Tornado Times, December 2016

Mentoring changes with the times - Pg. 3

Tornado Times

December 2016 Pompano Beach High School 600 NE 13 Ave. thetornadotimes.org @TornadoTimes

3 resolutions - Pg. 4

Vol. 8, No. 2 Pompano Beach, FL 33060 pbhsnewspaper@gmail.com

New coaches - Pg. 10

The year that was - Pg. 9 Graphic by Nicolas Gallardo

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December 2016 • thetornadotimes.org

news

America remembers ‘Day that will live in infamy’

By Alexandra Griffin, Managing Editor

were never repaired.

For most students, December is This attack caused more casua month full of giving and receivalties than any previous attack on ing gifts as well as celebrating with U.S. soil (a record that would not family and friends. However, many be broken until 9/11), and it had students overlook one event that some of the greatest repercussions. lasted only a few hours 75 years The day after the attack on Pearl ago and threatened the livelihood Harbor, the United States was of most Americans. thrust into World War Pearl Harbor, the headquarII, in which Amerters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, was ica had attacked by Japanese Imperial forces, resulting in over 2,000 casualties of military personnel and civilians on Dec. 7, 1941.

On the Hawaiian island of Oahu, many sailors had just woken up and were preparing for a relaxed day on an island many consider equivalent to paradise. Despite a warning sent directly to President Franklin Roosevelt three days prior to the attack that threatened the Hawaiian islands, no additional defense of the massive harbor was employed.

Just before 8 a.m., the first Japanese dive bombers flew into the harbor in formation, dropping the first bombs.

The harbor was dive-bombed and torpedoed for two hours, damaging or destroying 20 ships and over 300 airplanes.

One of the most chilling stoGraphic by ries was that of the U.S.S. AriNicolas zona, which was bombed only Gallardo about 10 minutes after the start of the attack. A 1,800 pound despeately tried to bomb landed in the ammunition maintain a neutral stance. magazine and the ship exploded, While most people at the time sinking and trapping over 1,000 were excited for the holidays, just sailors inside. like today, many men and women, Although every major battleship ages 18 to 45, volunteered or were in the harbor sustained major drafted into the war effort. damage, the U.S.S. Arizona and The fighting in the Pacific camU.S.S. Utah were the only two that paign began on Dec. 8 and contin-

ued until Sept. 2, 1945, just about a month after the first ever atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.

Within the near four years that the United States was at war with Japan, the United States lost over 111,000 troops, over 250,000 soldiers were wounded and over 21,000 troops were taken as prisoners of war. Not only did the war cause

massive casualties, it marked a new era, the era of modern weapons and “mutually assured destruction,” the premise that the best way to prevent being destroyed by an attack of nuclear bombs would be to have the nuclear arsenal to obliterate any opponent. No attack or air raid in history had ever reached the pure hysteria and fatality of the dropping of the atomic bombs

on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in the same amount of time.

As most members of the military that experienced the attack on Pearl Harbor are in their late 90s or no longer alive, it is especially important to remember the consequences of the attack, and the sacrifices that were made in order to win the war.

The war began with an obvious Japanese advantage because, in previous years, Japan had conquered a great amount of land in the Pacific. However, America had quickly turned into a war machine and it wasn’t long before Japan felt its remarkable capabilities.

The first few major battles between the United States and Japan were the Battle of Wake Island, resulting in an all out Japanese victory, and the Battle of the Coral Sea which resulted in a tactical victory for Japan.

The next major battle was the Battle of Midway, when breakthroughs in deciphering the Japanese Purple code gave the U.S. Navy critical information of a sneak attack planned to hit the American Island of Midway. The attack, if successful would completely disable the U.S. Navy as most of its major, functioning ships were located at Midway Island.

The war began with an obvious Japanese advantage because, in previous years, Japan had conquered a great amount of land in the Pacific. However, America had quickly turned into a war machine and it wasn’t long before Japan felt its remarkable capabilities.

Read more at https://thetornadotimes.org/

December 2016 • thetornadotimes.org

news

3

New changes to the mentoring program

By Jessica Buchanan, News Editor

there wasn’t enough time.”

