THE G LLEON Issue 5 . April 20 11.
SHARKS NIP, TUCK THE GALLEON TAKES A LOOK AT SPANISH RIVER’S PLASTIC SURGERY TRENDS
Spanish River High School 5100 Jog Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33496
HOMEGROWN DESIGNER PLANTS SEEDS OF SUCCESS JUNIOR ANDREW FREDERICK CREATES FASHION LINE
TECHNOLOGIES REINVENT SOCIAL ORGANIZATION FEATURE FOCUS TAKES A LOOK AT DEVELOPING TRENDS
Holocaust survivor tells of trials, tears, triumphs
Block scheduling may help solve school budget issue By JOEY GOLDMAN NEWS EDITOR
PHOTO BY SUZANNE SANDERS
Holocaust survivor Norman Frajman shares his story with English II students. Last quarter, English II students read the renowned autobiographical Holocaust account, Night by Elie Weisel. Weisel’s experience parallels that of countless survivors, including Frajman.
By EMMA GRUBMAN STAFF REPORTER Warsaw, Poland; 1939. Ten year old Norman Frajman glimpsed into his father’s eyes for what would be the last time for 22 years as the Germans took control of Warsaw, the city in which Frajman was raised. On that date, Frajman, his sister and mother were separated from his father and sent to the Warsaw Ghetto, unaware of what was ultimately going to happen. Frajman would soon realize that the Ghetto was a place illustrated by rampant disease (most commonly Typhus), starvation and mass killings, instilling a new found fear in Frajman and his family. People were literally dying out in masses, according to Frajman. The smell of burning flesh haunted the air as Frajman, along with any other remnant survivors from the Ghetto arrived at a place that for generations has been characterized as nothing short of horrifying: the concentration camp. For Frajman and his family, this camp was Majdanek, located on the outskirts of Lublin, Poland. “The place was really a killing factor,” Frajman said. “The only way out was through the chimney.” One morning, all hell broke loose, according to Frajman; it was time for selection, a process in which the Nazis separated the healthy from the sick, and those who were incapable of performing slave labor were sentenced to be killed. The
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next classification, however, was even more emotional for Frajman: the separation of men and women. That moment was the last time he ever laid eyes on his mother and sister, according to Frajman. “I did not have the luxury of saying a proper goodbye,” Frajman said. On February 15, English II classes listened in awe as Frajman, Holocaust survivor and speaker, gave this heart-wrenching account of the events that he endured during his years through the gruesome death camps. “We are the voices of every victim of the Holocaust,” Frajman said. After being transported to two different camps following Majdanek and faced with death on numerous occasions, Frajman’s hope and determination helped him stay alive to see his liberation by the Russians on May 8, 1945, a day which Frajman honors as an additional birthday. The ultimate purpose of telling his story to students is to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive by educating the youth, further ensuring that an event like that will never be repeated, according to
Frajman. “You learning it [the Holocaust] is going to carry it on,” Frajman said. “I am here to leave a legacy for future generations.” And Frajman’s purpose profoundly transcended among the students who heard his story. “Mr. Frajman is very courageous for being able to do what he did and now after listening to his moving story, my views of the Holocaust became even deeper and made me really feel for him,” sophomore Brianna Sachs said. “I believe his words had such an immense impact on the audience and it really opened everyone’s eyes to what a horrible event this was.” Hearing Frajman speak ultimately enriched students with a deeper knowledge of the events of the Holocaust while at the same time further ingraining the memory of the Holocaust in the minds of future generations. “I must remember for my mother, sister and the six million p e o p l e who were murdered out of cruelty,” Frajman said. “I do not live in the camp, but the camp lives in me.”
PHOTO BY SUZANNE SANDERS
As recent, steep budget cuts to education have swept through the nation, schools are facing the tough task of reducing costs without hampering education. Spanish River is no stranger to this financial burden. A number of cost-cutting options have been suggested by county board members, but one area in particular that has been revisited is school scheduling. Block scheduling, greatly different from the current system at Spanish River, could greatly help reduce the operational costs, according to a county press release. St. Lucie County, whose school district also faces a financial crisis, changed their high school scheduling system to a block schedule format that will save them up to $6 million this year, according to Treasure Coast High Principal Helen Roberts. Now, instead of taking seven classes a day, high school students in St. Lucie County schools take four classes a day and seven classes in a school year. Even though some students might favor block scheduling, junior Noah Gardener feels that it does a great disservice to students. “In block scheduling, the classes are way too long,” Gardener said. “Students will lose focus too quickly in the long periods; it’ll be terrible.” However, the level of success St. Lucie County has achieved this year might be too much for Spanish River to overlook. This change could also help the school comply with the class-size reduction amendment which, beginning next year, caps enrollment for high schools at 25 students per class. However, if Spanish River was to adapt block scheduling, along with following the restrictions of the class-size amendment, hiring new teachers would become unnecessary, a consequence that American history teacher Aaron Lampman dislikes. “The amendment sounds good to people who don’t work at high schools,” Lampman said. “Instead of focusing on limiting the number of students per class, we should be hiring more teachers.” The controversial choice to switch to block scheduling remains undecided as of yet.
Congratulations to Lexie Kessler, Skye Congratulations to the Congratulations to the Gilder Lehrman Congratulations to the girls Kogan, Phillip Goldman, Skylar Persin, Civil War Essay Contest finalists who went to the Disney Jazz eight seniors chosen as Erin Ressler and Elizabeth Shapiro for Dennis Churchin, Bella Comboni, Competition for a job well 2011 National Merit their first place awards in their prospecAlexa Luria, Diana Stancey and done. Scholarship Finalists. tive categories at Palm Beach International Jeremy Whittington. Film Festival.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE News 1, 3
Opinion 4, 5, 6
Features 8,9
Feature Focus 10, 11
Entertainment 12, 13
Student Life 14, 15 Sports 17, 18, 20
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April 2011 The Galleon
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3 NEWS Students react to Middle Sweetapple honored with East, Libya turmoil April 2011 The Galleon
Additionally, due to Spanish River’s large Jewish community, Israel’s relationship with its power-shifting neighbors – Egypt and Jordan – has been a concerning topic for some. Amidst the highly-publicized uprisings “As a representative of the Jewish community, against Middle Eastern and North African I feel that it is pivotal that the new Egyptian and governments lie untold stories: those of Spanish Jordanian governments recognize and continue River students with family, cultural and political their prior agreements with the United States ties to the ever-changing countries. and Israel,” senior Ezra Siegel said. “I hope that So far, major protests have occurred in both Egypt and Jordan will remain as active and Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain. The influential leaders in the modern Arab world.” internal strife within these countries is over Many cite technology as a key factor in the the common issue revolts. The use of of government Facebook, Twitter, reform. texting and other Egyptian forms of modern s o p h o m o r e communication Mary Mansour has enabled supported the citizens to protests that successfully unite. recently concluded “I think it’s in Egypt following really interesting President Hosni how people across PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES M u b a r a k ’ s the world can Social networking sites, especially Facebook, have helped Middle Eastern and resignation. communicate and “I’m glad that North African citizens organize protests in their battle for revolution. share ideas so that the Egyptian they can organize people finally decided to stand up for themselves themselves into these protests and revolutions,” instead of just being impoverished and accepting junior Abby Solomon said. “The internet has it,” Mansour said. helped those in the Middle East and North Concerned student activists have also taken an Africa gain support for their causes.” interest in the political state of the Arab world. The new political makeup of the Middle East “It’s a dangerous time in the Middle East right and North Africa will continue to take form in now,” junior Thomas Mersch said. “The U.S. the near future, as rebelling citizens battle their government must handle these situations very oppressive governments for control. delicately to avoid future conflicts.”
By MAX MORGENSTERN NEWS EDITOR
DECA Award By ZACH SCHLEIN STAFF REPORTER
For members of DECA, becoming an Honorary Life Member is the highest honor one can receive. On Friday March 4, 2011, long-time Spanish River teacher Dennis Sweetapple was given said award during a ceremony at DECA States in Orlando. This award, which is being given on the eve of Sweetapple’s retirement this year, was in the eyes of many students, such as former Florida DECA Vice President junior Hannah Kivisto, a rightfully earned acknowledgment for all he has done through the years. “Having known Mr. Sweetapple since freshman year, it’s sad to see him leave,” Kivisto said. “This award was a great acknowledgement for his work not only at our school, but also in Florida DECA, where he has served as President of the Board of Advisors and State Officer Coordinator.” For Sweetapple himself, the award brought back memories of starting out as a DECA teacher, and how far he has come since then. “When I was a young DECA teacher, I often wondered how those old farts got that award,” Sweetapple said. “When I was standing up at that podium, I realized I was now one of those old farts.” The honor of being an Honorary Life Member follows the numerous awards and accolades Sweetapple has received during his 35 years of teaching, including earning a spot in the DECA Hall of Fame.
