Social Media Manager Adviser Features News Opinion Sports
The Scene Insight Online
Julia Volman
Hazel Grosell
Nathalie Schwart
William Hardie
Anaïs Jamali
Melissa Gonzalez
Arwen Law
Lily Goron
Alicia Fajardo
Olivia Simon
Emilia Kohnstamm
Alyssa Dopico
Isabela Duarte
staff writers
Audrey Schwart
Bridget Lopez
Chyler Campbell
Ciara Burton
Ella Levin
Genesis Barahona
Hailey Martinez
Lily-Jade Lecoultre
Milegny Salas
Maria Ardila
Natalia Quick
Paloma Morales
Samantha Sears
Stacy Urbina
Gables PTSA
Kalel Sada
Sebastian Lopez
Michelle Hernandez
Taronish Unwalla
Caitlin Savage
Jaylene Hernandez
Dimitra Boustis
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 by the National Scholastic Press Association Code of Ethics for scholastic journalists and advisers. According to Miami-Dade County Public School Policy, student media is not subject to prior review by administration or district personnel and as such, all content is determined by and reflects the views of the student staff members only. highlights welcomes reader feedback. All letters should be addressed to highlightscghs@gmail.com with the subject line “Letter to the Editor.” highlights reserves the right to publish any letter sent.
Silver Knight nominee Sebastian Lopez collects prescription glasses for veterans in need.
safety laws in the wake of
At one of their weekly shows, a seasoned Just the Funny improv student takes the stage for a
is your opinion? Tell us your point of view on a topic published in highlights by sending us an email addressed to highlightscghs@ gmail.com titled “Letter to the Editor.” We reserve the right to publish any letters sent.
As graduation inches closer, visions of my white gown and tassel-adorned cap are tinged with the melancholy that accompanies all goodbyes. I cannot explain how valuable my time as Editor-in-Chief has been, or how it will continue to serve me for many years to come, but I must attempt to summarize my love for my highlights family in my final “letter from the editor”.
Staff Writers, you each have taken on the unique challenge of highlights this year, either for the first time or as a veteran, and that in itself is no easy feat. You’ve adapted quickly, worked tirelessly, and become like family to me. Whether you are graduating or just starting your Gables journey, I know you will all achieve the mostamazingthings,andalways remember, I’m just a call away.
My Editorial Board, I will never forget all the late nights, laughter-filled phone calls, panicky text convos, and wonderfully hectic classes that each of you made so uniquely unforgettable. Love and appreciate you guys always.
Arwen, you are without a doubt the most creative, detail-oriented, passionate, and dedicated person I know. I couldn’t have asked for a better successor to the features section, and I hope to see an exhibition of yours in a museum someday.
You’re probably the strangest person I know, and you should wear that with a badge of honor. Send me the link to your blog of the most niche historical facts when it’s award-winning.
Olivia, your facade of nonchalance sits upon the witty, hilarious, intelligent, and dedicated Olivia that I got to know. Please invite me to watch one of your professional chess games in the future.
Emi, you’re the coolest kid I know (please let me take that David Bowie shirt to college). Never underestimate yourself, and remember I’m always just a call away to convince you of your awesomeness.
Alyssa, the way you’ve transformed Insight this year has been remarkable to watch. Both your artistic ability and dedication to your craft are immensely inspiring, never lose that.
Will, you are, and forever will be, the most unpredictable person I’ve ever met. You are strong, don’t ever let anyone convince you otherwise.
friendship has shown me that loyalty isn’t too much to ask for and that love can be calm. I’ll see you in the Midwest, love you the most!
Hazel, we have been through the most unique experience together, and I couldn’t be more proud of us. I know you will continue to give your all to this publication, and I leave knowing that highlights is in good hands. Take care of it for me.
hLily, watching you adapt and grow within your role this year amidst the challenges of IB senior year has been truly remarkable. Always remember how much you are capable of.
Alicia, it has been wonderful to watch you grow up and find your home within highlights.
Isa, I will always remember you as the sweet soft-spoken girl who came into the highlights your freshman year, but you’ve shown such growth since then. Keep being a compassionate and dedicated leader.
Anaïs, your talent and ability to make it look easy command respect. Send me your portfolio when you’re saving the world as a psychologist and taking photos on the side.
Nathalie, your compassion, generosity, and humor have gotten me through senior year. Your
Gonzo, I can’t begin to describe how you have impacted me, not only as a student or an Editor-in-Chief, but as a person. You are my number one supporter in any endeavor, celebrating me in moments when I can’t fathom that I am worth celebrating. You have taught me that I don’t need to change myself to be a leader, but have the ability to redefine what being a leader means. You remind me every day that I am more capable than I realize, banishing any traces of self-doubt that seep into my thoughts, and provided me the unique experience of discovering just how much I can accomplish. You are an unforgettable educator, advisor, and role model. Expect weekly life updates after graduation and for many years to come. Thank you for everything. <3
P.S. I’ll see you in 9220 in 30 years. ;)
P.P.S. I just had to use the Oxford Comma in my final letter to the editor. h
Sincerely,
Julia Volman Editor-in-Chief
fspa 2025
INTERVIEWING ACHIEVERS: During FSPA this spring, Cavaleon member Erika Burkhead interviewed convention participants on their experience in scholastic journalism.
BONDS FORMING: Convention participants conversed with one another about their experiences, foraging connections this spring.
VARIOUS VIDEOS: Student journalists at the spring FSPA convention recorded videos for competitions centered around broadcasting.
CONVERSING COMPETITORS: Making conversation at the FSPA spring convention, students share tips and tricks they have learned along their competitve journey.
ON STAFF: Cavaleon staff members Elise Raurell and Erika Burkhead interview student journalists from across Florida state’s districts at the FSPA spring convention.
Milengny
REPUTABLE REPORTING: During the convention, student journalists conversed with experts and advisers to further their skills.
Salas/highlights
Design by Hazel Grosell/highlights
Milegny Salas/highlights
Milegny Salas/highlights
Milegny Salas/highlights
Milegny Salas/highlights
Milegny Salas/highlights
Elevating campus spirit
From the campus’ murals to supporting school efforts, the Gables PTSA continues to lead innovative projects to transform the school community
BY GENESIS BARAHONA, STAFF WRITER
INSIDE GABLES, A PUBLIC HIGH school with over 2,800 students, a powerful force quietly works behind the scenes: the Parent Teacher Student Association. The school’s PTSA, an organization of over 400 parents, 200 students and nearly 100 teachers, is focused on improving the education of students through efforts such as assisting the faculty, renovating the Gables campus and providing students with their necessities like uniforms.
“When we get involved, we make a difference in all the students on campus,” PTSA volunteer Marcela Tampied said. “We show them that there is no job they can not do, it does not matter if it is big or small.”
improve overall
initiatives that heavily emphasize volunteer work. The PTSA’s past projects range from funding teacher mini-grants through the Mini Grant Program to fundraising for the renovation of the Teacher’s Lounge. The PTSA also funds enrichment programs for the school’s extracurricular clubs, such as the Gablettes and Gables’ publications.
“The PTSA is impactful not only because of the volunteer work but also because of the relationship we have with the administration and staff,” PSTA Vice President Elizabeth Warner said. “We host a welcoming breakfast right before school starts and a Teacher Appreciation lunch in the spring.”
Evolving significantly from elementary to high school, the Gables PTSA adapts to the necessities of students. Within elementary schools, parents of the PTSA are often more hands-on, typically helping with classroom activities, field trips and other events. At the high school level, the PTSA groups are more focused on ensuring college readiness in students, providing resources for advanced coursework, organizing career exploration events and advocating for policies that benefit the students’ academic success and wellbeing. One way the Gables PTSA achieves these goals is through organizing the school’s annual College Fair.
COMMUNITY IN ACTION: PTSA member Isabel Leon distributes school uniforms, an effort organized every other Wednesday.
HALLTALK
The highlights staff records what students are talking about in the halls.
This event allows students to interact directly with college representatives,
“I swear if I had the chance, I would marry AI.”
“You can only be young once, but you can be immature forever.”
“Never give up on your dreams, just keep sleeping.”
COLORFUL COLLABORATION:
Gables PTSA board members stand near the Gables mural, celebrating their funding efforts.
ask questions and gather information about admission requirements, campus life and scholarship opportunities. The College Fair provides students with valuable opportunities to explore a variety of colleges and universities across the nation, providing students with valuable insights needed to make informed decisions about their future career paths.
The Gables PTSA is a critical partner for parents, educators and students, actively supporting Gables to meet the needs of its students and prepare them for long-term success.
h
“If you can’t handle the cold, get out of the refrigerator.”
“Autocorrect, correcting every word except the one I need.”
“Your eyebrows do not yearn to waggle.”
Courtesy of the Gables PTSA
Milegny Salas/highlights
Starring six Silver Knight seniors
With bold ambitions, this year’s Silver Knight nominees create lasting
change within the Coral Gables community
BY ANAÏS JAMALI, SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER, AND ISABELA DUARTE, ONLINE EDITOR
ESTABLISHED BY THE MIAMI Herald in 1959, the Silver Knight Award recognizes outstanding high school seniors for their leadership, commitment and service in their school and local community. This program honors students in 15 disciplines ranging from Vocational Technical to Drama. Each year, seniors nominated from high schools across Broward and Miami-Dade County are interviewed by a panel of judges.
“There’s so many scholarships that recognize the fastest runner, the quickest mathematician or the best singer, but there’s very few scholarships that recognize young students for the work they’re doing in their communities,” Miami Herald Events & Community Affairs Manager Raymond Dueñas said.
One student from each category is chosen to receive a Silver Knight award, with three Honorable Mentions receiving recognition annually.
This year, six seniors from Gables were nominated for their achievements in their respective categories: Michelle Hernandez for World Language, Sebastian Lopez for Vocational Technical, Kalel Sada for Business, Caitlin Savage for Journalism, Nathalie Schwart for Social Science and Taronish Unwalla for Science. These nominees have each spearheaded innovative projects to contribute to their local community.
NOMINEES
BUSINESS BOUND: Kalel Sada (back row, second from the left) stands with the FBLA team at regional competitions.
SEBASTIAN LOPEZ KALEL SADA
Creating a project called Eye Care For All, which provides prescription eyeglasses to low-income individuals in Miami who cannot afford them, Sebastian Lopez was nominated for his achievements in the vocationaltechnical category.
Through this project, Lopez supported veterans at the Miami Veterans Affairs Hospital Eye Clinic by providing them with multiple fact sheets regarding the eye, ensuring that they were well-informed when undergoing the procedures they needed.
Introducing the National Business Honor Society, Kalel Sada was nominated for his achievements in the business category. Sada was driven by a personal conviction to create a space on campus where future, current and past business leaders could connect. Despite its recent introduction, NBHS has made a serious impact in the Gables business department by enriching academic learning and fostering a business community.
By strengthening industry connections, providing skill-building workshops and
To collect eyeglasses, Lopez organized a drive where Gables students could donate their used pairs, so they could provided to individuals who cannot afford proper eyewear.
