Baitline Vol. 5 Issue No. 1

Baitline CORAL REEF SENIOR HIGH'S

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

AFTERLIFE of Garbage

SPACEX ROCKET EXPLOSION

OCTOBER 2023

Publication Policy The Baitline Newspaper is the official student news publication of Coral Reef Senior High School, and is written, designed, and published entirely by its staff members. Baitline is an established public forum, and welcomes a wide variety of pieces with the ultimate goal of informing students about news, events, and happenings both inside and outside the Coral Reef campus. Through its articles and issues, Baitline hopes to create a more educated student population that is more overtly open to discussing current events and analyzing a variety of points of view.

As the producer of a scholastic publication, Baitline abides by the guidelines presented by the National Scholastic Press Association Code of Ethics for scholastic journalists and advisers. According to the policies of the Miami-Dade County Public School System, media produced by students is not subject to mandatory review by school administrators or district personnel. Thus, all Baitline content is the product of views and opinions held by student staff members only, and is in no way a reflection of overall school views or beliefs. The student editorial board and corresponding student staff members assume complete legal and financial liability for the content of the publication.

Baitline gladly welcomes reader questions, comments, or feedback. Letters to the editor may be submitted to Ms. Woolley-Larrea’s mailbox, delivered personally to room 217, or emailed to baitline@coralreefhigh.org with the subject line "Letter to the Editor." Letters to editor should not exceed 300 words, must be signed, and must include writer's address and phone number for verification. Baitline reserves the right to publish any letter sent.

Baitline Coral Reef Senior High School Student News

CONTENTS 5 Reef Academies Role in Stress: The Power of Motivation Chloe Glasko

16 The Ground Eats Cammila Yanez

19 Getting the Ball Rolling: College 101 Isabella Manzo-Wongden

4 Editor's Note 8 Runaway Bride Claire Dryer 11 The Newest Epidemic: iPad Kids Veronica Martinez 14 UMiami Football Caroline Toole 23 I‘ll Be Seeing You Sofia Salerno 25 Art vs. Artificial Intelligence Leah Jones 27 The Lesser Known Afterlife of Garbage Sofia Peralta 30 Ben Sasse: The Increasing Political Presence in UF’s Presidential Office Martina Lenz 34 AP Art: The Rigor of a Soft Paint Brush Bristle Valeria Hernandez 37 Novak Djokovic: The Grass-Eating Phenomenon at Wimbledon Paolo Lenz 40 Biles is Back: An Olympic Update Lucia Vigil

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Baitline Editors-in-Chief Supervisor

Editors

Newsmagazine Staff Writers

Katelyn Peña Abril Strachan Mrs. Stephanie WoolleyLarrea Ana Lucia Garcia Natalie Jacob Greta Carosio Martina Jaramillo Gabriella Gomez Genesis Velasquez Martina Lenz Lucia Vigil Sofia Peralta Claire Dryer Veronica Martinez Valeria Hernandez Camila Yanez Leah Jones Isabella Manzo-Wongden Sofia Salerno Emma Chavannes Caroline Toole Paolo Lenz Chloe Glasko

Layout Staff Sofia Ludovic

John Malik Perla Chavez Daniela Estrella Mariana Leyva Daniela Rosell Aliuska Colmenares Taylor Medina CORAL REEF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 10101 SW 152nd CT +1-305-232-2044 | baitline@coralreefhigh.org

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EDITORS' NOTE Towards a Better Tomorrow As

autumn

begins,

we

begin

to

experience a season of prosperity, novelty, and change. Similar to the changes of autumn, Baitline is also constantly changing. In this year’s new volume, we are introducing our creative writing column, where inspiration runs wild and stories of runaway brides and gluttonous earth are common. Our staff at Baitline has strived to express the affluence of our modern world while acknowledging

changes

within

Katelyn Peña

our

society. Through the incorporation of student

voices

and

worldwide

discussions, the issue aims to focus on today's progress and the changes we are constantly making as mankind, whether beneficial or harmful. While reading this issue, we hope that you, the reader, can learn something new and find something that inspires you to make change in your own lives.

Katelyn Peña + Abril Strachan Editors-in-Chief

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Reef Academies Role in Stress: The Power of Motivation

CHLOE GLASKO

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The bell rings, marking the start of a new day for Coral Reef Senior High School’s students. A new day signifies a world of knowledge and opportunities to explore.

However, for some students, it also signals the onset of stress triggered by academic expectations, social pressures, and academic competition. Surprisingly, a lot of students' stress is produced from their academies. A recent interview of students from each magnet was conducted to see how their magnet affects their daily life and prevents them from participating in other activities. The results showed that the International Baccalaureate (IB) program was considered the most stressful, while the business academy ranked as the least stressful.

Academies in Reef usually involve challenging projects, presentations, and sometimes even competitions. These are all special components that help us learn and take the most out of our academies.