Art Johnson resigns due to controversy By ZACH SCHLEIN STAFF REPORTER After serving for nearly 10 years as the Superintendent of the Palm Beach County school district, Art Johnson stepped down on February 21, 2011. Johnson resigned under the threat of being fired over a recent controversy that emerged when Johnson was accused of covering up the actions of former Chief Academic Officer Jeffrey Hernandez. Hernandez was accused of consulting for a school district in Memphis, Tennessee while under a $180,000 payroll here in Palm Beach County. Although the hiring and large salary of Hernandez had been controversial unto itself, this transgression eventually marked the end of Johnson’s reign. Replacing Johnson is Bill Malone, who took office on February 23, and will be serving as interim superintendent for six months. Malone, a 21 year-long army veteran, will be taking on numerous challenges left in the wake of
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Lindsey Gold Alban Harrison ASSOCIATE EDITOR Nicole Granet ART EDITORS Kathy Long Nicole Zamfes ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Phoebe Dinner Lee Ginton
Johnson’s resignation, including balancing the district’s operating budget and managing class sizes. As a former Principal of Spanish River, Johnson still holds personal ties with much of the faculty, leaving them with much to say about his resignation. “He was totally and utterly committed to the betterment of all students,” English teacher Bettina Hoffman said. “He was a good principal and a good superintendent.” Even with supporters, though, Johnson was ousted. Principal Dr. Susan Atherley weighed in on many of the problems surrounding Johnson’s resignation, including changes that may occur as a result of the change in management. “We’ll see policies and procedures either revised or updated,” Atherley said. “For example: the ‘no electronic devices’ policy. It’s an outdated policy that needs to be looked at and brought up to date. I’m on a committee focused on how we can alter and bring technology into the classroom.” Despite the public ill-will directed toward
him, Atherley had no such feelings about Johnson and his tenure as Palm Beach County superintendent. “Dr. Johnson was a great superintendent,” Atherley said. “We had one rocky year, which was ’09-’10, with things that we tried to implement during that time. But his years on board were, as a whole, very successful.” Looking ahead, Atherley acknowledged the difficulties the county has to face, but expressed nothing but enthusiasm for the future. “I think what we need to is move forward and do what’s best for the students of Palm Beach County,” Atherley said. “We trust and support Bill Malone. Still, the board has to search and find a suitable replacement for superintendent. It is time to move on.” The Palm Beach County School District undoubtedly has many challenges and obstacles to overcome in days ahead, as the search for a new superintendent begins.
The Galleon 2010-2011 FEATURES EDITORS Nicole Granet Caroline Posner FEATURE FOCUS EDITOR Ilana Weisman
SPORTS EDITORS Sam Kaplan Renee Siegel STUDENT LIFE EDITOR Whitney Sha WEB EDITOR Josh Lieberman
NEWS EDITORS Joey Goldman Max Morgenstern
COPY EDITOR Shelaina Bloukos
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Caitlin Nobilé
ADS DIRECTOR Taryn Grunes
The Galleon is a public forum.
STAFF REPORTERS Emily Bergman Shelaina Bloukos Ariel Brown Samantha Cohen Emma Grubman Taryn Grunes Josh Lieberman Kathy Long Caitlin Nobilé Zach Schlein Nicole Zamfes ADVISER Suzanne Sanders PRINCIPAL Dr. Susan Atherley
The Galleon is a member of Quill and Scroll Honorary Society for High School Journalists, Florida Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association
SHARK ATTACK
Letters to the Editor In the spirit the spirit of April Fools’ day, The Galleon has included these REAL letters for comedic effect.
MARIJUANA MAYHEM
Dear Danny, So hey what’s up I just want to start off by saying you’re a tard. A small mistake of using marajuana is not a mistake. They know what they were doing smoking weed and if they’re stupid enough to do some thing that dumb and get caught well you deserve the punishment you get. -anonymous
RICH KIDS CAN’T RAP
Dear Shelaina Bloukos, I think this is totally appalling, like they may be able to rap but they don’t know what they’re doing it for ‘cause they just want to. Most people who rap rap ‘cause they are trying to have a better life or trying to get out of the hood and that’s a reason most kids here have a good life living in a mansion with their fancy cars. Basically this isn’t right - they’re from Boca where rich poeple live not the poor the rich they are not stuggling like other poeple are like people not in Boca Raton. -anonymous
April 2011 The Galleon
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RS’ O T I D E E FROM TH DESK
s, ing Dear Shark y your com jo n e u o y e We hop u probably o Y r. e iv R r anish years at Sp on to bigge e r a e w , s or u . won’t. As f gs - namedly, college thin and better to have the d e r o n o h een r ’s We have b uting Rive ib tr is d f o ity r, responsibil is past yea th s w e n t n rta editors of w most impo e n e th usher in is in and as we our legacy w o n k e w to Nithe paper, atulations r g n o C . s d man, your ld good han o G y e o J t and cole Grane s in Chief. r o it d E w e n Las Vegas e th n e s o h We have c m, an that of pro r o r ir m ill to theme wait, as it w a ly s u io x n these event we a ence from d n e c s n a tr signal our alls. , concrete w indsey Gold L d n a n o ris Alban Har Chief in s Editor
Sharks IN W
at er
Senior Ben Heller takes a leap into Hawaiian waters. Seniors Katie Seldin and Sarah Katzin cruise the Hawaiian islands.
Seniors Leonie De La Cruz, Libby Dusinberre, Madison Davell and Shai Levin soak up the sun during spring break.
BOARD CERTIFIED IN WILLS, TRUSTS, AND ESTATES 1800 N.W. Corporate Blvd., Suite 302 561.241.3113
OPINION
Why am I here? By ALBAN HARRISON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF I am sitting in bed at 2 AM. Eyes wide open. Heart beating fast. I want to scream. I want to break the mirror in front of my bed. I want to dig my fingernails into my skin until the blood drains out and all the feeling goes away and my churning mind transmogrifies into a slow drip. Drip. Drip. I am having a panic attack. The last time I had one of these my life was in clear and present danger; none of the tests, workloads, or commitments I have faced in the past four years of high school have worked my body up into such a selfdestructive frenzy. I have faced multiple-day long “all-nighters’ with on occasion in order to fit in my suicidal combination of self-imposed responsibilities. I did it because I had a dream: to be granted admission to a renowned university, to be successful, to shrug off financial constraints and build something that lasts longer than my own mortal life. I still have that dream, and have already met the first goal - getting into an amazing university; three actually. In a few days I will know if I got into the rest - all Ivy Leagues. And that is why I am sitting here in bed in the middle of the night shaking (despite having taking two Benadryls and valerium - a natural root that contains relaxants), ready to gut myself and anyone who dare approaches me in my present state. The sacrifices I have made willingly throughout high school I am now making for absolutely no reason at all. I will sleep less than 6 hours everyday this week (as always) in order to fit in school and my actual life. I will wake up at 6 AM every morning, and if today was any indication, I will do absolutely nothing of educational value for at least 70 percent of the day. I will sit brain dead in history for an hour, perhaps browsing the New York Times on my iPhone. Then, I will go to Suite A to deliver pass-
es for the administration as a student, which, I admit, is important, but could be done by anyone and is certainly not developing new pathways in my brain. Then I will go to math and try to tune out the arguing that occupies much of the class, and then my exhausted brain (which woke up at 6 AM) will most certainly tune out the actual educational material as well. Thus will go the first three hours of my day; me learning nothing. The rest of my day does consist of classes in which I might be able to learn something, but I will probably be too tired from waking up for the other ones to pay attention. And the whole time I will feel like crap, either groggy from lack of sleep, or cracked out on caffeine, cold in the sub-arctic rooms, or consuming one of the cafeteria’s parodies of food. I can not help but think that I would have achieved more personal development had I woken up at 9 AM, went to the gym, read an educational book on the beach, and then maybe gone home and browsed the internet. I would feel happy afterwards, not enraged at the fact that I am sacrificing my health and happiness for a meaningless cause. Perhaps what I, and other seniors like me, need is a little more freedom to choose our own schedules and curriculum. I recently read about an experiment in which a diverse group of students was allowed to create their own miniature school and curriculum. They chose to focus in on advanced subjects that interested them, using references and teaching each other. A similar system for seniors could remove the school’s focus on the grades that are no longer relevant to them and place it instead on their own interests and passions. They could gain expertise in specific areas, and in the process move toward choosing a college major. I know that I would be much more interested in attending school if it was actually… interesting. While a reorganization of the entire school system just to accommodate seniors may be a tall order, individual teachers could certainly make an effort to focus on student driven projects rather than teacher-centric, ridiculously boring lectures. Trust me, we are not listening. We’re actually texting under our desks, or laughing silently at the freckle on your forehead, or staring at the wall imagining the vast beaches and sunny skies that await us outside your now pointless class. At least try to give us a reason to come back to reality.
Image Courtesy of Suzanne Sutton
Well-rounded ≠ undecided By NICOLE GRANET ASSOCIATE EDITOR On Monday, I want to be an astronomer. On Tuesday, a journalist. Wednesday: a Broadway actress. Thursday: a chemical engineer. Friday is CEO day. On Saturday, I want to save the world. On Sunday, I don’t even want to grow up anymore. At noon, it’s international relations. Before bed, it’s economics. So what do I check on my college application? Undecided is so lame. I think the world has it out for me and all other teenagers who haven’t known that they wanted to be a veterinarian or a criminal justice lawyer since they were seven. On the other hand, I’ve always been the kid whose afternoons are like a revolving door of unrelated activities: rehearsals, brain bowls, guitar lessons, religious school, dance class – I love it all. But when I began high school, I was faced with a predictable but unfortunate awakening that I can do anything, but not everything. What happened to the good old days of well-roundedness? The world is forcing me to prematurely narrow my interests and drop my passions. I am being penalized for using the time that I have in high school to explore various pathways, discover abilities and enjoy my youth. If I don’t, I have no choice but to
join the club – the Undecideds. Each year, colleges and universities expect their applicants to zoom in on one area, superspecialize in a single field. This is easier said than done for the majority of students who aspire to an education that will keep the doors to many opportunities open. But could today’s institutions of higher learning have a valid mission as they tacitly force students to not stray from one area of interest? Of course, we all will hire the specialist over the generalist, but must the narrowing occur this early? This system is overlooking us, the Undecideds, who equally enjoy photography and environmental science. Or perhaps we are as fervently dedicated to playing soccer as we are to delving into English literature and European history. Lazy? No. Unfocused? Not quite. Maybe we, the Undecideds, would be more accurately categorized by a new title that reads “I am Just a Teenager Who is Discovering What the World Has to Offer and Trying to Find Where I Can Make a Difference.” For me, it changes daily. I’m pretty sure I need a little more time to decide what I want to do for the rest of my life. Although you may catch me examining the moon, covering the hottest news, belting out a show-tune or conducting my latest experiment in hopes of finding alternative fuel, at the end of the week, I am still an Undecided.
