Issue 2, Vol. 66

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the staff

Hazel Grosell | Editor-in-Chief

Alyssa Dopico | Managing Editor

Melissa Gonzalez | Adviser

Olivia Simon | Copy Editor

Lily-Jade Lecoultre | Business Manager

Milegny Salas | Social Media Manager

Samantha Sears | Photo Editor

Arwen Law | Features

Hailey Martinez | News

Alicia Fajardo | Opinion

Natalia Quick | Sports

Ciara Burton | The Scene

Emilia Kohnstamm | Insight

Isabela Duarte | Online Editor

Stacy Urbina | Online Editor

Adriana Garcia

Angel Garcia

Anthony Flores

Brianna Osorio

Carolina Planes

Celia Sime Lanang

Elena Buda

Isabella Villela

Jade Meyer

Juan Chavez

Kenneth Lara

contributors

Gil Green Cavaleon

Maria Sandoval

Melina Morales

Mia Chacin-Vera

Rachel Velez

Rafaelle Fenot

Savannah Serpa

Siena Cernuda

Siena Van De Graaf

Sophie Aguilar

Valentino Alvarez

Vivian Romero

Nathaniel Woods

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h highlights

from the managing editor

AQUOTE I HAVE COME TO APPRECIATE is: “Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones,” from artist Bruce Garrabrandt. When producing this issue with Editor-in-Chief Hazel Grosell, I could not have found these words to be more true. Whether smearing fast food sauces across desks to display them unconventionally, incorporating my watercolor art into a layout or creating our own spreads—you will find Grosell in the design credits for the first time — we have stopped at nothing to bring our creative vision to life.

My hope for those of you reading Issue 2 is that you will feel inspired to do the same. Maybe reading about Gables alumnus Gil Green’s music production and the students who follow in his footsteps will remind you of the thrill of pursuing your passions.

Even amidst the exhaustion of high school and, for some, college application season, taking time to do what you love will never lead you the wrong way. Remember that you do not need to wait for the perfect moment.

To our incredible staff, the same goes for you. Thank you for always bringing such explosive passion into everything, from our class discussions to your written drafts and spectacular photos. Editors, thank you for all that you do to execute our vision. You make the magazine beautiful and I can see your own creativity shine through every page. I could not have asked for a better group of journalists to surround myself with.

One clap for Issue 2!

closing out 2025

FINISHING WITH A FLOURISH, the Gablettes dance team performed for a full crowd at the 50th Fall Frolics event on Thursday, Oct. 23.

CELEBRATING THEIR RACE, the Girls Cross Country team poses with their medals, having won first place overall at the 2025 GMAC Championship on Thursday, Oct. 16.

EXPLORING COLLEGIATE OPPORTUNITIES, students met with college admissions officers at Gables’ annual College Fair on Monday, Oct. 13.

publication policy

highlights is the official student-produced newsmagazine at Coral Gables Senior High School published and produced by highlights staff members. highlights has been established as a designated public forum for student journalists to educate and inform their readers on issues of concern to their audience and dissemination of news and ideas to the entire school community. As the producer of a scholastic publication, highlights subscribes to the responsibilities set forth by the National Scholastic Press Association Code of Ethics for scholastic journalists and advisers. According to Miami-Dade County Public School Policy, student media is not subject to prior review by administration or district personnel, and, as such, all content is determined by and reflects the views of the student staff members only. highlights welcomes reader feedback. All letters should be addressed to highlightscghs@gmail.com with the subject line “Letter to the Editor.” highlights reserves the right to publish any letter sent.

Cavaliers seeking to produce music follow in alumnus Gil Green’s footsteps.

10

FEMA FACING REFORMS

The Trump administration defers responsibility for disaster management to local governments.

THE UNDERLINE VS. THE UNDERDECK

14-15

Issues with city funding dictate whether local neighborhoods receive greenery and new infrastructure or are left in the dust.

20-21

GABLES TRAIL BLAZERS

Recognized as All-Dade athletes, these three Gables cross-country runners race their teammates to district acclaim.

Trending dietary habits take the fitness community by storm. sports

Anhinga Clay Studios offers students lessons in pottery and an ideal creative outlet.

23 the scene CENTERED BY

28 THE PROTEIN CRAZE

Kenneth Lara/highlights

Siena Cernuda/highlights

Mia Chacin-Vera/highlights

Behind Every Note

CAROLINA PLANES | STAFF WRITER

RACHEL VELEZ | STAFF WRITER

AT GABLES, MUSIC IS more than background noise — it is a form of selfexpression and connection. From shared Spotify playlists to lending a friend an AirPod, Cavaliers use music to tell stories and relate to others. For decades, Gables students have written lyrics in the margins of notebooks, DJed at house parties and created their own podcasts, constantly driven by the feeling of bringing beats to life. Whether it is a melody hummed in the hallways or a full performance at the talent show, campus creativity abounds. The success of alumnus and music video director Gil Green perfectly illustrates the heights these creative aspirations can reach.

Today, Green’s name is tied to artists like Drake, Snoop Dogg, Pitbull and Bon Jovi through his production of music videos, films and commercials. As a Cavalier with no more than a VHS camcorder, Green stoked his determination to turn every assignment into art, even when filmmaking meant saving for an entire year to afford a single 35mm shot on celluloid.

Green saw opportunity in every project, transforming essays into scripts and presentations into performances. With his classroom as his first audience, his passion for music was ignited in the Gables halls.

“The passion for hip hop consumed me, so I got in where I could fit in,” Green said. “Now is a great [time] for independent artists to be noticed.”

Every obstacle he faced, from scraping together money for a shoot to popularizing his name through music production, fueled Green’s determination to give music soul.

Green demonstrates that success is not about instant recognition but rather about persistence, patience and never letting go of that vision. Drawing from his experience, Green’s advice as a former Cavalier is simple yet powerful.

“Be ready to start at the bottom and work your way up,” Green said. “Always visualize your success and the hard work will steer you toward that vision.”

Letting the love for a subject lead the way is Green’s personal mantra — a message the next generation of artists at Gables is now embracing. With every beat, lyric and project they create, Cavaliers continue to honor a standing legacy of passion with a determination to prove that music is more than just a pastime — it is a way of life.

Junior Michel Toro began playing piano at age 10 and spent years taking music lessons before deciding to pursue it on his own. Taking inspiration from Billy Joel’s blend of piano, vocals and multi-layered instruments, his passion for music was rekindled, and he fell in love with singing and playing the piano in the school’s band.

“The biggest incentive is having your listeners tune back in to your shows and listen to your tunes for the right reasons,” Toro said. “That shows that you are impacting their life on an emotional level.”

Toro encourages his peers to listen to the music on the radio’s message and pay attention to what the artist is trying to convey. He worries that music is losing meaning as many artists lack depth or emotional expression, emphasizing that music is a form of art.

“For me, music is a way to tell stories, capture emotions and create moments that linger long even after the song ends,” Toro said.

As Toro develops his style, other Cavaliers explore music through digital creativity.

From childhood exposure to CDs and the radio, junior Alessandro Frutos discovered his love for music production. Experimenting on his grandmother’s phone before creating tracks in GarageBand, a digital music studio app, he then released them on Spotify and SoundCloud.

“I make a more timeless, more emotional, more personal type of music,” Frutos said. “I hope that it will make people feel something.”

While Frutos aspires to pursue architecture, he considers music a cherished hobby, emphasizing that it should come from the heart and not the paycheck. To him, every track he releases is a story waiting to be told.

Carolina Planes/highlights

Carolina Planes/highlights

Rachel Velez/highlights

ALESSANDRO FRUTOS

CHRISTOPHER CARCAMO

MICHEL TORO

Musically-inclined Gables students find their tempo, following in alumnus Gil Green’s footsteps

“Music is about genuine connection and returning something to our society,” Frutos said. “Even if you never become famous, if you make music for the right reasons, you’re on the right track.”

As Frutos builds his sound through layering, refining and exploring digital instruments, others draw inspiration from live performance and raw instrumentation.

Sophomore Christopher Carcamo, a student in the Health Science, Public Service and Law Academy, discovered his love of music through guitar riffs and solos. He is inspired by Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Dimebag Darrell of Pantera and Gables’ marching band’s lead captain, senior Bryan Duran-Santos.

“Although the music industry is competitive, what really keeps me motivated is making music with my closest friends and enjoying what we make as a band,” Carcamo said. “That everyone is happy — that’s what keeps me motivated to pursue this as a hobby.”

Carcamo splits his time between two musical worlds: drumming in the Gables marching band and his personal passion for

the electric guitar. Carcamo plays fast-paced, heavy music, also experimenting with shoegaze, a subgenre of indie and alternative rock.

Within the next decade, Carcamo hopes to perform at small gigs or teach younger musicians the value of never letting external noise drown out their musical aspirations.

“Playing music of any kind will be frustrating for the most part, but don’t let those occasions discourage you or make you give up because eventually you will reach where you want to be in the future,” Carcamo said.

Fueled by passion, inspired by former Cavaliers like Green and driven by the beat of their own drum, these students are discovering that the road to their dreams may be bumpy — but always worth embarking on. h

BUILDING ON THE CREATIVE LEGACY HE ESTABLISHED AS A CAVALIER, music producer Gil Green poses with artist Snoop Dogg at Green’s Los Angeles studio.

highlights playlist

The highlights staff shares its essential picks for your playlist.

Little Lies by fleetwood Mac

BLue velvet by bobby Vinton

Bang the Boldums by fall out boy

Back to me by the Marias

Soulmates by mac miller

Girl of the year by beach house

Uptown girl by billy joel

Cherry waves by deftones golden by huntrix

Chanel by Frank ocean

Dancing Queen by ABBA

Head over heels by tears for fears

Brooklyn Baby by Lana del Rey

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Design by Arwen Law/highlights

Writing their own stories

EMILIA KOHNSTAMM | INSIGHT EDITOR

RAFAELLE FENOT | STAFF WRITER

SEVEN YEARS AGO, THEORY OF Knowledge and Pre-International Baccalaureate English teacher

Vanessa Vazquez walked across the stage at Gables’ graduation ceremony with her senior peers, all rejoicing in their shared milestone. Surprisingly, Vazquez’s path to success led her straight back to Gables, where she now inspires the next generation of Cavaliers.

Beginning at the University of Florida

Through CAF&DM, Gables alumni Amy Donner and Vanessa Vazquez have forged new paths in communication and education

in fall 2018, Vazquez majored in educational leadership. With a profound fervor for teaching, Vazquez dove into her career, but she never assumed she would return to her high school alma mater.

