Tornado Times, October 2015

Tornado Times October 2015 Vol. 7, No. 1 Pompano Beach High School 600 NE 13 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33060 thetornadotimes.org @TornadoTimes pbhsnewspaper@gmail.com

2 news Freshmen take first look at school, make new friends at orientation October 2015 • thetornadotimes.org

By Sydney Van Dreason, Editor-in-Chief

Nervous ninth graders tend to scuttle through the hallways and need some help the first week or two. Luckily for the Class of 2019, SGA made the transition into high school a little bit less painful.

SGA planned out and directed the freshman orientation on Aug 19 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event was safari-themed, so the freshmen were divided into different animal-named groups that were organized according to first period teachers.

“The purpose of this event is to provide a smooth transition into PBHS for our new students,” Mrs. Carlson, assistant principal, said.

“The change from middle school to high school can be challenging, so we want to offer as many resources as possible to help our students adjust.”

The day was filled with games and group activities, including a school-wide tour, a chance to design the freshmen t-shirt and a club fair at lunch.

The freshmen started out play-

GRAPHIC BY JOAO DE MOURA

ing ice breaker games in the auditorium before they were shown a performance by the color guard and a fashion show pertaining to the do’s and don’ts of the dress code.

From there, the freshmen were whisked off to their first periods, where they played more games, before starting their tour of the school.

At lunch the freshmen were given the opportunity to walk around the

courtyard and talk to a representative of each club.

“Over 20 kids put down their information,” junior Stephanie Freeborn, co-president of Thespians, said. “Overall, the freshmen I talked to sounded excited for the new year.”

The upperclassmen in the clubs weren’t the only ones satisfied with the outcome of freshman orientation.

“The Class of 2019 is full of potential,” Mrs. Carlson said.

Not only were the incoming freshmen active about signing up for clubs and making friends at orientation, but they are also successful in the classroom.

“The data show they have a solid academic foundation,” Mrs. Carlson said. “I look forward to watching them build on that foundation as they balance the academic rigor of PBHS with the exploration of new curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular opportunities.”

While freshmen orientation helped introduce the new ninthgraders to the school, it didn’t dispel all the nervous energy.

“I’m pretty nervous because I’m a freshman and everything is so new, but I’m looking forward to Abby Sadler, freshman, signs up for the Thespian Club during Freshmen Invasion. During a good high school experience,” lunch at orientation, freshmen were given the opportunity to look at some of the freshman Francesca Reyes said. clubs the school offers, meet the clubs’ representatives and sign up for extracurricular activities.

PHOTO BY SYDNEY VAN DREASON

FSA scores to be released

By Sabrina Conza, Managing Editor

Scores for the Florida Standards Assessment, which replaced the FCAT as the standardized test required by state law last year, have not yet been fully released to the students or the schools, which has caused controversy and angered both parents and students.

“I am really annoyed, anxious and frustrated that the FSA scores aren’t out yet,” junior Christina Camastra said.

All students in third grade through 10th grade took the exam last year in English language arts (ELA).

In May the Orlando Sentinel reported that FSA scores would most likely be released on Sept. 1, but scores still have not been fully reported.

Those who took the 10th grade FSA-ELA have either a “P” (for passing) or an “F” (for failing) on their Virtual Counselor for this test.

According to Assistant Principal Carlson, 92 percent of last year’s 10th graders here passed the test, second best in the county.

Similarly, students who took the Algebra 1 FSA have a “P” or “F” on Virtual Counselor.

According to Mrs. Carlson, 94 percent of PBHS students who took the FSA passed, a big difference from the state average of 59.4 percent. These scores were the third best in the county.

The FSA retake tests and FCAT 2.0 retakes for seniors who have not passed will be Oct. 12-23 and March 28-April 8 for the 10th grade FSA-ELA test. Algebra and geometry EOC retakes started Sept.

14-25 and will be given again Nov. 30 - Dec. 18.

This year’s FSA ELA tests for ninth and 10th graders will be Feb. 29-March 11 (writing) and April 11-May 6 (reading, listening and language). The math, biology and history EOCs will be between April 18 and May 13.

For more information on the FSA scores, visit thetornadotimes.org.