Some of these academies are very easy going when it comes to workload, but others could be very extreme. Gaby Monzon, a sophomore in IB, said “Everyday I do homework for over 4 hours and it takes over my life.” Not only is workload a problem, but so is time commitment. Carly McCullough, a sophomore in Band, said “My academy is stressful because we have a ton of after school and extracurricular activities that most students don’t have to do at Reef.”

he Mental Health Foundation defines stress as “our body’s response to pressure… often triggered when we experience something new or unexpected that threatens our sense of self or when we feel we have little control over a situation.” Stressors can range from upcoming tests to juggling multiple extracurricular activities in a single day, even enjoyable events like parties or football games can disrupt time management. According to the Canadian Red Cross, stress can make you irritable, aggressive, sad, and unattentive. In addition, the American Psychological Association states that stress can cause headaches, high blood pressure, and more. Coping with stress varies from person to person, with both healthy and unhealthy methods. Unhealthy ways might include oversleeping, overeating, or excessive screen time while healthy ways could be meditation, yoga, and exercise.

Students around the Reef have found various methods to manage their demanding workloads and strive for a healthier, happier learning environment.

Alejandra Uribe, a sophomore athlete in the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Drama academy, said “I make lots of to-do lists to make sure I get everything done and when I have free time between classes, I use it for homework so that I’ll have less to do at home.” These strategies seem to work for many students because

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this was the most common answer when asked about their coping strategies.

Moreover, students often find motivation in their academies, driving them to excel. Ava, for example, finds her academy interesting which makes learning and dealing with stress easier for her. Declan Gottlieb, a sophomore in Engineering, said “Engineering seems like an interesting path and I love working with my hands and I have past experiences of building things with my dad. I’ve definitely learned to socialize more and work in a group. I also feel like I have learned to get my work done ahead of time.”

While academies can present substantial workloads, students' genuine interest in their chosen programs serves as a powerful source of motivation, making it easier to manage stress. Academies fascinate their students and this could be a good source of motivation which makes stress easier to overcome. There can be lots of work enforced from these academies but getting all of your work done and staying organized can help overcome any obstacles.

By acknowledging stress and employing effective coping mechanisms, students can strike a balance between academic demands and personal well-being.

.

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\

RUN

Cla

E ID

Y A BR W A

r e ir e D r y

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They say he’s a treasure, one of a kind.

He’s young and wealthy, even without his father’s fortune. He’s not too handsome as to be flocked by other women everywhere he goes, but he does have appealing features that make him quite pleasant to look at. I’ve been told I am lucky to have found someone like him, considering my own unremarkable qualities. To this day, not even I am sure of how we ended up together. It would’ve made sense in my younger years, but both my looks and personality have worn with age, and the sliver of hope I once had for their reversal is long gone.

I used to be delusional with big aspirations, but while my fiance inherited his father’s position of CEO, my big dreams were pushed aside to work a 9-5 job at one of his firms; that’s what happens when you’re not born into privilege. I would’ve had an excuse to be jealous, then, if it weren’t for my fiance’s inherently kind nature. That was how we met. He had come to my office, just as he had visited various other firms under his new dominion, to introduce himself as the new CEO. For such an important person with such a high-ranking position, the ring that had slipped off my finger when we had crossed paths should have been as valuable as scrap metal. Yet he cared for my family heirloom like a prized treasure, wiping it with his BAITLINE NEWSPAPER | 9

handkerchief before delicately sliding it across my finger and slipping it back into its rightful position.

My mistake, however, was relying on him that day to save my ring. I should have known to super glue it to my finger or throw it right back at him. From that day on, I always relied on him to save me. Whether it was financial or family troubles, he always had a solution, and so I would always rely on him for one.

His solution for addressing our undeniable connection was marriage, but for the first time, I don’t know if I quite agree with him. We have a strong bond, unbreakable and undeniable, but what I first saw as love is now revealing itself as dependency. I blame my naivety for the way I ended up, far from the independent woman I strove to be, but I’ve already committed to being his fiance, and in a few hours, I will become his wife. But of what use was it to dwell on the unchangeable, it does nothing but rub salt on my wound of incompetence.

It’s now my wedding day and I’m currently lying on the floor of my childhood room in the house I grew up in, trying to take in the fact that this will be the last time I’m in my own room surrounded by my own things. I’ve been laying here for the past couple of hours but just realized that my parents, who think I’m getting ready,

will be coming to pick me up from my old apartment soon. Attempting to put my own selfishness aside, I head to the closet to retrieve my mother’s old wedding dress but stumble upon the old toy chest I’ve come to use as storage.

Despite having limited time, I decide to take one last look at my childish fantasies before locking them away forever. I’m already tear-stained but start crying once again after dumping the contents of the chest on the floor.

I’ve been crying up a storm lately, so I’ve earned the title of an emotional bride.

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The Newest Epidemic: iPad Kids

Veronica Martinez

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In today's digital age, iPads have become the modern equivalent of pacifiers for many children. Parents have had to make decisions on whether or not to expose their children to electronic devices, the age at which it is appropriate they have a device, and how frequently they should be used. While two decades ago, parents would have loved the concept of a child-friendly device that could captivate young minds for hours, today it raises concerns. This issue has become so significant that a label has already emerged for this new generation of children growing up with Apple and Samsung devices. Coined by social media users, the term “iPad kid” is being used by older generations to describe the newest generation and their addiction to various online social networks.