“It feels really surreal to me returning and being supported but in a different way by those same teachers that supported me through IB years ago now,” Vazquez said.

students.

Moreover, Vazquez has noticed how the intersection of a professional and familial environment, which she cultivated in highlights , carries over into her current career. The ability to voice disagreements, reach compromise, approach superiors respectfully and foster an air of support are core skills promoted by publications that are required in many professional fields.

“I think TOK is a really unique class, because it gets you to think and reflect,” junior Jennifer Fundora said. “Ms. Vazquez makes it really special because she explains in a way that we understand as teenagers.”

Reflecting on her experiences in high school and college, Vazquez hopes publications within CAF&DM will continue to inspire future generations of students to build essential skills and pursue careers in the communications field as they did for her.

“I think it’s important now more than ever to understand journalism to some capacity because if not, you can’t read the news,” Vazquez said. “I think these Gables publications just need to keep expanding, always improving, always reflecting. Their promotion through social media recently has been wonderful.”

Returning with notable achievements under her belt and a passion for educating others in communication, analysis and questioning, Vazquez embodies the true spirit of CAF&DM. REFLECTING

As a TOK and Pre-IB English teacher, Vazquez often recalls the skills she picked up at Gables. Before returning, however, she first taught at West Miami Middle School, a dramatically different environment where she instructed Language Arts. Joining highlights in 2014 as a rising freshman, Vazquez always wanted to explore journalism at a deeper level. She pursued her passion through various roles: first as a staff writer, then as the editor of the News section in her junior year and finally as the Managing Editor as a senior. Today, that expertise helps her lead conversations in her TOK classes and dissect essays with her English

Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights

Courtesy of Cavaleon

FLASHING BACK TO HER CAVALIER YEARS, Class of ’78 alumna Amy Donner poses for her senior portrait.

FROM GABLES ALUMNA TO Associate Editor of Coral Gables

Magazine, Amy Donner is a dedicated, steadfast presence whose community roots run deep.

Donner graduated from Gables in 1978, where she developed her sense of identity and discovered a love for fitness, particularly gymnastics and swimming, two activities she still enjoys today. Influential teachers in her academic journey sparked her interest in English, grammar, history, sociology, psychology and civics. Though psychology initially intrigued her, her path led elsewhere.

After graduation, Donner attended Florida State University. She first considered majoring in psychology but was put off by the department’s location, a windowless basement in an old building. While she appreciated its vintage vibe, she was drawn to the nearby Diffenbaugh Building, home to the Communications department, ultimately changing the course of her career.

The shift to communications proved to be the right one, as the interdisciplinary focus perfectly suited Donner’s academic background. Her high school interest in subjects like history, sociology and civics became invaluable, providing the contextual

HALLTALK

The highlights staff records what they overhear students talking about in the hallway.

framework necessary to understand and report on local issues.

Local journalism, she found, requires an editor to be a well-rounded generalist, capable of handling everything from community politics to profiles of prominent residents. This versatility, cultivated during her Gables education, quickly allowed her to thrive professionally. She realized that a career in communications was not just about writing, but rather being deeply connected to the pulse of the city.

Soon enough, Donner returned to Coral

“ Journalism is a great place to start your professional life because you have the opportunity to talk to so many different people from all walks of life and about all types of experiences.

Amy Donner, alumna

Gables and explored roles in marketing and journalism. Today, she is the longtime Associate Editor of Coral Gables Magazine and a board member of both the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and Friends of Gables. With Friends of Gables, Donner has worked to organize reunions for the class of 1978 to stay connected with her high school peers.

“As Mary Schmich said in ‘Everybody’s Free [To Wear Sunscreen],’ ‘the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young,’” Donner said. “Life throws us many challenges, and if you ever lose your way, call an old high school friend and they will remind you who you are and what makes you special.”

Through her position at the magazine, Donner covers topics from real estate to fashion and politics.

“Journalism is a great place to start your professional life because you have the opportunity to talk to so many different people from all walks of life and about all types of experiences,” Donner said. “[It is] a learning experience like no other.”

From Donner’s call to stay curious and practice to Vazquez’s return as a mentor, both alumni embody CAF&DM’s lasting impact on future communicators.

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“I had a nightmare that I got trapped in one of those food sidewalk robots.”

“The lioness doesn’t concern herself with English book annotations.”

“Walking to class feels like competitive bumper cars.”

“The early bird? Nah I get the worm.”

“It got so serious I had to stop talking in a British accent.”

“I could chuck more wood that you could chuck if I was a wood chuck that could chuck wood.”

Design by Arwen Law/highlights

The “it” Seats of Gables

Comfort, style and squeak factor: Gables students and teachers rank chairs on campus

SIENA CERNUDA | STAFF WRITER

THE CLASSIC COMBINATION CHAIRS , MERGING seat and desktop, are staples of classrooms everywhere, recognizable by their trademark metal rod connecting the components. Not often considered a favorite, the chairs invite complaints due to their cramped desk area, especially from left-handed students who find the right-handed design restrictive. On the other hand, teachers appreciate how easily the single units can be arranged, despite problems with students dragging them. In terms of comfort, their rigid back, awkward armrest and tendency to squeak make the long class periods feel longer. Even though comfort might not be its strong suit, these iconic seats are a true Gables essential.

“Can we just have desks that aren’t attached to the chairs?” junior Milo Harley said. “I want to be able to choose how close I am to my desk.”

THE PICNIC BENCHES BRING A VIBRANT POP OF color to the front of the auditorium, flaunting a fiery red that calls for drama. The benches orbit around a central table like planets, encouraging social interaction and making lunch groups feel cosmically aligned. The grated metal pattern adds a playful polka dot shadow to the ground, elevating every moment with accidental artistry. Be careful, though, as the metal can get scorching hot on a sunny day and accumulate water easily with even the smallest of showers. While sturdy rather than comfortable and vulnerable to the elements, the benches do not just hold lunchgoers up; they hold court.

“The best conversations happen at the chairs outside the auditorium,” junior Saharaimann Orona Samms said. “The vibe is always great.”

THE WOODEN LAB STOOLS ARE AS CLASSIC TO science classrooms as Bunsen Burners and the faint smell of chemicals. Their design has not changed in decades: tall, sturdy and unapologetically uncomfortable. With no backrest, no cushion and no forgiveness, these stools demand good posture. They are practical, built to withstand chemical spills, clumsy elbows and the occasional biology lab gone wrong. Students often joke that surviving an hour on these stools is its own class test, tougher than balancing equations. Yet, there is — unfortunately — a strange charm in their simplicity: no frills or distractions, just a student, their lab partner and the periodic table.

“You can be comfortable on them for a while,” junior Aden Belehssen said. “But after that your back gets tired or uncomfortable.”

THE MEDIA CENTER CHAIRS

into sophistication: comfortable and formal enough to make you feel scholarly. Students love them for reading, conversing or catching a nap after a strenuous state test. When paired with the quiet, cozy environment, the chairs provide a sense of peace, though after a while students notice some stiffness.

Compared to the plastic of regular classroom chairs, the library chairs are practically luxury hotel seating, with a full seat, back cushions and a flexible attached desktop. Quirky in shape and unbelievably comfortable, they have become the media center’s unofficial invitation to sit down, stay a while, maybe forget about some homework with a good book and “chair”-ish the moment.

“The best chair on campus has to be a library chair,” senior Ashlee Hernandez said. “I like that they’re wide enough for me to sit however I want and still have space.” h

Photos by Siena Cernuda/ highlights

GABLES NEWS IN BRIEF

ARWEN LAW | FEATURES EDITOR

Florida Ends Vaccine Mandate

A new Florida Department of Health rule change is ending vaccine mandates in schools, It will go into effect on December 3, according to ABC News. Pediatricians are concerned this lack of regulation could put children at risk, according to PBS News. The recent decision removes a long-standing measure for diseases like hepatitis B and chickenpox. Florida doctors fear this could lead to future outbreaks, with other states potentially following Florida’s lead.

“I’m not an expert, but I don’t think forcing people to vaccinate is the right approach,” biology teacher Eric Molina said. “If a disease isn’t deadly, like chickenpox, I don’t see why its vaccine should be mandated; people should have the option, especially for kids.”

Repealed School Time Change

Earlier this year, Florida lawmakers unanimously voted to repeal House Bill 733 and enact Senate Bill 296, as per NBC Miami. HB 733 mandated have required all district high schools to start no later that 8:30 a.m. by 2026. However, under SB 296, Florida school districts will continue operating on their current schedules.

“The Senate overriding the local decisions about start time was the best decision they could have made,” attendance office administrator Rosalee Brown said. “As an attendance clerk, I think that keeping the established time schedule in place benefits the students that are involved in afterschool activities such as football, cheerleading, dance, etc.”

End Certificate of Completion

House Bill 1105 creates rigid requirements to get certificates of completion for students with disabilities, removing a long-standing option for those unable to graduate with a standard high school diploma. However, with the newly instituted law, these learners are left without an alternative credential to recognize their years of schooling. This change raises concerns about future employment and post-secondary education for these students.

“With this new law, there are stricter requirements for awarding the certificate of completion, so I have to teach more academic-based material to my kids,” teacher of students with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities Randy Rovira said. “I’ve been incorporating more hands-on activities to the curriculum because my goal is for them to have more experience in the workforce and become successful in life.”

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Congratulations to senior Alexander Ridoux for qualifying for the National Merit semifinals. Ridoux now has the opportunity to advance and become a finalist, competing for the National Merit Scholarship. With an exemplary preformance on the PSAT, Ridoux scored in the top one percent to become a semifinalist. The National Merit Scholarship is worth nearly $26 million, with $2,500 awarded to each individual winner. To become a finalist he now must submit a scholarship application, write a supplemental essay, receive an endorsement from a school official and take the SAT or ACT to support his performance on the PSAT.

Upcoming Dates

Design by Hailey Martinez/highlights

Hailey Martinez/highlights

HURRICANE TIPS & TRICKS

According to NatGeo

Stay attuned to weather reports to keep track of any updates. Have a flexible plan in case officals instruct an evacuation from the area. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.

Big changes ahead for FEMA

FEMA will see major reforms, changing how it responds to natural disasters

VALENTINO ALVAREZ | STAFF WRITER

INCE JAN. 20, 2025, THE current administration has sought to change the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s response to natural disasters.

Keep an adequate supply of non-perishable food and bottled water in a safe place and away from encroaching water. They may not be available in the days to come.