Post-Hoco assembly teaches about choices, consequences

By Mia Marquez, Business Manager

Administration held an assembly for all grades on Oct. 8 after noticing several disciplinary issues before and during Homecoming

Mrs. Fish talks about her husband’s death at the hands of a drunk driver. The assembly was held Oct. 8 in response to several disciplinary issues.

PHOTO BY MIA MARQUEZ

to stress the types of choices young adults are forced to make and the consequences they can cause.

Mr. King, assistant principal, primarily talked about racism. He lived in the projects and attended a predominantly white Catholic school, where he was harassed for being allowed to have facial hair.

“I took a stand, a big stand,” Mr. King said. “One action changed the attitude of the entire school.”

Mrs. Fish, school counselor, talked about her husband who was killed during a morning bike ride when he was hit by a drunk driver, who thought he was “okay to drive.”

Because of this tragedy, Mrs. Fish became an advocate for promoting good decision making among students. She hoped that the assembly made each student think about what he does every day and accept the reality of the world right now.

October 2015 • thetornadotimes.org

news

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Mr. Williams works in his office during period six. He replaced Mr. Bankowski as Magnet Coordinator.

PHOTO BY MILLENA RODRIGUES

Williams takes over magnet

By Diana Lopez, Opinion Editor

Mr. Jeff Williams, a social studies teacher at school for 16 years, has replaced the retired Mr. William Bankowski as magnet coordinator.

His original starting date was supposed to be Oct. 5, but due to unexpected events it was moved back a week prior.

“I would like to increase awareness of school and our activities with all stakeholders including parents, students, community members and business partners,” he said.

Mr. Williams will take part in the magnet open house in January, an event where all district magnet programs will be showcased.

He will also visit all middle schools north of Sunrise Blvd. and give presentations to eighth graders about the school.

The magnet coordinator also ar-

ranges for prospective students to shadow current students and gives tours to prospective students and their parents.

“I am going to enjoy marketing the school because I love Pompano Beach High School and being able to tell people how wonderful it is and sell them (that) to come here will be great,” Mr. Williams said.

One challenge Mr. Williams is facing is learning all of the requirements of a magnet coordinator.

“There are forms I have to fill out; there are procedures that I have to follow and do not know yet, so the rest of this year is going to be a learning process for me,” Mr. Williams said.

Mr. Williams is enjoying his new office downstairs surrounded by “excellent people” supporting his transition.

“This will be a perfect job for me,” he said.

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October 2015 • thetornadotimes.org

news

Edmodo becomes home for announcements

By Millena Rodrigues, News Editor

Principal Thomas and Assistant Principal Narus decided at the end of last school year to stop the morning and afternoon announcements.

On the first day of school, students were given information from their teachers about how to sign up for groups on Edmodo to get daily announcements.

“It would take 3-4 minutes away from class time and now it takes 15 seconds to post on Edmodo,” Principal Thomas said.

Mr. Thomas found that “either students weren’t paying attention to the announcements or couldn’t remember all the information.”

Sophomore Jason Sell prefers to read the announcements instead of listening to them.

“It’s more organized when it’s on my phone,” Sell said.

Other students find the Edmodo announcements difficult to keep up with.

“Students tend to only join Edmodo to find out what their homework is for a class,” senior Carina Sevilla said. “Joining a group to find out one thing just doesn’t make sense.”

Senior Aaliyah Davy signs into her Edmodo account during class. Daily announcements are provided this year on Edmodo.

PHOTO BY AMANDA CISNEROS

Latinos, Muslims face discrimination, stereotyping

By Millena Rodrigues, News Editor

At the beginning of Donald Trump’s June 16 speech, he said he wouldn’t need anyone’s money to fund his campaign, but one remark offended many people.

“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best,” Trump said. “They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime.

They’re rapists.”

Several students have experienced similar demeaning at school due to their cultural background.

“Last year, in one of my classes I didn’t understand something that the teacher was explaining so I asked a question, and the teacher explained it to me, but I still didn’t really get it,” a Latino student said.

“So then this boy yells ‘Maybe if you explained it in Spanish the immigrant could understand you.’”

Last month, a Muslim student in Irving, Texas named Ahmed Mohamed was accused of bringing a

bomb to his high school when it was actually a clock he made for his engineering class.

A senior student who does not want to be named argued the assumption was made because of his religion.