Mentors like sophomore Daniel Alexander said he thought “it would be better if we were to play little trust games or bonding games” to fill the time. Alexander said these activities will help the mentees and mentors to “trust each other” more.

Mentoring sessions take away the study hall of those participating, making many students reluctant to

go.

Before one of the previous mentoring sessions, junior Pedro Renteria went to go pick up his mentees from their personalization period “and they all groaned.”

The meetings occur every other week rather than monthly like last year.

Sophomore Jason Nguyen feels the meetings occur “way too often” and wants to see more one-on-one time with the mentees for “academic/social advice.”

Another change to the mentoring program is the creation of mentor/mentee small groups. Last year there were individual groups of one mentor to only one or two mentees; however, this year there are three mentors to eight or nine mentees.

Sophomore Addison Nguyen thinks that having so many mentees is great “because it is easier to keep the conversation” amongst the group.

Daniel Alexander is “working closely with his fellow mentor” to see what he can do for his mentees.

One of the responsibilities of a mentor is to check on their mentees and ensure they are doing what they need to do in order to succeed.

Sophomore Brinya Kydd knows giving mentees “all the necessary Freshmen Lorraine Angelakos, Gustavo Botero and Ally Pelkey (right to left) look at their grades in the media center while receiving help in whatever they need” is the help from sophomore Dionna Johnson on Nov. 2. This activity helped the mentees know which classes they need to improve in. key to being a successful student.

45 minutes long.

In order to be more beneficial The mentoring program has had to the mentees, sophomore Jessisome mixed reviews among the ca Romer “think[s] the meetings mentors and mentees since the could be slightly shorter.” new changes that have been made Activities that were once done in this school year.

30 minutes are now dragged out to Mentoring sessions have been fill a time frame more than three lengthened to take advantage of the times as long. longer periods in the block schedMs. Narus, mentoring program ule. In the previous school years, advisor, lengthened the time frame the sessions were 30 minutes long, because “the feedback last year was but this year they are an hour and

JROTC remembers fallen heroes for Vets Day

By Nicolas Gallardo, Graphic Design Editor

JROTC’s 11th annual Fallen Heroes Ceremony took place on Nov. 10 in the courtyard to honor the soldiers that have fallen to protect our country since 9/11.

Pompano Beach Mayor Lamar Fisher and a number of World War II veterans from across the state

attended the event.

Students in JROTC collected donations to buy flags that represent each fallen hero.

“I highly respect the fallen heroes and feel proud to honor their ultimate sacrifice,” Ryan Russo, company officer, said.

Photo By Jessica Buchanan

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December 2016 • thetornadotimes.org

opinion

We’re not all that: 3 New Year’s resolutions Our school is rated as one of the best schools in Broward County and we are also the best at avoiding any sort of “drama” that creeps through our hallways.

That said, we have some things to work on. Here are three resolutions for our school in 2017.

We need to talk about our social issues.

“I think we need more opportunity for dialog among students,” language arts teacher Ms. Avery said. “Students should be able to freely discuss topics whether involving race, ethnicity or religion.”

As millennials, we’ve seen and heard it all, whether through the media or our surrounding environment. But for some reason we avoid discussing prominent events, like police shootings of unarmed civilians or the legalization of medical marijuana, that can affect us all. We should be able to talk about sensitive topics whether or not other people agree with our sentiments toward the topic. Discussion is a key tool in democratic education.

“It’s a conversation that needs to happen,” senior Sydney Williamson said. Our school has made several short-sighted attempts, but assemblies, announcements and speeches are only effective if you attack a problem head on. Surface conversations will only get our

school surface outcomes.

“As an international school, we should be able to incorporate world-wide topics into our classes,” Williamson continued. Although we live in a country that fears discussing these topics because they can be very sensitive, that shouldn’t limit our school. That indicates that it is absolutely necessary to talk about such topics.

Focus on those who care.

“I think they (staff) need to start showing more appreciation toward the students,” junior Pedro Renteria said. “We definitely give an arm and a leg at this school and some of us barely get noticed.”

One might say that attending this school is an incentive on its own, but by trying really hard to keep everyone here, the school is placing a barrier between itself and its “scholars.”

