PANTHER
the
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Miami Palmetto Senior High School
7460 SW 118 Steet, Miami, FL 33156
Friday 28 September 2018
THE NEW NORMAL
N E W S BRIEFS FIU BRIDGE FINES The FIU pedestrian bridge collapsed in March 2018, causing six fatalities and scarred the community. The bridge fell while under construction, and why it was open to the public remains unknown. The government agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, fined companies associated with the construction of seven worker-safety violations over $86,000. OSHA claims they failed to inform their workers with proper safety guidelines, a partial cause for the collapse.
CONTE V61 N1
THE COVER ON
2 CONTENTS
The cover of this issue contains a drone shot of the student parking lot on a Friday morning right after the 7:20 bell rang. This shot was taken by Koby Rouviere (12) with the help of TVP.
KAVANAUGH ALLEGATIONS
Controversy has been sparked amid sexual misconduct allegations against President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh. Kavanaugh faced a major setback when a letter written by Dr. Christine Blasey, a Palo Alto University professor, addressed to national representatives, accused him of assault three decades ago, saying they were partying where he and friends “pushed her on a bed” and assaulted her. Blasey will testify at the Senate hearings against Kavanaugh.
AUSTRALIA’S DANGEROUS STRAWBERRIES In Australia, reports of needles found in strawberries have triggered international outrage. The Countdown Supermarket chain withdrew Choice, an Australian brand of strawberries, from their produce selection. They are taking precaution for their consumers’ benefit, and suggest cutting strawberries before eating. Investigative measures are being taken and metal detectors are scanning the fruit. The source remains unknown, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison has ordered a federal investigation after country-wide panic.
LETTERS TO THE
EDITOR
*Letters submitted may be edited for length, grammar and clarity. Letters can be submitted to ROOM 911B or thepanthermpsh@gmail.com
ENTS
r
4
12 FEATURE Tighter halls, bumper-to-bumper traffic--the 20182019 school year.
12 7
16
04 07life
news
JUUL faces an investigation led by the FDA.
An inside look at the queen of the cafeteria.
19 16 opinion 19 sports
A look at school performance group: the Chatonettes.
Why are the kids of today are desensitized--and what’s at fault for it?
Now, it’s time to Drop the Juul! On April 28, the Food and Drug Administration commissioner Scott Gottlieb issued a new statement regarding the ongoing investigation against underage e-cigarette consumption. According to the statement released in July, the FDA’s main goal is to ensure that there is a factual base for the effort to efficiently enforce the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, an Obama-era federal statute signed in 2009 that gives the FDA the power to regulate the tobacco industry. The recent press announcement mentioned several new actions aimed at preventing minors from becoming addicted to nicotine through the use of e-cigarettes containing a highly concentrated amount. In an attempt to make e-cigarettes less addictive, Gottlieb states that the FDA plans to ensure that the strength of nicotine rich vapor juice receives regulations. According to the FDA, the number one leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. is cigarette smoking, with about 480,000 deaths a year. About $300 billion a year are lost as a result of smoking related health care charges and lost productivity at work. “[Nicotine] affects your whole body. Your cardiovascular system, your urinary system, your respiratory system. You have nicotine receptors on almost every cell on your body,” a radiologist at Baptist Hospital, Dr. Joseph Inzinna said. “With nicotine you may have minor advantages like alertness and the fact that it doesn’t lower your cognitive ability; however, the consequences greatly outweigh them.” According to Gottlieb, 5.6 million
young people alive today will die early from tobacco use. Gottlieb announced that the cornerstone of the operation was to focus on addiction itself and help find healthier alternatives for adult smokers. “The first problem is that nicotine is an addictive drug, It’s a stimulant. It’s addictive just like heroin and opioids. And there’s psychological addiction too, not only just physical. There’s a difference between types of addictions,” Inzinna said. “The second problem is that the effects of nicotine, especially in higher doses, affect us on a cellular level, cells become saturated, they constantly need more.” One of the most important points made in the July press announcement was the emphasis on e-cigarettes, where they targeted JUUL specifically, and planned to start an investigation into the appealing nature of JUUL to minors and whether this appeal is done purposely. “A JUUL is a high nicotine device that a lot of people are using to replace cigarettes. People like me that are smoking anywhere between a pack, two packs a day,” employee at Vape & Smoke Shop Elena Carmona said. The FDA has already cited 40 retailers for selling JUULs to minors and plans on taking extensive actions in order to put an end to minors buying JUULs online. “It seems like [JUUL] is becoming an epidemic, millions of kids are using this,” Inzinna said. “People talk about it amongst themselves at school and in class and they see it in school and then they become addicted.” The FDA acknowledged JUUL’s attempt
to become involved in the fight against underage smoking, but also admitted that their efforts were not enough. “The amount of underaged kids coming in here has decreased because we are really forceful and really aggressive when it comes to IDing people, but we still get kids that look like they’re twelve or thirteen in here with a fake ID and i’m like ‘dude, that’s not gonna fly’,” Carmona said. “We still get some here and there I used to get a ton when [JUUL] first came out, like non stop, and sometimes they would even come in in school uniforms too.” The FDA says they plan to continue funding science based anti-smoking campaigns meant to educate minors on the dangers of tobacco use. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 66 percent of teens say that e-cigarettes are made up of just flavoring and almost 14 percent of teens say they do not know. The same study also concluded that 7 in 10 teens are frequently exposed to e-cigarette ads. “In the 1930s the government funded studies surrounding the effects of tobacco. It took them about 30 years to see the full extent of its effects,” Inzinna said. “We assume what JUUL can do because of tobacco. But we do know that there’s less ingredients in it, and we do know it’s not gonna be good.”
