Issue 5, Vol. 59

highlights March 2019

IMMIGRANTS Changing the conversation

IN THIS ISSUE: “MY SURVIVOR” FILM (PAGE 5)

MODERATE DESANTIS? (PAGE 18)

Issue 5, Volume 59

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

highlights

features

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

Sophomore Samantha Correa combines technical skill with creative inspiration to make professional clothing such as this dress, a focal point of her couture season collection.

4 news 9 10

GablesLive! plans to begin using new equipment to better appeal to their audience, improve their graphics and the quality of the publication.

As the situation in Venezuela escalates with protests and political changes, the country hopes for a better overall situation.

opinion

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

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

Samantha Correa Julia Grisard

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Political controversies surrounding the NFL diminish the support of the 2019 Super Bowl and the half-time show performers.

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highlights scours the Cavaleon and finds alumni teachers who played sports for the school and became coaches.

the scene

publication policy

2 preview

Dissatisfaction with the current American healthcare system grows as patients with pre-exisiting conditions take the hardest hit.

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Hugo J Quizhpi Cavaleon Isabella Pinera

highlights is the official student-produced news magazine at Coral Gables Senior High School published and produced by highlights staff members. highlights has been established as a designated public forum for student journalists to educate and inform their readers on issues of concern to their audience and dissemination of news and ideas to the entire school community.

As the producer of a scholastic publication, highlights subscribes to the responsibilities set forth in the National Scholastic Press Association Code of Ethics for scholastic journalists and advisers.

According to Miami-Dade County School Policy, student media is not subject to prior-review by administration or district personnel and as such, all content is determined by, and reflects the views of, student staff members only. highlights welcomes reader feedback. All letters should be addressed to highlightscghs@gmail.com with the subject line “Letter to the Editor.” highlights reserves the right to publish any letters sent.

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sports

contributors Levine & Co. Television & Film

A bill passed by the Senate introduces the possibility of computer courses taking the place of traditional foreign language classes.

25

With its unique flavors, creamy consistency, and tapioca pearls defining this Asian delicacy, boba tea brings its heavenly tea bliss to the streets of Miami.

insight In the midst of a polarizing political standoff, immigration disputes lie at the center of the discussion. With a new policy that focuses on security being pushed at the country’s borders, highlights explores the shifting ideology and view of immigrants as a result.

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Bridge for Peace

Thomas Morcillo / highlights

The annual Bridge for Peace (B4P) fundraiser took place at the Coral Gables Museum on March 7th. This year, the cause was in support of Óberts al Mon with the goal of building a school in Guatemala. The event was run by the International Baccalaureate Honor Society (IBHS), which exceeded its goal of raising $12,000.

B4P featured a range of multi-ethnic foods, such as arroz con pollo and pizza. It also featured performances by Gables Banghra and the school’s improv group, Improvocative.

Additionally, B4P hosted its traditional fashion show in which IBHS students modeled authentic clothing from countries around the world.

This year’s Bridge for Peace proved to be one of the most successful yet, as a night full of excitement and laughter culminated in a sizeable donation to a great cause.

pictures 3

h Runway Ready

features

Sophomore Samanta Correa kickstarts her career in design through professional couture classes and handmade garments

By Mathilde Requier, Social Media Manager

B

ea a Corr

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Y SKIMMING THROUGH HER notebooks, one quickly realizes that sophomore Samantha Correa is different. Apart from the typical messy math homework and random doodles filling blank spaces, her fashion sketches of women in intricate gowns trail through the pages, revealing her passion: fashion design.

She recalls her first connection with fashion at only four years old, when her grandfather gifted her a canvas and she started to draw clothing.

“Sam was always interested in fashion. With barbies, she’d go directly into designing their outfits,” Correa’s mother Vanessa Rodriguez said.

“One day, a friend of mine came over and started making clothes for [Correa’s] dolls. As the years went by, she started mentioning fashion and art school, which made me realize that this was truly what she wanted to do.”

After realizing the extent of her passion, her mother encouraged Correa’s interest in the craft. Once she turned 12, Correa joined the Institute of Fashion located on Miracle Mile. The Institute of Fashion, run by the Ella Bella Rozio Couture Shop, was created in 2006 by fashion designer Rocio Sanchez. It aims to develop the next generation of fashion designers by offering respected sewing and couture classes and hosting its own fashion show for each season.

A sketch from Correa’s most recent collection, inspired by Spanish Matadors’ uniforms.

4 features

“When my mom saw the ad, she knew I’d decorates the side panels of their uniforms,” like it. I remember crying that winter, because Correa said. “In order to modernize it, I’m I thought my dream couldn’t become a reality. feminizing the uniform, and exaggerating the However, after that, I vowed to myself that I’d sleeves of the majority of my pieces (…) giving only get better each season and try my hardest,” the somewhat boastful air the classic uniform Correa said. “I had felt really insecure in the has.” beginning, only to realize that what I had with Through her couture class, Correa sharpens fashion was love.” her sewing techniques Currently, Correa is and focuses on the enrolled in two fashion technical details of classes. On Mondays, designing.

Correa FOR ME, INSPIRATION looks to all aspects she takes a course in which she focuses on the COMES THROUGH MY of her life to find her current fashion season next big idea.

SURROUNDINGS. WHAT YOU of the program. On “For me, FEEL AND SEE AT A SPECIFIC the Wednesdays, she studies inspiration couture, in which she MOMENT OFTEN SERVES AS for my designs works on the making of comes through my INSPIRATION. THE IMAGE s u r r o u n d i n g s , ” a unique, stand-alone THEN TRANSLATES INTO THE Correa said. “What dress over the course of four to five months.

MATERIAL. you feel and see at a “Both of these specific moment often SAMANTHA CORREA, serves as inspiration, classes allow me to SOPHOMORE in addition to the express myself through my work in different prompts. The image ways,” Correa said. then translates into the material.”

For the current summer fashion season, Throughout the rest of her high school Correa is working on a runway piece inspired by years, Correa plans to successfully complete her the Matador bullfighters of Spain, with the piece collection with the Institute of Fashion in order reinterpreting their uniform. The inspiration for to incorporate them into her college portfolio the idea stemmed from the couture of Balmain, for design school. In the long run, she hopes to which according to Correa, is the epitome of a create garments for a professional platform and classical, yet experimental style. eventually establish her own clothing line.

“The silhouette, the colors and the textiles “My absolute dream or goal would be to see of the classic Spanish Matador are heavily a garment I made in a movie. I’d love to also influencing my collection. I’m focusing explore costume making but overall continue primarily on the gold, ornate embroidery that pursuing my passion,” Correa said. h

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Created by Correa (Left) A red, tailored coat.

(Right) A hand painted dress, the focus of a couture season.

Mathilde Requirer/highlights

The film “My Survivor” pairs students and Holocaust survivors to curate conversation

Survivors Speak out Arianna Pena/highlights

By Arianna Peña, Staff Writer

A

GAINST THE CONTEMPORARY Miami Beach skyline, a 40-foot tall, tattooed hand reaches upward into the sky. Upon closer inspection, hundreds of people claw at its sides, clinging to its grasp. This Holocaust Memorial is one of the main motifs of the short film “My Survivor,” created by the University of Miami (UM). It began in 2017 and follows the journeys and lives of different Holocaust survivors and their involvement in a unique program. Filmmaker and humanitarian advocate Jerry Levine directed the movie.

“The film intends to answer one of the most poignant questions of our generation: who will tell their story when the last of the survivors are gone?” Levine said.

Fifteen years ago, UM began the Holocaust Survivors Student Internship Program (HSSIP) with the aim of educating and encouraging y o u n g adults to spread first-hand accounts from Holocaust survivors.

The movie follows 5 0 0

students who, every year, were paired with one Hannah North, a graduate of the 2013 class at of 100 volunteers. Each student intern shared UM and now a teacher of Holocaust literature time and formed friendships with Holocaust at Westminster Christian School, has brought survivors. The experience was meant to be her first hand experience into the classroom. intimate and comprehensive, revealing how Because of her connection to the program, she young people view the Holocaust while has been able to bring Holocaust survivors encouraging the next generation to keep their into her classroom to talk to students about the stories alive. In the film, Jackie Arvedon, a trials and suffering they had to endure, with the student from UM’s class of 2016, described her hopes that their story would be shared. In the experience. film, North explains what drove her to become a “When you’re talking to a survivor, and you teacher of Holocaust literature. see in their faces what “History does they’ve been through (...) repeat itself. History that’s when it becomes repeats itself when real,” Arvedon said. people forget their IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT history. The reason I’m The film also touches on the neoTHE STORIES OF THE a teacher is in the hopes Nazism movements that that it won’t happen SURVIVORS ARE PASSED ON again,” North said. have grown prevalent in EVEN WHEN THEY ARE NO recent years. Filming for The impact of the movie began five days LONGER AROUND. THE EVIL Holocaust awareness before the Charlottesville campaigns in Miami THAT WAS THE HOLOCAUST extends beyond HSSIP. “Unite the Right” rally.

CANNOT BE FORGOTTEN Sophomore Mia Crabill On Aug. 11, this rally of white supremacists EVEN SLIGHTLY. explained that she and neo-Nazis marched MIA CRABILL, had the opportunity to on the campus of the meet and speak with SOPHOMORE a Holocaust survivor, University of Virginia.