These “iPad kids” have raised fundamental questions about the nature of childhood and entertainment. Will this generation view fun as running around outdoors, playing tag, or as staring at a bright, illuminated screen, watching other kids discuss new toys and games?

Unfortunately, many parents have struggled to limit their child’s exposure to these online platforms, creating a group of kids whose entire social lives and amusement revolve around the digital world. A survey by the Erikson Institute found that an overwhelming 85 percent of parents allow their children under

the age of 6 to use technology at home, a concerning trend when considering the impact on this generation of iPad kids. While parents often criticize the effect of technology on their children, they are also quick to provide electronic devices as pacifiers, offering phones or iPads as sources of comfort and entertainment to young children who may not know any better.

While it’s tempting to label iPad kids as annoying or uneducated, there are genuine and serious consequences to exposing young children to online platforms to such a great degree.

Prolonged screen exposure can lead to problems such as hindered social skills, anger issues, depression, obesity, and sleep disorders. In addition to altering a child’s brain development, excessive technology use can consume valuable time that kids need for hands-on learning and physical activity. Combined, these two technological inhibitors prevent kids from fully developing and cause the cliche “iPad kid” problems.

Beyond the physical and mental consequences, addiction to iPads and social media apps at such a young age also affects emotional development. A six-year-old girl is far more likely to be influenced by unrealistic beauty standards, resulting in selfBAITLINE NEWSPAPER | 12

deprecating habits, according to a study done in Walden University. Furthermore, another big issue raised with the development of iPad kids is posting. Do children, whose brains are still developing, possess the emotional maturity to understand the consequences of publicly sharing their lives on the internet? This is a pressing concern as approximately one third of children aged 7 to 9 use social media apps on phones or tablets, according to a report from children’s health researchers at the University of Michigan. Due to their naivety and susceptibility, children and social media create a potentially harmful combination. In all honesty, children do not comprehend the effects of posting, such as leaving a digital footprint, facing negative feedback, or even encountering bullying. At the age of 7, they simply lack the cognitive capacity to fully grasp these concepts, regardless of how many explanations their parents may provide.

So, what does all of this mean, and what can be done, if anything? While the idea of completely eliminating technology may be appealing to parents right now, it is evidently impossible. What has been proposed as a solution on the parents’ part, however, is limiting and restricting the usage of technology and, particularly, social media usage.

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create a balance for their children between extracurricular activities, engaging projects, and technology so that electronic devices do not become a child’s sole source of entertainment.

UMIAMI FOOTBALL Article By;

Caroline Toole

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It's only September, but the University of Miami Hurricanes have emerged as one of the early surprises of the young college football season. After a disappointing 5-7 season last year, the Canes have jumped out to a 3-0 start in coach Mario Cristobal’s second season.

The team has secured wins at home against Miami (Ohio), Texas A&M, and Bethune-Cookman, the most surprising of which was the 41-33 win over the Aggies, a team that was ranked 23rd in the nation at the time.

What has contributed to this success so far?

Cristobal hired two new coordinators – offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and defensive coordinator Lance Guidry – to which the team has responded well. The Hurricanes are playing well on both offense and defense as Miami ranks 15th in the country in total offense, averaging 511 yards per game, and also ranks 19th in the nation in total defense allowing opponents only 271 yards per game. Additionally, the Hurricanes also signed a top 10 recruiting class, and many of those freshmen are seeing action. There seems to be a renewed energy within the team.

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Leading the way for Miami is quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, who has thrown eight touchdown passes and just one interception. In the game against Texas A&M, Van Dyke broke a school record, becoming the first Miami quarterback to throw five touchdowns against a ranked opponent. Van Dyke has worked well with the team’s wide receivers, especially Xavier Restrepo, who has back-to-back 100 yard receiving games.

The road ahead for Miami is not an easy one. On Saturday September 23, the team traveled to Philadelphia for their first away game at Temple. After that, the Hurricanes faced off against teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference for the rest of the season, starting with Georgia Tech on October 7th. The rest of their schedule includes games against North Carolina, Clemson, and Florida State.

Tickets for upcoming games are still available. Make sure to go out to Hard Rock Stadium and show your support for the Canes in what promises to be an exciting remainder of the season.

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It was a simple camping trip, nothing An unsettling feeling befell me. My skin more, nothing less. It was never meant to wrinkled and tightened, my eyes felt be this way. I never intended to become heavy in my skull, my palms were so some kind of a morbid mystery, a town sweaty that the salty liquid ran off in campfire terror. But I am a strong streams from my fingertips. Every believer that everything happens for a sense in my body had urged me that reason. Death doesn’t scare me, although something wicked would come of this.

