Blue Pages Newspaper - NEHS.pdf

CONTENTS

SCHOOL NEWS & SPORTS

NATIONAL & GLOBAL NEWS

B.A.’S Leap Forward in Stem

Danger Of AI: 4-5 Deepfake

2

By: Raphael Larroquete

2

High School Phone Policy

3

U-18 Boys Basketball Team

Chasing a Dream: 3-4 Dragons’ U-18

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By: Elisa Jung

6

By: Shryia Chugani

By: Krish Bahkta

OPINION & HIGHLIGHT

6

Cultural Takeover

8

By: Daniela Chavarria

Panamá Acelera Progresos Para el Turismo

Sound Scope By: Emilio Pinzón

The Art of Teaching By: Leah Padmore

Highlight 9 Art By: Julia Choi

By: Paloma Chaia

By: Andy Agrisano

EDITORS & STAFF

NEHS Officers:

Editors:

Layout Editors & Photographers:

Daniela Chavarria: PRESIDENT Emilio Pinzón: VP Cathy Cook: SECRETARY Gwendolyn Bethel: TREASURER Isabella Rios: PR Dolan: SPONSOR

Daniela Chavarría (Editor in Chief) Gwendolyn Bethel Catherine Cook

Isabella Rios (Head of Layout Design) Sara Sobrino Valentiina Angiuli

SCHOOL NEWS

B.A.’S LEAP FORWARD IN STEM Raphael Larroquete ´25 Though not everyone loves learning about the nittygritty details of the universe, science is a critical aspect of a well-rounded education. For this reason, Balboa Academy has taken science education to the next level. Over the summer the science classrooms were remodeled to allow a more interactive education. Students can now learn handson, mixing chemicals as they learn about their bonds or racing carts as they learn about their motion.

The new and improved science classrooms are not only beneficial for students but also teachers. Ms Ellis, our chemistry teacher says “having a lab integrated with her classroom allows her to be more organized and more efficient”. This sentiment is shared by Mr. Chan and Ms. Tuñon, who also had their labs expanded into classrooms.

Having more efficient teachers allows for students learning to be more efficient. Although efficient and interactive classes are great, it is not the only factor for success, drive and motivation is key.

“

The lower barrier to reaching demonstration materials is a motivation to do them more often.

-Mr. Chan

”

That's why demonstrations are so great, they get students excited about something and then they want to learn about how it works.

One example is Ms. Ellis’s chemistry demonstrations that at first sight seem like magic although by the end of the year students will know exactly how they work.

Biology is one of the largest fields of the sciences, and that is reflected in our school's renovations. The biology classroom is one of the most beautiful in the school, but it's not just beauty; Ms Tuñon says that with the improved space she is able to do more labs, and can have a dedicated space for looking at the microscopic world.

One of the key concepts in science is that there is always room for improvement and all teachers agree with this. The general consensus was that there could always be more equipment, in the physics lab more equipment would let groups be at the same time, and in the other sciences more equipment would let teachers do new labs and open students to see more of the beauty of science.

We live in a rapidly changing world, and the fields of science are at the forefront of innovation. By renovating Balboa academy is taking a leap into this innovation, bringing students along with them. There is much to be done in the sciences, and getting educated is just the first step!

HIGH SCHOOL PHONE POLICY Shryia Chugani ´25 Some hate it. Some love it. A large controversial topic came up when Balboa Academy announced a new policy for this school year in hopes to provide a better environment for students to learn in. The phone policy has a purpose to “create an environment conducive to learning by minimizing distractions caused by cell phones. Our goal is to foster face-to-face communication, encourage engagement in academic and social activities, and support the overall well-being of our students.” Following the guidelines to the policy, students are to put phones away before arriving at school and are meant to leave it in their backpacks or locker from 7:50am to 3:00pm. The only exception to this is when high school students are going to the plaza. The constant distractions and decrease in social interactions led the school to take a step in the direction where they strive to create a community where students are engaging better in the school environment. This policy went to the extent of applying it to the faculty as well as they are to limit the use of cell phones unless of workrelated usage. Due to this introduction, students have had a variety of responses and have mixed emotions with this limiting use of their phones. Students will always have their own opinions about this policy, whether it be positive or negative.

Despite their opinions, in previous years, it became apparent that students were using their phones for tasks that were not productive, especially on school grounds. Cell phones are some of the biggest distractions in class in which students feel the need to keep their devices on them at all times. This may lead to an unhealthy addiction in which Balboa Academy is trying to break with the policy.

