PANTHER
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Miami Palmetto Senior High School
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Friday 28 February 2020
FEBRUARY
contents
8 Life
Teacher Friendships
6 News
Dangers of Online Dating
15 Sports
Coach-Athlete Relationships
11
Feature
Learning to Love Yourself
Opinion Media Romanticizes Toxicity
18
Behind the
COVER Gemma Torras (12) takes photos of Criya Mahabir (10, pictured on cover) and Ellen Li (10) for the feature of our special edition of The Panther, the Love and Sex issue.
NewsBRIEFS Local
The unveiling of the new Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker to honor Pinecrest’s veterans took place on Feb.18. The Pinecrest Garden Club, the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs and the Village of Pinecrest hosted the event at Veterans Memorial Park on U.S.1 in Pinecrest. At the start of the ceremony, the Pinecrest Police Department Honor Guard raised the American and POW/MIA flag. Even busy Miami drivers passing by on U.S. 1 slowed down to pay respect.
National
Letter to the
EDITOR
Dear Editor,
In the story, “Art on the Spectrum,” I really enjoyed how you described Emiliano and included a lot of details so the readers could see the daily struggles he faces. The story also relates to the audience because many Palmetto students have immigrated from other countries and it is difficult to adjust.
Samantha Elkins (9) *Submit letters to n.markus.thepanther@gmail.com. or Room 1124. Letters may be edited for length, grammar and clairty.
Check out our website www.thepalmettopanther.com
President Trump granted clemency to 11 white-collar criminals on Feb. 18, many for crimes of which he stands accused. He commuted the sentence of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who had been sentenced to 14 years in prison for trying to solicit bribes in exchange for President Obama’s former Senate seat. He also pardoned a former New York police commissioner convicted of tax fraud and lying to officials, as well as a former owner of the San Francisco 49ers convicted of a felony for his role in a bribery case.
International
The coronavirus surfaced in Wuhan, China late last year and has now spread throughout Asia and parts of Europe. According to the World Health Organization, 74,675 confirmed cases of coronavirus in China have led to 2,121 deaths. Outside of China, WHO has confirmed 1,076 cases of coronavirus, including seven deaths. More than half of the outbreaks outside China occurred aboard the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship at the Port of Yokohama in Japan. As of now there is no official cure, but two clinical trials testing potential treatments expect results within three weeks. Kate Stuzin Copy Editor
k.stuzin.thepanther@gmail.com
mental modules Starting in Feb. 2020, MiamiDade County began partnering with “Edgenuity” to institute a mental health program for students in grades six to 12. The State Board of Education made this decision on Jul. 17, when they voted to require every Florida public school to provide students with at least five hours of mental health instruction per year. “Edgenuity,” a learning system with several instructional modules, is designed to educate students on health issues confronting their generation. The mental-health modules are customized to meet all the requirements outlined by the State of Florida, with more than five hours of instruction annually for each grade level. This curriculum — designed by therapists, social workers, educators and medical professionals — provides lessons for students throughout the whole year. “The videos give students a real world perspective. The [content] is relevant to things that are happening now. I think the most important thing, however, is the discussions that happen after you watch
t h e videos,” s a i d Palmetto Assistant Principal D a n i e l Barreras. The modules intend to help students accumulate the appropriate knowledge and skills for each grade level. Schools also track the students’ progress and report completion to the state. The newly-instituted program takes place during all high school English classes across the state of Florida. Lessons take a further look at prominent issues adolescents handle, including depression, anxiety and drug and substance abuse. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 2.2 million American adolescents aged 12 to 17 had at least one major depressive episode with severe impairment, or an inability to perform general activities and work. “Depression among high schoolers isn’t dealt with properly. This program was the state’s way of trying to combat the issue at hand,” Miami Palmetto Senior High sophomore Catherine Baylis said. S o c i a l stigma around mental illness exists among people of all ages. As a result, students may hesitate to seek help when
struggling with a mental illness. In a public statement, Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran emphasized the State Board of Education’s mission to reinvent schoolbased mental health awareness in the State of Florida. “This is just the beginning. It’s no secret that mental illness robs students of the ability to reach their full potential, and we are joining forces to combat this disease and give our students the tools they need to thrive,” said Corcoran. In order to counteract adolescent depression in schools and the resulting stigma, the new “Edgenuity” program hopes to educate teens about mental health, better equipping them to help others, offer support and even save lives. “Everyone is understanding that [mental health] is an issue that we need to look at more carefully. As long as students are aware of how they can help other people and their friends, then the program is beneficial,” Barreras said.
Julia Strasius Design Editor
j.strasius.thepanther@gmail.com DESIGN BY SYDNEY CAMPBELL
NEWS| 05
Physiology of Falling In
Love
The instantaneous spark one feels, when with the right person, can provide an overwhelming rush of chemicals in one’s brain. The intense emotions that come with falling in love result in modifications in one’s physiology. In the beginning of most relationships, both parties feel some amount of stress and anxiety; stressors may include the possibility of having stronger feelings than one’s significant other, or minor details, such as trying to impress them by looking nice on dates. However, this stress could also make one crave pleasure and closeness from their partner. According to Neuroendocrinology Letters, some degree of strong, yet manageable stress may be necessary to form emotional connections, which create attachment behaviors that ultimately alter physiological and psychological states. A variety of chemicals that the body had not released previously are now in abundance. As a relationship grows and partners feel more at ease, stress and anxiety tend to dissipate and morph into a more progressive state: love. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by their relationship, one exhibits signs of happiness instead. Stacey Jones, licensed psychologist and Miami Palmetto Senior High parent, works with people that exhibit mental or emotional issues and can observe how love truly affects them. “When my patients fall in love, they exhibit various responses such as euphoria, enthusiasm, increased energy and nervousness,” Jones said. “Behavioral changes that I have observed are an increased energy level, dressing differently, exercising and better hygiene. Overall, they seem to take more of an interest in engaging in life to the fullest.” These emotions occur due to chemicals the body releases, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which act as a drug. Dopamine,
associated with feelings of euphoria, increases when one thinks or surrounds themselves with the object of our affection, creating desperation for this so-called “high,” according to psychology website Brainscape. All of these physiological changes occur when the relationship is in its early, yet stable stages, and it remains as the partners’ main focus. With a long-term relationship that surpasses the time that these changes take place, people may not get the same rush of happiness or butterflies when they are with one they love, but their love remains still present. Elizabeth Valero, the Activities Director at Miami Palmetto Senior High, has been with her husband for 12 years and has a three-year-old son. Their love for each other still remains strong and passionate, despite the fact that she and her husband are beyond the point of the changes that come with initially falling in love. “We keep the love alive by always knowing that we have each other’s back. We know that we are partners for life, and I think that is something very helpful,” Valero said. In a long-term relationship like Valero’s, another neurotransmitter, oxytocin, becomes more necessary to continue the dynamic between the parties. The more oxytocin one generates, the more they feel attached to their partner. Although oxytocin is now the main chemical being released in a long-term relationship, it does not fully replace the large amounts of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, that were previously made. Falling in love has many different aspects and can come about in a complicated fashion, causing one’s physiology to alter as their body adapts to new emotions, while his/her relationships progress. From the initial butterflies to feelings of certainty that come with time, one goes through many stages when in love. “I just can’t say enough that he is my life partner,” Valero said. “They are this one person that you are supposed to go through this trial of life with and that really stuck with me.”
