The Panther 2023-24 Issue #4: The Love Issue

PANTHERthe

A cut above the rest: for the love of hair 12

Curls, braids, shaved sides, buns, bleach, buzzcuts, mullets, cornrows, dreadlocks, keratin, highlights, all the colors of the rainbow and the occasional dandruff or grease: what people carry on their head alone can tell a story worth a thousand words.

adolescent reliance on energy drinks 05

Red Bull, Celsius, Prime, Monster: these drinks are often consumed daily by those who are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle on a “gym grind” or students who are trying to stay awake throughout the day.

Local.

Miami is a growing city that has a population of 2.663 million, with this number constantly growing. Due to Miami’s growth, there is constant construction that invades animals’ home territories. One of these animals are peacocks. Peacocks are now all over residential areas and can cause problems for residents. Peacocks populate too quickly with males being able to have up to 10 nests. Not only is there an overpopulation issue, but many residents have encountered them ruining property and being very loud. Due to all these problem, the Village of Palmetto Bay has approved of a peacock plan called the Pilot Plan. This plan will be humane and includes the capture and sterilization of male peacocks. Once this process is complete, they will be let back into the wild. This plan will have the best interest of the residents and peacocks in mind.

National

The 2024 Super Bowl commenced on Sunday, Feb. 11, and this year, Andra Day sang the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” with the first time it was sung being in 2020. This year, controversy surrounding the song arose, with many people saying they would not watch the Super Bowl because of it. During the performance, not everyone stood, with some feeling deeming it unnecessary. U.S. representative from Tennessee, Stephen Ira Cohen, said that standing up for the anthem shows respect and pride for the country, but he can not turn a blind eye to the history of slavery.

International

Three years ago, Russia changed its constitution to ban the marriage of same sex couples. On Nov. 30, according to the Russian Supreme Court, a ruling was made that the “international LGBT movement” is an “extremist organization.” This law endangers all forms of LGBTQ+ activism and people of the LGBTQ+ community. This law has caused many people to evacuate from Russia, not only affecting protesters, but Russian citizens that are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Consequently, the Russian government has removed LGBTQ+ related media, censoring shows, books, videos and commercials. This month, the Russian government has begun to arrest people believed to be a part of any pro-LGBTQ+ movements, and as of Feb. 16, more than 14 people have been arrested.

TWO CAN PLAY THAT GAME:

16

Putting on their Miami Palmetto Senior High blue and white jerseys, MPSH athletes prepare themselves to take on whatever arena their sport demands. For some students, instead of walking onto the field or court solo, they walk across with their significant other, rooting for one another.

BREAKUP ETIQUETTE: A MORAL BREAKDOWN 20

When two partners decide to part ways, things can get messy — especially for teens. Yet, amidst the heartache and dra ma, there lies an art: breakup etiquette, a delicate balance between asserting self-re spect, showing compassion towards your ex-partner and safeguarding their dignity.

M.I.A. in Full Bloom

In the weeks leading up to Feb. 14, while invisible to the naked eye, billions of flying flowers fill the South Florida sky. Though it sounds like a Valentine’s Day fairy tale, the airborne blossoms are contained in large cargo planes headed for Miami International Airport — the U.S. national flower hub.

The trend was born in the 1960s when Miami became Colombia’s primary market for its ever-growing carnation industry.

Since Miami was the closest large port in the U.S., importing operations became more frequent. According to Miami Today, as time passed, Miami became the nation’s largest importer of flowers, with 91% of flowers entering the U.S. through South Florida.

Jorge Constain, president of Choice Farms in Doral, has witnessed the South Florida flower industry transform over the past 25 years, as new technologies have improved the tedious process for wholesalers like himself.

“At the beginning, we had to travel a lot and go to the sources, to see the farms and to see what we like and what quality they have. And, [the farmers] basically chose the sources based on what we saw [and preferred]. Nowadays, it is a lot easier because technology is so different that we can get pictures of different products, and it’s a lot easier to get samples. So, we get samples and we analyze the quality control here,” Constain said

No longer needing to rely on a fax machine to process orders, Choice Farms’ importation and exportation process depends on the skies above. Although eight to 12 days seems like a long life span to the average consumer, flowers being transported at this rate puts them in the fast lane thanks to modern refrigeration techniques. Known as the “chain of cold,” flowers undergo a long refrigeration process from the moment they are cut at the farm level.

“The idea is to keep them as close to freezing temperature as possible. So, the process is a lot longer than anybody could imagine. Why? Because if they cut [the flowers] on a Monday, ship them on a Tuesday, we receive them in our warehouse either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. And then we can sell them the same day, maybe, or keep it for another two or three days, or five days, [it] depends on the type of flower — some people keep them for a week or so,” Constain said. “Let’s say [until] Sunday, so those flowers are gonna be sold or shipped on Monday. So you have already a week there.”

