OCTOBER
For many students living in Miami, finding a space to enjoy and perform their music proves challenging.
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CONTENTS NEWS LIFE FEATURE
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Student Involvement: Lauren Almodovar (Co-Chair) and Marcos Mendiola (CoChair). Goal: Increase student participation across different events and ensure that every student’s voice is heard.
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For seniors, this is the beginning of the end.
CONTENTS SPORTS
The beat of the drumline mixed with the blare of the trumpets and the colorful uniforms — these are not just sounds and sights; they are the heartbeat of Miami Palmetto Senior High.
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As I enter my junior year of high school, the more I realize that my childhood is slipping further and further away, and that is something I have struggled to fully accept.
Senate Chairs and Their Initiatives
Parliamentarian Chair To Do List:
- Ensure student council meetings run smoothly.
- Strict no phone policy.
- Goal: Teach and make members familiar with “Robert’s Rules of Order.”
Tav Dotan Fuchs: 12th
Special Events Chair To Do List:
- Responsible for school-wide events on campus, including homecoming week, pep rallies and courtyard events.
- Goal: Motivate students to suggest changes to MPSH’s pep rallies so they can be more engaging for others.
Savannah Sanin: 11th
Historian Chair To Do List:
- Take pictures and investigate Miami Pal- metto Senior High’s history.
- Goal: Improve MPSH by sharing information about events with the student body and alumni, and to educate others about the school’s history.
Siena Fiegenbaum: 11th
EESAC Chair To DO List:
Staff Appreciation Co-Chairs To Do List:
- Organize and plan events for faculty and staff, recognizing their hard work.
- Goal: Make faculty and staff feel appreciated.
Ava Oren and Taima
- Representing the interests and voices of students in PTA and EESAC meetings.
- Goal: Elevate the school by working with teachers, administrators and parents.
PTSA Chair To Do List:
- Ensure everyone on Student Council joins the PTSA.
- Create a presentation for each PTSA meet- ing informing parents and the community about what is occurring in school.
Joseph Kouperschmidt: 11th
- Goal: get students in- volved in the PTSA.
Sofia Cohn: 11th
Community Outreach Co-Chair To Do List:
- Help organize projects to give back to the community.
- Plan events like donation drives, holiday projects and service opportunities. Inform students on United Way and ways to raise money and get more students to participate in community service.
Jared Olser and Maria Gomez: 12th
Student
Involvement CoChairs To Do List:
- Encourage students to be more engaged in school activities.
- Goal: Increase student participation across different events and ensure that every student’s voice is heard.
Lauren Almodovar and Marcos Mendiola: 11th
- Goal: Strengthen the tech- nical part of school events by improving communicationorganization, and prepa- ration.
Tech Director Chair To Do List:
- In charge of technicalities in school events like Panther Prowl and pep rallies.
Isabo Bray: 12th
MarketingChairToDoList:
- Highlighting the stories of past panthers while encouraging current panthers to think about the legacy they will leave behind at MPSH.
- Goal: Increase school spirit by promoting the school and its history.
GabriellaAlvarez: 12th
Recruitment Chair & Co-Chair To Do List:
- Provide engaging school tours that highlight what MPSH has to offer and encourage eighth graders to enroll.
- Goal: Increase freshmen enrollment for next year.
Hayden Jellson and Sof a Rojas: 12th and 11th
Voices of Palmetto Chair To
Do List:
Inter Club Council Chair To Do List:
- Liaison to all MPSH clubs, which involves answering their questions and ensuring that monthly meetings and attendance are occurring smoothly.
- Hosting school events, writing scripts, building unity within the classes and developing stewardship and communication skills.
Unite the school through more events and school spirit.
Yitzchak
Shapiro: 12th
- Goal: Work with her board and Activities Director Elizabeth Valero on providing clubs with grants, allowing these organizations more opportunities.
Haiden Clarin: 11th
Environmental Outreach Council Co-Chair To Do List:
- Focus on spreading environmental awareness through projects like the native garden planted next to the science building.
- Goal: Make MPSH as green as possible by making sustainability wellknown around campus and making the native garden an MPSH legacy.
Edie Carneiro and Alexis Moore: 12th
Keeping busy as a teenager is never an easy task, yet many teenagers in Miami have cracked the code by rediscovering an activity that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Line dancing has become the craze in Miami-Dade County.
On Saturdays, one is likely to find a few hundred teenagers from all areas and schools dancing the night away at a line dancing hot spot, The Berry Farm. From six to 11 p.m. every Saturday, teenage line dancing nights take place. From having their boots on the ground all night on their two dance pavilions to speaking and sitting with friends in the open space, The Berry Farm acts as the highlight of many people’s weekends.
The Berry Farm’s mix of well-established security and late-night fun creates a safe middle ground for outgoing teenagers and parents to agree on a place to spend their Saturday night, making it a hit for high school students. The Berry Farm aims to serve as a middle ground for adults and teenagers to establish acceptable boundaries.
Beyond the Beach:
The Unexpected Rise of Line Dancing in Miami
are constantly negotiating independence, like ‘How much can I get?’ The Berry Farm gives you this feeling of going to a place that is number one, relevant and cool to people in the teen demographic, and it makes you feel like you are doing something very mature,” The Berry Farm’s Vice President of Brand and Strategic Marketing Erika Martinez-Alonso said.