Allison Gould Opinion Editor
a.gould.thepanther@gmail.com DESIGN BY SYDNEY CAMPBELL
06 NEWS
love at first swipe THE DANGERS OF ONLINE DATING AND COMMUNICATION
Unlike teenagers of the past who relied on mingling at parties and get-togethers to meet potential partners, tens of millions of single teens now depend on scrolling through dating and online chat websites and apps in hopes of finding a new friend or a potential relationship. However, doing so comes with a set of risks and dangers. With the rise of technology use, multiple dating sites for those 18 years or older exist, including “Tinder,” “Bumble,” “OKCupid” and “Match.” People also resort to social media sites like “Instagram,” “Snapchat” and even online chat sites like “Omegle” — a site where users can instantly connect with strangers via video or chat. According to Business Insider, an estimated 25.1 million people used dating apps in 2019. Similarly, over 218 million people used “Snapchat” and one billion people used “Instagram” in 2019, according to Statistica. Although people did not create “Instagram” and “Snapchat” specifically for dating purposes, oftentimes users use these applications as a dating platform. For instance, users can “slide into the DMs” on “Instagram” by sending others a private picture or message.
Sometimes, these connections can form a new relationship. “Using these sites can make you feel connected and have friends,” Miami Palmetto Senior High sophomore and Women of Tomorrow member Madison Morris said. “So, by staying connected online, it helps you connect with people you may not have known otherwise. However, you must be conscious of what you do online because there are risks.” Although these sites are useful to those in search of finding a significant other or friend, issues can arise. Fifty-five percent of users have experienced some form of threat or problem while dating online, according to the cyber security site Kaspersky. These problems include photo extortion, catfishing, victimizing users, threats, stalking — and in the worst scenarios it can result in human trafficking and sexual assualt. Due to these dangers, Palmetto senior and president of the Psi Alpha Club Gwyneth Williams held a presentation to raise awareness for sex trafficking. “Sex trafficking isn’t super ovbious. It can actually be someone who seems completely normal,” Williams said. “So, if someone’s going to use those apps — especially if they’re underaged — you have to be aware of what you’re doing and try thinking through [those] decisions.” Among the dangers, faking one’s identity remains a frequent issue online. In fact, many people fake their identity online by changing their name, using photos of other people instead of themselves and lying about their location. According to Kaspersky, 57% of online daters lie to each other in some way, faking a range of the attributes listed above. A lack of privacy and security poses yet another dangerous threat for users. Recently, a group of civil rights and
consumer groups have accused several dating sites, including “Grindr,” “Tinder” and “OKCupid,” of stealing users’ information, like their exact location, sexual orientation, religious and political beliefs. The apps then allegedly transmit the personal data to at least 135 different third-party companies. The dangers of online dating and communicating pose as a threat for parents of teens. For Palmetto parent and licensed psychologist Stacey Jones, these threats remain especially troublesome for her. “As a parent, I do have concerns with my children connecting with strangers online because we don’t know who these people are,” Jones said. “You don’t know who anybody is and if they are misrepresenting themselves.” When making a connection with a stranger online, be sure to run a background and criminal check on the person; statewide public records offer these services. Users should also look into the platfom’s safety policy to determine if it is legitimate by thoroughly researching recent articles on the app. “I think we are all vulnerable to meeting strangers online, but when it comes to minors I feel like they are more susceptible to being misled or punished by strangers that may be predators,” Jones said. “However, with appropriate adult supervision and with researching and being safe with these online relationships, it isn’t the worst thing, as long as people are careful.”
If you have ever experienced internet fraud or problems with others online, report the issue to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
Ana Martinez Design Editor
a.martinez.thepanther@gmail.com DESIGN BY SYDNEY CAMPBELL
be healthy, be smart,
LIFE 07
BE hip
The Health Information Project, a program founded by sisters Risa and Valerie Berrin, serves as the primary method of sex and health education in the Miami-Dade Public school system. The instructors, a team of students at each participating school, facilitate classroom discussion and tirelessly work to ensure smooth, successful sessions. “The goal of HIP is to add knowledge to other teenagers on a variety of topics including mental health, drugs and alcohol and transitioning into high school because of the lack of discussion provided in regular school curriculum,” senior and Miami Palmetto Senior High HIP president Eowyn Osorio said. “We want them to have an understanding of what to do in real life situations that can happen to anyone, anywhere.” Osorio became president after working as a Peer Health Educator, or P.H.E., for two years. Faculty sponsor and health science teacher Joyce Brislawn interviewed her and chose her to assume the position. “Once I became president there was almost immediately a lot of work to do, with organizing P.H.E. schedules & selecting P.H.E.s for the next year,” Osorio said. “It was a lot of work, but it was easy to manage with help from Ms. Brislawn and the rest of my board.” The days during which P.H.E. students instruct the freshman, dubbed “HIP Days” by students, occur bi-weekly, with P.H.E. team meetings occurring almost as often — and after school. “Organizing the schedules for the P.H.E.s on presentation days takes time since we have to make sure everyone’s class has four teachers so that the freshmen
receive a proper module,” Osorio said. “This requires a lot of concentration on being certain that the P.H.E.s we have can commit to the program and have time to really focus on creating a safe learning
environment for the freshmen.” Senior P.H.E.s primarily run the club, but they inevitably encounter some difficulty when trying to balance extracurriculars and classes. “Some challenges I’ve encountered in H.I.P. includes the time commitment,” Osorio said. “Having to meet after school often as well as doing many activities during school hours can be hectic when taking AP classes and writing college essays.” Another challenge has to do with the environment of instruction, but it prompts instructors to perfect their public speaking.