April 2011 The Galleon
It’s the end of world as we know it (and I feel fine...)
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By LINDSEY GOLD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The ancient Egyptians were sweet enough to create a calendar that has kept us, as humanity, alive until now. However, how will we delve into 2012 knowing that our doom is imminent, or is it? Last year - Haiti. This year alone - Chile and now Japan have suffered severe earthquakes that have devastated their countries and their people. Haiti's earthquake occurred in January of 2010, causing the domino effect for Chile's earthquake in February of 2011 and Japan's in March of 2011. I've never been an extraordinarily religious person, but I think G-d is sending us signs. Since the earthquakes in the three regions have occurred in three consecutive months, what's planned for April? If I were a leader, I'd tell the world to beware...who knows what is planned next. Haiti's earthquake had a magnitude of 7.0 and was the largest earthquake to have occurred there in 200 years, according to The New York Times. Chile's earthquake had a magnitude of 8.8 and was tied for the fifth largest in the world since 1900, according to The New York Times. Japan's earthquake had a magnitude of 8.9 and was one of the largest in Japan's history and the seventh largest in world history, according to The Huffington Post. With all of the patterns and record-breaking magnitudes, indecisive me tells me that I think we should be scared. What better of a warning could we have asked for? Three major earthquakes that occurred in three consecutive months with progressively worse magnitudes seems like a symbol to me, but I can't be 100% sure. But, it gets worse. Haiti is a poor country that is one of the least developed in the world. For such a major earthquake to target such a vulnerable region should be a bigger symbol. Again, I'm not overly religious, but I do believe in G-d and I do believe he is telling us something. You may think I'm crazy for thinking like this, but I think G-d would have mercy and compassion for underdeveloped Haiti and wouldn't inflict such a major tragedy upon it if it weren't some sort of symbol, but I may be wrong. On top of the three major, devastating earthquakes that have occurred within three months, throw in a major oil spill and a huge mining incident that left Chilean miners underground for 69 days. Chile has had two major incidents inflicted upon them in the span of four months (hmm suspicious). For such major incidents to occur in a short time span only indicates a symbol- one which signifies the presumed "end of the world" to me. With efforts to amend your poor grammar, I'm going to have to disagree with you Jay Sean: “Two zero one two it [is] the end of the world." In agreement with you REM, "it is the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine...)"
Image courtesy of Nicole Granet
OPINION
April 2011 The Galleon
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FACE OFF Are sports scholarships to nationally ranked schools fair if one is not necessarily qualified with their grades and scores in accordance with that school’s standards? By ABBY SOLOMON By CHRISTOPHER ENGLAND FAIR
The elite students work hard throughout high school and strive to get the best grades possible so that they will be accepted into the top colleges and universities in the nation. The student athletes of the world are thought to only focus on their sport (or sports) to get them into college. This is why sometimes the elite students in the class do not think it is fair for athletes to be accepted into the same top schools as they do just because they can throw a ball or run quickly. This is not always the case. I am a student athlete and I was accepted to one of the top colleges in the country, Dartmouth College, to play baseball. I have worked hard in the classroom and on the field as a pitcher, which has given me the opportunity to become a division one athlete. I have taken 14 AP classes and 12 honors classes. I am also a member of National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and a member of the Biotech Academy. Most students get a head start on homework or study groups, but I don’t have that luxury. I am at the field until 6pm on practice days, and games are usually two or three times a week and I finally get home at about 10pm. I usually start homework when most students are going to bed. On the weekends I am at practice or tournaments and showcases. In the summer I travel with another team to play in front of college coaches and scouts. Baseball is year round. I most definitely deserve to be where I am because I have achieved much success as a student, not only in the classroom, but also on the field where I have excelled greatly.
NOT FAIR
While some may argue that sports are an important aspect of the college experience, college is first and foremost about learning and academics. I think we all agree with this statement: students who work hard throughout their high school careers deserve to be accepted into the college of their choice over a student who earned average grades. Therefore, why should athletes with low GPAs be given scholarships to prestigious schools just so that the school can improve its sports teams? Encouraging physical ability over academic ability does not benefit our society or allow us to progress. The fact that so many schools recruit athletes regardless of their academic efforts in high school shows that more value is placed in the competitiveness of a school’s athletic program than in learning. The very purpose of colleges and universities is to broaden one’s knowledge beyond the high school classroom and to compete with other schools academically, not athletically. It is unfair that students with athletic abilities with mediocre grades receive scholarships that they otherwise would not be qualified for, when other students who made more of an academic effort deserve a spot in these schools and scholarship money to go there. While I don’t think that college competitive sports should be eliminated, I do think more of an emphasis should be placed on the real purpose of college, and that the distribution of scholarship money should reflect this. photos courtesy of google images
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April 2011 The Galleon
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FEATURES Super Size Me, Starbucks: a trenta tale April 2011 The Galleon
By CAROLINE POSNER COMMENTARY The Starbucks “trenta” is enormous. I know because I’m staring down 31 ounces of iced coffee and frankly, I’m having a hard time building up the courage to consume it. It’s about the height of my laptop screen and holds more liquid than the average human stomach. So when our n a t i o n ’ s classiest coffee chain is manufacturing cups
Photos by Ilana Weisman and Caitlin Nobilé
large enough to make any nutritionist cringe, why are we pretending that we are beyond an era of Super Size Me proportions? We understand the consequences of an oversized diet. We’ve got our ingredients listed, our nutrients charted and our calories counted. Yet just when we are learning to condemn an überinflated diet, Starbucks throws 31 ounces of sugar, caffeine and ice in our faces and with a “There goes all your progress... that’ll be $3.75.” Looking at the initiatives taken to fight obesity and encourage improved nutrition, we should laugh and tell that green apron-clad barista we see right through Starbucks’ profitable schemebut this is different. This isn’t McDonald’s, or Wendy’s or Taco Bell. This is our most highly revered, classiest, omnipresent coffee chain. This couldn’t be dangerously unhealthy or oversized - this is Starbucks. So now, we’re not just a nation of overeating; we’re a nation of double standards. Starbucks can get away with selling more coffee than one stomach can hold because we can’t see this welldesigned plastic cup for what it is: the new Big Mac. It’s prettier, its name sounds more sophisticated and it’ll sure keep you awake longer, but it’s essentially the same hyper-caloric, way-toolarge food product that can divide the company’s fans between “This is awesome” and “This is just gross.” It’s not easy to confront the globe’s most ubiquitous coffee chain, but it’s even more difficult when the truth is hidden behind clever packag-
ing and a smart delivery. Everything about the coffee store, from the indie music on the speakers to the community bulletin boards, screams, “This is not fast food!” It’s hard to keep in mind, then, that your daily chai tea or even your onceper-month caramel macchiato is packed with as many calories, as much sugar and as little nutrition as some of those fast-food meals you know you shouldn’t have. But whether or not you’re drinking from the quintessential Starbucks cup with the instantly-recognizable sleeve, your gingerbread latte is still a sugary treat and nothing more. What can we do about the trenta? If you’re Morgan Spurlock (creator of Super Size Me), you make a documentary. As for the rest of the world, we don’t need to see a Starbucks and go running in the opposite direction; I know I won’t. It’s just time that we see past the chic packaging and the pretty names: call it what you want, the trenta is Super Sized. The trenta is 325 mL larger than Starbucks’ “venti” cup for iced drinks, which currently is the largest size l
Graphic courtesy of Nationalpost.com
When elephants roamed Boca Raton By NICOLE GRANET FEATURES EDITOR Cows roamed up and down the dairy farm that is now Military Trail. Pineapple farms stretched on for miles, over what is now Spanish River High School. Soldiers trained on the Army Air Force Base that is now Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Tarzan the Ape Man was filmed in the theme park Africa USA, which is now Camino Gardens. What is now Glades Road – the street that one might deem the busiest of all – was one lane. I-95 did not yet exist. In 1904, 18 souls inhabited all of Boca Raton. A mere 107 years later, the city that defines luxury is home to over 86,000 people. The standard teenager’s perception of Boca Raton can be safely narrowed down to “beach, mall, movies,” according to sophomore Elaine Han. Yet there is so much history within the city limits. Did you ever wonder why the street you go to school on is called Yamato? It was named in 1904 by a group of Japanese immigrants under the leadership of Joseph Sakai, who formed a community along today’s Yamato Road. The Japanese colonists arrived in Boca Raton to farm pineapples and named their community The Yamato Colony, which became modern Yamato Road. This was a greatly profitable business until 1908 when a blight destroyed the crops. Nevertheless, Spanish River’s address is a testament to the fact that the legacy of The Yamato Colony still stands. The question now
Africa USA
is: should we truly be the Spanish River Sharks, or rather the Spanish River Pineapples? Later, the plot of land where Spanish River now stands became “Bo’s U-Pick-It” farm that grew tomatoes and cucumbers, according to AP Psychology teacher Tom DiFiglio. Boca Raton got a taste of the army in 1942 when the Army Air Corps established its only war-time radar training school at the site of what is today FAU and the Boca Raton Airport. The facility brought thousands of servicemen as well as families and civilian employees to the tiny community of Boca Raton, with a population of 723 in 1940. Contrary to popular belief, Animal Kingdom was not the first large-scale animal theme park of its kind. In the 1950s, the still small town of Boca Raton hosted a safari park, Africa USA, in which animals roamed free and visitors enjoyed the thrills of a safari environment. Walt Disney was a frequent visitor to Africa USA, and considered purchasing it, according to www. africa-usa.com. In fact, Africa USA simulated the African aura so well that the classic movie Tarzan the Ape Man was filmed there, starring world-renowned, five-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Johnny Weissmuller. Boca Raton was not always the opulent, resort-oriented city that is seems today; it has a past full of everything from pineapples to safaris. As the story of Boca Raton continues to be written, its vibrant past should not be lost from sight.