So far, the changes give responsibility to local and state governments. A department that can identify, describe and measure the risks of these threats is in development.

Through staff cuts, reduced funding for disaster preparedness and the installation of new leaders, changes are starting to be seen in FEMA’s operations, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Philanthropy.

“A lot of people depend on FEMA and if funding gets cut it is incredibly worrying as no other institution would really do what FEMA does,” junior Hennley Michel said. “As far as I am aware they are not offering another alternative.”

The Trump administration seeks to reform FEMA because of the organization’s failure to get federal funding for disaster recovery into survivors’ hands, as per Acting FEMA Press Secretary Daniel Llargues.

Develop a plan for securing property, including how to cover windows. They can become a hazard during a hurricane.

These changes will eliminate the Building Infrastructure and Resilient Communities program, a competitive grant program within FEMA that helps local governments strengthen infrastructure to withstand future storms and natural hazards.

DID YOU KNOW

FEMA does not operate on financial donations, but rather disaster assistance is generated from federal tax dollars.

The Trump administration deemed it had failed to achieve its goals. This is due to their lack of equal funding for damage relief, as well as limited local capacity, according to Headwaters Economy.

During Hurricane Katrina, in which 1,800 Americans died and thousands of homes were damaged, their response was seen as ineffective, leaving communities in a vulnerable state during recovery, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Source: FEMA

Check surrounding trees and shrubs to ensure they are well trimmed and wind resistant.

Have a plan in place to store outdoor and loose items such as grills and garbage cans.

The program handles all sorts of projects, such as upgrading infrastructure, addressing drainage issues and building elevations, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. These changes raise significant concerns as Florida enters its annual hurricane season.

“Better power grids do not really help during the storm, but they make a big improvement in quality of life after the storm,” Professor David Nolan of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Miami said.

This leaves homes, businesses and lives at risk while also causing greater amounts of infrastructure damage in the affected areas, according to the Center for Disaster

FEMA’s largest hurdle is the lack of available resources, which results in slower reconstruction periods after natural disasters.

“I think that [FEMA funding cuts] would be unfair, as even though not all of the U.S. suffers from hurricanes, we still need it to keep an assurance that if something bad happens we can recuperate from it,” senior David Borges said.

Without federal aid, states have to rely on their limited revenue and emergency funds. This could result in an incomplete recovery, impacting the well-being and economic stability of communities, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

The changes will also have an impact on students’ education as FEMA offers grants for school security.

As natural disasters become increasingly unpredictable and federal funding continues to be cut, it is increasingly important for Floridians to plan ahead and be prepared.

Environmental damage spurs lawsuit

Everglades detention facility faces lawsuit after subjecting local ecosystem to ecological deterioration

ANTHONY FLORES | STAFF WRITER

of those currently detained by ICE lack a criminal record.

Source: CBS 37% of global emissions are emitted by the buildings and construction sector

Source: UN

RECENTLY, LOCAL

environmental groups Friends of the Everglades, Earthjustice and the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit against immigrant detention center Alligator Alcatraz over its impact on the Everglades’ wetlands ecosystem.

The lawsuit accuses Alligator Alcatraz officials of violating federal law by operating and building the facility without public input or environmental assessment.

As a result of this lawsuit, Miami U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a preliminary injunction in August ordering operations at Alligator Alcatraz to wind down by the end of October, transferring detainees to other facilities and removing all equipment and fencing.

The Miccosukee tribe has joined the lawsuit as well, as the detention center resides on sacred territory, citing the need to stand up for their culture and the very land they reside on, according to WLRN.

The Everglades is a bastion of resources that countless individuals rely on. It provides drinking water for more than 8 million Floridians and generates $150 million in direct spending annually through Everglades National Park, according to the National Wildlife Federation.

“The wetlands of the Everglades provide a plethora of essential ecosystem services,” Young Friends of the Everglades Education and Outreach Director Amanda Purnell said. “They protect against hurricanes and floods. They filter water, sequester carbon and provide a buffer against sea level rise and salt water intrusion. Of no less importance, the Everglades are a

beautiful, natural wonder — a place for us to

“

The wetlands provide a plethora of essential ecosystem services. They protect against hurricanes and floods. They filter water, sequester carbon and provide a buffer against sea level rise and salt water intrusion. Of no less importance the Everglades are a beautiful, natural wonder — a place for us to play and recharge.

Amanda Purnell, Young Friends of the Everglades Education and Outreach Director

play and recharge.”

On Sept. 4, 11th U.S. Circuit Court of

Appeals judges temporarily blocked Judge Williams’ order requiring Florida and the federal government to shut down Alligator Alcatraz. According to NBC 6 South Florida, the circuit court responsible for this decision said it was in the public’s best interest.

On Aug. 16, Tampa Bay Times reported that records analyzed by the newspaper discovered that nearly two out of every five immigrants listed in early July as being detained at Alligator Alcatraz or headed there were still recorded as detainees at the site at the end of the month. For now, Alligator Alcatraz will continue to hold immigrants while awaiting a resolution.

“I do not think blocking the judge’s order to shut down Alligator Alcatraz was valid because the Everglades is a natural preserve and is protected from agricultural influence,” junior Adimar Herrera said. “This could negatively impact the natural habitat of many species and contribute to pollution in the environment.”

In this vast region, several endangered species reside, including the American crocodile and the green sea turtle.

The Everglades is home to the elusive Florida panther, an apex predator facing endangerment at the hand of habitat loss, alarming environmental groups from those at the state level to clubs at Gables.

“Any man made structure will disrupt an ecosystem, and such a hurried construction project is bound to cut corners in waste management and runoff,” Green Gables president Adelaide Schoeni said.

As the closure of Alligator Alcatraz remains legally contested, environmental impacts persist while the facility stays operational in this delicate ecosystem.

Crosswalk censorship

A state order to paint over crosswalks featuring LGBTQ+ murals receives backlash

ELENA BUDA | STAFF WRITER

THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF Transportation has issued an order demanding that rainbow crosswalks and similar styles of pavement art be painted over in several cities across the state, including Orlando, Miami Beach, Key West and areas of South Miami.

The removal order has sparked backlash across Florida, with residents saying the rainbow crosswalks are not just decoration, representing visibility and identity for the LGBTQ+ community, as stated by CBS News.

On Aug. 21, a speaker for the FDOT stated that the organization has a responsibility to ensure that public roads and areas are not used for political, social or ideological advocacy, as per NBC News. FDOT officials have also said that bright designs can distract drivers and should not be placed on public roadways. An emergency meeting was held in Fort Lauderdale to discuss how the city will cope with the removal of their crosswalks, and Commissioner Alex Fernandez is pushing for a Miami Beach commission meeting to do the same.

Fernandez stated that, at the end of the day, the department may try to paint over the crosswalks, but they can not take away the pride and inclusivity of Miami Beach, as

ON CORAL WAY, an LGBTQ+ themed crosswalk was affected by Florida’s removal order, leading to it being painted over.

reported by 7 News Miami. He also disagreed with the FDOT’s reasoning for eliminating the colorful pavement, citing crash reports that show fewer accidents at the rainbow crosswalk than at nearby intersections, as indicated by ABC News.

“Though they tend to be more hidden, there are still people out there waiting for a chance to say degrading things about gay people, and the removal of the memorial is one of the things that can give people this opportunity,” sophomore and Gables Paradigm secretary Jade Acevedo said. “It also takes away exposure from any tragedies and any LGBTQ+ history people can obtain from it.”

The FDOT has continued to paint over these symbols, including one made as a memorial for the 2016 Pulse Nightclub Shooting. During the aftermath of the shooting, it was reported that more than 300 people were in the building when the gunman opened fire, leaving 49 dead and more than 50 wounded, as per Britannica. The Pulse shooting is classified as a hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community, and the memorial serves as an act of justice for the lives taken.

“I think the memorial is a great way of honoring the people who passed that night, and it brings together a community that has

suffered so much oppression and loss,” junior Gianna Molina said.

A survivor of the shooting stated that there were more officers guarding the paintedover crosswalk than security guards at the front door of Pulse, according to NBC News. In response to the newly painted sidewalks, more than a hundred protestors walked to the tribute and colored in the gaps with rainbow chalk. Troopers said that protesters could use chalk on the road as long as they were not blocking traffic, and anyone using paint would be arrested immediately, according to WESH News.

“I feel that the reasoning is very pointed toward a community that a lot of people are apparently not comfortable with,” Gables Paradigm adviser Tracey Barrow-Schoenblatt said. “But they can take down the rainbow crosswalks all they want. The community exists and will thrive.”

For the LGBTQ+ community, the colors represent pride, memory and belonging. As the state paints over them and cities push back, the issue has become part of a bigger idea about inclusion and identity in Florida’s public spaces. For many, the removed crosswalks are not only about traffic standards but also about erasing the community’s history.

h

highlights “ “ “I believe the Florida government doesn’t support the LGBTQ and are changing the colors of the sidewalks as a result.” Khyieme Jackson, 11 “ “

“Its important to defend local autonomy to protect diversity and inclusion.”

Camila Wong-Rodriguez, 9

ipsu

Design by Hailey Martinez/highlights

Handcuffs over housing

Criminalization replaces compassion as lawmakers target the unhoused in HB 1365

Written by Photo Editor Samantha Sears. This article

OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND is the policy that Florida seems to have adopted towards the homelessness crisis, neglecting the homeless population and their needs. In Miami-Dade County, there are over 1,000 chronically homeless individuals as of January 2024, accounting for just one sub-group of the homeless population; the number of homeless individuals in the county approached 3,800 in January 2024, according to the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust.

The failures of Florida legislature through its criminalization of the simple act of sleeping in public are evident. These issues display how the system must be reformed to be successful. The government treats the homeless population as a nuisance that must be dealt with, dehumanizing them in an effort to justify this mistreatment.

This pattern of mistreatment has been reinforced by the Florida Legislature passing a new bill. House Bill 1365, commonly known as the Unauthorized Public Camping Bill, essentially criminalizes homeless encampments and sleeping on public land.

“They don’t have access to the help they need, and that is what the government should be focusing on,” senior Thena Barzola said. “Yes, it doesn’t look good to have people sleeping on the streets, but where else do they go?”

The unsheltered homeless population of Miami-Dade County is in danger of arrest for sleeping in public places — criminalizing poverty itself.

It is true that the unsheltered homeless population in Miami-Dade County has decreased 17% since 2024, according to Miami-Dade County. This has been mainly due to the efforts of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, which offers programs that help bring homeless people off the streets and eventually into permanent housing.

reflects the opinions of the highlights 2025-26 staff.