The process does not end there, with the flowers then being shipped to storage or a wholesaler, who then sells them to flower shops or event planners before the final customer receives them. With MIA as just a small stop on the flowers’ long journey, Constain notes the importance of up-to-date transportation technology.

“But it’s [the] technology of today — the post-harvest and refrigeration especially — [that] is so much better than 30, 40

years ago. The flowers do last,” Constain said.

During this time, with Valentine’s Day as one of the busiest times for the flower industry, keeping the flowers fresh in the delivery process is vital. According to the British Florist Association, about 250 million stems of flowers are sold globally every time the holiday rolls around. This sharp increase in orders means a sharp increase in work for almost every area of the industry, especially at the airport.

“Valentine’s is the most important date in the United States for the consumption of flowers. And just to give you an idea, normally there are 10 to 12 cargo planes coming in [to deliver flowers]. On Valentine’s it could be 25 to 30,” Constain said.

Picking up flowers just days before they are used is typical for Hirni’s Wayside Garden Florist Co-Manager Kimberly Tate. The shop aims to bring in shipments twice a week: once on Monday to carry through the week and once on Thursday to cover orders over the weekend. The process, however, is a lot more tedious than simply driving a truck up to MIA.

First, Tate has to call a broker or go online and order her flowers. The flowers are then shipped internationally to MIA, where they are picked up by her vendors in the area. She then sends trucks to the vendors to pick up the delivery, and the flowers are driven back down to Pinecrest to be stored and used over the next few days. Being in Miami gives Hirni’s an advantage in the area of flower pickup, as flower shops in other states have to wait extra days for the flowers to be driven across the country.

“We have a handful of vendors that have their offices right on that airport, it’s the airport area up north. Then we go up and get them and then we bring them back and process them,” Tate said. “For a lot of other places, [international sources] ship [the flowers] here to Miami, and then from Miami they’ll get on truck lines and they’ll go all over the country.”

Despite MIA giving Tate a relatively quick pickup process, importing international flowers comes with problems of its own. From the lasting impact of COVID-19, to bad weather to other global conflicts, the flower industry is highly susceptible to change at all times. This makes the ability to creatively adapt to challenges an important part of the flower industry, no matter one’s proximity to Miami.

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POWER THROUGH: Adolescent Reliance on Energy Drinks

Red Bull, Celsius, Prime, Monster: four popularized drinks often consumed daily by those who attempt to maintain a healthy lifestyle on a “gym grind,” or sleep-deprived students trying to stay afloat on lack of rest. However, each of these drinks contain high levels of caffeine and have gradually replaced a simple cup of coffee.

For example, one can of Celsius contains 200 milligrams of caffeine, while the recommended amount of caffeine a teenager should consume is 100 milligrams. While a sip of these drinks may be harmless, according to the National Library of Medicine once someone starts, it is often difficult to stop.

These addictive tendencies come because caffeine is a stimulant, and although it is not considered a drug, it is technically a legal drug; therefore, it is often abused. Once one begins to tolerate chronically high doses of caffeine, it is hard to go on without it.

These drinks are targeted towards younger generations. Advertisement through influencers and brand ambassadors has led to the increase in popularity of these drinks, especially amongst teenagers. For instance, TikTok influencer Alix Earle serves as the face of the popular pink-packaged Amino Lean. Using her platform to promote makeup trends and fashion, she has extended her sphere of influence to energy drinks as well.

Energy drinks, previously consumed by mostly gym junkies, have now opened their doors to new consumers through these unconventional marketing ploys. Additionally, Logan Paul, influencer and

professional wrestler, promotes his own line of energy drinks called Prime. These 200-milligram caffeine-filled drinks are marketed for ages 18 and older. However, underage individuals continue to consume the drink, especially since Paul markets Prime via social media platforms, like Instagram and YouTube, appealing to younger generations.

According to University of Texas Houston physicians, as well as pediatrics and medical professionals all over, the recommended caffeine intake is 100 milligrams, half of Prime’s 200 milligrams. Despite doctors’ recommendations to decrease consumption of energy drinks, 30-50% of teenagers still consume energy drinks, according to The American Academy of Pediatrics.

With teenagers consuming such high doses of continuous caffeine, extreme health concerns become a risk.

“[Energy drink brands] sell us on this increase of alertness, of attention and of energy. But they do that through, of course, caffeine and all the additives that they have in there; so, it’s not a natural energy booster. But, over time chronic use of these energy drinks and these stimulants could cause problems ... Your body’s not naturally supposed to run that fast. It will make your heart racy,so it’ll increase your heart rate. It will increase your blood pressure; it can increase your breathing. So, it feels like you’re having kind of like an energy burst,” Addiction Psychiatrist Rachel Rohaidy said. “When you’re increasing the amount of caffeine in your body, you’re revving up that fight or flight system, which is supposed to be

at rest. You’re not supposed to always be revved up.”

