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November 2017 Pompano Beach High School 600 NE 13 Ave. thetornadotimes.org @TornadoTimes
Fin ga al f va me ootb Pa lian don all ge t ve ate 11 ter s to an s
Vol. 9, No. 2 Pompano Beach, FL 33060 pbhsnewspaper@gmail.com
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Faces of Pompano
Dylan Ferrante (upper left), Mison Khan (upper right), Richard Columbo (lower left) and Carlos Garriga-Dominguez (lower right) participated in the 2017 Mr. Pompano pageant on Nov. 2. PHOTOS AND GRAPHIC BY JULIA LATCHANA AND ALEXANDRA GRIFFIN
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November 2017 • thetornadotimes.org
news
Parents, Florida residents can hit books, replace them By Alexis Schatten, Asst. Section Editor
A new bill that allows residents of Florida to challenge textbooks and other instructional materials they’ve deemed objectionable has been put into place as of July 1. CS/HB 989 states that all parents and residents of Florida can object to questionable materials, all approved books must be appropriate for students, hearings are required for all objections and residents can access instructional materials in libraries. “It was a four- or five-step process to address what parents might have thought was an issue. That was a very cumbersome process,” Keith Flaugh of Florida Citizen’s Association (FLCA) said, a conservative group that played a large part in the passing of the bill. Prior to the passing of CS/HB 989, only parents could object to class materials. To make objections, they had to go to the teachers involved and then take a trip to the principal’s office for the objection to even become a possibility. “I think anything that promotes
more community involvement in public education is good,” social studies teacher Ms. Hanna said. FLCA has spent the last two years gathering evidence through indepth read-throughs of textbooks that it refers to as Deep Dives. The issues found in these Deep Dives were broken down into six categories: English language arts, pornography, reconstructed history and Advanced Placement U. S. History, religious indoctrination, political indoctrination and Common Core math methodologies. According to the FLCA, some textbooks had as many as 80 inaccuracies. Several novels with explicit content were assigned as required reading to students as young as 11. Examples include “Beautiful Bastard” by Christina Lauren (described by Entertainment Weekly as “Deliciously steamy!”) and “The Truth About Alice” by Jennifer Mathieu (winner of the Children’s Choice Book Awards’ Teen Choice Debut Author Award that discusses rumors written on the “slut stall” in the bathroom about a student).
CS/HB 989 further requires that all instructional materials must be appropriate for the students reading them. Some teachers believe that the possible limitations that may be caused by the passing of the bill are unnecessary. They believe that objections may be warranted in some cases, although parents may not do as much research as they should before complaining. “So we’re back in the Stone Age, huh? Are they going to ban books?” Dr. Melillo said. “I don’t know that all parents understand the demands that college is going to have for particular materials.” Some subjects, such as Common Core math methodologies, are considered issues without much of a basis for this claim. In some cases, the methodologies are loose outlines for a teacher’s lessons. “I don’t know why (parents) would object to their children learning,” Mrs. Picchiarini said. “I would question what their reasoning (to object) would be.”
