Tornado Times, May 2022

GRAPHIC BY KEANU SILVA

Pompano Beach High School Student perspective, student voice

May 2022 @TornadoTimes

Vol. 13, No. 4 thetornadotimes.org

What's in the news?

May 2022 Volume 13, Number 4

3 Vending machines rob us of money, good drinks Give us back our sugar

Farewell, Mr. Thomas Principal retires after 35 years in Broward

6

Silence speaks volumes GSA builds awareness, community

Making connections Hosts welcome largest group of international visitors in 3 years

10

4

8

Taking off Crossing the finish line

Student pilots prepare for aviation careers

9 seniors recruited to play for colleges

14

Calendar May 2. AP Gov, AP Chem, FSA ELA 9 3. Interim Reports, AP Psych, APES, FSA ELA 9 4. AP Comp Sci A, AP Lit, FSA ELA 10 5 AP Stats, AP Seminar, AP Macro, AP Human, FSA ELA 10 6. APUSH, AP Microeconomics 9. AP Comp Sci Principles, AP Calc AB & BC 10. AP Lang, Senior assembly 11. AP Spanish, AP Chinese, AP Bio, US History EOC 12. AP World, AP Phys 1, AP French 13. AP Phys 2 16. Geometry & Algebra 1 EOC, Yearbook distribution

2 | Table of Contents < May 2022 > @TornadoTimes

17. Geometry & Algebra 1 EOC, Junior class ring ceremony 18. Biology EOC, Yearbook distribution, Senior awards 19. Senior parade 20. Prom 24. Top 10% reception 25. Underclass awards 30. Memorial Day: School closed

June

2. Senior breakfast & graduation rehearsal 3. Graduation 9. Last day of school

GRAPHIC BY KEANU SILVA

Vending machines rob us of money, good drinks

Cracking open a can of authentic Coke at school could become more unrealistic as schools implement their diet beverages only policy.

The ingredients in these diet beverages are filled with synthetic chemicals to make up for the lack of taste, including carcinogens and phosphoric acid, which are linked to damaged tooth enamel, chronic kidney disease and lower bone density.

A study conducted by researchers at Purdue University concluded that diet soda may trick the body into thinking it is consuming sugars and calories when it is not, which can lead to metabolic confusion and overeating. The abundance of artificial sweeteners leads to further sugar cravings which could result in unhealthy choices in the future. The spike of insulin caused by these fake sugars may also lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes.

Some students agree with the diet beverage invasion.

“It's good because it will keep us healthy,” freshman Sophia Notalgiovanni said.

“People should know their own limits; they should know when to stop eating,

drinking,” sophomore Andreas Danu said.

However, many students oppose it.

“The school sells coffee with sugar and syrups, so it doesn’t make sense why they would limit the other beverages,” senior Alejandro Gonzales said.

Students also complained about the higher prices in the vending machines after the school contracted with a new provider. Most beverages now cost up to $3.00 for an 8-ounce drink compared to the previous $1.50.

“If we are obligated to pay this much, we should be able to choose the drinks we actually want,” senior Ryan Dyer said.

In an attempt to create a healthier environment, legislators may have done the opposite and are charging students too much while doing so.

ARTWORK BY ELISE ROTHENBURG

thetornadotimes.org thetornadotimes.org< May < May2022 2022> > About Opinion us | 3

Farewell, Mr. Thomas

Principal retires after 35 years in Broward

By Emma Parker, Editor in Chief Principal Hudson Thomas has played many roles in his 35 years at Broward County Public Schools: starting as a teacher assistant in 1988, then becoming a social studies and English as a Second Language teacher, then a principal of elementary, middle and — since 2010 — this high school.

“High school is very similar to elementary, meaning high schoolers require that same nurturing and attention as they did when they were younger but as young adults, and I think that would be my favorite (part of working at this school),” Thomas said.

Thomas spends close to 12 hours each day meeting with administrators and making himself accessible to all students, building special relationships. “I love the fact that he is approachable and always tries to get to know each and every student, even if it is just saying ‘Good Morning’ or knowing their name,” senior Aashi Chhabra said. “It’s the little things like that that make him one of the best principals I have ever had.”

