The Panther 2024-25 Issue #2: Panthers Hitting The Polls

PANTHER

the

V 67|N2

Miami Palmetto Senior High School

7460 SW 120 Street, Miami, FL 33156

PHOTO FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES

Thursday November 14 2024

NEWs 04

FEATURE 11

LIFE 08 the

P

A National 04 Breakdown of The 2024 Election On Nov. 6 at 5:35 a.m., the Associated Press officially called the 2024 election.

Teachers 08 Take on the Election

Four years of campaigns, rallies and debates reached their climax on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Panthers 11 Hitting the Polls

When one turns 18 years old, a whole new world of possibilities opens, finally giving them a chance to voice their beliefs and take action.

Staffer of the month SPORTS 16

JAZMIN MASON OPINION 18 Calling the Shots: 16 The Fight for Team Captain

Voting For a Third 18 Party is a Waste of a Vote

Opponents spend months, even years campaigning for the honor of the team captain spot. Hundreds of dollars are spent buying the equipment and resources to give candidates enough experience and skill to compete.

Going into any given election, the average voter knows of the two candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties.

November 2024

04 | NEWS

Vote By The Numbers:

A Closer Look At The Election Statistics

On Nov. 6 at 5:35 a.m., the Associated Press officially called the 2024 General Election.

See a breakdown of the election statistics below:

*As of Nov. 14*

Electoral College Results:

Republican candidate and President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect nominee JD Vance won the presidential race with 312 electoral votes making Trump the 47th President of the United States.

Trump and Vance won the popular vote with 75,962,547 votes.

House seats

Democrat Seats: 208 Republican Seats: 218 *As of Nov. 14*

Senate:

52 Republican Seats and 47 Democrat Seats, including two independent senators.

Republicans have gained a majority in the Senate with four seats.

FLORIDA

AMENDMENTS

For a Florida Constitutional amendment to be approved it must reach a minimum threshold of 60%. Out of the six amendments, only two passed.

Amendment 1:

Amendment 4:

Yes: 55% No: 45%

Yes: 57% No: 43%

Making school board elections partisan

Legalizes abortion before fetal viability

Amendment 2:

Amendment 5:

Yes: 67% No: 33%

Yes: 66% No: 34%

Adds a right to hunt and fish in Florida’s constitution

Amendment 3:

Legalizes recreational marijuana for those 21 and over

Yes: 56% No: 44%

Annual Adjustment for inflation value of homestead exemption

Amendment 6:

Repeals public campaign financing

Yes: 50.4% No: 49.6%

All information from Associated Press News and The New York Times. Data updated as of Nov. 14.

Ava Stuzin Online Editor-In-Chief a.stuzin.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY SAVANNA BYLES PHOTO BY MARIO TAMA; DMSE WHOLESALE; OLIVIA MUNSON; KEITH ROTHFUS; 270towin

06 | NEWS

The People Have Spoken: Florida’s 2024 Referendum Results The results are in, and the people have voted on all six of Florida’s amendment referendums. After months of campaigns, the citizens have taken to the polls to exercise their basic human rights.

All Florida amendment referendums are passed by a minimum of a 60% win threshold.

Florida Amendment One requires partisan elections for school boards. This proposed amendment to Florida’s Constitution would require partisan elections for local school boards. The people voted “no” on this referendum, with 45% voting against it and almost 55% voting for it. The current amendment will stay in place until at least the 2026 midterm elections, meaning that schools board elections will not be partisan.

“The one thing that Florida and the nation does not need is more partisanship. I think people understand that they probably don’t need school boards to be divided on partisan grounds,” former Mayor of Miami Beach Dan Gelber said. “Everybody should agree on the best interests of our students and our children.”

The second referendum that Floridians voted on was Florida Amendment Two, which creates a constitutional right to hunt and fish. This proposed amendment to Florida’s Constitution would establish a right to hunt and fish, and the amendment proposed forever preserving fishing and hunting, including by the use of traditional methods, as a public right. The amendment specifies that it does not limit the authority granted to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Article IV of the state constitution. The people voted “yes” on this referendum, with 67.3% for it and 32% voting against it.

The third amendment was proposed to legalize recreational marijuana. This proposed amendment to Florida’s constitution would legalize the recreational use of marijuana for people age 21 and older. A “yes” vote supported legalizing marijuana for adults 21 years old and older and allowed individuals to possess up to three ounces of marijuana. A “no” vote opposed legalizing it. 55% voted yes, with 44% voting no, and the referendum did not pass.