“I think I’ve learned a lot about how to speak to a class while making eye contact, moving around and projecting my voice at the same time,” senior Zoe Nye said. “I think it’s really difficult sometimes to settle the kids down, so you need to learn how to keep them from engaging in their own conversations and how to keep them paying attention to what you’re saying.” Although H.I.P. aims to educate young adults about current mental and physical health issues, the program extends its influence beyond the high school level. “As a hip instructor, it’s fun to interact with the freshman students and teach them about things to watch out for that they might come across at some point in their life,” junior Matias Levy said. “Some of the freshman I have taught have come up to me and told me that I have helped them and that they learned a lot, that is why I love H.I.P.” H.I.P. publishes testimonials on their website, www.behip.org, that reflect the success stories of the program. “I think H.I.P. is really important because we watch a lot of videos about how it’s saved other lives and I think advocating and telling these kids that we’re here for them, telling them that they can get through these prevalent issues with other people by their side is really important,” Nye said. “I think in each lesson, the kids learn at least five new things that they didn’t know, like terms and laws that can help them in the future.”
Allison Strasius Editor-in-Chief
a.strasius.thepanther@gmail.com PHOTOS BY VALENTINA CACERES DESIGN BY GIANNA HUTTON
teacher friendships 08 LIFE
Being a high school teacher requires an immense amount of dedication, patience and perseverance. The chaos that inevitably ensues from time to time in any high school not only creates a resilient attitude in many teachers, but also brings fellow educators closer together and fosters lifelong friendships. Many teachers at Palmetto who share the same lunch periods, students and even hallways develop bonds that last a lifetime.
pamela shlachTman and sara edelman
friendship timelines
Pamela Shlachtman, A.P. Environmental Science and Solar Energy Honors teacher, met Sara Edelman, A.P. and Honors Biology teacher, when Edelman began attending preschool with Shlachtman’s nephew. Edelman eventually went to her school dance with him and ended up taking A.P. Environmental Science as Shlachtman’s student in her senior year of high school. Shlachtman clearly inspired Edelman: while obtaining her Ph.D., Edelman dedicated her dissertation to her former high school science teacher. In fact, due to Shlachtman’s persistence, Edelman ended up as a science teacher across the hallway from the very teacher that insisted she come to Palmetto. Being in such close proximity to each other has allowed the two to grow to be close friends over the years. “It’s just wonderful to have somebody that you trust, and that’s right across the hall,” Edelman said.
“I trust her academically. I trust her opinion on what I’m doing in my classroom so it’s a huge resource for me as a new teacher to have somebody that I trust and respect so much.” The two science teachers have bonded over their love of dogs, specifically Amstaff mixes, and also established a weekly ritual of having coffee together every Wednesday morning to catch up and enjoy each other’s company. “It’s really nice, at least from my perspective, to see someone that I taught that went into science and that just does a really kickass job of teaching science, and is a good person. That’s the other part, which is very important,” Shlachtman said. Edelman also expressed her thanks to Shlachtman for the opportunities and advice she has bestowed on her throughout the years. “I just want to thank Pam for everything she’s done for me, in and out of the classroom,” Edelman said.
Edelman dedicates her dissertation to Shlachman
2016 2006 Pamela Schlachman and Sara Edelman meet each other
2017 Edelman begins to work with Shlachman at Palmetto
LIFE 09
Dalia Pulido and Loni Perse Loni Perse, A.P. English Language and Honors English teacher first arrived at Palmetto from South Miami Senior High School in 2000. She immediately encountered Dalia Pulido, also an A.P. English Language and Honors English teacher, in the school’s library and a friendship blossomed immediately. “When Mrs. Perse first arrived here, we met in the library and she was delightful. And ever since then, we just became BFFs,” Pulido said. The two English teachers grew accustomed to being right next to each other and frequently dashed across the hall to consult each other throughout the day. Unfortunately, due to the move into the new building, their classrooms are now farther apart. “We used to be next to each other and now we’re not, and I teach six classes,” Perse said. “I don’t have a planning period so we don’t see a lot of each other.” However, the two close friends make up for this by eating lunch together every day and assisting the other in whatever the day’s trials may bring. “She’s my emotional support. Whenever I’m up, down, I can count on her,” Pulido said. “She’s there for me when I need her or don’t.” On an especially taxing school day, the two friends lift each other up in any way that they can, with their close friendship bringing joy and laughter into their lives. “It balances school. Our friendship provides a lot of humor so we get through the day when things get a little bumpy,” Perse said. Outside of the school day, the two friends have shared many bonding experiences, including a hilariously ill-fated camping trip that the two ventured on during Perse’s son’s Boy Scout trip. Their escapade in the Florida Keys turned soggy when they awoke to a
rainstorm and water flooding their tent. “It must have been like 5:30 in the morning, and Mrs. Pulido was, in her meticulous way, trying to fold all the clothes in between the lightning. I mean, everything was soaking wet, and she’s carefully folding the clothes. And I, of course, was putting on mascara, so we were both doing dumb things,” Perse said. “I wanted to look nice, which was stupid because I ended up looking like a racoon by the time it was done. And then we went to McDonalds afterwards and we looked like we had a problem...we looked troubled.” Aside from camping trips, Pulido also decorate Perse’s Christmas tree every year — Pulido’s favorite tradition of theirs — which Perse greatly appreciates due to Pulido’s eye for detail. “It’s great because I don’t have a tree at my house because I am always spending it in New York. So, I live vicariously through her and her family,” Pulido said. Although the two English teachers have distinct personalities and consider themselves to be very different people, their friendship continues to thrive to this day. “I think we are very, very, very, very different people, but I think we compliment each other. And I think it’s lasted...sometimes you think you have to be friends with somebody that’s exactly like you and we are polar opposites, I think,” Perse said. “We have very different personalities but we meet halfway and we’ve worked it out.”
