FACES OF PALMETTO PANTHER
the
a special edition of
THIS IS US. US Welcome to the seventh annual issue of our special edition of The Panther, Faces of Palmetto. This issue aims to show the Palmetto community the unique and special people who walk our halls: from the students currently enrolled to the faculty who dedicate their time teaching us and the alumni who spread Palmetto’s positive influence wherever they go. The Panther staff chose 12 people they feel embody the spirit of Palmetto through their stories and impact. The Panther also hopes to broaden perspectives on the people in and outside of Palmetto, as the 12 featured in this issue have stories not widely known to others. The Panther recognizes their importance and their humanity. Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s “Humans of New York,” The Panther looks forward to continuing this incredible tradition of highlighting the remarkable people walking among us on campus far into the future.
THESE ARE OUR STORIES.
Oliver Cannings Vibhu Gupta Rodrigo Duran Jordan Glassman
04 05 06 07
Edgardo Gomez & Orestes Talavera Sofia Arnau Isabella Sosa Isabella Reale Aldrick Dodds Michelle Benz Katie Phang Jennifer Fisher
10 11 12 14 16 17 18
08
04| FRESHMEN
SWIMMING TO SUCCESS: A
OLIVER CANNINGS
t just six years old, freshman Oliver Cannings dipped his toes into the shallow end of a pool and eventually found his longterm passion for swimming competitively. As a freshman, Oliver joined the school’s Varsity Swim Team and currently swims at the highest level in his club swim team. “I started swimming at six competitively. I got in because my mom wanted me to learn how to swim but then I kind of found out I was pretty good at it. And then I stuck with it and got more serious about it,” Oliver said. Growing up exposed to athletic principles, Oliver has realized the importance of finding a passion and discipline in sports. From parents who played various sports growing up, to brothers who compete in their respective sport, staying active is in Oliver’s blood. “ ... Sports and athletics [were] very important to me growing up in England; I played cricket and football and lots of different sports growing up and always really enjoyed the experience of playing on a team and getting involved in those activities. So we’ve always had the kids in sports,” Oliver’s father Martin Cannings said. Oliver’s school mornings begin earlier than the typical high schooler’s. His morning swim practices at 5 a.m. let him start the day with a splash, especially after starting in “Seniors,” the most advanced group at his swim club. “I’ll train every weekday in the afternoon from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and then I train on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. And then I train on Saturday from 7:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.,” Oliver said. “... I definitely have less time [for schoolwork] but I think it’s manageable. I stay up late sometimes doing homework.” Oliver currently holds the 20th fastest 100-meter breaststroke time in Florida at 1:00:08. Besides Oliver’s accomplishments over his years swimming, he has experienced some hardships with a lack of support from his former coach. “I didn’t like [swimming] when I was around 11 [years old] … I had a bad coach so I switched teams. I wanted to stop and then my
mom convinced me that I should stick with it and give it a little bit more time, and then I fell in love with the sport again,” Oliver said. Now, Oliver receives encouragement and constant support from his coaches, as they all share the goal of training for improvement and preparing for professional swimming. Oliver rekindled his love for swimming as a result of the relationships he has built with his whole team. “Oliver is very focused and very dedicated … he has come a very long way and who knows where he will end up in the future. He is very capable of achieving very, very good things. He should become a very good swimmer,” club coach Norman Abril said. Support and encouragement from coaches, friends and family all contribute to an athlete’s success, but the root of it comes from the individual’s drive and passion. “My wife and I have always encouraged the boys if they’re going to try something [or] if they’re gonna get into an activity, to give it their all; we always expect them to attend practices and to just put all of their effort into it. I think the motivation has to come from the individual. It’s really not going to work any other way,” Martin said. With goals to swim Division 1 in college and to continue competing in both club and high school seasons, Oliver’s motivation is fueled by his long-term goals, as well as the relationships he has built within the sport. Since he was young, Oliver knew his first time swimming would not be his last. “As soon as he got in the pool [for the first time], we knew that was going to be his thing,” Martin said.
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FRESHMEN | 05
AN ENSEMBLE OF TALENTS: S
VIBHU GUPTA
howing off his Miami Palmetto Senior High pride at one of the many football games or in the auditorium during a performance, freshman Vibhu Gupta can be found playing the tenor saxophone in the Marching and Jazz Band, throwing down at taekwondo practice or running for Varsity Track and Field — all under the pressures of being a high school student. As a child, Vibhu began playing music; he continued throughout middle school and hoped to continue playing in high school. “In general he’s a very competitive person,” Band teacher Monica Serrano said. “He likes to strive to achieve.” Vibhu credits his music teachers for his progression. Although the teachers may have different styles compared to what he experiences now, their role in his musical development remains significant. After doing band for a year at Palmetto Middle, Vibhu transferred to Southwood Middle School’s magnet band program, where he then joined the band at MPSH. “I just like jazz in general, and I was pretty good, so my middle school director recommended me to Palmetto’s [jazz band],” Vibhu said. Vibhu’s mother, Vibha Gupta, has witnessed the effect music has had on Vibhu and how dedicated and consistent he is practicing music. “He tried out for Southwood band magnet and he got in. So that’s one thing he was like, ‘I don’t want to give that up,’” Vibha said. In middle school, Vibhu focused on his instrument constantly, carrying it around all day. For Vibhu, music is an outlet. “I feel free, like I can express myself when I play my music,” Vibhu said. As the only freshman in the jazz band, Vibhu’s talent certainly shows. Being the youngest is not easy, and Vibhu looks to his more experienced classmates when he needs help. “ T h e y ’ r e definitely teaching me stuff to get better at music. Other than that, it’s pretty tough for me, but they’re helping me,” Vibhu said.