“I found that the Florida Department of Health indicates that more than 3,500 children ages 17 and under, and close to 1% of MiamiDade County’s adult population experience vision difficulties without adequate eye care,” Lopez said. “This inequity concerned me, and I thought about the fact that my family and peers had plenty of [unused] eyeglasses.”
collaborating with faculty to enhance the curriculum, Sada ensures that students remain passionate for business while gaining practical experience that will prepare them for future success.
“I started NBHS as a personal passion of mine but it eventually led me to a Silver Knight nomination,” Sada said. “The sense of support that I had around me in the business department was a contributor to my overall growth as a leader throughout the Silver Knight process.”
Courtesy of Kalel Sada
Courtesy of Sebastian Lopez
MICHELLE HERNANDEZ
VOCAL VISION: At the annual Politicare event, Michelle Hernandez shares her passion project in representation of Ukraine.
For Michelle Hernandez, language is more than just a form of communication, it’s a bridge between cultures. As a nominee for the Silver Knight Award in the world languages category, Hernandez has dedicated her time and passion to Engin, a Ukrainian nonprofit that connects English and Ukrainian speakers through tutoring.
Hernandez coordinates meetings with four Ukrainian students to teach them English, fostering genuine cultural exchange as hearing the experiences of the students firsthand has
NATHALIE SCHWART
Developing Carnival for Care, Nathalie Schwart was nominated for her achievements in the social science category. Introduced to the Linda Ray Center, a daycare-based educational program supporting babies and toddlers with prenatal and postnatal drug exposure, Schwart created Carnival for Care to address this dilemna, donating the funds from her project to the Linda Ray Center.
Spending over 200 hours on this project, Schwart was able to fundraise $8,000 through the annual International Baccalaureate Honor
Society event fundraiser, Bridge 4 Peace, to execute her vision for the debut carnival.
On June 7, 2024, the event hosted over 50 children and families with more than 40 teenage volunteers in attendance. The carnival featured a variety of activities, including rides, games and health screenings.
“When my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 Lymphoma, I realized the importance of access to the best doctors and most effective treatments,” Schwart said. “Everyone deserves this, regardless of income.”
deepened her understanding of global events. Coming from a Cuban immigrant family, she sees her work as a tribute to her parents and grandparents. Hernandez’s journey has been shaped by many influences, from the Miccosukee Tribe’s cultural coordinator to her school’s support in leadership growth.
“Cultural awareness is everything,” Hernandez said. “People want to share their stories, and if you’re willing to listen, you will never stop learning about their experiences or culture.”
Courtesy of Taronish Unwala
SCIENCE FOR ALL: Taronish Unwala’s UV spectrometer at UM makes advanced STEM tools more accessible.
Nominated for her achievements in the journalism category, Caitlin Savage created a non-profit organization centered around her passion for crocheting: Crochet for Care. Savage sells her handmade unique crochet items and donates all profits to local organizations that bring awareness to child abuse and sex trafficking.
Since the organization’s start during Savage’s sophomore year, around $2,500 in donations were given to Kristi House Center, a local center working to prevent child sex
Developing her project while interning at the University of Miami’s Youth Scholars Program, a summer program that allows high school students to participate in high-level research by working in a laboratory, Taronish Unwalla was nominated for her achievements in the science category.
Unwalla was to be able to create a low-cost 3D-printed ultraviolet-visible spectrometer, a device used for analyzing the absorption concentration of UV wavelengths and visible light in a substance that is used in RNA and DNA analysis.
CAITLIN SAVAGE
trafficking. Savage has set up shop at different community events through the Interact Club, including the Coral Gables Caroling Competition. Teaching several underclassmen how to crochet, Savage hopes that they will carry on her legacy after she graduates.
“When I met the CEO of Kristi House and she thanked me for my contributions to the organization, that’s when I knew that my hard work was paying off,” Savage said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity I was given to spread awareness through my creativity.”
Sapisquam remporio corepelitat de rehendi nam explige ndesecestius rae int, oditatur mi, ommost, quas sit quam harchil ius
Gendias ratius dolupta cust, eos des voloremolum rerchil lacero expelitatem ipsunt
UNITY PULSE: Nathalie Schwart (top row, sixth from left) stands with volunteers after setting up her project at the Linda Ray Center.
TARONISH UNWALLA
She donated these devices to schools where funding was limited to enhance handson STEM, science, technology, engineering and math, learning for students. To expand on her project, Unwalla co-authored a paper published in the High School Research Journal under the University of Miami’s affiliation.
“My mentor, Dr. Katlyn Meier, and graduate students in Meier’s Lab were a guiding force as they gave me advice on how to approach this project with different scientific concepts and practices,” Unwalla said.
Courtesy of Michelle Hernandez
Courtesy of Nathalie Schwart
Courtesy of Caitlin Savage
GABLES NEWS IN BRIEF
BY NATHALIE SCHWART, COPY EDITOR
Miami-Dade County Public Schools was named an A-rated school district for the fifth consecutive year. As per the Miami Herald, previously test scores are included in the rating, however, as the 2023-2024 school year marked the debut of the new Florida Assessment of Student Thinking, it was not calculated into the scores. In order to receive this honor, the district was evaluated based on its graduation rates, student achievements and learning improvement.
Additionally, as per Miami-Dade County Public Schools, last year, MDCPS was ranked No. 8 out of 67 state districts. This score was awarded to the district for having 99% of schools within Miami-Dade County achieve an A-rating.
BIRDS OR BILLIONAIRES
The sale listing of Bird Key, an island in Biscayne Bay home to several animal and exotic bird species, has caused wildlife experts and conservationists to express their worries about the potential implications that the listing can have on the wildlife due to existing wetlands on the island which would be filled in and dredged as part of construction. As per Florida’s Voice, this property is being listed as an isolated island, that is 37.5 acres of paradise.
A’S FOR DAYS UPCOMING DATES
“I was dismayed to learn that Miami Dade County attempted to purchase the island and the offer was rejected,” Gables Alumna and Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center State Committee Member Jackie Gross Kellogg said.
NEW FLORIDA HALO LAW
Florida residents must keep their distance from first responders, as per a new law ratified in Florida. According to the Florida Senate, the law was enacted on Jan.1, 2025, to safeguard the first responders from violence while they are actively on duty.
Additionally, the law intends to limit harm to first responders by making it illegal for citizens to verbally threaten them while they work. Although the law aims to ensure safety, it could conflict with the First Amendment, as per Musca Law. This is inconsistent as what qualifies as threatening and harmful language can be very subjective.
“If first responders are able to work on the task at hand without being bombarded with panicking individuals, they are definitely able to focus a lot more on the problem, solving it faster and more accurately,” senior and athletic trainer Soleil Pazos said.
Congratulations to Coral Gables Senior High school for receiving the Magnet School of Distinction Award, the second highest award of recognition, from the Magnet Schools of America’s Merit Program. This achievement was awarded to the school, for its continuous commitment to meeting the requirements listed in the merit guidelines, divided amongst 392 schools.
Senior Jaden Cespedes defends the ball mid-air during the boys soccer game on January 15, which ended in a tie of 0-0.
William Hardie/highlights
Boating crashes leading to change
Recent boating accidents have exposed legal gaps in Miami’s boating laws
BY WILLIAM HARDIE, BUSINESS MANAGER
WITHIN THE PAST 15 YEARS, Miami has experienced over 7,000 boating collisions.
Through the sheer number of tragedies that have occurred on the city’s coastlines, multiple loopholes in the legal system, regarding penalties that the guilty parties in boating accidents must face, have been exposed.
Miami-born Florida Senator Ileana Garcia proposed Florida Senate Bill 58 in late 2024 to impose stricter penalties on boaters for accidents that involve injury or death, according to the Miami Herald.
“I think these new penalties will help make outings on the water safer,” junior Olivia Lacouture said.
The Herald also reports that the new law will allow prosecutors to charge boat operators with a third-degree felony for injury, a second-degree felony for serious bodily injury and a first-degree felony for death.
The current laws only allow for thirddegree felony charges for accidents resulting in any injury.
boating accident while celebrating a friend’s birthday, have led to the push for stricter boating laws. Her classmate Katerina Puig was also involved in the accident and suffered a permanent brain injury as a result.
“Senator Ileana Garcia’s proposed bill is a crucial and long-overdue step in addressing the legal gaps surrounding boating accidents,” Lucy Fernandez’s mother, Melissa Fernandez said. “For far too long, maritime laws have lagged behind those governing road safety, despite the fact that boats can be just as dangerous–if not more so– given the lack of standardized enforcement, training and accountability.”
Senator Ileana Garcia’s proposed bill is a crucial and long-overdue step in addressing the legal gaps surrounding boating accidents. Melissa Fernandez, Lucy Fernandez’s mother “
Additionally, a person who flees the scene of a boating accident that resulted in death could face a first-degree felony charge, with a sentence of up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Under the proposed law, if a person is convicted of “boating under the influence” manslaughter, the offender would serve a mandatory four-year prison sentence.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in 2023 there were 659 boating-related accidents in Floridian waters, resulting in just under 60 deaths.
In recent years, accidents such as one involving 17-year-old Luciana “Lucy” Fernandez, who passed away as a result of a
George Pino, 54, was the driver of the boat in which Fernandez was a passenger, collided with a concrete channel marker, according to ABC News. Pino was charged with three misdemeanors and pleaded not guilty, although he was later found to be guilty and charged with felony homicide.
Similarly, in 2024, 15-year-old Ella Adler was water-skiing in Biscayne Bay and was hit by a boat, according to ABC News. The perpetrator fled the scene and was allegedly unaware of the situation.
“As someone who grew up near Adler, my whole family has been shaken by the accident,” junior Suzanna Moss said. “These new laws will hopefully prevent new accidents from happening.”
These deadly accidents that have occurred in the past couple of years have sparked the need for stricter boating laws, leading to politicians like Senator Ileana Garcia to propose laws like Bill 58.
The stricter punishments that the bill would put into place hope to make the number of accidents significantly decrease.
5% of boating accident victims are less than 17 years old.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
77% of boating accidents end up with someone injured
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
79% of boating accident victims in Florida are Florida residents
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
H-1B Trump policies threaten Miami
Trump’s possible plan to reduce access to H-1B work visas may have severe effects to Miami’s immigrant population
BY OLIVIA SIMON, SPORTS EDITOR
PRIMARILY USED BY companies related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, H-1B visas allow United States manufacturers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. These visas grant foreign workers the ability to temporarily work in the U.S. after receiving approval from the U.S. Department of State. According to NPR, the second term of the Trump Administration will likely reduce access to these visas for foreign citizens.
In 2017, President Trump signed the “Buy American, Hire American” executive order, seeking higher wages and employment rates for U.S. workers, as well as directing government agencies to implement changes prioritizing the most skilled foreign citizens, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
After the implementation of that order, approval for a H-1B visa was more difficult to obtain, with rejection rates spiking for the remainder of Trump’s first term, reaching an all-time high of 24% in 2018 before dropping to 21% in 2019.
This development could negatively impact Miami’s economy, as over half of its population is made up of immigrants, who represent 65% of the employed labor force in Miami-Dade, according to Miami-Dade County.
“The Trump administration’s past attitude towards H-1B visas definitely negatively
impacted the amount of people that got approved for one,” sophomore Luis NuñezBaro said. “Even considering the benefits these policies might bring, applying them again could completely change the lives of many immigrants from Miami and displace a lot of families.”