Consuming over 400 milligrams of caffeine a day and drinking it for long periods of time can result in detrimental health issues such as insomnia, restlessness, nausea and an increased heart rate. Additionally, what has become increasingly concerning about these power-packed drinks is their addictive qualities.

“If your body gets used to chronically high doses of caffeine, it’s really hard to be without [it]. Someone who says, ‘Well, I’m gonna cut caffeine’ or ‘I’m stopping caffeine,’ and they have a headache for a couple of days — that’s kind of like a withdrawal,” Rohaidy said.

Rather than focusing on consuming energy drinks, increasing water intake can also maintain energy levels throughout the day.

“Drink water. It hydrates you and then your brain can work and you can function well; that’s really what you want,” Health Science teacher Joyce Brislawn said. “Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.”

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Not Always the Sunshine State:

Florida’s Dark Past of Racism and Segregation

Commonly nicknamed the Sunshine State, Florida has become known for its lively culture and a hub for tourism. However, throughout the state’s history, this was not always the case.

Living in Florida under a system of Jim Crow laws in the Southern U.S., which enforced and legalized racial segregation, South Florida native and Black Historian Dr. Marvin Dunn experienced his first form of inequality at a young age at the post office with his mother when he saw white people cutting him in line.

“The first time I realized that being Black was a problem was at seven years old and standing in line at the post office with my mother in Volusia County in the 1940s. And white people kept skipping in front of my mother. And I asked her after we left the post office ‘Why were those white people skipping in front of us?’ I was seven and I knew skipping now was a problem. And she said because we were colored,” Dunn said.

sipi. In the 60s and 70s, Florida was trying to flush that out of its acknowledgment of history, and so there were efforts to make Florida seem like a place where people could come and enjoy and not have to worry about the impact of race on their children if they moved into Florida,” Dunn said.

While Dunn grew up under Jim Crow laws and other forms of legalized segregation, he does not leave this in the past; instead, he aims to educate students about racism and Florida’s past. Most recently, on Feb. 1, Dunn participated in a presentation for sixth and seventh-grade students at Palmetto Middle School, sharing his personal experience and teaching them about racism and discrimination.

“It was without question the best public presentation I’ve ever made. When I finished they applauded, as I left they applauded. It was so empowering to me and I think to them that we can have almost an hour and a half together, talking about race and answering the most difficult and challenging questions I’ve ever been asked before,” Dunn said.

Organized by Palmetto Middle School Civics and World History teacher Mayade Ersoff, the presentation served as a way to kick off Black History Month and educate her students.

“So it was to celebrate, and to remember black history, the real way and to present the kids with a real person who went through the [Ku Klux Klan] and who experienced the fallout of the KKK, and someone who was discriminated against in his college and applying for colleges, and who was drinking out of a different water fountain,” Ersoff said.

This was not the first time Dunn had spoken to the entire Palmetto Middle community. Two years ago, he talked to her U.S. History class. However, this year’s presentation differed from the presentation given two years ago; all students who attended this year were asked to have a guardian sign a permission slip stating they had consent to attend the activity, making this year’s presentation a lot harder to plan.

“I was told by the principal that I had to go back and I had to go and match his agenda with all the standards and benchmarks of Civics and U.S. History. And that took a long time, and then I had to wait for approval and make sure all the kids had the permission slips. Then we also had to find physical rooms for the kids who did not have permission slips, who forgot them, or just didn’t have them signed. So it was a lot of totally useless extra work,” Ersoff said.

In the coming years, Ersoff hopes to make this an annual presentation for all of her students to hear and participate in

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You Had to Be There, Love was in the Air

1987: big hair, neon colors, leg warmers — though all these trends lost their sparkle with time, the love affairs of ‘87 still shine on.

At Miami Palmetto Senior High, this cohort of couples remember the Palmetto Halls as their meeting grounds.

For the decade-long marriage of Missy and Joe Witte, afterschool sports started it all.

“We met at Coral Reef Park. Joe was a football player for the Kendall Broncos, and I was a cheerleader, and that’s where we met … when we were like 12-13 years old and I had a crush on Joe, but he didn’t know,” Missy said.

As the quintessential high school football-cheerleader duo, they remember their in-and-out of school activities as some of their favorite things from Palmetto.

“That was the most fun – football field practicing with the band and the chatonettes. Those are the best memories on the football field,” Joe said.

As MPSH’s field had bolstered some of their best memories, it also played a large factor in their long-lasting relationship.