Although this school is filled with bright and brilliant students, there are students who “don’t care.” This attitude leads to counselors and staff trying to keep those students here, but they have to understand that our school isn’t for everyone.

Don’t limit students in the classroom.

“We should not feel limited by our teachers,” junior Racquel Melville said. “Their job is to teach and we take to the responsibility of using that knowledge for our advantage.”

Teachers receive a salary by transferring their knowledge to their students in ways we can understand and make use of in our courses.

So often do we find students that complain about teachers who limit the creativity of their students. The “I’m right and you’re wrong” phase has lived long enough. In one class a teacher told students that he/she didn’t care about how they felt about how to solve a problem because their way was the way they had to do in the class. Yet there were other ways to solve the problem and get to the same answer.

Most students wouldn’t come to school to stare at a blank wall; they really come to learn and want to make use of the things they learn in every aspect of life.

This is why they should be able to challenge our intelligent teachers, and with all the intelligent students at this school, it should be expected.

This school has a lot of potential and with these “simple” fixes we could begin a new era where students feel a lot happier and are more successful with their academic environment.

Graphic by Nicolas Gallardo

Times

Sabrina Conza, Editor in Chief Alexandra Griffin, Managing Editor Jessica Buchanan, News Editor Nadieda Dazile, Opinion Editor Milan McKie, Opinion Editor Maria Suarez, Centerspread Editor Madison Steinkamp, Student Life Editor Samuel Rosser, Sports Editor Nicolas Gallardo, Graphic Design Editor Simon Ho, Asst. Graphic Design Editor Christina Matiuk, Back Page Editor Jamie Black, Business Manager Jessica Moschette, Staff Writer Brianna Barreau, Staff Writer Dr. Andrew Shipe, Adviser Staff Interns Alexis Schatten La’Nyah Russell

Tornado Times is produced by: Pompano Beach High School 600 NE 13 Ave. Pompano Beach, FL 33060 Phone: (754) 322-2000 Email: pbhsnewspaper@gmail.com Website: thetornadotimes.org Snapchat: thetornadotimes Instagram: @tornadotimes Twitter: @TornadoTimes Issues in the 2016-17 school year are planned for October, December, March and May. Tornado Times’ mission is to inform and entertain by reporting on relevant events. With hard work and improved communication with readers via web and print, we will create a well-made newspaper and a better website.

Tornado Times is a public forum for student expression.

The newspaper staff is responsible for determining what 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. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for poor taste, libel and space.

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The opinions in this publication are not necessarily those of advertisers, Pompano Beach High School or Broward County Public Schools.

Tornado Times is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association, which awarded the newspaper a silver certificate for its 2015-16 issues.

5 Heroes fall while JROTC profits December 2016 • thetornadotimes.org

opinion

JROTC honors veterans By

By

Sabrina Conza,

Jamie Black,

Editor in Chief

Business Manager

The Fallen Heroes ceremony is a long standing tradition that JROTC has participated in for years. Although JROTC raises money from this ceremony, the purpose is not to profit, but to honor veterans who died.

JROTC members sell flags, and Flags representing fallen heroes stand at attention in the courtyard before the Fallen personalization periods collect Heroes ceremony. Flags were sold for $2 each in order to fund the flags and other money, with the class who collects Photo by Jamie Black JROTC programs. the most being awarded two parThrough the week of Oct. 24 The profits that JROTC makes ties. study halls were given the incentive are not unworthy, as cadets have According to Lt. Col. Johnson, put time and effort into making the from JROTC that if they participatthe money that is collected “goes ed in donating money, in equivaevent a success. The money that for flags and replacing flags.” Each doesn’t go to the flags goes to “help lence of buying a flag for JROTC’s flag is dedicated to one “fallen Fallen Heroes ceremony, they out the program,” Lt. Col. Johnhero,” a service member who died would receive a food party from son said.