The fourth and most disputed local amendment was Florida Amendment Four, which would create a constitutional right to abortion. This proposed amendment to Florida’s constitution would prohibit laws restricting abortion before fetal viability or when necessary to protect a pregnant woman’s health.

“Amendment four aims to enshrine abortion access in the Florida constitution, and it came about in response to a near total abortion ban that was passed by the Florida legislature and signed into law by Governor DeSantis in 2023,” Executive Director of The Florida Women’s Freedom Coalition Anna Hockhammer said. “It was on the November ticket, in a highly partisan environment. Because of the 60% win threshold to amend the Florida constitution, our ultimate result was 57% of voters in Florida who voted yes and only 42% who voted no.”

Florida Amendment Five proposed adjusting home property tax exemption for inflation. This proposed amendment to Florida’s constitution would make an annual inflationary adjustment to the amount of a home’s assessed value that is exempt from property taxes. This amendment passed with exactly 66% voting yes, and 34% voting against it.

The sixth and final amendment that was on the ballot this year was Florida Amendment Six, which would repeal public financing for political campaigns. This proposed amendment to Florida’s constitution would repeal a provision allowing public funding of candidates for top state offices who agree to spending limits. The referendum did not pass, with 49.6% of voters voting yes, and 50.4% of votes voting against it.

Adi Greenberg Photo Editor a.greenberg.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY MIA CARNEIRO PHOTOS BY ADI GREENBERG & EMILY STEELE

2024

Pinecrest Election Results

O

n Nov. 5, local elections in the Village of Pinecrest began. Thousands of people come to vote on topics relating to who will run the village for the next four years and referendums.

Pinecrest is divided into three areas: North, Central and South, each with a council member to control their specified area. On top of candidates, five referendums were on the ballot.

For the position of vice mayor, the first female Hispanic president of the Miami-Dade County Trial Lawyers Association and Florida trial lawyer Shannon Del Prado was elected.

Del Prado started working in Pinecrest as a volunteer on the council for schools in the village, as well as volunteering for the Dade County Trial Lawyers Association as the president. She then took the position of village council seat three where she sat on the zoning board and began doing volunteer work in the Pinecrest community. Del Prado plans to support local police by holding different events for them that involve the community.

“Our police are so active in our community, and I would like to continue to support them. They support all kinds of different celebrations and organizations, including a day for children with autism, and they come to the local farmers market often,” Del Prado said.

Additionally, Del Prado would also like to fund and oversee local infrastructure involving environmental resiliency around Pinecrest.

“Stormwater drainage.

We want to protect our [Biscayne] Bay. We want to make sure that the water that drains out of Pinecrest isn’t compromising the health of our bay,” Del Prado said.

She also intends to put taxes to use as well and make the local government responsible for using the citizen’s taxes.

For the position of council member seat one, technology executive and startup entrepreneur Ariel Meyer was elected without any opposition. Meyer intends to contribute to the diversity of voices and richness of debates at the village council. On top of this, Meyer is pro-police; his major goal is to make Pinecrest even more safe and advanced.

Elected to council member seat two without any opposition, Jerry Greenberg plans to keep the village safe and welcoming.

Greenberg has a long list of history in community involvement including service on the boards of Bet Shira Congregation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Education Fund.

Each of these elects serves a four-year term and holds office over the entirety of Pinecrest. With these new council members, this term is full of hope and new ideas sure to help the people of Pinecrest.

Seth Clarin Photo Editor s.clarin.thepanther@gmail.com

Troy Wilensky Photo Editor t.wilensky.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY JAZMIN MASON PHOTOS BY ADI GREENBERG

08 | LIFE

Teachers’ Election

Education Efforts

Four years of campaigns, rallies and debates reached their climax on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Election Day is every four years, but this year especially, it is a pivotal moment for our country. That is why all registered voters must go out to the polls. At Miami Palmetto Senior High, various teachers educated their eligible students on the importance of voting and the power their civic duty holds.

The teachers who come in daily contact with students who vote engrained the idea that voting is vital to maintaining a democracy. MPSH AP U.S. Government teacher, Kenneth Spiegelman, emphasized the importance of voting to his students.

“I think it is very important for students to understand that voting is the most important right that a citizen has,” Spiegelman said.

Teachers have different approaches to teaching about the election; some do interactive activities while others do presentations or writing. For Spiegelman, his students create an electoral map, predicting whether states will go red or blue. Although the map might have made the students feel like kindergarteners, it was a unique way to keep them engaged in the election. This distinctive assignment sparked the students’ imagination and enabled them to think about the big picture.