Because of this, one David Schaechter. of the main points Crabill said her discussed in the film was anti-semitism and the experience gave her a brand new perspective on effect it had on many of the participants. In the the reality that Holocaust survivors faced. film one Holocaust survivor, Fred Muhlbauer, “It is so important that the stories of the who was liberated from Bergen Belsen in 1945, survivors are passed on even when they are no said that the marching and gathering of white longer around. Even now, many kids know of supremacists in Charlottesville reminded him the Holocaust but have no idea how large scale of Kristallnacht, the night that hundreds of it was. The evil that was the Holocaust cannot Jews died and thousands more were taken to be forgotten even slightly,” Crabill said. concentration camps. Survivors look upon these “My Survivor” premiered at the Miami events with fear, knowing the events of the Jewish Film Festival and is currently being Holocaust began with similar events. made into a full length film. The short version Many students also discussed the of the movie is available to view on the “My disappointment they felt towards Holocaust Survivor” documentary website, along with deniers and how HSSIP has redirected their information regarding the creative process and efforts to try and educate those around them. members involved with creating the movie. The movie presents the tragedy of the Holocaust REACHING OUT: At the Miami Beach Holocaust through the new perspective, that of the younger memorial, a large sculpted hand stands out against generation. It merges two differing perspectives the horizon, engraved with depictions of victims. and bridges a gap that is generations wide. h

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features 5

Makeup Artistry Estelle Erwich/highlights

Channeling their creativity and individuality, students use the art of cosmetology to express themselves and build successful businesses

By Hanna Ebrahimi, Staff Writer

F

OR MANY HIGH SCHOOLERS, self-expression is taking a new, artistic form. The rise in popularity surrounding makeup in recent years has inspired a younger demographic to pursue cosmetology as a medium of art and expression. Now, more than

ever, students are using the art of cosmetics to express themselves as well as build successful businesses. These individuals use their skills in and passion for makeup to turn their artistic and entrepreneurial goals into reality. In pursuit of crafting a culture in which every student

can openly express themself, sophomores Kemely Llanes and Jessica Da Silva, along with senior Miriam Fong, merge makeup with other forms of art to create a unique dynamic of self expression, all while helping others to do the same and feel confident in their own skin.

Kemely Llanes With aspirations of maximizing her potential as a Cuban immigrant, sophomore Kemely Llanes combines bold eyeshadows and striking poses to manifest her artistic abilities. Growing up in the city of Camagüey under dictator Fidel Castro’s oppressive rule, Llanes lacked access to the opportunities and materials needed to pursue her profound passion for cosmetology. In 2016, Llanes’s family moved to the U.S. and she was eager to take advantage of the seemingly endless possibilities of her new home.

Llanes first grew interested in makeup at the age of three. She often browsed through her mother’s makeup collection in hopes of discovering alluring products that allowed her to practice her art. Upon her arrival to Miami, Llanes was adamant on improving her cosmetic techniques and bettering herself, both professionally a n d creatively.

She began by mimicking YouTube ts igh l

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6 features

tutorials to expand upon her skills and was inspired by professionals like Jeffree Star, Manny MUA and Laura Sanchez. In April 2016, she created her own makeup-based YouTube channel under the name Kemely Llanes which has since acquired nearly 1,500 subscribers.

Although Llanes is extremely devoted to this endeavor, modeling is her foremost method of self-expression. She has an established partnership with BH Talents and Models, through which she partakes in various fashion shows and photo shoots for established designers. Llanes integrates her vehemence for makeup with her love of modeling by creating original looks that complement the designers’ fashion pieces. “[Makeup and modeling] are my two passions. By modeling, I am able to express myself in a multitude of ways while still staying true to my identity as a makeup artist,” Llanes said.

Recently, Llanes has begun working in special effects makeup. She enjoys using her cosmetic skill to create illusions of bruises, scabs and deformities. This past October, she created a zombie-inspired look. Mimicking a slit throat, she applied latex to her skin and contoured the area with various shadows and pigments.

This look, is featured on her Instagram account @kemelyllanes, along with many others.

“That [is] what I love about makeup.

Everything is unprecedented. I can be original and creative or I can be subtle and

Courtesy of Hugo J. Quizphi

MODEL STUDENT: Sophomore Kemely Llanes poses with makeup brushes for a professional photoshoot with photographer Hugo J. Quizphi.

elegant. I can be bold or I can be minimalistic.

My face is my canvas and I have the right to express myself however I desire,” Llanes said.

Llanes has also formed partnerships with multiple brands, including Yavi Reyes and Olé Talent. In the coming years, she hopes to create a cosmetology line, to channel her Cuban heritage and inspire other immigrants to pursue and achieve their aspirations.

Miriam Fong Drawn to makeup through the art of dance, Fong integrates her passion for cosmetics into her role as senior officer of the Gablettes dance team by creating glamorous looks that stay true to the team’s historic identity.

Hanna Ebrahimi /highlights

Throughout her childhood, Fong competed in countless dance recitals and competitions.

Given that makeup plays a pivotal role in the performance industry, she quickly learned numerous valuable skills and techniques.

Eventually, her passion for makeup became a prime constituent in her love of dance.

In 2015, Fong joined the Gablettes. Over the last four years, she has refined her cosmetic prowess and developed a versatility in her skill. Fong has used countless recitals and competitions as opportunities to practice a range of skills. On performance days, Fong typically combines neutral eyeshadows and stage makeup to create a brown smokey eye look with an accented red lip. By practicing on herself and her teammates, she continues to improve her techniques daily.

“I love doing makeup because it is like its own form of dance. It can be done a million

different ways with a million different products and still look amazing,” Fong said.

Fong uses her love for makeup to enhance her clients’ natural beauty. She strives to ensure that everyone leaves her worktop feeling confident and empowered.

In 2017, Fong created an Instagram account, @makeupbymiriamf_, to attract a clientele.

Generally, her prices range anywhere from $20 to $25.

In the future, Fong hopes to continue expanding on her cosmetic abilities by continuing to create unique looks for her teammates, friends and customers.

SHOW PREP: Senior Miriam Fong perfects her makeup in a mirror before performing for a show with the Gablettes dance team.

Jessica Da Silva Inspired by the art of animation, Da Silva creates bold cosmetic looks by incorporating vivid makeup products into the recreation of her favorite Disney characters. In doing so, she combines two forms of artistic expression to create a unique dynamic.

Da Silva grew up being encouraged to pursue her passions as a first-generation American.

During her childhood, she quickly grew inspired by the optimistic nature embedded in most Disney films and began using her mother’s makeup to imitate her favorite characters. As she became older, she focused on developing these skills.

“My parents have always supported my decisions in regards to self-expression. They sacrificed a lot for me to be able to live a life that I can be proud of,” Da Silva said.

In 2018, she joined the school’s competition troupe, Thespians. In becoming a member of the theatrical group, Da Silva has been able to

HALL TALK

combine her love of makeup and Disney by expressing herself in front of her peers with similar interests. She shares her makeup journey on her Instagram account, @mua. jessica.d.

“I can physically turn myself into a fairy or a mermaid with makeup while acting out my creations through theatre,” Da Silva said.

In the future, Da Silva hopes to earn a job working for The Walt Disney Company as a character-performer. To prepare for this goal, she often practices character transformations Given that character-performers are responsible for carrying out the cosmetic aspects of their jobs, this role occupation is a major goal for Da Silva. “[Makeup, acting and Disney] are each major components of my life that I would like to expand upon. The idea of pursuing a career where I can combine all three is everything to me,” Da Silva said. h

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

Hanna Ebrahimi /highlights

IN CHARACTER: Sophomore Jessica Da SIlva channels the character of Snow White for a theater performance.

“Kylie Jenner doesn’t even know how to spell Stormy.”

“Is Miley Cyrus Melania Trump’s daughter?”

“My senior prank is dropping out.”

”Can I write in my own name for student elections?”

“Hey man, wet pants.

What’s up with that?”

“Whenever I’m having a crisis, I always listen to country music.”

features 7

h News Review news

By Lisbeth Arrieta, Staff Writer

CALENDAR MARCH 12-13: Prom ticket sales ($85)

MARCH 15: Senior Picnic

MARCH 22: End of third nine weeks

MARCH 25-29: Spring Break

BRIEFS GablesLive! goes live New equipment, anchors and segments are some of the things GablesLive! will showcase for the remainder of the year.

In the upcoming months, GablesLive! plans to take on ‘eyecatching’ graphics for the student audience.

“With the opportunity to live stream at our fingertips, we are allowing those who were not able to attend that certain sporting event or school activity, to access and view it at their own convenience.” GablesLive president Ketty Dones said.

The school’s Student Activities Director, Ana Suarez, has gifted the staff with this new equipment. The “sling” is a small compact and portable device that will allow the staff to stream directly into it to produce higher quality content, similar to popular news stations.

Miami-Dade celebrates parks 2019 marks the 90th anniversary of the Miami-Dade County Parks founding. Community activities and other events will be hosted by the parks department and open to the entire community. Miami-Dade County boasts the third largest county park system in the United States, including establishments like Zoo Miami and Deering Estate.

In 2019, Miami-Dade County is striving to bring the community closer by promoting the livelihood of their parks.

Some celebrations commemorating the anniversary include the Asian Culture Festival at the Fruit & Spice Park and the Miami International Agricultural Horse and Cattle Show at Tropical Park. Miami-Dade Parks System has been recognized with various awards, and is a three-time National Gold Medal Winner for excellence in park and recreation administration.

CONGRATS Seniors Zoila Herrera and Gerald Williams signed letters of intent to play collegiate sports. Herrera signed to Welling Jesuits University for golf. Williams will be playing football at Lincoln University.

Seniors Natalia Rodriguez and Nicolas Schmidt are the school’s 2018-2019 Scholar-Athlete nominees for Miami-Dade County.

Coral Gables’ city elections The City of Coral Gables will be holding the 2019 General Biennial Municipal Election next month. This year’s seats include three city commission groups, with incumbents in the position of mayor and city commissioners. Running for city mayor is Jackson Rip Holmes and incumbent Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli.

Ralph Cabrera, Jorge L. Fors, Jr. and Carmen Olazabal are the candidates for city commissioner. The voter registration date officially closes on March 11. Fauli has served as Mayor from 1993 and was able to change many aspects in the community, including remodeling Miracle Mile and restoring the Youth Center. Candidate Jackson Rip Holmes seeks to revitalize the Ponce de Leon business sector and claims to have an entirely feasible plan to bring new jobs to Coral Gables. h

news 9

Venezuela Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

After years under Maduro, the possibiliy of a new president reinspires hope in the nation

By Natalie Abrahantes, Staff Writer

N

ICOLÁS MADURO HAS BEEN president of Venezuela since winning the elections held in April 2013, after the being hand-picked by Chavez as his successor in office. Throughout his six years of presidency, Maduro has never been faced with strong opposition directly testing the country’s leadership until Juan Guaidó. On Jan. 25, just two weeks after Venezuelan dictator Maduro was sworn in for his second term, Guaidó declared himself the new interim president after the unofficial election.

Thousands of Venezuelans rallied across the country in support of Guaidó, and the U.S., Canada and all the countries in Latin America immediately recognized him as the new head of state, as they had previously voiced suspicions of coercion and vote rigging on Maduro’s behalf. President Donald Trump tweeted his support for the people of Venezuela and said that by recognizing Guaidó as their interim chief they would begin to repair all the devastation that has hurt Venezuela over the past two decades, when Chavez started turning the country in the wrong direction.