GRAPHIC BY JAMIE BLACK
‘I gotta go!’: Teachers defend restricting bathroom passes By Jamie Black, Section Editor
“drink less water than I usually do because of it (the extra credit bathroom passes) or hold it.” Avalos added, “I was surprised that using the bathroom determines a boost in your grade.” Extra credit bathroom passes entail a student receiving extra credit at the end of each quarter for not using bathroom passes given by their teachers. Teachers who give out the extra credit passes include Ms. Avery, Ms. Pellegrino, Mrs. Hill, Ms. Maharaj and Mrs. McFarlane. Some teachers will give out as few as two passes a quarter or as many as eight, the number depending on each teacher’s rules. Avery said the extra-credit bathroom passes are “to avoid unnecesJunior Katie Stept hands her extra credit bathroom pass to English teacher Marjorie Avery. Avery sary lingering outside of class when created the passes herself in order to keep students inside the classroom. really they (students) should be in PHOTO BY JAMIE BLACK class.” Senior Daniela Avalos sat in Ms. Pellegrino’s classroom stuck between two options: use her extra
credit bathroom pass and lose an extra credit opportunity or hold it in and suffer for extra credit. As a result Avalos said she had to
Mr. Marchand, who doesn’t give out the extra credit passes, believes the extra credit passes are effective and cause the students to “actually sit there and listen to the lesson” rather than having a “revolving door.” Marchand also emphasizes the importance of students in classes like science and math remaining in class so they can benefit more from the teaching. Senior Alex Leijon doesn’t believe the passes are fair to girls like her, especially if they are menstruating. A teacher “can’t hold their (a female student’s) period against them,” Leijon said. Leijon also adds that an “embarrassing situation” can arise “if the girl is going to need the extra credit at the end of the quarter.” See HOLD IT, page 3
November 2017 • thetornadotimes.org
JROTC honors Fallen Heroes
By Charlotte Hood, Asst. Section Editor
The annual Fallen Heroes Ceremony on Nov. 9 during second block reminded students of the great sacrifices that America’s soldiers have made to protect the United States from terrorist organizations that strive to end our way of life. JROTC coordinated this event, holding various activities and services that showcased the thousands of soldiers who have died in the war on terrorism that began in 2001. “We display all 6,902 flags, and each flag has the fallen heroes’ information on them: their name, the day they died, where they died,” Battalion Executive Officer Marrina Guadagnino said. “We have a replica of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an all service color-guard, 21-gun (salute), burning of the flag (as part of its retirement ceremony), presentation of the wreath.” Multiple guests, some of whom served in previous wars, attended the event and spoke about their
experiences in the conflicts. “We invite all of the veteran teachers,” Guadagnino said. “We also invite school board members, the mayor,... World War II veterans, Korean vets, Vietnam vets…” JROTC students encouraged students and staff members to attend the ceremony to pay their respects and honor those who have died to keep them out of harm’s way. “We do it to represent all of those who have paid the ultimate price for the freedom that we enjoy today,” 1st Sgt. Ayanna Williams said. “In my eyes, it’s showing them that they didn’t die for nothing and there are still people here that care about them and who are willing to go that extra mile for them.” The ceremony also sought to remind students of the dark truth about what’s currently happening in the world: the death and destruction caused by terrorist organizations such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. “I think we’re having it (the ceremony) to show… all those who
news
3
World War II veterans Fred Conrod and Andy Buglione meet with attendees at the Fallen Heroes ceremony in the courtyard Nov. 9. Many asked for photos and thanked them for their service. PHOTO BY CHARLOTTE HOOD
might not be able to see the ultimate price that was paid, and bring to light what is actually taking place and what is actually transpiring,” Williams said. “It shows them that war is real and the price that these people paid is real.” Members of JROTC took great pride hosting such an influential
Seeeeeeniors, mark your calendars!
Teachers encourage students to hold it
and significant event at the school, believing that it is not only for a great cause, but it also benefits them. “I think it (the Fallen Heroes ceremony) is good for the entire battalion,” Cadet Nyla Walters said. “It teaches leadership, I think it really brings the school together.”
GRAPHIC BY ALEXIS SCHATTEN
Continued from page 2
Ms. Pellegrino said that the passes aren’t stopping students from going to the bathroom and “they (students) can go to the bathroom anytime they want.”
Overall there is a general consensus between most teachers: extra credit bathroom passes aren’t teachers punishing female students or even male students.
Avery said the policy was not as harsh as students might perceive. “If there’s an emergency, then that’s different and I’m very flexible with dealing with people that
have some kind of emergency,” Avery said. “If teachers cannot go to the bathroom during class then probably students can arrange that too.”
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November 2017 • thetornadotimes.org
opinion
Senior year costs too much Throughout high school, and for many throughout all of their lives, students save up money for college, and senior year is crunch time for saving money and accumulating scholarships. At this point in our lives when we are most are strapped for cash, high schools and colleges tighten the noose little by little, squeezing cash out of seniors and their families a few dollars at a time. It starts with the senior package. You are lured in with the fun activities like prom, homecoming and Grad Bash until you’re spending over $400 on the VIP package to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun. While it is easy to understand why the senior class chooses to group all these costs together, it is misleading that it is not the only sum you have to pay to graduate. Next are the college application fees. In-state application fees are not so bad, but if you start applying to schools out of state or schools in the top 20, you can end up spending well over the cost of two weeks worth of meals on a single application.