“By the Monday before the election, students have to turn in a colored map, red for Republican, blue for Democrat. The students have to tell me why they are choosing that a swing state will go either blue or red. They’re assigned the swing states, and have to give me justification for their decision,” Spiegelman said.

MPSH U.S. government teacher Kailey Almonte also highlighted how essential voting is to her students.

“I encourage my students to vote by educating them on the importance of their civic duty, by letting them know that when they go and vote, they are making their voices heard, and by encouraging them to not just look at the bigger picture of the federal election, but also seeing local elections and how important those

things are,” Almonte said.

Teachers have the valuable opportunity to be able to teach their students the principles of the election and how participants in the election can make a difference. Some of these principles taught will stick with these students up until their next election.

Another MPSH U.S. Government teacher, Armando Gonzalez, is in charge of registering students. Along with Spiegelman and Almonte, he harps to his students on the significance of voting and how monumental it is to be involved in one’s democracy.

“As a teacher, and especially being in charge of the school voting, you know what you can do for them, and it lasts the rest of their lives,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez played a crucial role this year in helping kids vote; he took a group of students to Miami Dade North Campus to vote along with him. Opportunities such as this one are what make a lasting impact on students and guide them into adulthood.

Teachers hold the key to the future, and educating their students on the privilege of voting orchestrates the democracy that Americans continue to uphold. Voting is a topic that these teachers will proceed to preach, which is instrumental for a bright future for the country and its future leaders.

“I tell them every single week how important [voting] is. It doesn’t matter who you vote for, as long as you know what you’re voting for,” Gonzalez said.

Savanah Freedman Copy Editor s.freedman.thepanther@gmail.com

Siena Feigenbaum Video Editor s.feigenbaum.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY ANYA JEROME PHOTO BY HELENA KAWAMURA

BREAKDOWN OF MPSH Mock ELECTION RESULTS As Miami Palmetto Senior High students headed to the polls – not the official ones stationed around the country, but rather the makeshift one set up in the school’s activities office – they cast their vote in the school-wide mock election.

Led and organized by Activities Director Elizabeth Valero, MPSH held the mock national election on Nov. 4, just one day before the United States 2024 National Election.

“I think that once you put importance on the event itself, and make everyone know that holding this mock election was important and that we wanted them to all come out, they kind of get a taste of how important it is to get out and vote. Because if a mock election is taken seriously, then the real election must be just as serious, if not actually way more,” Valero said.

Throughout the school, 276 students cast their votes in the mock election.

Students voted for the president, as well as for members of congress and Florida Amendments.

“I think [the mock election] could be good to get a gauge of how young people feel about the election, and I also think it’s pretty cool they’re taking our opinions into account, even though most of us can’t vote,” junior Samantha Haywood said.

“I would say it gives us a better idea of what our generation is going to be leaning towards, one way or another, Democratic or Republican for the future. It may make us

kind of reconsider our views and think about why some people may believe certain things. It’s easier to understand when it’s with people that are at your age level, and not just a bunch of adults.”

Of the participating voters, 16.3% were freshmen, 28.9% were sophomores, 23.1% were juniors and 31.5% were seniors. The abundance of senior voters can be attributed to the fact that many of them are almost 18 years old, or are 18 years old already, and can vote in real elections. Nonetheless, younger students have contrasting views on the current voting requirements in the United States.

“I think if you’re 18 and older, you should be allowed to vote. If you’re below that age, then I think you shouldn’t be allowed to vote because, at the end of the day, you’re still growing,” freshman Chloe Vega said. “I’m not saying I’m the most mature person, but I’m saying that I shouldn’t be able to vote because I’m still new to this new world of politics and everything. So I think it’s fine that teenagers aren’t allowed to vote at a certain age.”

On the other hand, junior Kate Kramer found it disappointing that she could not vote in this year’s election. In the meantime, Kramer recognizes the impact the mock election could have on future voters.

“I think it’s going to convince people to vote because a lot of [students] who are 18 can vote, but they don’t want to vote because they think it’s too hard. But maybe seeing other people their age voting, even in mock elections, will convince them to

vote because every vote matters,” Kramer said.

Although many students cannot vote yet, the mock election offered them the opportunity to become more informed on local and national issues.

“Honestly, I’m not someone that knows much about politics yet, so I’m pretty fine where I am now … I’m going to be starting to vote soon in the next few years, so I might as well start practicing,” junior Claudia Vides-Olivencia said.

Of the participating students, the following percentages voted “Yes” on Florida’s Amendments One through Four: Amendment One, 57%; Amendment Two, 68%; Amendment Three, 68%; Amendment Four, 60%.