Jane Heise
Managing Editor
j.heise.thepanther@gmail.com PHOTOS BY PRISCILLA BERMUDEZ AND NICOLE MARKUS DESIGN BY GIANNA HUTTON
Dalia Pulido begins teaching
1993 1985
Loni Perse begins teaching
2000
Perse and Pulido meet each other
10 LIFE
getting personal with
pronouns How to properly acknowledge and use personal pronouns
Personal pronouns define people. Using correct pronouns show that a person respects and acknowledges who someone identifies as. As gender identity and the LGBTQ+ community has become more prevalent and accepted in society, different pronouns other than the gender-specific she/ her and he/him have become more common. Other personal pronouns include they/them, ze/zir and just simply using a person’s name rather than a pronoun, among many others. These personal pronouns offer a gender non-specific way for people to identify. While they/them remains the more well-known gender-neutral personal pronoun, ze/zir typically gets used for people who identify as gender fluid, or who do not identify as only one gender. In other words, gender fluid individuals do not have a specific gender identity, as it changes inbetween genders. Personal pronouns do not have restrictions. For instance, freshman Arrow Baker identifies with both pronouns he/him and they/them. “I know that I don’t look the part of my pronouns and I dress more feminine. But if [people] don’t feel comfortable calling me ‘he’ because of how I look, then I use ‘they’ as an alternative,” Baker said. Overall, the main point of personal pronouns comes down to expressing one’s identity, and all that follows in return is that others respect them. Dani Dominguez, Community Educator and Youth Leader Coordinator for the Yes Institute, an organization that educates people on LGBTQ+ acceptance, presents at schools and workplaces to educate people on how to respect others’ gender identity and personal pronouns. “When people misgender someone,
which happens all the time, it can make that person feel unheard, or not respected, or like they are invisible, and I have definitely felt all of those things as someone who uses they/them pronouns,” Dominguez said. Some people may introduce themselves with their personal pronoun, but some may not, and asking can prove tricky if someone does not quite know how. “There are a lot of ways to ask people. When you do it casually and don’t make it a big deal, it can really make a difference,” Dominguez said. “Particularly in a group setting or in schools we are trying to push using gender-neutral terminology. Like instead of saying ‘boys and girls’ say ‘friends’ or ‘students’ to make sure everyone is included all the time.” While society has evolved and become more comfortable with personal pronouns, it definitely can catch someone off-guard and, like everything, it takes some getting used to. ‘It,’ an incredibly isolating and dehumanizing term to call a person, has decreased in use as society becomes more educated and accepting. “I don’t get misgendered, but [I] do hate it when I see others misgender people,” senior and member of the LGBTQ+ community Kyle Bedwell said. “Because no matter what, everyone should respect everyone.”
Olivia Solomon
QUEER an umbrella term for sexual and gender minorities who are not heterosexual or do not have a gender identity that corresponds with their birth sex
CISGENDER a person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex
TRANSGENDER a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex
GENDER FLUID a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex
GENDER NON-CONFORMING a person whose behavior or appearance does not conform to prevailing cultural and social expectations about what is appropriate to their gender
NON-BINARY OR GENDER QUEER a spectrum of gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or feminine
Advertizing Chair
o.solomon.thepanther@gmail.com DESIGN BY GIANNA HUTTON INFORMATION COURTESY OF OXFORD DICTONARY
FEATURE | 11
Self-love club In this special edition of The Panther, we wanted to focus on a foundational component of love: self-love. It is so important to show kindness and compassion for oneself and appreciate their uniqueness and value. Here, The Panther staff examines the importance of this message and what one can do to to change how they view themselves. During this month of February, we challenge you to celebrate your individuality and everything that you love — and even what you do not — about yourself.
PHOTO BY GEMMA TORRAS DESIGN BY ANA MARTINEZ
12 FEATURE
be a better you, for you HOW MODERN SOCIETY EMPHASIZES SELF-COMPASSION
“As far as self-love, that is medicine, Compassion and Altruism Research, that is everything, that is the base of self-compassion involves three everything in your life,” Online Business foundational concepts: self-kindness, Coach Logan Huseman said. “If you common humanity and mindfulness. don’t love yourself, and you don’t make As one learns to accomplish these time to first of all figure out who you three elements, they gradually uncover are so that you can love yourself, then an effective path towards improved you’re going to spend a lot of time when resilience. you grow up trying to do that.” As society’s views on self-love have The concept of self-love has evolved over the years, the practice changed a lot within modern society. of mindfulness and meditation has Previously, self-love took a lesser been strongly stressed as a step in the role in relationships and people’s solution towards a healthier mental overall outlook on life, but with the state. Meditation has physiological emergence of positivity movements on social media and in pop culture, the As far as self-love, psychology behind it has risen to the that is medicine, forefront of discussions regarding how that is everything, one’s vision of themself translates to that is the base of their relationships with others. Body positivity and the emergence everything in your life. of its more prevalent representation also plays a role in this movement. In recent years, society in general Logan Husemen has made an effort to increase body benefits to the brain and reduces diversity through depicting different activity in the amygdala. Consequently, skin colors and nationalities, among this dampens ones reaction to stressors, other things. This representation helps which increases resilience to stressful many people feel self-love. situations, according to Mindful.org. “It’ll inspire more people from Miami Palmetto Senior High those different ethnic groups and other School AP Psychology teacher Dr. Amy backgrounds,” junior Ethan Drouillard Schaffer recommends a commonly said. “It’s not just your generic blonde- used platform for mediation, called haired blue-eyed person who does this, smilingmind.com. it’s like, I can do it too.” “It’s a website. I like it. First of all, Although society tends to praise because there’s a free app, and also self-criticism as an effective way for there’s a lot of research to support improvement, multiple studies and the specific Smiling Mind program,” research found that self-compassion Schaffer said. “There are lots of different offers a better alternative. According ways to meditate, but if you’re looking to Stanford Medicine’s Center for to get started, it’s a great place to start.”