Next is the cap and gown. The gown is a rental, so most would think this cost would be miniscule compared to the rest. Wrong! A cap and gown rental from Herff Jones, the company the school requires you to buy the cap and rent the gown from, charges a whopping $44 for the purchase of a cap, tassel and rental gown. That is if you buy the cap and gown a-la-carte, but they tempt you to fork out even more cash by offering packages that “save you money.”
The first step is to fundraise more. Classes need to do more fundraisers to get the cost of a senior package down. While it may be too late for the Class of 2018, it isn’t too late for 2019, 2020 and 2021, so get to work, freshmen, sophomores and juniors! Step number two is for colleges to simply lower application fees or get rid of them altogether. Colleges like Tulane University are able to keep a reputable status with no application fee, so why can’t everyone else? Step three is the school and county need to stop monopolizing cap and gown sales. The school will not let you walk at graduation or get your official diploma unless you purchase a cap and gown from Herff Jones. A cap and gown off of Amazon from the retailer Robe Depot is $20.99, less than half of the cost of its Herff Now this may just be the opinion of our staff but Jones counterpart, and you get to keep them. we don’t think spending an additional $33 on a Students are stressed enough about getting sticker, pop-socket, extra tassel and keychain is into and paying for colleges. It is unacceptable saving parents and students any money. for schools to be putting even more of a finanSo how are we supposed to solve this and cial burden on students and families. make senior year more affordable?
Scan the QR code on Snapchat to read more about the price of college applications.
GRAPHIC BY JESSICA BUCHANAN
It’s ovary-acting
Just hold it on extra-credit bathroom passes By
Jamie Black, Section Editor
Menstruating and going to the bathroom is normal, but limiting bathroom usage is not. Yes, students shouldn’t be roaming the halls for 20 minutes while “going to the bathroom,” but some teachers’ limits go too far, especially hurting female students. Extra credit bathroom passes are ideally meant to prevent students from being out of class for no reason and reward them for staying for the whole class every day. Sure, a student could opt to use the pass, but then risks the opportunity to get extra credit. The extra credit bathroom passes don’t directly limit bathroom use, but the policy forces conscientious students to choose between their “all-important” grades and their actually important bladders.
Did you know that holding in urine for too long can cause a bladder or urinary tract infection because of a buildup of bacteria? I’m not saying extra credit passes can cause UTIs, but hypothetically speaking if a student holds it for one hour and 45 minutes, she could get a UTI over extra credit. Besides the risk of getting a UTI is a much scarier thing, a period. Extra credit bathroom passes don’t take into account if a student is on her period. It’s not uncommon for women to use the bathroom frequently while on their periods especially when in public settings with the worry of bleeding through. Awkward situations could arise after not getting to the bathroom in time. Both male and female students need to use the bathroom, everyone does, but at the end of the day girls need the flexibility to use the bathroom when needed and to not lose extra credit when they do. This isn’t a one-way double standard either. Looking at all the teachers who give extra credit bathroom passes, those teachers are all
women. Why is that? Because there would be an uproar if a male teacher told his female student that she could use the bathroom, but lose an extra credit opportunity. Female teachers get away with giving out the extra credit passes without sexist scrutiny because they too have periods or have had periods. But let’s be real for a minute, these teachers didn’t just begin their periods. Young women are more likely to have irregular periods that not only vary in flow, but also vary in timing. The irregularity of periods in young women is science and female teachers could be experiencing menopause, but passed of student teacher ratio and the range of ages among female teachers, it is more likely for a female student to have an irregular period. Extra credit bathroom passes are ridiculous and have no solid academic reasoning. They also lack fairness to female students.
Contraception should be right, not privilege By
Alexandra Griffin, Editor in Chief
While the issue of women’s rights has been an issue for many years, the election of Donald Trump fueled the women’s rights fire. After years of blatantly sexist remarks, Trump expressed his prerogative to lessen women’s access to birth control, causing
tensions to rise even more. The system around women’s contraceptives is extremely flawed. Many who are on “the pill” have to visit a doctor every time they need to renew their prescription, which is not only a waste of their time, but also a waste of money. Implants like Nexplanon are in part solving this problem, but Nexplanon is not right for everyone. Some states (like Oregon, California and Colorado) have made the birth control pill available without a doctor’s prescription, but the majority of the country has not taken
similar proposals seriously despite the fact that birth control is just as safe as ibuprofen. Additionally, making birth control an over-the-counter medication will increase profits of Big Pharma companies that seem to keep this country’s leaders in the palm of their hands. So while there is an understandable debate about abortion, that is not the same for birth control. Birth control should be available to anyone who needs it, and not just the morning-after pill, the real thing.
