allows players to transform into demons. As expected with newer hardware, the game looks amazing, and is beautiful running at 60 frames per second in full 1080p HD. The game does a good job to balance gory fun with a sense of nostalgia. It feels like playing the 1993 original, just with better graphics and even better weapons. Which also brings problems for some. Those expecting a deep and meaningful story will be greatly disappointed. The game is built around over-the-top action and intense violence. The game throws expostion out the window and opens with gamers in the shoes of the series’ protagonist, Doom Guy. Overall, Doom is an enjoyable blast from the past. Its graphics, gameplay, and sense of nostalgia make it one of 2016’s best so far. photo courtesy Bethesda Softworks
screenshot by Yunier Iglesias/ FromSoftware
Dark Souls III challenges players once again Dark Souls is a challeng- By Yunier Iglegias ing video game series that staff reporter truly separates experienced ig: yunier_iglesias players from the beginners; it requires effort and skill to be able to beat the bosses and to stay patient throughout the game. Now, with the third game in the series being released on April 12, gamers have a chance to go through all those challenges again. Dark Souls III portrays a world of the undead, where one has to fight off demons and knights, with a mix of fantasy. Players are required to upgrade their skills and armor during each level while playing in third person. The game itself is very dark, with grays and browns dominating the older art style. Being the most recent game in the series, the graphics are even better along with the intricate story line. The game takes from the first two installments, as well as influences from The Lord of Rings series. All three games have very similar fighting styles, but the new bosses and environments that are introduced make it much different from the others. The boss battles add an extra challenge and test the limits of gamers. The feeling after defeating a boss when having tried many times is such a relief and accomplishment. The bosses are not the only beings in the game that are difficult to overthrow though; the NPCs (Non-Player Character) are a great challenge and surely cause great distress when struggling to continue on the story line. As frustrating as that sounds, Dark Souls III is a challenging game, it attracts gamers for that sole purpose.
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Lif est y le
M ovies
Captain America: Civil War STARRING Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie DIRECTED BY Anthony Russo, Joe Russo RATING PG-13 LENGTH 2 hrs., 27 min.
In the comics version of Civil War, it all came down to Tony and Steve in the end. photo courtesy Marvel Entertainment/TNS
Captain America:
going against what America was built on which is freedom. If they see a problem, Staff Reporter third installment to they want the freedom to be able to step IG: _itsmikesaaan_ the Captain Amer- in and do something. ica trilogy and not This film is based off the graphic only does it bring lifelong fans together, novel of the same name. In the novel, but is also tearing them apart. instead of the heroes just working for This film stars two main protagothe government, they had to reveal their nists, Chris Evans once again wielding identities, which was a problem with the the shield as Captain America and Robmovie since there are only three masked ert Downey Jr. returning as Iron Man. heroes currently in the MCU, Daredevil, Civil War makes us choose between Spiderman, and Black Panther. two of our favorite heroes who we have The whole movie is centered on been watching on the big screen for Captain America himself and the issues almost a decade, but also makes us ques- he is facing with not only having to go tion our own morality. against the government (which con Team Iron Man believes the Avengtradicts his name), but also trying to ers should be controlled and only be save his lifelong friend who is a psychoable to go into combat when asked to by logically manipulated weapon of mass a country. destruction and prove he is the innocent Captain America’s team believes Bucky Barnes he grew up with. that what Iron Man is fighting for is Although this is a Captain America
By Michael Espinoza Civil War is the
movie, we also see a lot of Tony Stark and what has happened to him mentally since the attack on Sokovia in the previous Avengers movie. We are introduced to two characters, Spiderman and Black Panther, making the total number of heroes in this movie 12. It is the first solo and team film with the most heroes that is not an Avengers movie. This movie does not fall short nor does it feel too packed with heroes. The Russo Brothers, who directed this movie, stun audiences with phenomenal effects and action sequences, but tell a beautiful story that has us wanting to go running back into the theater to watch it again. Captain America: Civil War is a must see film and may be the greatest Marvel movie to date. There is only one question left to ask... what side will you choose?