Although the principal, Thomas credits his faculty and staff with building a greater emphasis on the school’s two magnets, international relations and informational technology.

“We, and I really emphasize the word ‘we,’ transformed both of those things (international relations and technology) from when I started to where we are today,” Thomas said.

From adding the scientific

4 | News < May 2022 > @TornadoTimes

Campaign strategy. Sophomore Jazmine Revolorio talks to Principal Hudson Thomas about upcoming junior class officer elections. Revolorio ran for Class of 2024 secretary.

PHOTO BY EMMA PARKER

visualization program to creating and growing the International Summit to 15 countries in 2021, Thomas said he was proud to be able to walk away and give the next principal the chance to have the school develop and grow even more.

Once Thomas officially retires in the fall, he plans on consulting and focusing on finishing construction of his oceanside house in Haiti.

“I hope this future principal brings new ideas that further what we already have, while keeping in mind the theme of the school and articulating our vision and prompting that within our community,” Thomas said.

In advance of AP. Principal Hudson Thomas focuses on his computer as he reads the upcoming AP testing schedule.

PHOTO BY EMMA PARKER

Graduating together. Principal Hudson Thomas laughs with seniors Evelyn Zamora-Bonilla and Danna Navarrete about their excitement for the last few weeks of high school.

PHOTO BY EMMA PARKER Dude with sign. Principal Hudson Thomas comments on sophomore Toviel James’ campaign poster for Samantha Olivera as Class of 2024 vicepresident.

PHOTO BY EMMA PARKER

He said yes! Senior Sonia Rodriguez asks Principal Hudson Thomas to sign her prom form. “I have never had an administrator (like him) that makes me feel welcomed and comfortable at school,” Rodriguez said.

PHOTO BY EMMA PARKER

GRAPHIC BY ALISHA DUROSIER

thetornadotimes.org < May 2022 > News | 5

Silence speaks volumes GSA builds awareness and community

By Huiling Zhang, Assistant Section Editor Members of the Gender-Sexuality Alliance participated on April 21 in The Day of Silence, a nationally recognized day of awareness about the struggles of LGBTQ youth in schools.

“I feel like as someone in the community, I should also support the people that I share a community with,” sophomore Blitzen Kennon said. “Even though I don’t have as strong of an experience, I still have an experience and I feel that I should share that I care.”

Staying silent was a challenge for some members and allies.

“I’m a pretty talkative person so it’s [a struggle], but I think I’ll end up doing it because that’s more important than talking with my friends,” junior Dalila Montalvan said.

English teacher and GSA adviser Jennifer Pliske explained that teachers were notified about the Day of Silence and that students were exempt from verbal participation in class if they wore a sign indicating their participation.

Another way the GSA spreads awareness of LGBTQ students was the GSA Summit held on April 29 at school.

GSA clubs from throughout Broward county attended workshops, listened to guest speakers, and socialized with each other.

The social aspect of the summit is one that most attendees are looked forward to.

“I really like talking about the community and the stuff going on, and I feel like having an opprotunity to really talk to people about it is very nice,” Kennon said.

GSA members were looking forward to the first face-to-

Talking about silence. Sophomore Blitzen Kennon and junior Dalila Montalvan introduce the Day of Silence to the members at a GSA meeting in adviser Jennifer Pliske's classroom.

PHOTO BY SAKARI WILSON

face summit in three years to provide a space for students to feel accepted.

“We’ll be surrounded by all different kinds of people in our community,” Montalvan said. “It’s all about having that safe space. We don’t live in a society where people like us are greatly accepted. It’s important for someone who doesn’t have anyone to reach (out) to, to go to these kinds of summits and be around people who are like them.”

Students feel the Parent Rights in Education law recently made into law, nicknamed “Don’t Say Gay” by critics, threatens that “safe space." Students are con-

6 | Student Life < May 2022 > @TornadoTimes

Rainbow decorations hang in English teacher and GSA advisor Jennifer Pliske's room.