Did you know...
... Boca Raton was home to Dinosaur Land a theme park for children to play on plastic dinosaurs ... the condo was invented in Boca Raton ... Spanish River High School is named after an actual river that sat on the border of Boca Raton and Highland Beach ... birds and some other animals from Africa USA still roamed around the city until the 1970s and ‘80s ... on April 1st many shops and restaurants would close until November 1st because the town was primarily snowbirds (people who vacation to a warmer climate during cold weather) ... Joe DiMaggio used to live in Boca Raton ... John Lennon and Yoko Ono were often sighted strolling in Boca Raton ... the first IBM personal computer was developed in Boca Raton
Mr. DiFiglio
Source: www.bocahistory.org
Army Air Force Base
Yamato Pineapple Farms
Spanish River, a.k.a. Army Air Force Field “Little Hillsboro”
Photos Courtesy of Boca Raton historical society and africa-usa.com
9 FEATURES Teachers tweet, expand class- Feature Flash: room beyond school walls April 2011 The Galleon
Dybas said. “I can also remind students about labs and assignments.” Many students are embracing their teachers’ use of Twitter, as it Technology has revolutionized helps to add excitement to a class. “I think it makes things interestteenage social lives, but now its impact is evident in the classroom. ing and fun instead of boring and Recently, AP Chemistry teacher dreadful,” junior Michelle GinsEric Dybas and Economics teach- berg said. “Some students argue er Brett Burkey have been using Twitter and YouTube as a new means of teacherstudent communication. By using Twitter and YouTube, teachers can relay important information when outside of the classroom. For example, a teacher can inform students about a test by “tweeting” after school one day and posting test hints and lectures on YouTube to prepare their students. “It allows me to easily communicate with my students, especially in an AP class,” AP Chemistry teacher
By JOSH LIEBERMAN STAFF REPORTER
saying they do not have a Twitter [account] but they could easily make one; it’s not a big deal.” Burkey says that many students in his classes look forward to his online posts. “They always ask if I’m going to ‘tweet’ tonight,” Burkey said. “They value it.” However, some students argue that these “tweets” are intruding into their lives outside of school. Additionally, some students think all announcements should be made during school hours. “It is ridiculous that teachers feel they have to modernize the class,” senior Rachel Lenoff said. “It worked just fine before I started getting notifications on Twitter [from my teachers].” With the revolution of technology, education has dramatically changed and more can be done in and outside of the classroom than previously thought.
Weinstein sisters partake in uncommon sport One possible goal for a fencer is to fight in the Olympics. Though her sister has less interest in this goal, Sarah Weinstein says she hopes to “be more serious and maybe go to the Olympics.” The Weinsteins attend fencing tournaments at least once per
stein said. Fencing provides an adrenaline By SHELAINA BLOUKOS rush for the mind, an opportunity STAFF REPORTER for crucial strategic planning and a great way to encounter adolescents What started as a hobby and all over the world. form of exercise has become a pas“Fencing is an amazing sport sion for two Spanish River students. because it engages your mind as It has been six years since sisters well as your body,” Emery sophomore Sarah and Weinstein said. “Fencing is junior Emery Weinstein like a conversation and each began attending fencperson has [his or her] own ing class five times per fencing style. Some people week for three hours are aggressive and some nonat a time. The sport chalantly hit you as you are requires much strategic attacking. Fencing always thinking because the purkeeps me on my toes and for pose is to trap the opponent that reason, I fell in love with in a position that makes him the sport.” or her easy to tap with the Although a fencer has more of weapon. an advantage over a non-fenc“You have to use tacer when applying for college, tics that will make your according to www.columbia. opponent react the way edu, not all fencers rely on the you want them to,” Emery sport to help their acceptance. Weinstein said. “You have “I don’t fence to get into to use control and know a college,” Sarah Weinstein your weapon and opponent said. “It might help me get in, because as much as you want but that’s not the reason I do to score a touch on them, it; I love it.” they want to touch you.” The Weinsteins are fully The Weinsteins Photo Courtesy of Sarah Weinstein committed to fencing and began fencing as a form of En garde! Sarah Weinstein, left, advances toward her exercise and as a pastime, opponent during a fencing tournament in Clearwater, Florida. both stated that fencing made a positive impact on their but have become more enthusiastic about the sport over month. Fencing is a worldwide and lives. year round sport; there are kids “They are valuable team members,” their years of practicing. “They are definitely devoted to and adults of various ethnicities Jelev said. Both wish to continue their fencfencing,” the Weinsteins’ fencing at tournaments and even on the ing and are more than happy to do coach Mario Jelev said. “The hard Weinsteins’ team. “I hear my friend’s mom yelling so. Touché. work, effort and time they put in in another language,” Emery Weinproves that they are dedicated.”
Student hacks for the gold By SAMANTHA COHEN STAFF REPORTER
Facebook has reached out to its worldwide members with a penchant for programming by hosting the first-ever Hacking Cup. Among the contestants was senior Eric Pelz. The Cup brought the best programmers from around the world together to compete solving different complex algorithmic problems. Pelz made it through both the qualifying round and round one, but was not able to solve the required problem in round two to advance to the final round. Nevertheless, he found the Hacking Cup to be a rewarding opportunity. “It was an amazing experience,” Pelz said. “It was exciting just to be a part of the whole competition.” The contest began on January 7 with a 72 hour qualifying round during which each contestant received three computer-related problems to solve, and consisted of three online rounds and a final round that was held at Facebook’s headquarters. In order to advance into the first online round a competitor had to correctly solve at least one out of the three problems they were given. The top 3,000 competitors after round one were presented with a set of problems to solve within a three hour time frame. Out of the 3,000 round two contestants, only the top 25 scorers advanced to the final round of the competition in Palo Alto, California on March 11, 2011. First-place programmer Peter Mitrichev won $5,000 and worldwide recognition for his hacking abilities, while 2nd- to 25th-place scorers were awarded between $100 and $2,000. As for Pelz, he says he enjoyed the experience and definitely plans to participate again.