“People who make that kind of assumptions are just plain racist and stubborn,” the senior said.

Students who make stereotypes often don’t realize how offensive they are.

“Not too long ago a classmate of mine asked me, out of all the students in the classroom, if he could copy my calculus homework,” said an Asian student.

Some students don’t let the negative comments upset them, but they are aware that discrimination is happening. “(I) feel bad for the people who are racist,” a junior said. “I love my country and I love my culture.”

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October 2015 • thetornadotimes.org

opinion

Take a stand: Stop discrimination today

Our school has been known for its lack of conflicts, its excellent test scores and its bright students; however, recent events have shown that discrimination is still very much alive here.

There has been an uncharacteristic number of fights recently, one of which revolved around racial tension. How is it that, despite all our merits, problems concerning race and ethnicity still arise?

A new form of discrimination seems to be plaguing our school.

Social media has made it easier to share images, ideas and, unfortunately, racial stereotypes.

Even though many students don’t think of this as a form of discrimination, it serves as a reinforcement of the racial lines that have been a part of our nation since its birth.

Laughing at a meme that displays a racial stereotype may seem innocent, but it affects the way we think about certain races and ethnicity, giving the stereotype a sort of validity or truth. If we, as students, as the inheritors of this nation, want to put an end to racism once and for all, we must actively choose to change our way of thinking from the bottom up.

One might not think that the choice of retweeting a picture that contains “in-between the lines”

racism can possibly affect society, but, on a small scale, it does. This generation has become almost dependent on what the next tweet says in order to make up their mind on an issue.

Choosing to make one’s Internet presence more filtered could mean the difference between encouraging another person to think racial slurs are normal and encouraging another to break the cycle of racism.

Generally, students feel we have surpassed the point where we would look at someone differently because of the color of his skin or his ethnicity. Even though only 48 percent of the students who took our survey thought that racism negatively impacted our school, an astounding 86 percent thought that racism was negatively affected other schools.

While our school may not display many of the outside world’s racial tensions as prominently, it is still important to be aware that they exist; it is happening, and one day, when we have all moved on from high school, the issues that our parents, neighbors and even strangers across the nation are facing will become ours to deal with.

These are choices that people

GRAPHIC BY NICOLAS GALLARDO

have made throughout generations: to become a positive change for good, or to be on the wrong side of history. These choices are ours to make now.

As a teenager, one might not feel that one’s decisions can impact tomorrow’s world, but the individual is the basic building block of a nation. It is our duty to ensure that our country continues to progress in a positive direction,

Schools should teach pop culture

By Sabrina Conza, Managing Editor

As the world evolves and culture changes, new novels and movies are created that are relevant to these changes. Students are usually exposed to what is pertinent in the modern world, but because many

By Sabrina Conza, do not analyze it in a mature Managing Editor fashion, popular culture should be taught and analyzed in schools.

In school students are taught that it is important to analyze pieces of literature, but they often end up reading stories that were written over one hundred years prior. Novels like “The Scarlet Letter” and “Pride and Prejudice” are

influential novels and should be taught in schools. However, students should also be able to understand modern works just as easily as classics.

Analyzing current literature not only makes the learning environment more interesting, but it also exposes students to more relevant writing styles. An example of a historical fiction series that should be studied is “The Missing” series, which is about time travelers who go back to fix events in the past. Students can learn about historical events and their importance by reading these novels. So why shouldn’t students be able to learn about these events by reading historical fiction novels?

not only for ourselves, but for future generations to come.

It is important that we leave a legacy of something other than being the pioneers of the selfie and being social media sheep.

We have an opportunity like no other, to rise up and finish the work of so many before us, to speak up and say that black lives matter, Muslim lives matter -- all lives matter.

There are many current movies that could help students learn. For example, movies like “Alive” and the new film “Everest” which can teach students about real events and survival in a dangerous situation. An animated movie that should be analyzed in schools is the Disney film “WALL-E.” This film can teach students about what could happen if modern culture takes control and the environment is neglected.

Implementing current literature and movies in schools would be beneficial for enhancing students’ writing and vocabulary, as well as allowing them to gain knowledge of more current events and practices that aren’t learned in everyday life.