PHOTO BY SAKARI WILSON

What has been your experience with GSA? Blitzen Kennon, sophomore “I feel like I can share experiences with homophobia, and I won’t be shot down for it.

Being in a space where I won’t be belittled is really comforting.”

Dalila Montalvan, junior “It’s been fun. It’s important that this club is here, so that someone like me, someone like my friends that come here, can have this safe space to talk about ourselves. We can talk to people who relate to us and relate to our experiences.”

Brianna Daley, freshman “I love it here because it makes me feel safe with who I am and the person I can be.”

Jennifer Pliske, sponsor “I think that the GSA club is absolutely necessary. I think that there are a lot of misconceptions out there, but we are really just a club about support and acceptance.

It’s been a really positive experience being the sponsor.”

GRAPHIC BY BROOKE BUTLER

cerned over the vague language used in the law.

“It leaves so much room for misinterpretation and it really is catering to our heteronormative society," Montalvan said. "For example, the fact that you can’t talk about subjects on sexuality that are not deemed appropriate for elementary kids. But can you imagine a kid that has two moms or two dads and they are not able to speak about their parents because that’s not appropriate? It’s ridiculous.”

“I say this bill needs to be more specific," freshman Dhara Patel said. “This bill could be helpful because there is no place for a third grader to be exhibiting sexual behaviors, but middle school and high schoolers … they’re in relationships, relationships are everywhere, (they) should just ban relationships altogether if they really cared about that.”

Freshman Brianna Daley said the law may make LGBTQ students isolated.

“The wording is really extremely vague. It doesn’t go into detail in what the bill is doing,” Daley said. “It creates a scary environment that kids are going to get outed. I also find that stupid because it creates a sort of bubble for the kids and [like] how I felt there was nowhere I fit into until a few months ago, that can create the same type of situation with those kids.”

Everyone is welcomed. English teacher and GSA club advisor Jennifer Pliske decorated her classroom with items representing the LGBTQ community to create a safe and warm enviornment for all of her students.

PHOTO BY SAKARI WILSON

It's time to be heard! GSA members created many posters to inform students about the Day of Silence.

PHOTO BY SAKARI WILSON

thetornadotimes.org < May 2022 > Student Life | 7

Making connections Hosts welcome largest group of international visitors in 3 years

By Mila DeRose, Assistant Section Editor Thirty-one students from Germany, Poland and France stayed with host families for ten days and got a sophisticated experience of South Florida. This visit marked the first time in three years that the school’s international visitor program ran normally due to COVID-19. For most international students this was their first visit to America.

Most students from both Germany and Poland were fascinated with the length of our classes and the size of our school.

Sophomore Franciszek Brysy said his school, Prywatne Akademickie Liceum Ogólnoksztallac (PALO), in Krakow, Poland, is about one-fourth the size of our school.

“You have a lot of clubs, a lot of different lessons like environmental science and TV production,” Brysy said. “The lunch line is very long, but in Poland there are no school lunches.”

Greta Peters, from Gesamtschule Hamminkeln in Hammnikeln, Germany, said “the biggest difference between her school and this one is the people.”

“They are all so friendly and open and they come and talk to you,” Peters said. “In Germany no one comes up and talks to you.”

Freshman Yash Upadhyay and his family hosted German junior Janne Cappell.

“My family and I thought it would be a great way to learn about German culture and connect with someone that lives a completely different lifestyle,” Upadhyay

8 | Feature< May 2022 > @TornadoTimes

said.

Host families were able to choose what country they wanted the student to come from and students gained service hours for their help. Polish sophomore Wiktoria Biegznska praised her hosts.

“The host family were the nicest people I have ever met,” Biegznska said. “They did everything to make the stay the most comfortable.”

German students went to Butterfly World and attended an NBA Heat game.

The school gave visitors an opportunity to give suggestions for improving the program in a debriefing on April 5 that included PALO principal Jerzy Waligóra.