After high school, Vibhu wants to study music — an aspiration his family supports. “We let him choose what he wants to do and then I always tell him ‘Do what you want to do, I’m right behind you ... We’re here to support you,’” Vibha said. Even when Vibhu moved cities and a lot of things changed for him, his passion for music remained a constant in his life. “He moved to Chicago when he was three and a half … then we moved back [to Miami] when he was in fifth grade,” Vibha said. “Since third grade, he’s been playing an instrument and is still with it. I hope he completes it through high school and he wants to pursue music therapy or something like that in college.” Also a runner on the Varsity Track and Field team, Vibhu is regarded as a positive influence in the school with his great personality and unwavering kindness toward his teammates. “He’s very interesting,” freshman Hector Brown said. “He has a great personality and is also a great runner.” Brown is one of the many friends that Vibhu has made at MPSH. Vibhu is multitalented: not only does he run track, but he also practices taekwondo and plays soccer. “He enjoys playing soccer as well as basketball,” Brown said. “Both are things we enjoy doing together in our friendship.” The varied interests and talents of Vibhu, as well as his upstanding character enrich MPSH. With three years still to go in his high school years, this is only the beginning for Vibhu. “He’s a very easy going kid, he loves to joke around and just have a good time,” Serrano said.
06 | SOPHOMORES
At the 4FRNT: C
RODRIGO DURAN
hatGPT, Bard, Google AI, TensorFlow: recently, Artificial Intelligence has brought a new wave of technology to everyday life. Whether writing a love letter, coming up with a recipe or solving an equation, AI has taken the world and the next generation of innovators by storm. Among them is sophomore Rodrigo Duran, the mind behind the AI software platform “4FRNT,” a website designed to help teachers generate up to 50 short answer questions based on textbooks, with students being able to answer them and have them graded automatically. Stemming from his former AP World History teacher Julianne Farkas’s curiosity about a time when AI would take over the task of grading, Rodrigo told her they were not too far away. During his time working on 4FRNT’s development, he realized that others had already come up with the idea. According to classcompanion.com, Class Companion is an AI helping teachers give instant feedback on written assignments. With an eye for design and aesthetic value, Duran hoped to contribute to the company’s marketing efforts and reached out to their Chief Executive Officer. “Right now, what’s probably gonna end up happening is that I’m going to work for [Class Companion],” Rodrigo said. “They have probably by now 9000 teachers in the U.S. using [the platform].” For Rodrigo’s older sister and senior Isabel Duran, his work ethic and forwardthinking sets him apart from the typical 15-year-old. “[His dedication] is crazy impressive. Six months ago he was like, ‘What if we did this,’ and then he did. I feel like a good 10% of [innovative ideas] come to fruition, but for him, it’s all of them, and they’re really well done,” Isabel said. “He showed me the progress as he’s gone along, and I think it’s pretty cool to see. I also think of it like a ‘You go girl,’ kind of situation.” Those who know Rodrigo attribute
his unique variety of hobbies to the personality of a ‘Renaissance Kid,’ a term used to describe those well-rounded, curious individuals with a hunger to learn. “Something that explains [Rodrigo] is he’s a horologist … It’s a watch enthusiast. He knows so much about them,” Isabel said. “[Rodrigo in a word is] innovator because he is the most creative person I know … It’s funny because he’ll pass by [at home] and I’m like, ‘What are you doing?’ He has a drill in hand, a piece of wood, a hammer, and he’s like, ‘Oh, nothing.’” For Farkas, assisting Rodrigo with the development of 4FRNT has allowed her to take note of his attention to craft, artistry and design. “He is very much a man who finds aesthetics incredibly important. Everything from the way that his software is designed to the way someone else’s software is designed … He is an interesting old soul who’s quite on the cutting edge of technology,” Farkas said. “The irony is that he likes standard watches; he appreciates the forwardthinking of technology but appreciates the craftsmanship of traditional things.” Both Farkas and Isabel see Rodrigo’s future as bright, having accomplished so much as only a sophomore. “I think the biggest gift is that he’s never been a kid who wanted to fit in, and then that’s allowed him to just go so far beyond what anyone else can do,” Isabel said. “He’s gonna rule the world. I think he’s gonna be in the Forbes 30 under 30, I think he’ll be on Jeff Bezos’ yacht, at some point.”
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SOPHOMORES | 07
SAILING THE DAY AWAY: D
JORDAN GLASSMAN
espite being born in the bustling streets of New York City, sophomore Jordan Glassman’s move to Miami allowed her to grow up and embrace the calm ocean in her backyard. What began as a summer activity to preoccupy sevenyear-old Glassman turned out to be her outlet for relaxation and best friend during choppy times. Initially, she spent her formative summers at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club summer camp but refused all offers to join their year-round program. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, she found herself yearning for the breeze in her hair and the vacant ocean surrounding her. “By some miracle, it turned out the club was holding an abbreviated summer session with a quarter of the participants they usually have … It turned out to be the best summer of her life,” Glassman’s mom Jennie Glassman said. “In the end, sailing has helped enhance her self-confidence, independence and critical thinking skills.” During the period of isolation, sailing quickly became a lifestyle for Glassman, committing her weekends to practice. While many may view this time commitment as inconvenient, Glassman’s growing passion for her sport diffused the idea of it as a burden. This rigorous schedule limits her downtime to spend with school friends, but throughout the years, she has formed a tight bond with
her teammates and enjoys socializing with them. “COVID-19 was really hard for me … [sailing] has just opened me up to so many different people and a whole other world. I can’t even describe the impact it’s had on my life,” Glassman said. One summer, Glassman met one of her closest friends, Aila Giannini, while working at the summer camp she had grown up attending, teaching kids ages seven to 12 about sailing, as well as other valuable lessons like independence and patience. The two witnessed the students go from knowing very little about sailing to being able to sail on their own. “She really puts in the time [to improve as a sailor] … She’s there every single day, even Fridays and nobody goes on Fridays,” Giannini said. “She puts in constant dedication, time and wants to progress.” Currently, Glassman has learned to appreciate the little moments sailing has offered her: from her routine stops at Bagel Emporium before a big race to seeing dolphins and turtles on the horizon during her morning drills. She enjoys traveling all over Florida for races with her team and evening dinners after a long day coasting the waters. Outside of sailing, Glassman is recognized for being a true-hearted friend. She never fails to bring a positive attitude to everything she does and brings a smile
to those around her. “She’s a really great listener, and she has a lot of stories … She’s super fun and exciting and she’s just a really interesting person,” sophomore and friend Cecilia Merchan Mendes said. Sailing has significantly changed the course of Glassman’s life for the better. She strives to help others connect to the sport the way she did, urging them to embrace the feeling of the sun shining on them and the wind carrying them across the Miami waters. “[Sailing is] something that I truly enjoy doing and love. I love the sport and I love the people … [Coaching and competing] has taught me how to be more patient because I have to coach kids that are really young, that have never sailed before, and I just try to be as inspiring to them as my coaches were to me when I was little,” Glassman said.