Additionally, 50% of voters elected Vice President Kamala Harris as the Presidential Elect, whereas 47% elected President-elect Donald J. Trump for the position. 1% of voters elected Chase Oliver and 2% wrote in their candidate.

These results significantly contrast with the actual results of the elections.

Only Amendments Two and Five passed in Florida, and the country voted for President-elect Trump to be the 47 U.S. President. Although the mock election did not reflect actual turnouts, it reflects how important it is for the younger generation to vote when their time comes.

Gabriella Alvarez Business Manager

g.alvarez.thepanther@gmail.com

Jordan Glassman Copy Editor

j.glassman.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY MIA SHIELDS PHOTOS BY HELENA KAWAMURA

November Columns THESE DEMOGRAPHICS WON TRUMP THE WHITE HOUSE President-elect Trump won this election in two main places, the suburbs and rural America. Exit poll data is not perfect, but it does give a baseline for understanding how the American electorate shifted this year. In rural America, according to the CNN exit poll, voters moved back into Trump’s column, winning those in rural areas by 30 points compared to just 15 in 2020. This data is backed by county results across America showing Trump doing significantly better in nearly every rural county. Vice President Kamala Harris lost in the swing states, not because of big shifts in cities or large suburban counties but by 1000 small cuts in rural America. The Harris campaign made a big play for the suburbs this election, trying to moderate their policy positions and focusing on abortion as a winning issue for their campaign. Their path to victory relied on increased support in these key counties that would offset Trump’s strength in rural America. Unfortunately for the Harris campaign, this strategy did not work out. According to the exit polls in 2020, Biden won people who live in suburbs by two points, in 2024 Harris lost these same voters by four points. White women who were a key voting demographic in the suburbs voted for Trump by eight points. The final dagger for the Harris campaign was reduced turnout in major cities and a slight reduction of support in big cities like Philadelphia, Pa. and Atlanta, Ga..

The rural-urban divide is just one way to analyze why Trump won. Additionally, Trump’s gains with Latino voters across the country, in particular Latino men, helped push him across the finish line. There are various angles to look at for why Trump did so much better amongst these groups and the answers to those questions are beyond the scope of this article, but we can say for certain that deep reflection and internal debate will be happening within the Democratic party.

Justin Fechter News Editor

j.fechter.thepanther@gmail.com

2028 Election Predictions 2028 seems plenty far away, but realistically it is not. Before the 2024 election concludes, many are already worrying about what is to come and have set up their opinions for the future.

The Republican party has its predictions, according to U.S. NEWS; they expect President-elect Donald Trump’s running mate, Vice President-elect JD Vance, to run for primaries. Both Vance and Trump are on the same page when it comes to most subjects, so supporters of Trump can look forward to Vance possibly being part of the next election.

After various sharp turns in the 2024 political world, it is known that the Democratic party hoped to have current Vice President Kamala Harris as their president. Harris is not the only Democrat seeking a presidential position. The New York Times mentioned California Gov. Gavin Newsom who has openly considered running in the 2028 election. Democrats see him as a good candidate and have appreciated his work as governor. Others, like lawyer and Michigan Gov., Gretchen Witmer and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, have also been floated as potential Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential election

Samantha Panagakos Photo Editor

s.panagakos.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY MIA SHIELDS

Panthers hitting the polls

When one turns 18 years old, a whole new world of possibilities opens, finally giving them a chance to voice their beliefs and take action. For certain seniors in the Class of 2025, this year’s election brings a unique freedom not every high schooler gets to experience — the power to cast their vote in the 2024 election. No matter where they fall on the political spectrum, Miami Palmetto Senior High’s first-time voters share the understanding that voting is a powerful tool for change. Voting means showing up and being heard, something these students chose to embrace. By casting their first-ever ballots, they have chosen to immerse themselves in a world where their voices can shape outcomes and be a part of the change they wish to see.

This election was historic and incredibly controversial, with the American people electing a president with one of the greatest political comebacks after a first term marred with controversy. Impassioned chatter filled the halls of MPSH in the days following the results as students voiced their opinions to their classmates.

To document these responses to the election, The Panther interviewed first-time voters from all corners of MPSH. While not all students shared who they voted for, they all had a lot to say about the issues that are important to them, their experience at the polls and their reactions to the results, among much more.

Brooke Wilensky

Helena Kawamura

b.wilensky.thepanther@gmail.com

h.kawamura.thepanther@gmail.com

Print Editor-in-Chief

Photo Editor

DESIGN BY MIA SHIELDS PHOTOS BY EMILIA HAUS & HELENA KAWAMURA

Isabella Ron

FEATURE | 11-15

Alongside her parents, senior Isabella Ron voted early and in person for her preferred candidate, President-elect Donald Trump. “[Voting] was so exciting. It was actually so much fun. It’s like a completely different experience … that’s the first thing I got to do as an adult,” Ron said.