Art By Kathy Long
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FEATURE FOCUS
April 2011 The Galleon
April 2011 The Galleon
FOCUS
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What will The world be like in 2111? Human interaction poised to modernize Why yes, computers are taking over the world By ILANA WEISMAN COMMENTARY We've all been told that technology has improved since the beginning of time. Cavemen discovered fire and learned to cook. Phoenicians invented an alphabet and learned to depend on writing. Arabians developed numbers and learned to evaluate (thanks for algebra, by the way). A handful of European men dreamt up electricity and learned to...electrify. Our generation? I don’t think we have discovered anything groundbreaking yet, but we're certainly reinventing old technologies and learning to compute and computerize our world. But at the same time, we’re learning to teach computers how to think for themselves. And that, the idea that we can make technology think for us, is exactly why I'm convinced that computers will soon be taking over the world. Before the laughing commences, allow me to clarify. I’m not picturing a futuristic society in which people are subservient to giant, mercilessly evil computers with impossibly grown legs and the uncanny ability to speak in monotone. I’m not imagining waking up tomorrow morning to an assault courtesy of my laptop. What I see is a world - in 30, maybe 40, years tops - where computers are simply smarter than people. Quite frankly, I despise that potential future. I mean, I don’t like when people are smarter than I am, let alone computers. But unfortunately, computers are already one-upping humans in the intelligence arena today. Exhibit A: Watson, IBM's poster child supercomputer that recently competed against top Jeopardy! contestants in a modernized, “technologified” version of the classic man versus machine struggle. Over the course of three days, Watson - a computerized system incorporating dozens of databases represented by a computerized voice and computer screen - played Jeopardy against Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter, two previous winners. Much to both my dismay and amazement, Watson was declared winner. “He” was able to process complex algorithms to search through “his” databases and locate an answer quickly enough to buzz in and answer before “his” human challengers. Host Alex Trebek, the competitors and audience members from IBM were all amazed at Watson’s incredible intellectual feats...for the most part. Humans still had the upper hand in some respects. But because Watson is, at its most basic level, a machine, it cannot feel nor experience emotions like a real person can. It also
has not fully developed the ability to distinguish between different uses of words, although it is rapidly acquiring this ability. Most obviously, Watson lacks common sense. For instance, one clue given asked for the name of the first non-dairy creamer. Watson’s answer? Milk. Another instance was in the “Final Jeopardy!” round of game one, where the category itself was U.S. cities. Watson responded Toronto. Last I checked, Toronto was in Canada, not the United States. Regardless of minor errors, though, this new supercomputer is well on its way to surpassing human intelligence. And that scares me. Exhibit B: GPS. As much as I love knowing where I am at all times, I don’t. I cringe at my phone when it tells me my longitudinal coordinates. I tend to turn off GPS capabilities while traveling. It makes me mildly uncomfortable knowing that satellites are capable of tracking my every move. It makes me exceedingly uncomfortable knowing that my laptop is capable of the same thing. I’m sure some people are thinking “Tracking devices! Cool, right?” No. Not cool at all. I understand that computerization is helpful, honestly. But there’s a fine line between helpful and intrusive, and smart phones and enabled computers are verging on crossing it. Take a look at Facebook’s newest feature, Places. Your device, no matter what it may be, is now smart enough to tell you where you are and where you are near. It can publish your exact location to hundreds of people, too. If that is not a public hazard, I do not know what is. I can assure you that I will not “check in” anytime soon. Really now - combine Places with Watson, maybe add in some extra wires and a speaker or two, fix a few glitches and there you have world domination ready to occur! How can you not imagine a future marked by glowing LED lights and beeping processors of super-supercomputers? Only when I get worked up about computer conspiracies do I become grateful for the occasional South Florida power outage. As much as I convince myself that computers are smarter than people, it doesn’t matter. There is always the issue of long-standing electronic power, and we can’t forget that humans are the ones responsible for programming and manipulating technology to serve themselves...I hope. If we don’t want computers to take over the world, I’d imagine we will not let them. So while it is true that they will not suddenly sprout legs and rule the world tomorrow, computers are slowly learning, much like early humans did. I guess we’re safe for now...or at least until Watson finally realizes that milk is, in fact, a dairy product.
Art by Nicole Zamfes
The year is 1983, and the foundations are set for America Online, the Internet service that revolutionized global communication. Suddenly the calendar reaches 2010, and customers line up for a chance to FaceTime with Apple’s iPhone 4. Fast forward to 2111: human interaction is a whole new experience. Scientists cannot predict the future of human interaction, but there is a long list of ideas of what could be the reality of communication by the end of this century. Just as the 1989 film Back to the Future II may have misrepresented 2015 as an era of hover cars and flying skateboards, this generation cannot be certain of the innovations of the future. From “snail mail,” to telephones, email, instant messaging, video-chatting and beyond, the world of social communication is constantly adapting. This change can make it difficult for students to envision the future of personal interaction. Sophomore Michael Rosenbusch leans toward sciencefiction notions of technology’s potential. “There’ll be hologram receivers, like in Star Wars, from watches,” Rosenbusch said. “[Technology] allowing you to see the person's full body and facial expressions or brain-to-brain instant messaging.” Though the concept might be stolen from a movie,
If the World were Spanish River... 96% of students plan to graduate college.
8/10 will have watched 2652 hours of television in their lifetime. 99% have access to the Internet and its successors. 9/10 plan to have children. 27% will have owned a car for at least 50 years.
For Ghonim, Facebook’s role in our future is a bright prospect, others are apprehensive about the role of websites in communication. “I think we're going to continue moving away from face to face conversation and go towards methods that only create the appearance of real communication,” sophomore Sarah Darwiche said. “Today, it's difficult to reach somebody face to face.” Darwiche’s comment reflects a number of other possibilities for human interface. The Institute for the Future calls interaction with computers the “framework” for human interaction in years to come. Technological innovations can replace interactions once only in person. IDEO’s Kiss Communicator, for example, can send a “puff of air and light squeeze,” to simulate a kiss, from one device another when two people hold their communicators, according to futurepath.org. It is not certain whether such a technology will become the norm in the future, or if IDEO’s device will have any real implications. Still, it is clear that the world will see change in the technologies of the future. Human interface has the potential to shift toward science-fiction-like communication, or just further involvement of computers - but no matter the specific technology, changes to modern human interaction will likely take hold in the society of 2111. Art by Kathy Long
What would you put in a time capsule? “Back to the Future” on DVD “I bet they’ll think it’s funny the movie goes into our future, their past.” -Jacob Abrams, 10
Nintendo 64 “It’s dear to me and it’s my favorite game console... ever.”
A copy of the song “Friday” “So that future generations may never forget.” -Hobie Hunter, 10
Photo courtesy of google images
Transportation technology revolutionizes By ARIEL BROWN STAFF REPORTER
Art by Nicole Zamfes
Survey conducted by the Galleon Statistics based on “If the world were a Village” Analysis by Ilana Weisman, based on NationMaster
By CAROLINE POSNER FEATURES EDITOR
Rosenbusch’s ideas line up with some current research. Physicists are studying the possibility of quantum teleportation, a method of transporting information - or material - by mixing up or “entangling” their particles and relocating them as individual pieces. Using this method, scientists in China last year were able to “teleport” information in particles called photons a distance of 10 miles, according to “Popular Science” magazine. Some theories say this technology could be used to instantaneously transport people in the future. Scientists continue to research this phenomenon, maybe with the hopes that by 2100, teleportation will be as easy as it seems in a science-fiction film. Though it is true that the future might not mean the development of technology for teleportation, a snowballing trend likely to play a role in future interaction is social networking’s importance in global communication. In an interview with CNN, Egyptian activist Wael Ghonim thanked Facebook for the role the site played in the recent Egyptian revolution. “I want to meet Mark Zuckerberg one day and thank him,” Ghonim said. “This revolution started online. This revolution started on Facebook.” Protestors in the recent Egyptian revolution began organizing their efforts on the website as groups seeking governmental change, allowing mass participation in the protests by making the plans visible to large numbers of Egyptian youth.
In various aspects of society, be it transportation, energy or electronic gadgets, technology is progressing at an exponentially increasing rate. Technology is, in fact, changing so rapidly that our imminent future may become nearly unrecognizable. Think back 10 years. Hardly anyone owned a cell phone and if they did, it was a chunky flip phone with minimal added features. The laptop was nearly unheard of, and people sat in front of a bulky box with an unclear screen that processed data at a fraction of a snail’s pace. Now, smartphones are commonplace, in addition to various lightweight laptops and iPads. It is clear that the world of technology can be transformed in a very short time; if America has come this far already in such a short time, just imagine how technology will transform society right before this generation’s eyes. President Obama said in his most recent State of the Union address that it is necessary to enhance our country’s infrastructure in order to promote an increase in jobs as well as to improve efficiency. He discussed available funding for such technological development, and there is no doubt that there are already countless
groundbreaking technologies on the rise. “It’s inevitable that we will have a huge influx of environmentally sound products in the market in the next decade,” Academy Director Deborah Stenner said. “It’s not because we want to, but because we have to.” Numerous cars are in the making that would implement various energy sources other than traditional oil. Already, there are a few electric cars on the market, with one of the most recent being the new Nissan Leaf, which is a completely electric, zero emissions vehicle. The marketing of these cars has prompted several other car manufacturers to follow suit. BMW officially announced a sub-brand of electric cars that they will title the “i” series. Volvo has a similar idea, but with a new spin – the new Volvo vehicle can switch from all electric to hybrid or diesel with the simple push of a button. Even high-end Rolls Royce has revealed their plans for an experimental electric car. It is possible that due to these and future developments in environmentally friendly vehicles, the nation may not have to rely on the Middle East for oil anymore. Alternative energy sources for transportation could kill two birds with one stone: sanitize the atmosphere and avoid future foreign conflicts. In addition to eco-friendly cars, other transportationrelated technologies are emerging that could further modify the country’s infrastructure. Some innovations
that could be in store for America are cars that report potholes, roads that de-ice themselves and concrete that senses cracks and heals them on its own. Both the de-icing roads and the self-healing concrete are already in existence and are undergoing testing, while the intelligent cars are still in the developmental stages. “Emerging technology is very important because it is a shadow of society’s needs,” junior Vasanti Jhaveri said. “Science is changing society every year with the emergence of new viable technology.” One such societal need is that of renewable and environmentally sound energy. Recent technologies have flourished for this reason, with many harnessing energy from solar power. The first step was solar panels; they were groundbreaking and remarkable for a time, until everyone realized how bulky and physically unappealing they were. The response was the revolutionary transparent solar spray; this has the ability to turn any average window into a solar panel without altering its appearance. If technology has rapidly grown to encompass extrasensory and entirely eco-friendly cars, as well as numerous solar powered innovations, its speedy development can easily lead to relatively short-term transformations of the nation’s infrastructure.
