In This issue: News 1, 3 Student Life 12 , 13
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Op/Ed 6, 7 Features 8, 9 Arts & Entertainment 14, 15
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Feature Focus 10, 11 Sports 17, 18, 20
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Volume 30 Issue 1 of Spanish River Community High School’s award-winning student-run newspaper September 2013
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galleonnewsonline.com
New River-lutions: Parking wars: Changes improve Student lot the school creates chaos Amanda Paige Staff Reporter
Catherine Vianale News Editor
This year, many new policies were implemented school wide at River. At lunch, students have noticed that Assistant Principal Doug Markwardt is no longer tapping the hands of students on cell phones, because they are now permitted. “Last year students were allowed to use cell phones before and after school,” Assistant Principal Katie Armentano said. “Students have proved to us that they can handle the responsibility of being able to try it during lunch.” A new I.D system will also be put into use. “Anytime a student has to type in a student number they will be able to scan their I.D badge instead,” Armentano said. “Whenever a student goes to suite A for a tardy pass, checks out a library book or a textbook, or purchases lunch; they will need their I.D. badge.” “There is still a ten day out of school suspension for fighting” Armentano said. This year, teachers are getting serious about cheating. Some policies include collection of cell phones during testing, notifying the office, and checking students’ hands for notes. “When students come in to take a test, I have them roll up their sleeves and show me their hands when they do their salute for cheating,” English teacher Carmen Gallardo said. “I also have a 200 point grade called ‘Appropriate Classroom Participation’ and if I catch someone cheating I take 100 points off, which is devastating to their grade.” Most students at River have smartphones that can easily search for answers on Google or take a picture of a test to send to their friends. Teachers have increasingly become aware of this problem, and now implement policies such as requiring students to place their bags at the front of the room to prevent this cheating. “Whenever there is a test students walk in and put their cell phones in a plastic bin to receive their test,” Reading teacher Chaela Monesterio said. “I think Ms. Monesterio’s rule is fair because everyone should be doing their own work,” senior Michaela Smolka said. Students should be up to date with these new policies to ensure an easy transition into the new school year.
The Spanish River parking lots are perhaps more of a vehicular obstacle course than a peaceful place to park. Students, parent drivers, and teachers alike have all experienced the hectic mornings and irritating dismissals at River, and many wonder if action needs to be taken to mitigate these problems. Early morning congestion, the after school pick up scramble, and issues with ticketing and minor accidents have caused students and parents to have a negative perception of the parking lots. Fortunately, Officer Don Thrasher reassures that things are looking up for River drivers. “In all my years as a school officer, this is the first in which no accidents have occurred in the first week of school,” Thrasher said. “Students really did a great job with driving carefully on the first week back. Accidents happen most often when students are running late and become impatient, but so far, students have been punctual and careful with their driving.” However, another matter that drivers face is not the driving itself, but the hidden cost of being able to park in the student parking lot. Park-
Photo By Carly Mackler
The exits jam as students leave for the day. This is an ongoing issue with student transportation.
ing troubles are further exacerbated when students drive into the lot without a parking decal. Controversy from students arose at the beginning of the school year due to the $50 fee required to purchase a decal. Because of this high cost, many students did not choose to purchase one within the first few days of school which has led to discrepancies. “I really don’t understand why we have to pay so much for decals,” sophomore Andres Parada said. “Parents don’t want to pay for it and many kids don’t have the extra money for it. Fifty dollars is way too much.” A great deal of students attempt to defer purchasing a decal to avoid the cost, but administration is cracking down on these trends. In fact, according to Officer Thrasher, students who park without a decal run the risk of having their car towed. “Many students who did not have a decal were turned around and told to park somewhere else off campus,” Thrasher said. “We really cannot have students parking without decals as the school year goes on due to safety
National Merit Semi-finalists: Sarah Grubman Staff Reporter Spanish River has eight National Merit Semi–finalists this year, which is the third highest number in the county. The Semi-finalists are Jack Buttell, Gabrielle Deutch, Irene Goo, Hilary Levine, James Li, Stephanie Munisky, Cindy Niu, and Jessica Rose. The requirement in receiving this honor is achieving a predetermined score on their preliminary SAT. Although some Semi–finalists did not do anything specific to prepare for the PSAT, others believe certain techniques significantly help them. “To prepare I just did a bunch of practice tests, that’s really what it’s
reasons.” Traffic and congestion in the parking lots is a chronic issue as well. “I’ll tell anyone who asks, coming to school early and getting picked up late is the best strategy for navigating the parking lots,” Thrasher said. At the end of the 2012- 2013 school year, parking lot flooding that was reported on the local news channels was a very big issue facing River students. However, Thrasher reassures that the flooding issue will be virtually nonexistent in upcoming storm seasons. Issues with city municipal services in Boca Raton led to the neglect of certain drainage maintenance operations in the Spanish River parking lot. “We have had communication with city municipal officials and we do not believe flooding will be a problem this school year,” Thrasher said. “We are all looking forward to a safe year on campus and students have the driving skills and cooperation to make that happen,” Thrasher said.
Eight River students qualify for competition
as a finalist, Semifinalists must submit an academic record throughout high school, a teacher recommendation, an essay, and also have to score high enough on the SAT as to confirm the earlier score on the PSAT. Understandably, the participants are thrilled to have qualified for the prestigious meritfinalist award and are looking forward to the opportunity to become a finalist. “It meant a lot to get this Photo By Kelsey Spyker award since only eight all about,” Senior Gabby people from River actually Deutch said. received it,” Senior Jack Buttell said. To be considered for a Merit “The work will be worth it for a chance Scholarship Award, and a position to become an actual finalist.”
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September 2013 The Galleon
SSH H ARK A R K AT AT TA CK TACK
BACK 2 SCHOOL
PINWHEELS
It is that time again- countless hours of homework, sleep deprivation, and long school days. In the midst of a stressful school year, The Galleon is back and better than ever. With all the news and information swirling around school, we have got it covered. Where is all your money going? Turn to pg. 9. Have you ranted on Twitter recently? pg. 15. Are you still trying to find your way throughout the Spanish River hallways? Check pgs. 10-11. With the new year beginning and classes in full force, The Galleon will keep you updated. Happy Reading! Josh, Ashley, Kelsey, and Lindsay The Editorial Board
Photos Courtesy of Katia Martinez Graphics courtesy of Google Images
FOR PEACE
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NEWS
Back to school bus failure
DEWEY love the new library?
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Complications cause brakes to backfire Kelsey Spyker News Editor
Photo By Carly MAckler
Michela Mugnatto Staff Reporter
Thanks to the new librarian, Debbie Siegel, changes have come to the Spanish River library. This is Ms. Siegel’s first year at River after working several years at the West Boca High School Media Center. Some of the changes include the hours of operation. Now, students can come into the library any time between 6:45 am to 3:00 pm. “With the new hours,” says Siegel, “We are establishing time before and after school when students can come in and work in a quiet environment.” A main focus when redecorating the library was creating a more open and user-friendly space. Inside, the tables have been arranged to make it easier to walk around and browse. There are new additions to the library, too - four new chess tables and pieces provided by the PTSA. Now the Chess Club has a good place to play chess, or perhaps checkers or backgammon. Very little federal and state money was used in redecorating the library; instead, Ms. Siegel chose to save the money for the media in the library. “Money received from federal and state funding will be used to impact our print and unprinted collection.” Siegel said. Students who have visited the library recently have been enjoying the newly implemented features. Art By Eliana Landow
Editor-in-Chief Josh Benrubi
September 2013 The Galleon
of the bus was frantic while the others remained calm. “A bunch of people were screaming but it was more like something from a movie that you did not think it was happening to you but it was,” sophomore Justin Bamdas said.
by rubbing the tires up against a curb with no damage caused to any vechicles. After the bus finally stopped, students were eager for the bus driver to open the doors so they On Wednesday, August 21, 2013, could get off; they were all shaken by what started out to be a normal ride the event that occurred. home on Bus Number 42 quickly “All of my muscles just turned into complete chaos. froze, I could not even talk. The mahem started when the It was weird knowing I was bus driver was about to make on that bus,” Hopfensperger a U–turn on Glades road when said. “It felt kind of like a suddenly the brakes seemed to dream.” fail. “The bus driver was crying “I realized something was up and hoping that we did not as soon as I got on the bus think it was her fault,” Leon because it was vibrating and said. “The whole experience making noises but the bus was unreal.” driver did not think anything The police arrived to the of it at that point,” junior Ariana scene as well as an alternate Leon said. bus and the students‘ The mahem started when the parents were contacted. bus driver was about to make Everyone involved was a U–turn on Glades road when thankful for the outcome of suddenly the brakes seemed to this unfortunate incident. fail. PHOTO COURTESY OF MONICA HOPFENSPERGER The school district The bus was forced to veer Police arrive at the scene to make sure students are safe. Plans are released this statement: onto oncoming traffic and made to get students home. “‘The bus driver took the ended up heading west on an “I was very scared,” sophomore eastbound road. The other drivers Monica Hopfensperger said. “I was proper corrective action in order to bring the bus to a full stop. The brake had to put their vehicles in reverse in unsure of what to do or say.” order to avoid the out of control bus. “I was honestly calm because I saw malfunction is under investigation’.” Hopfensperger captured the “Everyone slowed down when they all traffic was stopped,” Juliano said. entire bus ride on video and it has saw us,” sophomore Jacob Juliano According to Leon, the bus driver been displayed on numerous news said, “We were driving slowly towards tried turning off the engine and a stopped Mustang, so the Mustang taking out the keys but even that did broadcasts including The Today Show. “I learned that it is important to stay had to back up.” not stop the bus. calm during emergencies,” Juliano Onboard, students were Eventually, the driver was able experiencing different emotions. Half to safely bring the bus to a stop said.