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08 | JUNIORS
Mixing the miami beat:" EDGARDO GOMEZ AND ORESTES TALAVERA passion for music turned into their reality. Juniors Orestes Talavera and Edgardo Gomez, founders of Yayi Music, turned their enthusiasm into a career. Ever since their freshman year when they realized they shared a love for DJing, they pursued it and created their own company. It began with an idea. Both Talavera and Edgardo worked for Edgardo’s father’s party bus company, 305Miabus, where they helped around and learned the ropes. Edgardo’s father was looking for a DJ, and this was their chance. Being constantly surrounded by music, this opportunity allowed them to venture into the DJing field. “We started DJing because we worked on this party bus in Brickell a long time ago, and we still do, but that’s what mainly we did … They needed a new DJ, so we both decided to learn. We started learning how to DJ and that’s just where it started,” Edgardo said. From there, the duo’s DJing journey took off. They worked together and taught themselves how to DJ, starting with mixing music, before taking
the next step and making their work bigger. This began the journey toward the creation of Yayi Music, a name with origins in Edgardo’s childhood. “So my mom, when I was little, she called me Yayito. So I took the ‘t’ and ‘o’ out of it and put Yayi … At the party bus, when we started DJing there in 2022, we started thinking about opening a plan. So we made our own business, so we could expand it from the party bus. And now we’re doing mobile gigs as a business,” Edgardo said. Recalling more childhood memories, Edgardo’s dad, José Gomez, calls back to Edgardo’s passion for music from a young age, also earning the nickname “DJ Humo.” “Edgardo has had a passion for music since he was a little boy, so much so that he sang [and] danced at family parties. He decorated everything with lights and smoke machines and sound, and we called him ‘DJ Humo.’ He always showed interest in music and sound,” Gomez said. Primarily working on mobile gigs, Yayi Music has gained 11.4 thousand followers on their Instagram account, @ yayimusic. The duo does events and house parties, along with their work on 305Miabus. Recently, Edgardo and Talavera have begun producing and mixing their own music. Before Yayi Music became a duo, they were a trio. Former third member and manager of Yayi Music, Pedro Undurraga, worked with Edgardo a n d Talavera since the beginning of their DJing career and the
the formation of Yayi Music before But then we came up with the hoodies, moving to Chile. While Talavera and and then we started to sell them around Edgardo had immense talents in DJing, Palmetto,” Edgardo said. it was Undurraga’s idea to promote Yayi Their passion for music helps the Music as a business where the two could pair grow their company. Both Edgardo bring in funds. and Talevera had many inspirations that “Well, I have been with them since fueled them to keep working at their the beginning of Yayi Music. They were dream. just DJing before kinda as a hobby, just “We taught ourselves [how to DJ] doing it for fun and for free and I told … Our [inspiration], it was James Hype them that they were really good and they … He’s a super famous DJ. He’s from should start selling their DJ service. So the UK. He is more into house music we were already friends and I told them than techno, but … For me personally, that they should make a business out of he’s one of the most versatile DJs, he it and actually make money,” Undurraga really does on-spot mixing, and not said. pre-recording sets. So that’s what I’ve As former manager of Yayi Music, always liked about him,” Edgardo said. Undurraga played a role in promoting “… In Venezuela, when I was little, and marketing the boys’ talents, through I went to visit a tribe in Canaima [in social media, websites, bookings and Estado Bolivar], and they were playing more. the bongos, so that kind of really got me “I basically helped with all the selling into [music] — when I started hearing and business parts of it. So designing their that, it inspired me to listen to more website, selling their mobile packages, music.” promotions and booking everything all José Gomez believes in the two boys’ of that. So I kinda just guided them when future and in the work they have done it came to the not performing stuff. I and set out to do, having witnessed their would also guide them on what to play hard work and dedication to music from at different events, like, ‘hey play house the very beginning. now’ or, ‘hey switch it to reggaeton,’” “I find it incredible that Edgardo, Undurraga said. at his young age, has undertaken this As young DJs, Edgardo and Talavera project and that he has involved Orestes dream of reaching their goals and in this, they have a lot of potential, and I becoming renowned DJs, performing know they can do great things. I always at big clubs, festivals and various big witness their hard work and support events. them,” José Gomez said. They turned Yayi Music into As for Undurraga, he is excited and not just a business, but a brand by hopeful for what the two will achieve in releasing merchandise. On the front, the the future, including music production. merchandise reads: “¿are we awake?” “I’m really excited for what they’re with the Yayi Music logo on the back. working on in the future. I’m currently The boys note that it started as a joke, in Chile, so I have a lot of connections taking a cool visual concept and mixing out here, and I hope to get them to come it with their Hispanic culture to make to Chile and be able to perform here to shirts for their friends. As their friends expand what they’re doing. Obviously, began to wear them, more people started the goal is to be big and sell out festivals, to notice the brand, asking where it was but for right now in the time being, I’m from and where they could purchase it. just hoping to have them do good with They later released a full merchandise their new step into music production and line, hoping to call attention to their continue booking parties and events,” company. Undurraga said. Paulina Handal “[The merch] started as a joke Multimedia Video Editor basically, in our friend group we made p.handal.thepanther@gmail.com five shirts. [Then] more people started Nicole Martin asking about it, like, ‘Oh, do you guys Contents Editor sell it, or give it away?’ and then we n.martin.thepanther@gmail.com thought of an idea. We made the hoodies DESIGN BY ISABELLA LAGARTO because we first came up with shirts. PHOTO COURTESY OF YAYI MUSIC
10 | JUNIORS
BRINGING change through passion: T
SOFIA ARNAU