Per the American Immigration Council, changes to the H-1B could affect how companies manage their employees, as supporters of the H-1B visa program say that organizations use this program to fill critical positions in the U.S. labor market.
On the other hand, per the New York Times, critics of the program say that it exploits both Americans and foreign citizens, being used to get cheap labor from abroad while taking jobs away from Americans.
“I think that the changes Trump will probably make to the H-1B visas will have a negative effect on Miami and America as a whole, leaving more jobs to fill despite the number of immigrants available and willing to do the jobs,” sophomore John Gelety said.
As much of Miami’s population is composed of immigrants employed under H-1B visas, the possible reintroduction of policies reducing access to these visas could have negative implications for its workforce and economy.
The shortage caused by the potential reduction in access to H-1B visas would negatively impact Miami’s economy, as immigrant workers are a vital component of
students speak up
“ A lot of our country’s STEM workers come from immigration, so Trump’s policies to limit that is not going to be beneficial for us in the long run.
Danelys Baez, senior “
the workforce across industries and promote economic growth, according to the Economic Policy Institute.
Conversely, President Trump stated that he would support automatic green cards for international students who graduate from American colleges and universities, as per WDSU. Moreover, according to FOX News, he has made comments highlighting the importance of the H-1B program. These comments came after Elon Musk, who played a large role in financing Trump’s campaign yet who’s position remains unclear within the Department of Government Efficiency, argued in favor of the visas while also declaring that the program needs major reform and proposing ways to hire workers from overseas.
“If he [Trump] follows through with the promise to make getting green cards after graduating from universities that’ll be amazing,” junior Alejandro Monroy said. “But if he doesn’t follow through and instead makes obtaining H-1B visas harder, this will affect many of my friends and prevent the U.S. from getting powerful international talent that has made the U.S. successful.”
The potential revival of legislation tightening visa issuance will likely reduce access to a multitude of visas. A reduction in the number of H-1B visas approved each year, for example, could negatively impact Miami’s workforce and change the landscape for companies across the U.S., particularly those in the STEM fields.
“
Trump’s policies are taking a lot of people’s lives and homes away for no reason, taking away from skilled immigrants Jasmine Corona, freshman “
Miami Vice District meets sustainability
Marina in Little River is being transformed into a retail complex which will mimic a video game enhancing Miami’s nightlife
BY SAMANTHA SEARS, STAFF WRITER
LITTLE RIVER BOATYARD
is often regarded as a longstanding landmark of Miami. A new developer, Avra Jain, has bought the property with a local citizen of Miami, Elo, as the face of the project. Elo and Jain hope to create a new vicinity called Vice City District, which will replicate Vice City from the video game series “Grand Theft Auto”.
There are, however, worries from locals about the ecological impact of redevelopment, and how the loss of this time honored landmark will impact the local community. Though this iconic building will be missed, it will reignite nostalgia by recreating the atmosphere associated with the 80s and the television show Miami Vice and contribute to the local economy through numerous new businesses.
Elo’s plans include moving his thriving car gallery, which is currently located in Wynwood, to the boatyard where it will become an essential attraction of the proposed Vice City District. The car collection features numerous iconic vehicles such as a white 1986 Ferrari Terarossa featured in the third season of “Miami Vice” and the famous Delorean from “Back to the Future”. Elo intends to use these cars as a focal point of the new district. In addition to the car collection, plans for the district to have its own currency would be a large part of what makes it so appealing to students and residents alike. This district would allow students to take a step into their favorite video game with its very own money.The Vice City District currency, similar to dining dollars used on university campuses, would only be used within the district allowing for visitors to
be fully immersed in the experience.
“Nostalgia for a time period you never experienced is an interesting thing, and it will definitely make the whole experience feel like a movie of some sorts,” sophomore Siena Cernuda said.
While there was talk of redeveloping the marina into a mall, Jain’s vision for redevelopment includes reducing the number of boat slips from the current 21 to eight. as well as practicing sustainability with implementations such as on-site water collection, limiting the pollution of Little River that results from water runoff and fertilizer runoff. Still, locals fear for the future of the Little River manatee population. The locals’ concerns were met with reassurances from Jain that the number of boat slips would be reduced to protect the manatees from boatrelated harm.
Siena Cernuda, sophomore “
Nostalgia for a time period you never experienced is an interesting thing, and it will definitely make the whole experience feel like a movie of some sorts.
“The manatees are definitely important and a large part of south Florida’s culture. I think that Avra Jain’s attempts to protect them are admirable along with the rest of the sustainable features of the development,” IB junior Jasmin Abu said.
Plans have stopped however with nothing being done in over four months. This is due to the stagnation of the bureaucracy, or the side of the project that relates to business and the government including permits, according to the Miami New Times.
The property’s current tenant, goes by the name of Elo, Elo’s first name purposefully remains unknown to maintain his anonymity after a stint in the Witness Protection Program, according to the Miami Herald. Elo plans to transform the Little River boatyard into a
bustling district where patrons can reminisce on a game of their youth and can enjoy a new side of Miami’s vibrant nightlife.
Although Elo hopes to transform the quaint boatyard into a replication of Grand Theft Auot’s’ Vice City, emphasizing the fictional location’s nostalgic Miami Vice ambiance, the local economic boost that this development will bring has received a positive reaction; however, locals are still voicing their concerns about environmental repercussions of the development.
h
2025: What’s in and what’s out
From fast fashion and social media algorithms to the rise of vinyl records, here are the ins and outs of 2025
Written by staff writer Stacy Urbina.
This article reflects the opinions of the highlights 2024-2025 staff.
THE EARLY MONTHS OF 2025 are shaping up to be a moment for generational change. With
President Donald Trump returning to office, questions about the future of civil rights are coming to the forefront. For many students at
Gables, the start of this year offers a chance to reassess what’s coming, what’s fading and what truly matters.
What’s in for 2025? Authenticity, innovation and intentional living are at the forefront. Across schools and social spaces, students are moving away from trying to impress and instead focusing on being real— about how they learn, what they consume and how they present themselves. In fashion, capsule wardrobes and timeless basics are taking the spotlight, while oversized accessories and flashy brand names are starting to fade. Short nails and comfortable clothing are in, and “core” trends are being replaced with more personal, sustainable styles.
Artificial intelligence is also fully in, but with purpose. Students and teachers are embracing AI as a tool for productivity, not a
shortcut. Apps like ZipGrade help educators scan and grade tests faster, while students are using AI to summarize notes, brainstorm essays or learn coding basics.
“AI is already a big part of everyday life for a lot of people, and in many ways, that’s a good thing. Of course, it has its downsides too, but overall it’s becoming something we rely on more and more.”
Meanwhile, physical media is making a surprising comeback. Vinyl records, CDs and printed magazines are growing in popularity, especially among students looking for more meaningful and less filtered experiences. Portable CD players, record players and analog photography are being celebrated for their aesthetic and tactile value.
‘’I find value in maintaining a collection of CDs and vinyls,’’ junior Daniela Diaz said. ‘’Collecting these formats has become a popular hobby, offering both aesthetic and auditory satisfaction.’’
Health and wellness culture has also seen a shift. Instead of intense gym routines and restrictive diets, students are focusing on balance: walking, stretching, short workouts and mental clarity. Hydration trends remain strong, with bottles like Hydro Flask and Owala are taking over, blending style with function. In addition, sleep, mindfulness and therapy are gaining traction as key parts of student self-care routines.
What’s out in 2025? Overconsumption, burnout culture and performative behavior are fading fast as students rethink how they spend their time and energy. The pressure to keep up with online trends, aesthetic standards and nonstop productivity is exhaustingand many are finally stepping away.
Additionally, blind reliance on AI is being questioned. While tools like ChatGPT are still helpful, students are beginning to focus more on learning through research, discussion and firsthand understanding. AI is being seen more as a tool than a crutch. Performative activism is also being replaced with long-term, informed action, students are looking for impact, not just visibility. If 2024 was about appearances,
2025 is about intention and showing up for what matters.
“AI is a tool and that’s all that it is,’’ law teacher Julio Garcia said. ‘“It’s a tool or resource that one can use to help you prepare better. It can be dangerous because then people won’t think critically like they should, they would only depend on AI.”
Performative media use is also on the decline. Year-end summaries like Spotify Wrapped and Goodreads challenges are being criticized for encouraging fake engagement. Logging books unread or streaming songs just for clout is no longer cool.
Fast-changing fashion trends like
“fisherman core,” “clean girl” and fast fashion hauls are losing appeal. Students are leaning into thrifting and proudly rewearing clothes they love. Unrealistic gym routines and toxic fitness expectations are fading. Students are letting go of rigid workouts in favor of walking, stretching, mindful movement and rest. Even hydration trends are evolving, Stanley cups are being replaced with more convenient and functional alternatives like Owala.
Performative activism is also being replaced with long-term, informed action— students are looking for impact, not just visibility. If 2024 was about appearances, 2025 is about intention and showing up for what matters.
The freedom of Microschools
Microschools are an innovative approach to education where students can feel more supported and understood
COMMENTARY BY LILY-JADE LECOULTRE, STAFF WRITER
LLarge schools like Coral Gables often follow rigid schedules designed to serve the majority. In doing so, they can overlook students who learn differently, need flexibility or do not thrive in crowded classrooms. For those students, microschools offer an alternative that prioritizes personalized learning, small class sizes and individual growth.
Microschools are small, student-centered environments that became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic and have continued to expand. Some operate independently, while others form through community partnerships. Classes can be held in churches, homes or coworking spaces. Formats vary, but all focus on adapting to students’ needs.
“Gables is such a big school that my classes are flled and very loud which makes it hard to participate and be able to get help,” senior Sophia Daly said.
In Miami-Dade, BridgePrep Academy’s Microschool Program in Little Havana blends academics with hands-on projects, mixed-age classrooms and personalized pacing. This structure gives students more control over their learning and helps those who may have struggled in traditional settings feel supported.
Rather than follow a single pace or curriculum, microschools allow students to
progress in ways that suit them.
With fewer than 15 students per class, instructors can adjust their approach based on how each student learns. The small size also helps reduce pressure and allows for deeper understanding.
“I think smaller classes allow for more individual instruction, but I also feel that groups that are too small take away from productive discussion,” AP european history teacher Kathryn Landsea said. Microschools encourage independent thinking, creativity and real-world exploration. Many let students work across grade levels or design their own projects.
For those
who prefer quieter environments or have anxiety in large schools, the setting can feel less overwhelming and more welcoming.
This model also helps students build confidence and ownership over their education. When learners feel seen and supported, they are more likely to participate and develop a stronger sense of how they learn best.
Despite the benefits, microschools face challenges. Accessibility remains a concern. Many are private or semi-private and may charge tuition or require resources that are not available to all families. This raises equity issues, particularly for underserved communities.
“My classes have about 30 people so the teachers are busy and it is hard to get oneon-one attention,” junior Elizabeth Hardie said. “Microschools would be helpful for me because of the one-on-one part and very specifed program that would be kind of madefor me.”
Still, the growth of microschools shows a shift in how families think about education. These models are not meant to replace public schools, but they challenge the idea that one system fits all. They offer flexible alternatives for students who need something different.