When deciding who to vote for, Ron focused on issues pertaining to the economy, the border crisis and abortion.

Jessie Hinojosa

Right after football practice, senior Jessie Hinojosa made his way to the polling station to cast his vote for the first time.

“It felt good. It’s your civil duty. Some of the elections come down to the wire, so I thought it was very important to go vote,” Hinojosa said.

After watching clips of the news, Hinojosa realized that gas prices were the most important issue swaying his vote.

William Wardlaw

For senior William Wardlaw, the issues of the greatest importance to him were the economy and Florida Amendment Two, which relates to returning to more traditional methods of fishing and hunting.

“I looked at a bunch of different news sources from both sides and then also news sources that are in the middle so I could make informed decisions on who I wanted to vote for and for the amendments,” Wardlaw said.

Wardlaw voted to support his country and voice his opinions to make a change in America.

Alan-Michael Losito

Senior Alan-Michael Losito voted for the first time while on a school field trip sponsored

by Economics teacher Armando Gonzalez. Voting with his friends and faculty members that he admires was a great experience for Losito.

Losito based his vote on the economy, citing rising prices in grocery stores.

“I was excited [on election night.] I was jumping up and down. I was like ‘Yeah! We finally voted for the right person,’” Losito said.

Lucas Varela

After waiting in a long line with his father, senior Lucas Varela cast his vote for Vice President Kamala Harris, followed by applause from poll workers after realizing he was a first-time voter.

“What was important to me was the economy, immigration and women’s rights. Also foreign affairs because of all of the wars going on,” Varela said.

Varela does not strongly support Harris or Trump, so his vote was primarily based on who he thought would make a better vice president — Vice President-elect JD Vance or Tim Walz.

Roman Gonzalez

Senior Roman Gonzalez knew that the candidate he voted for was unlikely to win in Florida, but he still voted because he believed it was important.

The issues of greatest importance to Gonzalez were abortion and the economy.

“I don’t have a hatred for Trump, but it sucks that he is in office … I accept the results, but would I have liked for it to have been better? “Yes,” Gonzalez said.

Noah Coulton

Accompanied by his mother on Election Day, senior Noah Coulton voted for the first time at his old elementary school.

“It wasn’t a matter of policies, it was more a matter of their character, and I don’t think that the winner’s character is a good thing for our country,” Coulton said.

Coulton believes that the candidate’s character and moral values became the deciding factor in his vote.

Amanda Morgan

Senior Amanda Morgan decided to complete a mail-in ballot, and have more time to slowly and carefully fill out her votes.

With a focus on abortion and equality, Morgan cast her vote for Vice President Harris.

“I liked her actual identity, having a woman president would be fantastic since we didn’t get to have Hillary Clinton so this could’ve been a redemption to have that chance again, but unfortunately that didn’t happen,” Morgan said

Emma Sanders

Senior Emma Sanders cast her first-ever vote alongside her mother, who was beaming with pride and excitement.

“It was a family decision, my parents told me everything and I agreed with them, so they just told me what to put,” Sanders said.

Sanders’ decision was mostly based on family beliefs, but she also had a focus on abortion rights.

Isabella Koler

Senior Isabella Koler cast her vote for Vice President Harris, focusing on the candidate’s morals, women’s reproductive rights and whether the candidate adheres to the U.S. Constitution.

Koler felt restless the day after the election and checked the election results as soon as she woke up.

“It’s pretty scary for this election because this is the world we’re going to go into when we’re adults and in college, so it’s scary,” Koler said.

Samarah Blaize

Alongside Gonzalez, senior Samarah Blaize waited in line and cast her vote while on the school field trip to the voting polls.

Blaize’s decision on her vote was majorly based on the economy.

“I kinda knew who was going to win because there’s so many Trump supporters in the U.S., but I didn’t really want him to win. They both had their pros and cons, but I agreed more with the other side,” Blaize said.

Madison Fernandez

Early in the morning, Madison Fernandez and her mother experienced their first ever time voting together. It felt extra special for Fernandez given that her mother is an immigrant. The two went to brunch after casting their vote to celebrate this momentous moment.

When voting, Fernandez emphasized what is at stake for her rights as a woman.

“I focused a lot on my rights as a woman, that’s always been really important to me,” Fernandez said.

Calling Calling the the Shots: Shots: Opponents spend months, even years campaigning for the honor.