Art by Kathy Long Graphic Art by Ilana Weisman
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April 2011 The Galleon
ENTERTAINMENT
Drama takes a “gamble” on stage
avoid the notion of matrimony with his un“It’s been very fun and I’ve made a lot of availing fiancée, “Miss Adelaide” (played by new friends,” Porat said. “I hope to come to By ARIEL BROWN senior Alexa Lebersfeld). River as a student in the next two years.” STAFF REPORTER “A typical day at rehearsal starts with warmIn addition to a home-schooled cast memSpanish River’s actors and actresses are ups to pump everyone up,” junior Brooke ber, a team of volunteers also fits into the partaking in the performance of the clas- Schultz, who plays the Hotbox patron, said. unique drama family. These volunteers, led sic musical Guys and Dolls. Directed by “Then we usually run through everything that by Coleen Haggerty, Seldin’s mother, make drama teacher Rocco D’Attilico, the tal- has been [rehearsed] already and then start all of the cast members’ costumes for the ented bunch of students will sing, dance blocking new scenes.” performance. Since the show and act in a portrayal of 20th century New Director D’Attilico greatly ap- Tickets has numerous singing and dancYork and its gambling inhabitants. Guys preciates the cast members’ pas- Student online $12 ing numbers, a voice coach and Adult online $15 and Dolls is a show about what happens sion and commitment. choreographer work with the to gambling men, and the women who “These actors, stagecraft and Door $16 cast most days, thus becoming seek to control them. The show features orchestra work as hard as any part of the drama family. the songs “Luck Be a Lady”, “A Bushel athlete, if not more so,” D’Attilico said. “The Although play rehearsals are quite timeand a Peck” and “I’ve Never Been in Love talent we have here at this school is unbeliev- consuming, the time and effort put into the Before.” able.” show will be made clear during the perfor“Guys and Dolls is such a fun and whimThroughout the course of rehearsals, the mances, and the countless hours have clearsical play itself,” junior Lila Stallone, who Guys and Dolls cast has spent numerous ly helped create a distinctive relationship plays the role of “Mimi”, one of the Hotbox hours together practicing and covering all as- among the cast members. dancers, said. “There are so many great pects of the show. All of the accumulated time “I love being in this show because there musical numbers and it’s so funny. People has managed to create a special, are so many people who get to participate,” should come see it because close-knit drama family. Stallone said. “I love the bonding experience Showing at 7 it’s a hilarious production “The play is particularly enjoy- the cast is able to share by putting this profilled with great songs and P.M. on April able because a huge part of the cast duction together.” 7,8,9 and at 2 dances.” are seniors, and we’re all so close,” Not only does the entire show P.M. on April 10 senior Ricky Ostrofsky said. “Even revolve around gambling, but home-schooled Thomas Porat is now the it begins with a simple a part of the SRHS drama family.” bet. One of the characters, “Nathan DePorat plays Nicely Nicely Johnson. troit” (played by junior Lucas Feigenbaum), “Thomas’s mother emailed me askbets high-rolling gambler “Sky Masterson” ing for (played by junior Michael Max) that he information and asked if he could aucannot convince über-conservative “Sarah dition,” D’Attilico said. “The rest was Brown” (played by senior Laura Arango) history. He auditioned and blew us to accompany him on a trip to Cuba. While away.” “Sky” turns on the charm to woo skeptical Porat took to the cast like any sea“Sarah”, “Nathan” is desperately trying to soned public school student actor. Photo by lee ginton art by nicole zamfes
Gimmicks propel superstars to fame By PHOEBE DINNER COMMENTARY If I came to school in an egg, chances are I would be laughed at. If I came to school with fire red hair and a dress made from party streamers, chances are I would get made fun of. Then I turn on the television and Lady Gaga makes her entrance in an egg and breaks out into a song as the yolk. Not only does this yolk make me ponder what I had for breakfast this morning (and if it was as cool as Lady Gaga yolk) but it also makes me realize that the days of normality are over; let the avant-garde rule. When Lady Gaga started to talk about the “sociology of fame”, jaws dropped, from the pure shock that maybe, just maybe, Lady Gaga had reasons for her simulated suicide and public passion. Gaga utilized her fame and manipulated the media to her own discretion. All we want to see from a celebrity is who they are sleeping with, or what drugs they are overdosing on, but in her performances Gaga already gives us a heavy dose of outrageous. If you think about it, the public has no idea who Gaga is with
or where she goes clubbing, in contrast to every other star in the media today. So you tell me: Gaga- circus act or genius? Gaga is not the only one with a “gimmick,” it seems all artists have something worth expressing. Everyone from Katy Perry to Justin Bieber is reaching audiences with their random acts of costume. Katy Perry shoots at girly gum-drop fairy, while Bieber has pre-pubescent girls releasing blood curdling screams at the sight of his signature hair. So maybe senior John Thomas had the right idea to go after a girl by impersonating the ladies’ man of today. If we all started dressing with the goal of an outrageously lucrative music career, I’m sure we would be seeing plenty of bird cage hats around River.
“Yolking” aside, we can’t expect anyone coming out of an egg at Spanish River any time soon (it is still high school and that person would obviously be made fun of and in an ironic twist of fate would probably have eggs thrown at them in return). Until the day comes when one can freely roam the halls in an outfit made of meat, we will have to sit in front of our televisions and mock those who do what us mere mortals cannot. Although we sneer at and mock those who dress before us, we wait for the day it is socially acceptable to flaunt our egg costumes in a place other than the privacy of our own homes.
Art by Kathy Long and Nicole Zamfes
13 ENTERTAINMENT Student designer storms fashion world April 2011 The Galleon
By PHOEBE DINNER ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR For years, Junior Andrew Frederick toiled and sewed, cut and sketched, inquired and cataloged. Now, driven by a passion for couture and the dream of designing innovative fashions, Frederick is set to release his own fashion line, Dead Beat Society. “Since eighth grade, I [have designed clothes] for myself,” junior Frederick said. “All the clothes I wore, I either took them to a tailor or destroyed them myself; I like destructive clothing.” One can see Frederick around school wearing his redesigned clothing. What was once a generic T-shirt is adorned with intricate distressing toward Frederick’s broad shoulder. This shirt will serve as an inpiration for part of the Dead Beat Society line.
“They are regular t-shirts that will be manufactured with a number on each one,” Frederick said. “Then I am going to distress the shirts and make them all unique.” Juniors Bella Comboni and Lexi Harmer will model Frederick’s upcoming line, a concrete manifestation of his perpetually evolving tastes. “I really admire everything Andrew is doing,” Comboni said. “I see him going really far in the fashion world and I am happy to be a part of it.” As a 17- year old entreprenuer, Frederick faces unique challenges. Spanish River’s marketing classes have helped prepare him for the business aspect of maintaining a fashion line. “I was able to figure out how to approach
people in terms of asking them for money,” Frederick said. “I knew I wanted to be in business and then I researched the production of a fashion line and found out what I needed to know.” Long-time friend of Frederick alumnus Lucas D’Onofrio is Frederick’s key capital supplier, and also participates in administrative decisions. The team printed Frederick’s designs on American Apparel t-shirts that are now available for $20. With 10 original Dead Beat Society designs becoming available within the next two months and 30 additional sketches waiting to be released, students can be expecting to hear “Andrew Frederick” for quite a while. And as Frederick makes the transition from high school student to fashion world debutante, his is certainly a name to watch. deadbeatsfly.tumblr.com. Photo by Alban Harrison Art courtesy of andrew fredrick
Diaries go digital By LEE GINTON ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR It is a world where ideas transpire like viruses, where freedom of speech reaches new heights, and anonymity allows people a chance to speak out without repercussions. The world is is the “blogosphere”, and anyone can join. Sophomore Nina Van Maanen uses blogging as a way to express her admiration for fashion. Van Maanen’s blog, The Baggery, updates readers with the latest fashion trends, as well as shares unique styles of clothing. By posting small passages that focuse on her featured style accompanied by photographs, she shares her fashion favorites. Aside from posting professional fashion photographs including those of Tom Ford and images from Allure, Van Maanen posts photographs of her and her friends, clueing readers in on fashion-forward trends both new and old. “I started my blog because I want to work either for a magazine or in fashion when I’m older,” Van Maanen said. “Someone working in the fashion industry recommended I create a blog due to the fact that the fashion movement is now all online.” Senior Alec Eddinger uses his blog, Drummerofthought, to share his passion for music and love for drums. Eddinger connects with fellow artists by posting drum-related videos and photos. In addition, he is able to use his blog to display his drumming talents. “For the first couple weeks I had no clue what I was doing, but eventually I found
some direction and began to blog about drums,” Eddinger said. “It seemed a very natural choice. I am a musician and have been playing for years, and I knew there were others who shared those interests.” While Eddinger wishes to blog solely for entertainment purposes, Van Maanen blogs in the hope of building a career. She recently scored summer fashion internship, an early stepping stone on the path to what she hopes will be a succesful career in couture. “I want to work in fashion either for a magazine or a company and [my blog] allows me to stay on my toes and go searching for what’s next,” Van Maanen said. “I would love to be able to just work in the fashion industry and go to shows... maybe one day be an editor of magazines such as Teen Vogue or Allure.” For many bloggers, blogs are a great outlet for releasing ideas and emotions. Aside from posting about drums and music, one can use his or her blog as an alternative diary. Blogging the most simple thoughts and feelings can make one feel at ease, turning blogging into a therapy, according to Eddinger. “It is very encouraging to know that there are people out there who share my interests and enjoy the weird things I post,” Eddinger said. “It’s not about how many people read your blog though, it’s really just about getting your interests out there and connecting with others who share them.”
Shark Bloggers Phil Esterman, 10 urbanparkour.com
“I blog because parkour became a hobby and after [blogging] every weekend it became a Phil Esterman natural extension.”