“I think it was a big part because that’s when I got to know Joe more, and I got to know his family; we had some mutual friends. So, I think when that happens, when you have that bond with people in high school, it kind of gives familiarity and something in common,” Missy said.

Like many high school relationships, Missy and Joe split amicably. However, as true loves, they found each other again and got married in 2008.

“Right when we were going off to college, we broke up. I was in Georgia, and Joe was in Alabama, but sometimes we would keep in touch over the phone. So, we weren’t together during college,” Missy said. “...We always kept in touch when not dating.”

This was a similar case for Melinda and Mike Perry, who first tried to avoid the long-distance quarrels of college, but in the end, had to do what was right for them and split during this time as well.

“I went to Marshall College and played baseball and Melinda actually came up, and we went together. It didn’t work out in the beginning, and then she transferred to FIU. But, then she ended up coming back to Marshall for her masters. So we took a break, which was good for couples to do, and if it’s really meant to be, it’s meant to be,” Mike said.

Much like the Wittes, the Perrys remember their time at Palmetto filled with fun and joy, swapping love notes during class.

“Just enjoy, enjoy your friends. But also, I guess don’t sweat the small stuff, because we look back at some of our little letters we wrote to each other, and I’m like ‘Oh my gosh,’” Melinda said.

What most students now know as the second floor of the one thousand building was the meeting grounds for Melinda and Mike.

“A friend of ours introduced us, and we first met outside of an English class in the hallway,” Mike said.

Though each couple credits different factors to a successful relationship and marriage, at the end of the day love was in the air, and you just had to be there with the class of ‘87.

“Palmetto was where I found the love of my life, so thank you Palmetto,” Joe said.

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Black Representation through Film and Arts

For decades, African Americans have been waiting for the chance to broadcast their talents without repercussion. Being Black and talented was seen as an oddity for many years. However, many key points in history transformed that theory into reality, as many emerging artists came into play. The Harlem Renaissance was a key point in introducing the idea that African Americans were able to illustrate excellence in industries like film, acting, singing etc.

Langston Hughes, a popular leader during the Renaissance, founded “The Skyloft Players” in 1941. This sought to nurture Black playwrights and offer theatre “from the Black perspective.” This helped inspire many Black actors to join the theater and be proud of it. Back in the day, this was a very important milestone for African Americans.

“The Harlem Renaissance was a place where you had African Americans owning businesses, restaurants, casinos, clubs, all types of black owned businesses. Then you had amazing entertainment and so many African Americans were making a name for themselves through music,dance, it was just a culture,” U.S. history teacher Orlando Gonzalez said.

For her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind (1939), Hattie McDaniel won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, becoming the first African American to win an Oscar.

The Oscars is a ceremony in recognition of excellence in cinematic achievements.

Not only was an African American winning an Oscar, but so was a woman. Being a woman in the mid 1900’s was difficult, and far worse as a Black woman at that. Nonetheless, McDaniel strove to succeed and proved that a Black woman could be held to such a high standard.

Not only was McDaniel an important leader in the arts industry for African Americans, but so is RihannaRhianna. She is a sensational Barbadian singer, who has broken bounds and set records that make her community proud.

RihannaRhianna is now worth $1.7 billion, making her the wealthiest female musician in the world and second only to Oprah Winfrey as the richest female entertainer.

“All I’m striving for right now is to be like RihannaRhianna, and a successful Black woman like her. I believe it is so important that a black woman is being represented as successful because for many years such success as a black woman wasn’t possible. I believe she inspires not just black individuals but from all races, showing that success is understanding dedication,” junior Jazmin Mason said.

RihannaRhianna is also very inspiring because she shares a family with her partner A$AP Rocky, one of hip hop’s true mavericks. A$AP Rocky is renowned for his experimental approach to music and his flair for fashion. As a duo, Rhianna and Rocky are raising their son, Riot Rose Mayers. They both have had a profound impact on Black culture through their music, fashion choices and overall style. They have influenced trends and shaped the cultural landscape, particularly within the realms of music, fashion, and beauty.

Another infamous Black couple is Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union. Wade is a former basketball player, and his wife, Union, is an American Actress. Both have been vocal advocates for social justice issues, including racial equality and LGBTQ+ rights and they have productively used their platforms to raise awareness and speak out against injustice.

“I love how diverse their family is because it’s inspiring for not only the black community, but also the LGBTQ+ community,” junior Arianna Sanz said.

The black community continues to wow the industry in numerous ways through acting, sports, music, and more.

“I believe it’s powerful for African-Americans to be in the film & the arts because that’s the best way to be heard. Through depicting visually our voice to share our stories. Our culture is rich in music, dancing, singing, etc. and what better way to show our voice through the film & the arts. It captures people’s attention and easily shows the message we want to share. So, in addition to using our voice, in combination with the film & the arts we can have our voices heard 10x more,” senior Noraly Paul said.