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Maintaining a positive, healthy outlook on life is the first step in developing a fulfilling love for oneself. A glass half-full mindset will set up openings for healthier relationships, with not only within oneself, but also with others. “I just encourage people to look on the bright side of things, and I try my best to make others happy. It makes me appreciate life more, and not take things for granted,” senior Emily Veguilla said. “I tell people that there are better days ahead, and to, like, watch happy movies, and just do what you love.” One way to control one’s positive mindset is by using positive language to describe themself and the world around them on a daily basis. “Be really conscious of the way that you speak about yourself, and your environment and your situation, whatever it may be, be really cognizant of the language that you’re using and the way that you’re feeling about it because it’s so powerful and I feel like people forget that simple words are really really affecting their mental state,” Huseman said. An important aspect of the selflove movement is the prevalence of social media. People use these apps in different ways, and some feel as though seeing certain beauty standards online make them feel even more insecure. However, social media can definitely create positive change for people’s selfimage if used in ways refraining from negativity. “I think it’s been a beautiful tool in my life for connection and growth and
love. If social media doesn’t feel that way for you, I would take a moment, go through everyone that you follow… [and] unfollow the people that you don’t resonate with,” Huseman said. “Fill your timeline with people that are positive and that you love their life story or you love their dreams or whatever, and they align with yours. And then that’s what social media can be for you. It’s everything that you make it.” As social media continues to influence the daily lives of almost everyone, especially teenagers, people often use apps such as “Instagram” and “Snapchat” as a platform to post positive messages. “I mean, social media can be used really well because if you post things that make you happy, and they make others happy, they’ll give everyone a more positive outlook, but, it’s not always used that way,” Veguilla said. “The more positive information you put out into the world, the more positive everyone’s lives will be.” Veguilla emphasizes the importance of spreading positivity through different mediums in her life, especially within her community service project called
“Positivity Rocks.” “I work with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and I hand paint rocks, and host rock-painting events at the hospital. [I do it so] a lot of the kids have an artistic outlet during their stay,” Veguilla said. “All the rocks that we sell and make have positive messages on them so it’ll help kids go through their treatment and also just spread positivity in everyone’s lives.” While relationships with others remain incredibly important, the relationship with oneself forms the basis of one’s life. “Treat yourself with kindness, write down a whole page of stuff that you don’t like about yourself, and set it on fire and then replace it with a whole page of stuff that you absolutely love,” Huseman said. “There are so many ways that you can get to know yourself better and love yourself more.”
Nicole Markus
FEATURE|13
THREE FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS OF SELFKINDNRESS self-kindness
Instead of taking a critical route when analyzing one’s mistakes, someone employing self-kindness would gently observe each flaw in a positive, warmer way to initiate self-compassion.
Print Editor-in-Chief
n.markus.thepanther@gmail.com
Joanna Salvat
Online Editor-in-Chief
j.salvat.thepanther@gmail.com DESIGNED BY ANA MARTINEZ
common humanity On the road to self-compassion, one must realize that he/she is not alone as struggles come their way. Recognizing that isolation inhibits a positive, healthy mindset is one of the first steps in developing one.
mindfulness Becoming aware of negative thoughts and emotions can be one of the most important tools towards self-compassion. Understanding and improving upon these feelings, instead of suppressing and denying them, helps identify root issues and improve resilience as a whole. PHOTO BY NICOLE MARKUS
14 FEATURE
self-love in numbers statistics according to @thepantherpaper on “Instagram”
struggle to accept of teens who they truly are (14-18) do you consider yourself to be SELF-CONFIDENT do STRUGGLES WITH SELF-LOVE interfere with on a your daily schedule? REGULAR BASIS?
77%
55% 45% no yes
70%
consider themselves POSITIVE PEOPLE
Based on a survey of 144 students.
50% 50% no yes
71% of teens struggle WITH BODY POSITIVITY PHOTO BY GEMMA TORRAS
INFOGRAPHIC BY ANA MARTINEZ
SPORTS15
Bonds between athletes AND coaches Sometimes, it is about more than the game. Sometimes, it is about the relationships and bonds that form between coaches and teammates — connections that can last a lifetime. These friendships transcend the sport and redefine traditional athlete-coach roles. Miami Palmetto Senior High senior Jade Chapa just might have that kind of relationship with her badminton coach, Dave Zarco. Despite her late start to badminton — she joined her junior year — she has developed a close relationship with Zarco, built on their mutual love for the game. “When I first started playing badminton, I definitely didn’t expect this sort of close relationship with my coach,” Chapa said. “I remember walking in in 2018 into the preseason practices and I was the only girl there...I had never played badminton and he had me just bouncing the shuttle up and down like a kindergartner. I was definitely discouraged, but he pulled me to the side and just gave me great advice and things to do...and from there, our relationship sort of flourished.” The friendship’s foundation — and success — can be attributed to Chapa and Zarco’s shared dedication and passion for the sport. “I would spend my weekends driving up to Shula’s, which is in Miami Gardens...and I would go [practice] there every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the afternoon...I really wanted to play well,” Chapa said. “We feed off each other’s energy, and we both have a sense of pride for what we’re doing, and we both have the same goals: we want the team to do well.” Zarco agrees with Chapa’s analysis, but he does not define the team’s success by the number of victories. “During the regular season, I’ll give everyone the chance to play at least one match that actually counts in the rankings,” Zarco said. “I tell them, ‘Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Screw up now. If they lose, I say, ‘Well, how did you do?’ ‘I lost.’ And my question is always going to be the same: ‘Did you give it your best shot?’” Thanks to her commitment and Zarco’s guidance, Chapa was named co-captain of the Palmetto girls’ and boys’ badminton team her senior year, along with senior Ali Khan. “[Jade] showed up at open play when we had it during the summer. She’s tried to learn as much as she can and that’s admirable,” Zarco said. “She has been very good as co-captain because she’s very responsible and keeps me on my toes...and I rely on her and Ali to be the link between myself and the players. She’s a good student, a good player and very respectful.” But Zarco’s and Chapa’s relationship is more than just badminton; rather, it has been a stepping stone to more meaningful
and thoughtful conversations. “The...times he has offered me advice, we’ve realized we had very similar upbringings and faced some of the same ordeals growing up,” Chapa said. “I feel that he’s offered me some great advice considering that he’s experienced some things and it sort of resonated with me, knowing that I’m not the only one going through certain things.” Palmetto girls’ and boys’ tennis coach Kelly Gibson and many of her players, including junior and co-captain Nathalie van der Reis, have formed this same type of close relationship, especially because she has known most of them since they joined the team as freshmen. “I think we’ve formed a really close bond over the four years that they play here,” Gibson said. “I really try to get involved in all aspects of their life and try to help them be a better person, as well...I try to help guide them in school and social issues and events.” Gibson emphasizes the value of getting to know the person, not just the athlete, and how this can impact his or her performance. “I think it’s important to know what makes a person work to get them to respond to you...Being a good coach is not just on the court. You have to be a leader off the court, as well.” Van der Reis has felt the benefits of this support firsthand. “She has always believed in me and has helped me pull through difficult matches,” van der Reis said. “She inspires me to play at the highest level in order to reach my potential.” Their relationship has even affected van der Reis’s attitudes about playing a team sport. “My experience at [the] MPSH tennis team and playing under Coach Gibson has given me a love and appreciation for playing team tennis in a sport that has primarily focused on individual success,” van der Reis said. For many, sports is a great unifier. It connects coaches and athletes, bridging gaps and crossing barriers. “I don’t know what I would do without [my coach],” Chapa said.