Molly Cannistra, 12 whenmollysmiles.tumblr.com
Art courtesy of Google Images
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“I love blogging because I can express myself and it’s entertaining.” Photos by Lee Ginton
14
STUDENT LIFE
April 2011 The Galleon
Interview Central
Applicants deal with interview anxiety By WHITNEY SHA STUDENT LIFE EDITOR Sweaty palms. Flaming cheeks. Pounding heartbeat. Interview anxiety, a feeling of nervousness and tension that precedes being questioned, is a natural partner to interviews. In fact, six out of ten candidates for job positions have experienced interview anxiety, according to www.economictimes.com. With their wide range of applications for colleges, jobs and positions, Spanish River students are no strangers to interview anxiety either. Sophomore Bernardo da Silva’s first interview was for a volunteer position at the Children’s Science Explorium. He was strongly affected by interview anxiety. “Considering it was my first interview, I have to say that I was pretty anxious,” da Silva said. “Although I got the position, I was nervous and was paying more attention to see if they liked me than actually answering their questions.” Although there is no way to anticipate and plan for every component of an interview, candidates can feel more prepared by rehearsing their answers to standard questions. Websites like www.glassdoor.com and the job search engine www.monster.com list popular questions such as, “Why should you be chosen over other candidates?” and “What is one time you used a creative approach to solve a problem?” Senior Ana Galvan, who applied for a job at a public library, tried to tackle her anxiety headon by preparing her answers beforehand; however, this method proved unsuccessful for her. “I read a lot of articles on the Internet on possible questions and answers,” Galvan said. “But in the actual interview they didn’t ask me any of those and I freaked out. I think my
answers weren’t that great since they weren’t the ones I planned for.” Based on her experiences, Galvan has modified her interview strategies. “You should emphasize personal goals and achievements because that’s what interviewers want to know, rather than saying answers you think interviewers want to hear,” Galvan said. “It’s also good to make a list of the skills that you have to offer.” Marcy Hahn-Saperstein, an alumnus interviewer for the University of Pennsylvania, agrees with Galvan on the importance of applicants’ life experiences. “Students should bring a resumé and consider what is especially important to them on it and why,” Saperstein suggested. “They should think critically about what they’ve done in and out of school and how those activities have made an impact on their own lives and, if applicable, on the lives of others.” Saperstein also understands the burden of interview anxiety, but she is not overly concerned by its effect on applicants. “I try to relieve applicants’ nervousness and have not found the students I have interviewed to be significantly impacted by their nervousness,” Saperstein said. “I prefer to take them to breakfast rather than have them come to my office. Any nervousness tends to dissolve as we talk about what looks good on the menu; this opens up opportunities to start to get to know each other. Students should view their nervousness as a normal part of the process, which can be useful in keeping them engaged in the conversation.” The epidemic of interview anxiety may affect teenagers and applicants across the board, but some say the best strategy is to relax and stay confident.
How to tackle the interview
Before:
- Prepare and bring a resumé - Act out a mock interview with a friend - Make a list of your accomplishments and goals - Research the position you are applying for
During:
- Pay attention to the interviewer - Ask questions about the position - Mention your strengths and abilities if the interviewer does not ask
Plastic surgery rises in popularity, loses stigma By ZACH SCHLEIN STAFF REPORTER There are many ways teens deal with perceived flaws or insecurities. They wear clothes to accentuate their figures, apply makeup to complement their facial features and even receive tattoos or piercings to fight against conformity. However, for many teenagers, a new and even more controversial option is taking hold - plastic surgery. With the rise of plastic surgery in the public eye, the number of teenagers receiving plastic surgery has increased as well; nearly 210,000 plastic surgery procedures were performed on teens aged 13-19 in 2009, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. One of these teens is senior Rachel Blum, who in 2010 underwent open rhinoplasty, otherwise known as a nose job. Blum, unlike many other students who underwent similar procedures, was extremely open about the procedure, going so far as to post pictures of her ongoing operation on Facebook. “I was so public and open about the procedure and I had friends that wanted to see and
know everything about the surgery,” Blum said. “I think people should do what they are comfortable doing, but, if you are going to have a procedure while in high school, you really can’t and shouldn’t hide the fact.” When asked why she underwent the procedure at all, Blum stated reasons not only appearance-related, but health-related as well. “I had my nose done because I wanted the cosmetic aspect of rhinoplasty, but I also had difficulty breathing and my doctor suggested the repair of my deviated septum,” Blum said. Senior Taylor Dabbah, who also underwent rhinoplasty during her sophomore year, had similar reasons for having plastic surgery. “Since I can remember, I always had a big nose and wanted to have it done,” Dabbah said. “Especially being on stage for theatre and performing, it made me self-conscious.” The surgery had a tremendous impact on her self-esteem, and Dabbah has not looked back with remorse. “My self-esteem is so, so much better than what it was before,” Dabbah said. “I don’t have to think about trivial things like my profile or my appearance while having a conversation with someone or taking a picture.”
Although many students at Spanish River have undergone plastic surgery for similar reasons as Blum and Dabbah, many felt uncomfortable talking about the subject and making it public knowledge. Blum noted that there seemed to be a negative image associated with getting plastic surgery at such a young age. “There is a stigma to plastic surgery because there is a notion that if you get plastic surgery, you aren’t happy with your body,” Blum said. “I think it depends on the surgery you get and what age you had it at if it’s a big deal or not. I feel there is a huge difference between getting a breast enhancement and getting your nose done.” This negative image associated with plastic surgery is, according to some, likely to become a relic of the past. With more and more people undergoing plastic surgery every day, the chances of plastic surgery becoming a social norm are greater than ever. ART BY WHITNEY SHA
15 STUDENT LIFE The contest Boys IV Men reminds students to follow rules continues April 2011 The Galleon
Since the release of their successful first single, their melodious beats and comical lyrBy CAITLIN NOBILÉ ics have been in high demand. As stated by the STAFF REPORTER crew, they have been requested to write 10 songs Four boys, a passion for songwriting and relating to school policies and events as of now. When asked who requests the songs, Netko school spirit in abundance: this is how Boys IV said “teachers, administrators, kids who run Men was formed. The parody songwriting crew has produced clubs, my mom even [request songs]. Oh and a Spanish River’s most acclaimed public service Fortune 100 company. I’d like to say that was a announcement (PSA) titled Real Talk, in an joke, but I’m dead serious.” Boys IV Men perattempt to spread school formed their second spirit and encourage othrelease, “Blue and Silers to adhere to the rules. ver” at the Spring Fling The members - juniors pep rally. The goal of Lucas Feigenbaum, Ryan this track was to rally up DeLawyer, Jacob Netexcitement and to proko and Chris Ford - are mote school spirit and excited about the popularclass unity, and in that, ity and praise their songs they succeeded, accordhave accumulated. ing to students. “I like to think that the “We had an school likes us,” DeLawopportunity to peryer said. “It’s nice to hear PHOTO COURTESY OF BOYS IV MEN form in front of someone humming your From left to right, Jacob Netko, Ryan Delawthe school, which is songs while they’re next to yer, Lucas Feigenbaum and Chris Ford star in their breakout video about the school’s appealing,” Ford said. “Not you at the urinals.” to mention everyone is Their catchy tune is an electronics policies. familiar with ‘Black and Yeloriginal song written in low’ so we thought it would be easy and catchy.” hopes of encouraging students to follow the Boys IV Men will continue to deliver crucial rules, according to the quartet. This tactic using humor to motivate students to (ooh ooh) school policies to Spanish River students to the put away their cell phones, has received much morning announcements. Their latest project, another music video, is positive feedback from their fellow classmates. “They have found a good way to get the mes- named “Drop It Like … It’s Not Going to Fit in sage across,” junior Amanda Milhous said. Your Schedule Next Year” for AP drop forms. “They’re funny and so are their songs.”
By EMILY BERGMAN STAFF REPORTER Senior Ben Heller will look back on his days as Mr. Spanish River with fondness. “This experience has been so much fun,” Heller said. “It’s so exciting to be the head of RAH (Rowdy as Heck) Club and lead my peers.” The journey to become Mr. or Mrs. Spanish River starts junior year when students pay $1 to nominate their peers for the positions of Mr. and Mrs. Spanish River. To qualify, students must have at least a 3.0 GPA. The student body votes for the top five boys and girls, who will then be interviewed by teachers. The last step in the process involves a challenge where nominees prepare a mock pep rally to perform in front of a panel of teachers. Junior Setutsi Dennis already has plans for River’s future. Her outgoing personality and love for making sure others have a good time will allow her to shine as Ms. Spanish River, according to Dennis. “I want to blow River’s mind with my awesome personality and ideas,” Dennis said. “This will make my high school memories 10 times more vivid.” Along with VIP parking spots, Mr. and Ms. Spanish River have important jobs; they lead RAH club and they attend all sporting events and extracurriculars at school. Pep rallies, vital for class spirit, are led entirely by Mr. and Ms. Spanish River. Dressed up for the theme of the rally, they show off their leadership qualities and rile up the classes to ensure that the screaming and cheering reaches a maximum high. As role models of the entire school, Mr. and Ms. Spanish River have important responsibilities to uphold. Students aspiring to take their place look forward to their senior year.
Will you go to prom with me?