However, the continued failure of Florida legislature meant to help Floridians and Miami-Dade residents must be addressed through not only the repeal of HB 1365 but also through improvements to the support systems themselves.

While temporary housing placements are available, there is a lack of permanent solutions in place for them. Often, individuals are later

DID YOU KNOW

The U.S. Department of Housing found that MDC’S Homeless Trust mismanaged allocated funds.

Source: Office of Inspector General

aided by the trust to get permanent housing. Despite these efforts, only 38% of individuals who left the homeless system exited to permanent destinations, according to the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. While these 38% of individuals have a

reliable shelter, almost two-thirds of them are left in limbo between stability and crisis. The remainder of those who have exited the homeless system to non-permanent housing may return to the system in the future, with 11% of individuals returning after they exit, as per the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust.

“I’ve seen cops round up and arrest up to 20 [homeless] people at once,” Homeless Trust counselor Daraliz Collado said. “It’s so sad to think that the options for these people going through so much are either staying at dangerous shelters or sleeping in jail cells. There has to be a better way.”

The homelessness crisis, already expasperated by the overpopulation of South Florida, reached new heights following the COVID-19 pandemic as housing prices rose exponentially. Lawmakers focus on punishing human rights, even though the dire circumstances these individuals face often only exist due to the systems persecuting them.

The cost of a privileged population’s discomfort is displacement and disaster for others. These lawmakers are seemingly protecting the real estate values of neighborhoods rather than the individuals they are meant to serve who are struggling through a housing crisis.

“This bill could sway public opinion about homelessness in how the state legislature takes actions against homeless people to protect community image but takes no action in helping these people find homes or a safe, designated place to be,” senior Valeria Cifuentes said.

Homeless people are constantly seeking employment. This already hard task is made harder when they have no stable shelter to rely on. Those in the Florida legislature will often complain about the resources they must provide to those they deem ‘lazy,’ but some of the laws that they pass are only furthering the cycle rather than assisting those who rely on these systems to finally break the cycle.

Overtown’s green space denied

The “Big Beautiful Bill” rescinds $60M for the Underdeck, further hindering Miami’s historic Black community

FUNDING FOR OVERTOWN’S long-promised $60 million

Underdeck Park was recently rescinded by the Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” which favors tax cuts over community-oriented projects. While at risk of being an overlooked policy change, this defunding decision is actually an alarming display of racial discrimination towards Black communities.

The plan that originally allocated funds towards the Underdeck Project was called the Neighborhood Access and Equity Program. The Federal Highway Administration devised a plan to improve the liveability of communities that were affected by divisive infrastructure like the Interstate in Overtown. According to the program’s website, it was enacted in 2022 and planned to provide $3 billion over the next five

years. However, on July 4, President Donald Trump signed the “Big Beautiful Bill” Act, rescinding approximately $2.4 billion from the original funding. The cuts halted production and left the project’s future in doubt.

Ideally, the urban streetscape was once envisioned to reunite a community that was fractured decades ago by the construction of Interstates 95 and 395. Residents of the area are deprived of what could have been: a green, clean space with food vendors and pedestrian trails. These amenities would have helped connect the community and restored the liveability it once boasted by providing an environment that fosters connection through cultural events.

“[The Underdeck] was looking to be a great

ANGEL GARCIA | STAFF WRITER

KENNETH LARA | STAFF WRITER

spot for kids to safely play and connect,” Overtown Children & Youth Coalition leader Alia Mahmoud said. “What does that say to them, that their lawmakers don’t think they’re worth the money?”

In the early 1950s, Overtown was known as “Colored Town” due to Jim Crow laws that designated the town as an area for Black laborers and their families, CommonsForJustice, a Florida International University study, reported. Historical racial segregation created harmful economic displacement while concentrating poverty in minority neighborhoods.

“It’s ridiculous that funding is still so segregated,” junior Francis Grimes said.

In spite of the systemic racial segregation that afflicted the area, it became a thriving hub for Miami’s Black community, housing

ON HOT MIAMI SUMMERS, a playground on the Brickell section of the Underline provides a refuge for families to safely gather and play.

over 50,000 residents with a booming entertainment industry and intercultural restaurants. Unfortunately, discriminatory policy continues to threaten this community time and time again.

In 1958, I-95 and I-395 were built directly through Overtown, triggering the destruction of over 8,500 households and 300 businesses while dwindling the population to under 10,000. This destroyed years of community building and forced many businesses to either close or relocate.

The construction of the Underdeck could have revitalized these businesses and communities.

“If we had more clean, safe areas in town, we could further connect our community and host events to get to know each other,” junior Brayden Fernandez said.

The people of Overtown desperately need a lifeline — a clean green space where residents, young and old, can safely reconnect with one another and bring life back into the town.

The Underdeck would have provided each of these benefits; however, the Trump administration told CNBC that it was only cutting funding to what it called a waste of taxpayer dollars on “frivolous grants.”

Yet, the Underline, a $120 million park and urban trail that spans over 10 miles under the Metrorail tracks, has proved the effectiveness of public pedestrian infrastructure. When properly funded, it and other forms of public infrastructure provide benefits like safe parks, food stands and venues for community events.

“I’ve been able to see firsthand how community-run businesses can uplift the local economy,” Red Rooster Overtown owner Marcus Samuelsson said. “The fact that we have one less space for them can only do harm to an already struggling neighborhood.”

The Trump administration’s decision to deny the project was framed as a matter of high costs, but supporting similar projects that have thrived shows it is more than that.

DUE TO FUNDING FALLING

THROUGH, the Underdeck’s lack of municipal aid leaves it stuck in the rubble as a struggling community’s lost dream.

Their priorities do not lie in the costs; they reflect a bias towards historically white, rich neighborhoods.

Prioritizing high-income areas while neglecting underrepresented, low-income areas is not only unethical, but also highlights deeprooted racial disparities. By prioritizing them, funding for the Underdeck has been sidelined in favor of wealthier neighborhoods.

Overtown’s park is seen as expendable and left abandoned due to its location in a low-income area, yet the city spares no expense in wealthier parts of town. Overtown’s park proposal could have connected these

funding cut, the City of Miami, the Florida Department of Transportation and the Underdeck project leaders are fighting to keep this project afloat. The City of Miami Mayor, Francis Suarez, told the Miami Times magazine that they would spend $20 million on the project. They have a proven history of successful public-private partnerships that can help secure funding that would keep the project moving forward for the community’s benefit.

The fact that funding was taken from Overtown shows how little value is placed in communities like it while wealthier areas are consistently prioritized. If leaders truly commit

Kenneth Lara/highlights

Kenneth Lara/highlights

Rapid ride and risky rails

The Brightline train’s safety measures must match its speed to lower the climbing pedestrian death toll

LILY-JADE LECOULTRE | BUSINESS MANAGER

LORIDA lacks public transportation; the need for a car is almost unavoidable, whether residents can afford one or not. In fact, as depicted by Statista, Florida has more than seven million automobile registrations, making it the state with the third-highest total in the U.S.

The first train service in Florida, the Brightline, was created by Florida East Coast Industries in 2018. Although the Brightline has its advantages, it is the U.S.’s most dangerous passenger train. Recently, FECI has faced growing criticism for a lack of safety measures. From minimal fences to federal fund delays, the trains run into it all.

“With the Brightline, I can come home to Miami way more often than I could if I had to rely on driving or flying,” University of Central Florida freshman and Gables alumna Sophia Daly said. “I can actually use the time, whether it is doing homework or simply relaxing.”

The Brightline attracts more than 4 million riders each year, according to the New York Times. This popularity has outpaced the installation of safety measures, leaving communities vulnerable to accidents.

Even before the Brightline emerged commercially, residents raised concerns about the safety of a train passing through Miami at high speeds with unprotected crossings. The project moved forward and regulations were minimal. Almost 200 deaths have occurred in the past few years, according to the Miami Herald.

WLRN reported that Brightline trains travel between 79 mph and 110 mph in cities, allowing them to pass through residential areas without protective fencing. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, regulations for fences are enforced when a train goes faster than 125 mph.

By going slower than regulation speed, the Brightline can pass danger zones without legal issues. Nevertheless, 79 mph is still sufficiently fast to seriously injure or kill

opposable thumbs

Yapping About Movies

“An art form all on its own”

- Valentino Alvarez, Staff Writer

Keychain Thieves

“At least ask where I bought them first“

- Vivian Romero, Staff Writer

someone. Brightline avoids mandatory safety upgrades, making areas near railways dangerous, especially in densely populated areas like Miami. Regardless, FECI continues to jeopardize lives by refusing to pay for safety improvements. They justify these actions by arguing that funds are delayed while asking the public to pay for upgrades, explained the Miami Herald.

“As a private company that is implementing these trains, it is their duty to make sure that it integrates well with existing infrastructure,” junior Henry Lewis said. “Brightline is running the network and profiting off of it, so they could make their train’s interaction with the rest of the cities safer.”

Brightline needs to implement drastic changes. FECI needs to take action by investing in advanced safety technology and stricter safety regulations. There should be an increase in federal oversight with the Brightline working with local enforcement. They must cease their marketing for railway expansion until they value every life.

Siena van de Graaf, Staff Writer

Design by Alicia Fajardo/highlights

Connecting with clicks

Online streaming sites are now where Gen Z shares culture and identity

STACY URBINA | ONLINE EDITOR

BEFORE modern technology, human interactions on a global scale were restricted to those between spice traders on the Silk Road. Now, there is no need for a fleet of ships or a peace treaty to connect across the globe; today, a working phone and devotion to a fandom are all that is needed for some digital-age diplomacy.

Streaming services now dominate entertainment consumption, accounting for about 44.8% of total TV usage in the U.S., up from around 28% in May 2021, according to Regulations.gov. This surge allows platforms to put the same show on everyone’s screen, creating shared cultural moments across diverse audiences. A well-known example of this phenomenon was the unprecedented virality of the Netflix movie “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” which is the most-watched movie on Netflix, reaching over 236 million views, according to Forbes.

Teens are now becoming consistently engaged with shows, creating an exclusive realm where fans gather to discuss the latest plot twists as if it is their sacred duty. Dodging “The Summer I Turned Pretty” spoilers in the halls is becoming a new survival skill, occupying tactics used in popular dystopian shows like “The Hunger Games.”

“Spoilers ruin the surprise and excitement of experiencing a story for yourself,” senior Tess Schery said. “It’s frustrating when people post details before everyone even has a fair chance to watch, like when an episode hasn’t even been out for 12 hours.”