I don't welcome it either. I always found And yet I still hopped in the car. the idea of eternal life more appealing than eternal death. Thankfully, it’s We managed to make it to Edith's prophesied that we’ll all return to the house, where I was greeted by my kingdom of heaven, after we lay our friends, Gertrude and Mary. I’ve known heads to rest in the soft ground. And for these three girls my whole life, our me it happened in the summer of 1978. mothers being life long friends surely responsible for that, and yet I still feel The girls and I had planned a sleepover at like I’ve ever really gotten to know Edith’s place since she lived at the end of them at all. Everyone’s so perfect; this town, where all that was beyond was an town is so perfect. You never even see unkempt forest. That Saturday morning, I roadkill on the side of the street here, woke up with such excitement I almost let alone a graveyard. The city council sprang through the roof. My bag had claims it’s to “keep us focused on a already been packed since the day we positive perspective,” but I beg to planned this sleepover. Finally, a night for differ. I hate it. I still feel like I’ve ever me to be alone with nothing but the really known anything besides the sound of laughter and the soft mulch ground beneath my feet. (Sorry, I seem beneath me, an opportunity to get away to have lost my path.) We collectively from the plastic leaves of my house’s squealed in excitement as the dark hideous decorative bushes. I waited midnight moon approached. On that impatiently for dusk to arrive. note, we set up a campfire and pitched our tents, not too far from Edith's As the stars began to trickle throughout house - we made sure of that. At least, the sky, Edith’s mother, in her old I’m almost positive we did. Or am I? Cadillac Series 62, arrived. I ran up to the I tried to enjoy the night the same way car, but suddenly stopped in my tracks. my friends could as we sat around the

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fire roasting marshmallows, but I couldn't help but feel like the trees alarmingly began to close in on us, wanting to join us in our camaraderie without ever being welcomed . The trees came closer, and closer, and closer until there wasn't room to breathe. At that moment, I needed to use the bathroom, so I got up to return to the house. Only to realize, it was gone, and I couldn’t seem to find any sign of how to get back to it. I ran hysterically through the thick leaves and shrubs but, to my dismay, the house wouldn't reveal itself to me. It took a stunned pause from frantically running through the forest, desperately looking for some sign of life, for me to notice that it had suddenly turned awfully quiet. No more laughing, no more giggling. No more company. I turned around, and the light the campfire had given off as a beacon of hope, disappeared into the night.

In a strange way, it was comforting, the way the ground held me as a mother nurtures its baby. I felt the endearing whispers of Mother Nature echo through my hollow bones and the soft dirt beneath me caressed my soul. Yet, it was horrifying at the same time. I wanted more. Something otherworldly urged me to lay down, hands and feet spread apart. It felt as if it was meant to be, I was the chosen one.

The ground began to suck me in, the trees bending over towards me, and the vines holding me tight. I heard my friends calling my name repeatedly, but the reversal of my calling was inconceivable. With this I knew, I was chosen by the divine. With only my face poking out of the soil, I let out a giggle, unable to contain my satisfaction. “Now I know why nothing ever rots in this damn town.” And I let the ground eat me whole.

Now, alone and truly petrified to my core, I sank to the ground. The trees continued to close in, cradling me in my solitude. Not a bone in my body cared.

My mind whirled in circles, my thoughts completely disorganized in a panicked craze. I couldn’t possibly have noticed the thick vines wrapping around my legs. Not until it was too late.

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Getting the Ball Rolling: College 101 Isabella Manzo-Wongden

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As

the

first

of

the

application

deadlines begins creeping up on seniors in October, Coral Reef High wants to make sure that all seniors are prepared for what is to come. For some

seniors,

already

been

applications submitted

to

have elite

colleges, number 1 schools, and safety

schools;

for

others,

this

process has just begun, and Reef is here to help. Seniors applying to college should already have their Common App and Scoir set up, if that is the platform that they are using to apply. Scoir is needed for all seniors applying to any college, and emails on how to login were sent by CAP counselor Dr. Perez. There is no harm in starting early, as it helps with time management and stress, especially when having to handle it while doing a full day of school. Class ranks were also recently released through email, meaning there is nothing left to delay the process.

Don’t miss out on the chance to get accepted into a school of your

Transcripts are sent through Scoir when the student puts the school in the “applied” column, but some schools need the additional SSAR profile as well, so stay on the lookout. The FAFSA and CSS are also a huge part of the process, especially when applying for financial aid, so make sure to begin that process when the applications are released.

A final PSA on the SAT and ACT: many schools ask students to selfreport or send them the SAT and ACT results. If any senior is not happy with their score and wants to retake any of the two exams, make sure to sign up for the November and/or December exams!

Though this might be a stressful time for seniors, Reef wants to remind all students that they will all get through it, to keep their heads high, to keep their grades up, and to not do something that might come back to hurt them later. Best of luck to all 761 seniors!

dreams or a top choice just because of a deadline! Early action and early decision deadlines for most schools are November 1st.

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SpaceX

ROCKET EXPLOSION EMMA N. CHAVANNES

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Your On April 20, 2023, SpaceX’s newly upgraded spacecraft launched from the Boca Chica launchpad as an unmanned test flight, before exploding near Brownsville in Texas. Many questions have been sparked by this unfortunate disaster. According to Twitter user, @iwiteforme, “This wasn’t [a] calculated risk. This was rushed.