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NIKKI KESSLER, SARAH GAINES, CHELSEA EISNER AND NICOLE SAMPEDRO
Looking for a creative twist on inviting a date to prom? Spanish River students demonstrated unique ways to pop the question. Senior Eric Groszman popped “the question” to senior Sarah Nader by literally popping out of a huge, gift wrapped box. In his 5th period AP Physics class, he popped out of the festive box that was surrounded by balWhen senior Sarah Gaines loons, armed with roses in one was told to go to Mr. Solhand and prom tickets in the When senior Nicole lod’s office, he told her that other. “All of my class helped Sampedro entered her she was getting a referral first-period class, she was me prepare,” Groszman said. for plagiarizing her research approached by senior Alex paper. Dr. Atherley handed Fox dressed up as a chef. He her a referral that read, “Will held a tray that had a glass you go to prom with me?” of orange juice, flowers and “After Dr. Atherfour chocolate chip pancakes ley handed me the on it. Together, the pancakes referral, I didn’t understand spelled out, “PROM.” Fox why she was asking me to then asked Sampedro to prom,” Gaines said. “Then prom in person. [senior] Aaron [Tell] came “I was so surprised, but it out and I hit him about 15 was sweet,” Sampedro said. times. It was definitely a huge surprise!” ART BY KATHY LONG
16
April 2011 The Galleon
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SPORTS Initiative taken to acknowledge womens sports By KATHY LONG STAFF REPORTER Spanish River is proud of its success in promoting womens sports, which is a result of the continued efforts of Athletic Director Kevin McEnroe and several womens sports coaches. On February 2, McEnroe’s morning announcements differed from his usual praise of numerous sports team’s winning streaks. He broadcasted that the School District of Palm Beach County had declared that day as a day to recognize women’s participation in sports in accordance with Title IX, otherwise known as the Equal Opportunity in Education Act. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity at any educational institution that is a recipient of federal funds, including athletics, according to www.womenssportsfoundation.org. As the athletic director, McEnroe decided the best way to promote womens sports was through announcements on WSRH, the recruiting fair during lunch and simply spreading the word. His message has been effective being that 15 to 18 girls have joined the womens spring sports after the recruiting fair, according to McEnroe. Other schools in the county, such as Boynton High School, promoted the law by having their women wear sports uniforms to school. “We do a good job promoting sports at freshman orientation and open house,” McEnroe said. “Mr. Rothman speaks to
April 2011 The Galleon
17
the crowds and we are well represented. All of the coaches recruit and promote year-round since a majority of the coaches are on campus as teachers.” Although Spanish River has met the gender equality requirements for varsity sports, it still does not fulfill the number of women in the junior varsity sports, but big improvements have been made. Steve Hower coached a freshman womens soccer team this year which has led the effort in the right direction. Furthermore, the girls JV softball team has similarly contributed to women’s participation in sports. All of these JV teams enhance the varsity program, according to McEnroe. “This is the first year we had a JV womens lacrosse team, and because of the promotions we have 21 girls on the team,” lacrosse coach Jarlyn Mathews said. “Womens sports are not acknowledged enough, but through the promotions more students are interested in participating.” This awareness day was one of the numerous way that Spanish River coaches convince young women to tryout for sports. “It’s a good idea to let girls know there are sports out there they can participate in, even if they don’t think they are good enough to,” girls golf coach Paulette Riedel said. The success is already visible, and with more years to come, supporters hope that the recruiting fair along with the sustained efforts will increase women’s participation in sports. photos courtesy of tiburon
Let’s
cal
si y h P et
G
By TARYN GRUNES STAFF REPORTER
While at the beach, one may notice people running on the sand, doing pushups or sprinting - people who are probably participating in a form of exercise quickly becoming popular: boot camp. Boot camp is a workout that copies the style of the physical training of soldiers which includes: pushups, interval training, squats, lunges and sprints. In a boot camp, the challenge is to take the body out of its comfort zone and to work it to extremes; one works, sweats, and burns calories at a quicker rate, according to www.bootcampexercises.
net.
As this exciting excercise alternative is gaining widespread attention, Spanish River students are hopping on the bandwagon. “It challenges your body’s core
Bootcamps
strength,” junior Nishad Ramasar said. “It’s not muscle training per say, but how much strain you can put on your body and the type of stamina you contain, and training to make your overall body more proficient.” Working out boot camp style burns more calories than running, aerobics or any other workout. The reason is that when doing boot camp, one is constantly switching positions, working every muscle with every exercise, according to
of cardio, running, core training, and fun music,” senior Christine Adams said. “Doing boot camp every other weekend helps me keep in shape for lacrosse, and it allows me to change up my workout routine with my friends.” Boot camp is a active way to be social and become fit all in one class. It has given Spanish River students a great new way to exercise.
www.bestbootcampworkout.com.
“My favorite part of boot camp would be working with the medicine ball and doing ab workouts,” senior Mariam Grigoryan said. Physics teacher Miguel Nelson is also contributing to boot camp’s rise in popularity, as he offers a weekend boot camp for students. “I love working out and conditioning, and Mr. Nelson always encourages his students to come out every other Saturday morning bright and early for two hours
Art by kathy long
18
April April2011 2011 The Galleon The Galleon
SPORTS Calling all sports fans By RENEE SIEGEL COMMENTARY
This is for all of you student sports fans who don’t come and support your Spanish River Sharks. Maybe you’re thinking that games are too time consuming or that professionals on TV are more entertaining. Well, guess what? When we lose at home, it’s partially your fault. Sports Illustrated (SI) recently did a study to find out the true reason for homefield advantage. Is it because home teams are familiar with their venue? Nope. Maybe it has to do with the visiting team being fatigued from travel? Wrong. The support of the crowd makes the players perform better? Close, but still inaccurate. You are on the right track by saying the crowd is the main influence, but it has nothing to do with the players. National Basketball Association (NBA) players make the same percent of free-throws at home as they do at away games (sorry for all you Heat fans who sit behind the visiting team’s net screaming your heads off during their foul shots. You make no difference.) However, there’s one factor here that we are missing: the oh-so-popular referees. The true reason for the home-field advantage is… drum roll please… officials’ bias! The crowd doesn’t really affect the players, but they do put significant pressure on the referees. Imagine being a referee who is uncertain about a call. Thirty thousand people are yelling at the top of their lungs for the call to go to the home team. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want 30,000 people hating my guts. Due to these subconscious psychological influences, referees may give the home team an advantage. To prove how much a crowd can influence a game, SI did an experiment in Europe where it took statistics of a soccer game in which no fans were allowed to watch. Knowing the reason
for home-field advantage, it’s not surprising that the referee called the game completely evenly- no home team bias. Now that you are aware of our homefield secret, here is the issue I have with our school. I don’t expect 30,000 people to come to a Spanish River sporting event, but when a few dedicated parents and a couple of friends guilted into showing up are the only ones there? It’s pathetic. When I went to a home boys lacrosse game against West Boca, there were more Bull fans than there were Shark fans. Every time I cheered for our team, I felt like an awkward outsider. I remember the same thing happening during soccer games and even football games. And even though it’s been scientifically proven that our presence won’t affect the players’ performance, it does have an emotional effect. From personal experience, it sucks to look up at our home stand and see three people there. I want so badly to be part of a town like the one in Friday Night Lights, a community that lives and breathes for their teams. True school spirit is more than a reward for our athletes, it’s a unique feeling that makes you feel like you belong to something good. I dream of the day that I’ll look out at the bleachers and see more than three fans. Make it happen. Stand up for your school, come to a game and cheer on your Sharks as loudly as you can. The more fans we have, the more we can influence the officials, the more likely we are to win and the more fun you’ll have at the games. No more excuses; support your Spanish River athletes!
PHOTO BY SAM KAPLAN
Sports forums influence athletes’ mindsets By SAM KAPLAN SPORTS EDITOR
Used by athletes, parents and coaches, rival sports forums provide a public place to scrutinize and rank athletes’ athletic abilities. However, can excessive criticism in these forums influence athletes? In the sports world, one’s every move is watched by someone; people constantly analyze other players’ performances, even unintentionally. When these analyses are posted on sports forums, they are capable of transforming an athletes’ thoughts about rivals. Examples of such forums include mbd.scout. com and www.pbgametime.com/forum. Both are easy to use and are first hand examples of how some people post negative comments about other players and teams. The forums also provide rankings for teams and individual athletes. Players can also get recruited from these forums, however, they must pay to have their “player profile” on the site, according to baseball coach William Harvey. “I like the rankings,” varsity wrestler junior Craig Matthews said. “They let me know if I’m about to go against a stud or a scrub, so I know how hard I have to go before the match even starts.” Matthews is ranked number 13 in the statewide heavyweight class, according to scouts.com. Thousands of people use these forums for discussion, and with the internet becoming more and more integrated into daily life, athletes will either have to learn to ignore the negative feedback or utilize it to try harder. “In the age we live in today, it’s easy for people to go on these forums and talk negatively about players,” Harvey said, “I just tell my guys to be responsible.”
POP CULTURE GRID Over Spring Break i.....
ANDREW IMMLER
WEIGHTLIFTING
Maria Barni
worked out at the gym
Favorite Iphone App.
Hungry Shark
Post game relaxation
eating chipotle
tanned at the Beach
Scrabble
Laying on my couch
Played baseball
i am t-pain
Sleeping
Pandora
Hot showers
Orange leaf, eco YOGURT or tutti fruiti
Tutti fruiti
Flag Football
LUCA Rispolo BASEBALL
Lauren Appelbaum Lacrosse
played lacrosse
Eco all the way PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES
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