October 2015 • thetornadotimes.org

Dual enrollment classes easier than AP There are only two types of classes that allow a 6.0 to be averaged into a student’s weighted GPA: Advanced

By Sabrina Conza, Placement (AP) Managing Editor and dual enrollment classes.

AP classes are specifically made to be hard so that only a limited number of students pass and receive college credit. Some college classes are easier than AP classes.

“The classes that I’m taking at (the University of North Florida) are much easier than the AP classes that I took at Pompano,” Jordyn Evans, Class of 2015, said.

“But they are harder than the dual enrollment classes that I took at Broward College.”

Dual enrollment classes are taken by students of all ages at participating colleges. Many dual enrollment students here take their classes at Broward College (BC). The classes at BC are usually easier than APs and similar classes at other universities.

Dual enrollment classes are easier mainly because no extensive end-of-course exam tests your knowledge of the entire class, and even if there are, the tests are much easier than AP exams, which fail 40 percent of all test takers.

Also, in my experience, having taken four dual enrollment classes and 3 AP classes, dual enrollment classes at BC are much easier because the material is simpler and can be easily accom-

plished in half of the time.

When I spoke with a New York University admissions officer, I learned that they accept AP credits, but do not accept dual enrollment credits if the course is used as part of your graduation requirements. This is because NYU admissions believes that AP courses are more rigorous than dual enrollment, and frankly I agree.

The kind of class that you should take depends on your goals in the class. For example, if you want to bring up your GPA with less chance of doing badly, I’d recommend that you take dual enrollment classes. But if you want to impress colleges with your obvious hard work, take AP classes.

Students should be able to evaluate teachers

opinion

7

Times

Sydney Van Dreason, Editor in Chief Sabrina Conza, Managing Editor Millena Rodrigues, News Editor Amanda Cisneros, Asst. News Editor Diana Lopez, Opinion Editor Sabrina Chery, Asst. Opinion Editor Rebekah Garretson, Centerspread Editor Madison Steinkamp, Student Life Editor Melanie Trump, Asst. Student Life Editor Tyana Bryan, Sports Editor Nicolas Gallardo, Graphic Design Editor Joao De Moura, Asst. Graphic Design Editor Kyle Kennon, Asst. Graphic Design Editor Reese McFarlane, Photo Editor Alexandra Griffin, Website Editor Jonathan Roman, Asst. Website Editor Mia Marquez, Business Manager Garrett Moore, Asst. Business Manager Dr. Andrew Shipe, Adviser

Tornado Times is produced by: Pompano Beach High School 600 NE 13 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33060 certain students don’t learn and By the time you “I think (teachers) should only be Phone: (754) 322-2000 the teachers are to blame,” junior have reached high evaluated by students who are unEmail: pbhsnewspaper@gmail.com school you know what Israella Elam said. biased,” Perez said. “Teachers could Website: thetornadotimes.org Senior Justin Perez has a similar makes a good teacher. be too strict or too lenient with Twitter: @TornadoTimes view on the topic, but with a twist.

Students have some students and it makes class Issues in 2015-16 are planned for October, December, March and May. unfair, or they are just been learnteaching in a way that the The purpose of this student-run ing all their newspaper is to inform and interest the kids don’t learn.”

By Sabrina Chery, lives and population of Pompano Beach High School Junior Ty’Anna Stetheir perAsst. on the happenings of the school and vens, however, has a beyond.

Opinon Editor formance Tornado Times is a public forum for totally different outlook is usually a student expression. The newspaper staff is on the situation. reflection on them, but it responsible for determining what subjects “I don’t think they should also be a represenare to be covered and warrant placement (teachers) should be tation of the teacher. in the newspaper. evaluated,” Stevens said.

By evaluating teachAs a public forum, Tornado Times welcomes letters to the editor. Letters “Kids will just give false ers, students could give must be signed. The staff has the right to information.” them an idea of what they edit letters for poor taste, libel and space.

The students should need to improve. Because Advertising rates are available at estore. be chosen at random students observe these browardschools.com. Please contact us by and given a criteria they teachers daily, they know email or by phone if you have any questions.

Advertising which promotes illegal would rate them on how the teachers could products under Florida law, includes false things such as helpfuldo to teach students more statements or is written in bad taste will ness, clarity, and preseneffectively in the future. By not be accepted. tation of content. There studying the evaluations, The opinions in this publication are not would also be a section teachers can find common necessarily those of advertisers, Pompano where kids would be able Beach High School or Broward County denominators and improve Public Schools. to write any other comtheir teaching as a whole.