Alexandra Griffin, Editor in Chief Jessica Buchanan, Managing Editor Jamie Black, Gray Page Editor Samuel Rosser, Asst. Gray Page Editor Alexis Schatten, Asst. Gray Page Editor Madison Steinkamp, Asst. Gray Page Editor Charlotte Hood, Asst. Gray Page Editor Maria Suarez, Color Page Editor Kristina Latchana, Asst. Color Page Editor Jordan Brown, Asst. Color Page Editor Andra Danu, Asst. Color Page Editor Emily Powell, Business and Web Editor Julia Latchana, Business and Web Editor Dr. Andrew Shipe, Adviser 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 Twitter: @TornadoTimes Print issues in the 2017-18 school year are planned for October, December, March and May. Online issues are planned for November, February and April. For students, parents and teachers who need to be informed about what’s happening in and out of the school that affects them, Tornado Times is a print and web publication that provides timely multimedia and interactive coverage. Unlike social media, our product is focused around school events from the perspective of the bigger picture. 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 and sent to pbhsnewspaper@gmail.com. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for poor taste, libel and space. Advertising rates are available at estore. browardschools.com. Please contact us by email or by phone if you have any questions. Advertising which promotes illegal products under Florida law, includes false statements or is written in bad taste will not be accepted. 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.
6 centerspread
November 2017 • thetornadotimes.org By Maria Suarez, Section Editor
From secretary of the Student Government Association to future forensic pathologist, senior Shana Belfort has her future planned out and her schedule filled to the brim. “I’m always in the office or in meetings because of SGA,” said Belfort. During her sophomore year, Belfort was introduced to SGA and has remained in it ever since. “Sophomore year I was in (color) guard, but that got discontinued,” Belfort said. “One of my friends who was in guard and in SGA told me to join, so I tried it and they accepted me.” Being in SGA and taking difficult core classes plus Broward College classes about forensics and extra science classes on Florida Virtual School, Belfort has learned to “multitask more and keep a good GPA.” Belfort hopes to attend the University of South Florida. “My plans are to study microbiology and minor in psychology and criminal justice because I want to become a crime lab technician or forensic pathologist,” Belfort said. “I’m interested in how the body works after death.” Belfort has been largely influenced by her mother, to whom she holds a close bond. “My dad passed away when I was nine, so I only live with my mom who’s a single mother,” Belfort said. “I have a good relationship with her and I try to understand her struggles.” Belfort balances her friends’ happiness and her own by remembering one of her favorite quotes by RuPaul: “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love someone else?” Of all of the things Belfort has accomplished, one of her biggest accomplishments is “being alive.” “After all the times I could’ve given up, I’m still here,” Belfort said. “I’m still in school.” PHOTOS AND SPREAD BY MARIA SUAREZ AND JORDAN BROWN
HUMANS O POMPANO
By Maria Suarez, Section Editor
Coming from a Puerto R ground, and having grown junior Christian Vargas sh SoundCloud account, SVU “My father was the one t music and the different ge said. Unlike those who produ larity, Vargas chooses to m his emotions with his aud “It would be nice to insp music,” Vargas said. “I wa feeling when I make the s After high school, Varga interest in producing mus “I want to make music a music industry either you Vargas said. That’s why for Vargas, P lege. “I would hope to continu have to choose something I want to major in busines (Broward College),” Varga off to spend more time on I don’t prosper from it, I c Junior Moses Santos is a supporter of his music. “He wants to inspire the Santos said. At the moment Vargas i making music and explori inspired by artists like Nig Days, Vargas’s music is ce of instrumental, rap, and “It’s something that I m out there. It’s not a goal fo listen to it, I’m fine with ju I like creating music and S that I came up with,” Varg
OF O
By Jordan Brown, Asst. Section Editor
Sophomore Giselle Lenchus stands out on the track and cross-country teams, running towards her goal of a gold medal. “My dream is, in 2020, to run for the Dominican Republic in the Olympics and I want to be a trainer,” Lenchus said. “I just want to be able to represent my country in something positive and something memorable.” Lenchus’ love for running started when she was very young; she was always surrounded by sisters who were on track teams. “I liked gunning for people, I guess, like racing them and winning,” she said. Running acts as a stress reliever for her, a good thing to focus on when things get overwhelming. “I’m the type of person that needs to channel my energy into something productive,” she said. Besides running laps around the track, Lenchus is very comfortable in her skin and her personality, her most memorable trait being her bluntness. “I don’t like to sugarcoat and there’s not a lot of people like that,” Lenchus said. She said she wants to be remembered as “the one who wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in.” Lenchus believes she’s on the right track towards her Olympic goal, resolving to not let anyone get in her way or get her distracted. “Everything is so temporary, I want something lasting,” Lenchus said.