Although this policy may be new to Balboa Academy, it is not new to schools around the world or even here in Panama. Research has found that banning cell phone use in school can ease stress and anxiety. In addition, there are numerous positive outcomes that arise from the school implementing this policy. It has been said that through the banning of cell phones, there will be an improved academic focus where students are to have a better performance in class and understanding of the material being taught.

Moreover, there will be a great encouragement for students to build connections with fellow peers as it will improve social skills as a whole. Through this, the school is positive that there will be a great outcome where grades will increase and students are more focused. This policy that Balboa Academy introduced has the students best interest where they want to provide a healthier environment in school away from the constant use of cell phones.

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SPORTS

U18 BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM Krish Bahkta ´25

The Balboa Academy Dragons played their first game of many this season on the 18th of September and they unfortunately suffered a devastating loss to Instituto Justo Arosemena, 28-63 with Ron Hartampf having the best box score statistics of 4 points and 7 rebounds. However, this is only one game out of many and on the 23rd of September they will be playing Legends with a chance to redeem themselves from the blowout that occurred in the first game of the season; it will be at 6:00 PM in Nike Arena so make sure to go out there to support our Dragons!

Furthermore, they will be playing the La Salle Spartans with their star shooting guard Ariel Astrada, at 3:30 PM to round out the month on the 28th of September so make sure to also tune into that game via the Ludos League Basketball Youtube Channel or you can go down there to Nike Park to witness the game yourself from the stands!

CHASING A DREAM: DRAGONS’ U-18 Men’ Soccer Team Fights for a Return to Liga 10 Andy Agrisano ´26 It’s been five long years since our proud Dragons last played in Liga 10, but now, the dream of earning their deserved spot is within reach. This year’s U-18 team stands at the top of their group, just a few victories away from the goal they have been pursuing since 2019. The excitement and emotions are palpable from the field, the stands, and even from those watching at home. This season has been nothing short of extraordinary. With 3 wins, and 1 loss, the team has proven they belong at the top. Only one match away from the end of the tournament’s group stage, the team aspires to secure their following win against the Thomas Jefferson School. If they are able to come out on top, they will consolidate their ranking and advance to the quarterfinals as the leading team. Much of the team’s success can be credited to the incredible talent and heart of players like Felipe Korngold, whose leadership on and off the field has been inspiring,

“

The key to our success this year has been the fact that no player on the roster wants to outshine the other… we all want what is the best for the team even if it means stepping back once in a while.

-Felipe korngold

”

As the team’s captain, Felipe’s skills aren’t limited to the field, he considers that his most valuable asset to the Dragon’s is his dedication in bringing everyone together as one, “I provide organization… last year the team was full of potential and talent, but we weren’t able to work together to showcase it during the games. This year my duty is to not let that happen again.”

Another key to Balboa’s success has been Daniel Zelenka, who has become a fan favorite with his remarkable performances as a midfielder. Zelenka, although only being a sophomore, is the top scorer in Balboa and in their respective group.

Having scored 3 out of the 8 goals for the team so far, he aspires to continue his streak of dazzling entertainment and help the Dragons secure their last win of the group stage. “I believe myself to be a good player and throughout my many years on the field I know I have showcased it”, Zelenka explains his perspective on his own performances, but does not leave out his view on the team as a whole, “The team is filled with young players, many see this as a disadvantage, but I know that is our underlying strength… the drive and motivation of younger kids exceeds any other, they are thrilled to finally be playing in the big leagues and put in the work and effort to demonstrate it”.

Each player has contributed to making this season special, and the bond they share is evident in every match. “This year we came in with only 2 weeks to prepare; we had very little time to get to know each other, and more importantly know each other’s gameplay to be able to orchestrate it smoothly on the field. However, this year we came in with a different attitude, we sense our championship victory in our hands and we don’t want to lose sight of that… the motivation is evident”, as Zelenka expresses his thoughts on this season, he also echoes back to last year’s disappointing run, “Last year, the former team suffered a lot, we believed we had great potential but sadly we were not able to make it past the group stage”.

3

SPORTS

A victory would mean so much more than just a promotion.