In response, Maduro ordered U.S. personnel out of the country within a 72-hour time frame, which was ultimately ignored by the Americans, thus further severing the remaining

10 news

diplomatic ties he had with the United States.

That same day, Maduro addressed the country from his balcony at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas, assuring them that he was indeed the only president of Venezuela.

When Maduro assumed the presidency in 2013, Venezuela saw their once prosperous economy fail possibly due to corruption from the administration. Since Maduro holds centralized power over the executive branch, it has been reported that he was able to eliminate those who opposed him through intimidation and by buying loyalty from the military. In 2017, Maduro asked the National Assembly to step aside because he had brought in a new legislative body, the Constituent Assembly.

Their task was to create a new constitution.

All the while, Maduro jailed several opposition members in order to possibly ensure that they would not oppose him during this period.

Then in 2018, Maduro won the re-election for his second six-year term. Many countries accused him of rigging the votes to his favor.

As President of the National Assembly, Guaidó exercised his constitutional right to usurp and take over as acting president.

Guaidó was largely unknown before his election as the president of the National Assembly. A long time critic of Maduro, Guaidó

has taken a stance against the oppressive government by organizing street protests and rallies. Guaidó used allegations of Maduro tampering with the voting system in order to remove him from his presidential position.

“Venezuela has gone through a really rough phase, I am excited that Guaidó is receiving support from the United States. This new president is just the start for a better future and true democracy. I know that in the end, true democracy will win,” sophomore Karina Leon said.

Foreign influence and support by other democratic countries has been one reason why the Trump administration has taken up the banner of human rights and democracy in support of Guaidó. The future of this crisis remains unclear, as two men on opposites of the political spectrum are claiming to be the president of Venezuela. Guaidó has received more political reinforcement recognizing him as the countries rightful president and has cited evidence from the Venezuelan Constitution stating that if the presidential role became vacant then the leader of the National Assembly would fill that position. Canada and the United States, among others, have shown their support by recognizing Guaidó while countries like Russia and China support Maduro. h

In 2010, Venezuela reported exporting

3.1 million

Quick Facts

barrels of oil a day.

Venezuela’s inflation rate will reach

There were 18,000 asylum application to the United States from Venezuela in 2014 In 2016, the murder rate in Venezuela was almost 100 murders per every 100,000 citizens

10,000,000% in 2019

Colombia has taken in over 1 million Venezuelan immigrants

30%

Nicolas Maduro has been in power as president since

2013 65

Venezuela’s unemployment rate

A Venezuelan’s citizens average income is

$14,000

Students have been protesting in the streets against the rampant crime in thier cities Source: International Monetary Fund, CNN, United Nations, Human Development Reports, BBC,

countries support Guaidó as the Since Maduro has been in power, interim president of all media has been censored to Venezuela the public President Maduro instated

socialism into the country’s economy as soon as he took office in 2013

.761

out of a 1.00 scale. Its lowest HDI rating was at 0.634 in 1990

The White House placed economic sanctions on Venezuela and warned citizens against travelling to the country in wake of violation of human

Students speak up “The situation is complicated because we have two presidents, Guaidó offering Venezuela a chance to move forward where Maduro is keeping us back.”

Omar Charcousse, Junior

The Human Development Index, which rates GDP, years of schooling, life expectancy and overall quality of life for Venezuela is

“With Guaidó as interim president Venezuelans will finally be able to sustain a good life and not have to constantly worry about their surroundings.”

Genesis Kuffo, Sophomore

rights

“Right now Venezuela is suffering an extreme economic crisis and I hope that with Guaidó things will be changed for the better.”

Alexandra Molina, Junior

news 11

Islands of Coco Plum offers scholarships As the school’s seniors begin to make college choices, the surrounding community offers financial assistance

By Alex Anton, Staff Writer

W

ITH COLLEGE RIGHT around the corner for many seniors, students are now beginning to feel the pressure of choosing their college, and essentially, their future path. The Islands of Cocoplum Philanthropy Committee has decided to partner with the school to offer the school’s students access to financial benefits and internship opportunities. The foundation is now supporting the school’s students in assisting in the process of applying to scholarships and receiving fincancial aid packages to be able to pay for thier future. Many students could find themselves in the situation of getting into the dream school but without the means to pay for it, potentially leaving them with the inability to attend. It is these types of high performing students that could often get neglected in scholarships decisions because they either do not have enough financial need but are not be able to afford four years of the university’s tuition or because they do not have enough money at all.

The types of students who have maintained a rigorous course load with a 4.0 GPA and high SAT scores but are unable to receive financial aid because their family do not qualify for such benefits. Many of these students struggle to find the necessary scholarships and financial aid to realize their dreams of attending top tier universities.

According to the school’s Activities Director, Ana Suarez, the Cocoplum Philanthropy Committee usually does an annual event to help charities in need of donations. However, this year the

committee has decided to support an organization that directly benefits the Coral Gables community.

“We aren’t just offering financial scholarships. We will be offering summer internships with business owners and leaders who live in the Islands of Cocoplum. I wanted our community to make a positive impact on individuals within our community,” Director of the scholarship fund, Matthew Martinez said.

In order to meet the financial demands of offering scholarships, the Cocoplum Philanthropy Committee has sent out solicitation letters to local businesses as well as publishing an article in their residential newsletter.

Aside from these forms of donations, two tennis fundraisers are scheduled to occur throughout February in an effort to raise the necessary funds to support students. According to the residential newsletter “Cocoplum Living”, the organization hopes to gather $100,000 from the various fundraising events

by March 15. Once the funds are received and financial obligations are met, students will have until April 1 to submit applications and all supporting materials. The committee of over 10 homeowners, board members and donors from Cocoplum will review each application and nominate the finalists.

Ultimately, the committee strives to give students within the community the opportunity to reach their dreams.

The school has expressed gratitude towards the Cocoplum community and all those who support the scholarship efforts of the senior class. h

Apply for the Cocoplum Community Scholarship Find the application on the Coral Gables Community Foundation website under the “Giving + Funds” tab.

All applications due April 1, 2019 12 news

$100,000 in scholarships set to be awarded by the Cocoplum Community

Scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating overall academic achievement and dedication to service within the school and community.

Requirements GPA: 3.25 Attends Coral Gables Senior High School as a senior Plans to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student in a state or private four-year college or university Demonstrates a financial need for college

h

opinion

CODE: A new language emerges

STAFF ED: In the developing age of technology, proficiency in coding continues to become increasingly paramount

T

HE FUTURE IS NOW. IN THE increasingly digitized and technology dependent world we live in, coding is frequently touted as an essential skill in a variety of careers. Despite its importance, coding has not yet earned the status of a core class and is relegated to elective classes for the outgoing and adventurous who dare to take it.

As an attempt to regularly integrate coding into Florida schools, Senate Bill 468 was drafted and passed in the Senate, which would have allowed students to substitute their foreign language credit for computer classes. While this bill would have undoubtedly reduced enrollment and participation in foreign language classes, it would have also given students the freedom to reap the benefits of learning how to code.

In the near future, coding will be a valuable asset and should be seen as an equal to Spanish or French. Although the bill died in the House, coding classes substituting foreign language credits should be reconsidered and seen as a viable option for students in Florida As a response to this bill, the Spanish American League Against Discrimination

The Oscars

“No host, no problem.”

-Alejandra Orozco, Managing Editor

ReadingPlus “Miss, I swear there was a glitch.

I couldn’t do my SeeReaders.”

-Kevin Monjarrez, Copy Editor

(SALAD) issued a statement, saying that the bill jeopardizes students’ ability to get into college or secure an entry-level job in Florida, where speaking a second language is essential.

To their credit, the omission of foreign language credits may very well close some doors for students who decide to go down this path.

However, those who opt to take computer courses may also be rewarded with an equal or greater amount of opportunities in the tech world, where knowledge of coding may trump knowledge of Spanish.

The SALAD also glosses over the fact that taking computer courses over foreign language courses is optional, and those who value the acquisition of a language and the benefits commonly associated with it, such as improved performance on comprehension test and appreciation of a culture, can still undertake the process of learning a second language.

Opting for coding classes rather than language courses also would not put students at greater risk of not being admitted into state schools, as the Senate detailed that students would still be eligible for Bright Futures scholarships and

Florida universities.

Because we live in such a diverse community, substituting language classes also gives students who are fluent in more than one language the opportunity to branch out into something new and useful, rather than keep practicing an already mastered skill, whether it be Spanish, French or German.

“I feel like, especially in Florida, the majority of kids learning advanced Spanish or any other foreign language is less beneficial than learning computer science seeing as most of them are already bilingual,” Computer Science teacher Malcom Munroe said. “Using the foreign language credit on computer science could help them greatly as more jobs move towards technology.“ While coding as a career is too premature for there to be legitimate studies correlated with future success, its prevalence in society is clear.

Although it should not be forced upon students, it has at the very least earned its spot as a flex credit, giving students the option to explore a career option that will likely be relevant for the rest of their lives. h

opposable thumbs

Vans Flipping “Nothing like holding a shoe you wear into the bathroom.”

-Dylan Carol, Editor-in-Chief

2020 Democratic Candidates “More characters than the Super Smash Ultimate lineup.”

-Dilan Denham, Staff Writer

Grad Bash

“I feel dehydrated.

Does someone have a turkey leg?”

-Jack Band, Opinion Editor

The Bachelor “By intellectuals, for intellectuals.”

-Angelle Garcia, News Editor

opinion 13

TWO VIEWS: Sexuality and the military After the partial ban of transgender service members in the U.S. military, is the debate as black and white as it appears?

Commentary by Annie La Roche, Staff Writer

P

E R P E T U AT I N G s o c i a l discrimination, President Donald Trump and the U.S. Supreme Court have recently approved a transgender military ban that ensures transgender individuals will no longer be able to enlist in any of the five branches of the military. However, surprising as the ban might seem, the ban is consistent with previous government action.

Instituted in 1994, the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy had armed services attempt to conceal the representation of any LGBTQ+ soldiers by threatening to discharge any individuals who would release their sexual orientations. As a follow up to this policy, Trump has reinstituted the ban for the purpose of conserving military operations and saving money. As the ban has now lawfully passed, discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community will rise and military standards will traditionally stand.