Hundreds of dollars are spent buying the equipment and resources to give candidates enough experience and skill to compete. Whether elected by a group of supporters or appointed by predecessors and mentors, all competitors are determined to use every minute of the four years they have to earn this coveted position.

Forget the presidential election, these complicated, nail-biting politics refer to none other than the fight to be a Miami Palmetto Senior High sports team captain.

The selection process, responsibilities and values required of captains are different for every team. For example, many get appointed by their teammates, while others are chosen by their coaches. Some teams, like varsity boys soccer, have a mix of multiple factors that go into the decision.

“We’ve always had captains kind of pass it down, but we also have a rule that you have to be a senior to be a captain,” Miami Palmetto Senior High senior and Varsity soccer captain, Henrique Casado said. “It depends pretty much on how you play and how long you’ve played.”

Others, like the captains of Varsity badminton, were chosen based on a combination of their values and leadership skills.

“Ever since I started playing badminton in freshman year, I always felt a passion for it, so when they asked me to be captain, I wanted to be a leader,” MPSH senior and varsity badminton cocaptain Khanh Duong said.

The varsity swim team, on the other hand, has a much more distinct selection process. The swimmers become more similar to applicants than competitors, having to fill out a unique form to be considered for the position prior to a vote among coaches and current captains.

“Usually [the coach will] send out a really big form. She’ll give

The FIght fight The for Team team for captain Captain you a few different questions and a few different scenarios to be put into, and you have to fill that out,” MPSH junior and Varsity swim captain Isabella Bartoli said.

Each captain has different responsibilities as well. For example, Casado and the two other soccer captains have the pressure of making sure the team has enough funding. By working behind the scenes, captains can then keep their players focused on the most important thing: winning.

“We need to raise more money so we can have more equipment and better equipment. Getting uniforms and some fundraisers [are also priorities],” Casado said.

For the badminton team, Duong and senior Varsity co-captain Katarina Slazas play crucial roles both on and off the court. Duong and Slazas highlighted the importance of leadership and social skills in their team roles.

“By giving our teammates tips, showing good team spirit and engaging with other members are ways that we help the team going,” Slazas said.

Ultimately, by supporting and encouraging every player, team captains build a cohesive team culture and foster motivated players.

Captains like Bartoli have a similar goal - keeping swimmers focused and motivated - and use an especially important strategy to achieve it: positivity.

“I like bringing up the spirit, like people really listen to you when you’re positive, and it takes a really big toll on the swimmers. So your positivity really out-rules negative thoughts,” Bartoli said. “A lot of positivity - that’s something that I’ve really worked on this season, and I’ve seen it in the swimmers.”

To help take pressure off these hardworking captains, students can take action to support the teams from the sidelines. Cheering them on at games, showing up to fundraisers, supporting them via

SPORTS | 17

social media and donating to the players are just a few of the countless ways students can assist these captains in their ultimate goal - dominating the field, pool and court in true Panther spirit.

Edie Carneiro

Life & Sports Editor

e.carneiro.thepanther@gmail.com

Anya Jerome Design Editor

a.jerome.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY LUNA GARCIA PHOTO BY SETH CLARIN PHOTO COURTESIES FROM DAMIAN MURRILO & DAVID RELATS & PANTHER SPORTS NETWORK PHOTOGRAPHY

18 | OPINION

Is Third Party Voting

A Waste Of A Vote? vote which is the highest any third-party candidate has ever won since Theodore Roosevelt in 1912; now, they usually win under five percent. Due to these incredibly low percentages and the electoral college, these third parties are always never going to be anywhere close to winning.

These parties also may hope could eventually become something big as the Republican party at one point was considered a third party. These parties and the candidates representing them could also be seen as a way for Democrats or Republicans to get votes when they see how their supporters react to certain policies. These devastating facts contribute to how voting for a third party is ultimately a waste of a vote and will simply not make a difference.

These people also have the option to completely shape elections. For example in the presidential election now it’s incredibly narrow with the slightest advantage could push either of the candidates over the finish line. These small percentages of people who are considering voting for a third party will in reality keep their voices from being heard and vote for somebody who is incapable of winning opposed to contributing to history.

Jake Hawkins Contents Editor j.hawkins.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY JAZMIN MASON PHOTOS FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES

Going into any given election the average voter knows of the two candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties.

The other names that come up may be completely foreign to most voters for obvious reasons. Third parties are vastly underfunded and unknown compared to the two animalistic parties. So why do people even consider putting their vote in for a third party? The most common answers would be something along the lines of, “I don’t like the democratic or republican candidate” or “ I think they’re better than the other candidates.”