BRIEFS Starting October 1stBand will be selling tickets to the November 17 Dolphins Game vs. San Diego-$35 a ticket. See Mr. White.
Football Game against Boca High on 10/4 will be televised.
Congratulations to Savannah Lashley, on her project to beautify a neighborhood park in Boyton Beach. Lashley chose this as her Gold Award Project for Girl Scouts, the highest award a Girl Scout can receive.
College visits have begun. Please remember to check for dates and sign up in advance.
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Congratulations to Spanish River for winning a Field Trip Grant from the Boca Museum of Art. •
The PBC College/Career Fair 2013 will take place on Thursday, October 20th from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the South Florida Fairgrounds.
The Galleon 2013-2014 Features Editors Gianna Doxey Ashley Roth
Student Life Editors Eliana Landow Alexis Dlugos
Associate Editors Kelsey Spyker Ashley Roth Lindsay Mangines
Feature Focus Editor Lauren Villanueva
Sports Editor Shawn Zylberberg Jeremy Freiman
News Editors Catherine Vianale Kelsey Spyker
Entertainment Editors Tedi Raphael Lindsay Mangines
Art Editor Michela Mugnatto Eliana Landow
Photography Editor Carly Mackler Advertising Director Rachel Horn
Staff Reporters Michael Benrubi Amanda Paige Sarah Grubman Jack Altman
Web Editor Alexis Taylor
Adviser Suzanne Sanders
Technical Editor Jack Altman
Principal William Latson
The Galleon is a public forum. The Galleon is a member of the Quill and Scroll Honorary Society for High School Journalists, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, and the National Scholastic Press Association.
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September 2013 The Galleon
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5 Chill parents vs. STRICT PARENTS September 2013 The Galleon
FA C E - O F F
The common consensus between students is that “chiller” parents are better parents. But with more lenient rules and less pressure comes increased personal responsibility. Are you the type of student to stay focused on academics without a parent controling your every move? Let’s see.
Kelsey Sanders Lives the Relaxed Life
CIndy Niu Lives No Life
Everyone knows about the “cool mom”. She is the mom that is “chill”. She is the
mom that every child wants. She is the mom that is not only cooler than, but more fun to be around than her child. She is my mom. Indeed, it is always great to have a fun mom, but the situation only works if you, the child, are a motivated student. Your school years are among the most influential years in your life; as long as you are the type of student who doesn’t mind reading a European History textbook instead of going bowling with your friends, then a “chill mom” won’t impede your success in the future. The question of whether or not it is nice to have a fun mom depends solely on the child. I am a motivated student, and that is, what I believe, solely why my mom is so “chill” and it works very well for us. My mother doesn’t have to constantly pester me, telling me that I need to do my homework, because she knows that I will do my work on my own. The assurance that I am doing what I need to do allows my mom to let me have more freedom and have friends over often. Also, because I keep myself on track, she is more lenient with driving me to clubs and extra curricular activities. Lastly, my mom doesn’t have to stress about my grades. I do that for her. The lack of unnecessary stress allows my mom to have a more positive demeanor and a happier attitude, which makes her more fun to be around and a more fun mom in general. On the other hand, it is impossible for an unmotivated student to have a “chill mom” and still succeed. Most mothers care about their child’s future, and therefore would have to be a strict mom to keep an unmotivated child on track in school. Also, if the same unmotivated child has a “chill mom” who doesn’t care about school, then that child would be overrun with satisfying petty teenage desires rather than focusing on school work. While that may seem fun for the child now, he or she will detest it later in life when his or her future is destroyed. The real question is, “Are you the type of child who can have a fun mom? A motivated child can have a great childhood and promising future being raised by a “chill mom”. Therefore, being a relatively motivated student, I adore having my fun mom.
Maintain your GPA. Be home by 11. And don’t even think about dating. These are only some of the token quotes from the Niu parent phrase bank. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that for my entire life I’ve been subject to the “Draconian” (thanks Mrs. Woodmore) dictations of a strict mother and father. I don’t know what it is, whether it’s my grades, ethnicity, or just the myth of the terrifying “tiger mom,” but people seem to love asking about just how harsh my parents really are. They definitely make a point to constantly remind me of the certain “duties” I need to fulfill as their daughter, which include the prerequisite academic excellence and most of the housework. Despite high expectations though, my parents rarely ever punish me or ban me from doing anything I want to do (sorry to disappoint). In reality, most of their guidelines are just encouragement for my own desire to succeed. They at least attempt to understand life as a teenager, and, I hate to admit it, I know all those rules are made purely for my benefit. Even if they suck.
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O p / E D
September 2013 The Galleon
I'm just
JOSH-ing with you
Josh Benrubi fights the wrath of college applications To tweet, or not to tweet? Name an experience that changed your life. What do you hope to take advantage of at our school from an academic perspective? Describe your life in one word. Behind all of the calculated grades, ranks, test scores, number of AP’s, leadership positions, legacy and extracurricular activities, these are the questions that incoming college freshman, such as myself, must answer that will ultimately describe our entire life- in under 600 words. With college applications and website tabs lined up along my computer screen, I can not explain in words the difficulties that come along with selling myself to a school. Even though this certain editorial may not be applicable to the underclassmen readers, before you know it, you will be in my seat recounting your entire life and entering it on the blank spaces of a computer screen.
For me, it isn’t even that the process is a long, tedious journey in which you, the applicant, step from level to level until the submit button is clicked. The idea that I am selling myself to some of the schools that I have dreamed of my entire lifetime on an online database is just a little anticlimactic. The fact that I am given a question such as the few above and expected to share my life with this college a d m i s s i o n s officer in under 600 words is quite mind boggling to say the least. As I have been listening in on conversations with my friends recently (which always tends to be about college in some way or another), the college essay has been the topic of talk on weekends, weekdays, weeknights,
and yes, even senior year, weekend nights. How to answer a certain question has been the biggest issue of the bunch. How can I, by using a keyboard and my mind, show this college that I am the person they should accept into their student body? How can I put every aspect of my life in as much content as the English essay I wrote the other day? My answer to both of those questions is actually quite simpledo the best you can. I have come to realize that the one misspelling that I may of had in a n essay (even though I didn’t, after editing it multiple times), will not be the deciding factor that gets me declined from the school. My perspective
about these essays is that if you can put all you have out in a short amount of space in an attempt to sell yourself to a college, make that space count. If it is 600 words for you, it is 600 words for the next applicant. Make yourself stand out by not putting everything you did, but how you did them. I have come to this epiphany pretty recently, and it has honestly made this application process a lot easier. With many schools on my list, I like to think that I can reveal my life piece by piece, depending on the essay prompt. Furthermore, when the time comes around for applying to colleges- do not question the system. It has been working for years and it will be there to stay for the years to come. Through this process of selling myself to my dream universities, I have found out that by the use of a keyboard, my knowledge, and (possibly a college counselor), there is a way to stand out from others in the same position- in only 600 words. Art by michela mugnatto
Dear MILEY... Where did Hannah Montana go? Definitely not back home to Tennessee. More like the crazy train. I applaud you on your courageous career move at the VMAs. Congratulations, your butt was trending more than the Superbowl did. The country is paying more attention to you than they are Syria. It was a smart plan because weeks later people are still talking about you. I am sure you are probably laughing all the way to the bank. I think most of the nation would agree with me when I say that your performance at the VMAs was pathetic. The minute you came out of that giant bear I knew it was going to be a hot mess. I admit that I did not expect you to come out strumming the guitar but I did not at all expect you to sexually abuse a foam finger. A foam finger, really? Now, every time I see one, I will have a flashback to your performance. It no longer means Number 1 to me, thanks. Your singing was not even that applaudable because you were too busy smacking grown women’s butts. The whole performance to me was repulsive. Grinding all over a married man. Do you not have any boundaries? The whole time I could just envision Billy Ray saying “Dang flabbit Miley, you broke my achy breaky heart.” When did it start going wrong? I think you had too much of your dad’s crazy loco hot cocoa. You are not normal anymore.
