Issue 4, Vol. 59

highlights January 2019

shattering the norm IN THIS ISSUE: SENIORS LOOK BACK (PAGE 5)

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN IN MDCPS (PAGE 10)

P. POLE PIZZA (PAGE 24)

Issue 4, Volume 59

Coral Gables SHS 450 Bird Road, Coral Gables, FL 33146

highlights

features

advisory board Editor-in-Chief Dylan Carol Managing Editor Alejandra Orozco Copy Editors Kevin Monjarrez & Mariam Vela Business Manager Ruben Escobar Social Media Manager Mathilde Requier Adviser Melissa Gonzalez Features Estelle Erwich News Angelle Garcia Opinion Jack Band Sports Tatiana Campos The Scene Staff Insight Sutton Payne Online Alexandra Torres

As the liaison for the school’s teen pregnancy, homelessness and community hunger programs, counselor Stephanie Nunez goes beyond her job description daily helping the students.

6 news 11

Miami is being evaluated by Democratic National Convention officials as a potential host city for the convention in 2020.

12

As the vape epidemic takes over high schools, MDCPS makes an attempt to stop teen smoking by introducing pledges.

staff writers Natalie Abrahantes Alex Anton Lisbeth Arrieta Dilan Denham Hanna Ebrahimi Sara Ebrahimi Aya Hamza Sophia Heilman Annie La Roche Ava Lederman Alma Martinez Thomas Morcillo

Melanie Nuñez Natalia Pallas Arianna Peña Grace Rodriguez Marta Rodriguez Oraida Rodriguez Alexander Sutton Emma Vela Isabella Villarroel Audrey Weigel Gregoire Winston

contributors

opinion Indoor suspension plays a large role in disciplinary action at the school, but is it as effective as it should be?

13

Years after the death of leader Fidel Castro, the nation of Cuba is still deprived of sufficient and available internet access.

18

sports 19

The NFL’s continued employment of domestic violence perpetrators negatively affects the league’s image and fans.

20

Seniors Gerald Williams and Rasaad “Tounk” Sawyer break the all-time school passing and receiving record, respectively.

Rasaad “Tounk” Sawyer Gerald Williams

the scene

publication policy highlights is the official student-produced news magazine 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 in the National Scholastic Press Association Code of Ethics for scholastic journalists and advisers.

According to Miami-Dade County 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, 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 letters sent.

2 preview

Espanola Way’s bustling eateries and European architecture give the cobblestone avenue in Miami Beach a new vibrancy.

25

Originating in China 2,000 years ago, the Lantern Lights Festival comes to Miami, bringing a taste of Chinese tradition.

26

insight 28

In a society that encourages idealistic standards for body image, appearance and behavior, teens can find themselves at a loss in their developmental years.

In Issue 3, our December edition, highlights wrongly identified Maddie Abraham, Jose Borges and Andrea Delgado in the Opinion section.

Mr. Coral Gables

Grace Rodriguez / highlights

In a glorious comeback performance after being cancelled the year prior, Mr. Coral Gables drew a huge crowd of family, friends and supporters excited about the prospect of a new king being crowned. With bright posters plastered with the faces of the boys in hand, fans applauded the choreographed dance as the competitors showed off their creative moves. The most anticipated part of the pageant, the swimsuit portion, had the audience in an uproar of laughter and cheers for the boys strutting across the stage in their favorite beachwear. The clever description of the contestants while they modeled added a witty undertone of humor.

As the top ten competitors advanced, the talent portion presented the audience with a variety of imaginative skills that ranged from juggling coconuts and chainsaws, solving multiple Rubick’s Cubes while blindfolded and an intese fingerpainting to the tempo of techno music.

The competition was wittled down to five, who answered a set of questions about their future goals and aspirations. In a shocking twist of events, two contestants were crowned “Mr. Coral Gables” for the first time in the pageant’s long history.

pictures 3

h

features

senior swordsmith

Using his unique skills, senior Dain Anderson crafts one-of-a-kind, professional and artistic swords by hand

By Melanie Nuñez, Staff Writer AMMER IN HAND, senior Dain Anderson takes on the challenge of hand-crafting decorative swords for eager customers.

With an appreciation for swords and their history, Anderson has successfully found a way to incorporate his interests into a financially-successful hobby.

Observing and understanding the evolution of swords has helped Anderson expand his knowledge of the craft. He has also learned valuable blacksmith skills from his grandfather and close friend, who have supported and helped him establish his business. He operates a blacksmith shop where he not only makes and fixes tools, but creates his own popular swords.

Although the process of designing and crafting a sword is not easy, the creative outlet is rewarding.

With detailed and creative ideas in mind, customers visit Anderson’s blacksmith shop and request a sword. Customers typically have references and expectations.

After listening to the customer’s requests, including the type of material and size, Anderson begins the extensive project. The price of these swords depends on the customer’s specifications, but a sword usually costs around $700 to $1000. Although these swords do come with a substantial price tag, they are well worth their price, hand-crafted with dedication and artistry.

Junior Salvador Cardero is one of Anderson’s satisfied customers.

Cardero heard of Anderson through a friend and was soon in contact with

H

4 features

him in regards to a sword.

“Dain was very kind and detailed.

He let me know how long it would take him to make the sword and kept tabs with me as the days went by,” Cardero said. “It took a day to make and I picked it up as soon as he let me know it was completed.”

The making of these swords

“

MAKING A TOOL OR SWORD FOR SOMEBODY ISN’T SOMETHING QUICK. PEOPLE LIKE EXOTIC BLADES AND HIGH QUALITY METALS, SO THE SWORDS SHOULD BE TREATED WITH SLOW, EFFICIENT FORGING. DAIN ANDERSON, SENIOR involves an intricate process. One of Anderson’s most challenging swords begun as simple metal scraps. He molded this metal by heating it and strengthening it and soaking it in oil, through a process called quenching.

Sandpaper was then used to refine bumpy layers. A handle custom made to the customer’s liking was installed

once the final stage was reached.

“I wrapped the handle around with leather stripes to give the sword a nice grip and an elegant look,” Anderson said.

As an additive, Anderson provides leather compartments to customers for storing the swords when they are not in use. These compartments are meant to protect the blade from over-exposure and to prevent injury.

It can take anywhere from a day to a month for Anderson to fabricate a sword depending on the complexity of the project. Anderson spends hours in his shop working on the swords until they meet his high expectations.

“Making a tool or sword for somebody isn’t something quick.

People like exotic blades and highquality metals, so the swords should be treated with slow, efficient forging,” Anderson said.

Blossoming through his sword forging craft, Anderson has learned to maintain stability in his life. As a high school student, balancing running his blacksmith shop and his studies has taught him patience, responsibility and time management. He has learned to work hard for what he wants through his craftsmanship and persistence.

“It takes a lot of time to do something this nice for somebody. I have learned that life is like a blade. If you feel dull, there is always a way to sharpen yourself and achieve the things you want,” Anderson said.

All things considered, Anderson’s pursuit allows him to unleash his creativity him and helps him develop valuable, essential life skills. h

THE making of a sword

1

The chosen metal is forged into a desired shape.

2 The metal is dipped in an oil pool.

3 Sandpaper is used to smooth the surface.

4

A custom handle is added.

Oraida Rodriguez/highlights

Seniors Reflect and Look Ahead

Graduating students tell highlights about their favorite year of high school and the experiences that contributed to it

By Ava Lederman, Staff Writer

“

de

Le

“

My favorite year of high school was sophomore year. I focused a lot on cross country with my teammates I learned a lot about dedication, determination and what it takes to put in the work and see results.

“

SEBASTIAN ESCOBAR

an/highlights rm

competitions. Students can easily get caught up in daily routines and the motions of high school.

Looking back at their years of experiences and obstacles, graduating students realize the biggest impact high school has left on them and feel equipped for their bright futures.

Av a

A

After four years of challenges, successes and memories, achieved seniors may sometimes forget to think back over their time at the school.

Fond memories come in all forms, from close bonds with friends and family, to unforgettable concerts or events and academic or sporting

“

S PROM SEASON APPROACHES and graduation looms around the corner, seniors face a series of “lasts,” such as last spring break, last finals season and last sports practices. During this time, seniors begin to reflect on their high school years.

ESTEFANI CASTELLANOS

My favorite year of high school was sophomore year because I joined Future Educators of America (FEA). It was something that taught me a lot about how to become a teacher in the future.

“

DANIEL ASTUDILLO

“

I’ve had a lot of great moments in high school and I’ve met a lot of great people who have played a big part of my life today. My favorite year was probably junior year because of the friendships I made.

“

“

ANDERS LINDBERG

My favorite year of high school was my junior year. That’s the year where the biggest shifts in my life started and I learned countless life lessons that are shaping me into the man that I want to be. h

HALL TALK

The highlights staff records what students are talking about in the hallways at school in between periods.

“I have a single gray hair, and it’s your fault.”

“Yo, can I finesse on your antacids real quick?”

“Oh no, the fountain water tastes like chlorine again.”

“What’s that thing they do for highlights?

Hotdog? Malltalk?”

“Well, an egg is officially more famous than I am.”

“Man, my socks are wet.

AGAIN.”

features 5

Going the Extra Mile

As the liaison for three needbased organizations, counselor Stephanie Nuñez provides resources for teens in the school coming from all walks of life

Aya Hamza/highlights

IGH SCHOOL IS A TRYING TIME for most teenagers. From constructing self-identity to managing academics and extracurriculars, unanticipated challenges tend to pop up along the way for thousands of Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) students. Although guiding teenagers through their endeavors is no simple task, counselor Stephanie Nuñez never fails to step up. As the counselor for students in the National Academy of Finance (NAF) and Academy of

H

By Aya Hamza and Oraida Rodriguez, Staff Writers

Communication Arts, Film and Digital Media (CAF&DM), Nuñez helps students through tough situations beyond her basic job description, providing support for the students who seek her guidance daily. She is also the school’s liaison for MDCPS’ Teen Pregnancy Program (TAP), Project UP-START and Caring for Miami. Her background with non-profit work is remarkable, as she has interned as a mental health counselor at Urban Promise Miami, and has also served as an outpatient therapist. Her volunteer work

Es

le tel

Teenage Parent Program

assists students facing the intensifying worries of both academic and personal struggles. Nuñez proves to be an altruistic leader serving the Coral Gables community by endlessly working to provide bountiful and appropriate resources to expectant teenagers, students who identify as displaced or homeless and those who do not have enough to eat. Nuñez’s room can be accessed in the main office at the front of the school. “I am happy to speak with any student that may have questions,” Nuñez said.