Tornado Times is a member of the ments.

“I think teachers should Florida Scholastic Press Association, be evaluated because it which awarded the newspaper a silver GRAPHIC BY NICOLAS GALLARDO comes to a point where certificate for its 2014-15 issues.

8 centerspread

October 2015 • thetornadotimes.org

“My favorite moment in China, was when I got the chance to meet and converse with the Chinese students at Nanjing Senior High School. Hanging out with them and their families was such a surreal experience.” Isaiah Garretson

“I’m now more motivated to learn Chinese. Something I won’t forget from this experience, is that although there is a huge language barrier between us and the Chinese, we were able to become friends.” - Race Walker

PH

October 2015 • thetornadotimes.org

centerspread

Tornadoes take on China

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By Jonathan Roman, Assistant Web Editor

Jonathan Roman, Isaiah Garretson and Race Walker, alongside 14 other Broward County students, traveled to China over the summer in the Chinese Bridge Summer Camp for high school students .

According to Roman, senior, the students had to “endure a 17-hour flight, packed-in seats that sardines would not feel comfortable being in.”

While in China, they visited Tiananmen Square Museum and the Great Wall of China, known significantly for their cultural and historical asset to China.

“I expected to see a third world country, but was surprised to see how similar to the U.S. the Chinese actually are.”- Jonathan Roman

HOTOS BY JONATHAN ROMAN AND REBEKAH GARRETSON DESIGN BY REBEKAH GARRETSON

The students visited the capital, Beijing, and enjoyed the experience of taking a bullet train that travelled a speed of around 190 miles per hour, to Jiangyin.

While in Jiangyin, the students were given the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and traditions. They painted renowned Chinese calligraphy, learned both Tai Chi and martial arts, as well as made dumplings.

Isaiah Garretson, senior, spoke of how the trip changed his perspective of the Chinese government compared to the United States’ government. “I found Chinese people are more reserved in regards to politics and place more trust in their leader’s ability,” Garretson said.

Bob McKinney, Advanced Studies Coordinator for Broward County Public Schools, said, “This is an incredible opportunity for these high school students to learn firsthand Chinese culture. It will help prepare them for success in the 21st century.”

Next summer, the school will be given the opportunity to bring even more students onto this trip. The only requirement is that the student must take Chinese.

Race Walker, junior, raved over the idea of partaking in the Chinese lifestyle. “This trip really opened my eyes to new experiences and lifestyles that I would have never imagined being part of. I would definitely do it again,” Walker said.

10 student life

October 2015 • thetornadotimes.org

New club seeks Chinese enthusiasts

By Amanda Cisneros, Asst. News Editor

Chinese had been the only language taught at school without a club for three years. Senior Jonathan Roman changed that.

“Stepping off the plane in China for the first time made me realize that all I was learning in the classroom came alive all around me, the magnificence of the country, the language and its people was something I wanted to take back to Florida with me, so the idea of making a club to enhance that experience was born,” Roman said.

Roman’s passion for the Chinese language drove him to start the club alongside the sponsor, Ms. Zheng. Ms. Zheng, or as

most students who take her class call her, Zheng laoshi, says, “I’m amazed at the leadership and passion my students demonstrated on forming and organizing the club.”

The Chinese club will focus on doing cultural activities throughout the year like making dumplings to sell and maybe even taking a trip to Epcot. “The Chinese club is actually like an extended classroom for kids already interested in the language to keep exploring the beauty of the culture.” says Ms. Zheng.

The club had its first meeting Sept. 8 where the club picked its officers. Roman is the president; Jay Pearson, sophomore, is the

Senior Jonathan Roman, president of the Chinese club, and Ms. Zheng practice Chinese.

The Chinese Club meets every other Monday in Room 305.

PHOTO BY AMANDA CISNEROS

first vice president; Race Walker, junior, is the second vice president; Oriana Peña, junior, is the secretary; Amanda Cisneros, senior, is the treasurer and Mailei Le, sophomore, is the historian.

The officers are all in level two Chinese or higher, but the club is open to first year Chinese stu-

dents and students with Chinese heritage as well.