Katriona Page Copy Editor
k.page.thepanther@gmail.com
student athletes value Family Sacrifices
Many people acknowledge that student athletes face the struggle of achieving balance between their academic and physical performance. However, it is important to take into account the many sacrifices and obstacles that the families of student athletes must face due to their child’s involvement in time-consuming and expensive sports. Miami Palmetto Senior High junior Corey Gallivan acknowledges the huge investment his family makes in relation to his commitment to wrestling, a sport he has found himself through in a variety of different ways. Wrestling represents a significant part of his life and the characteristics of the sport itself influence the way in which his family makes sacrifices for him. “In wrestling, it’s you and the other guy. It’s not like a team sport...you still have your team but when you’re on the mat it’s just you and the other guy so all of the pressure is on you,” Gallivan said. He specifically mentioned the crucial role his father plays in his sense of effort and consistent commitment towards the sport, highlighting his influence in regard to his success. “My dad has always been there for me, especially last year, when I was trying to cut a lot of weight… always motivating me to keep going… He’s been trying to motivate me to keep going, especially towards the end of the season now. He’s been motivating me to have more confidence and
move on to states,” Gallivan said. His family provides him everything from financial support to thoughtful and caring acts which Gallivan expresses his gratitude towards. “They’ve had to put a lot of money into it…I tore my meniscus freshmen year and I needed surgery so they paid for that,” said Gallivan. “Sometimes when we go out to dinner, and since sometimes I’m cutting weight… they don’t eat because they don’t want to eat around me… They do a lot for me and I’m very grateful for it.” Gallivan feels extremely lucky to have such a supportive family. He recognizes wrestling as part of his identity and continuously puts in his maximum effort at practice and matches to set the best example possible for his younger sibling. “I’ve been trying to be a better athlete… just so he has someone to look up to. He’s in eighth grade so he’s becoming a freshman next year and wrestling here,” Gallivan said. “I see how I used to wrestle in him and I don’t want him to make the same mistakes as I do. I want him to come in and be the best he can be.” John Hayduk, Miami Palmetto Senior High’s assistant athletic director and teacher, has a daughter, Ally Hayduk, who attends Palmetto as a senior. Her outstanding performance and tremendous dedication to her academics and tennis helped her sign with Samford University. Hayduk acknowledges the inmense investment of time, planning and sacrifices his daughter has made throughout her life, stressing how the dedication towards a sport influences the student’s lifestyle. “She practices two to three hours a day...we are usually on the road for a good hour to an hour and a half a day,” Hayduk
said. “For us, sports give our kids a drive academically, obviously, but it also gives them structure and the structure is how our kids are benefited from athletics.” Hayduk, a former coach, understands the cost to the commitment to a sport, fully comprehending that great results follow great sacrifice. “I think that the biggest thing that we’ve had to sacrifice is our family vacations,” said Hayduk. “We also don’t have exorbitant amounts of funds to travel everywhere. So, sometimes traveling for tennis tournaments takes up going to vacation and things like that,” Hayduk said. With the emotional support derived from families, students have the capacity and willingness to reach new levels of greatness and grow not only as athletes, but as young adults emerging in the real world. “Being the daughter of a coach, I’ve always been able to understand the importance of having a positive mindset and how far that can take you in your athletic career even if you are not the most physically gifted. The reasons why I have been able to achieve what I have in the world of tennis stems from the mindset of out working those who rely on their talent to carry them,” senior Ally Hayduk said. “My family also taught me to remember who I am and that, that doesn’t change when I step on the court.”