Annette Gonzalez Multimedia Editor
a.gonzalez01.thepanther@gmail.com PHOTO TAKEN BY ANNETTE GONZALEZ
NEWS 5
Primary results A LOOK AT THE VOICES THAT WILL INFLUENCE OUR COMMUNITY THE MOST DeSantis vs. Gillum for Governor
In a narrow victory, Andrew Gillum defeated Gwen Graham in the Democratic primaries with 34.2 percent of the vote compared to Graham’s 31.4 percent. Former Mayor of Miami Beach, Philip Levine, also ran for governor but was defeated. Gillum now plans to face off against Donald Trump-backed Republican Ron Desantis, who defeated Adam Putnam in the primaries. Desantis and Gillum come from complete opposite backgrounds and political stances. DeSantis, a graduate from Yale University and Harvard Law School, prides himself on extreme conservative stances. Gillum, a graduate of Florida A&M University, appeals to the base of the Democratic party, especially the African American vote. No matter the results, this race determines whether the state of Florida remains red after the Trump election in 2016, or if the pendulum has begun to sway back to blue in a constantly fought over swing state.
Salazar v Shalala for the 27th Congressional District
Scott vs Nelson for Senate
In light of Florida congresswoman Ileana Ros Lehtinen’s recent retirement, the 27th Congressional District has been left wide open and became a focal point for Democrats and Republicans trying to seize control of the House of Representatives. In the Democratic primaries, former president of the University of Miami Donna Shalala defeated other candidates, like Matt Haggman and David Richardson, to earn the Democratic nomination. Shalala was a major contributor in the Hillary Clinton campaign for the presidency and still continues to pursue a role in current day politics. Shalala intends to face off against Republican nominee Maria Elvira Salazar, who often receives criticism from Shalala for her relationship with Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. The 27th Congressional District seat will be fiercely fought over and could end up as one of the seats that sways control of the House of Representatives to the Democrats.
One of closest races in the nation is the Senate Race between Senator Bill Nelson and Governor Rick Scott. Bill Nelson has served as a Florida Senator since 2000 and seeks his fourth election victory. Nelson is most recently known for his appearance in the CNN Town Hall with Marjory Stoneman Douglas students and the disagreements between him and Senator Marco Rubio; Rick Scott declined the invitation to be at that Town Hall. Rick Scott has served as the governor of Florida since 2010 and with his term ending in 2018, announced his candidacy for Senator. Considering how tight the majority is in the Senate, with the Republicans holding 51 seats compared to the 47 by Democrats, the Republicans have an opportunity to add to their majority while the Democrats must maintain this seat in order to have a chance at controlling the Senate.
Benjamin Spiegelman Online Editor-In-Chief
b.spiegelman.thepanther@gmail.com
points representing each bike in the surrounding area. “[The app] is very easy [to use], everything is step by step,” senior Roxene Cardona said. “You can track where bikes are located if they’re near you.” Lime promotes the idea of cheap transportation and getting outside while being active. It is also an alternative to avoiding traffic or finding an environmentally friendly way to get around. “[A] ride is only a dollar, so you can just test it out to see if you like it or not,” Cardona said. “Obviously if you want to get an exercise in that would be great as well.” To spread love for the environment, the University of Central Florida joined several other campuses and added Lime as an option for transportation on their campus. Students and faculty at the school receive discounted rides on bikes and scooters to promote an environmentally efficient mode of transportation. Their discount program also gives qualifying users a 50 percent discount, expanding their consumer base. The program helps low-income customers afford public transport at any hour of the day. “Places [like] Miami do need them because it really makes things easier on the
traffic because we know how bad traffic is [here],” Sachs said. A widespread problem people face with the bike company is the seats. Several have addressed their concerns about how difficult it is to adjust the seat height. For some, it makes no difference, but taller customers seem to have a much harder time getting comfortable. “I’m 6’2” and I have to bend over to use my bike,” Miami resident Lou Bulnay said. “It is annoying, especially with a backpack.” If the issue occurs, the company recommends to park the bike and hit the “exclamation” button on the homescreen of the Lime app, which will notify the maintenance team to come and inspect it. Rent-a-bike services are something new and innovative that many have never seen before. Since the bikes feature a front basket, a solar panel and a smart lock, being active can be more convenient. Getting around in a big city like Miami is difficult, but hopefully with these new products residents will have a more effective way of navigating around the day to day traffic.