Er w

6 features

Additionally, by including prenatal and postnatal check-ups, along with birth certificate documentation and specialized curriculum, MDCPS facilitates an interpersonal, effective education for participants. These contacts, documentation and procedures needed for pregnant students is available at all public schools countywide, as TAP representatives are present at each one.

Students in TAP are mandated to participate in at at least one parenting-training skills course during their participation in the program.

Per Florida statutes regarding teenage parent programs statewide, students are allowed 20 excused, full-day absences following the birth in order to nurse and care for the child.

Prospective participants must meet the

ich/ highlights

Teens facing parenthood are often forced to make decisions without any assistance and navigate the difficult situation alone. However, students partaking in TAP are encouraged and enabled to thrive in both the personal and educational facets of their life. The program helps young parents obtain the guidance they need to support a child while still pursuing a high school diploma. Beyond pamphlets and typical guides, TAP confidentially assists both the mother and father with social service and healthcare referrals, free childcare and transportation to and from daycare.

Nuñez cites her long-time observations of students harboring great potential reaching a harrowing standstill in their lives as the reason she is so invested in the cause.

school’s T A P advisor with a parent in order access to the program’s counseling. If the parent-to-be is at least 18 years old, they are capable of meeting with the advisor themselves. Those interested must maintain good academic standing and have upto-date immunization throughout the program.

With TAP, expectant teenagers can feel assured that they are not facing parenthood alone.

Project UP-START lights

Recently, Nuñez helped students attend the Homeless Awareness Day Rally where they were able to have personal exchanges with others across the district. Nuñez believes events like these provide a medium to destigmatize displacement and help students work through and out of instability.

“She’s amazing, she does it from the heart. I had a student who was homeless, [who] was in a really bad situation and if we did not have a program like this, they wouldn’t have been able to get the services that they needed,” NAF lead teacher Natasha Lopez said.

Nuñez sponsors students under similar circumstances, offering access to the program and working towards the best education possible by providing a degree of stability. With Project UP-START, transitions into better living situations become reality for students.

Understandably, some may shy from talking about what they consider to be vulnerabilities, but in truth there are faculty and staff eager to help. Project UP-START offers a plethora of

high za/ am aH Ay

In the United States, one out of every 45 children does not have a dependable bed of their own, as per the National Center on Family Homelessness. Homelessness includes varying degrees of extremity. Students may not even know they are displaced, often due to the negative stigma surrounding homelessness.

“When you think homeless, you think [being] on the street, but you don’t have to be on the street to qualify for the services,” Nuñez said.

As per their website, Project UP-START stands for Updating Personnel Support and Tutoring Activities to Retain Transitioning Students. MDCPS youth can receive help and guidance from Project UP-START if they are living in settings such as, but not limited to: a temporary area, an unsafe home, a mobile home or when actively squatting at a designated area.

Nuñez is also the liaison for this initiative, enabling students to further their education despite housing instability, working to ensure the realization of their full potential.

auxiliary resources to students s u c h as the toll-free Homeless Helpline, which is available at 1-877-994-HELP (4357).

Undoubtedly, the initiative provides a lifeline for thousands of students across Miami.

“Our hope is that students at our school living in unstable housing will become aware of the services that are available to them through Project UP-START and that they will seek help,” Nuñez said.

Caring for Miami One out of every six school children does not know where their next meal will come from, according to Feeding America. Households that are not fiscally independent often turn to shelters for food. This is where Caring for Miami comes in, a community organization feeding students within the Miami-Dade area.

Nuñez recalls moments where students would come into her office from time to time asking if she had any snacks lying around.

Noting the frequency o f t h e s e C ou rte sy

of or gf rin Ca

mi Mia

events, she recognized the staggering amount of food-insecure students, those who do not have steady access to nutrients, within the community.

Through Caring for Miami, students are given backpacks filled with snacks that are to be returned every Monday for restocking.

Introducing the school to Christ Fellowship Church’s program, Nuñez currently sponsors 30 students at the school. Over 300,000 MDCPS youth who would otherwise remain hungry are fed by the initiative, allowing them to focus more on their studies rather than worry over the day’s meals.

The Backpack Program began in 2013 when Caring for Miami pledged to feed 450 children every weekend during the academic year. Now, the organization serves over 1,200 students countywide. Storage is important when packing these meals, so the contents are easy to prepare and do not have to be refrigerated. Aside from the food, an uplifting note is placed alongside the weekly packages.

Caring for Miami has provided over 200,000 pounds of food to students in Miami-Dade.

Apart from their work with food donations, they have covered the costs of 1,900 dental services performed on uninsured children as well.

Rooted in providing platforms to underserved communities, the organization served over 45 Title I schools — those that receive federal funding as many students in attendance hail from regions of generally lowincome — Caring for Miami’s year-round aid goes beyond.

Understanding how intricate it is to face all the challenges that come with each one of these situations, the advocacy and support community built into the school is an invaluable resource that may sometimes be overlooked. The holistic programs available to students prioritize their progress, success and above all: well-being.

“I remember some of the obstacles that students faced when I was in high school. I like to think that life has gone full circle for me and that now I am in a position to not only help others but to specifically help students from the same high school I graduated from,” Nuñez said. h

features 7

join

highlights

find our application on instagram, twitter: @highlightscghs & cavsconnect.com

Fill out the online application by feb. 28

“ “ “ “ high school is a place where you find your niche, delve into your passions and plan for your future; i am grateful for highlights because it has allowed me to accomplish all three.”

Alejandra Orozco Managing Editor 8 join highlights

has been the vehicle through which I have grown as a writer, a leader and a person. I would not be where I am in my life today without it.” highlights

dylan carol editor-in-chief

I have so many memories in columbia, savannah, chicago, orlando and miami that I never would have experienced had i not applied my freshman year.”

ruben escobar business manager

In a time when news and youth are under intense scrutiny, i appreciate having highlights which has taught me about journalism, professionalism and how to work with others.

angelle garcia news editor

h News Review news

By Sophia Heilman, Staff Writer

CALENDAR FEB. 5:

Underclassmen parent night

FEB. 17:

Journalism week begins

FEB. 18:

President’s Day- No school

FEB. 28:

Junior class college night

CONGRATS The school’s thespian acting group, troupe 0476, earned 18 “superior” distinctions in individual events at the One-Act Festival.

Junior linebacker Dimitris Biamby, made first team All-Dade for football.

BRIEFS In-state college tour trip Every year, the junior class are given the opportunity to visit colleges in state to give them a better idea of what they could be looking for in a college and where they may end up going in the future.

“I am hoping that this trip gives me more perspective on what kind of school I see myself applying and going to. It is a big decision about the next four years of my life,” junior Emily Kay said.

The class of 2020 will visit public and private universities throughout the state. The public universities are the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida St. Petersburg and the University of Central Florida. The only private university that will be visited is the University of Tampa.

IB Junior pinning ceremony The annual International Baccalaureate (IB) Pinning Ceremony greets the newly inducted IB juniors into the school’s program. The International Baccalaureate Honor Society’s board members and Parent Teacher Student Association members helped to prepare the auditorium with pins, balloons and flowers for the class of 2020.

The ceremony formally welcomed juniors into the international college preparatory program. The pinning signifies the hard work and dedication each student has put into their educational learning. IB Coordinator Diana Van-Wyk, keynote speaker Luis Lauredo, a Councilman for the Village of Key Biscayne and presentations of different languages prefaced the ceremony. Each year, the night ends with the singing of the school’s alma mater and a class picture with roses and pins.

Bridge 4 Peace fundraiser On Thursday, March 7, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the annual Bridge for Peace fundraiser, organized by International Baccalaureate Honor Society, will be held at the Coral Gables Museum. Students, faculty, staff and members of the surrounding community attend the event in an effort to raise the most amount of money possible for the children in Guatemala.

This year, the goal is to raise $10,000 through donations to build a school in Guatemala, in partnership with Oberts al Mon. Oberts al Mon is an organization which strives to help children in poverty by giving them the opportunity to move out of their poverty through a good education. For a $20 entrance fee, the event offers food, entertainment and music to all those in attendance. Many of the school’s teachers will be offering extra credit for attending. h

news 9

School’s offer assistance amid shut down As the goverment shutdown affects federal employees, Miami-Dade County Public Schools steps in to help

By Angelle Garcia, News Editor

A

QUICK FACTS

S THE LONGEST GOVERNMENT shutdown in U.S. history enters its fourth week, an estimated 800,000 federal employees across the nation faced their first missed paycheck of the year. Many of those employees are deemed essential and are currently working without pay. A lot of these workers are employed by Miami-Dade County and have children enrolled in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS). In an effort to ameliorate the effects of the government shutdown, MDCPS has put assistant programs in place for both students and employees.

The district’s Department of Food and Nutrition has begun to send out reminders to students and parents whose financial situation may have changed, notifying them that they can apply for free or fee-reduced lunch. With the shutdown, many financial situations may have changed for students. Schools are now giving those students an opportunity to receive more benefits to help lessen the blow. There is an online application on the MDCPS website that has been made available for students to fill out at any time.

Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has been vocal on the shutdown through his active Twitter and Instagram accounts and has promised assistance to all parents, students and county employees who will be impacted by the shutdown in their time of need.

Carvalho issued a statement acknowledging that the ongoing federal government may cause unforeseen financial hardships for students, parents and employees in the MDCPS community and stated that he would be doing everything in his power to mitigate those effects.

“The well-being of every member of our community is a priority to our School Board.

As such, Miami-Dade County Public Schools stands ready to assist those families in need by providing extra layers of support,” Carvalho said through his Twitter account.

Additionally, MDCPS has partnered with the South Florida Educational Federal Credit Union to assist employees and family members who have been affected by the government shutdown. There are programs in place like financial planning and follow up services, that

may be able to assist MDCPS employees or family members who have existing accounts or loans with the credit union. The District’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has also increased their availability for employees.