Visitors requested more class shadowing days so students could connect with each other and learn more lessons. Biegznska suggested more time with the host families, “Coming home late and waking up early, I would like a few days to spend time with the host family,” she said.

While most of the students stayed for a little over a week, German student Jetta Raab stayed for eight weeks. She participated in classes like art, AP Biology, and Spanish 1. Although many applied, only one student from the Gesamtschule school could stay for that long. She stayed with three different host families, switching every second or third week and participating in different family practices.

“It was always a big dream for me to come here and to experience everything, and I would like to be the one to stay for eight weeks,” Raab said.

German exchange students play a game of basketball accompanied by freshmen Dahnielie Verret and Nathalia Guthrie in the gym. The group of exchange students happily invited the freshmen to join their teams as they spotted them entering the gym to watch their game. “It was fun; I feel like me and the girl in the green shirt are best friends now,” Guthrie said.

PHOTO BY DANIELLA FORRESTER

Polish exchange students Wiktoria Biegańska and Stella Staszek are instructed by senior Sebastian Barrientos in drawing graffiti art. Barrientos hosts a graffiti art workshop every other Monday during the National Art Honor Society meeting in art teacher Gregory Zolna's classroom.

PHOTO BY EMMA PARKER

German exchange students stand together for a group photo. The group interacted with the technology and students in technology teacher Ronald Holley’s class before taking the group photo.

PHOTO BY DANIELLA FORRESTER

German exchange students Jule Gilhaus and Greta Peters give a presentation about their school in social studies teacher Nicole Hanna's classroom.

PHOTO BY EMMA PARKER

thetornadotimes.org < May 2022 > Feature | 9

Taking off

Student pilots prepare for aviation careers

By Brian Tang, Section Editor Senior Ethan DuBose and junior Brendan Cooper are taking their final steps to join the field of aviation. DuBose has his student pilot license while Cooper is planning on receiving it over the summer.

Before meeting his inspiration, Barrington Irving, a Jamaican-born American pilot who previously held the record for the youngest person to pilot a plane around the world solo, DuBose had only dreamt about piloting.

“It was a combination of my exposure to planes and programs,” DuBose said. “I saw myself actually enjoying this and that this could be something I could do.”

To pursue this path, DuBose is going to Delaware State University with a full ride scholarship. He plans to major in aeronautical science while pursuing his career through the aviation program offered there.

“There are hoops that you have to jump through following this path,” DuBose said.

“Things like a student pilot license and PPL [private pilot license] are only steps to a career in aviation.”

DuBose received his student pilot license at the AMI Flight Academy last summer and has 15 hours of flying under his belt with aviation education from the academy as well.

“The student pilot license isn't really a criteria for anything, it just shows you're a pilot in training,” DuBose said.

“The PPL is really the first milestone.”

DuBose is planning on get-

ting his PPL through the aviation program offered at DSU, an endeavor which requires anywhere from 35-80 flight hours, a written and oral exam, and a practical flying exam. “(To) see people of color in the field definitely encouraged me,” DuBose said. “Among the thousands of pilots around the world, the number of black female pilots are in the tens.”

Cooper is planning on obtaining his PPL over the summer as well at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE).

“Obtaining a PPL is hard work: learning different airspaces, reading weather patterns, and communicating to Air Traffic Control are some daunting feats to overcome,” Cooper said. “But I'm determined to follow this path and make my way into the airline industry.”

10 | Student Life < May 2022 > @TornadoTimes

Senior Ethan DuBose poses in front of a training aircraft at AMI Flight Academy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ETHAN DUBOSE

Top: Cooper and Bamford go over the pre-flight checks and plane controls before starting the engine.

Bottom: Cooper checks the oil of the C172 for contaminants.

PHOTOS BY BRIAN TANG

Junior Brendan Cooper inspects the oil contents of a C172 engine at North Perry Airport before takeoff.

PHOTO BY BRIAN TANG

DuBose and fellow trainee Noah Botkin stand in front of a Cessna.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ETHAN DUBOSE

Cooper had always dreamed of taking to the skies, and support from his parents to pursue this interest allowed him to make his dream a reality.