Jayden Woodfall Staff Writer
with zest
All around Miami, bright green bikes have been spread far and wide. People may be wondering, what are those bikes for? Where do they come from? How do you use them? The answer is simple, Lime. Formerly known as Lime Bike, Lime is an electric bike and scooter company originally founded in Seattle and now located all around the world. It has expanded internationally in just a few years. With over 80 locations globally and10,000 daily active users, Lime gains momentum everyday. To ride a Lime bike, simply download the app and sign up. The next time the user stumbles upon a Lime bike, select it from the app and pay a dollar to unlock it and pay an additional 15 cents per minute. When finished with the ride, end it by clicking on the app and parking the bike on the sidewalk. The smart lock will automatically lock the bike until another customer purchases a ride. “The best feature [of the bikes] is that you can just pay and be able to take [it to] get around places,” senior Andrew Sachs said. “No one really wants to [walk], it makes [things] so much easier.” Users love the bikes because of their easy accessibility. To find one, the app will provide a map with
a ride
NEWS 6
j.woodfall.thepanther@gmail.com
Lime Bike has over
10,000 daily active users Lime has raised
$132 million in funding There have been
1 million Lime bike rides INFOGRAPHIC BY GEMMA TORRAS
G G
O O OO G G L L E E 07 LIFE
ALL EYES ON US Heading to the mall? Google knows. Making your way to the movies? Google knows. Jogging? Google knows that, too. This is because Alphabet Inc., a parent company of Google, has a tight grip on smartphones and keeps your every move on file at all times. This parent company of Google silently transmits iPhone and Android information back to servers, which leaks personal information. The data sent back includes everything from GPS coordinates, to nearby wifi networks and even an estimate of the smartphone user’s current activity, according to Science News. There is a misconception that it is possible to manually turn off Google’s location settings, which will supposedly stop all location and data sharing, preserving personal information and prohibiting Google’s access to it. However, a statement released by the company shows otherwise. According to the Washington Post, Google admitted to continually collecting personal data including GPS location even when the location setting became disabled. While their statement was rather vague, the company immediately changed its online help webpage to include a clear statement saying that they have access to personal data even when Location history is disabled. Now that Google admittedly has this information, the question is: what are they doing with it?. According to the company in August of 2018, In August of 2018, the company claimed that the sole purpose of collecting this data is to help add convenience to people’s daily lives. For example, Google Maps uses phone tracking data to confirm where traffic jams have occured. “It isn’t very uncomfortable, and since I have to figure out where I’m going, it’s helpful,” junior Eowyn Osorio said. “But it is sometimes creepy to think that Google will know you’re on your way to your destination.” Aside from Google, now a days every phone app,whether it be Facebook, Snapchat or even a game, nowadays has location tracking, whether it be Facebook, Snapchat or even a game. Companies such as Facebook store personal data and sell it to advertisers and other companies for profit, founder Mark Zuckerberg admitted in a congressional hearing last year. According to the Pew Research Center, apps that have the microphone enabled allow advertisers to learn a person’s sleep schedule by monitoring the sound through any app. “I like to think of it like this, if you aren’t paying for a product then you are the product. They are making profit off of your information,” software engineer Evan Mitchell said. Nowadays it almost seems as if phones are listening in on personal conversations to target people with ads relating to what they talk about. According to CBS News, while this
is possible, companies don’t need to eavesdrop on personal conversations because they already collect so much personal information and data through phones that they know what an individual person is thinking about. “I definitely feel like sometimes my phone is listening to me,” Osorio said. “I had a conversation with someone about juice and then got an ad for Jamba Juice on instagram two days later, I was seriously in shock.” Whether it be an an app, website or search engine, the internet is always watching and retrieving personal data. “I work for a large online retailer, and I work for their Network Operation Center, so I can see pretty much everything that’s happening,” Mitchell said. “From the second somebody goes on my company’s website, I can see what they are looking at, the order they are seeing it, that their payment goes through, to where it is in our warehouse and where it is in transit. It always surprises me how much data is collected” According to CNN, majority of websites and apps today collect metadata. Metadata describes or gives other data about things such as users social media conversations, money transactions or emails. Web Browsers like Firefox, Safari and Google Chrome are collecting personal information about users from the moment they log on. “It’s an invasion of privacy,” Osorio said There are rare companies, however, However rare companies such as like Duckduckgo are attempting to provide a safe place for people on the internet to avoid this constant surge collection of data. Launched in 2008, Duckduckgo is a search engine that operates almost identically to Google. However unlike other search engines, Duckduckgo prides itself on the promise to never encrypt and collect personal data thus providing a safe way to search. Additionally, Duckduckgo also provides a screen for its users showing just how much their individual devices are tracked and by how many companies in one day. As technology advances, tracking and collection data advances right alongside it. With this it becomes of uber importance to be aware of this constant tracking and use technology with responsibility. “It’s kind of an unavoidable aspect of modern life now, unfortunately,” Mitchell said.
Olivia Solomon
Business Manager
o.solomon.thepanther@gmail.
THE PANTHER PRESENTS
Game Over
A WORD PUZZLE COURTESY OF MACROECONOMICS TEACHER JOEL SOLDINGER
Below are clues that reveal the names of two notable people, both joined by a matching first and last name. The object of the puzzle is to unveil the name of both individuals the clue references. For example, if a clue says “This 17-year-old Olympic snowboarder has no trouble keeping up with Kanye West,” the correct answer would be “Chloe Kim Kardashian.” Good luck!