While the school system has not felt any direct effects because of the shutdown yet, MDCPS receives federal funding through Title I appropriations for disadvantaged students and migrant children, the Individuals with Disabilities Act, Title II for improving teacher/ principal training and recruiting and Title III for English Language Learners. The cessation of this funding could potentially leave the school without funding for these special programs. Even though the funding does not directly go to students and their families, it is given to the school to appropriately distribute for necessary initiatives. MDCPS has not spoken on their plans should funding were to cease and have prepared to help the community in the short-term with an expansion of the free or reduced lunch program and the encouragement of employees to seek help through the district’s EAP and credit union. h

The federal shutdown has halted all immigration court hearings; in Florida alone, the backlog is nearly 60,800 cases most in Miami.

Miami International Airport has already shutdown one terminal due to a lack of Transportation Security Administration agents.

All 4 national parks in South Florida have been closed and are not being monitored.

Of the 380,000 federal employees working without pay during the shutdown, over 13,000 are Florida employees.

Source: CNN, Washington Post, WPLG Local 10 News Compiled by: Angelle Garcia

10 news

DNC’s 2020 potential home in Miami In preparation for the Presidential Democratic National Convention, Miami is toured by the parties officials

By Alexander Sutton, Staff Writer

J

UST AS POLITICAL TIDES HAVE begun to subside in South Florida, the parties have arrived on the city’s shores yet again. The Democratic Party is seriously considering Miami as a location for its national presidential convention in 2020. Miami, along with Milwaukee, Wis. and Houston, TX, the two other contenders for the convention’s location, are being vetted by Democratic Party leaders, creating the distinct possibility that Miami could be the host town of the next Democratic National Convention (DNC). The DNC, which is to be held from July 13-16 2020, will be broadcast across the nation as it attempts to drum up support and attention for the winner of the Democratic presidential primary elections.

The potential implications for Miami’s selection as the DNC’s 2020 location could be significant. Though costly, the convention could put a national spotlight on the city, highlighting not only Miami’s politics but also what residents see as the diversity and unique character of Miami.

“Miami may be known for its beautiful beaches, its weather, its nightlife — but it’s also known for the character of its people, the

diversity and its sense of community,” party CEO Jess O’Connell said in an address in Miami this December.

Additionally, it would be the first time in nearly 50 years that the county hosts a major political convention.

Democratic party Chairman Tom Perez visited Miami in early December to evaluate the city’s worthiness to host the convention.

Arriving during the height of the Art Basel, Perez saw the city functioning during a highenergy international event, much like the 2020 convention would need to be in order to attract attention for the party. Perez visited the Miami Beach convention center and AmericanAirlines Arena, where the convention would be held.

“It’s crucial that Democrats put our best foot forward,” O’Connell said. “We need to pick a city that not only meets our financial and logistical needs but also embodies the values and character of our party.”

Officials in Miami are leaning hard on the national party to bring the convention to the city’s shores. Representative Donna Shalala, the newly elected congresswoman from Miami, knows Perez very well.

“When I was the Health and Human

Services Secretary, Tom Perez worked for me for four years,” Shalala said. “He knows how I feel about Miami being the host of the 2020 DNC, and I have leaned on him heavily.”

Florida’s position in national politics, usually as a swing state in presidential elections, could be a factor in the Democratic party’s decision on where to host their convention.

Selecting Miami as the location of would be a move aimed toward attempting to flip Florida, and its 29 electoral votes, blue in the next election.

The DNC is expected to announce their final decision in the first quarter of 2019. Perez has stated that the factors will eventually boil down to which city is best equipped to host a successful convention. While each city has its strengths, Miami’s advantages could be that it boasts a wide Latino population and thriving LGBTQ+ community, which represent the core constituencies the Democratic party will have to channel in 2020 in order to regain control of the White House. Miami’s likelihood as a contender will likely inspire excitement and energy in its residents that may have the potential to showcase their city to the rest of the country. h

Race to the Democratic National Convention

MILWAUKEE

2020

v

o

t

e

MIAMI for DNC 2020

DNC IN

HOUSTON 2020

news 11

Anti-vaping pledge coming to MDCPS As vaping becomes a prominent issue, schools have made the decision to push further preventative measures

By Natalie Abrahantes, Staff Writer

T

HE SHARP SPIKE IN VAPING and the use of electronic cigarettes by students has caught the attention of various school administrations. The Miami-Dade County Public School (MDCPS) Board decided in 2018 that measures had to be taken in order to prevent use in schools.

The district proposed that bathrooms should be equipped with sensors that can identify the vapor released by vaping devices. This idea is pending further research by the district, but, in the meantime, a different solution was suggested: students must sign pledges to not smoke or vape on school grounds.

Miami Dade County School Board member Martin Karp had previously proposed spending $10,000 on the installation of vape detectors in April of 2018, after seeing how a school in Long Island had successfully implemented the Fly Sense sensor system, which alerts school officials when students are vaping in bathrooms. While this idea is being mulled over, schools have already begun to implement the vaping pledge. Before asking students to take the anti-vaping vow, schools will first conduct a presentation about the detrimental health issues that vaping carries and parents will also be informed about the vape situation occurring in schools. Once both parties are properly informed on the topic, students are then required to sign a vape pledge. By signing this document, students are agreeing to not vape on school premises.

If found with tobacco or any smoking device, they can face a range of disciplinary actions.

The use of vape by teenagers has plagued schools due in part to their highly addictive nature and the schools lack of knowledge regarding how to restrict these devices.

Recently, the school has begun to implement much stricter consequences if students were found smoking and vaping like giving CSI instead of detention, following suit with many other schools in the district and country. With aims of educating the student body on the harmful effects smoking carries, posters have been hung up in restrooms and bulletin boards have been redesigned with vaping awareness in mind.

The administration has also established a zero-tolerance policy for the use of said devices. The Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC) provided information about vaping to the school administration which was then presented to

12 news

teachers. This presentation was conducted for the sole purpose of helping teachers identify the variety of devices used by students which are commonly mistaken for flash drives.

Since the vapor released by such devices does not have a strong odor it can be difficult for educators to realize that students are using them in the area.

If a teacher was to a catch a student violating the vaping policy, they must immediately report it to the administration which will then decide the appropriate action for the student. Since the code of student conduct has a progressive disciplinary plan, repercussions for every student can range from a parent conference to possible withdrawal.

Although said pledges have not been officially established at the school, students have already signed the code of student conduct in the beginning of the school year.

Recently, posters have gone up in the student restrooms cautioning students not to smoke in the bathroom, warning them against the effect of smoking on a teenager’s developing body and mind.

“We have a contract with students where a variety of subjects are discussed. Subsequent to that anything that is new such as the pledges will be discussed when we will circle around in the second semester and cover everything again” Principal Adolfo Costa said.

Other schools in Miami Dade County have also begun to take matters into their own hands. Miami Beach Senior High is currently trying to enforce rules on the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. After the administration began to notice the large number of students who would skip class to vape, they realized something had to be done. Miami Beach has proposed to the City Commission that a new rule be set in place which would require businesses selling these devices to verify the customer’s age. The city found that getting e-cigarettes was no hassle for teens as their ages were never verified by the business. For that reason, the proposal will stress that any business selling a minor a vaping device can be fined up to $500 and face jail time.

By establishing and reinforcing antivaping and smoking pledges and policies in schools across the county, MDCPS has aspired to contain the increasing number of minors and their students vaping on school grounds. h

QUICK FACTS About 1 in 5 middle and high school students have used a vape device on school grounds.

Those who use the vape device “Juul” go through an average of 4 pods a week or 800 puffs from a cigarette.

One Juul pod contains 20 cigarettes worth of nicotine or one pack.

Vaping companies have raised their buying age from 18 to 21 to try and combat the growing smoking epidemic in teenagers.

Source: Truth Initiative, Center for Disease Control and American Academy of Pediatrics

Compiled by Angelle Garcia

h

opinion

Jack Band / highlights

Staff Ed: The problem with suspension For years, the school has used SCSI as a disciplinary action, but are its means as effective as we believe?

L

AST YEAR, THERE WERE OVER 243,000 in-school suspensions in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS). Dubbed School Center for Special Instructions (SCSI), it is the county’s method of treating the misconduct of students through a form of indoor suspension. SCSI has also become the main treatment for misconduct, as regular outdoor suspension was ruled out

by Superintendent Alberto Carvalho due to its ineffectiveness in disciplinary action and failure to improve coursework.

According to MDCPS, school administrators can assign any student to the SCSI as an alternative to suspension from school for conduct deemed necessary for its use. It is designed to provide strategies and resources to students focused on learning new behavior skills.

“Students in SCSI get the services they need, depending on the behavior for which they were placed in SCSI. For every behavior, there are several different consequences or actions that need to be taken. Some actions may require student services or counselor support,” Principal Adolfo Costa said.

At the school, SCSI takes students out of class and relocates them to a room in which they are to do silent classwork. Other variations include picking up garbage around school during certain times of the day.

Yet, indoor suspension alone has not proven to be the most effective solution. If the student is there to learn from their mistakes, then, it has proven effective; but when students remain careless throughout the process, they are likely to be put in SCSI again. Indoor

suspension might be effective to some or even psychological services and tutorial assistance. most in guiding them to the right path, but With these services, the school would address for many, SCSI is not a learning experience. each individual students problems in order to Picking up trash around the school could be rid them of their learning barriers. seen as embarrassing Partnering with and behavior correcting.

MDCPS in 2011, Mindful It might, however, Kids Miami (MKM) make for a great way to is designed to assist IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT beautify the school, but students and children with THAT THERE IS A achieving the way it is presented mindfulness HOLISTIC APPROACH and facilitating selfmakes students view it as nothing more than an FOR THE KIDS IN SCSI, improvement. inconvenience of having “It’s really important AND THAT WE’RE NOT to work. that there is a holistic JUST THROWING KIDS approach for the kids in There are several INTO SOMETHING NOT CSI, and that we’re not other measures that CONSTRUCTIVE. just throwing the kids can be taken to provide a more constructive DORLIE BANBANASTE into something,” MKM and effective way of MINDFUL KIDS MIAMI Program Director Dorlie dealing with disciplinary PROGRAM DIRECTOR Banbanaste said. infractions. One way SCSI was implemented would be to provide with the intent to create a more widespread one on one meetings with a reconstructive suspension that would give the counselor to help guide students on a different students time to understand their wrongs by path. These sessions with a counselor could keeping them away from distractions, but its help students understand options and help common use has resulted in a generalization mediate certain conflicts. Although the lack that has made SCSI seem like nothing more of funding in MDCPS could hinder that than an inconvenience. possibility, there are other measures that could Although an extremely difficult subject be taken. to tackle, the current practices do not seem to Sending students to opportunity schools be effective enough. It can be hard to create a for a day could be a more effective strategy, as method of correcting each student’s wrongs these public schools were established to provide in an aim to change their habits for the better. additional support to habitually insubordinate Yet, as of now, the current form of student students. At opportunity schools, they work correction is only an inconvenience to students on teaching students self expression and and in order to create a more effective method, communication while also offering counseling, reforms must be made. h

“

opinion 13

students

potentially

take up arms With gun control still on the minds of many students, new gun programs may be in the school’s future Commentary by Kevin Monjarrez, Co-Copy Editor

T

HE JUNIOR Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) marksmanship program is a program instituted in several counties throughout Florida, meant to teach air rifle marksmanship, proper gun safety and handling to cadets in JROTC. However, because of policy by Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) does not currently harbor such a program. Gun safety and tragedy prevention have become of the utmost importance to schools, not only in Florida but across the nation. Understandably, a program funded by the National Rifle Association grants teaching students about firearms likely aroused some panic in students, teachers and parents alike.