“Being able to explore the world and getting a view of the land from a different perspective inspired me,” Cooper said.

Cooper is currently focusing on school along with preparing for his ground exams and practicing on flight simulators, though he does go flying on planes occasionally.

“Attending a flight school could be stressful and overwhelming,” Cooper said. “But with drive and occasional breaks, anybody can do it.”

Both DuBose and Cooper encourage others to pursue a pilot's license and a career in aviation.

“Flying isn’t for everyone, because their fear can outweigh the wonders of the sky,” Cooper said.

“I definitely want people to pursue this path, especially women and those of color,” DuBose said.

thetornadotimes.org < May 2022 > Student Life | 11

subjects are to be covered and warrant placement in the newspaper.

As a public forum, Tornado Times welcomes letters to the editor.

Letters must be signed and sent to pbhsnewspaper@gmail.com. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for poor is produced by students at: taste, libel and space.

Advertising rates are available at Pompano Beach High School estore.browardschools.com.

Please 600 NE 13 Ave. contact us by email or by phone if you Pompano Beach, FL 33060 have any questions.

Advertising which promotes illegal Phone: (754) 322-2000 Print issues in the 2021-22 school year products under Florida law, includes false statements or is written in bad are planned for October, December, taste will not be accepted.

February and April.

The opinions in this publication are For the students, parents and faculty not necessarily those of advertisers, of Pompano Beach High School, who Pompano Beach High School or need information about the school, Broward County Public Schools. its students and events, along with a Tornado Times is a member of the perspective and analysis on today's Florida Scholastic Press Association, issues that students face, Tornado which awarded the newspaper a silver Times is a quarterly newsmagazine and regularly updated website that will rating for its 2020-21 issues.

Our Staff provide a public forum, report the news Editor-in-Chief, Emma Parker and provide thoughtful interpretation Managing Editor, Keanu Silva and analysis. Unlike social media, our Section Editors, Alisha Durosier, product provides reliable information Brian Tang, Brody Berrios and true student perspective. By giving Assistant Section Editors, Alexis readers a place to express themselves Bernat, Brooke Butler, Mila on issues and concerns, examining the DeRose, Daniella Forrester, Olivia impact of news of students' lives and Rapp, Elise Rothenburg, Sakari reporting the events and activities over Wilson, Huiling Zhang the entire year, we will promote truth, Staff Interns, Shea Albert, Kaitlyn growth and equality.

Bernstein, Maddi Elder, Yasmine Student perspective, student voice Idrissi, Lindsey Tran, Reagan Van Tornado Times is a public forum for Buskirk, student expression. The newspaper staff Dr. Andrew Shipe, Adviser is responsible for determining what

12 | Sponsors < May 2022 > @TornadoTimes

What's your perspective?

Scan the QR code to give us feedback on this issue.

TOES IN SAND, DEGREE IN HAND. PROGRAMS INCLUDE: Accounting • Legal Studies • Homeland Security • Criminal Justice Forensic Investigations • Nursing • Business Administration Health Science • Psychology Day, evening, online, and hybrid programs available

561.478.5500

flagshipresidential.keiseruniversity.edu/FL

UNIVERSITY

Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university Not all programs offered at all locations

Joyce Albert Sison.joyce@gmail.com 954-336-9999

thetornadotimes.org < May 2022 > Sponsors | 13

Crossing the finish line 9 senior athletes recruited by colleges across the nation

By Alisha Durosier, Section Editor Almost a month apart two seniors, softball player Juliana Hooker and soccer player Jordan King, were seated on the elevated stage of the auditorium, filled with family, friends and supporters. Both seniors had received athletic offers from colleges and were signing a national letter of intent. Hooker and King are among nine senior athletes who have received offers for sports ranging from beach volleyball to flag football, and among the six who have accepted and committed.

Hooked by Illini Hooker’s signing to play softball for the University of Illinois was the first signing held this year. “I was emotional and excited,” Hooker said.