he connections and sacrifices one makes within and beyond the school setting are crucial in shaping one’s high school experience. For junior Sofia Arnau, this task poses no challenge. Whether advocating for environmental causes or showing her unwavering commitment to Thespian Troupe 1248, Arnau exemplifies a well-rounded student. Since her eighth-grade trip to a Miami Youth Climate Summit informational meeting, Arnau has been passionate about climate change advocacy and service. “My eighth-grade biology teacher, Ms. Ortiz, told me to go to this MYCS interest meeting, and I went and was just enamored by all the people who were so passionate about it and knew so much about climate change. I wanted to be like them. I tried to get more involved every year and six years later, I’ve become the president,” Arnau said. Preparing for her dream job, Arnau decided to create her project, TerraServe. Arnau began TerraServe in August 2023 to make change within her community while advocating for environmental awareness. “I’ve always wanted to run my own organization, and I want to be the CEO of my own environmental consulting firm,” Arnau said. “Right now we’re just focusing on how to educate people on sustainable careers.” To bring exposure to her new project, Arnau recently participated in an interview with the student-led non-profit organization Volunteering Miami and plans to bring climate workshops to the school. “Our mission statement is to inspire the new generation of people going into the workforce to join sustainable careers that both meet a sustainable requirement and also an individual’s passion,” Arnau said. MPSH junior Aiden Barreras, part of the Science National Honor Society and a close confidant to Arnau, applauds her on crucial steps for the future of the environment. “Being the president of Miami Youth
Climate and the President of the Southwark Council is important. She’s helping promote environmental protection,” Barreras said. Barreras also says Arnau’s leadership consists of effective communication and clarity in her approach. On top of creating her project, Arnau is the lighting designer for the Drama department at MPSH. As she figuratively shines a light on environmental issues, she physically shines a light on the troupe 1248 stage. Technical theater includes costume design, makeup design, set design, set construction, sound design and lighting design. Although Arnau views herself as a “dramatic person,” she gravitated toward being in charge of something behind the scenes, making lighting the perfect fit. According to Miami Palmetto Senior High drama teacher Robin Barson, Arnau’s talent and her hardworking and passionate personality make her a vital part of the team. “Sofia is really mature and a great asset for me as a student leader,” Barson said. “Theater is about the ensemble and how everything comes together… Sofia understands the entire process.” Arnau’s story highlights passion, leadership and dedication across different aspects of her high school experience. Her environmental advocacy and theater skills converge into an overall point: commitment to making a positive impact.
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SENIORS | 11
PUTTING THE FLAME IN THE GAME: ISABELLA SOSA
I
sabella Sosa, senior and girl’s flag football “fireball,” is changing the game for Miami Palmetto Senior High’s team and receiving recognition on a national scale. Despite being relatively new to the high level of flag football she competes at, Sosa has quickly made a name for herself. Previously dedicating herself to other sports, such as dance and volleyball in high school, Sosa decided she wanted to take her skill the full 70 yards. In a short time, Sosa has become a star athlete, being spotlighted by major news publications like CBS News and the Miami Herald. Transferring from Coral Reef High School for senior year, she has already become a force to be reckoned with, preparing the team for a successful season. Playing as a center running back and receiver, Sosa has put countless hours into perfecting the skill, grit and strategy behind the game. Although it is not easy to transfer schools senior year, Sosa is beginning to find her footing. She is optimistic about the upcoming season and ready to join her teammates in competition. “[Transferring schools] was an experience, but I have a head coach who can be there for me and help me out by being around,” Sosa said. To flag football coach Kevin Mujica, even in the pre-season, Sosa has shown amazing potential, opening the door for a wildly successful season. Both a team player and a strong leader, Sosa motivates the team as an indispensable member. “She’s [come] to Palmetto to guide us in the right direction and be one of the leaders to [take] us into potentially our first district championship in school history here at Palmetto,” Mujica said. Sosa’s enthusiasm on the field is contagious. Coaches and teammates alike agree that her spirit has transformed the team for the better. “She’s always been like a firecracker,” Mujica said. “She’s got a motor. She’s nonstop no matter what the situation is; whether we’re up by 25 points or we’re down 25, she’s gonna have the same energy.” Sosa’s teammate, junior Ava Alvarez, gets a
firsthand view of the dedication and commitment Sosa has to the sport. “She’s always in the weight room with us,” Alvarez said. “Even in the summer, she practices after practice.” One of Sosa’s crowning achievements is being named one of the 20 prep seniors from across the country to get an invitation to play in the inaugural U.S. Army AllAmerican flag football game. The game was played on Dec. 18 in Frisco, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Sosa represented Miami’s spirit and played as the only female from South Florida. Sosa’s future is bright. She received a scholarship to attend Ottawa University, a top flag football school, where she will be part of the threetime national winning team. After Ottawa coach Liz Sowers scouted her at travel ball tournaments, Sosa visited the Ottawa campus. On Nov. 1, she signed with the Braves. Yet, Sosa is looking further into her future. With the Olympic Committee adding flag football to their sports list, Sosa’s newest dream is to compete in the 2028 Olympics. Mujica recognizes the significance that Sosa’s goal holds for breaking barriers in women’s football. “Girls are going to have this opportunity to play in 2028 in the Olympics,” Mujica said. “She’s one of those girls who are born laying that foundation.” Sosa’s dreams and mindset of leadership and discipline stretch beyond the football field. Other than making it to the Olympics, Sosa hopes to one day be able to help others and put a new meaning to her “fireball” label. “I have a bunch of first responders in my family,” Sosa said “My long-term goal is to graduate [from college] and become a firefighter.”
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APPRECIATING THE ARt OF HULA: A
ISABELLA REALE
t a young age, most kids participate in a range of sports including soccer, basketball, swimming and more. However, this was not the case for senior Isabella Reale, who discovered her passion for competitive hula dancing at only six years old. “At first, I wasn’t really good, and I didn’t like it; but, then, when I turned 10, I started trying and I got good at it, and my school teacher gave me my Hawaiian name which is Kalei. It’s hula dancing — so dancing from Hawaii, but it’s not only that, we learn about the language and the culture and we’ve done trips as a group to Hawaii,” Isabella said. Her mother, Lisa Reale, also engaged in hula dancing at a young age. She never felt the intense spark but still encouraged her daughter to try out the sport. “It was my mother who fell in love with the Hawaiian culture, who passed it on to me, who then I passed it on to Isa. After we’d been dancing, my family did get the genetic testing that everyone gets, and it did show that we did have Polynesian ancestry. So, it did bring everything full circle, that maybe there was this inherent love, we didn’t really understand why, there was this background and it is innate in us and, somehow, we naturally found it,” Lisa said. Since hula is a more unique sport, Isabella makes the trip to her studio in Fort Lauderdale once or twice a week to practice. In addition, she makes all of her costumes and accessories by hand or sewing machine for competitions and shows.