Despite this fear, however, the marksmanship program continues to be an excellent opportunity for JROTC students, despite criticism, and should be reinstated in MDCPS. Following the disaster and coverage of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting, headlines lit up local newspapers on Nicolas Cruz’s past participation in Broward county’s marksmanship program. Unfortunately, it became effortless and straightforward to link his involvement in the marksmanship program to his behavior. However, it is because of quick faulty associations like these that JROTC cadets are robbed of a beneficial program that may, in fact, serve to reduce gun violence, as well as improve gun safety among its members.

“We are the only county in the southern region that does not allow the marksmanship

14 opinion

program,” Major Vidal Chavez said. “I think handling them are. It is this unfortunate stigma it would be a great way to introduce cadets to placed upon firearms that prevent programs like something new as well as rifle safety.” these from flourishing, even if they may prevent What critics often forget is that one of the death or injury. program’s main goals As it stands, the decision is to teach firearm to prohibit the program safety, and that can in MDCPS or potentially be a big boon in prohibit it in other counties a gun dominated IT’S BETTER FOR does not serve any purpose, society.

When it STUDENTS AND YOUNG or may even detract from comes to education the experience of growth as CADETS TO LEARN a cadet, no matter how wellon gun safety, nothing comes close to the GUN SAFETY FROM intentioned. It is another experience of proper PROFESSIONALS case of extreme caution handling, which is given too much credit and RATHER THAN sway in decision making in probably much more effective than our LEARNING ON THE a case where introspective current gun safety STREETS. thought is required. programs, or lack “It was a great JULIAN PAZOS, thereof . opportunity for cadets to SENIOR “It’s better for grow as a team,” Sergeant students and young Michael Gibson said. “If cadets to learn gun the program is managed safety from professionals rather than learning correctly, I think it could be very good.” on the streets by an uncertified individual,” The JROTC marksmanship program has senior Julian Pazos said. had quite a lot of time in the spotlight, painted According to a study by Rutgers University, negatively as the nest where gun violence active learning strategies, such as those breeds. On the contrary, the marksmanship promoted by the marksmanship program, were program is merely an extracurricular activity, slightly more effective than in-class lessons and just like any other, that some students would reading when it came to gun safety. Although like to participate in. It does not incite violence, critics might argue that the improvement was nor is it a training regimen for the nation’s next negligible, any improvement that has the school shooters. The JROTC marksmanship potential to save a child’s life, no matter how program is a program that should make its way minimal, must be valued. Regrettably, any sort back into the school, and there is no doubt the of contact with firearms is associated with future JROTC would gladly welcome its long awaited malpractice, no matter what the context of return. h

“

From the

2018: a year in review

As one year comes to a close and another year begins, highlights looks into the past Commentary by Jack Band, Opinion Editor

W

ELL, WE made it. After a year full of political, social and cultural turbulence, 2018 is gone forever. While it is easy to look back and reminisce on both the pain and joy we felt throughout 2018, I find there is only one way I can describe it: unrepeatable.

From the Supreme Court nomination of alleged former party-animal Brett Kavanaugh, to the shoe-chucking squabble shared between rappers Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, as well as the unprecedented cultural phenomenon surrounding the curiously titled video game “Fortnite,� 2018 was the first of its kind and hopefully the last.

I remember a time when political banter and incessant complaining remained in the household between a family. That time is long gone. When looking back at 2018, it is apparent that we are living in a completely new world. With headlines about the everpolarizing political climate reminding us of the fragile remainder of civility many of us are still clinging to, and the incessant overload of content being funneled into our minds through all forms of social media, it is easy to accept that we are all passengers on a plane plummeting downwards with no hope of survival. However, while last year appeared to only be plagued with negativity and frustration, it, in fact, gave way more.

The #MeToo movement swept further across the nation and world, giving a voice to thousands of women who have been silenced for decades; Hollywood, as well as several other industries, made massive strides for representation and Drake is still making music.

If that does not put a smile on your face, I do not know what will.

As we enter the new year, there is so much we can learn from the last. Personally, I think the first thing we can take from last year is that privacy is no longer guaranteed. A long list of celebrities, politicians and company executives were hung out to dry on Twitter after their older social media posts, generally trending towards less politically correct ones, resurfaced. While this issue specifically has raised several moral debates, it has actually proven to be yet another thing to look after with the influx of technology in our lives.

Another thing we can gather from 2018 is that domestic safety must be protected by

citizens before law enforcement can protect it. With hundreds of mass shootings tearing a larger rift between citizens, both sides of the gun control issue acquired a new fervor in 2018. As gun violence continues to spread throughout the U.S., the power of advocacy is evident and hopefully a solution will follow in the coming year.

However, while the tragedies from 2018 did take a toll on Americans across the nation, they also unveiled a new demographic of citizens seeking to make the country a better place: students. Beginning with the March for Our Lives, a student-led protest in support of broader gun law reform, younger citizens have shown out in massive numbers to not only defy those who doubt the power of youth in politics, but to prove that the country still belongs to the governed, not the governors.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Super Bowl was the highest viewed television event of 2018. The program raked in 104.1 million viewers.

Source: CNN

Additionally, 2018 proved to be a pioneer in many different aspects of pop culture.

With Black Panther becoming one of the highest grossing films of all time, featuring a predominantly black cast, and Childish Gambino reminding us of how music can shed light on the reality of life in this country, last year proved incredibly influential in all forms of media.

Moving forward, we are faced with the daunting question of whether we are going to make further progress this upcoming year or continue to allow tragedy and frustration to hold us back. As a student and citizen, I look forward to whatever change may come in 2019, because if we can learn anything from the past year, it should be that the American people are all in this together and whether they like it or not, compassion may have been the missing piece from 2018.

With American culture splintering under the pressure of social media, an effort must be made in the upcoming months to mend the differences held by the many different niches of society to form a more perfect Union. h

EDITOR

Commentary by Dylan Carol, Editor-in-Chief

T

O ALL US BATHROOM vandals, mirror taggers and soap canister spitters: it is time for a change. Gone must be the days where toilet paper lines the tops of the stalls. Gone must be the days where sinks are full of paper towels and trash is strewn across the floor.

Gone must be the days where the privacy of the bathroom is mistaken for a license to barbarize, because what the restroom offers is worth so much more.

The restroom is where we are at peace.

It is where we have time to ourselves away from the scramble of academia, even if it is only for two to five minutes. It provides a brief escape, as ordered by nature itself. It is our haven.

Every time one of us dumps three full rolls of toilet paper into the toilet, it does more than cause a bigger emergency for the unfortunate soul who uses the stall after us and the custodian. Such an act is only good for a quick laugh, and disregards the fact that the damage it does to the sanctity of the restroom is far reaching and lingering. When the bathroom floor is riddled with garbage, the minds of those who walk in stay riddled with problems.

When the mirrors are defaced and foggy, the thoughts of those who look into them remain unclear.

Our bathrooms are an extension of ourselves. Let us not be known as those who stoop to the most primitive level of entertainment when we step away from the wandering eye of authority. Let us put those days behind us and begin the Golden Age of Sanitation. This will be a time where we can enter the bathroom without having to brace ourselves for the horrors within, where we can wash our hands of our everyday struggles with soap and not week-old saliva and where we can carry out our responsibilities without having to worry about clumps of toilet paper plunging down from above.

The tiled bathroom walls will keep their sparkling white glow. Water will flow from the faucets and the thundering flush of a toilet will no longer be foreign. Our bathrooms will be a temple to cleanliness and a sanctum of self-discovery.

We were all given a gift. It is a gift that deserves preservation and warrants reverence. So, in the name of that collective piece of ourselves, let us keep our bathrooms clean. h

opinion 15

Troubles with English learning With the importance of English in society, ELL programs are in need of improvement Commentary by Dylan Carol, Editor-in-Chief

T

HE ENGLISH L a n g u a g e Learners (ELL) program intends to help non fluent English speakers grasp the complexity of the English language and culture within a school setting. The students who are a part of this program have not learned English as their primary or native language.

The U.S. Public Education System, however, has repeatedly failed such students within the very setting in which they are supposed to receive their greatest chance at success.

Public schools across the nation separate these students into ELL programs that lack rigor, are grossly understaffed and are ineffective in their goal of assimilating students into their new cultural setting.

“Learning English has definitely been difficult, it is not easy having to adjust your entire lifestyle and along with that also having to learn an entire new language,” sophomore Thalia Perez said.

To be able to thrive in this country, it is

critical to speak English. Without the ability largest growing demographic in American to properly communicate, it becomes more schools, but their educational competence difficult to get an effective education, let alone remains a concern. According to Florida’s find a job and become 2012 EDFacts State a highly functioning Profile, around 6 percent member of society. Thus, of ELL students were learning English through proficient in reading I HAVE NOTICED THAT skills, compared to ELL programs is vital THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE 44 percent across all to the ultimate success of the student who are FOR MY STUDENTS IS student demographics, part of it and society as just one example of this UNDERSTANDING THE downward trend. a whole, which would DIFFERENCE IN CULTURE benefit from another There are many demographic of skilled FROM AMERICA TO reasons for this lack contributors. of success. One of WHERE THEY WERE these is the fact that Yet, despite this BORN. learning English is given important educational pursuit, ELL students overwhelming attention, LISSETTE KEEDY, are falling behind. The instead of a holistic SPANISH TEACHER problem lies inherently approach that focuses in the system in which on other subject areas these kids are placed. One in four students are and compounds on previous knowledge to ELL today, with that number set to increase reinforce that which is being taught within their in the coming years according to the National new cultural and linguistic setting. Students Education Association. This represents the immigrating to America during high school

“

opposable thumbs Post-egg Kylie Jenner “I’m having twins.”