Despite banning the enlistment of trans individuals, the law makes an exception to those who are already in service. In January 2018, the military had begun to fully allow transgender individuals to enlist in any branch. Since then, the government, partnering with military branches, have funded gender affirmation surgeries to those who are currently serving.

The RAND Corporation, a thinktank commissioned by the Department of Defense (DOD) to research the scope of transgenderism in the military, found that only $2.4 to $8.4 million, out of an estimated DOD budget of $49.3 billion, goes towards gender-related care for transgender servicemembers annually; this is approximately 0.02 percent of the Department’s total expense.

As the government and DOD are spending a minuscule amount on trans individuals compared to the overall budget, there should

YES

not be any economic reservations in terms of funding these servicemembers. However, the reason for the ban was to limit economic spending on transgender individuals, as minimal as it is already. In the United States, the military is the most well-funded organization in the government by funding soldiers, building new weapons and contributing additional funds towards deployments. With the government already granting aid to all soldiers, the ban is inconsistent in the sense of economically supporting servicemembers, trans or not.

“

AMERICA STANDS FOR FREEDOM AND EQUALITY, HOWEVER, THE BAN IS COMPLETELY AGAINST THIS PATRIOTIC IDEAL. MADDIE ABRAHAM, JUNIOR As the purpose of the military is to protect and defend the American nation in all circumstances, serving is not for everyone and should be based on choice rather than identity. Those who wish to serve in a military branch should be allowed to do so. Out of the millions of people serving in the armed service branches, there are over 15,000 identified as transgender.

Many transgender servicemembers have been recognized for their service. Under the original LGBTQ+ military policy in the 1990s, the first transgender Navy SEAL had been identified. Kristin Beck, a Navy SEAL who had been on the SEAL Team Six to kill Osama Bin Laden, is widely considered one of the most influential transgender servicemembers.

In 2017, the total cost of transition-related health care in the U.S. was estimated to

$2.2 Million

14 opinion

Reported in a U.S. transgender survey by trans-equality, 18 percent of respondents have served as a transgender in the military services, of which 28 percent of this sample had reported they left the military due to discrimination or fear.

Although transgender individuals require some closer attention and specific adjustments, military operations are not changing. As it is the choice of the individual to enlist, trans servicemembers are well aware of the conservative military surroundings and have shown a willingness to adapt to the clauses on sexuality.

“As a nation we must push the military to socially evolve as it is vital to our government and safety. America stands for freedom and equality, however, the ban is completely going against this patriotic ideal.

Aside from hurting the LGBTQ+ c o m m u n i t y, the ban will eliminate several thousands of troops, therefore costing the military,” junior h Maddie Abraham said.

Whether it is serving in the Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard, all individuals, including transgenders, should have the ability to defend the nation protecting its people. h

Per service member, transition-related healthcare cost roughly

$12.47 in 2017 Sources: New York Times

Commentary by Alexander Sutton, Staff Writer

L

GBTQ+ RIGHTS need to be protected.

Unfortunately, the United States military does not protect them at the present moment.

No clearer is there evidence of discrimination against genderqueer and transgender people in the military than in the healthcare benefits provided to the nation’s servicemembers As it stands, the government does not allow people serving in the military to receive funding for vital gender affirmation surgeries, though cisgender people who need less intensive care have no need to worry whether or not their vital surgeries will be covered by the military. Recent actions taken by the federal government that reduce the number of trans servicemembers in active duty have been criticized as overly harsh on the trans community, when in reality, these actions are the next best solution to solving the crisis faced by transgender members of the military that seek to transition.

The judicial branch just reaffirmed an executive order enacted by the president’s cabinet in 2017 that limits the provisions for serving in the military for those with gender dysphoria. The policy has been labeled everything from an “all-out assault on servicemembers” to a policy that “put a target on the back” of transgender people serving in the military. While the frustration over a seemingly unfair and transphobic policy is understandable, opponents frequently do not consider the specific provisions

There are roughly

outlined in the new policy.

According to the official text of the executive order written by former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, transgender personnel currently serving in the military may continue to serve in their preferred gender.

Furthermore, the order specifies that they will continue to “receive medically necessary

“

IF PEOPLE WANTING TO CHANGE THEIR GENDER WANT TO JOIN THE MILITARY, THERE’S ECONOMIC LIABILITIES THAT ARE POSED TO THEMSELVES AND THE COUNTRY. BRAYDEN SANCHEZ, SOPHOMORE treatment for gender dysphoria.” The only citizens barred from joining the military are people with gender dysphoria that still require a gender transition. While seemingly discriminatory, this policy protects members of the trans community.

The military has taken an unfair stance towards transgender individuals, but the policy perpetuating that unfair discrimination is not this executive order. Instead, the discrimination is perpetrated by TRICARE, the military’s official healthcare program, providing insurance and health benefits to the nation’s servicemembers. Currently, TRICARE does not offer coverage for crucial gender affirmation surgery needed by many transgender people seeking to transition.

The policy that needs to change is not the executive branch’s stance on personnel admittance, but TRICARE’s coverage of healthcare vital to the well-being of those

members of the trans community who are currently serving our country. A majority of servicemembers make less than $60,000 per year, and more than a third make less than $49,000.

Meanwhile, the cost of transitioning can be more than $100,000 in the United States. As research shows that trans people are more comfortable and less likely to commit suicide after transitioning, it is essential that TRICARE add gender transitions onto its list of covered operations.

“As much as I respect people who join the armed forces... even though they deserve to be treated like everyone else, if people wanting to change their gender want to join the military, there’s economic liabilities that are posed to themselves and the country,” sophomore Brayden Sanchez said.

Until TRICARE decides to do the right thing and begins covering gender transitions, it is unfair to the trans community, and to the military, to allow people with gender dysphoria that require a transition to join the armed forces.

All of those serving, regardless of gender identity, deserve the guarantee that the military will provide for their treatment.

Allowing those who serve our country to feel as though they were born in the wrong body, and then offering zero aid to make them feel comfortable, is immoral. For that reason, the president’s executive order to disallow pretransition personnel with gender dysphoria from joining the military, while retaining those that have already undergone their transitions, is the morally right thing to do for the military, for the trans community and for every American citizen being served and protected by the brave uniformed servicemembers of all races, creeds and gender identities. h

NO

1,320 - 6,630 transgender personnel

in active duty.

Source: Rand Corporation

opinion 15

The problem with healthcare As the cost of healthcare continues to rise, regulatory policy may be in the near future Commentary by Aya Hamza, Staff Writer

N

O ONE CAN downplay the universal importance of one thing: health. With pharmaceutical corporations holding an exorbitant amount of control over politicians, their influence on policy has given rise to various economic inequities throughout the country, primarily stemming from the increasing price of healthcare.

Excessive health insurance pricing is nothing out of the ordinary, making it a centerpiece topic of discussion in recent years.

Formerly intangible, the true severity of the issue materialized in 2017 when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that average health insurance premiums had doubled since 2013. In Oklahoma, Alaska and Alabama, these premiums tripled in the same time period.

The correlation between these states’ economies and healthcare premiums further blocks areas of low socio-economic status from receiving adequate health care coverage.

This avaricious practice presents itself in Alabama ranking as the nation’s seventh

poorest state followed by Oklahoma in ninth place, according to U.S. News. The exceptional increase in healthcare premiums within these states unapologetically takes advantage of America’s most financially and medically vulnerable.

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2018, the average premium for employer based family coverage increased by 5 percent, totalling roughly $19,616.

Source: NCSL

Monopolistic in function, private health insurance companies, with seemingly inexhaustible money, have asserted control over Washington and are continuously pushing outrageous prices on citizens with little to no consequences.

Christina Kairalla, a junior in the International Baccalaureate Academy, has faced the injustices of the healthcare system

first-hand. Diagnosed at eight years old with Type 1 Diabetes, Kairalla is reliant upon expensive medicines that assure her livelihood.

“Even with good insurance, I still have to fight for every medical device I have. It is terrible that I have to justify why I need the medication that keeps me alive,” Kairalla said.

Insulin prices continue to soar as diabetes patients die of diabetic ketoacidosis — an accumulation of acids in blood — leaving their families stricken with grief.

According to National Public Radio, 26 year old Alec Smith of Minnesota, who was diagnosed with diabetes, died after ineffectively rationing insulin. Smith could not afford vital vials of insulin. With one dose costing $1,300, Smith passed away three days before receiving his paycheck.

Headlines born from tragedies like these are mere statistics in the eyes of Big Pharma and health insurance organizations. Many who face vicious ailments are hard at work trying to get by, let alone, afford medication.

Especially in the country’s more rural regions, small businesses are the best bet for most when working to afford health coverage.

Technically, no business is required to offer

did you know?

In 2017,

45%

of uninsured adults cited high costs as the reason why they continue without coverage

65.4%

of Americans under 65 are covered by a private health provider

5%

16 opinion

of children under the age of 18 are not covered by health insurance

Nearly 29 million Americans under 65 are not covered by health insurance

Co

m

pil

ed

by So an : Ay urce dJ aH :C ac am DC kB z an a d

From the

EDITOR

By Dylan Carol, Editor-in-Chief employers health insurance coverage.

Even when offered in their job, sub-par salaries are far from enough in keeping them healthy.

On an international scale, the country is not up to par with other firstworld countries. According to the World Health Organization, the American healthcare system is ranked 37th. In comparison, Canada uses a foundational universal healthcare system that covers citizens’ most basic needs such as physicals and surgical operations.

In the U.S., left-leaning politicians are advocating for a similar system by pushing Medicare-for-All (MFA), a universal healthcare system that would cover every citizen. However, reasonable pushback plagues these hopes.

While Scandinavian countries benefit from such programs, the foundations of their economy differ from America’s as they are rooted in social welfare. If the nation’s operations were to radically shift, excessive government spending would only exacerbate the country’s $22 trillion debt.

Contributing to the fundamentally broken system, implicit racial bias on the behalf of medical institutions and providers have proven to be fatal.

Research has been conducted at the University of Chicago Medical Center that shows minorities receive lackluster care when compared to their white counterparts.

This schism between believing the legitimacy of ailments by race has helped prop up the national opioid epidemic. African-American drug abusers are taunted as helpless junkies while, more often than not, a nonminority counterpart is simply deemed as misguided.