Chris Evans, Elizabeth Olsen, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan in Captain America: Civil War. photo courtesy Marvel Studios/TNS
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Movies/TV
L if estyle
The Jungle Book By Antonella Costantino Staff Reporter IG: anto14_costantino
Disney’s latest family-adventure left its audiences, including myself, quite satisfied. Director Jon Favreau (Iron Man) combined adventure and drama to make a fine film with breathtaking actions, cutting edge effects, and engaging drama. After being threatened by the tiger Shere Khan, voiced by Idris Elba, the man-cub Mowgli, played by first timer Neel Sethi, flees his home. Mowgli sets out on a journey to find his true self; however, he encounters animals that don’t have his best interests at heart. Among those animals, he meets Baloo a bear voiced by Bill Murray, who helps him throughout his adventure. The Jungle Book is a remake of the original Disney animated movie. This film takes a much darker turn with more emphasis on action and emotional storytelling. Yes, the famous “Bare Necessities” song is heard, but this isn’t the average Disney remake. Favreau and Brigham Taylor, the producers, valued its literary and animated origin, meaning they took elements from both Rudyard Kipling’s novel and the animated classic. It does so with ease through the impressive CGI. All the animal characters are shown using digital effects, with Sethi being the only physical actor on screen. Murray, Elba, and Ben Kingsley do a great job with their voice acting and interact well with Mowgli. Overall, The Jungle Book is fun, filled with excellent special effects and is a really exciting and sometimes scary adventure film. It is a coming-ofage story which will leave families and other moviegoers happy, way after they leave the theater. A scene from The Jungle Book. photo courtesy Disney/TNS
STARRING Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba DIRECTED BY Jon Favreau RATING PG LENGTH 1 hr., 46 min.
Upcoming Live Action Disney movies: Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Maisie Williams in Game of Thrones. photo courtesy HBO/TNS
Game of Thrones CHANNEL HBO
SEASON 6
RATING TV-MA
Game of Thrones is the pheBy Alicia Garcia nomenal show based on George Staff Reporter R.R. Martin’s book series The Song IG: xweebsenpaix of Ice and Fire. What makes the show appealing to the audience is the idea that Martin takes the typical hero and flips him/her around by killing off the character or taking an evil character and changing them into the hero. The show makes audiences feel sympathy for characters that are usually hated. As of right now, the show is in its sixth season and while the first episode wasn’t the best, the following episodes have more than made up for it. HBO tried to convince us of Jon Snow’s death, but by episode two our favorite bastard has opened his eyes once again. With the promise of dragons, Jon Snow, and much more fans will continue following this show to its bitterest end.
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Kristen Bell, Melissa McCarthy, Aleandra Newcomb and Eva Peterson in The Boss. photo courtesy Universal Pictures/TNS
The Boss STARRING Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell DIRECTED BY Ben Falcone RATING R
LENGTH 1 hr., 39 min.
The Boss is a comedy starring By Daniel Leham Melissa McCarthy as a wealthy CEO Staff Reporter who gets in trouble with the law @dannygoonz47 and finds herself in prison. When she finally leaves prison, she is homeless and broke on the streets, but finds a former assistant, Kristen Bell, who is the only person that can help her. She begins to rebuild her empire through brownie sales with a group of Dandelion Girls (similar to Girl Scouts). The movie costars Kathy Bates (Misery) and Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) and has received mostly negative reviews. While it has its funny moments, on the whole the movie left a lot to be desired.
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L if est y le
M us ic
Drake has “One Dance” with Dance Hall By Amy Moscoso-orellana
Staff Reporter amymoscoso14@gmail.com photos courtesy of Dualtone Music and thelumineers.com
Album fit for a queen The Lumineers, an American band from Denver, By Christine Monge presented their new studio album, Cleopatra last month to
Staff Reporter mostly good reviews. Having started their band in the early ig: scarletmarked 2000s, Jeremiah Fraites and Wesley Schultz have come a long way from their small gigs in New Jersey and New York. The Lumineers are widely known for their songs “Submarines,” “Stubborn Love” and “Ho Hey” and for helping bring to life the haunting song “The Hanging Tree” from the film The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I. Ten years after their debut album, The Lumineers unveiled their sophomore album titled Cleopatra. Cleopatra provides profound lyrics that are excellently crafted to impact as well as inspire the listener. It is one of those albums that you can imagine being played at some hipster coffee shop on South Beach, or in one of those indie summer films. Personally, I find the album enchanting and soothing, with gentle vocals and smooth instrumentals. The listener can definitely notice the craftsmanship and dedication that was carefully weaved into each lyric, and the love these artists have for music. Among some of my favorite songs from Cleopatra include “Patience” and “Gun Song.” The album overall isn’t one with sick beats or incredible rhymes, but I mean, what can you expect from a folk rock band? I thoroughly enjoyed the album and wished it received more recognition.
All grown up
photo courtesy of Universal Records
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Former NickelBy Alexa Castillo odeon actress Ariana Staff Reporter Grande has released ig: alexac__ a new single “Dangerous Woman.” “Dangerous Woman” has a bit of a waltz sound and Grande’s famous soaring vocals. The song also has a meaning to it. Grande wants to prove that women can sing about anything just like men do. The hit single is very different compared to songs on her previous albums. She sings about how women should be able to speak their mind without being judged. Her full album of the same name was released earlier this month.