Kelsey’s Korner
I grew up watching you on Hannah Montana. I looked up to you. I realized you were playing a character but in your real life you were also wholesome and sweet with good morals. I understand you are twenty now and are trying to break away from your Disney days, but stop licking sledgehammers. Enough already! You aren’t Gene Simmons from Kiss, put your tongue away. What is with the outfits? That little nude colored piece you wore on the VMAs did not do you justice and it made your butt look like a raw chicken’s. How about you come down off your wrecking ball, put some clothes on, and sing “The Climb”. That would make me very happy. You do not need all these antics to prove you are not a child anymore. You are a good singer. Your voice sells itself without all the props and outfits. Stop trying so hard to persuade us, it isn’t twerking out for you. How can I say this in the nicest way possible? You need some serious help. I am no psychologist, but there appears to be something wrong up in that head of yours. Maybe you should take the advice from Hannah Montana: The Movie and remember where you came from. I guess you are just doing what you said in a line of one of your songs and “just being Miley,” but I just want the old Miley back.
Photos Courtesy of Google Images
...Sincerely, KELSEY
Op/ED
September 2013 The Galleon
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life lessons with Lindsay
WE TAKE THINGS FOR GRANTED. IT IS TRUE.
Up until this summer, the saying, “Be grateful for what you have” meant nothing more to me than a phrase I would hear from my mom whenever I asked for something completely irrational, believing myself that it was a reasonable request. Living in the area we do, we’re surrounded by an amplitude of luxury items and services, to which we’ve become accustomed. And although not all of us have these privileges, we don’t see them as abnormal and we tend to start wanting them ourselves. We think it’s “normal” for a sixteen year old to have a brand new Mercedes or for a student to have an SAT tutor that charges over $350 an hour. And if we don’t have these items, we consider ourselves somewhat “deprived.” But in reality, these are nonessentials that most individuals on earth will never see in their lifetime, let alone have as a non-working teenager. I spent part of this past summer living with a host family in Costa Rica in the town of Turrialba. The town truly embodies the real Costa Rican lifestyle, since tourism is uncommon there. Although the people there have slim to none, they are some of the happiest people I have ever met. And if you think you’ve got it hard, you have much to learn. Get mad at your family members for using up all of the hot water? Well take a shower in Turrialba and you’ll wish you had this problem. Not only do most homes not have hot water at all, but the water they do have is cold enough to give you the goosebumps every time you take a shower.
Just imagine coming out of an ice-like swimming pool with purple lips and frozen hands, and then having to force yourself to shower under piercing cold water, because that’s the only option you have. And while we view only having cold water as a misfortune, to them, any water flowing from their faucets is a blessing. It’s not uncommon for all of the water in homes within a specific area to shut off on any given day without any warning or notice as to when it will turn b a c k on. That means n o shower, no sink water, and no flushing toilets for possibly a day or so. At that point, you would be glad to bathe in bone-numbing water. So think twice before you complain about your broken pool heater or inability to at all times take a steaming-hot shower. Spend hours nightly surfing the web on your Mac or stationed in front of your plasma TV? Most likely, your grades would improve if you lived in Costa Rica, since WIFI and cable are not guaranteed. The house I stayed in has neither. While the family does have a single TV, and only enough room in their home to put two
chairs in front of it, stacked one behind the other, they only have a few channels to choose from. Maybe you prefer Netflix to current TV anyways, but that requires the use of WIFI. No WIFI also means no form of communication other than a house phone. So your brand new Iphone 5s that you just had to have would be almost completely useless in most parts of Costa Rica. Can’t decide on your new first car? N o t t o mention t h e fact I never once s a w many of the flashy cars in our student parking lot in Costa Rica driven even by an adult, but most families do not own a single car. That’s right, walking, no matter the distance, is their primary form of transportation. This wouldn’t be so bad in a city like Chicago or New York City, but in Turrialba there is a considerable distance between your home and the town center. For my host mom to make a trip to the grocery store requires a 20-minute trek by foot there, and an even longer walk home due groceries in both hands weighing her down. If you’re disappointed you don’t have your own car or a car as nice
as you would have liked, just remember there are full grown adults in the world who have never, and probably will never, own a car. Dying for those brand new designer shoes? There is a relatively large portion of native Costa Ricans, in almost the same part of Costa Rica as Turrialba, who live the way their ancestors did thousands of years ago, surviving solely off of nature. They find and cultivate their own food and live off only what they produce or find themselves. Not a single one of them owns a pair of shoes, and as a result their feet have been almost torn apart, destroyed, or demented since most of their toes have all grown into one. Yet although these people live physically demanding lives, they are satisfied with what they have and have chosen this lifestyle. Instead of complaining that your parents won’t give you money for a new pair of shoes that you will most likely only wear a few times anyway, be happy to have shoes on your feet at all. So my question is this: if these people can be content with such simple lives, then why do somewhat privileged individuals only want more than what they already have? I can’t say I don’t fall victim to this myself, but my experience this summer has allowed me to recognize the true difference between a want and a need and to realize that happiness does come from within. We should learn to appreciate the basic things we have and be especially thankful for anything more. Art by michela mugnatto
Ask Ashley
My college will be out of state. No questions asked. As Florida residents, we are fortunate to have such an inexpensive and practical payment plan for college: Florida pre-pay. The investment comes with a many benefits and when compared to out of state school tuition, it is relatively much cheaper. However, although our parents may love this opportunity to prioritize their savings for other practical uses, their kids may have differing opinions- I know I do. Now don’t get me wrong, the colleges in Florida are excellent both socially and academically, however, is it really fair for my parents to set the University of Florida as my “reach school?” Although they have not completely ruled out the possibility of me attending college out-of-state, it can be noted that they secretly want nothing more
than for UF to accept me and then ship me off to Gainesville. My parents are well aware of my desire to travel outside of Florida’s boundaries to colleges in the northeast or even to California, and honestly, if I was to get in to say, Duke, it is hard to see them denying me of such a rewarding opportunity. But that sure doesn’t stop my dad from bribing me to stay within the six-hour radius. “If you go to UF I can buy you a brand new car and take you and your friends anywhere you want after graduation!” Or, “You can go to any grad school in the country afterwards.” Of course these persuasion techniques have a huge impact on me when thinking about schools to apply to, but when I think of going to college, it is all about the excitement of getting an acceptance letter to the school of your dreams, packing up and flying off
to your new home in another state, and having weekends home be a big ordeal. With UCF, UF, and FSU as the main three options with Florida pre-pay in mind, it is hard to feel the excitement of what choosing a college is all about when given such close proximity to home and so many other students from the same state, city, and even high school attending right along side you. Being the oldest of three in my family makes the situation all that more frustrating. “If you get to go out-of-state for college then I have to let your sisters have that option as well, which is way too expensive.” However, being that they are both in their prime years of elementary schoolshould their college careers really get to have such an impact on mine, considering they are seven and nine years away from it?
With college touring on the horizon and my undeniable skill of persuasion in mind, it will be interesting to see how my parents and I react to the staggering differences between staying in Florida for college or venturing out to another state. Because who knows, I could have just wasted an entire article of this topic and realize that UF is exactly the school that I want to go to. Or, I may visit, say, the University of Michigan and be reluctant to even consider the Florida schools. However, regardless of my desire to go to any of these prestigious colleges, Florida pre-pay will be right there beside me, ultimately having the final say in what is financially the right decision.
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September 2013 The Galleon
F e AT U R E S Foreign exchange students HEAD WESt Ashley Roth Features Editor
Announcements:
September is: Florida PTA Membership Month!
It is an exciting time to be PTA PROUD.
Buy a school planner for $8.00 in the Shark Shop Education Expo: October 9th in the Media Center Financial Aide Seminar October 16th in the Theater: learn how to pay for college PTSA Fundraiser November 2nd at Delux Nightclub Photo Courtesy of Google Images
For incoming freshman or even just new students, beginning the school year at Spanish River may be intimidating and nerve-wracking as well as exciting and interesting. However, imagine all of those emotions intensified while on a flight to a new home and new school from all the way across the world to Boca Raton, Florida. This year, River welcomes a group of various foreign exchange students from around the world that are here to complete a semester or two of school abroad. “I came to Florida all the way from Bologna, Italy,” senior Bianca Zappia said.“I decided to do a foreign exchange program through a foundation called STS that organizes student exchanges all over the world.” STS gives students the opportunity to choose the country that they would like to study in for either a semester or an entire school year. Once their country of choice is selected, various host families are notified and select the student that will be living with them. Aside from adapting to a new country, atmosphere, and peers, these students must alter their schedules to coincide with the American school system.