“The healthcare system could be made more equitable by adopting a system similar to Canada’s … [bias is prevalent as] black women’s mortality rates are higher than their peers even with socioeconomic class factored in,” Youth Caucus of America healthcare policy analyst Thalia Charles said.

Statistics do reflect the mistreatment

and dismissal of the system’s worst victim: black women. NBC News has shared that they are three to four times more likely to die from maternal complications than white women.

Dr. Rupa Marya, an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco, witnessed an elderly black woman wail in her hospital waiting room from complaints of chest pain. After conducting an EKG, it was revealed the patient was having a heart attack. When Maurya requested a cardiac catheterization, the cardiologist on-call promptly refused.

“

EVEN WITH GOOD INSURANCE, I STILL HAVE TO FIGHT FOR EVERY MEDICAL DEVICE I HAVE. IT IS TERRIBLE THAT I HAVE TO JUSTIFY WHY I NEED THE MEDICATION THAT KEEPS ME ALIVE. CHRISTINA KAIRALLA, JUNIOR Affected by healthcare inequities, expectant mothers scramble to check for Medicare eligibility. Propositions like MFA, once kinks are worked out, would inarguably benefit this most vulnerable demographic. A healthy delivery can cost between $6,000 and $8,000, without accounting for complications.

Humanitarian in nature, the structure of the healthcare industry has become destructive. While the healthcare system is a necessity, the topic of healthcare has long been ignored as the industry continues to increase its prices and pay politicians to legislate in favor of them.

As it continues to expand, regulatory policy will hopefully be introduced in the near future and the industry which has long taken advantage of the American people can be enforced. h

I complain a lot. Usually the subjects of my complaints revolve around the trivial happenings of a high school student’s life, such as the inefficiency of the MetroPCS data network or the latest Kardashian publicity stunt.

Sometimes the subject of my complaints run deeper, as I question the fabric of our country and our society as a whole. Either way, finding something to rant about has never been much of an issue for me, a quality which, for better or worse, I have had since birth and a quality I attribute entirely to my mother. Yet, there is one thing I can never bring myself to protest; one thing that makes living in this country such a privilege, despite its many shortcomings. That one thing? I have never been able to complain about not being able to complain.

Living in a city full of Cuban immigrants who lived through an oppressive regime and came to the U.S. in order to escape from it, it is important to not lose sight of the fact that America remains one of the global pillars of personal freedom. The U.S. is one of the few countries that has withstood history with this pillar still standing, a feat that demands acknowledgement and immense appreciation from all protestors and reformers. Yes, there are many things that need to improve. Nevertheless, the necessity for progress does not mean that we can dismiss the institution that remains open to that progress and makes it possible.

For me, highlights getting to write about the immigration problem or Stephen Colbert being able to make fun of President Donald Trump on late night television or being able to go off on my various tirades against decisions made by the federal government are rights that are essential to a free and progressive society. Without this foundation, nothing can be accomplished. In this world, that foundation is hard to find. However, luckily enough for us Americans, we do not have to take to the streets or go somewhere for it.

This is not to say that we should be complacent with what this country has given us.

I am going to continue to complain and clamor for improvement as I have for the entirety of my seventeen years on Earth. We all should.

But, the difference is that here in the U.S., those complaints will be heard and change will eventually come. This is the greatness of this country, and it is something all of us should never forget. h

opinion 17

DeSantis tries bipartisanship

Newly elected Florida Governor Ron Desantis appeals to both sides of the aisle with new policy Commentary by Oraida Rodriguez, Staff Writer

I

T IS NO SECRET that Governor Ron DeSantis took an extreme position to win his Republican primary and remained unable to shake off his reputation as a fierce Donald Trump supporter in the general election. Recent actions he and the state Congress have been taking, however, are putting him on track to appeal to those from both sides of the aisle. With legislation aiming to attract both conservatives and liberals making its way through the chambers of Tallahassee’s Capitol Hill, DeSantis might finally get support from more than the Republican base.

The election between DeSantis and Andrew Gillum was close, with DeSantis winning by a mere 33,000 votes. In an effort to satisfy the moderates, DeSantis is now pushing to pass three bills through the state senate. These include a bill to allow schools to teach alternatives to sensitive topics, such as climate change and evolution, another to allow medical marijuana and a bill to enforce LGBTQ+ protections in the workplace. Many are distrusting DeSantis’ motives for supporting these bills, which go against his extreme conservative views. “[I believe] it’s because he’s craving approval. Why else would any politician do anything against their views if not for approval

18 opinion

or votes,” senior Daymien Barcos said.

The first bill states that schools should educate students on alternative versions of evolution and climate change. This is DeSantis’ form of appeasing the conservative base that elected him to office. This bill would allow schools to teach these subject matters subjectively, instead of as a proven scientific law, allowing students to form their own opinions on these topics.

DID YOU KNOW?

DeSantis’ victory in the Florida gubernatorial election was claimed to be largely influenced by his endorsement by President Donald Trump.

Source: The Miami Herald

What is more, DeSantis is currently fighting to undo the ban of medical marijuana in the state, insisting that it is unconstitutional to prohibit it, especially as it received 71 percent approval by voters in 2016. DeSantis sent the bill to lawmakers, giving them the deadline of March 15 to address the ban.

“I do think that marijuana needs to get on the table as soon as possible because there have been studies that show that as soon as you legalize marijuana to 21 and over, just like alcohol, marijuana use goes down,” senior Ian Linder said.

“Once it gets regulated by the government, it gets much safer.”

By allowing medical marijuana and reversing the ban that was once placed, DeSantis proves that his plans may also stem from a desire to expand his influence over to the moderates, who are voters that are not radically left-winged or radically right-winged. This move is a positive one that works to integrate the diverse population of Florida into his political agenda.

DeSantis’ influence and power solely depend on the favor he can attract from voters and by supporting these popular bills. Yet there is still one sizable group that had not been targeted.

The LGBTQ+ community is left anticipating the response from DeSantis over a new bill that had been proposed allowing for LGBTQ+ workplace protections. Through the approval of this bill, discrimination in the workplace would be banned, meaning that discrimation based on a workers sexual orientation or gender identity would not be permitted. This bill is a step in the right direction, reaffirming already existing protections and establishing new ones. Many of DeSantis’ supporters sit in anticipation as to what it is he will do next. As a man led by strong conservative values, but a desire to obtain more citizen approval, DeSantis is left with the option of either signing or vetoing the bill.

Evidently, if he decides to sign the LGBTQ+ workplace protection bill, that would indicate his inclination to reach across the political aisle.

However, if he vetoes it, voters can be sure that DeSantis is the same right-winged politician he advertised in the primaries.

While DeSantis tries to sell himself as a conservative candidate, he is making an effort to establish relations across the aisle. The bills being endorsed by him are likely done with the purpose to obtain more approval from voters and eliminate the radical Trumpist image he has made for himself.

Although the idea of DeSantis signing bills for the purpose of state-wide approval may seem like an act done purely for selfgaining purposes, it may not be one that holds a completely negative result. Through the signing of these long-awaited bills, DeSantis is essentially opening a window of opportunity for minorities, allowing for the community to have a certain influence over the regulations that are being set in place and allowing the voices of the people to be heard. h

h

The over-politicization of sports

sports

Recent political controversies have made their way into the world of sports and have made for major roadblocks

Commentary by Dilan Denham, Staff Writer

S

PORTS AND POLITICS may sometimes be seen as subjects that are isolated from each other but in reality, there lies a complicated relationship between them. Sports can help athletes take a stand against social injustices like in the 1968 Black Power salute where gold and bronze medalists of the men’s Olympic 200 meter run stood with their fists in the air for the purpose of promoting civil rights, thus providing benefits from a huge platform to broadcast their personal opinion. The athletes were able to take advantage of their platform to fight against injustice in order to raise awareness towards the issue. Although the protests had shortterm success, the athletes were met with the repercussions of being ostracized from athletic events, and their careers were significantly damaged. In this case, the use of sports as a political platform is supportable and cogent in

that it takes a stand against major problems. Yet in recent years, the combination of sports and politics has become increasingly obstructive.

This issue gained traction with the justifiable kneeling protest started by National Football League (NFL) player Colin Kaepernick. The controversy got out of hand when efforts to boycott the NFL for penalizing the protesting athletes started to snowball. Several artists refused the offer to perform at the Super Bowl half-time show as support to the Kaepernick protest. When artists Maroon 5, Travis Scott and Big Boi agreed to take the job, they received major backlash from fans and artists alike. Accepting the performance job was seen as a partial measure in support of the NFL and its stance on Kaepernick’s protest. For music artists like Travis Scott and Big Boi, this was a huge promotional opportunity which could have been a once in a lifetime opportunity for them. Criticizing the artists for taking the job demonstrates the over politicization of sports. It does nothing more than create an obstacle for

people in the sports industry, regardless of their political views.

“I think that there is no need for politics to get involved in sports. Both are extremely different and mixing them only leads to hindrances in sports. Sure, sports can make a great platform to spread awareness on an issue, but when it comes to arguing over political beliefs, it only stops the game,” junior Aiden Tamargo said.

The Super Bowl is one of the most popular sporting events in the country which receives over 100 million views every year. This changed in 2019, as viewership went down by more than five million viewers, in comparison to 2018. The staggering decline of viewership has continued every year since the Kaepernick controversy, and it has become clear that politics are interfering with the game. In some cases it can be helpful to fight injustices, but when it comes to a fight of political beliefs, it is nothing more than an obstacle. Sports were created as a competition between teams, not between political beliefs. h

by the numbers

$500,000

Travis Scott made a donation to the non-profit organization Dream Corps in response to the backlash.

110,000

Change.org received signatures asking Maroon 5 to drop out of the halftime show.

Tatia na C

amp

os/ hig

hlig

hts

The following performers turned down the halftime show:

Cardi B

Source: Vox News

P!nk

Rihanna

sports 19

BACK TO THE PAST

highlights meets alumni teachers who became coaches for the teams they played for in high school

By Sara Ebrahimi, Staff Writer

T

HROUGHOUT THE 69 YEARS of the school’s history, thousands of students have come and gone. The opportunity rich atmosphere and inclusive aura has brought many of those students back to their

alma mater as influential coaches and teachers.

During their time as students, these teachers excelled as athletes and students.