-Hanna Ebrahimi, Staff Writer

Girl Scout Cookies

“And we wonder why healthcare in this country is so expensive.”

-Jack Band, Opinion Editor

16 opinion

Bad Bunny

2019

“The Blueface of Spanish trap.”

-Dylan Carol, Editor-in-Chief

“Is it a bad sign that the government is already shut down?”

-Alexander Sutton Staff Writer

Air Pods

Cold days

“The best pods.”

-Karina Wu, The Scene Editor

“Global warming?

More like global colding!” (this was jokingly terrible) -Alejandra Orozco, Managing Editor

typically have a more difficult time than students who come while they are younger, due in part to the cultural aspect of learning being cast aside.

“I have noticed that the biggest obstacle for my students is understanding the difference in culture from America to where they were born. The defeatist attitude some students inhibit is that it is not necessary to learn English, especially living in Miami, where the majority of the people here are bilingual,” Spanish teacher Lissette Keedy said. “The English Language Learners program is not teaching these students to adjust to the culture here, nor is it giving these students the proper resources to expand their knowledge instead of holding them in one place.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Among immigrants who arrived in the last 10 years, 6% speak only English and an additional 47% report that they speak English very well or well.

Source: Public Policy Institute of California

Perhaps the biggest concern for ELL programs is the scarcity of certified teachers in the area. ELL requires a special skill set and the implementation of various different teaching strategies in order to best serve the students who are attempting to learn.

However, there are not enough of these teachers to satisfy the complex nature of an ELL education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were only around 78,000 certified teachers to teach 4.6 million ELL students nationwide, the latter of which continues to grow. Understaffed ELL programs date back to the 1990s, with only 2.5 percent of ELL teachers possessing a degree in bilingual education at the time, according to the National Education Association. With a lack of trained teachers in the U.S. to teach the curriculum, the level of education that is provided to the students is not as high as it could be. The solution to an improved ELL program begins here, with a larger number of experienced teachers available to assist

students in their educational pursuit.

ELL teachers need to be incentivized and there must be a push for certification in this subject area nationwide in order to begin to improve the success rates of these students.

If there is not an experienced educator in the classroom, then the task of assimilating ELL students into their new setting is made exponentially more difficult.

An effective ELL program across the U.S. must start with an effective and large enough group of teachers to carry out the complex set of responsibilities required to help their students learn. Without this, graduation rates will remain low, opportunity will remain limited and the foundation for educational improvement will remain shattered.

“Other classes need to get their appropriate accommodations for each student but that depends on every teacher and what they do in their classroom, but if they implement ESOL strategies they are doing a good job. If they are not implementing these strategies, that falls on the individual teacher and they are doing a disservice because there are people who need those accommodations,” Developmental Language teacher Claudia Navarro said.

Aside from coursework and number of teachers, the stigmatization of ELL students as “other” people that struggle with school is something that proves detrimental as well.

Not only is this an incorrect assumption, but this attitude brings less attention to the issues with the ELL program, both within schools and across the educational system as a whole.

Since these students tend to be minorities, with 77.6 percent of ELL students being Hispanic according to New York University, it becomes even easier to get ignored and left behind.

Detachment from ELL students only leads to an escalation of the aforementioned tangible problems they already face on their path to an education, an escalation that is unwarranted and avoidable with a change in outlook.

The public education system in the U.S. is meant to provide a path to success for all its students. This goal has not materialized for students in ELL programs despite their increasing numbers. A program with more breadth of curriculum, more certified teachers and a more inclusive environment is necessary in order to fulfill that vital mission of progress.

Only then can ELL students be given the chance that they deserve. h

“I wish we were taught more grammar and taught how to carry a conversation in English.”

Carlos Oliva, Freshman

“I think there’s a difference in the quality of schooling between the ESOL students and the other students.”

Daniela Pinto, Sophomore

“I struggle most with correctly expressing myself and communicating with people who do not speak Spanish.”

Thalia Perez, Sophomore opinion 17

Cuba pushes for internet access Cuba remains in the dark as the country continues to lack sufficient internet access in the new year Commentary by Isabella Villarroel, Staff Writer

O

expense many Cubans cannot afford at their current pay grade. With an average salary of 25 pesos, paying at least one peso an hour for wifi is not a priority compared to necessities like housing bills, food and water. Although wireless internet access is essential for communication throughout the country and the world, it does not hold the same value as living necessities and is therefore cast aside.

“They have to offer what they think their people are able to pay for... this is not affordable,” Cuban-born Spanish teacher Jailer Sanchez-Madrigal said. “They need to raise the salary in accordance with the lifestyle, which is something that I have been expecting since they started talking about the changes in Cuba...

When I see a change in the salary based on what they are offering I will think that they are offering it for their people.” Sanchez-Madrigal said.

The inconvenience of Cuba’s current wifi system is yet another reason as to why many hope that its new plan will be more accessible to locals. The accessibility to wireless internet is a crucial factor in the globalization of Cuba.

People living in under-developed countries have yet to be exposed to this kind of resource, hence the lack of information about international affairs and exposure to different styles of living.

“The only positive thing I see out of this is that if I pay for wifi, I am paying

“Everything’s hidden from them so they don’t get to find out any news that’s happening around the world or even bad news that’s happening within Cuba.”

“All I know is that at first, the wifi was only in certain places, and people would have to go there and pay to use the service.”

VER THE LAST 27 years, countries around the world have provided wireless internet access for the bulk of their respective populations. However, due to Cuba’s heavy government restraints, economic dysfunction and extensive censorship, it has been one of the last countries to offer this service, even after Castro’s regime.

Under the Castro regime, the media was heavily censored, resulting in the almost complete isolation of the country and its citizens. Until now, wifi could only be found in the homes of the wealthy or in parks and cafés where Cuban residents are charged hourly at an exorbitant amount. “[My family in Cuba] has to go to the park and look for internet and it takes time from their day, just to go to be able to talk to us for an hour,” junior Dayrin Lopez said.

Wireless internet in Cuba is known to be slow and too expensive for the country’s locals. Those who are fortunate enough to have some access to the internet are limited by the government’s censorship and restrictions. However, ETECSA, the main telecommunications company in Cuba, has recently increased their prices to one Cuban peso per hour for internet access, an extra

Arianna Gonzalez, Sophomore

18 opinion

Darleen Carrillo, Junior

for the possibility that those people get the opportunities to open their minds,” SanchezMadrigal said.

Because Cuba has censored its media for years, Cuba’s population only knows what the government allows them to know. This anomaly, in a world built around technology, has caused major setbacks to the country’s socioeconomic development. Since the invention of wifi in the early 90s, countries all over the planet have slowly introduced it into their day-to-day functions. Cuba missed out on many of these new advancements for obvious reasons, which all lead back to the Castro regime censoring their access to information.

When people think of Cuba, they see a country deprived of the resources necessary for development as a nation. The introduction of wifi accessibility could globally affect Cuba’s reputation and hopefully shed some light into the daily life of the average Cuban resident which has been concealed for years, and maybe improve their lives, despite the restrictions that are sure to come with this internet access as well.

With the longtime communist government shifting towards a more progressive future, the country may take significant strides towards stability and more rights for citizens further access to internet signifies a step in this direction. h

“The wifi is really expensive and only specific people can afford it. It is not really for everyone, especially the people that aren’t financially stable.”

Alanis Lago, Sophomore

h sports

NFL: Conflict with domestic violence As domestic violence crimes continue to trend throughout the NFL, is the league doing enough to prevent such offenses?

Commentary by Hanna Ebrahimi, Staff Writer

W

H I L E assembling a base to showcase the most skilled athletes in the nation may be the primary concern of the National Football League (NFL), the employment of athletes with domestic violence charges portrays a detrimental image for the league.

For decades, accusations of domestic violence have plagued the NFL and compromised its reputation. The high number of incidents and the league’s lenient responses to crimes among their players have contributed to a dangerous message: the idea that such offenses should be regarded with minimal precautions.

Given that NFL players are idolized in their communities, the majority of domestic violence crimes in the league are in the direct view of football fans nationwide. Apart from their roles on the football field, the league’s professional athletes act as influencers on key societal and cultural issues. Criminal offenses can adversely impact members of the large platforms that these players often influence.

“These athletes are role models for the young population,” offensive line coach Aaron Miller said. “We cannot allow people in such influential positions to get away with any crimes, let alone domestic violence.”

The NFL has failed to implement sufficient punishments for many of the perpetrators of domestic violence within their league. Teams continue to draft players with little concern for their criminal records. For example, Joe Mixon was drafted in the second round of the 2017

Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals even after he was recorded forcefully punching a woman in a restaurant in July 2014. Furthermore, in 2015, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill confessed to punching and choking his pregnant girlfriend, only to receive three years of probation. Although he pleaded guilty, there is currently no evidence of a domestic violence conviction on his record according to Vox Media news source.

DID YOU KNOW?

With a relative arrest rate of 55.4%, domestic violence arrests are the NFL’s worst category for violent crimes.

Source: ABC News

By rewarding domestic violence offenders with positions in the professional league, the NFL is conveying that such vile actions are acceptable in society and promoting a negative message to their fan base. Condoning such serious offenses is a complete misuse of the league’s extensive platform and, as the massive organization they are, the NFL has a responsibility to improve the manner in which they approach domestic violence crimes.

“Every crime deserves its punishment. It doesn’t matter who you are, everyone should be treated equally,” sophomore Leandro Sierra said.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the domestic violence rate among players in the NFL

is much higher than for similarly compensated professionals in other fields. In fact, domestic violence arrest rates in the NFL are significantly higher than the general population. Among NFL players, domestic violence accounts for 48 percent of all arrests, while among all men, ages 25 to 29, domestic violence accounts for 21 percent of arrests for violent crime.

However, in recent years, the NFL has attempted to address the domestic violence issues with more vigilance. They have revised aspects of their protocol to deal with such crimes by emphasizing the possibility of suspension.