“K-Pop Demon Hunters” fans across the globe occupy their time learning viral dances overnight and channeling their inner Picasso by drawing traditional women of their culture as the first generation of Hunters in the movie. What seems like a casual watch party is actually an opportunity to experience foreign cultures while connecting with strangers turned friends.

“I do believe that there will always be a place for traditional TV because for many people, despite having streaming platforms, the nostalgia of watching shows on cable has left a lasting memory in their life,” sophomore Alanis Benitez said.

Streaming has torn the fabric of entertainment apart, leaving cable TV in ruins with its dusty remotes. Teens forge communities over love triangles and dance challenges. In the end, streaming is not just entertainment, but a diplomatic mission, a cultural exchange program and a high-stakes endurance sport all at once.

DID YOU KNOW h

In May 2025, streaming overtook both cable and broadcast television in total TV viewership in the U.S.

Source: Reuters

Alicia’s Archive Remembering

Lemon City: The Citrusy Origins of Little Haiti

Alicia Fajardo | Opinion Editor

Most Miamians know the murals, markets and music of Little Haiti. Fewer realize that this same stretch of city once carried another name: Lemon City. That name wasn’t just quaint branding; it came from real lemon trees and small groves that perfumed the neighborhood and gave it its first identity.

In the late 1800s, Bahamian settlers, freedmen and other homesteaders carved out a small but thriving community here, building homes, opening a school and establishing a post office long before Miami’s official founding. Lemon City became one of the region’s earliest settlements, a place of work, worship and trade. By the 1970s and ’80s, Haitian immigrants fleeing political turmoil arrived in large numbers and found a neighborhood slipping into neglect. Through their churches, markets and small businesses they revitalized it, reshaping the area into the vibrant cultural hub we now call Little Haiti. Today, the culture of Little Haiti draws visitors citywide and sustains Miami’s Haitian community, even as the area faces new pressures from development and rising costs.

Remembering Lemon City doesn’t erase Little Haiti, it enriches it. Both names speak to layers of labor, migration and resilience. Honoring this citrus-scented past allows Miami to see its neighborhoods not as blank canvases to be reinvented, but as living histories whose roots still nourish the present. In every mural and market you can still sense the echoes of Lemon City under the pulse of Little Haiti.

SPORTS BRIEFS

Bill requires EKG for student athletes

The Florida government is taking a major step toward protecting studentathletes.

A new law called the Second Chance Act, Senate Bill 1070, now requires every high school athlete to get an electrocardiogram before they can participate on a high school sports team.

An EKG is a simple test that evaluates the heart’s functionality using wires connected to patches placed on the athlete’s arms, chest and legs.

These patches and wires show the rhythm of the athlete’s heartbeat. By utilizing this rhythm, an EKG can check

for problems like irregular heartbeats, blocked blood flow or other hidden heart conditions.

The goal of the EKG is to prevent any problems or emergencies for athletes both on and off the court, and this requirement will keep them safe to focus on playing the sports they love.

“I feel like it will better our understanding of how fatigue works and make athletes more aware of conditions,” sophomore and junior varsity volleyball player Bella Domeq said. h

Shilo Sanders cut from Buccaneers

Shilo Sanders — former safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and son of Deion Sanders, Pro Football Hall of Famer and current University of Colorado football coach — was among those cut from the Buccaneers’ roster after his ejection from a preseason game.

Sanders, now an undrafted free agent, was criticized by both coaches and fans after throwing a punch at Buffalo Bills tight end Zach Davidson. This incident raised concerns about Sanders’ discipline on the field and how his

conduct reflects on the team.

“I think it’s fair, whether he’s Deion Sanders’s kid or not,” sophomore football player Marcus Borghi said. “If he’s underperforming, he should be dealt with like anybody else in the league.”

While not ideal, roster cuts are a part of every NFL preseason, as teams must reduce the players on their roster from 90 to 53. However, there are still more opportunities for Sanders, as undrafted players can sign with another team. To date, Sanders remains unsigned.

athlete spotlight upcoming events

NATASHA MACAU, 11 Sport: Girls Volleyball

Accomplishments: Macau is entering her third year on the varsity team as an outside hitter. Recently, she committed to LeHigh University as a high school junior to expand upon her volleyball career in her future education.

Dec. 1

Boys Soccer game at Miami Springs

Dec. 3

Girls

Basketball at Miami Beach

Dec. 2

Boys Basketball game at Southridge

Dec. 8

Girls Soccer at Southwest

Design by Natalia Quick/highlights

Sophie Aguilar/highlights

MELINA MORALES | STAFF WRITER

AIDING FOOTBALL PLAYERS, the Gables athletic trainers work off the field to provide water and health support during the October 9 game against Christopher Columbus High chool.

Maria Sandoval/highlights

From the locker room to the web

With social media making players’ lives more accessible to fans, their focus now moves from performance to personality

JADE MEYER | STAFF WRITER

UE TO THE nature of social media, sports are no longer limited to what happens on the playing field. On social media forums, fans are just as likely to debate an athlete’s online presence as their stat lines.

Social media has normalized viewing athletes as societal ambassadors, role models and primary focal points within communities. Due to this standardization, athletes have adapted, progressing into influencers, celebrities and global brand consultants.

In the wake of athletes’ increased social media presence, the definition of what it means to be an athlete or fan is shifting. A generation growing up with their heroes’ constant proximity needs a continuous stream of routines, rivalries, endorsements and lifestyle content to stay engaged.

Simply knowing the score of the game is not satisfying enough for many fans invested in fan-based relationships. Instead, they want to know what their favorite player had for breakfast or what song was playing in their headphones before they stepped onto the court.

This prolific obsession paired with other consumers’ apathy. Scrolling through the comment section of a post about Travis Kelce’s engagement to Taylor Swift will clearly demonstrate the disconnect: comments asking

why fans should care appear beside ones fawning over their engagement, providing further evidence to fans’ desire to know about an athlete’s personal life and actions. Every detail of an athlete’s personal life is expected to go mainstream, where it is appreciated and rejected by fans alike.

“Seeing an athlete’s social media usually gives me a sense of their personality, which connects with what they do on the field.” sophomore Gables sailor Stephanie Gregg said. “For example a football player, who’s social media showcases their funny personality, might do a funny celebration after scoring a touchdown, and this connection makes me feel like I know the player.”

Moreover, athletes no longer need journalists to share their stories. Instagram, TikTok and other forms of social media allow

of people state that an athlete’s personal online character influence their perception of them.

athletes to freely speak to fanatic sports lovers in an accessible manner.

By utlizing the power of posting and branding on social media, players have created online personas that they carry with them throughout the game. Although their whole social media page may not be totally

focused around their sport, it can still be a prominant part of their online persona, sharing their important achievements and memorable moments. This ensures that these moments do not get lost within the achievements of other athletes, giving a player a place to display them.

“A player can post their [game] highlights and may make the other team consider them a bigger threat,” said sophomore volleyball and basketball player Angelo Navas.

For college athletes this is a doubleedged sword, allowing players to enhance their personal brand and connect with a larger community while unfortunately catalyzing the formation of one-sided relationships and creating an overwhelming social scrutiny behind every photo they post.

This development could also improperly influence the game for the athlete or their brand affiliation, resulting in the publicity opportunity being prioritized over the game itself. The real winners and losers in this media landscape are often the student-athletes who manage their sports and academics, all while engaging a large, and perhaps overwhelming, online presence of students, fans and internet trolls.

Furthermore, while athletes can utilize social media to assist in the promotion of themself as a player, social media is more commonly used as a platform to share ones personal life and views.

Many athletes own, and still continue to use, a social media account made before their career began. Although a players old posts may not reflect their current views or personality, those images and words are still existing on the internet, allowing any fan to access them.

“I believe social media does affect their perception on a field in the same way digital footprint affects someone on a professional level,” IB freshman Jazlyn Vazquezbello said.

While social media can unite fanbases and players, providing greater connections and inciting more support for teams, the development of obsessive social media culture lowers the importance of the sports themselves, instead prioritizing the online presence of athletes and brands.

SPRINTING TO SUCCESS, the Gables Cross Country team competed against several other high schools in the 43rd Annual Spanish River Invitational.

Can’t catch these Cavs

Gables cross country stars merit the AllDade award for their devotion to student athleticism

ADRIANA

GARCIA | STAFF WRITER CELIA SIME LANANG | STAFF WRITER

ALL-DADE IS AN AWARD presented to high school athletes recognized by the Miami Herald as one of the top performers in their sport within the county. In January 2025, three Gables athletes — seniors Avril Donner, Yara Korse and Luis Rodriguez — were awarded this title for their outstanding performances in cross country. The AllDade title is divided into three categories per gender group: First Team, Second Team and Third Team. Donner was recognized in the Girls First Team, while both Korse and Rodriguez were recognized in their respective Third Teams. This honor reflects their dedication and commitment throughout the course of their cross-country journey.

Gables cross-country coaches Michael Fotso and Scott Nelson guided these three award recipients throughout their high school careers, fostering their athletic development.

“I have nothing but praise for how they are able to handle the academics, the athletics and their social life,” Fotso said. “They put on their shoulders way more than people can imagine, and they still achieve well in class and on the athletic field.”

Design by Hazel Grosell/highlights

Donner, a varsity member of the team, was the only runner from Gables represented in the Miami Herald’s First Team category. Donner has been one of the most awarded and accomplished runners on the team since she joined in her freshman year. Her journey as a runner started when she was the fastest in her elementary school’s PE class, and her pace has never once slowed. Leaving eighth grade, she was encouraged by her parents and middle school coach to try out for Gables’ crosscountry team.

“I started to notice that the more I encouraged her the harder she would run,” Coral Gables Preparatory Academy PE coach Alex Padron said.

Upon joining, Donner immediately began in the girl’s varsity team, competing at the Florida High School Athletic Association cross country state championships as the only freshman girl.

Since then, Donner has broken and set the school record seven times, constantly setting the bar and striving to be the best. Starting off senior year, she holds a personal record of 19:19 in the 5k, the standard cross-country distance. Of the many honors and awards she has received in her cross-country career, her favorite was her first-place win at the 2024 GMAC Championship, where she set yet another school record.

“Running taught me a lot about myself since I get to set that personal goal to push myself,” Donner said.

Reflecting on her record-breaking times

and various awards, Donner recognizes her competitive personality as the key to pushing herself to be the best runner she can. Her coaches and fellow runners describe her as an involved and caring teammate, always being supportive and taking initiative.