For many of the players, it’s about fulfilling a dream they’ve had since their first day on the team. “It has been truly devasting seeing the team fail to advance to Liga 10 year after year, especially knowing we have what it takes”, says Lucas Aleman, a fundamental cornerstone to the team since the 2021 season. “Outside of the field we are not all best friends; most of us don’t see each other outside of practice at all. But I’ve passed the message along that friendship isn’t what wins championships, drive and dedication is… everyone on the team knows that now and I’ll keep reminding them that until we win the season”.

Aleman’s words speak on another level of competition; it speaks on the passion with which he has loved this sport since he was a kid.

Although the team has had an outstanding performance as of lately, it has not been a smooth road to travel on.

After the third game loss, the team’s goalkeeper, Andres Pinzón, was involved in an accident, devastatingly leaving him walking on crutches for the rest of the season.

Pinzón’s contribution to the team has been priceless as he is considered by many the best goalkeeper of the league.

Luckily, the team’s defensive player, Gabriel Barletta stepped up as the team’s goalie for the continuation of their remaining season. “It’s an honor truly, but I cannot act like it’s not a huge responsibility that has been dumped on me. But my teammates have faith in my skills and that is what drives me to continue. I know I won’t let them down”, Barletta emphasizes on the huge responsibility he now holds, yet confidently affirms the team and everyone watching that his performance will not disappoint.

The countdown to the match had begun, and the anticipation was building. Despite their best efforts and remarkable progress, the Dragons fell just short of securing promotion to Liga 10. While the outcome wasn’t what they had hoped for, the team left the field with their heads held high, knowing they had given it their all.

This season marked a turning point for the U-18 Dragons, showcasing their resilience, teamwork, and determination. Their performance has reignited pride and hope among players, fans, and alumni alike. Though they didn’t secure promotion, they earned respect and admiration across the league. For this team, the journey doesn’t end here it’s only the beginning of a renewed pursuit of their dreams.

GLOBAL

DANGER OF AI: DEEPFAKE Elisa Jung ´26 We use AI (artificial intelligence) tools every day.

Everyone must have used ChatGPT at least once, whether to test its features out of curiosity, do your school work faster, or have a conversation when bored. Nowadays, you don’t even have to specifically go into AI software to use them. Canva has a new AI feature that lets you decorate your presentation in a second, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop have added an AI feature that edits and creates images without having to acquire advanced skills, and Grammarly has an AI feature that helps you brainstorm, write, and edit. It is crazy how much AI has spread to almost everywhere in just a few years. But among all the AI tools that have developed rapidly over the past few years, Deepfake, an image or recording that has been altered and manipulated to misrepresent someone or something that was not actually done or said, is the rising issue associated with AI.

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GLOBAL This technology is so advanced that it appears highly realistic and almost identical to the real footage, and most people would not be able to distinguish the difference even after close examination. We constantly share pictures of ourselves online through social media. But are we ever conscious about what types of information we have consented to by sharing those videos and pictures? The answer is a no for most people, and by doing this, we might have been exposing ourselves to great dangers such as Deepfake pornography, identity theft, and misinformation and manipulation.

You casually post footage of you dancing at a party, posing at a soccer game, eating dinner, etc. But imagine those footage of you being used to create pornographic videos of you, doing something that you would never even imagine doing? In recent August in South Korea, there was a huge outbreak of Deepfake pornography among hundreds and thousands of young girls and women in secondary schools and universities, especially. After a whole investigation, it was revealed that there was a whole network of anonymous Telegram group chats to collect and distribute pictures of girls with the ultimate goal of creating pornographic videos of the victim in the image.

The network was very complex, group chats with names of specific classmates were made, and colleagues of the following classmate would join and provide them with the footage, and there were social media profiles offering to create Deepfake images. These generated videos were not only used as a source of entertainment among the offenders, but they were also often used to threaten the victim with the generated videos, which caused great emotional damage to them. Although the news spread rapidly among teenagers and young adults via social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, barely any national news outlets were writing reports about it, and the news soon died out. Many teenage girls and young women have made their social media accounts private and removed any images available, such as their profile picture, but as we all know, it is impossible to erase our digital footprint once it is published online, so it will be impossible to completely undo the harm.