Aubrey Drake Graham also known as simply Drake, is a 29-year-old rapper from Canada. He has released four studio albums, his fourth and latest being Views, released earlier this year. Drake’s work has earned him a Grammy Award, three Juno Awards, six BET Awards, and several Billboard charts records. He is one of two artists to have simultaneously occupied the top three positions on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Drake is also a record producer under the stage name Champagne Papi and has written songs for artists including Alicia Keys, Rita Ora, Jamie Foxx, and Trey Songz. Drake released one of his singles, “One Dance” featuring Wizkid and Kyla from the album Views in April. “One Dance” reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and in his home country Canada, the single became his first chart-topping song as a lead artist. Beyond North America, “One Dance” topped the charts in France, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In my perspective, “One Dance” has been out for about a month and I cannot get enough of it. I listen to the single while I’m getting ready in the morning, at school, and all throughout the day. The song is a fast beat tempo that can accommodate anyone’s style of music thanks to the vocals from Nigerian Afrobeat artist Wizkid and British singer Kyla. I highly recommend for anyone to listen to this song no matter the genre of music preferred. Drake has done it yet again, delivering the public another great hit that will be spoken about for months and just in time for summer. photo courtesy of Complex Music Group
Varela S p or ts
sports New female sport for spring season This school by Rehyny Vargas year came with Staff Reporter a milestone for rehynyvargas@gmail.com female sports in Miami-Dade, as the county grew from eight flag football teams in the county to Junior Ediberto Arocho runs the ball against Miami 31, with over 256 teams playing in the Palmetto. Cheerleaders show support for junior Armand state. Rosario who was injured during a play. Rosario gives a thumbs up as he is taken off the field by Miami-Dade Fire Patrick Ledan saw the ladies taking Rescue. photos by Kelvin Vargas and Danielle Malkin on a harder sport than the boys. “In tackle football, if you make a mistake, you can just hit somebody really, really hard,” Ledan said. “Here, you have to make sure of your technique and really understand. You can’t just have anybody running around.” Senior captains Amber Gray and Briana Brown and junior Valentina Valbuena led the season. “I’m very excited about this flag football team; I love the sport.,” junior Natasha Polanco said. The seniors hope they have lit a flame for the underclassmen in coming years. The Lady Vipers only came up short against two teams: the Ferguson Falcons and the Southridge Spartans. They would meet up against the Lady The Viper femur. by Kelvin Valdes football team suffered “I heard the pop and felt the snap. It Spartans once again in the first game of the district playoffs and lose to them Staff Reporter a loss at the Spring sounded like when two football players again by a score of 6-0. They ended the IG: kelvin_cr7 Football Scrimmage. collide… it sounded like when pads clap,” season with a record of 6-3. The team was looking like a JV team with he said. A 1972 law called Title IX entailed a 5’9 cornerback covering a 6’5 wide Rosario’s first reaction was to grab that for every male sport there needed receiver. his thigh and stop the leg from movto be a female accompaniment, so as The game is a chance “to give the ing. Rosario also threw his helmet off there will be no discrimination between coaches and the players a little outlook because he said he felt suffocated and genders. Football was causing a probof what’s to come,” Athletic Director Lisa wanted oxygen. After the hit he was on lem: a team of 50 boys had no female Spinosa said. the ground for 30 to 45 minutes, with counterpart. Athletic Director Lisa Spi We were undersized and powered fellow players, cheerleaders and fans nosa said that while Title IX has brought down, even though the offensive line anxiously watching from the sidelines. an increase in female involvement, orhad a better game than expected with a ‘I see it as a sign that my time is up… ganizers are still looking for population whole new crew up front. The defense I did my time as an athlete. It’s time to improvement. had the worst part of the game with 42 look forward,” he said. “It has been good for the varsity points scored on them. Other than the dramatic injury sports,” Spinosa said. “But there hasn’t “I think we’re young and we’re induring the game, the scrimmage serves been enough for junior varsity teams.” experienced…but, you know, everything as a spirit game for most people and a depends on the guys up front,” defensive way to look forward to the next football coordinator Coach Clark Eakes said. season giving the coaches the knowledge Towards the end of the game the of what to work on over the summer. team had their worst loss, which was “It was good for everybody. It was much bigger than the 42-8 on the score- new for everybody, so we could work board. Starting linebacker and tight end, on it and get better,” team captain and junior Armand Rosario was hit running sophomore right tackle Carlos Sanabria the ball which resulted in a broken said.