r
Rican and Italian backn up around music, hares his talents on his UGHT. that introduced me to enres there are,” Vargas
uce music to gain popumake music to express dience. pire people with my ant people to get what I’m song.” as hopes to expand his sic. as a career, but in the u make it or you don’t,”
Plan B is to attend col-
ue making music, but I g realistic, and that’s why ss management at BC as said. “I’d take a year n music to make money, if can just go to BC.” friends with Vargas and
e young millennials,”
is content with just ing new genres. Being ght Lovell and Yellow entered around a mixture rock genres. make and I’m putting it or me to get people to ust putting it out there. SVUGHT is something gas said.
centerspread 7
November 2017 • thetornadotimes.org
By Jordan Brown, Asst. Section Editor
Jordan Singer is making waves in his first year of high school. His most notable accomplishment is receiving individual recognition on the school debate team. “I went to Gainesville with the debate team and I got good scores in over 50 percent of the rounds I participated in, which is pretty good,” Singer said. Singer also juggles his participation in debate with classes like AP Human Geography, Spanish 3 and Biology. His knack for debate came from his older brother, Matt, who graduated last year after four years on the debate team. “I didn’t really figure out I was good at it until I went to the first CFL (Catholic Forensic League tournament) and I placed third in Big Question,” Singer said. Singer thinks that his most interesting trait is his love for people. “I want to become Debate president by the end of high school so I want people to remember me as that,” he said. “Also as funny and friendly.” On the other hand, there are some parts of his extroverted personality he’d like to change to better suit the academic rigor of our school. “I would probably change my work ethic,” he said. “I don’t think I have a strong motivation when doing subjects like math.” Singer is also doing well academically. He doesn’t know the specific direction of his future, but he does have a general idea. “I’m not really sure yet, but I definitely want to do something that I’m passionate for,” Singer said. “Maybe something that has something to do with speaking.”
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November 2017 • thetornadotimes.org
student life
Seniors compete to be crowned Mr. Pompano
Mr. Pompano competitors strike a pose during their opening dance. The competitors started the show by dancing to a mash-up of songs. PHOTO BY ALEXIS SCHATTEN
By Alexis Schatten, Asst. Sect. Editor
Several seniors competed in Mr. Pompano on Nov. 2, won by Brian Campbell. The competing seniors performed in front of an auditorium full of students from all grades, teachers and parents alike. The turnout was even better than some of the competitors themselves had
expected. “I had not attended any Mr. Pompanos and a lot more of my friends attended than I thought would,” senior Juancamilo Lopez said. Despite the crowd being bigger than anticipated, the competitors didn’t seem to be worried. Feeling that they wouldn’t be judged by the audience or any of the other
competitors seemed to make being a part of the show a lot easier for them. “It was a lot easier (than doing a different type of show) because it was a very joking atmosphere … it was a lot easier than doing a serious show,” senior Nathaniel Lacerda said.
While some of the seniors competing were used to being the center of attention, some were competing to gain recognition in their final year of school. “(I entered because) I wanted to be more recognized by everyone at school,” runner-up Mison Khan said. Before the students competing could become recognizable they first had to practice their parts. Everyone competing was required to attend the rehearsals, which presented some problems for the busier competitors. “Going to rehearsal was a challenge during the week because of regionals,” said Lopez, who is also on the swim team. “Practice was more important.” Although the students had to work harder to fit everything into their schedules, they had fun with the show and many would recommend competing in Mr. Pompano to future seniors. “(I would recommend competing because) it was so much fun and everyone loved it,” Lacerada said.