With aspirations to show the connection of athletes from the past and present, highlights

Ms. De la Vega

Sara Ebrahimi/highlights

shares the athletic journeys of history teacher and offensive line coach Aaron Miller, biology teacher and head softball coach Natalie De la Vega and history teacher and former cheerleading coach Lauren Noval.

De la Vega’s competitive nature and genuine talent are among the many characteristics that have lead her into a passion for softball. As a freshman, De la Vega earned her spot as a pitcher on the school’s varsity softball team.

Earning the role of captain during her sophomore year, De la Vega’s leadership skills were quickly evident. Under her captaincy, her team won districts for the first time in history.

Through all of their victories and losses, some of her best friendships were formed on the field. De la Vega cherished the unity and teamwork aspect of softball. Her favorite part of being on the team was the indulging battles against rival schools like G Holmes Braddock High School and Southwest Miami High School.

Her talent helped De la Vega earn a full scholarship to Central Michigan University. During her freshman year, her team won a conference championship, sweeping the competition with a 23-1 record.

After college, De la Vega started medical school. During her free time, she began coaching the softball team at the school because her sister was

on the team and there was no permanent coach.

Eric M o l i n a , who was the athletic director at the time, urged her to use her degree in biology to start teaching and continue Courtesy of Cavaleon aiding the softball team. “ S h e doesn’t like to lose so she puts a lot of effort into teaching us about the sport so we can perform and have a good season,” varsity captain Rebecca Rodriguez said.

As head coach, De la Vega believes discipline is the foundation for a successful team.

“I am huge on mechanics. If we have the small details, the big picture will fall into place,” De la Vega said.

“On the field the athlete has control of what is happening, I just hope that I have prepared my athletes with the right tools [they need to succeed].”

SWIFT SWING: (Left) Softball coach Natalie De la Vega prepares to take a swing.

(Right) De la Vega captured throwing a pitch her senior year.

20 sports

Ms. noval

Sara Ebrahimi/highlights

Starting off as a cheerleader at the Coral Gables Youth Center, Noval was filled with optimism and team spirit from a young age. Her wellrounded skills, sharp motions, Courtesy of Cavaleon loud voice and precise jumps made her an impressive leader.

In her time at Ponce De Leon Middle, Noval reached the position of captain in her eighth grade year.

As a freshman, she earned her spot as captain of the junior varsity team at the school and during her junior and senior year, Noval was captain of the varsity cheer team.

“I believe the best skill I had was leadership, I never put people down, I led by example. I gave respect and in turn received respect by all my teammates,” Noval said.

Noval cherished the sense of familiarity she felt with the team

because they helped her gain more self-confidence and the ability to compromise with others.

“I loved entertaining and leading the crowd in support for players on the field or on the court. I believe the crowd has an impact on a player’s performance. I love encouraging and supporting people, and in a way I still do as a teacher,” Noval said.

Although Noval did not cheer in college, she continued to pursue cheerleading by coaching. She would help the team at the school during the summers when she was in college, so when she graduated, she was offered a job as a teacher at the school.

As coach, Noval brought back many of the traditions from when she cheered, as the team had lost a lot of spirit and tradition by not having consistent, experienced coaches. To maintain order within the team, Noval also enforced open communication and clear rules and regulations.

“Athletes should love their sport,” Noval said. I hope my passion inspires more love and confidence to push athletes to a higher level.”

MOTIVATING MENTOR: (Left) Former cheer coach Lauren Noval gears up to support the team. (Right) Noval pictured her junior year, motivating the crowd with a smile.

Inspired by his father’s hero, Hall of Fame Dolphins fullback, Larry Csonka, Miller began playing football at the age of 10. In his early years, he competed in the Coral Gables Youth Center league, which helped him improve his speed, coordination and strength.

In 1992, Miller undertook a position as offensive guard on the school’s junior varsity football team.

During his first season, he played a role in a record-breaking victory against Miami Senior High School, where the school defeated the opposing team for the first time in history, outscoring them 21-0.

“I always wanted to be here. It’s really cool to coach for your alma mater. It’s easy to care about what is going on the field because I have been them, I wore those pants, I wore those colors and that makes it so much more special,” Miller said.

Miller went on to be a three-year letterman player, playing football for his remaining time in high school. He received a scholarship to the University of Florida, but before his first season

mr. miller Courtesy of Cavaleon

began, he developed epilepsy which ultimately ended his athletic career.

“From the moment I got epilepsy, sadly my days as an athlete were over, so I focused on doing what I did well as an athlete, and that was to lead. That lead me to coaching, then eventually teaching,” Miller said.

Miller started teaching at Southwood Middle School, then Miami Palmetto High School and later at Coral Reef High School. In 2014, Miller came back to the school as a social studies teacher and an offensive line coach for the football team.

“The best thing about him is that he thinks everyone is the same and everyone has potential. He gives us the hope which makes us better,” offensive lineman Johnny Halsell said. h

Sara Ebrahimi/highlights

CONCENTRATED COACH: (Left) Pictured his senior year, Aaron Miller enthusiastically led the crowd. (Right) Offensive line coach Miller pictured in a snap position.

sports 21

Gablettes conquer Nationals The school dance team brings home high marks for their skills at a national dance competition

By Sophia Heilman, Staff Writer

E

VERYYEAR, THE SCHOOL’S DANCE TEAM, the Gablettes, work rigorously to prepare for the most important annual competition— National Dance Alliance National Dance Competition (NDA NDC).

The four-hour bus ride is not spent sleeping, rather it is used to promote team bonding before the big weekend ahead at Universal Studios Orlando. One activity involves the “bigs and littles,” where a “big sister” upperclassman exchanges gifts with their assigned “little sister” underclassman.

The Ode, another tradition, is when the coach exchanges a funny paragraph with each Gablette about each other and shares it with the whole team. This year as a surprise, the coach gave the team blankets, sweaters, bags and shirts. Once they arrived at the NDA competition grounds, the nerves settled in. The grounds were filled with dancers from all around the country with the same goal— to dance and to win.

“It was very emotional since it was our last time as seniors and captains. We all did our very best, we all left the stage proud of how we did. I cried on stage for the first t i m e in my four years,” senior co-captain Catherine Otaño said.

As captains, senior Julia Grisard and Otaño have an important responsibility as leaders of the team. Their moods affect every dancer on the team, in both positive and negative ways and set the tone for the outcome of the competitions.

“We set the tone of the entire team, it starts from the top. If we are not happy with something, neither are they. That is why it is important to stay positive. As captains, we need to keep everyone motivated to practice. They can confide in us if they have any concerns or problems.

We are the role models,” Otaño said.

RISING HIGH: Captain Julia Grisard kicks her leg up during a lift.

Courtesy of Julia Grisard

22 sports

Unfortunately, the team suffered an injury when senior Dominique Babin sprained during the kick final. injury, she still jazz set

lieutenant her ankle Despite the competed in the after.

“I felt like the team overall left everything on stage and we danced our hearts out. We really connected in a different way our energies synchronised, everyone was in the right mindset,” Grisard said. “We were able to pull together for such an important weekend.”

The Gablettes won third place out of six in junior varsity jazz. Varsity jazz won 10th place out of 34. Their biggest victory was winning second place out of 16 in varsity medium height kick. More importantly, the team won an award of recognition, the Unleashed award, given by the judges to a standout dance.

“Once you are out on stage, it feels natural. Waiting to go on is where the team gets nervous. But everyone backstage supports you and says positive words of encouragement,” freshman Gablette Paulina Texier said.

The team was very satisfied with the outcome of their efforts throughout the whole year, as the Gablettes were victorious at the NDA NDC. h

PATIENT PAL: Coach Antonio Paz poses with the camp members.

Paz breaks barriers

Motorsoccer, a program led by Antonio Paz provides a space for children with disabilities to learn soccer

By Marta Rodriguez, Staff Writer

A

NTONIO PAZ, ALONG WITH other coaches, has continuously dedicated his time to helping kids with Downs syndrome live easier, especially when it comes to sports. Fifteen years ago, his niece Elisa was born with Downs syndrome so his family became directly affected. She inspired him to create Motor Soccer two years after her birth, a special place for kids born with disabilities to do perform.

Paz coached soccer at the school from 1986 to 2002 and currently coaches with the Pinecrest Premier Soccer Club, further establishing his knowledge of the game.

The Motor Soccer program has created a variety of different terms such as “motorvation”, which is when one needs to be “motorvated,” to help out and volunteer.

“That also comes from my nickname “Motor”, which is from when I used to go to school here in 1979 and I was known as ‘motor mouth’,” Paz said.

These clinics train young athletes suffering

Courtesy of IsabellaPinera

from any kind of disability for one hour during two four-week sessions at Pinecrest Gardens Park and Library.

The kids have the opportunity during these sessions to train with coaches like Tommy Mulroy, a retired professional soccer player who played in the North American Soccer League, as well as coaches from Pinecrest, Lourdes, Coral Reef and Christopher Columbus.

While in the session, the kids work on activities that involve getting their heart rate up and carry out basic soccer drills. Some of the drills they partake in include dribbling, passing, running, shooting and doing any kind of calisthenics that they can work on for an hour. The most important part of these clinics is that they help the kids build up their motor skills development.

Paz can have a low or high day, meaning that on low days he can get about 12 kids and on high days he gets around 24.

This is when volunteers are needed since he cannot coach all of them

by himself.

“When going to the sessions, I was able to pass on my soccer knowledge and passion for the sport to someone that wants to have the same,” junior volunteer Isabella Pinera said. “It is so fufilling to help these kids in any way.”

The volunteers are each assigned a child to help out during the session, depending on the severity of the child’s disabilities. In the case that the child needs extra help, more than one volunteer can help out. One does not need to know how to play soccer to volunteer, but be patient and willing to work with the kids.

“The greatest satisfaction is when the kids get there and run from the parking lot, two or three hundred yards without stopping, all the way to the soccer field,” Paz said. h

Want to become a volunteer?

1

Register with Coach Paz in room 6104

2

Report to the clinic March 16, 23, 30 and April 6 at 3:30 p.m.