Microschools remind students that education can be personal, not standardized. They show what is possible when students are allowed to learn at their own pace, in their own way, and in environments
opposable thumbs
“I
- William Hardie, Business Manager
“Oh yeah I love the taste of pain and suffering”
- Hailey Martinez, Staff Writer
Editor
Design by Alicia Fajardo/highlights
Teacher Microwaves
- Olivia Simon, Sports
Scholarships to success Gables strives towards breaking barriers for low-income and minority students through scholarships and support
COMMENTARY BY LILY GORON, NEWS EDITOR
OVER THE years,Coral
Gables Senior High has worked hard to foster an environment where every student can find a group to which they belong. Gables’ rich diversity, composed mainly of Hispanic students with 85 percent identifying as such, makes the school a prime candidate to provide scholarship resources and support for minority students.
Gables is filled with life and culture, but it is also filled with students who face economic limitations. While that is no surprise, it is something we cannot afford to ignore. The path to higher education should not be determined by zip code or household income, but for many students, those factors still play a defining role.
The school’s commitment to inclusion is reflected in the wide range of clubs and organizations available to students. From Honor Societies and the Spanish Honor Society to the National English Honor Society and volunteer-based clubs, Gables encourages academic excellence. Career-oriented groups like Future Business Leaders of America and Budget offer hands-on experience and guidance, helping students prepare for life beyond high school.
However, involvement in extracurriculars is only one piece of the puzzle. Gables is actively working to break financial barriers by connecting students to scholarship opportunities and higher education resources. This work happens through dedicated staff and partnerships that aim to ensure every student, regardless of background, has a shot at success. Teachers, counselors and club sponsors often write letters of recommendation and offer mentorship, helping students navigate complex applications and decisions.
Many students rely on trusted adults at school for encouragement, feedback and reassurance as they manage deadlines, essays and forms. These relationships build
a network of support that can make a crucial difference, especially for students who are applying without family experience in higher education.
“Gables has given me the opportunities to expand my future,” said senior Bryan Martinez. “Being a QuestBridge finalist made me see a path to college I had not imagined, and it would not have happened without the help I got from Gables.”
The College Assistance
Program, led by CAP Advisor Sofia Sanz, plays a vital role in this support system. Through one-on-one meetings, presentations and hands-on help with applications, the CAP office guides students through the often overwhelming college admissions and financial aid processes. The office provides constant updates on scholarship deadlines, FAFSA resources and links to application portals.
This guidance makes a difference. According to the U.S. Department of Education, students from low-income families are significantly less likely to apply to college due to financial obstacles. Federal aid may be available, but navigating the paperwork and requirements can deter students from applying at all. Without school-based support, many students would not know where to begin. That is where programs like QuestBridge and the Posse Foundation come in. Gables ensures students know about both needbased and merit-based scholarships, including those that cover full tuition to prestigious universities. The Posse Foundation, for example, identifies high-achieving students and places them in supportive college cohorts. QuestBridge provides full-ride scholarships to top institutions for high-achieving, low-income students. In the 2024–25 school year alone, 25 Gables students were selected as QuestBridge Match Scholars. These programs not only offer financial assistance but foster confidence, community and longterm achievement.
These scholarships prove that financial need does not have to be a barrier to higher education. With the right support, students who may not have considered college now see it as an achievable goal. Some are the first in their families to attend college, while others are discovering new dreams entirely because of the doors that scholarships open.
By guiding students through amultiple processes and uplifting them academically, Gables plays a key role in closing the gap between potential and access, helping students build futures defined not by limitations but by opportunity and academic excellence. It is a model that shows what is possible when equity is achieved in education and reflects the belief that every student deserves the chance to succeed.
Cursive’s Fading Ink
Once a staple, cursive writing is now disappearing from school curriculums.
COMMENTARY BY AUDREY SCHWART, STAFF WRITER
AS THE USE of technology continues to increase, fewer students have learned how to write in cursive. While its distinctive curls and swirls used to be a staple of the elementary school curriculum across the country, now only 21 states require children to learn this once-prominent penmanship.
Although the Sunshine State revoked the requirement to learn cursive in elementary schools in 2010, the curriculum was reinstated in 2014, as per Patch. In Florida, cursive is taught in third through fifth grade. Students learn how to write upper and lower-case letters in cursive, and how to connect letters per cursive’s calligraphic style.
“I think writing is one of those things that really comes down to personal preference,” junior Michelle Quintana said.
Although handwriting appears to be no more than a series of simple strokes, there are numerous reasons students today should learn how to write in cursive. As per the National Education Association, cursive improves retention and comprehension of information, illustrating the brain’s ability to process information written in cursive faster. According to the Learning Center, students who write in cursive can recall information more efficiently than those who write in print. This is because the smooth, flowing movement required in cursive triggers cognitive engagement, allowing students to process their notes as they write.
“I moved to Miami from Brazil, where I learned to write cursive by my third year of school,” sophomore Davi Ismerio said. “I find it a lot faster than writing in print, it helps me spend less time taking notes and more time paying attention to lectures.”
style. Unlike typing on a keyboard, where all text looks uniform, cursive writing allows for unique stylistic expression, helping students develop a personal touch in their written communication.
Luckily, cursive is currently on the comeback as in late March of 2024, the Common Core Standards added cursive to the curriculum for 46 states. This shift aims to reintroduce the dying art of cursive writing to younger generations, ensuring they can read and write in a style that has been historically significant for centuries.
“Teaching inquiry skills, it is essential that every student can read and write this ancient rite,” Inquiry Skills Teacher Natalie Abrahantes said.
According to the New York Times, writing in cursive creates connections
Cursive is not just a faster method of writing, as it also helps preserve individuality in one’s writing
between the sides of the brain, stimulating critical thinking.
Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust, the former President of Harvard University wrote an article in The Atlantic magazine stating that 12 of the 14 students in a class she taught at Harvard were unable to read cursive.
This presents a significant cultural gap, as many historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence and letters from influential figures, are written in cursive. Without the ability to read cursive, future generations risk losing touch with these historical artifacts and primary sources.
Alicia’s Archive
Feathers of Hialeah: Exploring the Iconic Chickens of the City
Commentary by Alicia Fajardo, Opinion Editor
If you’ve walked through Hialeah, you’ve likely noticed its most colorful residents: chickens. Roaming freely, these birds are as much a part of the city as cafecitos and domino tables. But how did they get there?
The chickens of Hialeah are deeply tied to the city’s CubanAmerican roots. In Cuba, keeping chickens for eggs, meat or as part of daily life was common. When Cuban immigrants settled in Hialeah, many continued these traditions, unintentionally creating a population of free-roaming chickens. Over time, these birds adapted to urban life, becoming an emblem of the city’s heritage.
Some of today’s chickens are believed to be descendants of escaped backyard birds, while others were intentionally released. For many, they symbolize resilience and a nostalgic link to the past. But their presence is not without controversy. Complaints about noise and droppings often spark debates about whether the chickens should be protected or relocated.
Efforts to manage them have been mixed, with some advocating for humane rehoming and others insisting they remain untouched. To many, the chickens are part of Hialeah’s charm, embodying the city’s unique character and cultural legacy. Next time you see a rooster strutting across a sidewalk, remember: they’re more than just chickens, they’re a living piece of Hialeah’s story.
Design by Alicia Fajardo/highlights
Cutting back for curfew Miami Beach has a new curfew making sure minors stay off the streets during tourist seasons
COMMENTARY BY HAILEY MARTINEZ, STAFF WRITER
MIAMI BEACH has issued a new ordinance which limits the time that teenagers are allowed to be outside their homes with the intention of increasing the general safety of underage city dwellers. This will hopefully create a more safe environment for residents who have had to put up with unruly tourists and teens engaging in unsafe activities for years on end.
From Sunday night to Friday morning between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. and Friday evening to Sunday morning between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., Miami Beach institutes a district-wide curfew for minors.
Miami Beach is an infamous hotspot during tourist season and the surplus of individuals seeking fun in the sun can quickly culminate into a chaotic melting pot of bad decisions and unsafe situations. In pursuit of a solution, the Miami Beach curfew for minors was implemented in March of 2024.
“I’m a little disappointed. I mean, teenagers are already having trouble finding places to be that aren’t home or school,” sophomore John Gelety said. “And now not only are the areas where we’re allowed to
be limited but also the time we’re able to be outside is restricted on top of that.”
As tourism is a major aspect of Miami Beach’s culture and appeal, there is less room for locals on the city’s expansive and vibrant beachside streets. Due to tourists’ rowdiness there is a greater danger for those around them especially minors.
Teenagers are already limited in the areas they can safely be in and with the behavior of tourists even minors’ own neighborhoods may no longer be safe. This isn’t a recent issue. According to CBS News, there were 488 arrests during the spring break of 2023 in Miami Beach.
“I understand why this new rule is being instated. I mean, it makes sense when you start looking into statistics and realize just how dangerous being in Miami Beach is,” sophomore Victoria Fuller said. “I just wish they could have found a way to keep us safe without limiting our freedom.”
Ensuring minors’ safety by imposing a curfew is the most viable solution. Additionally, because the ordinance will only be enforced during tourist seasons it is not such an imposition on Miami’s residents.
The limitations imposed by the ordinance are a necessary sacrifice until Miami can find a
more permanent solution to the danger that Miami-Dade’s minors face. However, adhering to a curfew should not be a permanent addition to the routines of Miami Beach teenagers. A permanent curfew is not practical especially considering it gives off the impression that those coming into the city are more important than those who call it home.
“I get that coming up with a new law is difficult especially when considering the fact that it will affect a lot of people,” freshman Aniela Garofalo said. “And with the situation being as complicated as it is I think that right now the curfew is the best we’re going to get.”
Many issues arise particularly when it concerns teens’ safety. Oftentimes the solutions to these problems are not going to be the most agreeable as it is almost impossible to please everyone. That being said, it is still crucial to begin to work on these problems.
While the curfew is a short-term solution city officials should also consider additional measures such as increasing police presence in high-traffic areas or implementing youth programs that offer safe and engaging nighttime activities.
Miami should strive to come up with solutions to the problem that do not cause more strife among its citizens. Instead of imposing restrictions on Miami Beach residents they city can reinforce the need for tourists to act respectfully.
By implementing stricter regulations on tourist behavior and increasing community involvement in maintaining public safety Miami Beach can become the better and safer area it is striving for. Finding a balance between safety and freedom is essential and a curfew should be a stepping stone to more comprehensive and permanent solutions.
Encouraging collaboration between local businesses, law enforcement, and neighborhood organizations can foster a sense of shared responsibility and strengthen community ties. By taking a holistic approach that emphasizes preventionand mutual respect, Miami Beach can evolve into a model for safety without relying on short-term fixes like curfews.
Sunshine state, cloudy reputation
Florida’s jaw dropping headlines reflect the state’s open policies in relation to public records
COMMENTARY BY EMILIA KOHNSTAMM, THE SCENE EDITOR
WHETHER he is jumping into a toxic canal fleeing a traffic stop, throwing an alligator through a Wendy’s drivethru or pausing a high-stakes police chase to drink a Capri Sun, the infamous Florida Man has become the face of the Sunshine State.
This online sensation’s cunning nature, spontaneity and overall idiocy make the Florida Man an exemplary candidate to represent the 22.6 million people of Florida. In the past decade, Florida Man has wrought havoc upon not only the state’s streets but also its headlines.