Lissette Martinez Feature Editor
l.martinez.thepanther@gmail.com
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18|OPINION
The Media’s Unhealthy Influence on
OUR LOVE LIVES The media’s powerful influence over the minds of idealistic teenagers can result in unreasonable and unhealthy expectations for their future romantic endeavors. Films and television shows often normalize certain stalking and abusive behaviors, fabricating this idea that those behaviors are acceptable in the viewers’ lives. According to a study conducted by researchers Brown, Greenberg and Buerkel-Rothfuss, the media serves as one of teens’ top sources for formative information regarding sexual attitudes and beliefs, including romantic relationships. Writers, producers and directors should keep this dangerous dependence in mind when creating content and focus on empowering viewers to make healthy relationship decisions. Netflix’s television series “You” follows Joe Goldberg — played by Penn Badgley — a seemingly-thoughtful romantic who falls in love easily. However, Joe has an affliction for stalking his romantic interests and threatening the lives of people who come in his way. The show depicts Goldberg as astute and alluring, almost garnering viewers’ support for him as he has a couple close calls with getting caught for his misdeeds. As actor Penn Badgley put it in an interview on Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show,” people often forgive criminals and antagonists, overlooking their faults if they find redeeming qualities, such as attractiveness and personality quirks. Iconic, award-winning romance films like “The Notebook,” “Twilight” and “Love Actually” also continue to perpetuate these detrimental relationship expectations, according to the relationship advice website One Love. In Nicholas Sparks’s “The Notebook,” an inter-class love between Noah Calhoun, played by Ryan Gosling, and Allie Hamilton, played by Rachel McAdams, defies social expectations as the pair overcomes obstacles for true love. While this touching story has become an audience favorite, Noah and Allie’s relationship
begins when Noah climbs a ferris wheel and threatens to throw himself off, should Allie decline his offer to go on a date — even though she is on a date with another man. She eventually agrees and their tumultuous love story ensues, despite its toxic roots. The film encourages viewers to take public displays of affection to new extremes, making threats seem like an acceptable form of courting. Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight” follows the love story of teenager Bella Swan — played by Kristin Stewart — and Edward Cullen — played by Robert Pattinson — whose interspecies love enthralled millions. Fans often overlook the fact that Edward was not only almost a hundred years Bella’s senior, but that he would sneak into her room at night to watch her sleep and follow her, albeit with the intent to “protect her.” Despite how many people swooned over Edward, they casually ignored the power disparity in this couple’s dynamic. Having lived a lot longer and having supernatural powers definitely gave him an edge over mortal Bella; he could have reacted violently to her truly denying his advances. Naïve audiences should know that other, healthier, manifestations of love exist, and stalking definitely should not count as one of them. “Love Actually” follows the relationships of several English couples, with one love triangle in particular showcasing inappropriate behavior between a man, his wife and his best friend. Mark — played by Andrew Lincoln — fosters an unrequited love for his best friend’s wife, Juliet — played by Keira Knightley. Even though he manages to keep his obsession under wraps, Juliet eventually finds out about Mark’s love once she finds out that his videos of her wedding only featured her. He not only kept a tape of his best friend’s wife, but he also confirmed his love for her via a soundtrack of fake carolers and some cheesy posters, to which she rewarded him with a kiss. Not only does the movie
somewhat encourage adultery, but it also makes filming videos of one’s crush without their consent seem okay, when it is not. The film and television industry should not only think about what consumers want to watch, but also strongly consider how to tell healthy and relatable love stories. According to DoSomething.com, one in three teenagers experience abusive or unhealthy behaviors in a relationship, which demonstratesdemonstrating the need to use the media as a tool to empower youths not to promote.tolerate toxic behavior and to seek help when needed. If a clear line between dramatic romantic gestures and tactics to dominate a partner were drawn, impressionable teens could discern the
right way to treat a partner from the wrong way.
Isabel Wilder
Senior Copy Editor
i.wilder.thepanther@gmail.com DESIGN BY JULIA STRASIUS
OPINION|19
FACEOFF: do you believe in soulmates? YES
I read plenty of fairy tales growing up and because of this, I fully believed in them as a little girl. I dreamt that one day my Prince Charming would come sweep me off my feet and rescue me like he did in the books I devoured. However, when I grew up, I later realized Prince Charming does not exist, and that no one person can save you from all your problems; but there are people who come pretty close. What if there was one person you were inevitably drawn to? No matter what, this person always seems to find a way back into your life, so much so that it feels as if your paths were destined to be intertwined. What if this person knew you instinctively, and you connected with them on the deepest level? This same person also allows you to prosper and grow freely as an individual but also within the relationship. Dare I say — a soulmate? In my opinion, soulmates do exist, but not in the cheesy way the movies and pop culture depict them. A soulmate checks the boxes of all the questions asked above. Soulmates make each other feel completely at peace. By definition, according to Lexico, a soulmate is a person ideally suited for another. As the saying goes, “when you know, you know” and I find this true. Now, I don’t mean that upon meeting sparks will fly and angels will sing; I just mean you will feel an instant connection with this person. However, with that being said, I do not believe that soulmates consist of people magically born for each other. No one person has the ability to be absolutely suited for another, but I believe that people whom I deem soulmates build their relationship deeply rooted in love, trust and adoration for each other. Along with that, they already have a solid foundation of a deep, inevitable connection. Soulmates love harder and deeper than others. They know each other intuitively — no words have to be said to know when a problem exists. They accept and love every aspect of one another.
NO
Finding a soulmate is a hopeless romantic’s lifelong mission. Soulmates consist of two people who are perfect for one another. Though a beautiful thing to hope for, soulmates are a flawed concept. Humans and perfection do not and cannot mix, which means perfect relationships do not exist. In fact, the idea of soulmates can lead to toxic relationships because one may go through extreme lengths to achieve an unachievable “perfect” relationship. When someone believes that a relationship has to reach perfection for the people involved to be considered soulmates, he or she might try to avoid important discussions and arguments to keep up the illusion of perfection. They would rather continue living a lie than acknowledging that the relationship may not work. Searching for a soulmate makes it highly likely the person will end up disappointed, according to Bustle. A feeling of hopelessness can arise from searching for love. Trying to find someone to feel complete can lead to issues of self-esteem and lack of self-love due to having a dependency on someone else and false expectations. Relationships should focus on two individuals coming together as a support system for each other despite their differences — not on finding “the one.” According to Reader’s Digest, trial-and-error produces the longest-lasting relationships, not those in which the couples believe they are the perfect fit for each other. For years, we have had the idea of soulmates ingrained in our heads via movies, novels and pop culture. Though a beautiful, if unrealistic, sentiment, believing in soulmates can negatively influence people’s perceptions of healthy relationships and negatively impact their love life.