Project
“The subjects offered here, as well as the length of the school day, are very different than in Italy,” senior and Italian foreign exchange student Francesco Foria said. “As for the structure and organization of Spanish River, it is definitely better and more efficient than my school in Italy.” In Italy, there is only one class with the same students in it throughout the day and the teachers alternate by the hour. Each day there are different lessons, rather than having a structured schedule as it is at River. “It is nice having extra
“Therefore, I would not say that one school is harder than the other, it is just a question of the ways in which to study.” The exchange students have the freedom to design their own schedule based on their interests and ability to take each class offered at River. “At this school I have the opportunity to take a variety of different classes such as Psychology and Basketball,” Foria said. The nature of the foreign
exchange program is that the student is only notified a few days prior to departure that they are even going in the first place and also, which state and city they will be living in and who will be hosting them. As the school year progresses and Art By Michela Mugnatto activities begin to start time o f f up again at school, the exchange here in the US,” Zappia said. “At home students will get a true feel for how life we have to go to school everyday for six and school are in another country. hours and on Saturdays for five hours. “I am so excited to become better Additionally, we do not have a lunch friends with the students here at River period; just two ten minute breaks because they are all so open and kind,” throughout the day.” Zappia said. “It will be interesting to The different classes offered between continue to see the many variations River and the schools in Italy make it between each school and to learn new hard to compare the two based on lev- things from this amazing opportunity el of difficulty. that I have been given.” “In Italy we have a completely different way of studying,” Zappia said.
students provide bikes for special RIDE: needs children and teens
Michael Benrubi Staff Reporter Logan Levin, a sophomore at Spanish River, started a club called Project RIDE that will raise money to provide custom-made bikes for teenagers and children with special needs. These people cannot ride normal bikes and do not have enough money to buy these extremely expensive bikes. Levin’s club aims to raise money in order to buy these special bikes. The “RIDE” in Project RIDE stands for recreation, independence, development, and equipment. Levin’s father’s friend started this charity in Massachusetts, and Logan thought it would be a great idea to bring the charity to South Florida where children and teenagers can ride their bikes year-round. Project RIDE is a program that has been sponsored by the Boca Raton Adolph and Rose Levis JCC, a non-profit organization, for the past three years, and has already given away over 100 bikes and raised $75,000. Levin hopes that bringing the organization to River as a club will help gain more publicity. “By raising awareness and bring-
ing this organization to River, I am hopeful that word will get out and we will be able to raise more money to buy bikes for more children,” Levin said. “Hopefully, this will turn into something that students will want to continue on with when they leave the school.” The club will meet once a month, with fundraising events throughout the year. ESE teachers Mary Delucca and Angela Donnino will be overseeing the group. “Project RIDE has earned a great reputation in our community for giving students with intellectual and physical disabilities the opportunity for physical recreation,” Delucca said. “I am confident that Project RIDE will be a successful club at Spanish River High School.” The club is planning to raise money to buy these bikes through different public events such as walk-athons and book drives. In addition to these fundraisers, they will also be attempting to raise awareness about the club through word of mouth and social media, hoping that some people will be generous enough to donate money towards the charity. Students will have the opportunity
Project RIDE founder, sophomore Logan Levin. to set up the bikes and help with fittings of the bikes for community service hours. “We all take for granted the ability to ride a bike and these children do not have the opportunity to enjoy this hobby,” Levin said. “I love seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces when they finally get to ride a bike and it is really an amazing feeling to know that you did something to make another person’s life better.” Photo Courtesy of Logan Levin
F e AT U R E S Vending machines: a healthy choice for active youth Gia Doxey Features Editor Do you ever find yourself crashing after 4th period? Do you need a nice pick-me-up to get through the day? Spanish River has taken a healthy approach to satisfying those food pangs by installing new vending machines stocked with heart-healthy snacks and beverages to keep students nourished and hydrated on the go. “Due to stringent requirements by the state and school board officials, high schools have done away with products with high sugar content,” AP Calculus teacher and Athletic Administrator Kevin McEnroe said. Backed by the Florida legislature, McEnroe spearheaded a new program at River with partner Healthy Choice Vending, providing fun brands that are not only nutritionally benefical for students, but also taste great and are budget friendly. From A-1 to D-9, students can select these low-sugar and low-calorie wonders with a selection ranging from $1.00 to $2.50. “I love the Steaz Zero Calorie Iced Tea,” junior Shayna Servillas said. “It’s so refreshing and light and at such a great price!” The packaging and colorful vending machines have enticed students,
as well. “It’s so aesthetically pleasing,” senior Grant Sennott said. “I am amazed by this great advertising...who knew gluten-free products can look so good?!” Some beverages are even helpful to River’s athletic students, especially the ever-so-demanded Smart Water. “It’s so convenient having Smart Water available to us. I need a daily-intake of electrolytes from Smart Water, and now I can just get a bottle in seconds,” senior and River Cross Country and Track runner Morgan Eddy said. To satisfy that shark appetite, students can stop by the 8000 building or the 2000 building and snatch a snack strategically located on campus. River administration makes it real easy- no need to fumble for change in backpacks for spare change- students can even swipe their credit cards and head straight to class (if their teachers allow them to eat, of course). Promoting a healthy choice for active youth, these new products not only boost students’ energy but also encourage positive nutritional habits in teenagers that will last a lifetime, as intended by Healthy Choice Vending. According to McEnroe, these trending vending machines are an instant hit. “We’re really going in the right direction,” McEnroe said.
September 2013 The Galleon
9
Which club is right for you?
START
If you had a choice to....
Watch the Presidential Address
What is your favorite food?
Volunteer in your community
What is your favorite movie?
Everything from chinese to mexican
Finding nemo
Daddy Day Care
burger and fries
Which activity would you rather do?
Interested in international affairs?
Baking NO
AMERICAN CLUB
yes
MODEL UN
snorkeling
best
buddies
SEA LIFE CLUB
Show me the money: Student parking pass prices increase Jeremy Freiman Investigative Report The return to school always means one thing – a slew of fees, dues, and charges Parking passes for the student lot during the 2013-2014 school year cost fifty dollars, up ten dollars from last year, and are available for purchase in Suite A. As of September 16, 480 parking passes have been sold, allowing the school to collect $24,000 in fees. Following last spring’s infamous parking lot flood, which caused damage to dozens of parked cars, students have been curious as to why fees are charged, where the money goes, and what the dues cover. The fees have angered some students so much that they refuse to purchase a parking decal. “I haven’t paid for a parking pass this year,” said anonymous student. “Why should I have to pay to come to school?” School district policies allow for schools to charge students for parking, with systems varying from school to school. Currently at Spanish River, parking is on a first-come, first-serve basis, except for labeled reserved spaces at the south end of the student lot. One student has suggested an alternate system that could be used
to the advantage of both students and the school. “It’s fine that we are charged a fee to park,” said senior Nick Callaway. “However, a zoned pricing system based on distance from the school could be used to reduce morning parking stress and increase t h e amount of money the school can earn.” Such a system could potentially be implemented in the future, but as of now there are no plans to commit to such a change. At Spanish River, parking decals are primarily used as an necessary method for identifying who a car belongs to. When forms are submitted to Student Services, the distributed parking pass’s number is written down on the form which is then filed in the office. Required fees primarily pay for the cost of the physical parking decal. Each year, the school orders a batch of decals in a differ-
ent shape so that passes may not be reused. According to school bookkeeper Donna D’Aria, any excess money is deposited into the school’s General Activities Account. One thing that definitely does not come out of the General Activities Account is parking lot maintenance. “The district would c o v e r [mainten a n c e ] ,” said D’Aria. “A budget fund, the Foundation, or the PTSA could also cover that.” Funds Photo By Carly Mackler i n this internal account are spent explicitly on items and services that are of benefit to students. Snacks provided to students during FCAT testing, for example, would be something that would come out of this account. No matter how many passes are sold by the end of this year, it will not make a difference on how soon the parking lines can be evenly spaced out or how soon the many ditches and holes
could be filled. Currently, parking at football games costs five dollars and is charged in addition to the five dollar game admission fee. The thought of a parking pass that is valid at football games sounds great, but cannot be easily accomplished. During football games, the parking lot is controlled by the football boosters, who seek to raise money for the football team. In addition to allowing an admission fee, the school allows teams to control the parking lot as a bonus method of raising necessary funds. “Sports, especially football, cost a lot of money,” said Assistant Principal Doug Markwardt. “The school district doesn’t give us the money, so we have to find ways of raising it.” Parking fees may be unpopular among Spanish River students, but collected revenue is never put to waste. Student Services would like to remind students that a parking pass is required to park in the student lot. Students who are caught parking their car in the lot without a decal will be called to see the school police officer. By purchasing a parking pass, students can indirectly contribute towards the amenities and extra benefits that make Spanish River one of the county’s best schools.