The club goals for this year, according to Roman, are “to have as much fun as possible while learning about Chinese culture”.

The club will meet every other Monday in Room 305.

3 students honored by America Library of Poetry

By Amanda Cisneros, Asst. News Editor

Junior Christine Duarte, senior Ashley Gordon and graduate Alexandra Ramirez received letters shortly after the 2014-2015 school year had ended from the America Library of Poetry informing them that their poems had been entered into a contest by their creative writing teacher, Dr. Melillo.

Gordon said the process was not that simple because Dr. Melillo encouraged students to rewrite their work and improve the quality.

“Doc really pushed me toward my goal in a way that made me want to do my best,” said Gordon.

The selective organization only publishes about 20 percent of

Junior Christine Duarte writes in her notebook before class begins. Her poem will be published in the America Library of Poetry. PHOTO BY MILLENA RODRIGUES

the poems they receive from high school students into its yearly publication, Eloquence. All three finalists will be published, but they still have to wait to find out if they are winners as well.

For Duarte, it was her first time taking a formal writing class but not the first time she had entered a writing contest, “Freshman year I entered and won two contests, one for the PTA and one for the Believe, Dream, Inspire contest of Broward County, but this is the biggest thing I’ve won so far,” she said.

America Library of Poetry awards two types of prizes in the Student Poetry Contest. The first is based on poetic merit. Prizes are awarded to first, second and third place in each division with one grand prize awarded to first place overall. These include monetary prizes ranging from $50 to $500 and American Library of Poetry certificates of achievement.

Gordon has won several other writing prizes, including first

place in the school’s literary fair for her haiku “So Many Words,” second place in the county literary fair for the same sonnet that was entered into the America Library of Poetry contest, “Asylum,” and second place in Novel Day for her short story “Tomorrow.”

For her, the allure of prizes didn’t compare to the glory of seeing her words in an actual publication. She is “more happy knowing that her work was being published” than she is at having “a chance at winning some cash.”

Duarte has a different goal in mind when writing. “I don’t write just for me. I write for others. I believe you should make others happy, not just yourself,” she said.

Both girls believe that writing is more than just an art form.

“Poetry is about the free expression to be you,” Gordon said.

Duarte said that writing is “something that has helped me become more social, to convey more meaning to people, for people.”

Stairway to chaos

student life 11

October 2015 • thetornadotimes.org

New rules get mixed reviews

By Reese McFarlane, Photo Editor

senior lot leads right to the center Administration has implemented stairwell,” senior Courtney Justice said. a rule that students can use the Some students argue that the middle staircase before first period hallways are just as congested as to go up, but after then students last year and perhaps always will are only allowed to descend the middle staircase. Students can use be.

“I don’t see a difference,” junior the right or left staircase in either Jessica Moschette said. “I’m still direction all day.

Some students feel their routes to getting pushed around in the hall.”

A small group of students find class are longer. that these new rules fulfill their “It’s more difficult to get to class purpose. Some feel that because now,” senior Kiana Vallejo said. “I of them they can efficiently and have to run around the school to quickly get to class without throwa wing staircase from Ms. Dupre’s ing elbows to get by.

Class and then run back to the “It’s definitely less packed than middle of the hallway where Ms. last year,” sophomore Hans GuzHanna’s class is. man said.

Based off of a poll of 70 random Principal Thomas said that once students, 67 percent agreed with Vallejo and said that the new stair- technology and art students recognize they can use the back stairway rules made it harder to get to case, they will save time.

GRAPHIC BY NICOLAS GALLARDO class.

“We wanted to alleviate the traffic “I have dual enrollment, and it’s a longer walk to my second period jam we noticed that was always on the third floor,” Mr. Thomas said. (when I get to school) if I take the “It has gotten better this year.” mandatory side stairs, while the

Students maneuver through the middle stairwell on the way to class. “I don’t see a difference,” junior Jesssica Mischette said. “I’m still getting pushed around in the hall.”