“I think the most Florida thing I’ve ever seen was a guy cut off a cop and then yell at the cop for stopping him like it wasn’t his fault” senior Danelys Baez said. “I remember thinking this would only ever happen in Florida.”
While scanning through countless tales of scandalous events, it is easy to label the multidimensional area “crazy” However, these quick judgments are like describing the state’s characteristic hurricanes as just a bit of wind and rain; there is more to the story.
Since its establishment in the 1840s, Florida has been known as a sunny place for shady people. Although some of this criticism is defendable, a permanent persona has been associated with the state: Florida Man. According to the Washington Post, in 2013, GQ associate editor Freddie Campion created an X, formerly known as Twitter, account where each tweet referenced an entirely real news headline. Each headline detailed a Florida Man who committed an unprecedented crime.
The meme went on to spark a trend online where users searched up their birth date followed by the words “Florida Man” and found the jaw-dropping story of that day. However, after six years, the account was deactivated as the owner began to understand
the ethical problems with the meme. The swamp-born sensations Campion’s followers were laughing at were real-life people who may have been going through serious personal issues at the time of their highly publicized crime. The morality of the meme is directly connected to the morality of the Florida public records laws that allow it to flourish.
“I guess I can sympathize with the Florida Man” junior Alejandro Monroy said. “With all the crazy things that are going on, lighting a restaurant on fire for not honoring your expired coupon almost feels rational”
In September of 1967, Florida Legislators passed The Government in the Sunshine law, which cemented several principles: all meetings of public commissions must be open to the public, notice must be given that such meetings are taking place and minutes of the meetings must be taken, mentioned the Florida Department of Health. In addition, according to
to the records.
Together, these two laws have made almost all Florida mugshots, arrest records and video footage fully accessible to the public. These laws and their later additions were originally intended to create greater levels of transparency, but have simultaneously made it incredibly easy for journalists and social media figures like Campion to access bizarre stories, adding another layer to the state’s already tumultuous reputation.
“Florida man is a symbol of hope and honor for our community,” junior Phoenix Lozano said. “But in all honesty, Florida really is that crazy. I always see a bunch of insane news stories, and I feel that being a Floridian, people from other states kind of look at me and ask, ‘how in the world did you survive that?’”
While other states may look down at the blistering peninsula with a holier-thanthou attitude, in reality, the crazy does not stop at the state lines. Other state record laws simply happen to be more strict when it comes to media, creating what seems like a distinct contrast in news stories.
Through a history of criticism, loose public records laws, ethically ambiguous viral memes, Florida has been cemented as an outlandish place. Whether this designation is justified or not, any Floridian has a zany tale to tell that emulates the state’s energy. The area’s eccentric nature is not a curse, but something to be proud of.
h
My Florida Legal, the Florida Public Records Law, established in 1909, previously allowed anyone the right to request public records without having to show identification, be a Floridian or explain why they wanted access
Design by Alicia Fajardo/
SPORTS BRIEFS
BY NATHALIE SCHWART, COPY EDITOR
Legacies Left Behind
Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver, Tyreek Hill, and Miami Heat Forward, Jimmy Butler, have announced their prospective departures from their respective Miami-based teams. These announcements have left fans worried about the players’ teams’ ability to compete without the unparalleled skills of their star players.
“I know the franchises are grateful for what the players have done for their programs, but it just isn’t the environment for them,” senior and football player Evan Noval said. “It’s
unfortunate, but the Miami teams will bounce back, they always do.”
Despite their departures, both Hill and Butler have created legacies that will live on, unforgettably impacting their teams and Miami culture. Hill’s impact is exemplified in his creation of the Cheetah Fund, a charity organization that creates scholarships for students enrolling in postsecondary education. Butler has also demonstrated his impact by partnering with No Kid Hungry, an organization that helps end child hunger. h
District-winning Dancers
After months of intense practice and conditioning, the Gablettes Dance Team competed at the National Dance Alliance Regionals on Jan. 11. The varsity team placed first for kick and second for jazz, while the junior varsity team earned second place for kick. They also competed in the Universal Dance Association on Jan. 20, with the varsity team placing sixth for Jazz and fourth for kick and the junior varsity earning second place for kick.
The Gablettes, above all, do not believe winning means placing first,
but getting off the stage knowing the team gave it their all and have no regrets. Winning to them means leaving the stage knowing that they would not have done anything differently. During their UDA competition, they admired college national competitions, gaining inspiration from their dances and implementing observed techniques.
“My favorite thing about competing is spending time with my team,” freshman Siena Sanchez said. “I think it really helps us strengthen our bonds.” h
athlete spotlight
Melissa Sosa, senior Sport: Water polo Accomplishments:
Sosa is the set, weak side wing and weak side driver for the Gables varsity girls water polo team. The team won the district championship in 2024.
Courtesy of Jaylene Hernandez
Courtesy of Dimitra Boustis
Gameday goes digital
Major sports leagues are transitioning to streaming, pushing traditional cable networks out of the spotlight
COMMENTARY BY JUAN CHAVEZ, STAFF WRITER
N RECENT
years, the way fans watch sports has rapidly evolved, but not always for the better.
For the past few decades, major cable networks such as NBC, FOX and CBS have streamed the nation’s favorite sports, with fans relying on cable TV to access games across different leagues. However, the rise of sports being shown on streaming platforms has completely altered this landscape, negatively impacting many fans.
Recently, streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, ESPN+, Paramount+ and Prime Video have become the go-to platforms for viewing popular sports games. While this shift might seem like progress, it is clear that the move to streaming is a downgrade for fans.
“Streaming might seem like the future, but they come with too many challenges,” junior Nelson Villamar said. “Recently, I have been tired of being blocked by costs to watch soccer games, a sport I have cherished since I was very little.”
While streaming platforms do offer undeniable benefits to users, such as watching games on many devices, they bring pressing issues as well, the most challenging of which is cost. Fans often need multiple subscriptions to access different leagues and games, leading to compounding subscription expenses that can become more costly than traditional cable packages. As a result, cable TV is often more accessible for the average viewer.
“I know my content creation has a lot of
potential for the future, and having an online giant like Youtube or TikTok block that for a price is unjust and overly complicated for many including myself,” senior Nicolas Delgado said. “Constantly dealing with lag and buffering is a whole other issue, and I think these streaming giants need to find a solution to these nitpicky issues.”
Technical issues further complicate streaming, with buffering, lag and server crashes during live events becoming a common occurrence, disrupting the viewing experience. One example of this was the Netflix showing of the Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson fight, as, according to Variety, many who attempted to watch the event faced buffering and lag issues, demonstrating a clear drawback to streaming.
“The lag from streaming is pretty annoying since it can make you miss a lot of the action of the game and usually results in you being confused about the plays or scores,” sophomore Victoria Fuller said.
The transition from cable TV to streaming is changing how sports media is consumed. While the future of sports broadcasting is still uncertain, cable TV is the better method. The overwhelming negatives that streaming brings, such as fragmented content and the need for multiple subscriptions, cement the idea that cable TV bundles are more effective, providing a more centralized and reliable viewing experience. Ultimately, the future of sports viewing will depend on how well the industry can merge innovation with inclusivity, ensuring that fans of all backgrounds can have access to the sports they love.
students speak up
“ “ I usually prefer to watch sports on regular channels, but whenever it’s staticky, I stream. Breeana Maya, sophomore
of sports viewers use cable TV to watch sports.
22%
of sports fans use streaming services to interact with
Source: California Polytechnic State University
Source: California Polytechnic State University 36% h
It’s better to stream sports because you can donate to the players and the resolution is better.
Pixels providing peace
Offering players the freedom to explore virtual worlds, openworld gaming provides
BY ARWEN LAW, FEATURES EDITOR
UE TO ADVANCES IN GAMING technology, open-world games have become a driving force behind the growing popularity of the video gaming industry. Nearly 63% of 18 to 34 year old gamers play open-world games, and 41% of them are interested in playing more in the future, according to Opinium. Open-world games give players the freedom to roam and explore vast and interactive virtual environments at their own pace, rather than following a fixed path or set storyline. In contrast to closed-world games, openworld games provide players with immersive environments where they can interact and engage in a world other than their own.
Video games such as “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” or “Elden Ring” provide players with entertainment and an outlet for relaxation, allowing them to disconnect from real-world stressors.
According to the National Library of Medicine, this phenomenon is called cognitive escapism. Open-world games excel at providing players cognitive escapism, as their highly detailed and realistic landscapes allow the players to fully immerse themselves in the game’s virtual world. Open-world games provide a moderately accessible method for players to improve their mental well-being via the stress and anxiety reduction they provide.
“Typically, the worlds in open-world
DID YOU KNOW?
A study involving 609 participants found that openworld games significantly enhance relaxation and overall well-being.
Source: Neuroscience News
alternative outlets for mental health
games are littered with intricate detailing that creates an incredibly immersive world that, at times, feels real,” senior and Wizards coPresident Daniel Wagner said. “Everything blends together to create a dynamic world that players can use as an escape from their day to day worries.”
Additionally, open-world games can stimulate creativity and imagination. The open-world game “Minecraft” allows players to build worlds from scratch. From building a whole city to intricate architectural structures, these types of games can foster artistic thought and exercise the creative mind.
According to Filament Games, such games enhance creativity by offering openended experiences where players can express themselves freely and encourage exploration.
“An open-world game is like being an adventurer, free and exhilarating,” junior and Wizard co-President Phoenix Lozano said. “The immersion and the open-world aspect is freeing, and players are allowed to experiment in ways they never would have before, whether in a creative or adventurous way.”
An additional benefit to players’ mental health that open-world games can provide is a healthier alternative to other digital activities people often engage in. For example, activities such as endlessly scrolling through social media platforms have shown to negatively
affect adolescents and young teenagers by causing addiction-like symptoms, per the Journal of Medical Internet Research. In contrast, open-world games encourage active engagement rather than mindless consumption.
While open-world games serve as a positive way to improve one’s mental health, it is important to moderate the amount of time spent playing these games. Excessive gaming when playing open-world games, can disrupt sleeping patterns and cause social withdrawal, according to Harvard Health Publishing. However, when used in moderation alongside non-digital relaxation methods, open-world gaming can serve as an effective method for promoting mental wellness, encouraging creativity, reducing stress and creating a safe space to recharge mentally.
“The emergence of open-world games promotes stress-free environments and collaborative teamwork,” junior and Gables Wellness Event Manager Lucia Astorga said. “I foresee open-world games diverging into both action-based and mental health-based experiences.”
When approached with balance, open-world gaming offers a combination of relaxation, creativity and freedom that extends far
GAME ON:
Gables Wizards
sophomore Santiago Fernandez and senior Mariafelix Morales decompress by engaging in a match of Elden Ring.
Design by Olivia Simon/highlights h
Olivia Simon/highlights
Row, compete, repeat
Sophomore
and rower Jose Vela dominates
the
water with the Miami Rowing Club, pushing past
his limits
BY PALOMA MORALES, STAFF WRITER
GABLES IS RICH WITH immense talent and potential, consisting of a diverse body of students all underpinned by one trait: they valiantly follow their dreams. Whether intellectually, artistically or athletically, success is inevitable as students pursue their passions. Exemplifying this is sophomore and star athlete Jose Vela, as he follows his ambitions of becoming a collegiate rowing athlete with the Miami Rowing Club.