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
CLUES
Known as a tiny dancer, this person spent his years on the small screen doing the waltz with longtime co-star Steve Carell on the Office. This person knew how to “Work It,” especially when pursuing the gangster Al Capone. This piano man fancies himself a macroeconomics teacher when he isn’t dating uptown girls. This person likes to get low to avoid being captured because he was wanted: dead or alive. Damn, this person can even make humble sound good acapella style in her film “Pitch Perfect.” With their number in Beyonce’s phone, this British singer-songwriter spends their days dodging Gossip Girl. Even though this person is the frontman of a rock band sometimes known as “the Bad Boys from Boston,” people still ask “Who Dat Boy?” This Radio Rebel rules the airwaves on and off the Disney movie screen while hosting American Idol. (1) Elton John Krasinski (2) Missy Elliot Ness (3) Billy Joel Soldinger (4) Lil Jon Bon Jovi (5) Anna Kendrick Lamar (6) James Blake Lively (7) Steven Tyler the Creator (8) Debby Ryan Seacrest
AN INSIDE LOOK: MISS OLGA
cafeteria queen of the
LIFE//9
Just your average faulty staff member? No. The icon for Miami Palmetto Senior High? Yes. Here at Palmetto, it is not a typical morning. As students walk through the halls, barely able to keep their eyes open or stressing about the test they have to take, Olga Talavera has you covered, always carrying a music speaker and microphone, dropping a beat and dancing to the latest hits. “I came from Havana Cuba in 2001,” Talavera said. “It was so hard leaving my family but I knew I had to leave.” If anyone knows the words sacrifice and determination it is Talavera. Coming to a country not knowing anyone or the language is extremely difficult. “I miss everything about Cuba,” Talavera said. Throughout her years of living in America, Talavera worked at Pollo Tropical, a gas station, and two other schools before transferring to Palmetto. “Working at the gas station helped my English a lot because there was always so much going on that I started to pick up on the language little by little,” Talavera said. Before Talavera came to Palmetto she worked at two other schools, Miami Killian Senior High School and Sunset Park Elementary. She applied to three different schools to become an assistant manager and received rejections from all of them. Talavera then applied to Miami Palmetto Senior High School and earned the title assistant manager. “Fifteen years ago, I was the only hispanic worker in the cafeteria,” Talavera said. After years of hard work it finally paid off. Talavera currently manages the cafeteria and kitchen. “I am in charge of all the staff in my kitchen, making sure the food arrives on time, the food is ready to go for the students, making sure the kitchen is sanitary, and the food is good for the students,” Talavera said. Many students wonder how Talavera has all of this energy so early in the morning. Talavera playing music actually promotes school breakfast and lunch. She believes that students should get proper nutrients, starting with breakfast. Last year, the number of students that bought school food was in the red zone and everyday the number of students buying school food continues to get higher. “I decided to get more kids to eat school food. I would have three stations that they could get food. In the Pawvilion, by the elevator between the main buildings, and by the 700 wings. These three places allowed students to grab their food and go,” Talavera said. Not only does having multiple locations increase the number of people who buy school food but Talavera’s dance moves and spirits have a similar effect. “I love to dance,” Talavera said. “I dance in my free time and I hope the kids enjoy me dancing.”
Sophia DeAlejo Life Editor
s.dealejo.thepanther@gmail.com
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FEATURE 11
“ s l
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of cost
construction
“ p f
L P
the new
In
2017
With Miami Palmetto Senior High operating at a 101 percent student capacity rate and simultaneously undergoing construction to transform into a brand new school, things have gotten tight, literally. With the 2018-2019 school year in full swing, students are finally getting a taste of what this renovation truly entails. The administration announced plans for a renovation last year, and the official blueprints unveiled on Dec. 10. Palmetto received $44 million for a complete renovation, scheduled to come to complete fruition in 2020. The preparations for the soon-to-be major construction site, and all the inconveniences that come along with it, have just begun. The first phase of the construction took its first casualty at the start of the school year: the junior lot. Now, with the entire driving student population parking in the what once-was the senior lot, traffic has increased noticeably. It takes longer to get in and out of the parking lot than most
students have ever experienced before. Students claim this has affected what time they wake up in the morning and leave their homes. “I wake up at 5:30 and leave my house at 6:10. Last year I would wake up at like 6 and leave by like 6:40 and I’d take the same route to school,” junior Caroline Columbro said. Most who attend Palmetto know that bumper-to-bumper traffic in the mornings and afternoons is not a new experience. The traffic this year, however, proves to be an even larger ordeal than before. “I definitely feel like there is a lot more traffic than there used to be,” parent Dulce Blacher said. “I leave my house at 6:47, I do not get them dropped off until sometimes 7:10. We used to leave the house at 7:00 or 7:03 and she [my daughter] used to get there by 7:12.” Finding the balance between safety and convenience has posed challenges. Many students argue for the opening of
%
98
OF PALMETTO’S CAPACITY WAS FILLED
additional gates in the student parking lot. But when every car in one parking lot turns the same direction, it increases the chance of accidents drastically. “We don’t want a free for all with too many openings with people trying to cut out because then it is dangerous,” Principal Victoria Dobbs said. “It’s a control that makes sense.” The issue of safety also adds fuel to the traffic fire because the question of school safety has reached an even higher peak in recent years. Having only two entrances open in both the parking lot and into the school allows for a more controlled watch over the hundreds of students coming in and out of Palmetto each day. “I’m willing to absolutely insist on the safety even though the traffic is coming along with it,” Blacher said. Many schools deal with the same traffic with safety measures as a major cause. “I visit a lot of other schools, I work for the school system, and I see the same kind
VS
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PARKING SPOTS WERE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS
FEATURE 13
normal of traffic going on,” Blacher said. From having only two school entrances to overcrowded hallways, the construction will still cause some disruption to the typical Palmetto way of life for the next three years. The cut to one parking lot brought the spot availability down to 390 spots, leaving many seniors, juniors and sophomores without a decal if they did not purchase one early enough. The issue of the shortage of spots left some students wondering why the school left only one lot allotted to them. According to Dobbs, the visitors lot must remain solely for those visiting the school for the day due to past complaints of visitors having limited space. Also, the now empty 2000 wing lot will remain closed because of construction coming soon to that area. Aware of the issues arising from construction, faculty has made conscious efforts in trying to alleviate the struggles of the student body and parents driving their children to school. The administration
Natalie Askowitz
Print Editor in Cheif
n.askowitz.thepanther@gmail.com
Mia Zaldivar
%
Print Managing Editor
m.zaldivar.thepanther@gmail.com
101
student capacity at palmetto
In
PARKING SPOTS Are AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS
for the Television Production program, two new science rooms, a brand new visual and performing arts building and a new cafeteria with an outdoor eating area. Students are now tasked with accepting these changes with open arms in order to enter the modern age. “Although it’s gonna be a bit of an inconvenience, what we’re gonna get at the end of construction--that really beautiful state of the art building, everything modern and up to date and secure--is worth the inconveniences that we’ll have to go through to get there,” Dobbs said. “It’s gonna make Palmetto over the top.”