PHOTO BY GARRETT MOORE

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October 2015 • thetornadotimes.org

Band marches around world

By Melanie Trump, Asst. Student Life Editor

The title of the marching show this season is “Postcards”, where The marching band attended the the band takes the audience on an Falcon Sound Invitational March- international musical and visual ing Band Competition at Flanagan journey by playing music and High School on Oct. 3. After two marching in forms custom to the years off the competitive field, the music.The opening movement is band brought home a trophy for Rio de Janeiro, the second moveBest in Class Colorguard. ment is Hong Kong, the third is Junior Ariel Madan said it felt the French Riviera and the closer “like we finally accomplished is the Big Apple. something after all these years of The rewards of the event were hard work.” not only material — many stuFor many members of the dents feel they have grown as inmarching band, both freshmen dividuals through competing and and sophomores, the Invitational interacting with band students was their first competition in the from other schools.

Florida Marching Band Coali“Getting to know other drum tion (FMBC). Bands performing majors and leadership with the at FMBC events are divided into same goals as you is encouraging groups by size, called classes. and nerve wracking. You’re being “(It was) really fun and I got to see pushed to be better than you were how other schools perform and before and making friends at what we can amount to compared the same time,” junior Assistant to other people in our class,” Drum Major Camila Lin said. freshman Roweena Aung said.

The band waits for senior drum major Melanie Trump to count off the second song of its program at the Falcon Sound Invitational at Flanagan High School on Oct. 3. The band won Best in Class Colorguard at the event.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HADLEY BIEDERMAN

sports 13

October 2015 • thetornadotimes.org

Frey fears nothing

AD looks for improved records, greater participation

By Rebekah Garretson, Centerspread Editor

Athletic Director Jason Frey is focusing on the department’s main goals for the school year: enhancing opportunities for student athletes and building team character on and off the field.

“Record wise, we always want to be a little better than last year,” Mr. Frey said. “Our top priority is to get as many people actively participating while having fun too. Every coach and team needs to make every athlete feel special. We want to show that our school is working towards our athletics.”

Though Mr. Frey enjoys talking about sports, he advocates for a healthy student body.

“The athletic department is something kids can get involved in to meet new people,” Mr. Frey said.

“Not only does it keep kids active and healthy, but provides structure for building friendships and improving on teamwork in school.”

Major events taking place this fall season for both varsity and JV

teams in football, volleyball, golf and swimming are a part of the athletic department’s attention at the moment.

“Volleyball is doing great this year, as is the varsity football team,” Mr. Frey said. “The football team started off with a ten-win streak (that started last season), but each team this season is looking pretty optimistic.”

With the victories, there also come challenges, such as new districts and tough opponents.

But Mr. Frey said those challenges make him work harder to encourSeniors Calandra Small and Zachary Ingrao proudly sport their new “We Will” shirts. age students to participate, have This year’s Athletic Department slogan was designed to encourage students to succeed fun and improve their skills this in each goal they set.

PHOTO BY SABRINA CHERY year.

“Seeing kids come out to support or participate in our school athletics is surreal,” he said. “Every day

By Sabrina Chery, Asst. Opinion Editor more kids are getting active and “We Will” Wednesdays, which began the first week of school, is a new everyday our Athletic Department tradition that was started this year by fall sports teams. is one step closer towards its goal.

“I think they’re cute and promote school spirit,” senior Cristina Gibson As long as the athletes and coaches said. keep improving, then the athletic Sponsored by the athletic department, these shirts are meant to be teams should continue their ascent a symbol of a unifying theme for all sports teams. Coach Frey, athletic up the athletic ladder.” director, said that the idea behind the shirt is not only “we will” win, but “we will” succeed in each goal set.

Athletes sport ‘We Will’ shirts

PHOTOS BY JOAO DE MOURA AND TYANA BRYAN GRAPHIC BY NICOLAS GALLARDO

Find the answers at http://thetornadotimes.org/sports and on Twitter @TornadoTimes.

14 sports

October 2015 • thetornadotimes.org

Swimmers make waves towards districts, states

By Alexandra Griffin, Web Editor

Seniors Kyle Kennon, Tyler Nemeth, Nicholas DiNapoli and Dylan Pinard and freshman Augustus Cohn compete in a cross country meet on Sept. 9. The boys’ team placed fifth in their first two meets. PHOTO COURTESY OF KIM DINAPOLI

Cross country chases success

By Tyana Bryan, Sports Editor

The girls team placed third overall in their first two meets, while the boys placed fifth.

Senior captain Nicole Romer hopes and pushes her fellow teammates to run under 28 minutes for their 5K (3.1-mile race).