In seventh grade, a friend introduced Vela to rowing. He curiously took to the sea, completely falling in love with the sport by the end of his fourth season.
Last year, Vela raced in the Head of the Hooch regatta, a series of competition races, which he raced in October 2024. The regatta took place in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and is the third largest regatta in the world. His team raced an eight-person boat and finished ninth out of 30 competitors, which was admirable since it was their first time competing at such a large scale.
Currently, Vela is preparing for his last regatta of the season, the Southeastern Regional Championships in early May. If his team places at least third, they will be eligible to compete at the National Championships.
In preparation, the rowers endure extensive conditioning, training four times a week for an hour and a half. Vela accentuates the importance of both inthe-water and on-land training, focusing on technique and boat handling inside the water and endurance and power outside of it. The intense physical and mental requirements of the sport make rowing incredibly challenging, as it requires an abundance of stamina and
adaptability.
“There’s a lot of pressure to not only keep up but come out on top,” Vela said. “What motivates me to keep going is all the people watching me and feeling joy after the race.”
Aiming for success academically in the International Baccalaureate program while sustaining a manageable work-life balance can make free time hard to come by. However, Vela refuses to let this disadvantage detract
Upon receiving a diploma, Vela hopes to earn a Division 1 scholarship to row at an Ivy League school such as Cornell or Columbia University. Inevitably, responsibilities accumulate and his dreams occasionally feel impossible to achieve. Whenever perseverance seems futile, Vela leans on his teammates for support, coming together and reminding each other of their appreciation for the sport.
The most important values I have learned through rowing are compromising as a team, self-discipline and perseverance.
Jose Vela, sophomore “
from his commitment to rowing, emphasizing his desire to succeed above all else. He manages his time by refusing to procrastinate and prioritizing what is truly important and will benefit him in the long run.
“Miami Rowing Club is one of the most positive environments I could surround myself with,” teammate Ariel Horrmann said. “The energy is electric and pushes everyone to work harder.”
Rowing has taught Vela invaluable lifelong wisdom, teaching him the importance of discipline and resilience while encouraging him to make every moment count. Participating in races alongside other incredible rowers, Vela feels the intense pressure and adrenaline that competition brings. However, instead of letting self-doubt debilitate his performance, his fear dissipates and transforms into determination. No matter the outcome, Vela is always proud of how he pushes himself to the limit and gives every race his all.
“The most important values I have learned through rowing are compromising as a team, self-discipline, and perseverance,” Vela said.
“I just have to give my everything.” Vela proudly represents the Gables community in his pursuit of excellence both scholastically and athletically. His determination to succeed and support from the Miami Rowing Club has pushed and will continue to push him to accomplish immense feats.
THROUGH: Sophomore Jose Vela and his rowing partner chop through the water while practicing with the Miami Rowing Club.
Paloma Morales/highlights
Simon/highlights
The unsung heroes of Gables sports
Sports
managers play a vital role in ensuring teams are prepared for success both on and off the field
BY CHYLER CAMPBELL, STAFF WRITER
THE NUMEROUS GABLES
sports teams have achieved victories in multiple ways, using their determination and tenacity to take home countless wins. One integral part of these victories is the teams’ student sports managers. These essential team members
foster an environment that emphasizes teamwork, boast vital leadership qualities and outline the group’s goals for the season.
The job is not easy by any means, requiring drive and hard work to ensure that everything is being handled properly. These qualities shine through in their teams’ performance in
ACTIVELY ANALYZING:
each game, whether they win or not.
Each manager has specific responsibilites to complete for their respective sport. Whether that means creating a sign-in sheet at practice or keeping track of the score of every game, these sports managers leave a lasting impact on the team they are a part of.
Flag football: Shirley Correa
One exceptional example of a sports manager is senior and girls flag football manager Shirley Correa. Originally joining the team as an athlete during her sophomore year, Correa eventually became the team’s manager as a junior.
“I wanted to get more involved in school and I always had a love for sports, so when I found out that managers for flag football were needed I rushed to the opportunity,” Correa said.
raw passion and happiness they exude while doing what they love, gratifying Correa for all the hard work she puts in for the team.
“The most rewarding part is the amount of people I have met and the connections I made,” Correa said. “Through being a manager, I have met so many people and different personalities. It really has changed my life for the better.”
Senior Shirley Correa reviews the girls flag football team roster during practice on the Gables field.
The role has molded her into the person she is today, helping her form strong connections with the players on the field. She sees the
Volleyball: Valentina Dolan-Tomas
Senior Valentina Dolan-Tomas, the boys volleyball team manager, is another example of a hard worker passionate about what she does. Dolan-Tomas ensures that coaches Josh and Alysia D’Alemberte, as well as the players, have everything they need for the season to run smoothly.
One responsibility she manages is taking the measurements of students trying out for the volleyball team, jotting down their height and measuring their vertical jump by seeing how high they can reach on the Vertical Challenger. On top of that, she tracks the scoreboard at both home and away games.
While the role has brought her much joy, not every part of being the boys volleyball manager is always fun, as she has
experienced disrespect from volleyball players on opposing teams before. However, whenever this happens, the coaches and players are always there to defend her.
“Building great connections with all the athletes and teachers I work with helped elevate my high school experience,” DolanTomas said.
Her role as manager has allowed Dolan-Tomas to meet many new people, forming connections that will extend far beyond her role while performing essential tasks that allow the team to function more efficiently. h
Correa ensures that the team is prepared for every opponent they face by verifyinhg that every player has their gear, discussing strategies and routes with the team, putting equipment away during practices, managing the score page and more. The role is something she flourishes in, putting in hard work to guarantee the success of her team.
TAKING NOTE: Senior Valentina DolanTomas records the vertical jump height of students trying out for the boys volleyball team.
Chy
highlights
Vinyl Revival
A Little Haiti gem, Sweat Records is a space where audiophiles and local artists converge to celebrate music
BY ALICIA FAJARDO, OPINION EDITOR
NESTLED IN THE VIBRANT neighborhood of Little Haiti, Sweat Records has become an epicenter of the city’s cultural and musical landscape. Sweat Records is a community hub, a concert venue and a champion of Miami’s indie music scene. Since its founding in 2005, the store has weathered challenges and evolved to meet the needs of a growing community of music lovers, becoming a beloved landmark for locals and visitors alike.
Sweat Records was founded by Lauren “Lolo” Reskin and former co-owner Sara Yousuf. The pair envisioned a space where music fans could gather, discover new artists and support independent music. The store opened its doors in Miami’s Upper East Side, but after a hurricane devastated its first location, Sweat Records found a permanent home in Little Haiti. The move turned out to be a blessing in disguise, placing the store in a neighborhood that has become synonymous with artistic and cultural vibrancy. Little Haiti’s eclectic energy provided the perfect backdrop for Sweat’s mission of fostering creativity and community through music.
community.
“Going to Sweat Records has been an incredible way to connect with other indie music lovers here in Miami,” senior Chloe Barrios- Ochoa
lineup of local and national acts, food trucks and pop-up vendors. The event is a testament to Sweat’s ability to unite Miami’s diverse communities through the universal language of music.
SPIN AWAY: The records at Sweat are organized by artist and genre, making it easy to find that special release.
Over the years, Sweat Records has adapted to the changing music industry while staying true to its mission. In recent years, the store has leaned into the resurgence of vinyl records in modern alternative scenes, enjoying a renaissance among audiophiles and collectors.
Sweat Records embraced digital innovation with its online store which first opened in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sweat Record site allows customers to browse and purchase records from anywhere, ensuring that Sweat’s unique catalog reaches a global audience. The store’s social media presence keeps the community engaged with updates on new arrivals, upcoming events and playlists curated by employees and local music icons.
Unlike big-box retailers or online streaming services, Sweat Records focuses on curating a selection of vinyl records, CDs and other merchandise that caters to Miami’s diverse tastes. The store’s offerings span genres — from indie rock, punk and electronic to jazz, soul and world music. Seasoned collectors and newcomers alike can certainly find something within the lively walls of Sweat Records. The store also prioritizes supporting local artists. Miami’s thriving music scene often finds a platform at Sweat, where local musicians can sell their albums and merchandise.
In addition, the store regularly features works by Miami-based visual artists, strengthening its ties to the broader creative
Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights
said. “In a city dominated by mainstream culture, it’s a haven for more obscure tastes.”
What sets Sweat Records apart the most is its role as a cultural hub. The store regularly hosts events ranging from live performances and DJ sets to film screenings, poetry readings and yoga sessions. Its cozy performance space provides an intimate setting for indie music lovers to connect with local creatives.
Sweat Records is also the mastermind behind Sweatstock, an annual block party celebrating National Record Store Day. Since its inception in 2010, Sweatstock has drawn thousands of attendees each spring with its
“I’m not sure exactly where the rebound of physical media came from, but it’s been great to be able to share my passion for records with younger folks,” Sweat Records employee and historian Steven Toath said. “People used to be amazed by our demo turntable, now they all want to know the best one to get for themselves and their collection.”
Sweat Records has earned its place as a Miami staple by fostering a sense of belonging among its patrons. The store’s warm, inclusive atmosphere makes it more than just a retail space — it is a sanctuary for music lovers, a stage for emerging talent and a gathering place for Miami’s creative minds. Lauren Reskin and her team have shown that a small, independent business can have a profound impact on a city’s cultural landscape and that music truly brings people together.
h
Just the Funny Coral Gables comedy theater Just the Funny produces unmissable, hilarious theaterical experiences
BY NATALIA QUICK, STAFF WRITER
THE ART OF THEATER CAN BE traced back to the sixth century B.C.E., beginning as rituals to honor gods, and morphing into the dramatic acts displayed today. Recently, a local theater, Just the Funny, has given Miami a whole new perspective on what the long celebrated tradition can look like.
For 25 years, Just the Funny has hosted numerous classes and performances featuring talented comics and improv actors from both the local community and beyond. Located in the heart of Coral Gables, Just the Funny invites curious passersby to join their supportive and engaging group.
Actors are welcome to attend helpful workshops to strengthen their improv capabilities, as well as amplify their sketchwriting abilities. Every multi-week workshop ends with a student performance and all “graduates” receive a certificate of completion.
These workshops are held at the theater, located at 3119 Coral Way, and are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, starting between the hours of 5 p.m. and
7 p.m. and lasting for three hours. Just the Funny stands out from other improv clubs as it accounts for Miami’s large Hispanic population and offers classes in Spanish as well as in English.
Along with incredible workshops, Just the Funny presents weekly shows to display the talent of their actors. These shows range from award-winning improv to hilarious stand-up comedy. Every Friday and Saturday night, locals and visitors alike gather in the theater to share laughter and admire the artistry of these performers.
Tickets range from $10 to $25 and can be purchased at the door of the theater. On show nights, snacks like chips and a variety of drinks are also available at the entrance. The Just the Funny theater is relatively large, but still intimate. It houses 100 seats, including stadium seating and a VIP box.