While these are valid reasons, the simple fact is that these candidates and parties will never get enough votes and support.

These candidates are usually independent or from parties the average voter has never heard of: Libertarian Party, Green Party, Party for Socialism and Liberation, Constitution Party, American Solidarity Party, and the Independents.

In 1992, Ross Perot ran against Bill Clinton and George Bush. Sitting on the ballot alongside these giant names in politics is a scary place to be in. In that election, Perot won 19% of the

Remarks From

OPINION | 19

a First-Time Voter 13, 16, 18, 21: These are all universal landmark birthdays — becoming a teenager, getting one’s driver’s license, transitioning into adulthood. Among countless other rites of passage accompanying the Big 18 comes the eligibility to vote. In my case, being pre-registered at 16 made the process swift and smooth, with my name appearing in the Florida voter registration database on my 18th birthday.

Since 2008, my mother has taken me with her to vote in every general election. I watched former President Barack Obama win the presidency twice, president-elect Donald Trump once and President Joe Biden in 2020. This year, I voted for Vice President Kamala Harris. In my view, despite a not-so-favorable result, the experience and the emotions I felt while voting were unlike any other: strong feelings of pride for my country and faith in the strength of democracy.

My mom, step-dad and I voted early at the Pinecrest Branch Library on Oct. 26, a smooth and exciting experience. We walked into the polling location fueled with hope and faith in the American political system to make the best choice for our country’s next leader, feelings that did not necessarily manifest two weeks later. However, the energy we felt exercising our civic responsibility as American citizens was palpable.

In the room where poll workers verify each voter’s identity, they called out, “First time voter!” when handing me my ballot.

Scanning the ballot, I proudly bubbled in the names of powerful women — some of whom I knew personally — and confidently voiced my opinion on the Floridian Constitutional Amendment measures on the small piece of paper. Full disclosure, I did tear up: the image of two-year-old me in my “Little Democrat, Big Obama Fan” t-shirt playing back-and-forth in my head. I knew I was voting for that little girl, as well as the millions of little girls just like younger me across the country — living with hope for a better future, unaware of the risks currently posed to the sanctity of our nation’s constitution and fundamental rights.

As I grow older, I more fully and entirely understand the importance of educating oneself on politics and current events. Our generation is now at the age where it is no longer acceptable to dismiss political conversations with the tired “We can’t even vote anyway” excuse. The decisions that those officials we put in office today make determine the consequences we handle in 20 years. Facing a new age of American political history, it is absolutely pivotal that Generation Z study up on the issues facing our world — my experience voting gave me the smallest taste of what my responsibilities as an American citizen entail and the future of our experiences as Americans.

Sara Paredes Editor-in-Chief s.paredes.thepanther@gmail.com

DESIGN BY ANYA JEROME PHOTO CREDS BY SARA PAREDES

20 | OPINION

YES

When we go through our day-to-day lives, we make a series of decisions that determine the people and places we surround ourselves with. When it comes down to something as distinct and diverse as political beliefs, it might just make or break a relationship.

Since the globalization of social media in the last few decades, it is clear to see that the age of politics has changed not only how we make rational decisions as a democracy, such as voting for a presidential candidate, but also how accustomed we have become to casually discussing our political beliefs.

With this recent presidential election, I have witnessed firsthand how people discussing political beliefs around their peers draws this subconscious line of separation between two people, whether it is acknowledged or goes unnoticed, it makes a difference.

One might beg to differ that a difference in political beliefs is really not worth splitting up a relationship, whether it is a platonic, romantic or paternal relationship. However, I believe that who you choose to run your country, based on the candidates’ ethical policies and general conduct of morality, is the very parallel of one’s own personality, and the projection of your own moral code.

How can one maintain a relationship with another person or group of people that completely contradicts your beliefs?

So, where it may not have seemed appropriate to choose relationships based solely on political beliefs in recent decades, it now seems that with the rise of false information and political media coverage being at an all-time high, it should be a defining characteristic of the relationships in your life. It is so defining that it might just determine your correspondence and the connection with your friends, significant others or even your family. Where will you draw the line?

DESIGN BY MIA CARNEIRO PHOTOS BY TROY WILENSKY

Emily Steele Photo Editor e.steele.thepanther@gmail.com

FACEOFF: ARE POLITICAL BELIEFS WORTH LOSING RELATIONSHIPS OVER? NO The number one rule of dinner table talk is: no politics. With politics being an overall touchy subject, keeping it out of social relationships is the key to keeping the peace.

This election has taught me just how involved in politics I truly am and how strongly I feel about the presidential policies and amendments. Considering this, I have decided it is best to put my strong beliefs aside and choose not to fight with my right-winged friends and family about their candidates’ policies, no matter how wrong I think they are.