2018
VS
390
took steps to reduce the congestion of traffic, such as opening up more gates in the parking lot and placing crossing guards in the morning. “You make adjustments if we see construction progresses and we’re gonna be blocking off certain areas that are really necessary for getting from point A to point B then we may need to make an adjustment,” Dobbs said. “It hasn’t been decided.” Palmetto is now at full capacity, but the increase of people from last year to this year only shows about a 3 percent increase. The crowded hallways therefore result from a more dense concentration of students in the hallways because of the ongoing construction. With several changes to come to the typical Palmetto life, students are nowhave to adapt to a new normal. This construction will transform Palmetto’s 60-year-old buildings into a new state of the art school with a brand new auditorium, a CCTV lab
14 FEATURE
“I think it’ll be cool to see it [the new school], we’re the only class here, but I don’t like the traffic.”
Jordan Riveron
9
“We aren’t really going to be able to experience it [the new school]. It’s not really for us it’s for them.”
Lazaro Perez
11
“It’s going to be great but it would be nice if they finish before I graduate”
Ignacio Prera
10
“You have to get here early to get a parking space, if you came late there is none.”
Dkaria Alfred
12
don't hate the player, hate the pay
SPORTS//15
THE WAGE GAP BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES
Joakim Noah, Chandler Parsons and Luol Deng made a combined total of $58,067,004 riding the bench for NBA teams. This represents one of many issues regarding the salaries of professional athletes. Lately, questions surrounding the salaries of professional athletes have been brought to the forefront of mainstream debates. A lot of people are questioning how much pay athletes deserve based on gender, skill or the sport played. During the most recent NFL offseason, players such as former Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack, and Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell, took part in difficult negotiations with their teams in regards to their pay. The Raiders could not finalize a deal with Mack and shipped him off to the Bears, where he immediately signed a 6-year, $142 million deal,the largest for a defensive player in NFL history. Many critics debate if Mack deserved the large contract, considering that he refused to participate in offseason activities or play in any preseason games. Miami Palmetto Senior High sophomore, Lucas Mendez, does not believe Mack rightfully earned his money. “It’s like he was being rewarded for being inactive,” Mendez said. Over the summer, several female athletes voiced their opinions that they should get paid more than they currently earn. The average salary for a WNBA player is $71,365, while the average NBA player earns $6.4 million. NBA superstars are paid significantly more than WNBA superstars. Former Cavaliers forward and four time MVP LeBron James signed a 4 year, $154 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers; whereas in the WNBA, Seattle Storm forward and 2018 MVP Breanna Stewart makes $300,000 a year. Her WNBA salary makes up less than half of her total earnings, as most of her money comes from endorsements.
than her (Diggins is a 4-time WNBA AllStar). Nevertheless, many fans have criticized the WNBA’s complaints about their salaries. Some WNBA critics have pointed out that the average attendance at a WNBA game (7,716 people) is significantly less than the average attendance at an NBA game (17,987 people). On the other hand, WNBA sympathisers have noted that NBA players earn approximately 50 percent of the league revenue, while WNBA players only earn approximately 25 percent of the league revenue. MPSH junior and volleyball player Daniela Hernandez believes women do not receive adequate pay since male sports are more popular because of the abundance of television coverage. “Women[’s] sports are not as hyped as male sports,” Hernandez said. With all the issues regarding professional athletes’ salaries, it raises the question of which sport should have the highest paid athletes. . The average NFL player makes $2.1 million a year, while the average MLB player makes $4 million a year. Some sports inflict more serious injuries, but others have longer, drawn out seasons. “All athletes should be paid the same, because every sport takes effort,” sophomore Jayme Roter said. Some people think athletes are heavily overpaid compared to professions such as doctors or lawyers. However, MPSH sophomore Adrianna Rodriguez actually believes athletes are underpaid. “They put their hearts and soul into the game,” Rodríguez said. Athletes’ salaries have always been an intriguing topic. It has sometimes interfered with games and has even led to shortened seasons, such as the 1987 NFLPA strike that caused the NFL season to be shortened to 15 games, or the 2011 NBA lockout that led the NBA season to being cut down to 66 games. But with all the history behind the pay of athWNBA players like Phoenix Mercury cen- letes, it doesn’t look like this debate is going ter Brittney Griner and Dallas Wings guard away anytime soon. Skylar Diggins, have expressed their frustration with their salary. Diggins even called out Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes, Meyer citing him not having made a single All-Star Jack Sports Editor game and making significantly more money j.meyer.thepanther@gmail.com
AVERAGE
nbaPLAYERS MAKE
$6.4MILLION PER YEAR
AVERAGE
MLB PLAYERS MAKE
$4 MILLION PER YEAR
nfl PLAYERS MAKE
$2.1 MILLION PER YEAR
16 SPORTS
unsung heros
At every pep rally, students and teachers alike watch as flags fly through the air. Behind the flags, the chatonettes, a hard-working performance group at Miami Palmetto Senior High. However, the group’s worth goes way beyond their pep rally performances. “We offer something a bit different in our shows, since we work with equipment like rifles, flags, and sabres,” junior Amanda Howard said. “We’ve placed second in the last few competitions, which shows others the hard work of the Chatonettes, coach and band director. We bring awareness to Palmetto in the community by doing things like performing at the Falls Parade and volunteering at the Christmas Tree Lot.” The group prepares for a number of unique events, each requiring hours of practice. They practice after school from 2:40 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The dedication they put into their practices impacts both the performances and lives of the members. “As to prepare for them we have had many repetitions for our performances and days of blood, sweat and tears to get to our final product,” senior Ashley Fernandez said. “It has brought me to a realization that hard work truly pays off, and that nothing good comes easy.” Being a part of the Chatonettes creates a different experience for each of its members. For senior Kylee Greenwald, being a part of Chatonettes meant creating a tighter bond with her sister. “My sister was a member for three years already so going into my freshman year I knew I wanted to join her in her senior year and I ended up falling in love with it,” Greenwald said. “It was cool being able to bond with my sister and share something we both loved to do.” This dedicated group continues to offer something different and entertaining to not just MPSH events, but to the school’s overall spirit. “I feel that sometimes people think that what we do is easy… Lots of time and dedication go into trying to get better at tossing equipment,” Howard said. “It’s more difficult than meets the eye. We work really hard to make sure we entertain people and demonstrate our skills.”