One of the most wonderful parts of Just the Funny shows is their interactivity. Performers will call out to the crowd to ask for sketch prompts, character ideas, even simple phrases to construct their next scenes. Through this process, viewers can feel entirely immersed in the experience, functioning as a contributor to the theater presented before
to the performances onstage.
“Just the Funny is like being able to recapture childhood play. We are able to leave the adult world behind and responsibilities and be able to just have fun.” said Joe Henning, improv actor at Just the Funny.
Just the Funny organizes several acting events, including their recent Miami Improv Festival which featured Just the Funny’s best sketch comedy and improv pieces. This festival lasts four days and brings 40 of Just the Funny’s comedy and improv performances into the spotlight. Festivals such as this one are a great way to explore organizations within Coral Gables without necessarily needing to fully attend the program as well as become familiar with the
“We make sure everyone is up to the same level.” said Co-Owner Jarrett White, “We do
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A Just the Funny improv actor performs solo, as those in her workshop stand facing the wall, preparing to join her onstage.
this to make sure that no matter if you see one group of six people this week and a different group of eight people next week, you are still going to have a good time.”
Just the Funny’s stand-up comedy shows can provide relaxation and laughter for those craving a brief escape. Watching theatrical performances can be relaxing and participating can serve as a wonderful creative outlet.
“I think that comedy is one sort of medicine we can offer to the community, as well as getting people to take classes because sometimes we need that era to express ourselves and feel safe and feel loved.” said Kimberly Engelhardt, improv actor at Just the Funny and Gables alumn.
As places such as Just the Funny have become scarce, it can be hard to remember to be imaginative and artistic, however, Just the Funny is the perfect place to explore creativity in a fun and interactive way. As many say, laughter is the best medicine, and this theater proves that sentiment true.
Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/
Natalia Quick/highlights
Natalia Quick/highlights
A unique sanctuary where galleries meet shelves, Dalé Zine blends art, books and community, inspiring creativity
BY CIARA BURTON, STAFF WRITER
SITUATED IN THE HEART OF the Design District, Dalé Zine is a oneof-a-kind independent art bookshop and gallery, offering customers the chance to collect and look through a variety of releases and exhibitions.
The name Dalé Zine originated during a contemplative session the owners Steve Saiz and Lillian Banderas had, in which they reminisced on shared memories, joint Hispanic culture and what the word “Dalé” meant to them. Located at 50 NE 40th St Miami, Dalé Zine is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The shop has embedded itself right into the creative and unique area that is the Design District, reflecting the neighborhood’s eclectic energy while still contributing a fresh concept.
The art affiliated with Dalé Zine ensures different perspectives of beauty, offering cute magazines, books for photography, history, art and even their very own mix of music, featured on the Dalé Zine radio show, in which they spotlight artists and dj subcultures. The show streams weekly online programs, presenting Miami with the opportunity to tap in to a distinctive musical scene.
“I think [the books and art are] all very unique; a lot of them are focused on the history of Miami, and what the Design District was like before,” customer Nicole Olguin said.
Dalé Zine works as an independent printer and publisher, meaning that it gives a wide range of artists the chance to publish their work on a large scale. Dalé Zine’s goal is to bring light to Miami’s diversity, helping students, parents and teens find inspiration to create with courage and to pursue what they love.
hosting pop up events like artist talks and exhibitions. In the past they have hosted a micro-press fair, celebrating print and its makers in South Florida, an event known as Turntable Bagel that combined a diner
The store offers many different programs, such as ‘Dalé Kids’, which hosts family oriented art workshops, empowering creativity in new generations. In these workshops, attendees create pocketsized pieces of art or text, often referred to as “zines”, along with other artistic pieces.
something for everyone. All items are made by independent artists and sold and printed by Dalé Zine. The price point for zines range from $15 to $45, books range from $20 to $65, prints range from $15 to $40, vinyls and tapes range from $8 to $25 and clothes and accessories range from $8 to $50.
Dalé Zine illustrates a sense of pride toward their independent artists, showcasing the uniqueness of their creations to the public. Since all the art and items sold in Dalé Zine are at a limited supply, when a customer buys something, they in turn take part of that diversity and love from the artist back to their homes, making every piece special.
“I was super surprised when I found this store. I loved how the Zines are sort of personalized for every customer, I just loved how cute and unique they are,” customer Stephanie Rivera said. Dalé Zine has a outstanding amience. The combination of colors, books and incredible art help contribute to this irreplicable energy. Dalé Zine offers the chance to explore changes in Miami, through their endless stacks of history books about the city. They offer a small seating area where one can sit and chat with a friend, finish small tasks or enjoy people watching from the enormous windows facing the Design District.
STACKS ON STACKS: Dale Zine’s art and history books are perfect, unique additions to any home library.
Dalé Zine has also worked recently on
Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights
experience with the Miami music scene and many artist talks with Miami natives who shared their inspiration and proccess. When it comes to items for purchase, Dalé Zine has a long list of options, offering
“I saw a lot of books that I’ve never seen before, so that caught my attention,”employee Carlos Luna said. “It was a very different experience, you never really see a place like this one.”
Dalé Zine opens its doors to all parts of the Miami community. The space provides an outlet for independent artists, giving them the creative freedom to express their opinions and allowing students and other customers the chance to own a quirky piece of art. h
Ciara Burton/highlights
Friendly fashion
Lotus
House Thrift Chic Boutique
offers visitors unique pieces and the opportunity to have a positive impact
BY MILEGNY SALAS, STAFF WRITER
LOTUS HOUSE THRIFT CHIC
Boutique is a second-hand store in the Wynwood area, located at 2040 NW 7th Ave. It is an energetic treasure trove that provides a unique retail option to anyone interested in one-of-a-kind fashion at affordable prices. The location offers eccentric and beautiful art pieces, furniture, designer clothes, vintage items and much more. Their curated accessories and home goods cater to diverse styles and allow visitors to explore their creative side.
This boutique fosters a sense of community, making it ideal to visit with friends. Additionally, every purchase at Lotus House Thrift supports a local initiative making it a go-to for socially conscious shoppers.
Buying items at the Lotus House Thrift has a significant impact on the community as all proceeds directly support those in need at the Lotus House Women and Children’s Shelter. In addition, buying second-hand items is a phenomenal way for consumers to support sustainable fashion and find highquality pieces for reasonable prices.
The prices at Lotus House range from $10 to upwards of $100, but rest assured,
everything is high-quality. The shop carries a little bit of everything, providing options for all visitors to find items of all styles. In addition to donated items from various brands, Lotus House Thrift sells their own brand of clothes inspired by the iconic designs of their shop, for affordable prices.
Furthermore, anyone can donate to the store if they would like to support the cause. There is a donation center at the back, but if someone has a larger piece of furniture, the thrift will send their bright pink trucks to pick it up.
Once something is donated, items that are not currently needed by the Lotus House or its sheltered women and children are merchandised by those on the store floor. The thrift makes sure to provide everything that the women and kids need from clothes to house items.
“Anything that they need, we give it to them. So that’s what makes us different from other shelters,” employee Amil Bryant said. “Anything that is donated from up to us, that can be given to the women, we give it to them.”
Milegny Salas/highlights
WELCOME
IN: The Lotus House Thrift Boutique’s decorated interior offers visitors a pretty pink embrace.
contributes to a cause, positive change on a grand scale is possible. The shop embraces sustainable fashion and fosters a space for visitors to make a community impact.
The Lotus House has a big impact on the community demonstrating that every little movement and support makes a big change, teaching the new generations to be more conscious about what they buy and teaching them about helping others. Moreover, students can volunteer to work at Lotus House Thrift to gain work experience and help their community at the same time.
“I decided to start volunteering at Lotus House because of its mission in supporting women experiencing hardships,” volunteer Isabela Florian said.
‘‘It makes me a little bit emotional because I’ve been through the same thing,” visitor Kelly Michel said. “So coming here, I have mixed emotions, happy emotions, that this place is here for the right things. We all go through things, and this is one of the spots that inspires me to keep on going. And when you go through things, it’s not, it’s not the end of the world.’’
TAKE ACTION: Interested in volunteering with The Lotus House? Scan the QR code for more information.
“I believe that the efforts of volunteering really do change others’ lives and help make a difference.”
Lotus House Thrift Chic Boutique is more than just a place to shop, it is a beacon of hope and support for those in need. The store boasts the message that if everyone
The boutique offers volunteer opportunities for students, allowing them the opportunity to not only learn about fashion but also about the impact they can have on a community. Lotus House Thrift exemplifies how retail can be a force for good. Shoppers can feel good about their purchases, knowing they are making a difference in the lives of others while also contributing to a healthier planet for the future, and getting affordable items that they love.
Bringing bread to life
Flour and Weirdoughs demonstrates strong community values while serving up sweet and savory treats
BY ELLA LEVIN, STAFF WRITER
FLOUR AND WEIRDOUGHS IS AN artisan bakery in Key Biscayne that specializes in handcrafted, organic baked delicacies. To produce their delicious loaves, pastries and other goods using premium ingredients, the bakery grinds its own organic flour. Baked goods are always fresh and filling at Flour & Weirdoughs and the establishment credits nutrition as their primary motivator.
Flour & Weirdoughs boasts a wide range of menu items, serving more substantial meals like tangy avocado toast, buttery egg sandwiches and vibrant acai bowls, along with bakery items like croissants, danishes and palmiers. Most larger meals are priced between $15 and $20. They also offer a large selection of drinks, including coffees, teas and juices.
A typical work day for a Flour & Weirdoughs employee involves arriving at 5 a.m. to ensure all items are prepared by 7 a.m. Employees then place the fresh goods in the display case up front for customers to choose from. Next, employees launch straight into production. This process, which occurs right before the store officially opens at 8 a.m.,
includes laminating and kneading bread dough. Then, the staff prepare to receive an onslaught of hungry customers looking for their morning pick-me-up. Flour & Weirdoughs differs from the other bakeries in Key Biscayne as it is the only location that offers such a wide variety of hearty food and baked goods.
Moreover, unlike many other locations, Flour and Weirdoughs makes everything by hand, emphasizing their dedication to quality and demonstrating the energy they place into producing the best goods. The bakery even has its own sourdough starter, a living culture made from flour and water used to make sourdough, named Julie, who is six years old. “Julie” is a testament to their in-house, organic concept and a key ingredient to make the breads at Flour and Weirdoughs.
Flour and Weirdoughs also emphasizes an intricate and well developed production process, as the puff pastry used in many of their baked goods and their croissants both require a three-day process to be ready for customers and all of their sourdough is fermented for 16 to 18 hours.
Flour and Weirdoughs is more than just a quick breakfast or brunch spot. It
has served the community in the area, acting as a space for conversation, to work, to meet new people and of course to snack, since its establishment.
“This area used to be very blue collar growing up,” employee Jesslyn Stumpe said. “There were always a lot of construction workers and the store was a Cuban cafe. Then, there was a fire and Flour & Weirdoughs emerged. A lot of regulars have soaked up this place. They order the same thing every day and know all the employees’ names”.
The top three best-selling items at this bakery are the plain croissant, the chocolate croissant and from their brunch menu, the brisket.
“My favorite is the plain croissant because of the delicious flaky texture and buttery dough,” freshman Sophie Space said.