“It gets to be a lot and when it comes to shows, you have to make fresh garments, leis and clothes, which is difficult for me because I’m not good at doing crafts. So it takes a long time, and it’s a huge commitment,” Isabella said. In her Hãlau, a Hawaiian hula group, Isabella is taught by a Kumu who has to be certified after years of experience. Within the sport, Isabella has competed in several national competitions and has even won first place. “I competed in Orlando as a soloist this most recent summer, and I got first place, which is exciting,” Isabella said. Isabella’s passion for her sport has led her to dedicate time to learning her routines and practice. “I don’t help her [prepare] at all … this is her own journey; this is something she does with her teacher … This has become individual to her, completely separate from me. She will, in preparation, learn the dance, her teacher choreographs the dance, she learns it, she spends two-to-three hours two-to-four times a week, not even including driving to Fort Lauderdale,” Lisa said. Currently, Isabella is the youngest member of her advanced class, one that consists of around 20 people of all ages. “There’s three levels: Liko, Lehua and Ohi’a. And that’s beginners, intermediate and advanced. Two years ago, I got moved up to Ohi’a, which is the advanced one,” Isabella said. Isabella’s skills and dedication stand out amongst the others. “In the beginning, there were very few young members, and she was the
SENIORS | 13 youngest and she had to interact and dance with the adults and it pushed her to get better. She had a lot of role models to follow to the point that I would say she has surpassed the majority of the adults at this point. [At the beginning] she would be in the back following everyone … Now she’s in the front of the class where we are following her. She brings a lot of young energy and passion,” Lisa said. While dancing is a main part of the class, the class also teaches the history and important traditions of Hawaiian culture. For Isabella’s Kumu hula instructor, Kona Garcia, hula is a testament to the richness of Hawaiian culture. “Hula’s unique here because in Florida, we’re the furthest part of the United States from Hawaii, so it’s very special to have it here being so far away. Just being unique itself, hula tells a story, not only with your hands but with your facial expression, with your body movements, with your footsteps, with the direction that you’re facing –– it can represent north, south, east, west, it can represent climate, it can represent the elements,” Garcia said. “So it’s something that everybody can go ahead and appreciate because we’re literally telling history, emotion and it continues to evolutionize as time goes on because the stories keep evolving.” Traveling to Hawaii with Isabella has allowed Garcia to show her where their dances originate and learn about the inspirations behind them. “There are many different trips that we have to take. For example, Isabella went with me to Hawaii several times to perform and to do different excursions. We went to the volcano
there when it was erupting. We performed our dances that we do about the volcano, so she was able to learn about the places she’s been dancing about since she was five. She was able to go to those places and do those dances there, and that was a rite of passage so to speak, because that’s something that I had to do, so passing it onto her was a wonderful thing,” Garcia said. Hula has become a vital part of Isabella’s life and she hopes to keep hula on her horizon for years to come. “I would love to do it for the rest of my life. It’s something I’m really passionate about. I’ve grown to love it, not only the dancing but also the culture,” Isabella said.
Isabella Lagarto
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FACULTY | 14
got your six: F
ALDRICK DODDS
rom sandy beaches to gravel roads, 17-year-old Aldrick Dodds made a life for himself in the U.S.. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Dodds moved to Homestead as a teenager and learned to adjust to Miami before joining the military, rising through the corporate world, owning a business, retiring and joining Miami Palmetto Senior High as an Attendance Interventionist — or, in his words, a “truancy guru.” After graduating high school, Dodds arrived in Miami where he attended MiamiDade College before joining the military. “ … Back in those days, there was this thing called the GI Bill, and the GI Bill paid for college. I wanted to take advantage of that opportunity. So, I went into the military [in] May of 1976. I did four years of active duty,” Dodds said. The 1975 Florida GI Bill was an assistance program for post-Vietnam era veterans and provided a payment contribution to any military personnel while they were on active duty. After four years in service — going from Miami to Colorado then to Alaska — Dodds left the military and ended up at Florida Power and Light, making use of the military benefit that guaranteed him a job after completing four years in active service. “In Colorado, I had two children; they were b o t h
born on the military installation. I had made a request to go to Panama for jungle training, and the military decided to send me to Alaska for Snow Hawk Training. It’s totally opposite,” Dodds said. “So, because we had two newborns, I didn’t want to take them [my wife, and two children] to Alaska — especially my
daughter. She was just born when my assignment came down.” So, Dodds embarked to training in Alaska in the freezing winter months. As the snow began to melt, he decided to have his wife and children move to Alaska in the summer months for the climate and smoother adaption. After enduring the cold, Dodds moved back to Miami. He then returned to MDC to receive a degree in accounting. While doing so, he worked as a finance clerk at a temporary agency. From there, he was able to get a job where he ascended to leadership. “I ended up getting an accounting job at the Zoological Society of Florida. I became the manager of accounting there. Then, later on, I became the Director of Finance,” Dodds said. E v e n t u a l l y, D o d d s retired.