Clubs working hard to obtain new students Association club member Clara Chelly. “We work as a family to Students don’t just go to school, show people that SGA is actually attend their classes and go home. Over 50 different types of clubs are a great club and people should available. Club members have been join, so they get convinced to join by that.” trying to boost enrollment by putEvery year, students create new ting up signs, posting club meeting clubs by suggesting a type of club dates on Canvas and informing that they would like to start to freshman about important details concerning their clubs at Freshman Ms. Pliske or the ICC president, Alexis Roberson. Invasion. “I made Photography Club “We don’t try to recruit people when I was a freshman because by begging them to join,” said I am passionate about photogsophomore Student Government By Sierra Van Dreason, Staff Intern
raphy and the school didn’t have a club like it already,” said Lee Silva-Walker, junior and club president. Many students are motivated to take a specific career path because of participating in a certain club. “I want to become a pediatric nurse and HOSA exposes us to experiences in our potential future medical careers,” junior Francesca Reyes said. Reyes is treasurer of Health Occupations Students of America. “The goal of HOSA mem-
bers is to be exposed to the medical field career and prepare us for our competition, which is where we have to perform a medical task in front of judges and test our knowledge about medicine.” The clubs include a variety of different grade levels that participate. “Our club is mostly made up of juniors, but a lot of new members join when they are sophomores,” Reyes said. Read more at http://thetornadotimes.org
binge watch
November 2017 • thetornadotimes.org
entertainment
9
Dynasty Reboot imperfect but entertaining
By Alexandra Griffin, Editor-in-Chief
for a long period of time like Supernatural or the Vampire Diaries. The CW, famed for shows atThe depth of the show does not tracting teens and adults like the Flash and the Vampire Diaries, has reach much deeper than a realireleased a new reboot of the 1980s ty TV show like Keeping Up with the Kardashians, but I don’t feel soap-opera Dynasty. Claiming the bad watching Dynasty because it spot directly after one of the netfocuses on characters and not real work’s currently highest grossing people. shows, Riverdale, the show has While the show has found ways to been heavily promoted and fundPHOTO COURTESY OF IMBD ed, but hasn’t exactly produced the touch on topics like illegal immigration, homosexuality and sexism, product I was expecting after all I don’t believe they have done any that hype. of those topics justice. Portraying The main character, Fallon an extremely wealthy, conniving Carrington (Elizabeth Gillies), is and backstabbing family doesn’t the daughter of Blake Carrington make the characters’ experiences (Grant Show), who believes she is relatable, and inheriting the maybe that’s just family power the nature of the and energy show, but I think business until By Sam Rosser, Asst. Section Editor creates a more dynamic characthere is room for Blake’s new ter, making us actually care about Guess who’s back, back again. improvement fiancee and them. That’s right! It’s your favorite there. later wife CrisThe season begins with all of the pseudo-sci-fi grandpa-and-grandWhat is imprestal (Nathalie cards in Rick’s hands, and slowly son duo: Rick and Morty. sive about the Kelley) comes They’re back *burp*, broh. They they all fall out, ending with the show, however, into the picfamily rallying around each other. have a whole new host of advenis the cast. All the ture. Steven Rick becomes, in that moment, the tures to go on. The new season main characters Carrington insecure old man that he’s been starts in Shoney’s, a figment of are extremely (James MackRick’s vast imagination. And, with- this whole time, which creates a manipulative and ay), Fallon’s great opportunity for “Jerry is garin the short, 20-minute episode, judgmental, but openly gay bage” jokes. you’re taken on a ride throughout each actor has brother, is This season was hysterical and space and time, crisscrossing befound a different somewhat well-constructed. It was refreshing tween dimensions. way to portray it. excluded from to see my favorite cartoon pair back Now, this season’s arc is almost Easily the most the family in action after a two-year absence. completely different from those relatable and likebusiness but PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB The wait was long, but worth it. I that came before it. It delves able character is is the only deeply into Rick’s tortured, flawed just hope that the showrunners can real familial the butler, Anders psyche. At heart, he’s not an invin- come back with a