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FEATURE
September 2013 The Galleon
All Things River From the classic high school stereotypes and cliques to the important traditions you need to know, The Galleon has got everything that will keep you in the loop around school.
nd a s p r i o T f ks c i Tr viving Sur ver ri Lauren Villa Comme nueva ntary
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ing lot he park ll t o t g goin l be rolong the fina renTip 2: P ssible. When sh the f gh u o b p m s a a places to as long tudent drivers squeeze throu s are no acceptable e er Th 4: p Ti s s e to ur foot ll e madn change. Unless yo rings, a and try s h as t t cl g lo n rin e du g e op st rkin classroom, you e. Betw eir non zied pa e the doors of your s at onc picking up th flurry sid it in x is e o is chaotic the tw nd the , moms oving. The hallway a s m , be n r ld e ia ou t r sh t a s e mill in the of pede front of the th g, an accident t the weekly rumor ou ith w gh ou en more in reversin your time at u stop, you create drivers yo ly n t he n W it. a t of e e s dl k senmid con oors. Ta eacher about ver around you, es d eu of cars an in m le d op e pe t as traffic void hat ersimplest sois best a r, maybe ask t u did not und il other people. The ng ki oc bl lly e t o tia k n y c , or whatu your lo istry question you, your backpack adly lot e e ov sh d to is e , n h e tio t lu m n ke it the side. Do not ta the Che lass. Just avoid rs are long go to , ab gr n ca ey th c ever f ca urry is person is rude, stand in . A majority o al attack or that th you to h t are on r rs t o pe f a s as e g t llway. kin 3:00 la acciden ake to block the ha ud hon ist n m a lo ur f yo o as o w n it s t the there is w the chance Tip discoun o u n o y d n n up a whe they 5: Lunch ll a m s m i ely extrem not m ake it in s not nea rbs. u c d rly as n t a a h ke o em one fences really r break y ovies. W big a dea h l o sun, c not m ares. Aft u becau ere you s as s i e t e so w r a w f ny pe waki hen ng u rankly, no ill o t p l e u l m L e n p ore c c r sts. once h time ro emembe before th all co ely t y a o r rb e l s u n l s v r tab e i m le is. d with w around, reakfast hroo s are relat ublic t t a h b e p I ha ta ha eo the om g. P the b ble, the fl ve done t to eat t ple are Avoid lic bathro disgustin me : 3 h o i e p o t an w t b s all: th Ti cent ginning or, even he in-pu downrigh y violate of urine a e l p b e i o x n r staff f fres the m ench, re me e tary and s probabl ul smell pipe m h fo ore s man fo ni ocial r breaki year edia cent unsa bathroom ough the nks to the ur k n i l d (sor er y g s a l th a eat, t c fo h o alk to ceptable e rules). ry media scho code. Alt e halls th the dirty rd t h e n O th h t n h co t healt ger clogs ers withi s your re utes, rings ead to th heir frien han the o ne is not s g n . n d e t i e n l h i o s l ir ne no l xt cla , walk ar er. Most oma room. Un th is five m ssary r a e o h ss wh u fix, th f the bat our brea it is nece aper en th nd, and y f p o I t . g s l c s e l n i e e a bell ld at w xp r in facilit not e for ho pape time ear of the eland, do en toilet much. v l t t stay c r the was enser or e ot expec e n p t s o i n to e he d ust d ls in t ctually, j e w o A t stall. every ulad reg e n a s m e re rul arned, so e o m b le re ere a as I have ther than ou h t e urs ust e ra ey Of co iver but j xperienc s becaus ing k e R am to to har tions you have ut there S abriela ro G s o thing ood luck Troy and G ng . i d e tol be se e soon. t o n m will lls anyti a the h Photos Courtesy of Google Images
Which High School Stereotype are You? What is the first item you put in your backpack? a) binders and paper, of course! b) change of clothes for basketball tryouts c) my cell phone, it’s totally like, my life d) whoopie cushion, those things are hysterical e) my camera and my vintage band tee After school, you are most likely found: a) in the library b) in the gym, I lift bro c) with my friends; I haven’t heard one rumor since lunch! d) in detention; guess that whoopie cushion wasn’t funny e) checking Tumblr for new picture ideas Your favorite thing to listen to is: a) classical b) rap c) pop d) Comedy skits e) indie
Results
If you answered mostly A’s you are a book worm! No worries, Bill Gates didn’t start at the top
If you answered mostly C’s you are a drama queen.
Maybe eventually you’ll be on E! instead of just talking about it
If you answered mostly E’s
If you answered mostly B’s you are the
typical jock. Maybe the NBA, NFL, NHL in your future
If you answered mostly D’s you’re the class clown. Keep it up Kevin Hart, you keep us entertained throughout the day
you’re a hipster. Now that high waisted shorts are too mainstream, what comes next? Art by michela mugnatto
FOCUS
September 2013 The Galleon
11
Nobody messing with my
The Breakfast Club
Clique
Legit 5
ey Greenberg Photo courtesy of Sydn
, SydSeniors Myar Taha From left to right: mmi Sa ristina Aquilina, ney Greenberg, Ch erman Kaplan, Joelie Fett
Photo courtesy of Josh Markevich
From left to right: Juniors Danny Beckerman, Jordan Brown, Josh Markevich, Josh Kohn
elder 5
Frat Boys
Photo courtesy of Alex rojas
Photo by carly mackler
From left to right: Seniors Dalton Holody, Max Greenberg, Andreo Caceres, Max Greenberg, Alex Rojas, Jake Goldstein, Arturo Rojas, Jack Buggeln, Ross Brenner
From left to right: Juniors Carlos Piedrahita, Jesse Blogg, Sammy Boursiquot, Gable Goodman Floor: Jesse Jacobson
Rituals of river Sarah Grubman Staff Reporter Spanish River is remembered by alumni not only for the lasting friendships and challenging academics, but also for the traditions that make it unique. Four times a year, students at River prepare for one of the most exciting events of the year: rep rallies. Pep rallies guarantee students an entertaining hour of watching Mr. and Ms. Spanish River perform, seeing their friends participate in class competitions, and competing alongside their fellow classmates for the infamous grand prize awarded each Pep Rally by Algebra and P.E. teacher John Jones: the spirit stick. Traditionally, the “bleacher to bleacher run” at the last pep rally of the school year is a staple for many students that marks the end of
their year and introduction into the next grade level. This custom requires the m e m - bers of each class to switch from their current posit i o n in the gymnasium to their future position that they will occupy in the upcoming school year. It is a transition that symbolizes the end of one grade and the beginning of another. Although many view this right of passage as an amusing event, others do not agree. “The run is hazardous and dangerous,” junior Morgan Cutler said. “It scares me.” Senior tradition, “Frat Boy Friday”, which became popular with the senior class of 2013, takes over River on a weekly basis. Students can spot the sea of colored pants, polo shirts, Sperry top-siders, and Red solo cups all over campus. During lunch, seniors play games such as “water pong” and “apple juice flip cup” in order to mock common activities fraternities partake in. However, it is not just about playing “water pong” at lunch that makes this day so memorable. Throughout the
day, remarkable school spirit and class bonding are displayed by all participants. “My favorite part of Frat Boy Friday is how it really unifies all the different groups of friends a n d brings them tog e t h e r,” senior Ross Brenner said. “It is a senior class tradition that I hope stays alive for many years after the class of 2014 graduates.” Apart from senior traditions, one of the most highly regarded events of the year is carnival lunch. Carnival lunch occurs twice a year during Homecoming and Spring Fling week. Since River is a closed campus and students cannot leave during lunch, these are the only two opportunities in which a variety of food options are available at lunch. Clubs bring in vendors to sell food such as Vinny’s, Moes, and Dip n’ Dots. “It is hard to imagine the school year without Carnival Lunch,” senior Allie Brashers said. Junior Alex Picard agrees with Brashers.
“During Carnival Lunch I get Dominoes bread sticks, an Auntie Anne pretzel, and a Moe’s burrito,” Picard said. “My favorite part of Carnival Lunch is the variety since I usually eat the same thing every day for lunch.” The traditions at River make it distinctive when compared to other schools. Whether it is the Spirit Stick or “Frat Boy Friday”, these customs unite River and ignite student’s connection and school spirit towards their school.