“I was retired for five years, and then COVID [began], so I was like, ‘Okay, what do I do?’ One of the things that I had started [during] my corporate career [was] my graduate degree at Barry University. I felt this [was] a good time to complete a graduate degree,” Dodds said. “In completing my graduate degree, I thought, what a novel idea. I can give back by teaching an entrylevel college class. And, so, that became my motivator and my objective: complete my master’s degree, and I will teach entrylevel.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to complete his graduate degree at Florida International University, which led him to FIU’s job fair. When Dodds attended the fair, he was met with an unexpected, yet exciting opportunity. “I was approached by two Miami Dade County School recruiters that saw me walk into the job fair, they approached me and called me [saying] ‘Professor.’ ‘No, no. I’m a graduate student’ [I said]. They go, ‘You look like a professor.’ And, then one of them said to me, ‘I have the perfect opportunity for you,’ and they introduced me to this interventionist position,” Dodds said. Since his first day on the job in August, Dodds has made an impact creating a positive environment, uplifting students and staff alike. “He’s enthusiastic; he likes what he does; he likes working with students. So, ultimately, he’s great as an employee as a whole. It’s great to have and those are the things that you really want in someone: someone that’s happy to do what they do and excited to come into work. He comes
to the games [and] watches our kids out there. He helps a lot of people,” MPSH Assistant Principal Jesus Tellechea said. Dodds’ day-to-day work at MPSH heavily impacts the success of a student who is often absent. He speaks to students and parents to work on the issue. He dedicates himself to ensure every student is saved from absenteeism. It brings him joy to know that he is helping guide Panthers to success by resolving absence issues. With attendance being such an important gateway leading to a student’s success, Dodds focuses on those performing at a lower level, working alongside them and pushing them toward success. “But, I think, to do a 180°, with their behavior and attitude towards school is impressive. I try to coach as well, [getting involved in] above and beyond just the attendance. I try to impart a little bit of that knowledge that I want to give, and talk about schools because that’s something that I did with recruitment. We would go to well-established universities. We would look for the best talents. And, I did that,” Dodds said. Dodds’ work has made an apparent impact on MPSH, not only with the students but also with his coworkers. “I’ve just known him forever. And, I just
know that he’s a good guy. I’m glad he’s here not only for me [as a friend and coworker], but for the students,” Advanced Placement and Pre-AP Chemistry teacher and friend of Dodds, Dr. Sarah Israel said. Although Dodds has not been a part of the Panther family for long, his love for what he does and the students as a whole leaves a positive impact on the school. Dodds has created a lasting effect on many student’s success and continues to aid students in need. “I’m not going to be able to save every student, but [with] every student that I save, I believe it’s worth a million — especially to see students’ grades change, or failing grades [change] to passing, to see students change from not being engaged and not really being interested in attendance, to actively attending school, participating and actually performing well; that itself is so gratifying,” Dodds said.
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Print Editor-in-Chief
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FACULTY | 16
MPSH ATHLETICS’ UNSUNG HERO: I
MICHELLE BENZ
n January 1997, Michelle Benz first stepped on Miami Palmetto Senior High’s campus as an assistant athletic trainer. Now, 20 years later, she is the Head Athletic Trainer, and according to her colleagues, one of the best trainers in the county. “I am on the FHSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, and that committee does all the rulemaking for athletics,” Benz said. “I’m very passionate about the safety of not just Palmetto High School students, but every student in the state of Florida.” This past summer, Miami experienced record-high heat waves, with July 2023 breaking records as Miami’s hottest month ever. Simultaneously, MPSH’s football team started their fall season by resuming practice. Benz had a problem: how can she protect MPSH’s football players from heat-related injuries and fatalities while ensuring they can practice for their upcoming season? “We decided to do, with the support of athletics and the administration, what we call ‘cooling tents.’ We bought these huge tents; we got these huge fans out there; we got misters that we put all along the top of the fence; we got the ice tubs out there,” Benz said. Every single death due to heat is preventable, so Benz made it her mission to do everything possible to protect her athletes. Thanks to her efforts, the MPSH football team practiced during times when other teams were unable to. For Benz, one of the most important parts of her job is being there for her athletes — especially ones who would not have access to medical care otherwise. “There was a young man who dislocated his ankle the first couple weeks he was on campus ...We all knew he was going to be a stud, so everyone was freaking out and he was super scared,” Benz said. “His mom and dad were out of the picture, and he was
living with his aunt. He was just very, very frightened. So, he and I stuck together. I would drive him to his doctor’s appointment and always pick him up at McDonald’s on the way back.” This meant a lot to the athlete, as he returned the next year and had the football team help him perform a rap for Benz’s birthday. Not every injury means staying out the entire season or getting surgery, but it is important to assess each incident so that players can get back in the game as soon as they are cleared. “She’s really allowed me to be efficient on the field,” Junior and Varsity Football player Daniel Fandino said. “With football, you get injured a lot; there’s always little knicks and bruises. She’s really allowed me to recover as fast as possible, and get out there and do what I’ve got to do.” Getting injured as an athlete can seem like the end-all-be-all of one’s career and takes a huge toll on mental health. Benz does her best to support the athletes through her collection of rubber ducks — hence the ducks scattered across her desk. “I always felt like when you were a kid you played with rubber duckies and that was sort of a feel-good moment,” Benz said. “ So I call [my collection] the feel-good duckies.” Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Benz taught Sports Medicine, but as the course required hands-on learning, she stopped teaching and dedicated herself to treating athletes. However, she continues advising a team of after-school student trainers. “[Benz] has given me a lot of life skills since I lead the program … I’ve learned how to be a leader and work with students my age and kind of be their boss,” Senior and Head Trainer Samantha Kilpack said. Along with providing expertise, Benz also inspires confidence in the athletic community. Trainers must know how to handle anything thrown at them, but as a student, believing in one’s abilities can be difficult. Benz tries pushing them towards the answer without giving it plainly. “She looks super intimidating because she’s brilliant, but she’s the sweetest person, and you can talk to her about anything,” Kilpack said. “She’s the most genuine person I’ve met here at Palmetto.”