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FEBRUARY

COLUMN

BRING BACK VOICEMAILS: THE VALUE OF VOICE

In the modern day, we have grown accustomed to shooting a text after a phone call goes unanswered; in replacement of the forgotten voicemail, many just respond with a “can I call you later?” text message, setting aside the intimacy of a voicemail.

Voicemails have something text messages may not have when sent: a voice. Although simple to understand, one may fail to realize the memorability of voicemails and their timelessness –– voicemails hold the cadence of one’s voice, whether it be a loved one, a friend or a peer. In a sense, voicemails have a special aspect to them: even after someone is no longer around, a trace of them may remain through a voicemail, honoring them through a recorded memory.

Unlike texts, voicemails can provide a clear tone and smoothly execute a message. Especially with professional exchanges, a voicemail can ensure that the recipient fully understands the message without any tone or language misunderstandings. On the other hand, voicemails could also be a symbol of a relationship or friendship; with close friends or companions, voicemails can offer an opportunity to crack an inside joke, remind someone that they are thought of and show consideration.

Personal messages hold more value when they have a voice attached to them –– therefore, voicemails have a profound element to them that text messages may not. The underappreciated aspect of voicemails is that, unlike an audio message, they do not expire: when missing someone, one may revisit their voice at any given moment. Next time you make a phone call, think of leaving a voicemail if the recipient does not pick up the phone –– it may be a special memory in the future.

A CUT

Let’s be real: the last thing anyone wants to do on a Monday morning at 7 a.m. is walk the halls of Miami Palmetto Senior High on the grueling trek up three flights of stairs to math class; a blur of bodies and sounds of people hyper focused on getting where they need to be on time. While sardined in said stairwell, one can smell the pungent AXE Body Spray from the freshman behind them, feel the hair of the person next to them brushing on their arm, and the person in front of them cannot seem to walk any slower. It is suddenly impossible to focus on anything else. Stop for a moment, look around, what do you see? Curls, braids, shaved sides, buns, bleach, buzzcuts, mullets, cornrows, dreadlocks, keratin, highlights, all the colors of the rainbow and the occasional dandruff or grease: what people carry on their head alone can tell a story worth a thousand words.

ABOVE THE REST

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A CUT ABOVE THE REST:

“A lot of people tell me, guys and girls, they love wearing their natural hair, and when they look at me and see my hair they’ll always compliment it. But it’s not just a compliment, it’s more than that because a lot of people don’t wear their natural hair. So, when they see my hair and how I just wear it out and how I’m proud about it they’re like, ‘Hm, maybe I should do that, maybe I should start taking care of my hair.’ I love that. I feel like it influences other people to take care of their hair,”

- Carleigh Krauser (10)

“It’s definitely a boost of confidence. I’ve gone back to brown before and I feel like it wasn’t me even though I’m a brunette. I feel more myself with this color,”

- Juana Armada (12)

“My hair is pretty thick, so it’s kind of saved my life a couple of times. I remember one time I was in a bouncy house on concrete and I fell out of the bouncy house… and I fell out on my hair and nothing happened to me at all. It was like a saving grace. My hair literally saved my life,”

- Ziah Fresnillo (10)

“Many of us on the team decided to bleach our hair off a whim, there wasn’t really a reason for it specifically, but we’re just hoping we can make a tradition for teams in the future here. Not even on corny terms [bleaching hair] definitely helped our team become closer, we’ve bonded more. Especially with our new coach who’s embraced the whole bleaching thing, we’re definitely becoming tighter as a team more of friends and brothers than just teammates,”

- Aidan Oldfield (12)

“For me, personally, I am a very low-key quiet type of person and ever since I changed my hair color it’s brought a whole new personality to me. I like a lot of rock, metal music. I couldn’t tell you why but I think it brings a lot of energy. I needed that change and it brought a lot of positive things into my life,”

- Sofia Sanchez (12)

“[My hairstyle is] a vibe to be honest. It’s Brazilian, if you go to Brazil you can see everybody with this type of hairstyle. Me and my friend Felipe, he used to go to this school but he left, we would always try the same hairstyles and have the same one … So we can see each other; if we are in a crowded place, we can find each other,. I definitely feel confident in my hair. Even if I was bald, I’d still feel confident, I’d know it’s growing and I’d trust the process … I 100% feel like it represents me,”

- Jason Figueroa (12)

“Right now my hair is in a style called twist. So it’s pretty much just like braids, but instead of three strands, it’s two strands. It’s my favorite hairstyle to protect your hair. It’s meant to get your hair nice and cool,”

- Daniel Fandino (11)

T w o C a n P y a T a l a h t G e m

The Sports Couples of Palmetto :

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Tying their laces, smearing their eye black and putting on their Miami Palmetto Senior High blue and white jerseys, MPSH athletes prepare themselves to take on whatever arena their sport demands. For some students, instead of walking onto the field or court solo, they arrive with their significant other, rooting for one or the other while playing the same game.