With all of the work that during the wars in Afghanistan and Chick-fil-a and Chipotle. these people are putting in, they Iraq, with there being 6,800 flags Some students like junior Carlos should get some reward. in total displayed in the grass by Garriga believed that “(JROTC) Even non-profit organizations the courtyard. really would give our donations to The purpose of displaying these have people on their payroll, and the cause,” but Garriga soon found the way that these JROTC memflags and holding the ceremony is out otherwise. bers are being paid for their work to honor those lost. The ceremoStudents’ assumption that the is by allowing leftover money to go ny is meant to be a “community collected money is going toward a to field trips and to keep the price event,” according to Lt. Col. Johnfallen hero, or at least a veteran, is down for the Military Ball later in son, and the school is kept open understandable given the name of the year. over the weekend for members of the fundraiser. For the past three Lt. Col. Johnson said that “it’s the community to look at the flags like a memorial.” I agree, that’s ex- years I assumed that the money and honor those lost. collected by JROTC goes toward a actly what the flags are. Each flag memorializes a different fallen vet- fallen hero; maybe I’m too naive to have questioned motives of JROTC eran, so, as Lt. Col. Johnson said, “no one is left behind or forgotten.” and its fundraiser, but wouldn’t it have been nice to hope for good?

JROTC is not trying to take Recently I learned that the monadvantage of the fallen heroes. ey collected from both the study They’re just trying to honor them hall fundraiser and other flags sold and keep their memory alive.

“no one is left behind or forgotten,” - Lt. Col. Johnson

by JROTC members does not go towards a fallen hero.

Lt. Col. Johnson said that the money “goes for the flags, replacing flags” and the “leftovers help out the program” in order to “defray the cost.”

JROTC has not said in any way that the money does actually go towards veterans and I can’t hold that against them, but with the name of the fundraiser and how big of an ordeal the Fallen Heroes ceremony is, you’d assume the money goes directly toward fallen heroes.

The fact that the money doesn’t go to the implied cause has left me uneasy. This seems like a small issue to be upset over, but when the men and women represented by the flags so selflessly died for our great nation, a nation that JROTC prides itself on honoring, the money raised in their honor should go towards a charity that benefits veterans.

A few years ago, there was a donation to the Paralyzed Veterans of America given by JROTC and I urge them to do the same thing this year.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad JROTC is honoring veterans, but I surely would be more happy with their actions if the money raised went toward the veterans who the Fallen Heroes ceremony is built upon.

Letter to the Editor: Parent did not fund color guard Dear Editor: It has come to my attention that the Tornado Times has recently produced and distributed the October 2016 paper (Vol. 8, No. 1). Inside the paper, there is an article regarding the school’s failed color guard with my family’s name and FALSE information. My father, William (Bill) Dowd, DID NOT provide the school’s color guard program with $25,000.

This is completely absurd and untrue. Ms. Odio was not the band director at Pompano Beach High School when my sister attended and participated in the color guard, so Ms. Odio would NOT have any information regarding my

father and/or a donation made.

My father would like to include this statement: “When I first saw this article, my initial reaction was shock as I never donated that amount of money. The article made it seem like no one paid their fees and that couldn’t be further from the truth. To be perfectly clear, during the six years I volunteered with the program, 90 percent of the members paid their fees of up to $1,200 per school year. The students who did not pay their fees were not allowed to be part of the program the following year, with some exceptions.

“What I did give a lot of was time, the band director

cannot do it alone and parents volunteering is one of the most important components to successful programs. I am not saying that everyone has to be as involved as I was, that would be unrealistic and not everyone is in a position to do that. It takes a lot of help to keep a band & color guard program going, I can tell you that while it was a lot of work, it was also a lot of fun and my relationship with my daughters was strengthened by my involvement.”

Thank you for your time and response, Kelly Dowd

6 centerspread

December 2016 • thetornadotimes.org

One Season, Many Cultures

Olivia Stack, senior, Christian, non-denominational “I catch up on sleep. It’s a good time to spend with family.”

Mrs. Maharaj, Hindu “All paths/religions lead to God (moksha or liberation). We should be tolerant and respectful of their religions and celebrations. Happy Holidays.”

Ms. Magnetta, Buddhist “We participate in Christmas festivities but we don’t look at the holiday through a religious viewpoint, instead we view it as a way to spend time with friends and family and a way to show love.”

Indya Evans, freshman, Jehovah’s Witness “We don’t condemn people for what they do. We should respect all religions.”

Daniel Alexander, sophomore, Pentecostal “We do candlelight services and our whole family comes together.”