Another rising problem associated with Deepfake is identity theft. Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information such as name, address, social security number, and bank account to use them against you, mostly to scam other people. For example, a scammer can create hyper-realistic audio of you screaming for help while being held hostage and threaten your family members to send money for your release. Even though these scenarios sound very unrealistic, hearing the voices of situations like these tends to make a person emotional, thus easily persuaded and vulnerable to scams. Identity theft doesn’t always have to be something this life-threatening and emotional either. Another example is a scammer creating a deepfake audio pretending to be your boss, saying that he lost his phone during a business trip and asking if you can do him a favor by passing on some private information regarding the company’s work.

The same thing can be done through texts, but if it’s done through a call using someone’s voice, a respondent has less time to think before reacting and does not allow various softwares to check for suspicious activity and categorize it as a scam. Being involved in such scams can lead to serious legal consequences and huge financial losses, which can go out of control in a second, causing long-term damage to you and your family’s life.

Since people are more likely to believe what they see than what they hear, false narratives can be created to mass manipulate and provide misinformation. These false narratives can also ruin one’s reputation, usually a famous figure such as celebrities and political candidates, by making them say or do something that goes against their ideals. You can easily spot multiple videos online of political figures delivering a “fake speech” which are the things they never actually said and are not one of the things they are promising.

If people believe in these fake videos without checking if they are from a reliable source, people might waste their precious votes as they develop a false impression of politics. People with malintention against a specific celebrity may create a Deepfake video about them and share it online, which may have a detrimental effect on their reputation in a similar manner. Constant streams of these false contents create distrust in the media and create confusion for the public.

However, this is not a call to everyone to stop using social media, the Internet, and Artificial Intelligence. Yes, we should all “think before we post”, but this Deepfake outbreak cannot be prevented by not uploading anything on social media. Instead, we should stop to truly educate ourselves on this new, rapidly changing technology, and to deeply think about all the possible consequences it may bring. One of the benefits of social media is that your identities can be hidden and anonymous, so you will be able to speak or advocate for something more freely, without fear of being judged.

“Deepfake.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 19 Oct. 2024, www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/deepfake.

Identity Theft | USAGov. www.usa.gov/identity-theft.

Mackenzie, Jean. South Korea: The Deepfake Crisis Engulfing Hundreds of Schools. 3 Sept. 2024, www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpdlpj9zn9go.

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NATIONAL

CULTURAL TAKEOVER Daniela Chavarria ´25 Panama’s theater scene is thriving, and this year, the city’s love for the arts hit a new high with an immersive experience that had everyone talking. Hosted by Immersivent at Figali Convention Center, the event brought “Mamma Mia” to life in a way that wasn’t just about watching a musical—it was about living it.

Before the show even started, the atmosphere was already buzzing. A Greek market was set up with some of the best local restaurants bringing the Mediterranean straight to Panama. You had Souvlaki and Athens Pizza offering their signature dishes, and it felt like you were stepping into a piece of Greece before getting swept away by the music of ABBA. As everyone ate, you could hear laughter, conversations, and even some live Greek music filling the air —it set the perfect stage for what was about to come.

The show itself was more than just a performance. Picture this: you’re sitting at a table, enjoying your dinner, and suddenly the actors are dancing around you, singing, and pulling you into the story. The audience wasn’t just watching; they were part of the show. The interactive aspect made the whole night electric, especially when it was time for everyone to join in and dance to “Dancing Queen” at the end. It didn’t stop there either, there was an after-party where people kept the energy going with music, dancing, and a celebration of all things theater.

What’s amazing about this event is how it reflects the growing love for musical theater in Panama. Over the past few years, there’s been a real shift; more people are going to see musicals, more productions are being staged, and the quality is better than ever. This isn’t just a one-off thing; it’s a sign of a bigger movement. People are getting involved in the arts in ways we haven’t seen before, and it’s not just about bringing international hits like “Mamma Mia” “Dear Evan Hansen” or “Anastasia” here.

Local writers are stepping up too. We’ve seen shows about key moments in Panama’s history, like the independence (1903) and even the U.S. invasion (Solo la Estrellas Bastarán), with powerful stories written by Panamanian playwrights. These productions not only entertain but also teach us about our culture and history in a way that’s accessible and engaging.

Most of these musicals are happening at the National Theater, and they’re helping to shape the future of the arts in Panama. With each new show, the community grows a little bigger, and the audience becomes more invested. It’s not just a trend; it’s turning into a real cultural movement.