Several couples in the school’s athletic world have similar schedules, though they may not be on the same team. How many of these sporty couples met can be credited to this shared interest.

For example, juniors Rebekah Diener and Jonah Gorra share the sports of Varsity Softball and Junior

couple, as well as seniors Andres Palacios and Vittoria Santana. The two couples both play Varsity Lacrosse and have not only connected throughout their relationships but through the sport.

“[We’ve been dating] for a year and four months. We met through school — we’ve known each other since middle school, but I think that the sport has definitely brought us together,” Weinberg said.

Having been friends throughout middle and high school, Weinberg and Alonso depend on each other to better themselves for the sport and work together to play their best.

“A lot of times we practice together in our backyards and it’s something we can relate on, talk about and bond over. We go to each other’s games, hang out after practice and support

Santana and Palacios have also connected over lacrosse, finding it to be a common interest throughout their relationship of two years. Santana has played all throughout high school, while Palacios began playing this year, sarcastically sharing some of his

“I teach her some good moves that she needs to learn, I help her pass and catch,” Palacios said.

“Actually I helped him pass and catch because he had to learn,” Santana

Since the majority of sports at MPSH are divided by gender, most

couples do not get the chance to compete against one another in their respective games. However, these athletes still find time to compete, teach and learn from one another outside of team practice. Oftentimes, the sport serves as a way for couples to spend time together and bond.

Breaking down gameplay to friends and family can be fun, but it can be relieving to talk to someone who understands the game on a deeper level. Rather than going home and attempting to explain it to parents, several MPSH athletes get to debrief with their like-minded significant others.

“Jake is the Girls Volleyball manager so he would always come to my practices and games,” junior and Varsity Girls Volleyball player Ava Graziano said. “I also always get to go to his games and it’s always fun bonding with each other over it because we understand what it’s like to play.”

Some dismiss so-called “sporty couples” as purely perfor mative and only together for the post-game aesthetic photos. However, the loving, supportive dynamic between these pairs proves that, at MPSH, couples across all sports have flourished, and the trope of a “sporty couple” exists beyond the books and movies.

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Having Friends of the Opposite Sex is Not a Red Flag

“Are you only friends with him because you have a crush on him?” is the leading question anytime I bring up my male best friends. The answer to that: a resounding no. I love my guy friends, but I am not in love with my guy friends.

The dreaded title of being the “girl best friend” is always seen as such a negative thing, and I have never understood why.

Growing up with a younger brother whom I consider one of my best friends has made it easy for me to get along with boys and not need to see them as solely romantic figures.

Being an athlete from a young age and having a father who spent almost every day coaching a high school basketball team left me surrounded by boys often. Whether it was me cheering for them in the stands or playing with them on the court, I saw many of them as an older brother and as a friend.

Since I was little, I have always been told I was good at making friends and I think being able to have boys as friends without the goal of having a relationship with them has kept my friend group diversified and entertaining.

All the way back to my childhood friend, Oliver, and us playing in the dirt in kindergarten, I have never had romantic feelings toward any of my male friends and vice versa. I feel that having a male friend gives me a different perspective on life. Whenever I have boy problems, going to my female friends tends to end up in all of us crying or squealing, but telling my male friends provides me with more direct and blunt responses such as, “Lili, he doesn’t actually like you; he’s just playing you.”

A girl and guy best friend duo seen as a “known” red flag stems from trust issues. For a relationship to function, trust has to be one of the largest contributing factors; without it, the relationship will struggle. Not being able to trust a partner around their friends of the opposite sex is the real red flag.

Although trust issues are what can lead to these “red flags” in a relationship, I can see where a line can be crossed, making the person’s partner upset, so setting boundaries is essential to any opposite-sex friendship, especially when one has a partner.

In my experience, having a male best friend has created a new sort of dynamic to my friendships. Sometimes, girl’s problems get too big, and having a male friend helps put my issues through the perspective of a “boy brain.” So, whenever I am freaking out about little issues, telling my guy friend always puts me in a “bruh really” mentality.

Although most of our text conversations include sending each other Instagram Reels of stupid things that nobody else would find funny except us, having a real, normal conversation with someone who does not necessarily think the same way I do has made me more open-minded about certain situations.

It is nice being able to have male friends where nothing romantic is going on. According to research done by the University of Texas at Austin, some studies have found that opposite-sex friendships

create a space for companionship, self-expression and intimacy.

Many of my male friends have girlfriends and nobody has ever seen it as an issue that I was there.