This was careless.” Furthermore, in response to the numerous complaints and speculations, SpaceX’s owner, Elon Musk, came onto Twitter to clear the air regarding the accident. “An anomaly occurred during the ascent and prior to stage separation resulting in a loss of the vehicle…. A return to flight of the Starship/Super Heavy vehicle is based on the FAA determining that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect any public safety” stated Musk.

Promptly after Musk’s tweet, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded by asserting that SpaceX would not be able to launch another rocket until numerous changes have been made. “The closure of the mishap investigation does not signal an immediate resumption of Starship launches at Boca Chica” stated the FAA. After extensive investigation, the FAA sent a letter to SpaceX, identifying over 60 corrective actions, which include redesigns of the vehicle hardware to prevent leaks and fires and changes in launch pad to increase its robustness. However, without the full report available to the general public, people will never know the full truth behind what happened on April 20, 2023.

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I’ll Be Seeing You Sofia Salerno

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Ella hasn’t listened to Billie Holiday in seven months. The singer’s hit,“I’ll Be Seeing You,” was the soundtrack of her and Micheal’s relationship.

They lived together in a small apartment in Union Square and had met at a jazz bar two years ago while what would become “their song” played in the background.

to Ella’s small hiccup. Ella looked down at the melting ice in her glass in an attempt to pull herself together. “The guy on the piano is really killing it,” Paul said. She glanced toward the stage and there, bathing in the soft glow of stage lights, sat Micheal playing the piano.

As the song came to an end, their eyes met. For a split second it almost felt like they had never broken up and a smile slowly overtook Ella’s face.

That feeling, however, didn’t last long,“I’m going to run to the bathroom really quick,” Ella said to Paul, plastering the realest smile she could muster on her face. In the time it took her to get out of Paul’s sight and locked inside a bathroom stall, her fake smile turned into a deep frown as tears threatened to spill out of her. She stared at herself in the mirror, trying to pull herself together, taking deep breaths.

Though the answer was always the same, Ella used to love asking Micheal; “What’s the first thing you remember about me?” He’d begin to tell her that he had first noticed her piercing blue eyes, Then, her luscious brown hair that fell into curls at the tips, the way her cocktail dress had fit her perfectly. Most importantly, he’d never fail to mention that he had noticed her while “I’ll Be Seeing You” was playing in the background. He would always tell her that it wasn’t a coincidence that he had met her during such a serene song while there was a bustling bar before them. She loved it when he talked about it, hearing his voice To her utter shock, when she left the bathroom, change as he smiled, always proceeding to play there stood Micheal, leaning alongside the the iconic Billie Holiday song on the piano just to opposite wall staring right at her. The awkward bring the same smile to her face. silence built. Ella could barely bring herself to look at him, as she fidgeted with her hands and a Now, it has been seven months since they thousand and one thoughts whizzed through her parted ways and seven months since Ella had last mind. “You were great over there,” Ella brought listened to Billie Holiday. On a crisp fall evening, herself to say, attempting to break the silence.

Ella finally decided to get out of the house - Paul, her coworker had asked her on a date. Paul wasn’t “Thanks,” he responded, a small smile spreading generically attractive to her. In his freetime he across his face. Ella nodded briskly and began to played golf and listened to country music. Despite walk off. this, he was funny, kind and had a beautiful golden retriever. Paul and Ella decided on a small, cozy, “Ella,” he called out to her, “I chose the song bar in Greenwich Village. As the two sat down tonight. I don’t know why I’m telling you this but they ordered drinks and began to socialize, yeah... I did.” Ella looked at him, her heart filled awkwardly attempting to hear each other over the with sadness. loud crowd before them. Ella was sipping her drink when she heard the familiar strains of “I’ll Be “I guess I’ll be seeing you,” she responded,the Seeing You.” It must have been noticeable that her tears now almost breaking free. A longing smile heart skipped a beat because Paul asked her if she played on Micheal’s face as he looked into the was okay. Ella quickly responded that she was ocean blue eyes that were once his world. perfectly fine, she had just choked on her drink.

He smiled in response and turned back around to He nodded, “I’ll be seeing you, too.” watch the live music, not giving a second thought BAITLINE NEWSPAPER | 24

Art vs. Artificial Intelligence Leah Jones

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Technology surrounds us everywhere, even in the most unlikely of places. In the ever-evolving world of modern life, technologies ranging from everyday items such as phone chargers to new inventions like artificial intelligence are able to find their way into everything we do. Even in the most unexpected places, its influence can be seen everywhere.

AI can be found in the most common of places today. From online personal assistants to navigational systems and customer service representatives, Artificial Intelligence surrounds us everywhere. Artificial intelligence can benefit our society as a whole by giving us resources to anything we need at a faster pace. A good example of this would be someone with a career in creativity who is stumped and cannot figure out what to create next. This person could use AI to spark a creative flow of ideas and endless possibilities which can benefit the artist and the artwork significantly. But does artificial intelligence only include benefits to us in creativity?