Prior to a wave of accusations, Gareon Conley was projected to be drafted in the top five of the 2017 NFL draft. However, after domestic violence claims against him were released, he was chosen 24th. This cost him anywhere between $6 to $15 million in a contract value.

The Chiefs also dismissed All-Pro running back Kareem Hunt from his contract hours after a domestic violence video surfaced. Nevertheless the improved protocol still does not sufficiently reprimand the players for their inadmissible behavior when compared to the judicial standard of punishment.

The league should nonetheless attempt to implement more serious punishments for the perpetrators of domestic violence to lessen crime rates among their players. The game of football is far more than a forum of entertainment for many of the league’s devout followers. The players act as inspirations for millions of people nationwide, and should act accordingly. Rather than enduring the domestic violence charges, the league should use their wealth to give assistance to victims of domestic abuse. h

students speak up

Hanna Ebrahimi/highlights

“If anything, the league should take their actions more seriously because they are influencing so many people around the country, Ezequiel Gamon, Sophomore

“Domestic violence in the league is a huge problem, especially when these players have so much to lose,” Gian Staley, Football Defensive Assistant

“Football is a symbol of American culture. If NFL players are not getting punished for their crimes, what does it say about our country?”

Vanessa Escobar, Senior

sports 19

Gables’ recordbreaking duo Seniors Gerald Williams and Rasaad Sawyer surpass the school’s all-time football records

By Sara Ebrahimi, Staff Writer

Gerald Williams

y

rtes

Cou

ld era of G

y

rtes

Cou

s

liam

Wil

ld era of G

s

liam

Wil

my personality is what makes me love football so much. It motivates me to keep playing,” Williams said.

The spirit displayed at the school’s games filled Williams with excitement and determination to excel. He was particularly fond of the matches against Christopher Columbus High School because of the historic rivalry.

“The biggest thing about Gerald is his quick release, he does some things that only naturally good football players do. He has the ability to constantly look in all directions, Sara Ebrahimi/highlights the only thing he needs to get to FIXED EYES: Athlete Gerald Williams focuses on the next level is just maturity,” breaking the school’s all-time passing record. head coach Roger Pollard said.

On Nov. 9, in the midst of a ROM THE TIME HE WAS playoff game against Columbus, five years old, every one Williams main focus was to help his team from his peers to his family win the game, along with executing passes encouraged the now senior to pursue that helped his wide receiver Rasaad football. As a child, Williams excelled Sawyer break the receiving record as he in numerous sports and he was always simultaneously reached his season goal. ready to go after what he wanted. Yet, Williams also broke the single-season growing up football was his favorite all-time passing record at the school, sport to play; he adored the anticipation by exceeding 1941 yards. A teammate and exhilaration. informed Williams as soon as he broke In his experience in Pop Warner Little the record and he was overjoyed with the League, Williams played for the South results. Williams immediately announced Miami Gregos, where he developed his his achievement to his family on the offensive skills as a quarterback. As an sideline. underclassman, Williams attended La Salle “It was very exciting. Just knowing High School, where he played both junior that I was able to accomplish my goal varsity and varsity football. Although made me feel a lot more confident and he enjoyed the privileges of a private proud of myself,” Williams said. institution at La Salle, he eventually Williams’ mother is hopeful that he transferred to Gables. will continue his education with an athletic “Honestly, being on a team with scholarship. He aspires to get a degree in great people who accept me, and accept business, then possibly play in the NFL.

F

Sara Ebrahimi/highlights

20 sports

LEAPING LADS: (Top) Quarterback Gerald Williams focuses on the snap. (Bottom) Seniors Gerald Williams and Rasaad Sawyer celebrate a victory.

Rasaad “TOunk” Sawyer Seemingly effortless catches and swift route running have not always come easily for senior Rasaad Sawyer.

From an early age, Sawyer was a reserved, hardworking child that focused on dedicating time to what he cared about and achieving his goals. Inspired by his older brothers and boys in his neighborhood, Sawyer began pursuing football at the age of seven.

“I never let the so-called ‘better players’ or highly ranked players get the best of me. To be the best, you have to go against Sara Ebrahimi/highlights the best, and that is what I did every game this year,” Sawyer QUICK CATCH: Athlete Rasaad Sawyer readily said. receives a pass.

Growing up in a singleparent household, Sawyer was Sawyer moved back to Miami and earned determined to succeed and make his mother proud. Throughout his a position on the school’s varsity football childhood, he played for various Little team as a wide-receiver, which he has League teams in Coconut Grove, South maintained throughout the rest of his high Miami and Tamiami. Notably, at the school career.

During the eleven games that he age of 14, Sawyer and his team won the Pop Warner Little League Super Bowl played this season, Sawyer averaged an championship in 2014 against the Parkland astounding 86 yards per game.

“Sawyer has some of the best footwork Rangers. His achievements motivated that enables him to get open. He is not the him to work towards getting drafted in the National Football League (NFL). fastest receiver we have ever had but he is Coincidentally, Sawyer grew up in the always open. He has the ability and agility same neighborhood as Amari Cooper, a to move sets,” offensive line coach Aaron wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. Miller said.

On Nov. 9 during a game against Cooper’s successes through a similar Christopher Columbus High School, upbringing motivated Sawyer to further Sawyer was determined to break the pursue football.

“When he [Cooper] was in high school’s all-time single-season receiving school, I always tried to copy the things record. He maximized his efforts to gain as he did with my own flavor. Being from the many yards as possible, fulfilling his goal same neighborhood that I’m from made by breaking the record of 890 yards, by me feel like he paved the way for me,” totaling 953 yards on the year.

“Rasaad’s biggest motivation right Sawyer said.

When he turned 15, Sawyer and his now is taking care of all of his business. family moved to McDonough, Georgia, He broke the record because of hard work where he continued playing football on and when he goes up to the college level, the varsity team at Luella High School. he still has to remember that everything is Although he was on the team, Sawyer’s earned,” head coach Roger Pollard said.

While remaining appreciative and playing time was limited, so he established humble, Sawyer aspires to continue his a daily routine, in which he would polish football career by playing at the college his route running and improve his pace.

“I knew I was not going to be the level and advancing to the NFL. He has biggest player, so every night I ran routes been offered scholarships at schools such as on air just to perfect my steps, so it can be Youngstown State University for Division 1 football and Tusculum University for fluent,” Sawyer said.

Come the middle of his freshman year, Division 2 football. h

Cou

rtes

Cou

yo

rtes

f Ra

yo

ssa

f Ra

dS

ssa

aw

dS

yer

aw

yer

Sara Ebrahimi/highlights

RELIABLE RECEIVER: (Top) Wide receiver Rasaad Sawer swiftly scores a touchdown.

(Bottom) Sawyer runs down the field.

sports 21

Lady Cavs victorious over Southwest Southwest goes home second in a nail-biting home game against the girls varsity basketball team, 34-31

By Natalia Pallas, Staff Writer

A

S THE GIRLS JUNIOR varsity basketball team formed a tunnel leading to the court, the varsity players ran through with momentum and energy from their previous win. The Lady Cavaliers immediately started their warm-up, which included jump shots, ball handling and lay-ups. After this routine, the team later huddled up and yelled their chant. All this preparation, ultimately led to a close win against the Southwest Eagles with a score of 34-31 on Jan. 10.

“Working on our communication and our chemistry is very important before every game,” point guard and co-captain Kaitlyn Cruzata said.

With that mindset, a few minutes into the game the Lady Cavs earned a 4-0 lead. However, this lead quickly diminished when the Eagles started scoring. Their combination plays startled the Lady Cavaliers but encouraged them to play more aggressively in order to close up the gap. By the end of the first quarter, the Lady Cavaliers were only down 4-10.

“We were trailing a team we had beaten before, our team knew that we needed to put up a stronger defense in the following quarters,” center Madeline Cohen said.

During the second quarter, the Lady Cavs started racking up more points from guard and co-captain

Kassandra Mendez, guard Thais Forbes and forward Charlotte Bilbao. They combined for 10 points the second quarter. However, it was not enough to surpass the 21 points the Eagles scored, so the team continued trailing them by a significant margin.

“I believe it clicks when it comes down to being really close and I notice that the team might be depending on me to give it my all,” Mendez said.

In the fourth quarter, the game started to get heated. With all the people in the stands getting anxious and at the edge of their seats, the home team managed to score to only trail the Eagles by two. Later at the 3-minute mark, the Lady Cavaliers we were up 28-26. Then the Eagles scored putting them one point behind with 12 seconds left. Coach Lisa Nanninga began calling timeouts to break the momentum of the other team.

This prompted the Lady Cavaliers to score another two points putting them at 34 -31. After the Eagles’ last shot missed, the court erupted in cheers for another win for the varsity team.

“I think our team has improved, but there is always room for improvement especially dealing with how many fouls our team got this game,” co-captain and guard Alexandra Arguello said.

The Lady Cavaliers walked off the court after securing another win, anticipating similar results as they enter district championships on Feb. 5. h

SHARP SHOOTING: (Left) Thais Forbes looks for an open pass on the court. (Right) Center Madeline Cohen attempts to make a lay-up with two defenders on her.

22 sports

GAME STATS points per player

Kassandra Mendez

Charlotte Bilbao Madeline Cohen Thais Forbes Alexandra Argello Zoe Villafane

lyn

ait

C

Kaitlyn Cruzata

ur

ct

Pi

:K ed

a

at

z ru

14 6 6 2 2 2 2 Natalia Pallas /highlights

Cavs conquer Columbus Explorers In an adrenaline-filled home game against Columbus, the boys varsity basketball team triumphed, 63-44

By Marta Rodriguez, Staff Writer

GAME STATS points per player

Nate Walker Josh Dawkins Rikson Fragosa Troy Davis

Marta Rodriguez/highlights

lke Wa ate P

Walter Daniels

d:N

Romulo Delgado

r

Aaron Hall

re ictu

14 10 9 8 8 6 5 4

Kuran Bryan

A

FTER A ROUGH GAME full of fouls and a couple of disputes, the boys’ varsity basketball team defeated the Christopher Columbus Explorers on Jan. 8.

“We’ve got to correct the mistakes we made and move on to the next game with a positive mindset,” guard Romelo Delgado said.

Jan. 8th had finally come, and the Cavaliers were getting ready to battle the Columbus Explorers. The buzzer went off, each teams’ starting five met at the line, facing each other, ready to jump for the ball and start off the game.