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Opinion Editor
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ALUMNI | 17
P
From the Courtroom to the GreenSCREEN: KATIE PHANG
eople’s lives and careers often take surprising and unexpected turns. For Katie Phang, that unexpected twist led to a nationally televised TV show on NBC. Phang, Miami Palmetto Senior High class of 1993, worked as a prosecutor for the state attorney’s office before she became a legal analyst for the local news channel WFOR-TV in 2005. For the past two years, Phang has starred on her own show, “The Katie Phang Show,” with NBC. “The switch to full-time TV was definitely really fast. Having been on TV over the years prepared me for it but not totally. When you’re a legal analyst, you’ll have a host or an anchor ask you a question, and you answer the question. However, when you’re the host of the show — especially when it’s your own show — you’re really in the driver’s seat,” Phang said. In high school, Phang carried many of the same qualities that she exhibits to this day. Former classmate, Jerry Greenberg, has known Phang since middle school and distinctly remembers the admirable qualities he still sees in her. “I think the thing that stuck out to me in high school is the same thing that would stick out to somebody following her now, which was the combination of incredibly high energy and very powerful intellect,” Greenberg said. After graduating from MPSH, Phang attended Yale University, where she felt well-equipped to handle the large adjustment. “It was a really humbling experience; you’re a little fish in a big pond when you go to a place like Yale, and you’re with even more students with even more varied backgrounds from different places. But, Palmetto really prepared me for college in terms of academic rigor. Palmetto was really competitive and in a good way; you really had to keep up academically when you were taking classes,” Phang said. After Yale, Phang found her way back to Miami, getting her law degree at the University of Miami. Though returning to Miami was not part of her original plan, Phang realized that it was a valuable community to be a part of. “The plan was not to come back. But I’m grateful I did … The universe always puts you where you need to be when you’re there. I’m a firm believer in that. I came back when I went to law school, and I really felt like it was a community that was worth putting down my
roots,” Phang said. Phang’s career, not only in politics but also as a full-time mother, only reaffirmed her values, especially in education — a value she establishes in her daughter as well. “Education is so important. It’s the one thing I really stress to my nine-year-old daughter about. I try really hard not to be too much of a tiger mom with her and treat her like a toddler. You know your education is critical because that’s the one thing that you’ll keep with you no matter what; nobody can take that away from you,” Phang said. Last year when Phang was inducted into the MPSH Hall of Fame she emphasized the importance of these values to the crowd of fellow alumni and students watching. Phang was one of the select alumni chosen because of her impressive career and personality. “[Selecting Phang] was pretty easy … she had her own TV show and was an MSNBC legal consultant. We look for people in a variety of different fields, and what makes Katie Phang unique is that she is not only in the media, but she is also a lawyer,” retired College Applications Process advisor and Chair of the MPSH Alumni Association Harry Nerenberg said. As a legal analyst, public figure, mom and proud MPSH alumni, Phang continues to inspire daily and sees a bright future for current MPSH students. “I always say on TV — I said it on Friday night — I see it all the time … The kids are alright; you guys are making me feel very good about the fact that the future looks really damn good,” Phang said.
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18 | ALUMNI
Becoming JENNIFER FISHER: FISHER T
From Burnout to Balance
o find Jennifer Fisher on Instagram, simply search for her name. What greets you? A cascade of positive affirmations and uplifting messages promoting mental health awareness and human sustainability. Nine years ago, Fisher found herself engulfed by a state of complete burnout, struggling with anxiety and depression. Today, she works to ensure people all around the world know that their stories and mental health matter. Fisher’s leadership experience began within the halls of Miami Palmetto Senior High, where she served as Student Body President. After graduating in 1994, Fisher went to the University of Miami with two passions: health and well-being. “I’ve always been passionate about health and well-being and fitness,” Fisher said. “Not knowing really what I wanted to do, I ended up studying business management, with a minor in exercise physiology.” Following graduation from UM, Fisher took a stab at the corporate world through marketing, leaving her love for health behind. Later, she rose in rank to become the Chief of Staff to one of the Chief Executive Officers at Deloitte — a leading global provider of audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax and related services. “After that role [as Chief of Staff], the truth is, I was completely burnt out. But, that was about nine years ago, and we weren’t talking about health and well-being and burnout and all of the things that we’re talking about in the workplace and beyond the way we are now. And so, I really didn’t know what I was experiencing. I knew I was struggling, but I didn’t know what it was,” Fisher said. In her own struggle with workplace burnout and eventual leave of absence, Fisher took the time to refocus her mind, and, in doing so, became passionate about wanting to help others. She took this experience and made it her life’s mission to create meaningful and sustainable workplaces for others. “There wasn’t a role like that at Deloitte. I actually thought that I was going to have to quit and it came about through a conversation with my leader and a mentor of mine, where I went and sat in her office and told her that I thought that I needed to leave because I really wanted to focus on helping people with their health and wellbeing in the corporate world in the corporate space,” Fisher said. “It was her who actually pushed me and said, ‘You’re not leaving; you’re not going anywhere. Because, if you need this, then there’s a lot of other people at Deloitte that need it too.’” Now, Fisher is currently the Human Sustainability Leader at Deloitte. “It’s been such an incredible journey, with the support and motivation and just the need for the work that I get to
do and so many others within our organization get to do to help our people. It’s been a really just amazing journey and amazing ride, and there’s days where I could pinch myself and I’m like, ‘I can’t believe I get paid to do this work.’ So, it’s pretty awesome,” Fisher said. This intrinsic drive to improve the conditions of the workplace has impacted those she interacts with and works alongside. “She is someone who’s very passionate about what she’s doing, and that really comes through when you’re working with her. She is really committed to what she is doing in really wanting to make the world a better place. She believes in investing in people,” colleague and friend of Fisher Amy Fields said. Her passion shines through in all that she has done to spread mental health awareness — both in and out of the workplace. Fisher’s book, written during the pandemic, “Work Better Together,” tackles the issue of creating friendships in the workplace and the importance of having them. Co-written alongside author Anh Phillips, the beginning of the book discusses how technology has changed the way people connect, making interactions less meaningful and more machine-like. However, the irony of the pandemic was brought to life when the only way people could connect was through technology. “It certainly changed our perspective because here we are writing this in the middle of a pandemic, when, for pretty much all of us, the only thing keeping us connected to the people that we cared about was technology,” Fisher said. The book also includes vulnerable anecdotes where Fisher shares when she herself forgot that work