Hooker was recruited by Brown University, Florida Atlantic University and Jacksonville University, but after visiting the University of Illinois’ campus, she began to see herself attending.

“The campus was really pretty, the facilities were state of the art and everyone was obsessed with their school, and that was awesome to me,” Hooker said.

Hooker will major in business marketing, aiming to become a manager for a big corporation and to get involved in her surrounding community wherever she goes. “I want to be an all around person, not just softball and school,” Hooker said. “I want to do mentoring programs and different clubs, things like that.”

With this new opportunity, Hooker looks forward to what is beyond high school. “I’ve been playing with most of the girls since I was really little. It's going to be sad to not be playing with them,” Hooker said. “I am excited for this new chapter.”

Kappes tackles his goals Senior football player Nate Kappes received seven offers and has committed to Springfield College in Massachusetts. Playing professionally is of course on the table for Kappes; however, he is also interested in sports management.

“I know, I’m going to be able to play at the next level, so that’s good,” Kappes said.

Playing since the eighth grade, Kappes played as a lineman throughout his four years of high school.

“I feel like I'm losing a big part of my life that took up the past four and a half years,” Kappes said. “I'm excited but I’m a little anxious and scared. It's going to be a whole new experience, whole new state."

14 | Sports < May 2022 > @TornadoTimes

King of the pitch

Jay raises flag

King was the first of the group to commit, during the winter of her junior year to Florida Southern College.

“It (playing in college) was definitely something I aimed for,” King said. “Once I started travel soccer, my mom and I had the conversation, if we’re starting now you’re going to keep going to build up to an offer, so we were aware.”

King’s campus visit, after being shocked at receiving an offer so early, drew her to the school not only to play but also to study.

“Even though it was a small school like Pompano, they still cared about you,” King said. “I didn't feel like I needed more.”

While playing professional soccer is a goal she would like to pursue beyond college, King is passionate about working in the medical field, majoring in exercise science with a pre med track.

“I just want to help other athletes,” King said.

Kobie Jay, who signed to play flag football for Midland University in Nebraska and will major in criminal justice, is also passionate about serving other athletes.

“I think that something that I would like to pursue in college more is advocating for student athletes' mental health,'' Jay said.

The senior started playing flag football as a freshman, not expecting it to be a path to college. “It was sudden as flag football is a small sport and so I did not start understanding how many opportunities I had to play flag football in college until about January of senior year,” Jay said. “I loved the physicality of it and how it gives females an opportunity to play a version of a sport they could never before.”

Kansas Wesleyan University had also offered Jay an athletic offer for flag football. However, Midland allowed Jay the opportunity to return to Nebraska, a desire of hers since living there for five years.

“I am so excited and ready to go,” Jay said. “I have always wanted to be a collegiate athlete and move away from home so I couldn’t be more excited to do this while playing the sport I love.”

Moreira, Ramazio plan for sand Ana Moreira and Christina Ramazio committed to play beach volleyball for Palm Beach State College and Florida Southern College, respectively.

“I was nervous, since it was something new, but I am excited,” Moreira said.

Her parents invested in beach volleyball club training after seeing her dedication to getting better at volleyball after a rough tryout for her middle school school team in sixth grade.

“It opened up my eyes on how much I wanted to get better, that kind of motivated me to practice and train more,” Moreira said.

Moreira plans to major in civil or software engineering, eventually gaining a master’s and doctorate.

“My goal was to make it into college with the sport and have the sport help me through college financially,” Moreira said.

Senior Giovanni Caffro prepares to catch a pitch during senior night. “On the field I’m the senior captain, I play third base, I pitch, I catch, and off the field I'm kind of the leader of the team, just keeping them all together,” Caffro said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GIOVANNI CAFFRO

Cajuste pools resources Joshua Cajuste considered offers to swim for Howard University and Wabash College before settling on the Florida Institute of Technology. “I wanted to swim in college, so these offers were definitely something I aimed for,” Cajuste said.