fourth season in (Alan Dale). Anders seems to be on relationship Fallon knows since cible, all-knowing scientist capable a timely manner without comproher father believes that family and the same page as the audience most mising the hilarious and intriguing of bringing the entire multiverse of the time. Whenever I’m thinking, business are the same thing. nature of this fantasy pseudo-sci-fi to its knees for fun (even though “Wow, this family is really terrible,” The murder, affairs and betrayhe definitely can). He’s an old man cartoon. Anders calls someone out on their al follow the lines of almost every Rick and Morty is unparalleled whose best days are long behind actions which I think makes the popular TV show right now, but by any cartoon, with the exception him. show a little more human. that is about it. of Tom and Jerry. The only qualm He takes control of the family, Overall, while I will continue While I find Dynasty entertainthat the show has is that it needs pushing out Jerry, the simple, ing, I am left wishing for more from to watch Dynasty and probably more episodes. Adult Swim doesn’t easy-to-please father, becoming the plot. It doesn’t make you think enjoy it, I won’t be disappointed or air new seasons consistently and the “de-facto patriarch.” Entire surprised if it doesn’t air a second and you are never on the edge of episodes are dedicated to the back- when it does air new seasons, they your seat, qualities which I think season. are too short — only 10 episodes. ground characters Jerry, Summer will prevent the show from running and Beth. Each of those episodes
Rick and Morty *burp* for third season
Seniors represent signings
GRAPHIC BY JAMIE BLACK
Chase Costello, baseball: Louisiana State University
Dillon Abell, baseball: University of New Orleans
Petra Snelson, soccer: South Georgia State College Trevor Kniskern, baseball: Pepperdine University
Michael Schuler, baseball: Florida Atlantic University Chris Ajello, baseball: Asbury University
Baron juggles soccer, clubs, music, brains
By Sam Rosser, Asst. Section Editor
Samantha Baron, senior, has started her fourth year as a starting defender and second year as captain on the girls varsity soccer team. Former teammate and mentee, Jessica Buchanan, described Baron as “motivational” and “a good role model.” Baron is also president of Mu Alpha Theta and vice president of
the Young Democrats Club. Every friday, she volunteers her time, which is in very short supply, at a hospital. She plays the violin at an all-county level with her orchestra. Once soccer season is over, she plays flag football. She hopes that her grades and extracurriculars will get her accepted Senior Samantha Baron warms up before the game against Cardinal Gibbons. The to Dartmouth University. team played Cardinal Gibbons on Nov. 7 and lost 1-0.
PHOTO BY JAMIE BLACK
Final football game donates to World Series valiant veterans By Kayla Gayle, Staff Intern
The organization Paralyzed Veterans of America Florida Chapter were given a check at the Veterans Appreciation football game, against Coral Glades High on Nov. 9, to aid soldiers that fought for the country. “It’s just a way for us as a school to say thank you to the veterans,” JROTC instructor Lt. Col. Gregory Johnson said. The game was rescheduled because of Hurricane Irma and was held on the same day as JROTC’s Fallen Heroes ceremony. The organization has been invited to the Veterans Appreciation Game in previous years. “We’ve done different things for (The Paralyzed Veterans of America),” Johnson said. JROTC has provided the organization with services such as Color Guard. The organization once provided funds for students to go on a trip to Poland. The students were able to explore museums and memorials to experience and learn more about history. “It’s important for everyone in the community to know about what
veterans do, how they actually help,” JROTC cadet Ajani Garnes said. “(It’s also important to) promote patriotism.” Donating to this cause impacts the institution and the students giving. “The student body would have an eye-opening experience and understand how we kind of take things for granted and how we wake up like, ‘Oh we’re free!’ but we sometimes don’t realize that we are being fought for,” Garnes said. Nicole Canino, a freshman, enthusiastically donated money when she first heard of this event from her personalization teacher. She was excited that she could help a foundation, such as this, in her first year and shared the information she knew about the cause to her classmates, in hope that they would also donate. She said that at her previous school, opportunities like this were very limited. “Since I’m so young I feel like there are not a lot of ways to contribute to society, but I feel like this event gave me an opportunity to,” Canino said.