This past Mamma Mia event was a perfect example of how theater in Panama is more than just a night out—it’s becoming a vibrant, essential part of our culture. Whether it’s through large-scale immersive shows or more intimate productions telling our own stories, the arts are flourishing, and it feels like this is only the beginning

PANAMÁ ACELERA PROGRESOS PARA EL TURISMO Paloma Chaia ´25 El gobierno, en un esfuerzo para revitalizar su economía y atraer a más turistas, ha anunciado planes para el 2024 que incluyen una serie de proyectos de infraestructura con el propósito de mejorar la experiencia turística de Panamá.

El contexto de estos planes es la recuperación del país después de las restricciones debidas a la pandemia de COVID-19 que afectaron al sector turístico, el cual siempre ha sido un sector imprescindible para la economía.

Entre estos proyectos, hay uno que se destaca más. Uno de estos es el plan para la modernización del Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen, destinado a aumentar su capacidad y mejorar sus servicios. Con esto, se podrán recibir más turistas y también ayudará a mejorar la experiencia de todos los pasajeros ya que Panamá es un país de tránsito de migrantes. Otros proyectos destacados son los de la ampliación de rutas de transporte público y la mejora de carreteras que conectan áreas turísticas, por ejemplo la de Bocas del Toro y el Archipiélago de Guna Yala. Esto dará más disponibilidad de transporte, no solo para los turistas sino para los ciudadanos también. Las áreas turísticas estarán a una mejor disposición y serán más accesibles, lo cual también atrae a turistas.

Según el gobierno, están asegurando que estas inversiones beneficiarán tanto a los turistas como a los ciudadanos del país. Estas mejoras podrían generar empleos en el aeropuerto, transporte público, o áreas turísticas. También, las construcciones en sí generan empleo. Estos proyectos están destinados a estimular el crecimiento económico en diversas regiones de Panamá.

Las autoridades responsables para estos planes aseguran que traerán un aumento en el flujo de turistas.

El gobierno también ha puesto un fuerte énfasis en la promoción de la cultura panameña como un lugar atractivo turístico. Esto incluye la organización y realización de festivales culturales, ferias gastronómicas, y eventos musicales que demuestran la rica cultura de Panamá. integrando estos elementos, el gobierno espera atraer a turistas, fomentar el orgullo local y aumentar la participación comunitaria en el sector turístico.

Adicionalmente, se está planeando implementar prácticas sostenibles para el desarrollo de todos estos proyectos. Como la preocupación por el medio ambiente está creciendo, especialmente en un país tan rico en biodiversidad como Panamá, se buscará que las nuevas infraestructuras respeten la naturaleza.

En áreas como Bocas del Toro, se planea que la construcción de las nuevas instalaciones turísticas incorpore tecnología verde y sistemas de gestión de residuos. Esto beneficiará al medio ambiente y atraerá a más turistas conscientes.

Finalmente, se espera por el gobierno que el éxito de estos proyectos impulsará los crecimientos en sectores económicos en Panamá y la aumentación de turistas. Se espera también un incremento natural en la demanda de productos y servicios de diversas industrias. La revitalización del turismo no solo tiene beneficios inmediatos, sino tambien en un desarrollo sostenible de largo plazo que puede transformar a Panamá en un destino turístico a nivel internacional.

6

OPINION

SOUND SCOPE Emilio Pinzón ´25

John Wayne Gacy was born on the 17th of March of 1942 in Chicago, Illinois as the middle of three children of auto repair machinist and World War I veteran John Stanley Gacy and homemaker Marion Elaine Robison. On his best behavior, he was adored by his neighbors, owed to his charitable actions, humorous demeanor, and involvement with local politics.

He was also responsible for the rape, torture, and murder of at least 33 young men and boys.

These are the kinds of actions which disqualify people as human beings in the eyes of the majority. Someone capable of doing something so unimaginably horrific as hiding corpses within the floorboards of their own house must be an inhuman monster, deserving of no more empathy than destructive, cataclysmic disasters. And yet, in his song John Wayne Gacy Jr., Sufjan Stevens ends the song by doing the morally and socially questionable, if not impossible, and manages to empathize with John Wayne Gacy, acknowledging that in his own best behavior, he is just like infamous serial killer: a seemingly normal man walking on the floorboards under which his secrets hide.

This is just one of the many movingly genuine moments on Sufjan Stevens’ landmark album Illinois, a sprawling 74minute journey which aims to encapsulate the entirety of a state within its bounds as a musical project. It’s certainly extremely ambitious and therefore shocking that Stevens managed to execute it so flawlessly. It uses the state as a starting point from which it tells several stories and meditations on various topics such as grief, loss, sexuality, and faith.