Point guard Joshua Dawkins gained possession of the ball and the rest of the team backed up, quickly getting in position. After a few passes, the Cavaliers had made the first shot of the game, a quick layup. Columbus came right back, dribbling the ball down the court and making another shot.

By halftime, the Cavaliers were up by three points. Columbus started to get anxious, wanting to secure more points and did so recklessly. The game’s intensity came to a peak—parents were screaming and complaining at the refs, claiming that they were not making favorable calls.

Entering the third quarter Columbus was only down by a few points, but the Cavaliers pushed them farther ahead.

The players started to get frustrated, fouls were now being called a lot, the

crowd was screaming and the coaches were pacing back and forth.

“The goal was to win by 20 or 15, that’s our goal every game,” point guard Nate Walker said.

The third quarter ended with the score of 43-29. What had been an intense but not very physical game, became the opposite. Columbus players were now making unnecessary fouls, shoving players on the shoulder after they had fouled. This angered the Cavs, but they kept their composure in order to avoid any technical fouls.

“Making the right plays to get our designated scenario was the goal,” Delgado said.

As the buzzer went off for the fourth quarter to start, the crowd started to yell and cheerleaders cheered louder.

Columbus got a few good rebounds but failed to make the shots. The Cavaliers were now getting fouled more than they had before. With one minute left in the game, Columbus players fouled to try and get the rebound from the free throw, but the Cavs would not miss.

“We were well equipped to win the game because overall had a better team and game plan,” point guard Joshua Dawkins said.

The final score was 63-44 and the team left the gym with a convincing win in hand. The team hopes to enter district championships with the same mindset on Feb 13. h

BALLING OUT: (Left) Guard Josh Dawkins, attempts a three pointer against Columbus player. (Right) Walter Daniels takes a free-throw after being fouled.

sports 23

PIZZA FOR THE PEOPLE

P.Pole’s heavenly pizza is created from scratch and baked fresh, serving up a classic thin crust with mouthwatering toppings

By Alma Martinez, Staff Writer

R

ECENTLY OPENED, P. Pole Pizza hosts a creative way to express individuality and celebrate one of America’s favorite fast foods, through fashionably affordable and personalized thin-crust pizzas.

Located on 279 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, the restaurant is adorned with vibrant and eccentric art displayed from the patio all the way into the indoor seating area. P.Pole Pizza has made a name for themselves with their inviting atmosphere and fusion of both modern and rustic decor.

This one-of-a-kind restaurant also gives customers the chance to stick to the basics, or have a completely different experience upon every visit.

Keeping the busy Miami lifestyle in mind, P.Pole pizza lists only two items on the menu—ideal for those on the go, or for those with indecisive customers. Displayed above the register in bold yellow font are listings for the $7 cheese pizza, and the $9 unlimited toppings pizza. However, customers are encouraged to order the unlimited toppings pizza, as it is completely up to the customer’s personal taste.

Upon entering the restaurant, all customer’s eyes are immediately drawn to the long and narrow toppings bar—where toppings ranging anywhere from savory canadian bacon to fresh gorgonzola to chopped crimini mushrooms are laying, waiting to be picked.

24 the scene

Before they can get to the true personalization though, customers must first make the decision of choosing sugar-free chia seed dough, or original pizza dough, which are then stretched and then placed on an authentic wooden tray.

“

P.POLE PIZZA IS DEFINITELY ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES TO GO AND EAT BECAUSE THEY GUARANTEE A DIFFERENT PIZZA EVERY TIME YOU VISIT.

SHEILA MELGAR

Customers are then asked to choose between five different homemade pizza sauces, including the health conscious pesto sauce, and the classic alfredo sauce. Once customers have chosen their main toppings—that are to be baked on the pizza in a modern brick oven—it is then time to pick their finishing touches post baking, such as balsamic vinegar or organic sundried tomatoes.

“P.Pole Pizza is definitely one of my favorite places to go and eat because they guarantee a different pizza every time you visit,” customer Sheila Melgar said.

In just 10 minutes, pizzas are taken out of the oven and ready to

be served, releasing the mouthwatering aroma of freshly made pizza into the air. Customers then get the option to sit inside on either one of the picnic-style tables, on a metal stool just above the industrial inspired bar, or outside enjoying the breeze. No matter the seating location, customers are bound to enjoy both the pizza and the lively artwork, that is seemingly painted across every surface imaginable.

Paper towels can also be found just about anywhere in the restaurant, for those not willing to get their hands dirty while indulging in one of Miami’s most loved personalized pizzas.

P.Pole Pizza also makes great efforts to remain environmentally friendly by recycling used cardboard pizza boxes, and offering soda in glass containers, as opposed to styrofoam cups and plastic straws.

P.Pole Pizza serves as a breath of fresh air in the heart of Miracle Mile—surrounded by countless sitdown restaurants and boutiques— due to their wide array of freshly picked produce, and relaxed ambience. Whether or not customers enter the restaurant with the sole purpose of grabbing a quick bite or unwinding after a long day at work, most are guaranteed to come back wanting more.

Open everyday of the week from 11 a.m. or 12 p.m. on weekends until 1 a.m., the customer’s entire experience is theirs to be made, down to the dough. h

Española Way A vibrant addition to the Miami Beach scene, the cobblestone path and European style architecture are why Española Way is the new place to be

By Arianna Peña, Staff Writer

T

HE SMELLS OF SEAFOOD AND CURED ham lingers as patrons stroll down the cobblestone avenue. Tourists and locals alike are surrounded by the romantic style architecture reminiscent of Spain and France. Española Way is a small pedestrian street isolated from the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach, located between Washington and Pennsylvania Avenues and north of 14th Street. This modest locale is the perfect place to spend a relaxing evening.

In May of 2017 the City of Miami Beach completed a 2.5 million dollar revitalization project to ensure the street remained available for pedestrians only.

Much like Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile, Española Way is the highlight of the area. In the 1920s, the city of Miami began construction on this block with the aim of turning this area into an artists’ colony, aiming to cater to the wealthy. As time went on, the strip experienced many architectural changes, and by the 1970s, the once charming area lost its appeal.The buildings were painted beige and were lost within the surge of the Art Deco movement hitting Miami Beach.

However, only a decade later, Linda Polansky decided to make an effort to convert the area into the Bohemian haven it once was. Polansky had the buildings painted a hue of peach and soon the production designer of Miami Vice approached her

with an idea to spotlight the area. By the end of the 1990s, Española Way had become the backdrop for films and television series like ‘Miami Vice,’ ‘Chains of Gold’ and ‘The Birdcage.’ Many Miami natives have been visiting Española Way for a long time. Elsa Novoa has been able to witness the evolution of this niche since the 1970s.

“I knew the place in my childhood and I got to see this adorable little street change and earn the attention it deserves. The restaurants and events that take place here make it all worthwhile,” Novoa said.

Now, Española Way is charming and quaint once more, offering many different events and restaurants to appeal to everyone who visits. Hosting Salsa on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Flamenco on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and a market with locally grown foods and small businesses on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, along with many more events, the vibrancy is never lacking.

There are also a number of restaurants with multiple tables outside. One such place, Pane and Vino, displays their cured meats, like prosciutto, outside. Another restaurant, Tapas y Tintos, has a stage for flamenco performers and guitar players to entertain guests and allow them to revel in the culture of Spain.

The history of this boulevard is interesting and inspiring. Take a stroll down this old avenue and let the atmosphere take you to Europe.

h

the scene 25

Lantern Lights Festival

By Audrey Weigel, Staff Writer

O

RIGINATING IN CHINA 2,000 years ago, the Yuanxiao Festival marks the final day of the Chinese New Year celebration. It was a time of pairing young people together. The festival is seen as the Chinese equivalent to Valentine’s Day in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Though traditionally held in February or early March, it is held in Miami from November to January, celebrating New Years on the Gregorian calendar.

“The Chinese Lantern Festival being brought here is very important to me because it’s informing people on Chinese traditions that help introduce and normalize a different, but very beautiful culture,” senior Allison Chan said.

The festival marks the new year and the beginning of spring, and has great significance in Chinese culture, symbolizing the reunion of family.

26 the scene

The Culture Traditional Chinese music plays in the background and lanterns litter the floor, similar to ancient China. Lanterns, usually colored red, are made into the shapes of animals, objects and places, symbolizing good fortune.

To celebrate the arrival of 2019, otherwise known as the year of the pig, there is an exhibit of Chinese zodiac signs, appearing like statues.

Each animal is labelled by its English and simplified Chinese name. The lights festival is commonly celebrated during Lunar New Year and is accompanied by various traditions, ranging from eating golden dumplings, which are thought to represent pots of gold and in turn, bring riches and good fortune to the consumer, to gifting red envelopes full of money to wish the recipient prosperity and success.

Lighting the

Floats Upon Floats:

Behind the Lanterns Each lantern is custom-built by Chinese artisans and take about four weeks and a team of seven people to complete. They appear to be threedimensional stained glass and are handmade from hundreds of pieces of silky cloth. They can be over 30 feet high and up to 300 feet long.

They are then organized into categories and supplemented by illuminated text panels made from lanterns written in English and simplified Chinese to give background on each exhibit. These text panels educate visitors on Chinese culture and traditions. For example, the panels accompanying the Chinese dragon explain how it symbolizes power over water, strength and good luck for those who are worthy.

Where to Go The annual Chinese Lantern Festival is a sixweek celebration of Chinese culture held in Miami at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds at 10901 SW 24th St., running from early December to late January.

The festival is open from Thursdays to Sundays, from 5 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $23 for adults and $18 for children ages three to 12.

There are a number of attractions that are included with the price of the ticket: access to Chinese food, endless performances by Chinese acrobats and handmade souvenirs by Chinese artisans.

Visitors also have the option to purchase additional tickets for emerald mining, entrance to an inflatable park and a walk through a maze modeled after the Forbidden City in China. h

he Night Sky

The giant lanterns are a marvelous thing to behold at the Chinese lights festival, with intricate designs ranging from dragons to pandas. the scene 27

Y E N O Y B L UIG O O T DIOT OW Y SS BO

L L A UBBY H H C S WORTHL CON CEIT ED

EASY

ESS

Y S S O

B P U K STUC IG TOOTHPICK P

Sutton Payne / highlights

INNER

BY: MATHILDE REQUIER 28 insight

ST UGGLE

OVERWEIGHT LOS SLOB ER DULL TOO THIN

As members of the next generation, students find themselves lost in a myriad of different influences, in a society that is becoming ever more dependent on social image. Young adults may choose between self-improvement and self-acceptance, as they attempt to carve their own futures.