One area of study where the impact of AI is evident is in Art. For example, the impact of technology on contemporary art has more effect on artists and art lovers than what meets the eye, creating new possibilities for artists to create and experiment with different artistic mediums. DALLE-2, is an artificial intelligence system used by many, translates regular language into artistic images and visual depictions. Due to the nature of creating artwork, artists already have competition between themselves – without the added challenge of artificial intelligence. However, some argue that images created by artificial intelligence systems, such as DALLE-2, can act as a creative guide in the art making process.

If an artist creates a masterpiece using images generated by digital software, would that be helpful or harmful to the career of an up-andcoming artist? Would it be fair to compare a total amateur searching for a masterpiece and finding one in less than 10 minutes, to a hard-working experienced artist who has put their blood, sweat, and tears into their own artwork?

In 2022, a man named Jason Allen from Colorado entered an art piece generated by a digital program at the state fair. His entry caused tension, striking havoc amongst artists everywhere as they believed that this was a form of cheating or playing the system. Some people would consider an artificial intelligence system to just be a shortcut.

The article published in The New York Times compared this debate to the introduction of photography in the nineteenth century and the introduction of digital editing tools, sparking another debate on whether or not these new inventions should be banned for being responsible for taking away from the original artist.

Jeff Hawkins, an American businessman, neuroscientist, and engineer once wrote that the key to artificial intelligence has always been “representation”. He believes that AI can have both excellent benefits and can cause devastating outcomes in the art world.

AI art has flourished significantly. Even though many may think this is drastic, it can be beneficial when used in the proper way. Having access to this technology has been helpful to artists when looking for inspiration. Artificial intelligence vs. art is an on-going debate that will continue to remain a hot topic of discussion in the art society today, especially as the software continues to evolve and develop as time goes on.

From creating new pieces by hand, to using artificial intelligence, both can serve as a growing opportunity for artists to expand their creative horizons. Nevertheless, many consider AI to be a source of plagiarism.

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The Lesser Known Afterlife of Garbage Sofia Peralta

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he EPA require effective methane collective systems in every landfill, improve upon the methods of measuring methane emissions, and encourage composting, recycling, and reducing food waste. Additionally, the Mayor of MiamiDade County, Daniella Levine Cava, has claimed to be designing a solid-waste plan that will be sustainable and reduce emissions. On an individual basis, students can play a part in reducing, reusing, and recycling to minimize the amount of organic waste sent to landfills.

For instance, Coral Reef’s Ecology Club offers the opportunity to participate in the school’s recycling system. According to the Ecology Club’s Co-President, Natalie Jacob (IB, 12th), “Every Thursday we allow students to paint new recycling boxes for the classrooms or collect recycled materials and empty them into the school’s main recycling bin.”

Moreover, students can encourage their families to reduce daily waste at home.

Ultimately, any effort to reduce organic waste sent to landfills will contribute to lowering methane emissions, and ignorance will no longer be acceptable in an era of increasing environmental uncertainty.

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BEN SASSE: THE INCREASING POLITICAL PRESENCE IN UF’S PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE By: Martina Lenz

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Ben Sasse, the former president of Midland University of Nebraska and an elected Republican Senator, was selected to succeed Kent Fuchs as the new president of the University of Florida in February 2023. Nevertheless, his transition to power in Gainesville was met with immense backlash from the Gator student body. How Sasse plans to run the school, as well as his political background and point of view, have made him a figurehead of a university teeming with dissent. In Florida, Ron Desantis’s rise to power has led to much of the education system being under his control. According to the New York Times, Florida’s Board of Governors, responsible for steering higher education in the state, is “packed” with supporters of DeSantis, leading to allegations of political influence within the university.

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Ben Sasse denies his acceptance to the position being intertwined with Florida's political sphere and his association with DeSantis. However, the two have significantly aligned ideologies, from their disapproval of abortion to their anti-LGBTQ measures. UF students, as well as experts on education, have spoken out against the increasing Republican intervention in public universities. In a candid interview with The Guardian newspaper journal, RJ Della Salle, a gay student at UF, questioned the legitimacy of the leadership at their school, declaring ‘“We either have someone who’s a genuine homophobe as our president, or we have a sleazy politician who just says what the people that he’s trying to get elected want to hear.”’ Sasse’s formal acceptance of the presidential position was met with severe protests that have continued on UF’s campus to this day.

After his acceptance as president, Sasse seemed to disappear from the public eye. He has not been seen reaching out to the student body, making decisions behind closed doors. This behavior has enraged UF students even further, leaving them to wonder why they no longer had a say in the goingons of their campus. Signs were put up all over campus, depicting Sasse as “missing,” an ironic commentary on his lack of presence in the school. According to the New York Times, previous president Kent Fuchs was seen as a village elder, often present in events all over campus. He was someone who did interviews often and attempted to show students he was not above them. However, Sasse remains a mystery to his students. Editor of Independent Alligator newspaper, run by UF students, even called Sasse a “ghost” after rumors spread of him secretly working in a baseball office, refusing to acknowledge the angered students.