From mouthwatering plates to crispy fresh baked goods, Flour and Weirdoughs could not get any better. It is the perfect small place to study with friends, and for years, has made all visitors feel like family. It stands out among other bakeries in the area thanks to its unique production processes, dedication to quality and emphasis on in-house composition.
PERFECT PASTERIES: The outstanding cakes, crossaints and danishes at Flour and Weirdoughs reflect the establishement’s dedication to quality and process.
Design by Emilia Kohnstamm/highlights
Ella Levin/highlights
Design by Alyssa Dopico/highlights
As Miami Dade County struggles with handling surpluses of waste and consumption, some neighborhoods are forced to face the repercussions.
SINCE THE INDUSTRIAL BOOM at the end of the 19th century, compensating for the consequences of technological advancements has become a necessary pursuit. Although the intended byproducts of these manufactured breakthroughs are generally positive, the unintended repercussions often leave longlasting detrimental effects on both a small and large scale. The most prevalent issues that emerge from newly-invented technology are the overconsumption of products, overabundance of waste – both digital and environmental –and an uneven distribution of these resources. These problems are exceptionally rampant in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Sunshine State residents and tourists produced two tons of municipal solid waste per resident throughout 2020, over twice the
average amount of MSW produced nationally.
Along with the overabundance of all waste, product overconsumption, and a lack of adequate resource distribution, several consequences, like food scarcity and the production and release of carcinogens, also detrimentally affect citizens at the national, state and county levels.
In 2022, a total of 3.4 tons of food waste was produced in Florida, according to the DEP. Cataclysmic chain reactions occur when such large amounts of food is wasted by both citizens and companies, including necessary resources like quality food becoming scarcer and more expensive in neighborhoods with a large number of low income residents. These neighborhoods – like Overtown and Little Haiti – are unable to access suitable amounts of food due to the amount of necessary food being wasted and overconsumed by more
UNEXPECTED EXCESSIVENESS
Students and teachers alike at Gables are familiar with using the internet on a consistent basis as a tool to complete tasks. From sending emails to uploading documents to learning management system sites such as Schoology and Managebac, students and faculty spend a substantial amount of time working digitally. On the surface, the processes that make all these systems work seem simple, but there are several procedures that go into it. Items like emails travel through data centers, breaking down into small packets before travelling through routers to their final destination.
This process leaves a major impact on the environment, especially due to the resources used to allow data to journey between devices. All instances of internet usage, especially those involving connections between devices made when sending data from one point to another, release carbon emissions. In 2019, the carbon footprint of the internet – including devices and systems like data centers – accounted for 3.7% of total global greenhouse emissions, based on a
study from The Shift Project. Although this percentage may seem small in comparison to other major carbon emission sources, each gram of carbon accumulates to dangerous levels. Furthermore, with recent advancements
DID YOU KNOW?
One basic email produces 4g of carbon, while ones that include images or attached documents release 50g of carbon.
source: BBC Science Focus Magazine
in technology sparking the emergence of generative Artificial Intelligence increases carbon emissions. Generative AI – artificial intelligence that generates new content based on prompts – such as ChatGPT produces more than the average carbon emissions internet user produces. 86% of students claim to use AI in their studies, according to a global study
fortunate, nearby communities like Coral Gables. Overconsumption by some, in addition to major grocery chains like Kroger and Walmart, leads to the development of food deserts in many lower-income communities.
Additionally, factories and incinerators produce a host of carcinogens that bleed into their environment, including into neighborhoods built near them, leaving long lasting effects like citizens in these communities having higher rates of asthma and lung-related cancer according to the National Institute of Health.
From food distribution to unconscious oversonsumption, Miami has a plethora of issues with handling waste, each with their own repurcussions. It is up to citizens and policymakers alike to lead the city in a more sustainable direction.
done by the Digital Education Council. Carbon emissions are not the only harmful effects from data centers that individuals should worry about when it comes to online use. Data centers have to ensure their servers do not overheat. If they do, a complete shutdown of all processes involving that server would be necessary, which would then lead to the sites that run on that server to shut down until it cools down; this is completely dependent on using up water for cooling systems. With how many servers have to maintain their quick speed whilst countless data transfers between different routers are constantly occurring, large amounts of water is used. Major tech companies like Google use up several billions of gallons more than the average person per year. Servers hosting generative AI use up even more water, with the average conversation occurring between a user and ChatGPT consuming around 500ml of water, according to the University of California. Major tech corporations should be held accountable for their carbon footprint, being more transparent with how much carbon they
Design by Alyssa Dopico/highlights
SCARCITY AT A COUNTY LEVEL from the editor
The lack of access to adequate food due to factors such as limited income, discrimination and distance from grocery stores commonly known as food insecurity, is a foreign concept to Coral Gables residents, though nearby communities experience it constantly. Neighborhoods such as Little Haiti and Overtown do not have adequate access to locations that sell fresh produce and other food-related products. Therefore, citizens living in areas where food insecurity is rampant rely on multi-price-point chains, which are stores that sell processed products at extremely low prices, such as Dollar Tree.
Little Haiti and Overtown are not the only neighborhoods in Miami-Dade experiencing food insecurity. As per Feeding America, 10% of the total population and 14% of children in Miami-Dade County are considered victims of food insecurity.
Supermarket redlining – defined by The National Institutes of Health as the practice of major grocery chains avoiding opening new locations in low-income, marginalized neighborhoods – is the root cause of food apartheid within Miami-Dade. Major supermarket chains prioritize profit over the wellbeing of citizens, causing disparities in terms of food supplies between neighborhoods. According to a multivariate analysis done by Lisa M. Powell – titled Food Store Availability and Neighborhood Characteristics in the United States – chain supermarkets were 57% and 32% less available in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods respectively in comparison to White communities.
“During Covid, when we were in lockdown, the cafeteria was closed. We had to re-open the cafeteria because some kids have
their breakfast and lunch when it is school time, ” said Anita Chevalier, sponsor of Green Gables. “It became very obvious that we had an issue with food insecurity with our students. They [students] come home and they are not guaranteed food, they have to work to get food.”
Moreover, unreasonable amounts of food waste contribute to food insecurity as well. Food waste consists of food damaged as a result of poor storage methods and surplus food thrown away by consumers and retailers. Both the food and the amount of labor and resources used to create these food products are wasted when these products are thrown away for invalid reasons.
These resources and products being wasted inevitably leads to food becoming less available as the companies producing food products now must account for the loss on top of the large amounts of food they make, trickling down into the prices for fresh groceries rising. The rise of these prices makes it harder for red-lined communities that are low-income unable to actually afford fresh groceries, which is another aspect that causes food scarcity.
In Florida, both supermarket redlining and food waste are extremely prevalent. According to the DEP, one of the top three types of waste produced by Florida in 2022 was food waste. Since this is such a rampant issue in Florida, especially in Miami-Dade, efforts made to combat food insecurity are essential in preventing high rates of hunger and food insecurity in the county. Food banks and other organizations dedicated to non-profit work that bring fresh produce to food deserts, are essential in tackling the problem of food scarcity.
It would barely be an exaggeration to say that you cannot go somewhere without being told to buy something. On the way to school and work, on websites, vacations and anywhere in a city, you are likely bombarded with ads, demands for subscriptions and opportunities at evey turn. This reality of late stage capitalism has numbed us to the burgeoning waste management crisis caused by overconsumption as it snowballs towards us. The constant push to overconsume has only distracted us from the very issues that proliferate from it. Resources are distributed in such a disproportionate way that those who need the most experience food insecurity while others profit off of this very harm. Algorithms are created to promote wasteful purchases while digital waste piles up alongside it, far from the mind of a consumer. Most unbelievable is that the persistent plan to solve these problems is to simply incinerate our garbage. It is up to us to break away from this cycle of excess and harm and start consuming with a new conciousness.
students speak up
Kimberly Acosta, junior “ “ There’s no way I can fully limit it [internet usage] for myself since everything in the United States, in any globalized country is internet based.
Camille Chevalier, sophomore
“ “
The government fails to
notice people who don’t have enough. They focus on people with money because they pay taxes and vote.
HANDLING WASTE IN THE SUNSHINE STATE
Two years ago, the Miami-Dade County Resources Recovery Facility, better known as the Doral Incinerator, burned for nearly three weeks straight, rendering the facility structurally unsound and leading to its demolition. The facility is currently unusable; therefore, discussions on where to rebuild it have materialized.
The mayor and citizens of Doral have rejected the idea of rebuilding the incinerator in its original spot, resulting in the suggestion of locations such as the former Opa-Locka West Airport, on Okeechobee Road and NW 178th Street and in Medley by NW 106th Street and 98th Court. Recently, the Opa-Locka West Airport location has been removed from the consideration pool due to it being at the edge of Miami-Dade’s urban development boundary, meaning it is in close proximity to the Everglades.
After several years, a location for the rebuild has not been chosen.All three of the possible new incinerator sites are either part of or extremely near diverse communities that are historically redlined. According to sociologist John McKnight’s original coinage of the term, redlined communities are defined as neighborhoods that were deemed hazardous for investment in the 1930s due to the racial composition of the area and therefore did
not have the opportunity to economically develop as much as other, predominantly white neighborhoods could. This current pool of choices containing disenfranchised neighborhoods is not the first time that MiamiDade County has experienced environmental racism – a form of racial discrimination where communities of color are disproportionately
operated within the segregated section of Coconut Grove’s neighborhoods, impacting nearby residents as evidenced by soil samples from a 2013 Miami Herald investigation.
The incinerator burning down is a sign we need to move on from this method of waste management.”
Yara Korse, junior “
impacted by environmental hazards, usually through the form of polluting facilities and discriminatory practices in environmental policy-making. The most infamous local case of this issue is the municipal trash incinerator, nicknamed “Old Smokey”, that
six of the nine incinerators in Florida are within areas where the percentage of people of color living there is over the statewide average of 46%
according to the EPA
The new municipal trash incinerator is projected to be one of the largest in the nation. Reflecting on the long-lasting effects that “Old Smokey” left, should MiamiDade rebuild the Doral Incinerator in or near a marginalized neighborhood, the same detrimental effects will emerge, affecting all citizens living near the incinerator.
The final location may be reflective of a disregard for minority communities who will be systematically and physically affected by the incinerator’s byproducts. Environment racism plaguing minority residents within Miami-Dade County should not be repeated.
“Different countries have different ways to get rid of waste that are more environmentally safe compared to the incinerator,” Junior Yara Korse said. “I think we should use them as examples. We can see what they’ve been doing and we can then apply it here. Overall, the incinerator burning down is a sign we need to move on.”
Fortunately, Miami-Dade County’s mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, is seeking alternatives for waste removal.
of students use AI in their studies at least on a weekly basis according to the Digital Education Council 54%
Look at our multimedia content on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook: @highlightscghs
What is your opinion? Tell us your point of view on a topic published in an email titled “Letter To The Editor.” We reserve the right to publish any letters sent to this email
Want to advertise in our magazine? Have any questions? Email us! highlightscghs@gmail.com
lightbox
Beaming as she performs her routine, Senior Victoria Sosa dances onstage with fellow Gablettes Senior Jaylene Hernandez, Sophomore Stella Gonzalez and Senior Catherine Romero for their final show at the Gablettes Revue on the evening of April 9. William Hardie/ highlights