IN MODERN SOCIETY, TEENAGERS the initiative to improve themselves, and try some of their goals. The mentality in which one and young adults are pressured to fit into the to make themselves better in every component must always achieve more can lead to stress and status quo. This lack of social fluidity breeds of life. Whether it is an internal transformation anxiety, which is ultimately a counterproductive a fictitious standard, shaping the way this or a physical change, self-improvement starts enterprise. Another risk factor is the prevalence generation’s youth view themselves. This through awareness. One must become a self- of stimulants, which can seem appealing when standard influences physical appearance, critic to identify flaws and evaluate the changes under high levels of stress. These prescriptions behavior and decisions, which are all crucial that should be carried out. create physical and psychological dependence aspects of the development into adulthood.

According to a 1975 study by Malcolm in its users. Study drugs, such as Adderall and External pressures from society itself Knowles, professor at the University of Ritalin, have especially grown popular on discourages personal maturity and discovery Colorado, when accomplishing goals and college campuses. According to the 2015 and due to an obsession with societal conformity. bettering oneself, the brain releases dopamine, 2016 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, Lives are altered in hope of achieving what has which generate feelings of happiness, fulfillment approximately 16 million U.S. adults used been deemed popular, even if it is an unrealistic and motivation. These prescription bar. Under the influence of social media, these societal ideals are FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T ACCEPT Michaelyn Radcliff reinforced even more, as users Student Services Department Chair feel obliged by celebrities to look FAILURE, IT CAN HURT. ” a certain way or act a certain way.

Those who fail to conform to these standards are looked down upon, as they stimulants in the past are judged and criticized by others, increasing year, five million of which misused them. low self-esteem in both girls and boys. As per releases inspire “self-directed learning,” a This poses a serious public health risk as young the USA/Girl Scout Institute, 9 out of 10 girls process that motivates its adherents to mature adults are turning to these drugs in order to feel pressured by the fashion industry and the into independent thinkers and learners, as reach their improvement goals and inevitably media to be thin, a pressure that can lead to described by Knowles. “Self-directed learning” abusing these contrabands. mental and emotional distress. Teens, who are offers a more optimistic outlook on life, as When it comes to improving oneself already susceptible to stress as they work on individuals motivate themselves to accomplish physically, society tends to idolize a fit and discovering themselves, can fall into unhealthy their goals and succeed in doing so. It leads healthy lifestyle, mainly diffused through tendencies as they struggle to match these to a positive mindset, promoting qualities like social medias and fashion industries. By eating standards. Thus, two paths to success emerge: determination, as one realizes that they can appropriately and exercising, for example, self-improvement, in which individuals strive to always improve their situation and themselves. people that suffer from cardiovascular diseases improve themselves through their own actions, Those who follow the self-improvement can improve their physical condition and and self-acceptance, in which they embrace method, however, can find themselves more mitigate health risks, pointing to the fact that their traits and accept themselves for who they prone to depression, as they are sometimes unable societal pressures are not necessarily negative truly are. to feel fulfilled and appreciate their current when it comes to issues like this one.

Through self-improvement, people take situation, even after they have accomplished On the other hand, while healthy changes can

“

NATIONAL DATA WHICH NEEDS THE MOST SELF-IMPROVEMENT?

BODY

47

PERCENT Sources: 60 Minutes, Time News Compiled by Sutton Payne

MIND

29

PERCENT

SOUL 20

PERCENT

62% 61

PERCENT

OF PEOPLE BELEIVE THAT YOU SHOULD WORK TO CHANGE BAD QUALITIES RATHER THAN ACCEPT THEM. OF PEOPLE have felt pressured to change their appearance insight 29

be promoted through the societal expectation of being thin or muscular, this can also lower selfesteem and increase body image dissatisfaction.

This struggle of achieving the perfect body can lead to risky and detrimental behaviors, such as eating disorders. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, eating disorders are estimated to affect 20 million women and 10 million men in the U.S at some point in their lives. They can pose extreme health risks to those affected and lead to serious, even deadly, medical complications.

From a more subjective perspective, as people attempt to improve themselves, they often fail to see the negative effects. As they try to satisfy society’s standards, they can attempt to hide or even fundamentally change their own nature. This is a deeply personal issue, as it affects feelings of self-worth and self-efficacy adversely. Michaelyn Radcliff, the student services department chair, believes this consequence stems mainly from teens see online.

“What circulates on social media isn’t necessarily a realistic interpretation of what is going on in the actual situation” Radcliff said.

“It can become a facade for someone’s true life, and in turn, they see it as a failure. And for those

who can’t accept failure, it can hurt.”

This can lead to an increase of mental distress, and in turn, self-improvement proves to further exacerbate mental distress rather than mitigate it.

In essence, self-improvement is beneficial because it induces progression, which is essential to humans and society as a whole. It promotes a positive outlook, establishing the idea that life can be changed for the better. However, when applied to the extremes, it can prove to be far more detrimental than beneficial, effectively combating its very mission in empowering the individual.

Self-acceptance, on the other hand, encourages its followers to accept who they are, without changing due to other’s opinions or society’s standards. Self-acceptance is centered around embracing differences and realizing what makes one person unique from another. However, this does not entail a complete rejection of improvement. Selfacceptance places a focus on one’s strengths, instead of searching for flaws that are in need of improving. While emphasizing the best qualities, acceptance requires a realistic and objective view of an individual’s talents, capabilities and general worth. However, self-acceptance is not

to be confused with self-esteem, as researched by psychotherapist Albert Ellis. Self-acceptance is internal satisfaction and positivity, while selfesteem relies on and is determined by societal pressures in most cases.

This philosophy has inspired multiple movements through the years, all centered around confronting and rejecting usual societal standards.

The #ImNoAngel movement, a campaign launched by Lane Bryant to promote its lingerie brand Cacique, focuses on presenting a different image for the fashion industry. Unlike the usual tall and thin model, this movement features women of varying ethnicities and body types. Its propaganda promotes self-acceptance, defining “sexy” as being yourself, no matter what society perceives as a flaw. Another movement, the Fatkini movement, also advocated for diversity through social media. Starting in summer 2015, this social media campaign inspired plus-size women to post pictures of themselves in bikinis, using its hashtag #fatkini. But these movements aren’t only limited to women. With instagram accounts like @EffYourBodyStandards, men are also defying society’s standards, encouraging its followers to accept their bodies no matter its size or form. Plus-size male models are also

STUDENT POLLS highlights surveyed 353 students to ask them about their opinions on self-improvement vs. self-acceptence.

PERCENT OF STUDENTS BELIEVE THAT IT IS BETTER TO IMPROVE YOURSELF RATHER THAN ACCEPT YOURSELF. 30 insight

Accept it and live for the better.

PERCENT OF STUDENT THINK IT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH THAN PHYSICAL HEALTH.

57%

Reject it and change.

43%

71

84

THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH A PROBLEM IS TO...

emerging, with Zach Miko becoming the first plus-size male model to join a major agency upon joining IMG Models in 2016.

Movements like these create a more tolerant and genial society in which citizens can truly be themselves without having to fear judgement, and are a triumph of the self-acceptance mentality.

Self-acceptance has been proven to increase self-esteem and happiness.

In a study performed by the charity Action for Happiness, it was found that one’s acceptance level was most directly linked to their overall satisfaction in life. Essentially, by placing the focus on character instead of accomplishment, people can actually become more compassionate and understanding.

But further, for those struggling with issues that appear insurmountable, the satisfaction associated with self-acceptance provides a gateway to a happier lifestyle.

Through this ideology, individuals can also finally acknowledge the need for change. For patients who struggle with addiction, denial often serves as their coping mechanism facing

the issue, as they ignore the issue. However, acceptance is necessary in order to overcome and heal from addiction. Instead of denying it, patients must realize they are addicted and that it is an issue that is out of their control so that they can reach out for help.

DID YOU KNOW?

71% of people under 18 are happy with their current mental and physical state.

Source: New York Times

While selfacceptance is inevitably crucial to one’s wellbeing, it can promote bad habits as well. Those who give up on self-growth and only rely on self-acceptance can grow complacent, as they are no longer motivated to go any further with their lives and feel that they do not need to try and improve. When it comes to even small yet unhealthy habits, such as nail-biting or spending too much time on our phones, those who take

STUDENT SPEAK UPS

on self-acceptance give up on the idea of stopping their bad habits, as they do not have the motivation to change for the better. This mindset can completely discourage personal growth, an imperative phenomenon in life, which can be just as bad as the other extreme.

In order to emerge as mentally stable, happy and successful adults, teenagers must take cues from both the selfimprovement and self-acceptance ideals. Through self-acceptance, they recognize their strengths and flaws, learning to love their authentic selves. The step of acceptance is crucial to self-improvement, as it also identifies the flaws that must be improved. As they enter into selfimprovement, they emerge as independent thinkers who feel that they can achieve the best versions of themselves. By instituting both, teenagers can stay motivated and can continue to work to improve on any aspects deemed important while still maintaining a personal comfort level and authenticity. Young adults and students are presented with another opportunity in the fork in the road- a blend of both paths, collaborative in its nature, on the route to a happy, healthy and realistic lifestyle. h

highlights asked students around the school about their thoughts on improvement vs acceptance.

“We should focus on improving ourselves.

Every day, we grow as human beings, and being only teenagers in high school, there are so many things left to learn. “

“We shouldn’t focus on what’s hip or what’s in style. Instead, we should choose the path and decisions we want to take.”

Sophomore Regla Gonzalez

Junior Bryan Ulloa

“You have to love yourself, but still try to grow on your strengths.

You shouldn’t feel the need to follow the ideal standards though, it is a mix of both. “

Freshman Chase Weiner insight 31

Find us online Like our page: highlights Follow us: @highlightscghs

cavsconnect.com/category/ highlights-submissions/ Questions? Email us at highlightscghs@gmail.com.

What’s your opinion? Tell us your point of view on a topic published in highlights with an email titled “Letter to the Editor.” We reserve the right to publish any letters sent to this email.

lightbox As the school joyfully prepared for the holidays, junior Denise Cuevas sold Christmas Serenades during lunch.

These serenades were performed for the lucky students who received them as a gift from their fellow classmates.

Isa Villarroel/highlights