His rise to the top of the list among 700 other viable candidates for the position of president remains unexplained. This is due to the substantial lack of interviews he has participated in since his rise to this position.

Three months after Sasse assumed power, a total of 30 million dollars was allotted to the renovation of the Hamilton Building for Classical and Civic Education. Interestingly, the funds for this were never formally requested by anyone, but according to the New York Times, this building was renovated to give students a choice of education if they are currently dissatisfied with the education they are receiving.The decision was made

by Sasse with very little prior consultation, and the student body did not have knowledge of the development. The building’s goal includes implementing a new K-12 curriculum for students to be implemented in Florida's public schools.

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According to NYT, this curriculum includes “Portraits in Patriotism, featuring the stories of Floridians who fled leftist regimes in Cuba and Venezuela.” This development leads to a fear about the future of the relationship between politics and history in youth education by many teachers and parents.

These concerns were reaffirmed on July 1st of this year when the Florida SB 266 Law went into effect, stating that the “distortion” of history was not allowed by teachers.

This means that professors are not allowed to teach that “systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities.” Professors at UF, however, mostly agreed that they would continue teaching history the way they previously had, despite Sasse’s agreement on the bill's implementation at UF.

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Concerns about future political intervention in public secondary and postsecondary education remain prevalent.

Within MDCPS, similar laws do apply. Amidst a complex political landscape, the future of the influence politics will have on education remains uncertain. Will other colleges give positions of power to former politicians? How intertwined will politics and the content students learn truly be?

The future of UF depends on Sasse’s plans and whether he ends up acknowledging the constant protests he is met with on campus.

AP Art: The Rigor of a Soft Paint Brush Bristle By: Valeria Hernandez

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Here at Coral Reef Senior High, we take a closer look at our 11th and 12th-grade art magnet students who spend a tightly packed year creating art, and facing deadlines that always seem to be drawing nearer. Being required to take AP Drawing their junior year and AP 2D Art their senior year, students have a chance to foster their artistic abilities and demonstrate their potential at a college-level pace. This highlights the dedication and hard work that those not on the scene may not understand.

Most AP courses focus on a school year's worth of prep, leading students to that one final moment on a (hopefully) sunny May day where their knowledge and recollection of a year’s worth of material is challenged.

The difference we see in AP Art courses stems primarily from their rigorous deadlines. Having about three days to plan a piece and a week at most to complete the final idea, one can only hope that a weekend falls into the schedule, allowing for at least the

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sightest bit of extra time until you have to get moving onto the next piece and come to terms with the satisfaction of the last. Fifteen sustained investigations, five selected works, and a writing portion based on the multiple artworks themes that need to be right on the nose encompass the course.

With an inside look at the AP Art students, Mariana Leyva, a junior, says “Every student including myself has to put great thought and many hours into making their own personalized pieces. I can’t tell you the amount of all-nighters I’ve pulled to finalize my piece and make sure that not only is it complete, but also that it is something I am happy with.”

Students are tasked with the consistency of having to spit out something creative, and, throughout the process, are taught to acquire the works of discipline, dedication, and the importance of making the most out of your time.

“We always have to be chasing something new…” says 11th-grade artist Carlos Polanco. Creativity typically has no time frame, but

here, you have to make do.This year, having do complete each piece in around a week, students have to upload all of their works on AP Classroom with their documentation and reflections by May 10th.The next time Reef puts on an art show, consider stopping by and taking a look at the AP Art pieces. Even on a regular day just going down a hallway, you’re likely to find some work displayed. Keep an eye out for a piece, and if one is spotted, think about the artist, their time and dedication, and the rigor behind the paintbrush that lingers beyond the piece in AP Art.

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NOVAK DJOKOVIC: THE GRASS-EATING PHENOMENON AT WIMBLEDON

PAOLO LENZ

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Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis star, has captured the attention of fans and spectators around the world with his remarkable shows and achievements on the grass courts of Wimbledon. Apart from his exceptional skills and recordbreaking victories, Djokovic has also gained a reputation for a rather unusual tradition: eating grass after winning a game or a title.

Djokovic's grass-eating ritual dates back to his first Wimbledon victory in 2011.

After defeating his rival Rafael Nadal in the final, Djokovic knelt on Centre Court and tasted some of the grass.

This unexpected celebration sparked curiosity among fans and media alike.

When asked about it, Djokovic revealed that he was overwhelmed by emotions and didn't know how to express his joy.

According to him, the interesting act of eating the grass felt right at that moment, and he does enjoy the taste.

Little did he know that this spontaneous gesture would transform into a cherished tradition. Since that grass-eating moment, Djokovic has continued the act with every subsequent Wimbledon victory. The grass on Centre Court, known as perennial ryegrass, symbolizes his triumphs and reminds him of his childhood dreams. As a young boy, Djokovic aspired to win Wimbledon, and like any child, he imagined doing something extraordinary to celebrate

such an achievement. Eating the grass became a part of that dream, a way to show his success uniquely and memorably. Djokovic is now known for his routines and rituals, which he believes contribute to his success on and off the court. These routines help him find focus, maintain discipline, and channel his energy effectively. The grass-eating tradition has become a main part of his pre- and post-match games. By repeating this act with each triumph, Djokovic reinforces his connection to the tournament, the court, and the history of Wimbledon. It serves as a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices that have brought him to this peak of success.