The team’s top goal this season is to make it past districts and move on to regionals.

Only the top seven runners in the district race will advance, so everyone is working hard. Runners workout everyday, running up to six miles to improve performance.

The depth of the team has been

improved with the addition of freshmen Augustus Cohn (boys) and Claire Ries (girls).

“Both Ries and Cohn are running exceptionally well for freshman, ” Coach Thomas Didymus said.

Players to watch out for: ● Nicole Romer, girls captain, trying to beat her personal best of 22 minutes, 22 seconds ● D’Andre Nicholson, boys captain ● Augustus Cohn, freshman, top overall boys runner at one meet this season ● Claire Ries, freshman, who placed second behind her captain.

Swimming is one of the most demanding sports, both physically and mentally.

“Because a swimmer’s ears are under water most of the time, they are completely in their own head. Swimmers have to have a lot of self-motivation and training skills because they are basically on their own while swimming,” Coach Judd, the head swim coach said.

Coaches Judd and McFarlane encourage and teach the athletes these skills with help from the captains. The girls captain, senior Courtney Stewart, is helping to lead the team to district and state championships, and boys cocaptains are juniors Kelly Schulte and Race Wilhoite.

Along with the physical and mental challenges of the sport itself, their biggest challenge for the year is to beat American Heritage at districts.

“If we can beat them in districts, we can almost certainly win states,” Coach Judd said. “American Heritage wins so frequently that if we win districts, we have already defeated the biggest competition in the state.”

Coach Judd strategizes to reach these goals by utilizing key team members like sophomore Mia Marquez, last year’s 100-meter butterfly district champ; Gwen Bencie, a freshman who competes in the backstroke; and Matteus Santos, a freshman freestyler who, in Coach Judd’s words, is “just incredibly fast.”

Football team prepares for conference title

By Sabrina Chery, Asst. Opinion Editor

After winning eight straight games last year, the varsity football team has continued its success this fall.

“Our goals this year are to win the conference championship,” Coach Nagy said. “Our biggest challenge is to stay focused and not take the previous season for granted.”

Players to watch are senior wide receiver Michael Young, senior wide receiver Jacob Seransky, and

junior quarterback Logan Good.

“I feel like we’re strong and one of the best teams Pompano Beach has ever witnessed,” Seransky said.

“The coaches have stepped up, making us the best players we can be and reach our maximum potential.”

With a 5-1 record at press time and a host the playoffs, the team’s goal is to win the conference championship.

The playoffs will be held Oct. 23 and Oct. 29 at the school.

Golf swings their way up

By Mia Marquez, Business Manager

Five boys and two girls qualified for the regional golf tournament Oct. 19 at Lago Mar Country Club.

“I believe that hard work and dedication will lead us to success,”

golf coach Mr. Hammond said.

The boys are Johnny Tice, Brett Pope, Deon Riley, Thomas Christensen and Mike Evans.

The girls are Kylee Mineo and Olivia Saunders.

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October 2015 • thetornadotimes.org

Volleyball serves season

By Amanda Cisneros, Asst. News Editor

Though the going has been tough this season, the girls varsity volleyball team, historically one of our school’s strongest sport’s teams, has been able to maintain a record of 11-9.

The girls face the challenge of competing against tougher schools and with the added challenge of losing some of their best team members.

The team however, maintains high spirits with the help of Cassidy Bonito, senior.

“Cassidy is consistent and energetic; and she’s always present on the court,” senior Cri Smothers said.

The team also enjoys the steady company of fans at their games who “help cheer us on,” and keep the playing “nonstop” said Smothers.

Freshman Natalia Pico Jumpserves in a game against Calvary Christian. The girls varsity volleyball team has a record of 11-9.

PHOTO BY TYANA BRYAN

16 last look

October 2015 • thetornadotimes.org

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On a very ________ Halloween night, the ________ were creeping, not a ________ in sight. Out came the ________ , both thrilling and ________, while witches were ________ and monsters were hidden away.

The children were laughing, ________, and playing, each dressed in a ________ costume that they hoped would be frightening.

As the ________ night dwindled on, the ________began to howl. The moon was in full glow, while the wolves were on the prowl. Kids ________ by, house lights began to fade, but the ghosts stayed lingering amongst the ________ graves.

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