Take the song Casimir Pulaski Day, for example. The title is explicitly Illinoisan, referencing the state holiday celebrating the Revolutionary War cavalry officer Casimir Pulaski, observed on the first Monday of March. Despite its supposedly celebratory title, the song is a somber and depressing tale of a friend’s losing battle with cancer. In Illinois, a person is given the right to get the day off from school or work in the event of a loved ones’ passing.

However, the narrator’s friend dies on Casimir Pulaski Day, during which public and private schools are closed.

He doesn’t even get the brief comfort of an extra day off.

This is perhaps the greatest representation of grief and loss on the album. It shows the often confusing and frustrating effects that come with leaving someone at “the great divide”.

The song also deals with the questioning of faith. In one of the most powerful lyrics in this song and on the album as a whole, Stevens sings: “Tuesday night at the bible study We lift our hands and pray over your body But nothing ever happens”

Faith and religion, as well as the institutions that are founded on both of them, seem to be a prominent theme in this album. Whether it be the wasp that is out to get the narrator and a male acquaintance whom he shared a romantic relationship with in The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us! representing the religious institutions that forbid their love to the Sears Tower in The Seer’s Tower making allusions to the Tower of Babel and the biblical apocalypse, religion and religious allusions permeate much of the content presented here. Despite this religious focus for a lot of these songs, the concept of Illinois is still distinctly present in each of them.

Going back to The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is Out to Get Us!, this song is perhaps the album’s most famous and most apparent exploration of sexuality. As previously mentioned, this song deals with a romantic relationship between two young men while at a Methodist summer camp. The wasp in this song can be interpreted in many ways. It can represent the previously referenced threat of religious institutions that aims to forbid and destroy the love between these individuals, but it can also represent the “sting” of love that occurs between them. It could also represent both, referring to the realization of one’s love for another whilst also realizing that their love would be considered morally wrong by the institutions which they form a part of. This album is full of double meanings like these that give the album remarkable complexity for such a massive concept. The previously mentioned song John Wayne Gacy Jr. could also be an exploration of sexuality if considered from the perspective of a religious man who believes that his homosexuality is morally incorrect. In his mind, he’s no better than the infamous serial killer.

Stories with strong themes while tying them all back to the state of Illinois. From the humanization of Superman on the stomping rocker The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts to the realization that a hatred in one’s own stepmother was completely unjustified on the gentle Decatur to the album’s marvelous maximalist centerpiece Chicago, this album is full of stories. Perhaps its big, overarching thesis is that the people of Illinois make the state, and that our stories are what shapes not only ourselves, but the world around us as well.

In this album’s final climax before its slow descent into silence in two instrumental pieces, Stevens ends the album’s lyrical component on a barrage of references to the state on the song The Tallest Man, The Broadest Shoulders. However, amidst this final whirlwind of names and titles, the backing vocals display the album’s total, final message in a moving, genuine statement.

“Given what you lost, are you better off?

Given what you had, has it made you mad?

Celebrate the few, celebrate the new It can only start with you” And thus, Sufjan Stevens closes his story book, and, leading a band and choir like an army marching towards the heavens, ascends into the sublime.

This is a very clear and rather haunting declaration about doubt in faith in the face of such dire circumstances.

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HIGHLIGHT

THE ART OF TEACHING: Ms. Moreno’s legacy Leah Padmore 26' Art influences art and literature influences literature. We know that art and literature are different, one shapes, the other words; but they are still bound together. Art impacts literature as literature impacts art. We can experiment and observe this dynamic in the school environment as well between the students and teachers. Ms. Moreno, Balboa Academy’s high school art teacher can attest to this connection and the effects that words, shape, and people have on a human being. Ms. Moreno’s favorite books are her art books, like the ones by the artists Olga Sinclare, Guillermo Trujillo, and Fernando Toledo. In university she was able to learn that art and books can go hand in hand and truly inspire one another. She learned this while she was writing her thesis about the connection between the painting and the book “The Fall of Icarus.”

Balboa Academy has had the honor of having Saribel Moreno as the art teacher at our high school for 24 years.