ALUMNI | 19 self forgot that work is not only about getting things done but also getting to know the people you share the task with. “Early in my career, I was very much a taskmaster. I had this view that we come to work to get work done, to get things done. It wasn’t a place to make friends, or hang out and have a good time,” Fisher said. “As a manager of people, I never spent the time to actually get to know them on a personal level and what mattered to them and what their family looked like or what they were interested in or what they cared about, because my view was, ‘We’re here to get work done, so let’s get work done.’” In addition to being an author, Fisher was featured in a TED talk for TEDxMiami in May 2023. Fisher discussed the importance of taking care of oneself and their mental health, as well as being open and honest about it. This opportunity had always been on her “vision board,” and preparation started once she got the acceptance email. “I kind of had that ‘Oh, crap’ moment of ‘Okay well, I guess now I really need to do this.’ It’s interesting because I do a lot of public speaking … One of my biggest fears in life is public speaking,” Fisher said. Although Fisher has a fear of public speaking, she was not afraid to open up and share her vulnerability. Fisher has always been open about her experiences and is often described as authentic. “I love that she’s just not afraid to be herself. I think there’s something so honorable and amazing in somebody, being friends with somebody or just having somebody in your life that is just really comfortable in their own skin and shows up every day as their authentic self,” Fields said. Fisher’s public speaking takes on a new form only in a small home office where Fisher’s podcast, “WorkWell,” is recorded. Fisher talks about mental health in and out of the workplace with specialists, doctors and authors. “One of the conversations that I found really enjoyable was with Dr. Robert Waldinger. And it was about happiness … [and] this long-term study about what brings us happiness in our life and health and longevity … When you talk about health and longevity, you think that it’s going to be what you eat, or how much you
sleep or how much you exercise. What this Harvard study and Dr. Waldinger has been able to prove is that … What makes you happiest and kind of predicts the longevity of your life is the strength of your personal relationships,” Fisher said. From her first to her 100th episode, Fisher has seen herself grow more comfortable with the topics she discusses and no longer worries about whether or not the questions she asks are weird, if she is going off script or if people listening will like it. For Fisher, learning and understanding the complexities of human identity is not about creating the “perfect person,” but about welcoming and fostering change even when it is hard. “I love the symbolism of butterflies, we’re all kind of always transforming. And, even though sometimes the journey is difficult and hard, when you come out the other side, it’s something beautiful, and it means growth … I think that’s the journey of life,” Fisher said. “I have a butterfly tattoo on my wrist; it’s a regular reminder to me that it’s okay to struggle and that transformation and change is hard, and that’s part of who we are as human beings.” Fisher has a natural ability to draw others in, and by sharing her personal experiences, has been able to foster growth within her community. “I do think that why people find her so relatable is that she is very authentic, she brings her true self to work every day and is very open about the challenges that she’s had in her own life. She’s talked openly about mental health challenges, her own experiences with burnout and being so about those kinds of things and sharing those things are really what I think draw people to her, “Fields said.
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20 | ADS
WANT TO BE INVOLVED? BE A VOLUNTEER! Volunteering Miami is helping connect students from across Miami to organizations that are looking for student volunteers and interns. Come meet local organizations and learn about opportunities in our community.
JOIN THE TEAM! Are you a leader? A creator? Want to be apart of something? Volunteering Miami is always looking for new recruits that can bring their creative ideas and dedication to the team!
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DONATIONS | 21
Special Thanks To Our Donors! Helen Garcia Santosh Govindaraju Andrea Carneiro Ana Harris The Clarin Family Marisel Strohmeier April Stuzin Alicia Hamilton Emilio Garcia The Martin Family The Perodin Family Zachary Silverman Jacquie O’Malley The Fernandez Family MPT College Consulting The Albury-Barlow Family
Letter From the Editors We hope you love “Faces of Palmetto” as much as we loved creating it. We recognize how special the Palmetto community is, and our staff worked diligently over the past couple of months to show that to you. Palmetto has changed significantly. Decadelasting traditions like Mr. Panther and Panther Prowl have returned along with a heightened sense of “Panther Pride.” While our traditional experiences transform around us by the minute, we are lucky enough to find ourselves surrounded by the most inspiring people who continue to do amazing things for their community, overcome incredible obstacles and motivate those around them. We do not always know the stories behind those who roam the halls with us, and we hope “Faces of Palmetto” gives insight into some unknown aspects of your peers’ and teachers’ lives. Oprah Winfrey said it best, “Everyone has a story. And there’s something to be learned from every experience.” To the seniors featured in “Faces of Palmetto,” thank you for dedicating your time to our school and our community. Your impact is incredible, and though we will miss you next year, we know that you will continue to be a positive influence wherever you go. Unfortunately, we can only feature a certain number of “Faces of Palmetto” stories each year, but if we could, we would write a hundred more. Thankfully, we plan to continue the tradition of “Faces of Palmetto” far into the future. Thank you all for reading this year’s “Faces of Palmetto” issue and for learning about the students, alumni, and faculty that make Palmetto so extraordinary. We, the editors of The Panther, are incredibly proud to share it with you.
LOVE,
Amy-Grace Shapiro, Isabella Hewitt & Sofia Strohmeier
MISSON STATEMENT
The Panther staff aims to inform fellow students and parents about school-wide, local, national, and international news. The Panther’s content aims to represent the student body. Editorials feature the opinions of staffers. Features of other students, teachers and clubs
EDITORIAL POLICY The Panther is a monthly publication of Miami Palmetto Senior High located at 7431 SW 120th Street Miami, FL 33156, (305) 235-1360 ext. 1124. The views expressed are solely those of The Panther staff. Students who wish to respond to an article in this publication or discuss another issue may write letters to the editor and submit them to room 1124 or e-mail us at a.shapiro. thepanther@gmail.com. The Panther has professional membership in NSPA and CSPA. The Panther prints 1,300 copies per issue for distribution. The Panther is distributed for free to all students in school. Please visit our paper online at thepalmettopanther.com.
BYLINE POLICY:
All creative work (such as illustrations, graphics, photos and writing) excluding staff editorials and staff member pictures will include byline credits.
ADVERTISING POLICY:
Ads will be designed by the advertiser and include all information the advertiser wants included. If the advertiser asks the staff to design the ad, the individual who sold the ad will design the ad or the Ads Manager will. Ads will be approved by EICs, the Adviser and the Ads Manager. If an ad produced is illegible, contains false information, or the advertiser does not like it, they will receive a free ad in the next issue. If you would like to advertise, please contact us.
The School Board shall comply with all Federal Laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and all requirements and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education. The Board will enforce its prohibition against discrimination/harassment based on sex, race, color, ethnic, or national origin, religion, marital status, disability, age, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, gender identification, social and family background, linguistic preference, pregnancy and any other basis prohibited by law. The Board shall maintain an educational and work environment free from all forms of discrimination/harassment, which includes Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX prohibits sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct such as unwelcome touching, graphic verbal comments, sexual jokes, slurs, gestures or pictures. All students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding, discouraging, and reporting any form of prohibited discrimination or harassment against students by employees, other students and their parents or guardians, or third parties. This policy prohibits discrimination and harassment at all School District operations, programs, and activities on school property, or at another location if it