Sasha Mikhailau, sophomore, Russian Orthodox “On Christmas eve we eat a Russian themed dinner, watch movies, play board games, and go drive around to look at the Christmas lights and on Christmas day we open presents.”

December 2016 • thetornadotimes.org

centerspread

Daniel Harrigan, senior, Catholic “For Christmas we go to Christmas Mass and we have Christmas stuff and get lit.”

Mr. Torres, Catholic “It’s a time to spend time with family and recognize what you’re thankful for and overall quality time with family.”

Mr. Farley, no specific religion “We should respect all cultures and religions during the holidays season.”

Tori-Ann Hanson, junior, Baptist “People should be acceptive because everyone has different views and we should be more educated about religions andc celebrations in school.”

Thabasya Veeramani, sophomore, Hindu “We celebrate with presents, but we don’t go to church. We do it for family and not for the holiday.”

Tristan Wong, senior, Christian, non-denominational “I put up the tree, ornaments and decorate the house. First and foremost it’s a time to celebrate God’s birth and we look at it as a time of giving.”

7

Mr. Henderson, Jewish “We celebrate family and follow the tradition to light menorah and celebrate. Everyone should be respected regardless of any difference in religion, who they love, race or culture.”

Holley Brothers, Baptist “The focus of the reason of the season is Jesus. The purpose of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus. We spend the time with family because it’s important.”

Mr. Stone, Muslim “We should respect all religions. I have no problem with other religions. For each his own.”

Tucker Howell, junior, Baptist “You shouldn’t judge people based on their religion and the holidays they celebrate.”

Design by Maria Suarez

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December 2016 • thetornadotimes.org

student life

8 students published in national contest

By Kylie Severine, Staff Intern

get published,” since they started Eight students submitted poems writing around age 12, junior Jay Pearson said. to a national contest and are now Students got to select which poem published poets. to submit to represent their unique“It makes you feel like your ness. writing isn’t meaningless,” senior “I didn’t even know my poem was Christine Duarte said. entered,” Duarte said.

The America Library of Poetry Both Pearson and Duarte have holds a contest each year where teachers are encouraged to send in entered other writing contests and feel as though creative writing poems written by young authors from grades 3-12 for the chance of classes improved their writing impublication individually or in class mensely, as they wrote every type of poem and developed their skills. sets. The creative writing classes For Duarte, this contest meant have submitted class sets of poems for the past three years, and teach- one thing.

“Progress. I don’t see myself as a er Dr. Melillo plans to continue good writer but it was good to see this tradition this year.

“I mean, kids who are published someone did,” Duarte said.

Duarte wrote a love story based poets … to put that on your reoff of something she had read that sume is pretty cool,” Dr. Melillo stuck with her, and although it said. wasn’t based off of her own life, she For some students, this experience is exactly what they needed to still saw its importance.

“You should write for others,” take their writing to the next level.

Duarte said.

“It was always a goal of mine to

While Duarte wrote about a more traditional topic, Pearson wrote about something very sensitive to them.

“I’m not worried about if other people read it, I’m worried if my family reads it,” Pearson said.

Pearson wrote about their eating disorder, a topic that was very personal and difficult to share with anyone, especially when they don’t usually share much with their family anyways.

“I don’t share much of my feelings, and my writing is very secretive,” Pearson said.

While the topic of their eating disorder was very sensitive, Pearson said they hoped that it might help someone else and wishes they had been clearer about what they meant.

“Even the title was kind of coded,” Pearson said.

Dr. Melillo said the diversity of these poets continues the diversity

of the 12 authors from this school who have been published in the past three years.

“They were all different,” Dr. Melillo said. “But they had universal themes. These poems were from third grade to 12th, and you read some of this third grade stuff and … wow.”

The one tip that Dr. Melillo chose to share was this: “Simple complexity is best.”

She explained that it’s better to write in “clean” or clear writing to express a deeper theme than to get caught up in flowery language and showing off your vocabulary.

The book has already been printed and will be published in December.

Dr. Melillo had advice for anyone worried about getting rejected by a writing contest.

“Don’t take it personally,” Dr. Melillo said, “You never know what will appeal to someone.”