Alexandra Pedroso Senior Design Editor
a.pedroso.thepanther@gmail.com
RISE IN ESPORTS In a world where almost everything can get done online, it comes as no surprise that people play sports on the internet as well. Esports, or electronic sports, represent a largely popular industry with more than 258 million players globally, according to SuperData. Players can either play for cash prizes in tournaments or play recreationally. Tournaments are available for many different types of games, such as Madden, 2K, Fifa, Fortnite, League of Legends and Call of Duty. Esports often become incredibly competitive and intense, and though played online, their fanbase equals that of major sports such as soccer or basketball. In fact, sometimes the esport fanbase corresponds with the real sport fanbase. “You get to know players subconsciously, so when you actually watch soccer you kind of recognize them,” sophomore Andres Laventman said. Due to its large fanbase, Olympic officials have brought up the idea of an esports tournament taking place in the Olympics. In July, the International Olympic
Committee held discussions on whether the addition of esports should be considered. On Sep. 1, the President of the IOC, Thomas Bach, said he still had not come to a decision regarding whether esports gamers should or will ever be allowed to participate in the Olympics, citing the games’ reputations for violence and discrimination. “I get it that there’s some skill behind it, because you have to understand basically how the sport works, and the kind of strategy that has to come with it,” senior Joe Largo said. “But there should be no Olympic gold athlete [for esports], because people train months for that, they build their body up with the strength and conditioning, and to just sit in front of a computer and play a game…” Players can take esports however intensely or loosely prefered. Many people choose to play for recreation because anyone can purchase the game. “I consider esports kind of a pastime, a hobby,” Laventman said. The esports business is extremely lucrative. According to
SPORTS//17
WeAreTop10, the revenue of the North American esports market alone is expected to reach 607 million dollars by 2020. This could have something to do with the large amount of people that watch their friends play, or livestream the eSports competitions. “I actually do [enjoy watching them play], because I kind of coach them in a way,” Largo said. New games often spike the amount of players as well. Earlier this year, a new game called Fortnite was released, driving players who had never played online games and those who were senior gamers chose to participate. “Straight fortnite, because it’s the only game I like,” sophomore Franco Martorella said. “It grabs your attention more than other games.” Esports are definitely on the rise. No matter the game you play, there might be a tournament out there for you. So start practicing, and who knows? Maybe one day an esports player might make the Olympics.
Nicole Markus Copy Editor
n.markus.thepanther@gmail.com
ARE TATTOOS STILL CONSIDERED UNPROFESSIONAL? FACE OFF: 18 OPINION
YES
NO
In 2018, more and more young adults are deciding to permanently ink their bodies. But with the rise of tattooed teenagers, what implication does this have on considering tattoos as unprofessional in the workplace? Tattoos should not be considered in the job application process for the same reason gender, race or any other physical feature is not considered - it speaks nothing to a person’s character or skill set. Setting aside or refusing to consider an applicant because of body art is a mistake. People with tattoos can still carry perfectly professional and qualified job applicant qualities. Older generations place a stigma on tattoos and equate them to a lack of professionality. This mindset needs to stop. If not, within the course of the next couple years, the application pool might narrow down to virtually nobody. According to Statistica, four out of ten American adults ranging from 18 to 69 years old have at least one tattoo. It seems as though businesses care more about the “unprofessionality” of tattoos than the customers would. Although plausible, it seems highly unlikely that a client paying for a service would turn down the help they sought due to an arm covered by tattoos. In fact, only 39 percent of Americans said they would not get a tattoo. This leaves the other 61 percent of Americans with either one tattoo or more, or at least considering getting one in the future. Doctors, lawyers, retail workers and many other careers center around providing a service for a customer. If tattoos do not prevent a person from doing their work, where lies the problem? We must stop characterizing tattoos as unprofessional, rash and regretful decisions and start appreciating them for what they are - beautiful body art that serves as a form of self expression. Applicants should receive jobs based on their college degree, level of experience and qualifications, an equation that tattoos do not factor into. Tattoos are not a resume and should not trump all the other notable characteristics of a person.