Art by michela mugnatto and eliana landow
12
September 2013 The Galleon
A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Live music- the ongoing debate Tedi Raphael Commentary For someone who has attended events from Van’s Warped Tour to Y-100’s Jingle Ball, it is pretty easy to spot the differences between the experiences. Spanish River students, along with almost every teenager in the country, go into a frenzy of fandom when some band or artist comes to town. Music festivals are a way for students stuck in the “Boca music rut” to break out and find something new. With around 13 stages set up and anywhere from five to over thirty bands playing each stage, it is almost impossible for even the most reclusive student not to find a new musical obsession. “It is nice to be able to walk around and experience more than one band at a time. Plus [music festivals] often have fun booths and festival-like games,” senior Lauren Zemel said. However, no matter how great and exciting it is to find and listen to new underground bands alongside world famous bands, there are always downsides. The feeling of clingy clothing, deodorant that can barely withstand the walk to the mailbox, and hair products that would rather melt
than hold hair in place against the infamous “Florda frizz” only intensifies the ever-looming danger of sunburn. One quick spray of SPF 30 in the morning is never enough to last
through a whole day of sweati n g , dancing, and all around m u s i cal fangirling. On the other side of the spectrum from the chaos that is a music festival, is the traditional concert that is not so traditional anymore. What a concert lacks in large layouts and separate types of music, it makes up for in effects a n d
l e s s e r known opener bands that share a genre with the main performers. Instead of wondering around between stages, waiting for a specific band, or trying to pick one merchandise tent out from all the seemingly identical tents; everything is r i g h t in the lobby of the arena. There a r e even bathrooms that a r e n o t in the back of a trailer or a Port-A-Potty. As opposed to at a music festival where a hard-core rock band could be performing next to a rapper or house music artist, a concert consists of one continuous type of sound that most, if not all, the fans will enjoy. A concert also tends to carry a more
personal feel to the experience. Even fans in the nosebleed seats are more connected to the band onstage by being surrounded by masses of other fans with a similar mentality of the night’s main event. Concerts have a more elite feel than the common music festival that has an almost unlimited amount of passes for the thousands of attendants. Students sit on their computers or smartphones for hours refreshing pages of ticket sites in hopes that they will acquire the treasured tickets that will allow them into a temporary musical Nirvana for the few short hours the band is playing. There will always be the disagreement over whether it is better to go to Warped Tour, Lollapalooza, and Ultra, or to splurge for the Maroon 5 or Drake concerts. On the other hand, there will also always be those who could not care less about which live event to attend, and simply want to listen to some music and have a great time with a group of friends. No matter which side one is on, anyone would be hard pressed to admit to not having the time of their lives at either a music festival or concert so long as the venue is good and the band or artist is better. art by michela mugnatto Photos courtesy of tedi raphael
Teacher by day rocker by night Rachel Horn Staff Reporter Students may know him as the teacher who designed and built the television facilities at Spanish River, however, others know TV Production teacher Randy Weddle as a rock star who plays a mean acoustic guitar. When Weddle was in sixth grade and watched the Beatles perform for the first time on the Ed Sullivan show, he became interested in music. “After hearing the Beatles, I knew I wanted to play guitar. I taught myself toplaytheguitaranddiscovered that I had the special talent of playing music by ear. By seventh grade I was in my first band playing songs by my favorite bands such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones,” Weddle said. Weddle continued playing in bands throughout college and early adulthood while simultaneously developing his professional career as a teacher in Broadcast Media. Weddle’s love of music clearly rubbed off on his daughter Amber. After being exposed to a violin at show-and-tell in pre-school,Leigh told her dad that she wanted to learn how to play the
violin and eventually play in his band. Leigh started playing in her dad’s band when she was just 10 years old and they played at fairs and restaurants in Boca Raton and Delray Beach. Currently, Weddle plays in a band headlined by his daughter Amber Leigh. The band plays a mix of rock, pop, and country music. Weddle does more than just play the guitar. “I helped write and produce Amber’s first three CDs, I currently do most of her bookings, and up until a year ago I was Amber’s manager,” said Weddle. Leigh is considered a country music sensation and has shared the stage with many of the top names in music such as: Lady Antebellum, Faith Hill, Sugarland, and Keith Urban. Her current producer Silvio Richotta, has won many Grammys for his productions, songs, and music videos.
Juggling his career as a teacher and a band member has been very easy for Weddle. “Since I have been balancing my love of playing in bands with school and work for so long, I am experienced in managing my time wisely. While I can’t travel with the band during the school week, I have weekends and summers off, so it is then that I travel with Amber Leigh,” said Weddle. The band travels all around the world. They travel within the United States to places such as: Colorado, Maine, Texas, and Michigan. In addition, they travel as far as Switzerland, Italy, and Germany. “If we have to travel on the weekend, it is easy for me to catch a plane on a Friday night to make a Friday night show and Saturday show and fly back the following day,” Weddle said. Weddle is a great role model to the students at River, because he knows that regardless of one’s responsibilities, whether at school or work, there is always room to pursue the activities that one is passionate about.
Weddle rocks out on his guitar for his students.
The father-daughter duo perform together infront of a TV Production class.
Leigh sings with her bedazzled microphone while playing the fiddle. Photos by Carly mackler art by michela mugnatto
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A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
September 2013 The Galleon
River art goes abroad Sponsored students travel to Columbia and Turkey over the summer Lindsay Mangines Arts and Entertainment Editor While most Spanish River students spent their summer attending sleep away camp or perhaps sun tanning at the beach, Art teacher Katie Martinez and River alumni Andrea Hoenigsberg and Caitlin Brown spent their summers venturing abroad on sponsored trips to Columbia and Istanbul, respectively. Both Hoenigsberg and Brown were awarded with the opportunity to attend these trips based on their notable art talent and previous pieces. Hoenigsberg was sponsored by a Columbian family who recently purchased a plot of land containing an old church from the early nineteenth or twentieth century. After viewing some of Hoenigsberg’s past work, the family hired her to paint a mural for the church. Hoenigsberg was quick to encourage her art teacher, Martinez, to travel with her and assist in painting the mural. Martinez and the fam-
ily easily agreed to the idea. In early June, the two set off to the city of Sopo, just outside of Bogota. The mural was a 12 by eight foot image of Jesus Christ ascending into the Heavens after the Resurrection. It took almost 12 hours of painting a day, for almost two weeks, and 28 gallons of paint to complete the image. “It was really great showing Andrea how to be a muralist and how to take your art from something small to something really, really big,” Martinez said. Contrary to an average, run of the mill coffee break, the two artists spent their breaks hiking through the scenic mountains of Columbia. “Sometimes we would just stop working in the middle of the day, get our sketch books, go for a long walk, and start drawing,” Martinez said. “That was a lot of fun.” The most rewarding part of the trip to Hoenigsberg and Martinez, however, was watching the reactions of the locals each day as they noticed the mural progressing. The church recently had its inaugural service, and now weddings are already being booked. “The people in Sopo really don’t have anything,” Hoenigsberg said. “Watching them in tears, taking pictures with the painting at the first service really made me realize how much
a simple mural could affect them.” Overall, the trip was a major success for both Martinez and Hoenigsberg. “This trip really helped me grow as an artist,” Hoenigsberg said. “Not only did I improve my technique but also I learned what my art could really do.” Another highlight of Martinez’s summer this year was her trip to Istanbul with Brown. Martinez received a flyer in her mailbox last year about a competition that her art students could enter in order to win a trip to Istanbul for 10 days. Eligible students were expected to submit a piece of art, writing, or a photograph demonstrating how humans effect the environment globally. Brown, along with several other River students, entered a piece of artwork in the competition. Brown placed third, and consequently won the trip for Martinez and herself. The group of 14 spent each day on the go, touring Turkey from about six in the morning to ten o’clock at night. They visited countless landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Sultan’s Palace, Ephesus, and even flew to Conia and Izmir. However exciting this may have been, Martinez and Brown were also captivated by the experience of visiting two Turkish families. One family was from the lower-middle class while the other was from the upper
class, involved politically. Aside from their physical possessions, the group found there was not much difference between the families in their behavior and how they treated others. “One thing I found very interesting is that they consider art a craft, and not a part of the educational system,” Martinez said. “They don’t offer any art classes.” The first night of the trip, Martinez and Brown were able to really explore and experience the true Turkish culture by venturing on their own Downtown. Traveling to a different part of town than the night before, they quickly discovered a pick-up volleyball game that the entire group was, from then on, invited to join nightly. “Before we knew it, we had a daily night activity where we would take the kids out after touring all the amazing historical places, go have dinner, and then go play volleyball with the local kids,” Martinez said. “It was really nice to get the kids on the trip to interact with the locals.”