So, in my personal experience, having a male or female friend should not be a red flag for either party. If I started dating a guy with a girl best friend, I would not have a problem because it would help me see how he treats other girls.

Being the “girl best friend” with a positive connotation is the best you can be, because while I do see why others see it as a bad thing or something to worry about in their relationship, that is not always the case.

Knowing boundaries and having respect for my friends is one of the most important things in a friendship, including having respect for their partners. So, being respectful and knowing where you are in your friendship turns any red flags green.

Lillianne Fernandez Multimedia Video Editor

l.fernandez.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY SAVANNA BYLES PHOTO BY WILLIAM ALBURY

YES:

Like other ‘05 kids, I grew up with Littlest Pet Shop, American Girl dolls, “Victorious” and Dr. Seuss picture books. Those born before 2010 were the last generation of kids to experience a real childhood. We were never on TikTok, we played outside, we did not even know what facial cleanser was used for and we cherished our toys even throughout our pre-teen stage. Generation Alpha (2010-2024) is growing up too fast, and many of these kids will never get the opportunity to experience a life without the controlling influence of social media.

I was in eighth grade when COVID-19 hit in 2020. As the last year before the pivotal transition to high school, we were all forced to experience our early teens during a global pandemic. The rest of our childhood was stripped away by the pandemic, not allowing us to enjoy our last summer before the stress of the next four years. In our case, we matured through understanding the painful challenges of living in isolation. On the other hand, for Generation Alpha kids, the pandemic hit when they were in elementary school — a vital age for development. At this age, it was difficult to grasp the idea of a global, deadly illness.

According to studies by the National Library of Medicine, kids experienced increased rates of developmental delays, learning disabilities and behavioral disorders as a result of COVID-19, as many were not able to learn adequately through a screen. Elementary years are crucial for language and reading, and many children never had the opportunity to properly learn the basics. But more than developmental delays, the main concern with kids nowadays is that they do not act their age. The “10-year-old Sephora Girl” epidemic has raised concern over young girls’ unusual knowledge of makeup and skincare. The culprit: social media.

TikTok grew rapidly in popularity during the pandemic, and young kids started getting their hands on it. Essentially, they spent their childhood surrounded by social media. Children now are accustomed to scrolling and buying unnecessary products, or playing video games simply because it is available to them. So, yes, children are growing up too fast, and yes it is heartbreaking that they consume online media to such a high extent.

Sofia Strohmeier Online Editor-In-Chief s.strohmeier.thepanther@gmail.com

NO:

FACEOFF:

Are We Growing Up Too Fast?

As a high school senior about to start the next chapter of my life, I understand the impact our childhood has on this generation. Watching Hannah Montana before school and using animal-shaped plates for our food were some activities that reminded me of childhood, yet I have seen a change in the new generation of kids. TikTok has become the new craze over the last few years, and some believe this has destroyed the wonder of childhood we all knew and loved, but I disagree. Growing up is a natural aspect of life, and for some that happens faster than others. Just because kids now enjoy TikTok and makeup does not mean they are losing any ounce of their childhood. Since when has makeup and expressing yourself had an age cut-off?

People mistake growing up too fast for natural change in the world and the society we live in. As time passes, technology becomes more advanced and kids begin to enjoy new things that we never had. While many believe this is a negative, I try to see the positive. With this new technology comes more information for each generation, leading to an increase in knowledge. This concept is better known as the Flynn Effect, which refers to the upward movement in IQ test scores across generations. With smarter generations come intelligent leaders to improve the world for the better.

Childhood is not meant to last forever. This is a sad reality but it is the truth. Growing up is something everyone must experience and dwelling on that fact only makes looking back on that time sad when it should be happy. Every generation changes and those changes do not always indicate something negative. With my generation, everything truly changed with COVID-19, which detrimentally altered the lives of many and forced them to mature a little quicker. While this did change our generation, I would argue that, although it caused unimaginable damage, it allowed us to understand the importance of technology. Without the introduction of Zoom and the advancements in technology, that time in isolation could have been so much worse. Just like the changes following COVID-19, the changes within each generation can have lasting positive effects on the world.

Ava Garcia Managing Editor a.garcia.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY SAVANNA BYLES PHOTO BY WILLIAM ALBURY

Break Up Etiquette:

A Break Up Should Not Mean A Breakdown in Morals

“It’s not you; it’s me,” “I need to focus on myself right now,” “We are better off as friends.” Though it stings, breakups are a natural part of life. Whether dating for a month or a year, when two partners decide to part ways, things can get messy — especially for teens. Yet, amidst the heartache and drama, there lies an art: breakup etiquette, a delicate balance between asserting self-respect, showing compassion towards your ex-partner and safeguarding their dignity.