Cajuste chose Florida Tech to pursue his goal of getting a degree in computer science. “I want to work in a field that involves technology,” Cajuste said. “I feel excited but nervous.”

Decisions, decisions: 2 seniors mull options

By Alisha Durosier, Section Editor Senior football player Neile Thomas and senior baseball player Giovanni Caffro have both received offers for their respective sports but have yet to commit.

Thomas received offers from four schools and is considering Beloit College, and Heidelberg University, which he said is his first choice. “The football program there is top notch, for a division three school,” said Thomas.

Caffro is still deciding among playing professionally, serving in the Air Force or going to college for sports management or medicine. He has offers from schools in New York, Indianapolis, Missouri and Pennsylvania.

“You can kind of tell what sports you’re best at and baseball was that for me,” Caffro said.

Though currently undecided, the two senior athletes are looking forward to life beyond high school.

Senior Neile Thomas pins a member of the opposing team. Thomas played on both defensive and offensive lines. “Football teaches you how the work you put in now doesn’t affect you right away, it takes a little time for the results to show,” Thomas said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEILE THOMAS

thetornadotimes.org < May 2022 > Sports | 15

The boys volleyball team ended its regular season 7-5. On April 20 the boys' volleyball won in three sets against Miramar.

Senior Adam Nobles said his favorite memory was beating Fort Lauderdale High.

The softball team finished the regular season with a 14-6 record. It defeated Jensen Beach 13-4 on May 3 to qualify for the district final against American Heritage.

The result was not available in time for printing.

Outfielder Amethyst Folk-Arnard said the challenges the team faced were “playing as a team because it is hard to do that with a team with 20 players.”

Freshman Gabi Oliver said that she loves the team, and she has a great time hanging out with them.

The tennis teams had a record of 6-3 as of April 26.

“Team bonding was the best part of tennis. I loved going out to eat together, spending time together at the end of matches, and watching my teammates play,” freshman Christa Grant said.

Senior Dilan Gobea said, “My favorite match was my match against North Broward, where I came back and worked

Freshman Reagan Van Buskirk reaches for the first down as the opposing team's defender reaches for her flag.

PHOTO BY ALEXIS BERNAT

very hard against a great player,” winning 2-6, 7-6, 10-3.

The track regular season ended with the teams’ eighth meet at Cardinal Gibbons on April 9. The girls finished 21st of 23 teams, and the boys ranked 14th of 25.

Freshman Rebekah Christie placed 12th out of 60 girls, and senior Creflo Chery placed 39th of 64 boys in the 100-meter dash.

Senior Avondre Walters finished fourth in the 110-meter hurdles and second in the 300-meter hurdles.

The baseball team’s record was 11-7 after a 17-0 blowout against Northeast on April 13.

“Good confidence booster for the last two tough weeks of our schedule,” sophomore Vincent Martinez said.

The team beat Cooper City 3-2 on its senior night April 21. Its season ended in the district semis May 4 with a 7-0 loss against American Heritage.

The girls lacrosse team finished the season 6-1.

Junior Talan Herrmann scored over 60 goals.

However, according to senior Bianca Filippone, because the team was not part

of a district, it could not compete in the postseason.

“Our season this year was a lot of fun even though it was short,” Filippone said.

“My favorite games were playing girls that we knew because it was good and friendly competition.”

The girls water polo team ended its season with a 2-3 record.

“Water polo is a really fun sport and I hope that more people try it next year,” freshman Leeraz Amasay said.

The team did not qualify districts due to not enough regular season games The flag football team ended the season 8-6 on April 19 with a 14-0 victory over Flanagan.

Districts began April 26 with a 7-0 win against Archbishop McCarthy.

The team qualified for the district final the next day with a 35-6 win over Stranahan.

However, the girls lost the final in the second game of the day to Pembroke Pines Charter, 18-7.

The junior varsity flag football team’s season ended April 19 against Boca Raton.

Reports by Gale Guest, Reagan Van Buskirk, Isabel Smith, Yasmine Idrissi and Maddi Elder