Photos courtesy of katia martinez
R E V O E
K A T Alexis Taylor Staff Reporter Netflix is an online streaming video service that is consuming people’s lives. Netflix began back in 1997, but it was not until recently that the obsession started. For only $7.99 per month, Netflix offers unlimited movies and television episodes instantly over the Internet. Netflix provides a variety of titles that vary from Indie films to popular television shows. Students at River have become addicted to the shows and movies offered, as well as emotionally attached to the characters in the shows. “I spent all of June trying to catch up with the nine seasons of Supernatural,” senior Christine Alfano said. “I literally never left my house.” Even teachers have become addicted to Netflix. “I have had a Netflix subscription for almost a year now,” AP Environmental Teacher Nicole Susil said. “Unless there is a show I am following
on TV, I watch Netflix about five times a week.” “My favorite show is Breaking Bad.” Student’s enjoy Netflix because it is so convenient to catch up on shows or just watch them during down time. “My favorite show on Netflix is The Vampire Diaries,” junior Rachel Allen said. “Netflix distracts me from school because it is so addicting.” The Allen’s are all addicted to Netflix. “My favorite shows are Weeds, Lost, and Revenge because there are so many seasons,” junior Kyra Allen said. Some students learned how to cope with their obsessions by setting aside time to watch their shows. “Revenge is so suspenseful, but it does not effect my school work because I usually watch it at night,” Kyra Allen said. Watching Netflix every once in a while can be a good way to pass time, but the recent obsession has taken a toll on students’ social lives, school work, and general health.
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4.5 5 3 art by michela mugnatto images courtesy of google images
14 STUDENT LIFE The average life of the lazy American student September 2013 The Galleon
Students rely on online shortcuts to take care of business general breakdowns of chapters, and quizzes to make studying a little easier. “It helps me when I forget to study,” “There just aren’t enough hours junior Tashika Williams in the day,” is a phrase that can be said. “I like it because overheard throughout the halls it gives not only of a school with such a hunger for a written, but a success. Who has the time to read visual aspect.” anymore? As course work is becoming Students more demanding, nearly all classes can type in continue to assign daily reading. the names Feeling overwhelmed, of almost students often resort any work of to going the easy literature and the route. As a result, feedback at their many have taken advantage of simpler means to learn about a book instead of turning its pages. Sparknotes.com has grown increasingly popular, catching the eyes of tired students hyped up on caffeine and an overdose of knowledge. This website offers detailed explanations for difficult concepts,
Eliana Landow Student Life Editor
fingertips is virtually endless. Not only does this alternative provide an analysis of the context of a play or book, but it also delivers a description of characters, important themes, and symbols. There is also an extensive feature called “No Fear Shakespeare” that shows a translation of the text in plain English, which may be helpful in making the language seem less intimidating. What made its debut as a source for cheating is now a site that functions solely as a “study guide website,” or so it seems. The online resource claims that their “literature guides are meant to be read along with the books they analyze.” But, a majority of people abuse it. In fact, most students r e a d between the lines, depending on the basic plot outlines to supplement books entirely. “Don’t expect to do well when you’re not getting the full content,” English teacher Blaise Tartaglia said.
“It’s good for a general idea of a story. However, you miss the details in between that we test you on.” Like a calculator in math, Sparknotes. com is a tool that students often rely heavily on. And in the case of the Sunday night procrastinator, the site serves as an outlet for plagiarism. Yet, with proper use and academic integrity, Sparknotes.com can be beneficial. Students struggling to understand the material may find refuge in some extra help when books and teachers do not make sense. English teacher Bettina Hoffman shares a similar view. “It boosts the confidence level of students as a strong reinforcement,” she said. Like anything else, too much of a good thing is not always good. Sparknotes.com has a purpose as a reference, which may make life a little easier. The bottom line is: if you are going to spend 180 days in a class, you might as well just pick up a book and read.
Art by Michaela Mugnato
River teachers incorporate favorite teams into the classroom Students are subject to when sports and academics clash Michael Benrubi Staff Reporter Teachers at Spanish River have unique ways of finding common ground with their students. This often times can be a challenging and creative process. A few teachers have found a spirited way to connect with their students by incorporating their favorite sports teams into the classroom environment. Many of these teachers’ classrooms have become filled with banners, pictures, and logos dedicated to their favorite sports team. AP Environmental Science teacher Nicole Susil has taken her decorations even further by having a ceiling tile painted in a sea of orange and blue for her favorite college football team, the Florida Gators. Susil continues her obsession of the Florida Gators through others means as well. “I ask Gator trivia questions to my students throughout the year and comprise my final exam solely on Gator facts and questions,” Susil said. “I even make every Thursday ‘college t-shirt day’, where I wear a Gator jersey and hope my students do too.” While some teachers incorporate their favorite sports team in the classroom outside of the textbooks, others choose to use it as an educational advantage for their students. AP Human Geography teacher Kevin Turner uses his favorite soccer team, Arsenal Football Club, to help students understand the world
scheme of things in his subject. “Soccer is a universal sport that explains the world,” Turner said. “I believe that talking about soccer helps the students in my class understand geography and make sense of the world better.” Some teachers have extreme rivalries with their students. This year, the San Francisco 49ers lost to the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII. Science teacher Eric Dybas happens to be a die-hard 49er’s fan, so this past year has been a rough and saddening journey for him. The constant struggles of dealing with students heckling him about the loss, and even fun bets, made about it have brought him to tears. When asked about his rivalries with his students, Dybas seemed very emotional. “I definitely have had extreme rivalries with my students,” Dybas said. “For example, when the 49ers lost to the Ravens in the Super Bowl, I had to wear a Ravens jersey for a week and do the Ray Lewis dance when requested...I still cry about that sometimes at stop lights.” The impact of the trend has also positively affected the way students pay attention and learn in class. Students such as senior Ryan Berger enjoy having their teacher’s favorite team contribute to the classroom surroundings. “It provides a more positive atmosphere to learn and takes away some negative connotation from the typical classroom setting of lecturing,” Berger said.
Photos by carly mackler and Alexis Dlugos
STUDENT LIFE
September 2013 The Galleon
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LTM: Lazy Thursday Mornings The beach, the books, or the bed- what do students do on their morning off? Alexis Dlugos Student Life Editor When students hear of an upcoming LTM, plans immediately begin swirling around in their excited minds. LTMs open up a door to the many different options of hanging out with friends before school begins. Walking through the hallways, students catch bits and pieces of conversations, and when a LTM is coming up in that week that is a majority of what is heard. Usually the conversations are along the lines of, “Hey did you hear this Thursday is a LTM?” or “What are you doing for the LTM this week?”
The most popular activity among students on LTMs is to go out to breakfast with close friends, or even just to run to Starbucks for a quick cup of coffee . Popular breakfast restaurants River students attend are IHOP, Toojays, The Original Pancake House, and Dunkin Donuts. Another favorite way to spend the LTM morning is catching up on much needed sleep. Whether it is from staying up late to catch up on homework or just the opportunity to sleep in, students treasure these precious, extra hours. For the incoming freshmen, the idea of coming in late and leaving the same
time is foreign. Although some students prefer an earlier release time, this change is not possible due to county bus scheduling. Students tend to utilize these extra few hours in the morning in every way possible. Some students go to the mall, or even the beach in the early morning. “On the first LTM of sophomore year, I went to the beach with my best friends at about six in the morning to watch the sunrise,” junior Mary Fedele said. “That was the best LTM I’ve had yet.” For those who don’t know, LTM stands for Learning Team Meeting. So while all the students are out enjoying
their time at the beach or sleeping in, teachers are stuck in hour long meetings. “There is no opportune time for me to have lunch.” AP biology teacher David Bryan said. “10:30 is too early and I have to teach all day.” There are no breaks for teachers, except for planning periods, to prepare for the next class, eat, or run for a bathroom break. “It is very mentally difficult to go from 7:30 in the morning to the end of the day without some type of break,” honors Chemistry teacher Meg Leeds said. Art by Eliana Landow
Unique ways to stand out River students show off their style with customized backpacks and planners.
Photos by carly mackler
#Twittercraze Carly Mackler Staff Reporter Who knew a 140 character limit ‘tweet’ could take over the World?–Or Spanish River at least. The students at River, and even teachers, are hooked on this social network. For those who do not know or need a reminder, Twitter is a microblogging website where users can send out messages up to 140 characters long to their followers. Each user has a “@” before his or her handle and you can use “#” to hashtag things so they communicate with others who have hashtagged that same thing. Twitter is the quickest place to get news; the second a sports play happens the whole world knows. Quick tip: Twitter can also spoil shows. Users should be careful while checking Twitter if they are planning on watching a show late. Students use Twitter in a multitude of ways. “I use Twitter to stay in touch with my friends,” freshman Lindsay Mintz said. “I also use it to stay in touch with the celebrities that I love!” Many students like to use Twitter to fangirl (or fanboy) over their favorite boy band or their favorite actor. Twitter can also be an easy way for users to express their feelings or
to rant about something that upsets them. “People on Twitter should keep their whining to themselves,” senior Isabelle Resnick said. “If I don’t want to hear about it in person, I definitely don’t want to see it on my Twitter timeline.” Other students such as junior Haley Brecher have different views. “I think it’s okay to rant on Twitter as long as it’s not hurtful to others or in a hateful, reprimanding way,” Brecher said. Amanda Bynes is one celebrity who often sends mean tweets to other celebrities like Rihanna and Zac Efron. “Amanda, on the other hand, blatantly called out other stars, which I think is completely unnecessary for social media,” Brecher said. Even teachers have found Twitter useful to them and their classes. AP World teacher, Wendy Woodmore has her own account under the name ‘@APWorldmore’ where she supplies her students with useful information and pep talks for this difficult class. “I love Twitter, I can give out last minute updates to the large group,” Woodmore said. “It also gives students a way for them to contact me with a limit of 140 characters, forcing them to really think about what they are going to say. I get to control the
flow of information without my students stalking me.” An example of a few of Woodmore’s tweets are her pep talks before a test “First test jitters are normal #becalm #ibelieveinyou!!!” and information helpful to her students “Hey kids, powerpoints are on Edline. I’m working on final edits now. I’ve prepared u for this test. Now it’s it ur turn to show me #excited!” Twitter has become more than just another app, it has become a way of life, from expressing your personal thoughts to getting information about school, it seems as though twitter is here to stay. Follow The Galleon on Twitter: @The_Galleon for updates on your favorite school newspaper!