3

Make sure to sign in on arrival to receive community service hours

SOCCER SMILES: Volunteers pose with one of the campers after warm ups.

sports 23

h

the scene

ARTEC HOUSE:

Seeing in a new light

By Grace Rodriguez, Staff Writer

This light installation has combined art and science to create an interactive gallery, boggling minds in Miami

I

T FLASHES IN ALL DIRECTIONS, CORRESPONDING and conflicting with each movement you make. Stomp, wave, jump or dance, this art follows you like a shadow. You gasp in awe as this mysterious science surrounds and fills you as you step deeper into the darkness. Located on 736 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, this once unbothered authentic ArtDeco styled building may seem unused due to its black tinted windows and doors. However, there is a whole different life inside.

Known as ArTecHouse, French artists Adrien Mondot and Claire Bardainne wanted to infuse art, technology and science to create a remarkable experience for any guest.

“I love the creativity behind the exhibits,” senior Danayse Lopez said. “Since they’re interactive pieces, they keep you on your toes.”

Using the science of light, the power of Promethean light projectors makes art come to life. Kinetic motion sensors are also used to capture human movement and create an interactive experience for guests in which their moves determine what the art may look like. ArTecHouse is a temporary exhibit which will close on April 28, 2019.

With the exception of the Cherry Blossom Tree exhibit, all of the art is interactive and changes depending on user interaction. A book room in the back of the museum exhibits a video showcasing the process of how the art is created as well as books that, when used with the special ArTecHouse app, provide visual entertainment through the screen. Upstairs, a hall of lights offers guests the chance to walk, triggering a series of lights that appear and reappear, repeating their own movements. A mirror in the open space of the ground-level exhibit provides a distortion of guests and slows their movements, making for a silly mirror selfie or a funny dance-off.

“My favorite part was definitely the back room on the top floor, it played with different lights ... it was beautiful,” Lopez said.

Tickets for ArTecHouse begin at $17 for a child two to 14 years of age. Ages 14 and up pay $24 for entry. There is a student discount, which is $20 with valid ID, which also applies to senior citizens 65 and older and active or retired military personnel. Lastly, there is a family package for $32.80 which is valid for one adult and one child’s admission.

ArTecHouse is truly a one-of-a-kind experience which should be enjoyed by all. With interactive displays and an innovative use of white light design, it is something that should not be missed. It certainly can open one’s eyes and change perspectives on how people perceive the world. After all, the world is not just black and white, but what would happen if it were? h

Grace Rodriguez / highlights

24 the scene

Boba Boba Time Time L

Lan Pan

AN PAN-ASIAN CAFE IS A FAST AND EFFICIENT bubble tea hotspot located within Dadeland Station, on 8332 South Dixie Highway. Apart from having indoor seating, a service window is available outside to make orders specifically for their renowned tea. Friendly customer service is offered the moment you arrive. When placing an order, a tea base of either green, black or jasmine is chosen. A large variety of syrupy flavors are available to satisfy any cravings, such as caramel, mango, vanilla and peach, though their most popular flavor is the taro snow boba.

“I ordered a jasmine tea base with Strawberry flavoring and a splash of milk; it was perfectly sweet but it was also milky which I really enjoyed,” customer Gabrielle Torres said.

The tea is accentuated with tapioca pearls that have a creamy, jelly taste and a distinct chewy texture. The price of a flavored tea ranges from $4.50 to $5, depending on the addition of milk. Add-ins such as fruit flavored jellies made from coconut pulp are available for an additional $1. It opens weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 5:30 to 10:30 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and from 1:00 to 9:30 p.m., respectively.

“We have more than 20 years of experience learning from our customers to deliver the best boba tea; and we are still learning. I believe the fact that we prepare our tapioca and brew our tea daily, is one of the reasons customers like our flavor,” manager Pamela Figueroa said.

A quick, heavenly sip of the creamy boba tea, filled with shining tapioca pearls, can bring anyone into tea bliss

By Ava Lederman, Staff Writer

SpecialTEA

SpecialTEA Lounge & Café is another Asian cafe that captivates its customers with its welcoming atmosphere and mouthwatering bubble tea. In addition, other delicacies, including paninis, wraps and desserts, are served. This hidden lounge is open on weekdays from 6 a.m. to midnight, Saturdays from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

This cozy and casual café presents five different sorts of bubble tea, each with its unique flavor and consistency: iced boba tea, iced boba milk tea with the option of either almond or soy milk, iced boba tea lattes, iced boba cremes and iced boba slushies with subtle flavors of tea. As a tea base, an interactive screen showcases an arrangement of at least fifteen different options with each tea’s origin. SpecialTEA offers as many as ten sweet flavors, such as blood orange, passionfruit, coconut and organic raspberry. All teas are topped with the traditional chewy tapioca pearls that never fail to satisfy. Their most popular bubble teas are the Iced Boba Vanilla Chai and the Iced Matcha Boba.

Prices for these delectable teas range from $3 to $6.

“The iced boba thai tea latte is extremely refreshing and is always my go-to beverage here,” customer Mia Serrano said.

This café, located on 10766 Coral Way, is ideal for a study date or a lunch break. SpecialTEA makes its their priority to keep their customers content and satisfied with entertaining board games available for any customer to use while sipping away at their infamous bubble tea.

h

origins

Bubble tea, also referred to as “Boba Tea,” or “Pearl Tea,” is an appetizing and unique beverage that originated in Taiwan. This Asian delicacy is said to have been discovered by Liu Han Chie in the 1980s. Now, it has spread to other parts of the world and brought more diversity to Miami’s cuisine. Bubble tea is a combination of either tea or milk, flavoring and tapioca pearls. The name of the refreshment initially came from the bubbles that appeared once the milk tea was shaken. Although tea is known to be a healthy antioxidant, bubble tea is considered more of a treat with its sweet taste and occasionally creamy consistency.

Ava Lederm an / highlights

the scene 25

The concept of veganism is not a relatively new one, picking up even more momentum throughout the last decade. It is often a misconception that with this new lifestyle, people are deprived of the foods they enjoyed prior to their transition into veganism. As this plant based diet gains popularity, new restaurants and cafes have opened with the sole purpose of giving vegans the wide variety of foods many have missed. a nosantio ilicidio

By Isabella Villarroel, Staff Writer

TheVe Vari

So Many Choices! ella

Isab

el /

Vil

o larr

hts

hlig

hig

DO--NUT DESIRES:

This glazed donut with oreo crumble serves as the perfect treat to go.

26 the scene

A

S A PART OF THE VSHOPS, THE WORLD’S FIRST ALL VEGAN food hall, Choices Cafe has an array of selections from pizza to pancakes to ice cream. For example, their breakfast foods like the “flippin’ delicious pancakes,” stuffed with cashew cheese, soysage—a vegan breakfast sausage— and a side of organic maple syrup, priced at $8.

Choices offers lunch meals like their classic taco sliders made with chorizo, brown rice, plantains, guacamole and chipotle mayo for only $10.

Additionally, the café offers desserts with gluten free ingredients and raw or low sugar options like an assortment of ice cream flavors and donuts. These sweets include a gooey glazed doughnut topped with Oreo cookie chunks and a drizzle of their homemade glaze, as well as a variety of brownies, croissants, oatmeal bars, cookies and many variations of puff pastry desserts.

Choices can be found on 2895 McFarlane road, opening on Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, offering a cheap and easy option for anyone who is looking for something quick on their way to school. Choices offers indoor seating as well as an outdoor lounge for a more comfortable eating experience.

“As a vegan, I feel like Choices is one of the only places in which I have a full assortment of options without having to drive too far to get a decent meal,” freshman Sabrina Duperiron said.

All in all, Choices is a great, inexpensive option for vegans alike.

Praise the Planta Planta, located on 850 Commerce Street, offers a more aesthetic display of dishes. Their maki rolls, priced at $15, include their famous rainbow roll, packed with avocado, tofu, cucumber and crunchy rice puffs wrapped in sliced watermelon and avocado. This colorful combination introduces a fusion of sweet watermelon and savory tofu which harmoniously ties together to make this delicious roll. The volcano roll includes a spicier kick, with crispy cucumber and baked krab while the spicy tuna roll offers a creative substitute for fish with their ahi watermelon.

Planta’s menu also includes a coconut ceviche, made with slices of milky coconut meat, crunchy corn nuts, date guajillo, pickled cucumber and tortilla chips for $15. Their sides include fried rice with tofu, nori and hot chili oil, as well as their “chicken” fried mushrooms, topped with cilantro and chili lime and their truffle french fries topped with almond parmesan, rosemary and truffle aioli, each costing $9.

“Although the food was amazing and tasted almost like real fish, the portions were extremely small and did not fill me up,” sophomore Melany Cervelo said.

This was one of the few flaws of Planta’s menu. Despite its abundance in flavor and presentation skills, highlights recommends that if one plans to enjoy a full meal, one needs to be prepared to spend a pretty penny.

Vegan riety With its vibrant colored walls and new location at 2616 NW 5th Ave. in Wynwood, Love Life Cafe attracts an artsy, relaxed clientele with its simple yet colorful decorations. This vegan friendly business is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Voted “Best Veggie Burger in America,” Love Life Cafe’s selection of veggie burgers include the Curry Kind Burger for $15, Cheeseburger for $13, BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich for $14 and their award winning Veggie Burger, priced at $17. This superfood patty is served with herb seasoned golden fries and includes their homemade guacamole, pickles, marinated kale, vegan cilantro aioli and their plant-based cheddar, which is popular among many other items on their menu.

They also offer other vegan meals such as their Zucchini Pasta, spiralized zucchini noodles with “parmesan” crumble and pomo sauce, and a wide variety of side dishes that allow customers to indulge in their favorite vegan snacks. These sides consist of their loaded fries made with golden baked potatoes cut to a crisp, love life cheddar cheese and lentil walnut meat priced at $8 as well as their cashew cream plantains which include baked sweet plantains and a cashew cream drizzle on top for $6.

Love Life Cafe also offers other types of food such as their plantpowered arepas, pizzas, bowls, soups, salads and burritos. The El New Burrito is composed of organic basmati brown rice, shredded jackfruit meat “mechada,” lettuce, plantains, pico de gallo and sour cashew cream all wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla and served with a side salad, all for $14. h

SWEET AND SAVORY:

This tropical concoction of coconut and seafood offers a mouthwatering dish

Makin’ You Love Life!

JACKFRUIT JOYRIDE: El New Burrito offers a fresh and filling alternative to the conventional burrito with its shredded jackfruit meat and pico de gallo.

the scene 27

A

T S N I A G A IMMIGRANTS

NATION

BY: RUBEN ESCOBAR 28 insight

B

eginning with the transition of the U.S. presidency from Barack Obama to Donald Trump, the government’s stance on immigration took a drastic turn. The new administration has made an effort to combat efforts by the Obama administration to support immigrants trying to get into the U.S., such as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), through the establishment of new policies and the ongoing push of a strict barrier wall along the southern border of the nation.