While Djokovic's grass-eating tradition has captivated fans, it has also sparked mixed reactions within the tennis community. Some see it as a genuine expression of joy and a unique way for Djokovic to celebrate his victories.

Others view it as unconventional or even disrespectful to the traditions of the sport. However, it is essential to remember that rituals and celebrations in sports are highly personal and subjective. Djokovic's grass-eating is an individual choice that adds to the tapestry of Wimbledon's diverse history.

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Novak Djokovic's legacy extends far beyond his grass-eating tradition. With his exceptional talent and determination, he has established himself as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. His records and achievements speak for themselves, and his impact on the sport will be felt for future generations. While the grasseating may be a staple in his career, it serves as a testament to Djokovic's unique personality and his ability to connect with fans on a deeper and more personal level.

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Novak Djokovic's grass-eating tradition at Wimbledon is a distinctive and memorable aspect of his overall career.

What began as a spontaneous act of celebration has evolved into a cherished ritual that symbolizes his difficulties and connects him to the history of the tournament. While opinions about the tradition may differ, there is no denying the impact Djokovic has had on the sport and the hearts of fans worldwide.

As he continues to compete and chase even greater heights, one thing is certain - Djokovic's legacy will be remembered long after the last blade of grass has been eaten.

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Simone Biles, the 26 year old powerhouse, is making a comeback in the Paris 2024 Olympics, bouncing back out of the blue and into the elite gymnastics world once again.

The four-time Olympic gold medalist unexpectedly announced her return a few months ago, surprising not only the gymnastics world, but Olympics viewers everywhere.

Brief “Biles” History Simone Biles began her gymnastics career at age six on a field trip when she was introduced to the sport that would change her life. Since then, she has excelled in the acrobatic sport and has even gone as far as to win three consecutive world all-around titles from the years 2013-2015 and became the first woman to ever win 4 gold medals at one Olympic game in Rio 2016. Over the last 20 years, Simone has competed in 2 Olympics: Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 because she was too young to qualify for London in 2012. After competing in the Tokyo Olympics and reporting that she had a case of what gymnasts call the “twisties,” a mental block to flipping, Biles decided to withdraw from the team finals. Since entering elite gymnastics when she was 14, the idea of her suffering from the twisties was practically unheard of.

Although every gymnast ages and changes, this withdrawal still left the world flabbergasted. Looking back on her decisions, Simone even went as far as to say she should “have never made another Olympic team,” despite her years of effort and qualifications.

This is not stopping her from going for the 2024 Olympic gymnastics team, as she has now stepped back into elite gymnastics after a two-year-hiatus by competing in the U.S. BAITLINE NEWSPAPER | 41 Classic.

There, she dominated the vault, bars,

beam and floor, and won the all-around, qualifying for the U.S. Championships.

But what are the twisties?

The majority of individuals have never had the pleasure of flying through the air as we have watched Biles do for years, but this repetitive flying that gymnasts must perform can sometimes have consequences on their mental state. For a gymnast, getting the twisties is a sensation that essentially prevents them from doing certain flips, whether it be going in a certain direction to do a back tuck, performing a one and a half, or flipping all together. The mental state that gymnastics requires is incredibly demanding, and if weakened at any moment, it can alter a gymnast completely. Another name for this phenomenon is a mental block. Mental blocks are limitations that gymnasts place on themselves mentally when it comes to a specific skill or way of turning/flipping.

Mental blocks, when ignored, can cause gymnasts to seriously injure themselves, as they lead gymnasts to hesitate or back out of their commitment mid way through a flip, causing them to lose a sense of where they are in mid air. The twisties are no joke, even for an Olympic level elite gymnast. Most gymnasts at some point have dealt with a case of the twisties, whether it be a result of stress or self doubt.

Mental Health Awareness Biles took her experience of struggling with her mental blocks to highlight the mental health issues that not only athletes, but individuals everywhere, have to endure. Since her struggle with her mental health in the 2020 Olympics, she has become an avid mental health advocate, expressing her support for self care and the prioritization of one’s well being. Since the beginning of her struggles, Biles has emphasized that “we have to protect our mind and body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.” She has single-handedly spread awareness about the obstacles an elite athlete has to endure, and how one’s struggles do not define them.

The GOAT Despite her brief absence from the gymnastics world, Biles is still regarded as the greatest artistic gymnast. In her gymnastics career not only has she won 25 medals at the world championships, 19 of which were gold, but also she has won 7 olympic medals and has had 4 skills named after her. Biles does not shy away from her title as the GOAT (greatest of all time); she showcases it occasionally with a goat motif on the back of her leotard, displaying her awareness of her greatness, and embracing her imperfections that have made her the gymnast that she is today.

Biles showed the world her immense gymnastics capabilities as well as her main priority: herself. This does not make her any less of an athlete or champion, but rather, strengthens her.

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