She has a master's in educational psychology and a certification in secondary education. Ms. Moreno is not only an art teacher but an amazing, recognized national artist; her artist's name is Sari Holland. With oil painting as her customary medium, she has been able to create beautiful works of art, and her latest exhibition has been “Armonía en Discordia” or “Harmony in Discord.” For this exhibition she produced 14 works of art. As she balances being a full-time artist and teacher, she is a busy woman.

Yet she still manages to teach us that anything is possible.

She has seen and experienced the many phases of the school through her 24 years as an educator at Balboa. She is now able to recall the growth of students as they reach their full potential in high school. That is her favorite part of the teaching experience, “...seeing the growth of my students.” she admitted. Ms. Moreno does not only mean she likes seeing the growth of students in the art world, but the growth of her students in all aspects of their academic, creative, and personal lives. Seeing students blossom into themselves as they go through key stages of character development as they prepare to go to college is a rewarding sight for her.

She shares that she truly feels a connection with the age group found in high school, as though she is meant to be with the younger generation. She enjoys conversations, all of them, the serious and the light ones. The connection between student and teacher is a beautiful thing that she gets to experience. Just as we learn from her, she is able to learn from her students. She has always been interested in human nature, and through observing her students she has been able to absorb many lessons. One of these lessons is the resilience of humans. Seeing that students get back up from an unpleasant experience is truly inspiring and a remarkable thing to follow.

Any educator's goal is to teach a subject, but Ms. Moreno’s goal is more than just to teach art. Her goal is to invite people into an artistic environment, especially if they have not been in one before. She strives to let her students know that they have a creative side; to let them know that they can be artists as well despite any previous doubts In her AP classes, whether it is AP Drawing or AP 2D Art and Design, she wants more for her students than to simply pass the exam. Through her classes, she wishes to leave a lasting impression on her students. Ms. Moreno would like to be remembered as the person that you can always come to for some advice or just a quiet place. She wants people to look back and remember her classroom as a safe place to do artwork and just relax.

“

The greatest error is to take art programs out of schools because art is a space where they can feel at peace, no matter the medium.

-Ms. Moreno

”

She expressed to the fact that schools are taking away art programs. Her message is that everyone should experience art, whether that be through music, art, sports, or literature.

Art allows people to venture into a new creative space that they might not have imagined possible; allowing students to be themselves without fear. “[Taking away] art creates more problems, because art is their outlet.” Art provides a place to let out emotions and forget reality in a healthy way, therefore she believes that taking it away could lead to further problems.

To future teachers she leaves this message: “Don't take what students say personally.” Teachers are adults and the students, despite their closeness to adult life, are still kids.

That is why establishing respect is so important, and mutually established to create a healthy student-teacher relationship. Truly, this advice is for everyone, no matter the age group you are in, or the other person is. Do not worry about what others say about you and walk with your head held up high.

Ms. Moreno's 24-year journey at Balboa Academy highlights the profound connections between art, literature, education, and human nature. As both a teacher and a renowned artist, she has not only imparted artistic skills but also fostered personal growth in her students. Her belief in the power of all art forms to inspire, heal, and create a safe space for expression is more than clear in her teaching philosophy. She encourages, and will continue to encourage, students to explore their creative potential as well as academic potential. She sees art as an essential part of a human's development, something that can be shared through generations. Ms. Moreno's legacy goes well beyond her impressive artistic achievements; whenever any of her students or fellow colleagues recall her, they remember a loving, caring woman that has always created a nurturing environment open to everyone.

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HIGHLIGHT

ART HIGHLIGHT Julia Choi ´25

25th Anniversary “Silver Dragon” design contest winner

Silver Dragon: "25 Years of Leaving a Mark" In celebration of Balboa Academy’s twenty-fitth anniversary! This piece showcases how the school has left a positive mark on its students, teachers, parents, and community. The central theme revolves around the Silver Dragon, symbolizing strength, unity, and the enduring spirit of our school community.

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EDITORS NOTE

Welcome to The Blue Pages. This new school newspaper is dedicated to showcasing the talent and creativity of our community. The idea behind it goes beyond just providing a platform for writing; it's an opportunity to share what makes Balboa unique—our passion for sports, the arts, innovation, and the rich culture of Panama.

I’d like to take a moment to thank the committed NEHS officers for their hard work and dedication in bringing this vision to life.

Their effort has made this publication possible, and their enthusiasm continues to drive its success. We hope these pages provide a deeper connection to both our school and the world around us.

Daniela Chavvarria S. Editor-in-Chief The Blue Pages

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