Freshmen enjoy first Hoco court elections

By Alexis Schatten, Staff Intern

The stairways were full of colorful posters wittily exclaiming to vote various students for court. The hallways were buzzing with conversations about who asked who or what dress someone bought. Homecoming was quickly approaching.

The girls running for homecoming countess didn’t seem to be concerned, though.

“I’m never going to be the smartest or the prettiest, but I can be the nicest,” Angelina Conforti, a freshman running for homecoming countess, said. “It’s okay if I don’t win, obviously; it’s just for fun.”

Conforti said she stayed calm and unbothered about the outcome, much more worried by upcoming

math tests than by winning the title she ran for.

“To be honest, I’m really more stressed about making sure I’m getting my assignments done while still doing my after school activities,” Conforti said.

Freshman Geenisis Pachon said that despite her position as a nominee, she remained unconcerned about how people feel about her.

“I don’t think I have any more pressure put on me than anyone else. I’m running for myself, not for (the other students),” she said.

Freshman Isabella Zapata was not stressed about the election because she would have been very surprised to find that she won. She said her immediate reaction would

probably be somewhere between disbelief and excitement.

“I’m a loser, so no one’s going to vote for me,” Zapata said, laughing. For both these candidates, Homecoming will be their first big dance as a high school student.

In fact, before deciding to run, Zapata was unsure that she would even attend.

“Now that I’m running, I have a real reason to go,” she said.

Freshman Victoria Lucia said that she was running for Homecoming court because she thought it would be a great way to make new friends at a new school.

“I have actually become friends Freshman Isabella Zapata is getting ready for homecoming. Zapata was a nominee for with all of them” she said. homecoming countess.

Photo by Alexis Schatten

The most entertaining events of 2016

Graphic by Nicolas Gallardo

Based on a survey of 75 students on Nov. 10.

December 2016 • thetornadotimes.org

student life

9

10 sports

December 2016 • thetornadotimes.org

Soccer coaches shuffle jobs

By Sam Rosser, Sports Editor

Girls’ varsity soccer has a new head coach this year: Keith Holder.

Coach Holder, commonly referred to as Coach Keith, is in his third year of coaching at the high school level. The past two years he has served under Tyler Townsend, the boys’ varsity soccer head coach. He was also the head coach at Lighthouse Christian middle school.

His debut season has gone mediocre so far, with a record of 4-5 at the time of this writing.

All of its losses have been against private schools.

“I think he’s trying the best he can,” said firstyear varsity player Jessica Buchanan.

This season is going roughly the same

as last year’s according to Samantha Baron, captain and junior.

“The loss of so many seniors and we have so many injuries that it’s hard to play at the same level we were at last year,” Baron said.

Andres Scheele, the boys varsity assistant coach, stepped down as girls head coach due to a busy personal schedule. He has since shifted to the boys assistant coach role, bringing a new perspective.

Overall, Coach Keith has taken to his new post with “passion” and “eagerness” and is ready to take on the challenges that it entails. His goals for the season include making it to the district finals which, at this pace, will more than likely happen.

Samantha Baron, captain, prepares to clear the ball. The team lost 8-0 to American Heritage.

Photo by Sam Rosser

Nagy’s next play: tackling retirement

By Jamie Black, Business Manager

After four years of coaching football here, Coach Nagy announced his retirement as the head football coach.

This season the team had a 2-8 record, which left the team ranked eighth in the Gold Coast Football Standings, but he continued even when the team was faced with losses.

In order to overcome challenges, Coach Nagy said he always

Winter Sports Calendar

Mon, Dec. 12 6 pm Varsity Girls Basketball @ Douglas 7:30 pm pm Varsity Boys Basketball @ Douglas Tue, Dec. 13 4 pm Girls Soccer @ Hallandale 6 pm Boys Soccer @ Hallandale Wed, Dec. 14 JV Boys Basketball @ Northeast 6 pm Varsity Girls Basketball @ Northeast 7:30 pm Varsity Boys Basketball

@ Northeast Thu, Dec. 15 4 pm Girls Soccer @ Stranahan 5 pm Boys Soccer HOME vs Stranahan Fri, Dec. 16 4:30 pm JV Boys Basketball @ Western 6 pm Varsity Girls Basketball @ Western 7:30 pm Varsity Boys Basketball @ Western

New JV coach prepares for basketball season

By La’Nyah Russell, Staff Intern

Varsity coach Alex Jenkins and new JV coach Jamesey Stone prepared for the basketball season in November, with new players, new plans, and a new outlook on the The boys varsity soccer team played Pembroke Pines Charter on Dec. 1, season.