Online Managing
c.myers.thepanther@gmail.com PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMILA
Companies take a lot into consideration when reviewing applicants for certain positions, like whether they have the qualifications, if they fit within their work environment and if they look the part. Tattoos in the work environment have been a heavily argued topic of discussion. The stigma surrounding tattoos still exists, despite today’s youth attempting to push past it. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 37 percent of millennials with tattoos are unemployed. If someone represents a company, tattoos will reflect poorly on the company itself and make it lose credibility. Many employers still find tattoos unprofessional in the workplace because they could make customers uncomfortable. Tattoos require commitment, both visually and financially. When getting a tattoo, it is important to consider whether the type of art could hinder a job opportunity. According to Skinfo, 37 percent of hiring managers see tattoos as the third consideration when deciding to hire someone. Companies view tattooed applicants as impulsive, and if they have a regrettable tattoo, that application might go in the trash. Even if the employers in charge of hiring have no problem with tattoos personally, they still have wto think about how customers will react to tattooed employees and how that would affect business. Skinfo also states that 63 percent of people over 60 find tattoos unsuitable in a work environment. That does not include the additional 42 percent of people of a variety of ages who also find them inappropriate. Customers tend to have an aversion to workers with body art. Tattoos have been associated with gangs and criminals, so if customers find employee tattoos inappropriate, they will be less likely to want to buy from them, impacting the business itself. Employers need to think about how visible tattoos will affect business, and for that reason, many companies still consider tattoos unprofessional. As time goes on, with more millennials entering the workplace, employers might eventually find tattoos less taboo. However, with current employers who keep traditionalist customers in mind, it is hard for them to make a decision like hiring someone with a tattoo without considering the possible repercussions.
Isabel WIlder Copy Editor
i.wilder.thepanther@gmail.com
ARE
KIDS
DESENSITIZED?
With the beginning of the technological age, humans took a huge leap forward. Ordering online never seemed so easy. Keeping in touch with friends has never been so effortless. Most people do not doubt this step forward in society has made daily lives better. However, this aggregate step toward the future comes at a cost. This consequence gradually developed and will soon rear its ugly head out, as the children of our generation have suffered a massive desensitization process, and technology is at fault. With easy to-go pizza, drones to drop off textbooks, instantaneous sports scores and many more advancements, technology has undoubtedly brought us many positives. However, the addition of the widespread, deregulated internet has brought content to our youngest generations that no other generation may have dared to view. This includes websites, such as “Liveleaks” or “TheYNC”, where disturbing videos and content are available to any viewer roaming the internet. More and more children visit these websites on a regular basis and view ISIS and terrorist videos as well as other unfiltered content. Combined, these
sites have close to 40 million views and are also ranked in the top 200 for most visited sites in the U.S. Furthermore, the internet offers far more desensitizing factors than these websites. Video games are the norm in many families households. Games, such as “Call of Duty” or “Grand Theft Auto” which are very familiar names and have a total of more than four million players each, often not only allow, but promote the killing of characters and reward those actions. This does not mean that children will necessarily go around shooting others; however, this normalizes it. Studies from both Michigan State University and University of California Santa Barbara published by “Media Psychology” show that allowing such content for underdeveloped minds has lasting effects on their development, especially when games are played for lengthier amount of times. Although this content does not incite violence, it does normalize it. The final straw comes from the content of popular music. With songs that support and almost brag about drug use, firearm use and contain vulgar language in almost every other
line, the new generation of music does not always endorse a healthy standard of living. Many artists’ songs do not provide positive content for their younger listeners. To begin, names like “Lil Xan,” “SmokePurpp” and “Lil Pump” advertise the use of drugs. Songs like “Double,” which references the use of lean--an opiate category drug--and other songs, do not promote healthy, drug free lives. These artists, once again, are not solid role models and idols for our younger generation, yet are viewed as such by them. Therefore, if our society continues idolising these artists, the future generations will normalize these actions.
Samuel Stone Opinion editor
s.stone.thepanther@gmail.com
PHOTO PHOTO COURTESY COURTESY OFOF CHLOE DAVID GALLIVAN DOBRIK
FA IL INGTO PLAN
20 OPINION
IS PLANNING TO FA IL
Once the new school week begins, students already have the overload of an endless supply of homework and some may have up to nearly five tests in one day. Teachers tend to state how they want their classes viewed as a priority to the students, but it is difficult to make all six classes number one on our to do lists. It is practically impossible to receive and maintain an A in all classes while also trying to be a normally functioning student who receives a decent amount of sleep. This is why students need their teachers’ help. On a night before four or five tests, a student must choose between sleep and success. According to health professionals, the average teen must receive eight to ten hours of sleep everyday. A lack of sleep can cause students to have less focus in class and can bring about levels of stress and anxiety. From this point of view, the amount of work that a student receives takes a toll on their health. As the years go on, the pressure only continues to increase. By junior year some students have all AP classes. Schedules can change and nothing is expected to be set in stone. But, many teachers teach the same pool of students, so a simple conversation between two colleagues about testing schedules can essentially save a student from a restless night and improve their overall performance on exams. That’s a win win for students and teachers. Not only might students have six tests to study for in one given night, they likely have homework in every single class on top of that. This workload makes it virtually impossible for students to have a social life or complete any other activity not meant for school. For instance, taking a break to simply eat dinner, is wasting approximately 25 minutes that could be used for studying. Even though 25 minutes might appear as a short period of time, for an average high
school student, that is a luxury. From a teacher’s perspective, exams usually aim to demonstrate how well students know the class material. Asking students to perform to the best of their ability on their fifth exam of the day sets an unreasonable goal. Some may question whether or not teachers are demanding too much from students, or whether students receive too much work. A teacher’s response might be that students know beforehand the type of work they will receive from their classes. But taking a course that requires a lot of dedication inside and outside of school should be a bigger factor in why teachers should coordinate their schedules. Having organized schedules each week for rigorous courses will allow the students to perform well in school and on their exams in all their classes. This will also benefit the teachers because they can create set and fixed schedules that would not interfere with the planning of other teachers, which gives them what they want: their class as a priority. It is time for teachers to realize the importance in coordinating between their departments in order to ensure a better learning environment for all of the students.