Sydney Campbell
Priscilla Bermudez
s.campbelll.thepanther@gmail.com
p.bermudez.thepanther@gmail.com
Design Editor
PHOTOS BY JACOB GRINDSTAFF
Copy Editor
DESIGN BY JULIA STRASIUS
20|PERSONAL ESSAY I vividly remember the moment that my parents told me they were getting a divorce. My sister and I were on the couch, watching Disney Channel in our pajamas, when my mom and dad blocked the TV with stern looks on their faces. We were just annoyed that they blocked our show; our adolescent minds could not imagine there was something more important going on, so I yelled at my mom to move. She approached me, bringing me snugly next to her as my father sat across from me with my sister. At seven, I did not know what divorce meant; all I knew was my sister was sobbing, something she rarely did. My mind felt a broken record, repeating, “Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry” as my parents explained to me what this would mean for my sister and me — new houses, moving around the week, my grandma moving in. I promised myself I would never cry in front of my parents or anyone else; I was convinced it was a sign of weakness and something to be ashamed of. I remember the sharp scent of my mom’s perfume as she hugged me tightly, saying it was okay to cry. The next thing I knew, everything changed. My grandma moved in, my mom bought a new house and I was switching between houses during the week. Soon my family dynamic changed, too. My dad began going on “sleepovers” several times a week, which I dismissed until they became so frequent it was evident something was going on. My dad eventually told us: he had a new girlfriend. She had crystal clear blue eyes and curly auburn hair with golden strands that peeked out. She always wore a silk scarf around her neck, and it was a rare day she did not put on her Chanel N o . 5 perfume. My life from this moment on
NOT AT FAULT
would be separated into “before her” and “after her.” At first, she was kind, giving me gifts and telling me sweet lies about what our future would look like as a family. Then, like a tornado, she tore my house down, fast and instantaneously. Slight inconveniences became the end of the world and whispers on the other side of my house turned to yelling so loud my ears were going to burst. We should have noticed the signs — she became jealous and possessive. She did not want me to talk about my mom. She was envious of the number of likes my father had on Facebook in posts of my sister and me, and she became furious at the most insignificant things. After every fight, she would come to me pleading for forgiveness, and I always forgave her. When she called me obscene words, I forgave her. When she threw her eyeshadow pallet at me, I forgave her. When she insulted my family, I forgave her. Her beaming smile and reassurances that she would never do anything like what she had previously done again always won me over. She ingrained in my brain that I must understand that I was the same as her. Their relationship lasted four-and-a-half years: four-and-a-half years of fighting, apologies and empty promises. She defined my elementary and middle school years. She clouded my first best friend, my first crush, my first award. She affected my behavior and academic success. She owned my life, but in the years after their breakup, I have learned how to regain it. The most difficult element was forgiving myself. When their relationship started, I was an impressionable eight-year-old, and as much as I can scorn myself for not doing more to protect myself, I did not know any better. I could not control which house I went to and thus, whether I saw her or not. I felt
like a marionette, with my parents pulling me, either way, without my input. Entering ninth grade, I tried to avoid thinking of my past; however, as the stress of the school year consumed me, I often found myself feeling as if I was back in her house, being degraded. The obscenities she called me crept back into my mind as if I had just heard them. I felt ashamed to tell anyone about the toxic relationship, as if speaking about it would diminish the validity of my pain, further trapping me in my memories. However, when HIP came into my AP World History classroom, I finally had a label for what I went through: “verbal abuse.” Finding out I was not alone in my experience felt like I could finally breathe again. I began to speak about my story, writing about it in personal history assignments and telling my close friends. Through speaking about what happened to me, I have been able to forgive myself, gain self-confidence and become an overall happier person. While the scars of their relationship will forever be in my mind, I have learned I should not hide my scars, especially if it can help someone in a situation similar to mine. So if in any way you can relate to my story and are feeling guilty for the circumstances you have been placed in, know it is not your fault. You are more than your past; you deserve to be here and enjoy your life.
Gianna Hutton
Design Editor
g.hutton.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY JULIA STRASIUS
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Florida, man Just Florida Things: A Love Letter to Florida You are truly complicated. From having virtually no winters and ninemonth summers to alligators in our backyards, you do not always make it easy. However, us Floridians need to do better as well. It takes just one look at a “Florida Man” headline to understand that we also are not exactly perfect. But deep down, we still care for each other. You give us beautiful beaches and bodies of water everywhere, giving us endless opportunities to swim, sunbathe and relax. In return, we have given Florida new landmarks, like all the theme parks in Orlando, or all the tourism down in South Beach. Although it is pretty common for Floridiains to laugh at their home state to others, deep down, we are all proud to be Floridians. There is a reason that Miami hosted the Super Bowl this year and that Tampa will be hosting it next year: people want to be in Florida. So thank you, Florida, for all that you give us…but just try to cool it a little during the summer.
STAFf
editorial To some, Valentine’s Day represents more than simply romantic love, but platonic as well. However, to others, the day intended to celebrate these relationships feels more bitter. It seems easy to criticize the commercialized world, as it capitalizes on heart-adorned cards and candies. Valentine’s Day worries those without significant others in their lives that they will remain “alone.” To a community in Southern Florida, February 14 marks the worst tragedy they have experienced to date. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas mass shooting transformed a jubilant holiday into a day of mournful remembrance. Valentine’s Day represents something drastically different to each person. Instead of focusing on the versions of love society advertises and idolizes, celebrate it differently this year. Celebrate your loved ones of all kinds. Celebrate the kind of love your friends and family show you, and, if you do have a significant other, celebrate them too. But also remember what Valentine’s Day represents for some, and treat every day like a precious gift. Remember the 17 people taken too soon on Feb. 14 in 2018 and remember what the day represents to Parkland, Florida. Valentine’s Day portrays more than love.
Sincerely, The Panther Staff
Jack Meyer
News Editor
j.meyer.thepanther@gmail.com
MISSION STATEMENT The Panther staff aims to inform fellow students and parents about schoolwide, 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 980 or e-mail us at n.markus.thepanther@gmail.com. The Panther has professional membership in NSPA and CSPA. The Panther prints 1,400 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.
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.
STAFf Editor-In-Chief
Allison Strasius
Print Editor-In-Chief Nicole Markus
Online Editor-In-Chief Joanna Salvat
Managing Editor Jane Heise
Senior Copy Editor Isabel Wilder
Senior Design Editor Gemma Torras
Advertising Chair Olivia Solomon
Feature Editor
Lissette Martinez
News Editor Jack Meyer
Life Editor Kristine Villarroel
Sports Editor
Valentina Caceres
Opinion Editor Allison Gould
Multimedia Team Valentina Caceres Jacob Grindstaff Sofia Vinueza
Copy Team Priscilla Bermudez Katriona Page Kate Stuzin
Design Team Camilla Bondy Sydney Campbell Gianna Hutton Ana Martinez Julia Strasius
Staff Writers Elias Arbe Kun Liu
Adviser
Laura Aviles
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