Graphic by Josh Benrubi
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September 2013 The Galleon
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SPORTS
September 2013 The Galleon
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Coach Miller wins Coach of the Year award Jack Altman Staff Reporter This summer, hundreds of coaches from schools all around Palm Beach County became eligible for The Sun Sentinel’s Coach of the Year award. Only one, however, could win, and that coach was the tennis teams’ very own Coach Beth Miller here at Spanish River. This prestigious accolade, given out by The Sun Sentinel each year, is awarded to one deserving coach who has had huge success with respect to the number of wins their team has garnered over the season. The award also takes into account the success of their respective teams and how far the team made it in the playoffs as well as if they had a championship win. The award is not only for success over one season, it is meant to honor a coach who has developed a history of success over a long career. This success, according to the voters of The Sun Sentinel, must be both on and off the playing field. Award recipients must show strong character towards their school as well as with their students and competitors. Last year, Miller had a more than exceptional season. Both her boys and girls tennis teams won the Palm Coast Conference Championship, and two of her players from the
Photo Courtesy of Tate Allwardt
Coach Miller has led the mens tennis team to the Florida state championship for 15 consecutive years.
mens team won awards from the paper for their success last season as well. Those players were alumni Aaron Kupin and Richard Shvareman who were honored as the two best players in the county. They were both first team members at the regional competition and won their respective matches. “This is truly the result of dedication and hard work,” Kupin said. “We couldn’t have done it without Coach Miller who truly gave us the skills to succeed.” Miller, who has been teaching at River from its start in 1983, is not someone who is willing to take all the credit for this or any award for that
“More than just a score” A quick look at Spanish River varsity football Jeremy Freiman Commentary Four years ago, I entered the Shark Pit for my first experience as a Spanish River fan. I climbed up the bleachers and watched my first, of many, River defeats. From the stands, four years later, things may very well look the same for the average fan. For me, however, the bleacher perspective lasted only until sophomore year. After joining The Galleon two years ago, I had the opportunity to see the Sharks from the sidelines as a photographer. Every quarter or so, I would turn to the north, snap a picture of the scoreboard for reference, and go back to hoping for that perfect snapshot. I did not pay much attention to the hustle and bustle of the sideline around me – my lens was trained on the dimly-lit field. This year, things have changed. I still love picking up the camera, but as Sports Editor, my primary game time tools are a pen, a notepad, and limited writing space. Our Spanish River football players always put much more into the game than they get out. You cannot see this from the bleachers. You cannot see this in the Palm Beach Post score listing. You cannot see this when your friend tells you the score Monday morning.
The overall goal for Spanish River might be a high score and some wins, but the lack of high scoring in some losses does not mean that the goal is not possible or is not being worked towards. Effort cannot be measured in numbers or a game recap (It cannot be measured in my past optimistic Galleon articles either). It is easy to poke fun at an 0-4 team, but a record does not tell the story. As a sideline reporter I have seen: the strong leadership of the seniors energizing the team, even when most would lose all hope; the carted-off, concussion-hit player who was just trying to go the distance for the team; the disappointment following a loss that is instantly coupled with the will to practice harder. One thing former coach Rod Payne told me last year that really stuck with me was a small story after a bad loss versus a far superior team. Two ball boys from the opposing team were chatting in the later quarters about how “our team was different”. When Payne asked them why, they responded “the other teams just give up at this point, but your boys don’t quit.” So if you hear about a loss Monday morning, you will probably shrug it off and say something along the lines of “we’ll never be good.” But remember, football is more than just a score.
matter. “Tennis is a sport that takes a team effort, and even though I won this award, I cannot take all of the credit for it,” Miller said. “Each of my players has a piece of this for their own hard work.” This is nothing new for Miller, who has had a truly stellar career so far. Her mens team has been playing in the Florida state championships for the past 15 years, and has won those championships in both 1989 and in 2011. The girls team won states in 2006 and has been regional champions four times in the last five years. “We truly have the hardest working
group of student athletes that I have ever seen,” Miller said. “The kids are on the court right after school ends and don’t stop until they are at their best.” Coach Miller’s love for her athletes does not come without her students reciprocating that praise right back onto the coach. “Coach Miller is one of the best coaches we have at River as she is a very compassionate coach,” junior and varsity tennis player Gabby Marton said. “Also, she has put a lot of effort into what she does and she truly deserves her award.” The award that Coach Miller received can be attributed to years of hard work and dedication. Playing tennis since she was eight, Miller always found a passion in the game. She continues to play on weekends and during the summer both recreationally and competitively. “I knew that this is what I was born to do,” Miller said. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else at this point in my life except teaching my kids how to be great players and more importantly, exceptional people.” The mens tennis team starts its season in the winter, with playoffs beginning in late March and early April. Those looking to join the team should listen for announcements regarding tryouts later in the school year.
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Sports
September 2013 The Galleon
THE Maccabi Games-
the summer tradition lives on
Photos Courtesy Noah Zylberberg and Jessie Goodman
From left to right: River student Noah Zylberberg, representing Team USA in Israel, prepares to dive in for a race; competitors attending the Maccabi Games in Orange County landed at Los Angeles International Airport; all athletes at the games are welcomed at a large opening ceremony.
Shawn Zylberberg Sports Editor Every year, thousands of Jewish teens from all over the country gather to compete in the Maccabi games. Every four years, competitors from all over the world assemble to participate in the Maccabiah games in Israel. The Maccabi games were created in 1982 in order to provide the Jewish youth with a supportive environment that fosters mutual respect and sportsmanship. In a randomly chosen city, teens compete in a wide array of sports ranging from ping pong to taekwondo to volleyball. Social
River Athlete
What is your pump up song?
Jesse Vogel Bowling, 12
“Beautiful”-
Owen Levine Football, 10
“Higher Ground”TNGHT
Carly Rae Jepsen
“Liquorice”Azealia Cross Country, 9 Banks
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“So a lot of pressure was on this year to win the gold medal.” Later on, that pressure and training paid off, as the girls’ team went undefeated and beat the Philadelphia delegation in overtime by two points during the final round. The camaraderie developed within the basketball team is one of the many goals that the Maccabi organization intends to pursue. Sometimes referred to as the “Jewish Olympics”, the Maccabiah games are very different yet very similar to the Maccabi games in the U.S. The Maccabiah games were founded in 1932 by Yosef Yekutieli who came up with the idea when he was 15
events are also designed to help athletes interact with each other and learn from different cultures, regions, and sectors of Judaism. The lifelong friendships that are established make the games an unparalleled experience. This past summer, Orange County, California and Austin, Texas hosted the Maccabi games. The event spanned across five intense days of competition. The 16 and under girls basketball team from the Boca Raton delegation faced added pressure coming into the games especially due to the expectations they had to meet. “We have won gold for six years straight,” junior Jessie Goodman said.
years-old during the Stockholm Olympic games in 1912. The games take place every four years in Israel. Instead of cities being represented like in the Maccabi games, countries as a whole encompass the team. The competition is also amplified in the Maccabiah games due to reservations for the elite in each sport category. Jordana Kimelman a junior at River, had the privilege to represent the US in Track and Field. “The experience was impeccable,” Kimelman said. “We all united with one major thing in common, Judaism. “ Although the Maccabiah games are revolved around competition, the games have a firm belief in giving back to the community. “As a team, we visited a school of children whose parents were not around,” Kimelman stated. “We played soccer with them and had a dance party.” Whether participating in the Maccabi or Maccabiah games, there is no doubt in the fact that both experiences are unforgettable. From grueling competition to outgoing social events, teenagers and young adults worldwide are learning constant lessons about sportsmanship, friendship, and service that will carry on to many generations and will promote a better global community for the future.
Vince Wilfork
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Natalie Coughlin Photos Courtesy Google Images
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September 2013 The Galleon
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The Galleon SPORTS