Korse, like Donner, is a varsity member of the team recognized as an All-Dade runner for her dedication and hard work on the track. Korse has been running for as long as she can remember, inspired by her mother who she watched run growing up. Before starting in her freshman year, Korse already had a special connection with the Gables team, knowing Coach Fotso through her parents’ run club, which has helped her strengthen the familial bond that holds the team together.

Through dedication and practice, Korse has consistently improved as a runner, going into the 2025 season with a personal record of 20:10 in the 5k.

“Through my interactions with my coaches and teammates like Avril, I’ve learned to be more ambitious and push myself,” Korse said.

Korse’s dedication as a runner is what sets her apart from other athletes and allows her to improve every time she sets foot on the Gables track

“As a runner and an athlete she’s extremely determined to reach her goals — she never quits,” senior and varsity cross-country runner Samantha Gonzalez said.

Luis Rodriguez was the only athlete from the Gables boys cross-country team to be recognized in All-Dade, emphasizing the

ALL-DADE ATHLETES

Avril Donner, Yara Korse and Luis Rodriguez attended the invitational on September 20, and Donner placed 23rd in the girls category.

competitiveness in boys cross country in the Miami-Dade district between both public and private schools. As a lifelong athlete, Rodriguez has been competing in triathlons since elementary school, which introduced him to running while instilling a competitive personality that fuels him as a runner to this day. At Gables, he thrives on the field and is one of the leading figures of the boys crosscountry team, where he hones his competitive nature into improvement as a runner.

“My biggest strength as a runner is my competitive drive,” Rodriguez said. “It’s what sets me apart — my desire to be with the top guys and compete for the highest placements.”

Through coaches and teammates, Rodriguez is pushed and encouraged to show up everyday and be consistent, laying the groundwork for every successful season. As of the beginning of the 2025 season, Rodriguez has a personal record of 16:41 in the 5k, which he attributes to the team that motivates him to be the best athlete he can be daily. He considers his All-Dade recognition as his favorite accolade in his time running cross country.

“Luis has that ‘all-around’ energy where he combines work ethic with natural talent,” Nelson said.

Donner, Korse and Rodriguez share the same values of hard work and a passion for the sport, something which can be seen by their coaches and teammates and comes through in their outstanding performances at meets, culminating in their All-Dade recognitions.

Design by Hazel Grosell/highlights

Photos courtesy of Nathaniel Woods

Game on, gear up A

$13.5 million

partnership with Adidas will impact Miami-Dade scholastic athletes

MIA CHACIN-VERA | STAFF WRITER

TAKING EFFECT ON AUG. 25, 2025, Adidas and Miami-Dade County Public Schools have launched a new multi-year $13.5 million partnership. Through this brand deal, Adidas will now be the official brand partner for the athletic wear and equipment of all Greater Miami Conference schools’ athletic programs. This development builds on Adidas’ already successful athletic collaboration with the University of Miami, Florida Atlantic University, the University of South Florida and Florida International University.

The partnership between MDCPS and Adidas is extremely helpful for the county, terminating their need to dip into funds or hold fundraisers in order to purchase gear for scholastic sports teams. With this generosity from Adidas, schools can ensure that athletes are in quality gear while saving their much needed funds for other pursuits. Though branded activewear might not substantially impact every athlete’s mentality and motivation, it will impact their presentation on the field through confortable and beneficial uniforms.

“I do not think [the Adidas partnership] will motivate athletes any more or any less than wearing a Nike or Under Armour uniform,” athletic director Louis Romero said.

In several schools, this new partnership has already taken off. The schools commonly recognized as the “Super Seven” — including Booker T. Washington Senior High School, Homestead Senior High School, Miami Central Senior High School, South Dade Senior High School — have already received the new uniforms and equipment, in time for the fall sports season. Due to their widely recognized athleticism and high rankings in championships and student-athlete success rates, these schools were prioritized in the launch of this partnership.

IN CAVALIER STYLE, Cav Man poses wearing his favorite Adidas gear to prepare for the upcoming brand partnership with MDCPS.

Although this partnership primarily impacts football players, particularly those in “Super Seven” schools, who have already received adiZero Electric uniforms, they are still planning on funding all sports offered at the high school level. This, includes varsity and, junior varsity teams, as well as all feeder programs.

“Wearing Adidas gear is going to be insanely helpful and a privilege,” junior and varsity volleyball player Sebastian Reyes said. “It also adds to the pressure to play to the

“ When you feel like your school is investing in you with something this big it pushes you to give your best. It’s like a reminder that people believe in us, so now we have to step up.

Alex Pritchett, 12

best of your abilities, because, while wearing Adidas, you are representing them to a great extent.”

However, this partnership benefits both Miami-Dade County and Adidas. By outfitting teams from Miami-Dade high schools, Adidas is investing in young athletes. Adidas earns a significant profit from this investment through a website set up by the school district showcasing the new merchandise. This new online store was launched on Aug. 18,

2025, in the hopes of selling official Adidas merchandise to high schoolers. They even have their own special collections, with the “305” and “Made in Dade” collections, designed to celebrate the county. This website can be found at dadeschools.athsolutions.shop. This is a core part of this partnership since the money made from the website will provide a funding model for the athletic programs.

“When you feel like your school is investing in you with something this big, it pushes you to give your best.” senior and varsity baseball player Alex Pritchett said. “It’s like a reminder that people believe in us, so now we have to step up.”

It is not only an honor to be represented by such a big-name corporation, but also a chance to show off how great the student-athletes in Miami-Dade can be. Hopefully, with such a big spotlight on them students will be able to get more than just a new jersey, such as scholarships to schools.

Alyssa Dopico/highlights

Alyssa Dopico/ highlights

the scene

Sculpting a clay reality

Explore the ceramic world at

Anhinga

Clay Studios, where every lesson emerges from personal creativity

SAVANNAH SERPA | STAFF WRITER

JOYFUL LAUGHTER CARRIES

through the room at Anhinga Clay Studios as clay-covered hands craft works of art, shaping imagination into pieces that tell a story. The soft whirl of the wheel generates a meditative hum, filling the space with buzzing creative energy.

Anhinga offers two main activities, portfolio development and pottery classes. The studio caters to diverse interests, making sure everyone can find something they enjoy.

opportunity to show off their artistic talent and create work they take pride in. Located at 4600 SW 75th Ave., it offers a safe and welcoming environment, as customers find the process of working hard to craft a beautiful final piece highly rewarding.

“Being able to make something I was really proud of for my family all the way in Spain after spending so much time on it was great,” senior Lucia Astorga said.

Along with that, the studio provides its customers with the necessary knowledge to create quality pieces. Since Miranda has 19 years of experience, his ceramics wisdom is top tier. For example, he teaches students how to center and pull clay, make pots by hand without a wheel and properly wedge clay, all while exploring more of the common essentials needed to make pottery.

Each step in the journey of shaping and firing a piece mirrors the growth of an artist, transforming a blob of clay into a valuable creation.

Growing the artistic soul offers endless possibilities for curious minds, especially for adolescents seeking creative outlets or stress relief.

Students of all ages are encouraged to join the portfolio development classes, in which they are guided through drawing, painting and creating 3D projects. This one-month class is available once a week on either Mondays or Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at a cost of $140.

pottery classes to children, teens and adults. There are beginner classes and five-week classes. In the beginner classes, students are given the opportunity to try out the pottery wheel, learning skills like hand-building. The fee for this workshop is $65.

For any aspiring artists who want to further investigate ceramics, the five-week classes delve deeper into pottery techniques that can enhance one’s skills. The five-week classes are a great option for beginner and intermediate pottery artists. This session costs $250, with hours varying across weekdays. For the kids’ clay classes, they offer four sessions for a total of $130.

As students immerse themselves in these activities, curiousity is sparked since clay is often a new medium.

“Learning a new skill is a really important thing to do throughout your life no matter what age you are,” Miranda said. “Clay is one of those things that lends itself to any age.”

FOCUSING AT THE POTTERY WHEEL, senior Lucia Astorga sets clay in motion as she shapes it into a vessel with precision. Savannah Serpa/highligh

At Anhinga, connections flourish as students collaborate and discuss the creative works they have formed with their own hands. The small space allows the instructor to pay close attention to each customer, giving individual guidance and support.

The owner, Gustavo Miranda, is great at connecting with the customers and strives to build trust among peers.

“It’s a very small environment so he’s able to help everybody individually,” senior Wren Pfeiffer said. “He’s super friendly, especially with kids, so he knows how to manage a group.”

Anhinga’s lessons give students the

Magnet programs that specialize in the arts and drawing are more likely to value students with stronger portfolios, making this class especially useful for artistic students.

Anhinga also offers

COLORFUL CREATIONS fuse artistry with individuality at Anhinga Clay Studios’ daily ceramic classes, where aspiring artists can practice molding clay.

The studio’s diverse hours, which vary depending on the chosen course, give students and adults the ability to make time to visit. For more specific information on the available times or details of a given session, visit Anhinga’s website. The owners are easy to reach through the number found on the studio’s page.

Anhinga’s uniqueness lies in its supportive community. Miranda’s uplifting energy inspires customers to express themselves through art. By the end, each visitor leaves with a cherished memory, feeling lighter and eager to return.

Savannah Serpa/highlights

Books, sips and buzzers

Superfly Trivia brings game show excitement to Books & Books

VIVIAN ROMERO-NAVARRE | STAFF WRITER

VERY TUESDAY NIGHT, AS THE sun dips behind the streets of Coral Gables, something electric begins to stir at 265 Aragon Ave. Inside Books & Books, Superfly Trivia takes over with a “Jeopardy!”-style showdown, transforming the quiet bookstore corners into an arena of knowledge, speed and laughter.

From 9 to 11 p.m., teams of up to four players gather, phones in hand, ready to be challenged across different categories spanning from niche pop culture to in-depth history and obscure facts.

The rules are simple: One teammate becomes the designated buzzer, logging into BuzzIn.Live with a game code provided by the host. Once the question is read aloud, the race to buzz in begins. There is no need to answer in the form of a question the way “Jeopardy!” usually requires. Still, speed itself does not secure success. Before the answer is revealed,

if the first team to buzz in answers incorrectly, the host offers another team a chance to respond.

If a team lands on one of the three “hidden wheel” questions, there is an opportunity to spin a wheel for a chance at extra points. The group then gets to answer an exclusive question, with no other groups being able to buzz in and steal the points. Another bonus point opportunity is the Plinko board.