It is apparent that a more intangible transition is taking place as well: the shift of America’s view of immigrants into new ideology against openness and cooperation.

Under Trump, the populace has been provided a perspective of immigrants that isnt particularly positive. This view, one that sees them as a stain on the country’s reputation, has grown in popularity. This controversial rhetoric has fostered conflict among the public as it breeds confrontation of leftist and rightist ideals. For example, according to Pew Reserach Center, regardless of their documentation status, one in every four hispanics faces discrimination.

In addition, the term “illegal” to discriminate against immigrants has gained popularity by those that agree with the President’s views.

As a result, those seen sporting the red cap are often discriminated and labeled racist because Trump’s ideology of “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) is seen as a symbol of hate and white supremacy, even though that is not what the movement stands for.

According to the Migrant Policy Institute, nearly 44 million immigrants lived in the U.S. in 2016. In 2016, the U.S. had a population of approximately 326 million citizens according to the United States Census Bureau; this makes the documented immigrant population around 13 percent of the overall U.S. populous.

Considering that immigrants make up such a vast percentage of the population, the direction of the current administration may

come as a surprise. The idea that America was and can be made great again has led to the denial of entry to those seeking refuge because of the perceived negative effect they have on the country and its economy. One such concern is illegal immigrants taking jobs from working-class Americans, which hits home with many Trump voters. However, according to Brookings, undocumented immigrants tend to take the unpleasant jobs that are usually left unattended by citizens due to their danger or physical demand and this impact on wages is low. Moreover, the U.S. is built on immigration, and the conflict between this group of people and the people who support Trump fiercely is an extremely divisive one.

Recently, the most prevalent debate stems from the discussion of a proposed border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. In 1994, the Mexico-United States Barrier wall was built as part of three larger operations, which began in response to a rise in illegal drug manufacturing and trafficking within Latin America. Now, within both sides of the U.S. political spectrum, a newly proposed wall is generally supported by a select group of the administration and vehemently opposed by Democrats. That being said, both main political parties have vowed to allocate little to no money towards its reinforcement. This dispute became a catalyst for the lengthiest government shutdown in history. During the government shutdown, conservative and Iraq veteran Brian Kolfage created a GoFundMe page to raise the funds for President Trump’s proposed wall, which has since been steadily approaching its goal. After two months, it has received over $20 million in donations and aims to reach $1 billion. According to the Washington Post, the estimated wall’s cost would range from around $8 billion to $67 billion, at least $7 billion more than Kolfage’s goal.

Democrats, however, are supporting open borders, which allows for a simpler process rather than the standard lengthy residency process offered to current migrants. The current process is not only lengthy but in some cases,

” S T S I P A “R

“THE Y BR CRIM ING E”

NATIONAL

DATA

Source: PEW Research Center

With recent political disputes surrounding a potential border wall between the U.S. and Mexico, speculation on the future of immigration could not be higher. This controversey introduces a larger discussion, one that analyzes the changing ideology of America, from a nation OF IMMIGRANTS, to a nation AGAINST THEM.

The number of undocumented immigrants has tripled since

1990 13.5%

Immigrants make up

of the total U.S. population.

29

percent of all foreignborn immigrants are undocumented.

insight 29

STUDENT POLLS highlights surveyed 364 students their thoughts on the problems surrounding immigration.

77%

of students oppose the proposed border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

% 14 of students think that illegal immigrants are more likely to commit crime.

80%

of students support allowing asylum-seeking immigration.

83%

of students oppose the family-separation policy.

Compiled by: Sutton Payne

30 insight

” S T S I R O R R E “T

largely reliant on race and skin color. According to the New York Times, racism has long fueled United States immigration exclusions and restrictions. In short, the immigration process involves submitting a petition through a U.S. sponsor to be accepted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Following approval, a fee must be paid as well as the submission of a visa application and an Affidavit of Support to the National Visa Center (NVC), a division of the U.S. State Department, in order for the visa request to be processed.

To finalize citizenship, an interview must be physically conducted between the applicant and an NVC representative, which determines whether the applicant can become a permanent legal citizen. This process takes years for most people following the legal process to a permanent stay in the U.S. and many are denied entrance. Depending on their country of origin, immigrants can be forced to wait up to 21 years for a visa to enter the country and five more years to receive permission to stay, according to the Atlantic.

“I came here legally in 2014. However, due to changes in law about me getting my papers through my dad, [the government] took away all the legality in my papers,” senior Laura Santos said. “They can reopen my case and take away my green card based on new legislation that applies retroactively.”

Whether it be from the increasingly strict policies and regulations being set in place or the funding and construction of the wall, the U.S. may no longer be appropriately titled a “Nation of Immigrants.” President Trump’s plans, as well as the combined efforts of the current administration, are creating a new reputation for America. However, this stature is not one that opposing nations and potential immigrants are necessarily supporting. This isolationist ideology has caused several foreign issues, particularly in the Middle East. For example, during the summer of 2018, the U.S. introduced an immigration policy that targeted and limited the entry of asylum seekers from the region and achieved its intended effect. This policy caused a social revolution, fueled by nationwide protests and extremist outbursts. Since this time, the country’s ideology towards immigration has created a stark division among the population.

Alongside this asylum-seeker policy, the White House had put other policies in place that would have a negative effect on immigration trends. For instance, an article by the New York Times reports on one policy that had migrants waiting for their U.S. immigration hearing stationed in Mexico while awaiting their court date. Before this policy, they were allowed to wait in the U.S. Similarly, in 2017, Trump issued Executive Order 13769 that prohibited travel to and from seven countries that are predominantly Muslim, which, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, prohibited those visiting from coming back for 90 days, and banned Syrian refugees indefinitely. Executive Order 13769 is more popularly referred to as

the “Muslim Ban” due to its focus on Middle Eastern refugees.

Moreover, President Trump plans to revoke any valid Temporary Protected Status such as DACA. Originally Obama’s policy, DACA allowed minors that arrived illegally to stay within the U.S. with their families rather than being deported. Another form of this Temporary Protected Status is the DREAMers movement that spurred in response to the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act that granted migrant minors conditional residency. It would allow them to reside within the country under certain conditions. In order to be eligible for a permanent residency, DREAMers would have to complete two years of communitycollege, two years towards a four-year degree or serve at least two years in the U.S. military.

This eligibility, however, would not guarantee permanent residency.

Currently, people living in the U.S. under DACA cannot travel internationally, in fear that they will be detained at borders by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This is due to that fact that the ICE agency has begun to reopen immigration cases and deport any immigrants that have overstayed their visa or have yet to document their residency within the country. With the continued deportation of illegal immigrants, the country’s demographics and economical stability would certainly be affected. Culturally, the U.S. would be taking a massive hit if its immigrant population suffered a significant drop.

“The administration is using the DREAMers as a pawn. [The United States] Citizenship and Immigration Service is giving people a renewal of DACA,” Director of the Immigration and Human Rights Clinic at the Florida International University Law School Juan Gomez said. “If you are in renewal proceedings, or in other words if they are trying to kick you out, another agency, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, will move forward with your removal case even though CIS is giving you deferred action which is a form of protection to remain here.”

Aside from DACA, Obama established the PPACA commonly known as the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare. This act offered emergency Medicaid for low-income immigrant families and eligibility for emergency care under federal law. Obamacare gave undocumented immigrants the right to be given medical attention when in need. However, attempts to repeal the PPACA were made as soon as Trump became president. Although this ultimately failed, the government has begun to cut funding from the PPACA, reducing aid for immigrants.

Nationally, there is an issue regarding immigration and how the country should progress from this point on. Undocumented immigrants make up a large portion of our country’s society and economy, however they repeatedly face forms of adversity that other residents are not subject to. Ironically, Trump supporters are also discriminated against by the

“THE Y STE OUR AL JOBS ”

” S G N A “G

general public for sporting MAGA apparel. This is reflected by recent legislation as aforementioned policies were set in place to attempt to control the situation. As undocumented immigrants tend to go for less desirable jobs, they are taking the blame for lower wages, which is a factor, but a very minimal one at that. As a result, ICE has made efforts to reopen immigration cases and deport undocumented immigrants that are illegally within the country. This, in turn, has led to broken up families and restricted illegal immigrants. There is no dispute that these changes have negatively affected the immigrant population. That being said, it is worth considering the potential benefits of the policies in place.

Illegal immigration across of the southern border can be viewed as a pressing issue. There is an evident lapse in the security and border control of the American/Mexican territory, which can lead to an influx of immigrants taking advantage of a flawed system. In a perfect world, immigrants should be subject to the laws and guidelines of the respective nation that they are attempting to migrate to. However, this is not the case. To attempt to apply a universal and strict policy that does not leave room for special conditions, like asylum-seekers, DACA members and VISA workers, is an entirely misguided effort.

For decades the U.S. has been a safe haven for immigrants and DREAMers in hope of a better life, which includes wanting a stable home and environment for their families. However, the current stance of the country implies a less cooperative image. The refusal of the current administration to cooperate and progress as a unified nation is worrisome. At a time where progress is a necessity, the pendulum of change seems to be moving in the wrong direction. h

Oraida Rodriguez/highlights

DOES REALITY MATCH THE RHETORIC?: The increasing stigma surrounding immigrants has been the direct result of controversial and declamatory rhetoric by President Donald Trump. This movement has swayed a large populace of the United States. However, begs the question remains: Are these claims true or are they simply contributing to the preexisting immigrant stereotypes?

T N E D U ST

Ruben Escobar/highlights

SPEAK

UPS

“This person that is very close to me was deported a few months ago. [It] left me disheartened and to me, Miami lost its color.”

“I was left without my mom for about two weeks. They deported my mom back and almost tried deporting me back until my dad showed more documents of my

Daniella Berrospi Junior

Andrea Gonzalez Junior

citizenship.”

insight 31

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

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

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

lightbox Seniors Ernest Denis and Noel Garcia present their Big Wheels business model at the school’s Mad City Money event hosted by the South Florida Educational Credit Union. The event featured other business models presented by NAF students.

Grace Rodriguez/highlights