High expectations, low results for Spring Football
Junior Quarterback Natasha Palanco hands off the ball to freshman Denise Quesada during a play. photo by Fox-Mar
Spor t s Varel a
Viper athletes head off to college
of our By Kathleen Maura Viper Some athletes are
Staff Reporter going off to college IG: KathleenMauraa for sports. College is big deal, especially when it is in an unfamiliar place. The transition from high school here in Miami to a big university somewhere in Boston, Kentucky or South Carolina can be hard. For our Viper athletes, starting on a new football or volleyball team can be difficult. For instance, Fabiola Plaza will be attending South Carolina University, which is a Division 1 school, for volleyball. She signed Thursday, May 19, at our very own school. Out of our football players we have Pedro Felix, Gamal Garcia, Jeremiah Stringer and Ricardo Matos all going to brave the winters up north. Stringer will be heading to Kentucky Christian University playing as a wide-receiver. Stringer first committed to Waldorf University along with Matos. Both de-committed from Waldorf almost immediately after signing. They both realized that they had better offers from the schools they’ll be attending in the fall and both felt that they didn’t have much communication with Waldorf and their coaching staff. Matos will be attending Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts. Not far away, Garcia and Felix will be attending Dean College together in Boston, Massachusetts. College can be a different experience, especially when far away from home. Although, our Vipers will be getting a lot more experience learning about the world outside their home state.
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Fabiola Plaza signs to play volleyball with South Carolina State University. photo by Ciro Salcedo
Ricardo Matos
“I’ll be away from home, but I’m ready.”
Jeremiah Stringer
“To everyone who slept on me, watch me work.”
Gamal Garcia
“I’m sad to be ending my football years of high school but I’m glad I made the best out of it.”
and Pedro Felix
“I’m going to stay loyal to Dean because it was the school that first contacted me. I will be studying sports marketing.”
Outsi d e Varela S p or ts
The Madrid Clash
I Can Do It, You Can Do It Varela was By Laura Chirino given the opportuStaff Reporter IG: Laurac_3
nity in April, to host 1,600 students with disabilities. to honor them with Presidential Fitness Patches. The patches were awarded to students for their initiative to increase physical activity levels. “I Can Do It, You Can Do It” was developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disability. The plan is for mentors to link their students into being physically active for 30-minutes of exercise a day, for five-days-a-week, at an eight-week interval. A total of 39 schools, ranging from elementary to high schools, were able to see and meet some of the special guests that came to the event. The guests of honor included leaders from the Miami-Dade County Public School System (MDPCS), Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho and Board Member Lubby Navarro, and athletes
from local professional sports teams like the Miami Dolphins. “This event is inspiring to me. It makes me happy to see students achieve their goals and to stay strong and brave,” Assistant Principal of Curriculum Wendy Barnett said. After the presentation, the students were able to participate in a different kind of physical activity, dancing. To close out the event, balloons were dropped down on students who had achieved awards for their physical ability. This event was not only for students to be recognized but for them to interact with other students with whom they could relate. “This is one of my favorite events, because it shows the kids having a great time and it shows the best of us,” Carvalho said. This annual event will continue to recognize these types of students for their determination to succeed in life and in physical activities.
The Madrid teams By Giovanni Del Fa will clash once again Section Editor in the UEFA ChampiIG: Gio_delfa ons League final for the second time in just three years. Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are going to battle it out for the title of the King of Europe on May 28. The San Siro Stadium will be filled with fans from all over the world witnessing the rematch that so many have craved. In 2014, Simeone’s team was up by one goal until the 93rd minute where Sergio Ramos decided to tie the game up for Real Madrid, which would later give Real the victory with a 4-1 win. This year, despite facing the toughest opponents in Europe, “Los colchoneros” made it all the way to the top again just to find themselves facing off against the same opponent as in 2014. In the semi-finals, Real Madrid faced off with a less frightening Manchester City that put up quite the fight. Nevertheless, Zidane’s team pulled off a win by only one goal. Atletico challenged a very competitive Bayern Munich and ended up tying 2-2 in the aggregate result. Luckily for them, the team lead by “Cholo” had scored a goal as a visitor in Allianz Arena which counts as double in case of a tie in the Champions League Tournament. This awarded them their ticket into the final. A lot of rivalry exists between these two teams on all kinds of levels. Since they’re both from the same city, the fans from each team huddle up in different sections of the city to celebrate their teams. This match is definitely going to be a nail biter and both teams are sure to be candidates for this title.
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