worth wait
By Sam Rosser, Asst. Section Editor
For the first time since 1973, two 100-win teams — the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros — faced off in the Fall Classic. The two star-studded lineups matched off in a back-and-forth display of power hitting and expert pitching. There were games where the pitching was unhittable; in Game 1 Clayton Kershaw struck out 13 batters over seven innings pitched. The former Cy Young Award winner faced off against another Cy Young Award winner: Dallas Keuchel. In a wholly unpredictable turn of events, Keuchel was unable to be the workhorse that he’s been all season and was taken out in the middle of the seventh inning, unusual for a starter of his stature. But, the most unpredictable part of this, quite frankly, crazy World Series was Yu Darvish’s performance. He allowed eight runs in a meek 3.1 innings pitched. He
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November 2017 • thetornadotimes.org
allowed all five runs in Game 7 that the Dodgers’ batters just could not overcome. Yu Darvish’s abysmal World Series performance is not the only reason the Dodgers didn’t take home the Commissioner’s trophy; the Houston Astros were dominant in every aspect of their game. Their bats got hot at just the right times, getting clutch hits with runners in scoring position. Something the Dodgers couldn’t do at all during most of the series, especially in Game 7. The Astros’ pitching wasn’t overly dominant, but they were good enough to get critical outs when there were runners on base, limiting substantially the amount of runs the Dodgers scored. This World Series was filled with outrageous performances, good and bad. The most home runs to be hit in the World Series happened this fall. The longest World Series game ever occurred this series too. This World Series was exciting from any point of view. There were masterful pieces of hitting, pitching and fielding that made it the most exciting of my lifetime. It’s genuinely worth it to go back and watch the Series even though you know the outcome. All records are as of Nov. 9
The cheerleading team competed against Miramar, Coral Springs, Stranahan and Plantation finishing in third place. The girls soccer team won three of its first four games, losing only to Cardinal Gibbons 1-0 on Nov. 7. In its three wins, the team outscored its opponents 11-0. Junior Claire Ries scored four goals in an 8-0 win against Highlands Christian Nov. 4 The girls volleyball team finished with a record of 7-9. Its season ended with a 3-0 regional quarterfinal loss to Suncoast on Oct. 25. The girls golf team finished
the season 4-4, and the boys golf team finished 9-0. Thomas Christensen, junior, placed 11th out of 96 in the Class 2A Gold State Championship on Oct 31 and Nov. 1. “It was my first time competing at states...and I was pretty nervous, but I had Mr. Hammond and my dad there, and they helped me keep calm and eventually...found my rhythm,” Christensen said. The boys soccer team lost 4-1 against Coral Glades High School on Nov. 7. On Nov. 6 the team bet Blanche Ely, 3-1. Their pre-season record at press time was 1-1.
The boys basketball team plays their first game Nov. 27 at The girls swim team placed 5th 7:30 pm at South Plantation High at regionals. Some highlights from School. states were junior Gwen Bencie’s The football team finished with winning swim in her heat and the a record of 1-9. relay team consisting of Gabrielle Cissone (12) , Taylor Zascavage What do you think about (12), Summer Schulte (9) and PBHS sports? Gwen Bencie (11). The boys swim team placed 2nd at regionals and 5th at states. The girls basketball team plays their first game Nov. 21 at 6:00 pm at JP Taravella High School.
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12 last look
November 2017 • thetornadotimes.org
TALENTED TORNADOES “I have been doing art for as long as I can remember, starting in elementary school. What motivates me to continue doing art is the joy it brings to me and other people. The unique thing about art is you can never stop creating, so there will always be something to do. I hope my art can make people happy whether they be at their lowest or at their highest.”
“When I was in middle school, around seventh grade, I joined a band group called Stryke. In April of this year, I went to a competition in Dayton, Ohio. My group came in second at the World Class division. Band has allowed me to meet my closest friends, as well as a lot of new people. I want to keep getting better at the instrument I play, which is the trumpet.”
Grace Barney Freshman
Arriana Torres Junior
“I never really discovered that singing was my talent; I was just always doing it and people told me that I was good at it. I sing 24/7. It’s a part of who I am and if I ever was not able to do it anymore I’m not sure what I would do. I enjoy singing whether it’s for myself or other people. It doesn’t matter which one because I enjoy it and it lets me express myself in a unique way.”
GRAPHIC AND PHOTOS BY ANDRA DANU
Michael Raszka Sophomore
“I noticed that I had a talent in film when I competed and placed in my first competition, FSPA (Florida Scholastic Press Association) States. I won second place in Short Film, which was a big deal at the time because no one at Pompano had ever submitted into the film category. I have to thank Mrs. Donnelly and Pompano Television International for allowing my talent to take off. My goal is to major in Digital Media and minor in Film.”
Nyla Walters Senior