“You have to be a good loser to losing 3-1. The team has a record of 0-5. be a good winner,” Coach Jenkins The girls varsity soccer team lost 8-0 to Pembroke Pines Charter on said.

Dec. 1, making their overall record 4-5.

After last year’s records of 9-13 The boys varsity football team played their last game against Taravella for varsity, and 4-10 for JV, the on Nov. 4, losing 13-0. The team’s final record is 2-8. coaches and the players are deOn Nov. 28, the varsity boys basketball team played Coral Glades, lostermined to bring that record up ing 66-31. Their current record is 0-3.

The girls varsity basketball team lost 42-27 on Nov. 30, its record is 4-4. this year with hard work, sweat and willpower. To help the team Records are as of Dec. 2. prepare for this rigorous season, Coach Jenkins and Coach Stone have been running open gyms and

Quick Hits

stressed how the team would “work hard and play as a team,” and that his goal was to always “play each game with 110 percent.”

His players attest to that. “(Coach Nagy) always told us to fight and never give up no matter what it was,” linebacker Brian Campbell said. “He loved the game.’”

Regarding his reason for retiring, Coach Nagy said, “It was just time,” and “I did all I could in coaching.”

extra practices to help the players improve on their shooting, dribbling, endurance, jumping and much more.

Coach Stone has been a coach for a little over 10 years, and says he is ready to help the boys basketball team improve in any way possible.

“It’s achievable for the JV team to be undefeated if they really work for it,” Coach Stone said.

Sophomore Cedrick Camper said the team needs one more thing besides hard work to meet its goals.

“More support from the students and fans,” Camper said.

“What's the point of doing it, if you not gon’ do it for real?” Robert Suggs asked.

Volleyball season comes to an end

By Jessica Buchanan, News Editor

The girls varsity volleyball team lost to Suncoast in three straight sets 20-25, 26-28 and 17-25 at the regional quarterfinal game on Oct. 25.

“It was emotional,” Madison Bobes, sophmore, said. “We all started to cry at the end because it was such a good season.”

The loss against Suncoast takes away the team’s chance of compet-

sports11

December 2016 • thetornadotimes.org

ing in the regional finals as it did last year, but the team is already looking forward to next season.

“It was a positive record, 14-11, and we are expected to do very well next year,” Coach Pico said.

Coach Pico said that the team had continual injuries during the season, but the players managed “to work it out” and take home some great wins.

Elise llorens, Madison Bobes and Kayla Keating congratulate each other after scoring a point. This point put the girls volleyball team in the lead.

Photo by Jessica Buchanan

12 last look

December 2016 • thetornadotimes.org

Madison Keefe, freshman “I want to stop procrastinating and make better grades in French and geometry. I also want to start working out.”

New Year, New Me Stefan Austin, freshman “I want to get straight A’s and improve on geometry in school.

I want to get my learners permit when I turn 15. During summer, I want to get better at soccer.”

Andra Danu, sophomore “I want to be better in math and get an A or a B. I want to get a job too, probably at Chick-fil-A.”

Tanner Knowles, sophomore “I want to get a girlfriend this year and pass AP World History. I just want to pass the class.”

Jalyn Jean-Baptiste, junior “I want to get better grades in school and keep growing with my friends. In track, I want my times to get faster.”

Jack Temple, senior “I don’t have any New Year’s resolutions because I’m perfect, but I do want to stay awake in statistics.”

Design by Christina Matiuk Graphics by Nicolas Gallardo

Seth Horowitz, junior “I just want to keep doing well in classes, and to keep doing well in school.”

Alina Brito, senior “Seniors get lazy, so I don’t want to get lazy this year and get senioritis. I want to get closer to my parents and make more family time.”