A crucial aspect of breakup etiquette is respect — respect for boundaries, for privacy and the dignity of the other person. This means refraining from airing grievances on social media or seeking revenge through spiteful actions.

According to the Data and Society Research Institute’s 2016 study, one in 25 Americans have experienced revenge pornography, or the non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit images or videos of an individual, typically by a former partner. With social media, revenge pornography has become even more prevalent. In Florida, revenge pornography is illegal, with worse punishments when minors are involved.

Less extreme, but sometimes just as harmful, is the divulging of information shared between partners during the relationship after the split. Just because you break up does not mean you do not owe your ex decency. Even if something was shared during the relationship, you do not have any right to bring it up once you break up. Do not weaponize it. Keep it to yourself.

Moreover, stalking and controlling behavior factor into the aftermath of a breakup all too often, turning what should be a period of healing into one fraught with anxiety. According to a 2016 report by The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, 40% of stalking is by current or former partners.

When we think of stalking, we often think of a Joe Goldberg from the show “You” type of character, but you do not have to have a glass box in a basement to be considered a stalker. Whether it is incessant calls and messages, uninvited visits or constant monitoring of social media accounts, such behaviors are intrusive and potentially harmful. When “Where are you?” and “Why are you doing this to me?” texts are relentless, the block button is needed. Other times, restraining orders are a vital tool to protect individuals from harassment and intimidation.

You may think you are just trying to win your partner back or you have the right to still be involved in their life, but if

one person is setting a boundary, even if it is more rigid than your own, you have to honor the line drawn.

Autonomy is key during a breakup, even an amicable one. For some, it may be healthiest to go “no contact,” if they are simply a negative force in each other’s lives. Other times, there are healthy ways to maintain friendships, but boundaries are key. Communication about terms is essential to ensure no one feels uncomfortable, especially if the ex-couple are friends, classmates or coworkers.

Yet, the most important part of this process begins not with your ex, but with the person that stares back at you in the mirror. Breakups are associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression. According to a study by the CDC and the University of Georgia, 20% of suicides from 2003-2020 were related to issues like conflict and breakups.

Be mindful of what you and your ex are going through: your ex is still a person; you do not own them; you can only control yourself. Be a decent person not only for your ex but for your sense-of-self.

Anna Levitt Copy Editor a.levitt.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY SAVANNA BYLES PHOTO BY WILLIAM ALBURY

PANTHER the

STAFF

Editor-In-Chief

Amy-Grace Shapiro

Print Editor-In-Chief

Isabella Hewitt

Online Editor-In-Chief

Sofia Strohmeier

Managing Editor

Ava Garcia

Senior Copy Editor

Sara Paredes

Senior Multimedia Editor

Emilia Haus

Senior Design Editor

Isabella Lagarto Business Manager

Jasmine Judge Feature Editor

Daniel Perodin Contents Editor

Nicole Martin News Editor

Ava Stuzin Life Editor

Gabriella Alvarez

Sports Editor

Edie Carneiro

Opinion Editor

Brooke Wilensky

Video Editor

Madeline Volpe

Multimedia Team

William Albury

Seth Clarin

STAFF EDITORIAL

Florida was once attributed for its sunny beaches, various amusement parks and vacation resorts. However, in recent years, it has adopted the stigma of being a rigid state with strict laws. Several laws passed here leave citizens divided, causing internal arguments and an overall lack of support and love. Here, The Panther highlights some issues that have explicitly shown that enough is enough; it is time for Florida to show more love. First up: abortion — a sensitive topic around the entire country, but an especially prevalent issue down south. Gov. Ron DeSantis has made himself known over the past few years for his extreme policies regarding abortion. Last April, he went as far as to show interest in transforming Florida to a six-week ban state. This position on the issue has led many to dislike the state, feeling as if their voices are being disregarded. Additionally, along with supporting what has been known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, DeSantis has further limited the rights of the LGBTQ+ community by enforcing restrictions such as excluding transgender people from utilizing public facilities of their choosing. Not only do these laws solely cater to right-wing beliefs, but they also have Floridians feeling rejected in their own home. Lastly, it is now legal for Florida residents to carry concealed weapons without a permit. These controversial gun laws prompt serious debate here in Florida, as many people have opposing views on what they believe falls under the parameters of the Second Amendment. This month in particular, The Panther staff encourages Florida government officials to bring light back to our state, with love and consideration for every person’s opinion.

Jake Hawkins

Alexis James

Ella Wehmeyer Design Team

Luna Garcia

Lilianne Fernandez

Mia Shields Copy Team

Anna Levitt

Aayana Baid

Savanna Byles

Eleanor Harris

Sophia Snyder Staff Writer

Justin Fechter

Paulina Handal Adviser

Laura Aviles

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 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 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 occurs during an activity sponsored by the Board.