Teachers should coordinate their schedules because students should have more days to learn the material and prepare for it. KONRAD LANTHAN (11)
Teachers should coordinate their schedules because teachers throw in a lot of work to finish the course instead of teaching it. STELLA DELEON (10)
Lindsey Solomon Copy Editor
l.solomon.thepanther@gmail.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDSEY SOLOMON AND CHLOE GALLIVAN
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COMMERIAL & RESIDENTIAL APPRAISERS
STAFF
STAFF EDITORIAL
Print Editor-In-Chief
The art of listening is one that seems to have been forgotten, especially in our modern political climate, but society as a whole needs it now more than ever. The idea that the older generation will never listen to the younger generation, or that the younger generation has no need for the ways of the past represents a toxic attitude that needs to be abolished. Our society as a whole needs to move forward; however, if we cannot accept the mistakes and truths of the past, we will not be able to. Close-mindedness plagues both the young and the old. Topics such as technology, politics or the environment are sometimes viewed as a subject that should be avoided at the dinner table or at family gatherings. However, debates are a healthy part of society, if argued respectfully. The key to having a respectful debate is to listen. Blatantly ignoring the other side and their ideas will never help solve any issue. Whether it is young people talking about politics to older people, or vice versa, it is easier to dismiss the opposing side than remain open to a line of thinking in opposition to your own. Everyone should make an attempt to really listen to others. We need to get past our prejudices and preconceived notions and truly listen to what others have to say to improve our society as a whole.
Natalie Askowitz
Online Editor-In-Chief Benjamin Spiegelman
Print Managing Editor Mia Zaldivar
Online Managing Editor Camila Myers
Senior Copy Editor Allessandra Inzina
Senior Design Editor Alexandra Pedroso
Business Manager Olivia Solomon
Feature Editor
Allison Strasius
News Editor Gemma Torras
Life Editors
Sophia DeAlejo Joana Salvat
Sports Editor Jack Meyer
Opinion Editor Sam Stone
Multimedia Team
Garret Livingston Annette Gonzalez
Copy Team
Jane Heise Nicole Markus Lindsey Solomon Isabel Wilder
Design Team
Jenna Bondy Sydney Campbell Chloe Gallivan Gemma Torras
Staff Writers
Camila Bondy Jayden Woodfall
Advisor
Laura Aviles
SINCERELEY,
The Panther Staff
AN OPEN LETTER TO: the security guard who locks the 2000’s gate Dearest security guard, I feel as though you might get joy from shutting the gate on all the kids who run a bit late in the morning. I was one of those kids one morning, and it ruined a day that should have been--at least minutely--special. On my birthday last year, I decided to grant myself an extra five minutes of sleep. Five minutes turned to 20 minutes, and I found myself jack knifing straight out of bed and shooting out of my house in a frenzy, scrambling to get to school on time. In a feat I would consider impressive, I arrived at school about 10 seconds before 7:20 a.m.. This might have worked out for me since the path to my classroom from that gate usually took about 10 seconds to walk, and even if I failed to make it to my classroom, my teacher was the type to forgive walking into class less than a minute late. But on that day, the clocks in the school ran a little fast, so I sprinted to the gate with my shoes half on and my hair a ragged mess sitting on top of my head. You must have seen me too, but completely ignored my frantic gestures as
you locked the gate right in front of my face. I stood there breathing heavily, watching you intertwine that obnoxious, thick chain (which would probably belong more appropriately in a prison) through the chain links of the 2000’s gate, and click the padlock shut, effectively locking me out of the school. I stared longingly at the building my classroom sat in as I heard the first period bell ring loudly throughout the school. I sighed, turned on my heels and embarked on the 100 mile trek to the main office, on the complete opposite side of the school where I received a non-excused tardy admit and a detention. Happy birthday to me! I realize that it’s your job to enforce the school’s tardy policy no matter how little sense it makes, or how ridiculous I find the policy of tying a chain through a school gate to keep out tardy students. Perhaps reconsider your tenacity inclosing that gate without a second to lose the next time a clearly distressed student rushes to make it inside before it is too late.
BY ALLESSANDRA INZINA
MISSION 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 further promote the spirit, culture and personality of Miami Palmetto Senior High School.
EDITORIAL POLICY The Panther is a monthly publication of Miami Palmetto Senior High located at 7460 S.W. 118th Street Miami, FL 33156, (305) 235-1360 ext. 2337. 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 911B or e-mail us at thepanthermpsh@gmail.com. The Panther has professional membership in NSPA and CSPA. The Panther prints 3,000 copies per issue for distribution. The Panther is distributed for free to all students in school. Subscriptions (for cost) are also available. 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.
CORRECTION POLICY:
Any errors in print will be acknowledged in the next print issue in a correction box. Any errors online will be acknowledged immediately. Errors include facts, figures, misquoting and name misspellings.
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 Advisor 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.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY 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 occurs during an activity sponsored by the Board.
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