To earn a chip for the Plinko board, the team must answer a question worth 1,000 points or a hidden wheel question correctly. A 5,000 point jackpot is in the center of the Plinko board, with different point values throughout. At the end of the night, each group with positive points is able to play in “Final Jeopardy.” The winning team walks away with store credit and bragging rights that last all week.

“What makes it special has nothing to do with trying to win the game, but rather feeling excitement when your group is able to just answer even one question and get it right,”

ASIDE FROM THE SHELVES OF KNOWLEDGE at Books & Books, their Tuesday trivia night draws an eager crowd of fact fanatics after hours.

TESTING THEIR LUCK, SuperFly teams spin the wheel for extra points after correctly answering a tough question.

Gables alumna Natalia Pallas said.

Accompanied with drink specials and a cozy café offering items ranging from $2.50 to $10, players can sip while they strategize. For an extra fee, milk alternatives for $1 and organic vegan flavors for 75 cents are offered.

For those with a sweet tooth, they offer affogato, sodas, Peach Oolong tea, Shava Hibiscus Berry iced tea and Mexican Spice Mocha. The more sour options are regular and matcha lemonades. But those are only some recommendations, with the full menu presenting even more variety. A purchase at the café does not only satisfy cravings, it provides bonus points, boosting the chance of winning.

Superfly Trivia offers a perfect blend of brainy fun and bookstore charm for trivia masters, casual book browsers or just someone looking for a unique way to spend a Tuesday night.

“Playing trivia surrounded by books adds a creative, intellectual energy,” Superfly Trivia founder and host Stephanie Fernandez said. “Plus, Books & Books has always been about community and conversation, which matches perfectly with what Superfly is about.”

While no prizewinning is guaranteed, new friendships and a good time are always to be expected from trivia nights. With every return, familiar team names of regulars who make the evening a tradition echo across the room.

“It’s fun. Just go. Show up. Worst thing that could happen is you don’t win and nothing happens,” physics teacher Roberto Del Valle said. “It’s just a good time, no consequences.”

So grab some friends, pick a buzzer and get ready to spin, sip and guess. Superfly Trivia is more than a game night; it is a weekly ritual for the curious, the competitive and the downright daring.

Design by Ciara Burton/highlights

Vivian Romero-Navarre/highlights

Vivian Romero-Navarre/highlights

The secret sauce-off

The highlights staff ranks popular special sauces from well-loved restaurants

SIENA VAN DE GRAAF | STAFF WRITER

AST FOOD RESTAURANTS’

“secret sauces” have become a musttry topping as a result of strategic marketing and social media trends, but the hype surrounding each is up for debate. Each signature sauce differs from place to place, giving fast food locations their own hallmark. To determine which condiment tops them all, the highlights staff has ranked Miami establishments’ secret sauces.

Since 2023, this creamy, crave-worthy sauce has dominated social media “mukbangs.” It is known for being sold in large cups for $6 to $7. The core ingredients in this mixture are mayonnaise, ketchup, worcestershire sauce and garlic powder, among other secret ingredients.

“At Canes, they just have fried chicken and you can make fried chicken anywhere,” sophomore Adrian Orge said. “What makes the place so good is their sauce and then dipping their toast in the sauce.”

Most of the staff find its flavor delicious, rich and flavorful, living up to the attention it gets online. For those who adore it, a new location is opening in early 2026, just a sevenminute drive away from Gables at 3600 SW 22nd St.

Ranked a close second, Shake Shack’s secret sauce is guaranteed to add depth to every meal, whether eating a ShackBurger, fries or chicken nuggets. This sauce is so well-loved that multiple containers of sauce are regularly set aside in anticipation of the many customers requesting it.

It is known for its unique tang and peppery kick, created with mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, garlic powder, paprika and cayenne.

This iconic glaze is not just any regular barbecue sauce; it has become a house favorite added to many Flanigan’s meals. The sweet and salty flavors of the meal and the sauce create a delicious aromatic harmony, allowing for the perfect balance of flavor in every course. Bottles of the flavorsome condiment are available for purchase because of its popularity.

“I really like Flanigan’s barbecue sauce,” freshman Camila Wong-Rodriguez said. “If you pair it with the curly fries, that is literal heaven.”

Although the honeyed kick in the flavor may not appeal to some customers, most love the combination of sweet and salty.

Although half of the staff finds this condiment life-changing, the rest believe it is fairly bland and does not stand out from the pack. However, the smokey, honey mustard-like flavor is what appeals to Chickfil-A’s customers.

“I think [the sauce] pairs really well with their chicken and adds a freshness to the sandwiches,” sophomore Lúa O’Brien said.

According to Chick-fil-A, their signature sauce was one of the most ordered condiments in 2024. Its main ingredients include mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, yellow mustard and honey.As it is loved by many, the school decided to incorporate a very similar sauce as a condiment choice for certain lunches. It is a top choice and go-to dip for the fried chicken offered during school lunch.

These dips make fast food unique, with many sauce-lovers visiting just for their favorite condiments. While home replicas often fail to capture their flavor, enjoying these secret sauces on-site offers a comforting and mouthwatering experience. h

FAST FOOD FAVORITES

WITH A DELICIOUSLY UNIQUE DIP, McDonald’s meals feature perfectly salty, crunchy fries, an ideal vessel for their secret sauce.

MAXIMIZING FLAVOR, Shake Shack’s tangy sauce compliments their famous hand-breaded chicken nuggets.

RIBS, a Flanigan’s staple, are perfectly paired with their slightly sweet signature sauce.

SMOKEY BARBEQUE

Siena van de Graaf/highlight s

Siena van de Graaf/ highlights

Siena van de Graaf/highlights

Telling tales through recipes

Embedded in heritage, Nicaraguan businesses share their culture through transportive bites

ISABELA DUARTE | ONLINE EDITOR

MELINA MORALES | STAFF WRITER

N MIAMI, WHERE DIVERSE

Latin American cuisines find a second home, the Nicaraguan community has found ways to honor its culinary traditions.

As Nicaraguan immigrants made their way to the city, they carried with them flavors and recipes that preserved the spirit of home.

These dishes represent far more than food; they are a way to remember heritage and share a piece of Nicaragua with others who are far from it. From sweet treats that spark nostalgia to savory plates that bring comfort, Nicaraguan food in Miami is defined by its variety.

Raspados Loly and El Guayacan provide the community with not only authentic flavors but

also gathering spaces to celebrate and embrace their roots.

Both businesses preserve tastes that remind many of home while also inviting new communities to discover and experience Nicaragua’s culinary heritage. These establishments serve as cultural hubs where stories are shared and traditions are kept alive.

Guayacan Miami Restaurant

From the bold streets of Little Havana to the rich flavors of Nicaragua, Guayacan Miami proves that culture and food come together in the best way, with tradition meeting in the middle.

On Calle Ocho, one dining spot stands out for how it weaves tradition and taste to bring this story to life: Guayacan Miami.

Located at 1933 SW 8th St., Guayacan has been a historic staple for 38 years. Starting as an idea from a mother, her daughters and a close friend, their shared vision came to life as they built the restaurant.

Over the years, Guayacan has carried the rich flavors of Nicaragua into Miami while honoring the Cuban spirit of Little Havana. Guayacan Miami offers a space of culture and memory to their customers, integrating love and their heritage into every plate offered.

General Manager Micaela Arauz helps carry on that legacy, protecting the authenticity

of every recipe by personally sourcing traditional ingredients and maintaining family cooking techniques.

“My mother was the head of the kitchen; she was the one who decided to prepare the dishes according to Nicaraguan tradition,” Arauz said.

Popular dishes include their carne asada for $22.95 and their churrasco tenderloin filet for $31.95, both served with Nicaraguan-style rice and beans, a choice of sweet or salty plantains and fried cheese.

Their most popular seafood cuisine is the “pescado a la Tipitapa,” which is a 1.5-pound fish offered at $33.95.

“Every plate at Guayacan Miami is served freshly and generously in a place where family, culture and flavor come together,” customer Joshua Wright said.

DELICACIES LIKE CHURRASCO, FLAN AND GALLO PINTO entice passersby to explore Nicaragua’s savory flavors and famous desserts.

Inside the kitchen, Head Chef Urania Rojas continues the tradition of quality and freshness.

Assistant Cook Rosa Cantillana also brings warmth to the kitchen, taking joy in preparing meals and working alongside Chef Rojas.

“The food is fresh and made when ordered,” Rojas said. “For me, this restaurant is unparalleled.” (Translated from Spanish to English.)

To complete the experience, Guayacan offers traditional Nicaraguan desserts like tres leches, flan de caramel and pio quinto, each at $8.25, as well as a variety of refreshing tropical drinks all sold for $4.50.

“It is really rich with flavor and seems to be fully natural, which can be really hard to find nowadays,” customer Sarai Wright said.

Guayacan Miami is a cultural landmark where hard work, authentic recipes and family values unite to create a unique blend of history, flavor and hospitality.

Melina Morales/highlights

Melina Morales/highlights

Melina Morales/ highlights

Raspados Loly

At Raspados Loly, their frozen desserts are more than just ice cream. For Miami’s Nicaraguan community, this creamy dessert served in a styrofoam cup is a reminder of home, representing tradition that spans over 60 years.

Eloise Saenz and her husband, Dr. Juan Jose Guatemala, opened their first store in Managua, Nicaragua’s bustling capital, in 1959. Saenz spent years perfecting her recipe for the signature caramel syrup; she found this process to be difficult and gave away early batches until she achieved her desired flavor and consistency.

By the time political unrest and natural disasters forced many Nicaraguans, including Saenz and Guatemala, to abandon their homeland, the recipe had become a cultural memory.

When the family resettled in Miami, they brought their traditions with them. What started at home grew into a storefront in Sweetwater,

where the shop now serves generations of customers who line up for a taste of nostalgia.

“This reminds me of home,” customer Claudia Lopez said. “It’s the same flavor I grew up with.”

AT RASPADOS LOLY, each traditional raspado is prepared by layering sweet syrups on shaved ice, a refreshing recipe to combat Miami’s heat.

The shop’s best seller is the relleno, a shaved ice filled with dulce de leche and layered with pound cake pieces, though fruit

“ When people taste a raspado here, they are tasting the same recipe my grandmother fought to perfect. That’s the legacy we want to share.

Michael Villavicencio, business operator

flavors such as mango and mamey remain popular.

Due to its accessible nature, the dessert pervades Nicaragua’s culinary identity. For longtime customers, the flavors stir memories from their childhood. For newcomers, the menu offers an introduction to the country’s culinary heritage.