Considering my age and the current state of the presidential election, politics get brought up to me often. Whether it is by friends, family or coworkers, I have perfected the “question dodge” and responded with a simple “I am not sure.”

The hardest part is not being able to have a civil conversation about a huge part of our country without it becoming a fight. Since I have been a bystander of many friendly political conversations turned to aggressive nonsense, keeping the peace means keeping politics away from the topic of the conversation.

Discussing politics can be difficult to avoid, especially around a romantic partner or family member. Considering couples and families spend many hours a day together and often in the same house, coming across a political ad while on a nightly sitcom binge may result in a breakup or an angry stomp to your bedroom. But, it is always best to remember you are sitting next to a person you love because of who they are, not what box they check on the ballot.

Now, certain topics have grown from being political beliefs into moral dilemmas. Topics surrounding the government and the United States as a whole, such as the economy and foreign policy are ones I feel do not need to be discussed with your argumentative coworker. But, believing in hurtful ideals such as racism and misogyny is a step aside from politics and is inexcusable in any relationship.

While I do feel it is important to keep my friends, family and coworkers’ beliefs out of my own, some issues have grown into daily conversations that are just unavoidable and make social gatherings or work uncomfortable. Others always say that your friends represent who you are, but should their political beliefs shape mine?

So, if I still want to be invited to Thanksgiving dinner, I zip my lips around others I know do not agree with me to keep the peaceful relationship we already have.

Lillianne Fernandez Opinion Editor l.fernandez.thepanther@gmail.com

CONTENTS | 21 scan the QR codes below to read additional coverage by The Panther.

Elections Start Before Election Day: A Look Behind Early Voting

2024 Presidential Debate Recap

Apparent Third Trump Assassination Attempt Stopped Before It Began

2024THEPEOPLE: A How-To-Guide on Florida Referendums

2024THEPEOPLE: Candidate’s Policies 2020 vs. 2024

Donald Trump Wins the 2024 Presidential Election

the

PANTHER Editor-In-Chief

STAFF

Sara Paredes

Print Editor-In-Chief Brooke Wilensky

Online Editor-In-Chief Ava Stuzin

Managing Editor Alexis James

Senior Copy Editor Aayana Baid

Senior Photo Editor Emilia Haus

Senior Video Editor Madeline Volpe

Senior Design Editor Mia Shields

Business Manager Gabriella Alvarez

Feature Editor

Eleanor Harris

Contents Editor Jake Hawkins

News Editor

Justin Fetcher

Life & Sports Editor Edie Carneiro

Opinion Editor

Lillianne Fernandez

STAFF EDITORIAL Election Day is filled with immense stress and suspense about which presidential candidate will win. Both Republicans and Democrats feel strongly about their candidate running for president and vice president. Within the United States Constitution, freedom of speech is something civilians use, either to their advantage or disadvantage. The U.S. uses freedom of speech to express its beliefs, opinions and desires for what is ultimately best for the country’s future. Within seconds of finding out which candidate won, both parties will experience intense emotions, whether they are for better or for worse. There is so much speculation of which candidate is going to win, and when the moment of truth finally arrives, voters sit there with the realization of what the next four years are going to look like. Not only is it important for the voters, but also for the Republican or Democratic presidential winner to inform their audience and supporters to peacefully handle the turnout of the election, whether they win or lose. In past events, such as on Jan. 6, 2021, when President-elect Trump lost against President Biden, he encouraged his supporters to have a scheduled unpeaceful protest leading to many deaths and arrests. This event broke the peaceful transfer of power that the U.S. traditionally has. Having a peaceful transfer of power is extremely rare for a country and ours is one of the few countries that usually has it. If people continue to act in violent ways of protest, we will begin to lose this rare gift that the U.S. holds. Voters need to realize that not everything will go exactly their way, or turn out how they envisioned.

Video Team

Juliet Isom Siena Feigenbaum Isabella Cantin

Multimedia Team

Seth Clarin Adi Greenberg Helena Kawamura Troy Wilensky Emily Steele Samantha Panagakos

Design Team

Savanna Byles Luna Garcia Anya Jerome Jazmin Mason Mia Carneiro

Copy Team

Sophia Snyder Gabriela Laventman Jordan Glassman Savanah Freedman

Advisor

Laura Aviles

download our app!

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 s.paredes.thepanther@gmail.com. The Panther has professional membership in NSPA and CSPA. The Panther prints 1,000 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 Business Manager will. Ads will be approved by EICs, the Adviser and the Business 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.