All shaved iced flavors are priced starting at $4.50, with the final amount varying based on special add-ons, such as pound cake and cone size. Their varied ice cream flavors, which range from chocolate and sea salt to

cherry cheesecake, include dairy-free flavors and are priced at $9.

For the family, the meaning behind these desserts extends far beyond taste. In the early days, relatives went to churches and community events to pass out flyers, introducing locals to a dessert once unfamiliar outside Nicaragua.

Over time, these desserts became a symbol of unity between communities. Sharing these treats transformed into a cherished family tradition.

“When people taste a raspado here, they are tasting the same recipe my grandmother fought to perfect,” business operator Michael Villavicencio said. “That’s the legacy we want to share.”

Located at 10404 W Flagler St., Raspados Loly is a cultural anchor in the city, the area usually referred to as “Little Managua” due to its concentration of Nicaraguan-owned businesses.

“When you visit Rapados Loly, it feels lively and welcoming, like everyone is just enjoying themselves,” customer Miriam Gutierrez said.

For many, visiting the shop is a ritual. Some customers stop by after Sunday mass or bring visiting relatives to introduce them to Miami’s version of a classic Nicaraguan dessert.

They operate every day but Tuesday from 1:30 to 9 p.m., with Sunday hours spanning from 2 to 9 p.m.

In a multicultural city, Raspados Loly underscores how food and memory preserve culture.

h

Isabela Duarte/ highlights

Design by Hazel Grosell/highlights

Isabela Duarte/highlights

Isabela Duarte/highlights

BY: ISABELLA VILLELA

THE ULTIMATE DIETS TO PERFECT YOUR PHYSIQUE

STAFF WRITER

8 servings per container

Serving size

2/3 cup (55g)

serving

Amount per serving

% Daily Value*

40% of teens consumed some type of protein supplement in the past year

Poll by Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan

What is creatine? Why are products unregulated? When will an influencers routine actually work?

Keep reading to learn more about the influence of protein obsession among teenagers and the duality of hyperfocusing on nutrition.

A new nutrition trend among teenage boys highlights the influence of media and the threat of misinformation

INTRODUCING THE MASCULINE macronutrient: protein. Compressed into a pea-sized pill, a cup of powder or a slab of unseasoned beef, protein can turn anyone from lean to a jacked machine. No matter their walk of life, one chance at this transformative delight can result in gaining not just abs, but the attention and admiration of peers. But, consume a gram too much, and side effects rear their ugly head. According to a national poll conducted by C.S. Mott’s Children’s Hospital, in 2024, 40% of teenagers consumed some sort of protein supplement. They specifically found that teenage boys are 16% more likely to consume supplements every day or most days compared to teenage girls, underscoring the role that male social standards play in this particular dieting craze.

Social media serves as a major catalyst for this recent rise. Nowadays, as they scroll through social media, a student’s TikTok page consists of not just brain-scratching ASMR videos or adorable pet clips, but also, fitness influencers showing off their intricate diets. Glancing between their stupendous figures and the recipes offered for energizing shakes or high-protein, low-carb lunches, viewers are

captivated, convinced they must follow these regimens to a T to achieve their physique goals.

Yet these teenage viewers are by no means qualified professionals when it comes to deducing the frequently deceptive nature of this content. Often, they do not take into account

DID YOU KNOW

In 2024, 23% of teens who used supplements consumed them daily or most days.

C.S.Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll

the circumstances of an influencer’s life, the behind the scenes work done to maintain the “fit” appearance or even the reliability of creators as a source themselves. Considering age, exercise abilities, reference dependability and even genetics is fundemental when determining what workouts and dieting choices work for each individual. Unfortunately, these factors tend to be ignored amid the endless promotion of a rigorous fitness lifestyle and diet portrayed as universally beneficial. Social media’s tendency to blanket over nuance or honesty has let an unprecedented fitness and diet culture fester, making unrealistic standards the norm for teenage boys.

Gables is not an exception to this media fueled frenzy. Protein has become a way of life for many Gables students, helping some achieve their goals, but still, believed to be harmful pathways by others.

Protein is rarely confined to simply taking a supplement in a one-and-done instance. Rather, it demands intricate balance, understanding and integration. Unfortunately, many teens hooked on today’s protein craze steamroll through the possibility of achieving a healthy equilibrium, crossing the line to a damaging excess.

85% of students take protein or creatine supplements including pills and powders of students think focusing on whole foods is more important than artificial supplements like protein powders

Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights

64%

FITNESS FOUNDATIONS

Protein provides the amino acids needed to execute repairs of muscle tears and, in turn, prompts muscle gain, as per Harvard’s School of Public Health. Protein intake after exercising has also been proven by professionals to improve muscle reconditioning. With this isolated fact becoming “Gym-Tok” law, it is no surprise that concepts as absurd as “proteinmaxxing” are accepted as common knowledge in the fitness community.

Compressing protein into marketable and on-the-go powder dates back to 1900 when it was used to treat patients in German hospitals, a rudimentary precursor to the trendy scoops of whey and creatine filling blenders.

Creatine is commonly consumed — and sometimes overconsumed — by athletes. It is not actually a protein, but a natural source of energy derived from amino acids, in accordance with Cleveland Clinic. The supplement can provide a quick burst of energy, although suspending consumption of it can cause side effects like fatigue and muscle loss

“You should still be eating your full meals,” junior wrestler and weight lifter Miguel Casanova said. “This is just for if you didn’t reach a certain number [of protein grams], you use it to supplement.”

While primarily used to enhance athletic performance, whey protein has also been used for weight loss and in the treatment of diabetes, asthma and other conditions. Despite this versatility, no strong evidence

supports the idea that whey protein’s positive effects outperform the natural inclusion of protein into diets, Cleveland Clinic explains. Both whey protein and creatine’s impact can be replicated in natural diets without the increased risk of harmful side effects.

Colorado State University mentions that food naturally provides more nutrients than artificial supplements, meaning real, whole meals that include meats, poultry, seafood, beans, dairy, almonds, eggs, nuts, seeds and soy products should come first in line for protein and energy intake.While additional supplement use can be warranted, it must be done with caution.

of students think education about dieting and fitness is important

SELLING SUCCESS

Fitness influencers often post overcomplicated, unsatisfying recipes that claim to dramatically increase gains, or contain the secret to maximizing nurtient intake. These range from paste-like smoothies, to cutting boards stacked with steak, eggs, berries and honey. Creators across countless platforms provide advice without taking into consideration the diversity of their viewers.

One routine will never meet every audience member’s needs. Moreover, influencer intentions aren’t always pure, and their desire to spread reliable nutritional information hides ulterior motives. Rather than just discussing the functionality of certain diets, many of these trendsetters will go on to release their own line of protein merchandise. Frequently, they opt out of explaining the science behind these supplements in favor of creating a direct — but hazy — correlation between the influencer’s physique and what

they’re selling. This method, while effective, is dangerous for unsuspecting teens, as their newfound interpretation of the relationship between food and form can be entirely misconstrued.

Many bodybuilders, athletes and online trainers have unfortunately had much success with these pitches, profiting off of captivated scrollers. According to Grand View Research, the market size of protein supplements amounted to $5.83 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $10.8 billion by 2030.

Another trend dominating fitness pages is eating all natural: completely avoiding added sugars, preservatives and artificial flavoring. Harvard Health notes that while ‘clean’ eating

“I would recommend discussing any supplement initiation with your doctor or a dietician, and your parents,” Dietician Joelle DeNisi said. “If you take any supplements, I would make sure to read the label for intrsuctions to ensure that you’re taking a recommended amount. More isn’t always better. Supplements can be useful to fill a gap in your diet or health goals, but should never be take for fun or in excess.”

promotes consuming more fruits, vegetables, and the like, it can also cause serious nutrient deficiencies if entire food groups are avoided.

Additionally, the International Food Information Council highlights that, in the haze of this dietary fad, the fact that most foods have been processed in some way is glossed over. Choosing which foods to eat should be seen in the context of diets, exercise and lifestyle as a whole.

While the “clean” eating fad can rightfully encourage healthier diets, many teenagers have taken it to the extreme of checking every single label. When approaching protein supplements and the question of whether taking them is necessary, it is important to conduct research and apply what one finds to one’s own body and situation.

Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/

PRODUCTS FOR PROFIT

The popularity of protein in quick, portable and on-the-go packaging has been widely orchestrated by social media influencers and grocery stores as demand increases, specifically for the student demographic.

In grocery store aisles, the classic protein powder brands are advertised in their signature oversized tubs: Optimum Nutrition, Premier Protein, NOW foods and Orgain line the shelves. Explore further and discover protein bars, containing fewer grams of protein but plenty of added artificial sweeteners. Some popular brands include Quest Nutrition, Pure Protein and Barebells. Craving a shake instead? Brands like Premier Protein, Fairlife and Core Power are widely available. While this may sound like choices-galore for a gym enthusiast, this onslaught of options is only meant to overwhelm potential customers.

Protein commercialization has been enhancing flavor by including artificial sweeteners and unhealthy additives.

In reality, this can offset the effects of the product and instead result in the side effects

that come with consuming excessive sugar and dangerous contaminants — the part that influencers conveniently forget to include in their sales pitches.

Colorado State University touches on this topic as something consumers should be wary of: since protein powders are classified

DID YOU KNOW

Study by the Clean Label Project

as a dietary supplement, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate or test the purity of their ingredients.

Essentially, these powders could contain different ingredients than what the label lists, meaning the very item some influencers build a platform

STUDENTS STAND

from is frequently dishonest. The Clean Label Project took it upon themselves to check these supplements for harmful ingredients, testing 70 of the top protein brands and 160 total products, or 83% of the overall market.

Results showed that 47% of products were not in accordance with at least one federal or state safety regulation, including OEHHA’s Proposition 65 requiring the statement of any materials known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.

If this many companies include harmful contaminants in their supplements, it becomes hard to discern whether their intentions are to get rich or truly provide consumers with another way to consume enough protein.

INFLUENCERS TO FOLLOW

@saschafitness (fitness-nutrition coach and book author who provides a comprehensive approach to healthy living)

@naturallystefanie (promotes a holistic approach to wellness, spotlighting excercise routines and plant-based recipes) @diegosechi (registered nutritionist with experience in fitness coaching)

Find us online

Read our online stories at: https://www.cavsconnect. com/category/highlightssubmissions/ Look at our multimedia content on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook: @highlightscghs

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Class of 1968 alumna Abby Ross hands out candy necklaces at the Gables 75th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 24, connecting with current students, faculty and fellow alumni. Kenneth Lara/highlights