Mandatory safety recall procedures are conducted for each person at the entrance every Saturday night. Bag checks and metal detector scans are done rigorously hundreds of times every weekend, and are required to get in. Additionally, The Berry Farm provides security monitoring the venue, ensuring a safe environment for minors. Miami is known for its dancing and nightlife culture, which many teenagers want to experience. However, many parents are more comfortable with The Berry Farm’s safety guidelines rather than allowing their teenagers to
known for line dancing. Teenage safety in mind, The Berry Farm contributes a safe and reliable option for dancing to the Miami-Dade community.
“I think that one of the things that The Berry Farm offers kids is that [they] are in a midpoint between starting adulthood. [They’re] no longer children, but [they’re] also not ready for the full-blown adult experience,” Martinez-Alonso said. “This gives [them] the opportunity to do something that feels grown, which is to go out in this cool scene, but also gives [their] parents peace of mind that [they’re] in a safe place,”
Teenagers across Miami-Dade have heard of or been to The Berry Farms. Whether it has been once or every week, the place draws people in, making it easy for participants to form friendships on these Saturday nights. In the chaos of hundreds of individuals gathering in one collective spot, there is no shortage of social interactions.
h.karavias.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY JULIANA BUELVAS PHOTOS BY SOPHIA JIMENEZ
A Look Into Miami's New Teenage Capital:
For many students living in Miami, finding a space to enjoy and perform their music proves challenging. That is why Tea & Poets, a popular music venue located at Sunset Place, has quickly become a hotspot for teenage performers.
“We hadn’t really had a place for music that we liked,” Miami Palmetto Senior High sophomore Isabella Gonzalez said. “The atmosphere there is good.”
The venue not only offers live shows, but has also created a community among many young musicians and fans.
“You find people that have similar interests,” sophomore Camila Iraheta said.
From the scene, one band emerged: Lunara. The group started performing about three months ago, beginning with covers and are currently moving toward original songs. Their first few shows at Tea & Poets helped give them significant publicity and encouragement.
“I just think it’s nice to finally be in the whole band thing, being able to share music with other people my age, and just kind of start our band there and then move on to other venues, bigger places,” senior and Lunara drummer Michael Garcia said.
Even with only two performances at the venue under their belt, Lunara has experienced notable growth, largely credited to the high level of energy and support of the crowd.
“I think [the crowds] are very involved. They like the music; you can tell they’re very involved. If they like the music, they’ll jump around, they’ll sing along and they scream for you,” Garcia said.
But Lunara does not stand as the only group finding success through their performances in the venue. Iraheta noted another Miami teen band called Noforms, which has also grown its following through the venue.
“They play there a lot and they actually came out with an album,” Iraheta said. “They have like 10,000 monthly listeners,”
Beyond the music, Tea & Poets has built a reputation for hosting unique events throughout the year.
“They did SummerWeen, where you dress up in costume, but it’s the middle of the summer, and everyone looks so cool. It was just really awesome,” Gonzalez said.
However, with the eventual closing of Sunset Place, the future of Tea & Poets remains uncertain. This teenage hub has become an important outlet for students to express musical individuality and share their passions with others. Through its crowd, Tea & Poets has quickly become the stage for Miami teenagers to take their first steps toward the music scene and dream of bigger ones ahead.
Mia Carneiro
Senior Design Editor
m.carneiro.thepanther@gmail.com
Eleanor Harris
Online Editor-in-Chief
e.r.harris.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY JULIANA BUELVAS
PHOTOS BY SOPHIA JIMENEZ
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Boots — a timeless fashion staple that has shaped trends and cultures for centuries. This fall, tan kneehigh boots have taken the spot for the “it-girl” of foot wear and are not backing down. Brands such as Steve Madden and The Frye Company have completely run the trend, each providing their take on the boots. These tan boots can be styled with almost every outfit, such as a jean skirt and simple top, a dress or even with a pair of jeans. These shoes elevate the outfit and are perfect for walking all over town.
The color we all know and love is making the ultimate statement this fall. This bright, energetic shade says everything you need to know about fall. While butter yellow had its moment in the summer, red is this season’s biggest trend. Whether it is a purse, hair clip or pair of glasses, red always manages to spice up a look, especially one that is more laid-back. Not only does this color add dimension, but it also brings a sense of chicness that embodies confidence and poise.
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Known for their signature crossed stripes and versatile color range, Onitsuka Tiger sneakers are another trendy staple this season. With so many shades to choose from, there is a pair for every fall wardrobe, whether styled with denim, layered sweaters or even a skirt and oversized jacket. The design blends comfort with style, giving every outfit a cool, fun vibe. Easy to dress up or down, these sneakers take you from cozy school days to weekend plans, making them a musthave for fall’s mix of fun and chic.
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Tortoiseshell hair barrettes embody a sophisticated and vintage look that helps elevate any hairstyle. Their warm tones and classic pattern match perfectly with the relaxed elegance of autumn, making them an easy go-to accessory. Whether clipped into a half-up, half-down look or placed in between loose curls, they bring a subtle, simple vibe that fully embraces the season.
The Ultimate Lookbook
From the runway to everyday looks, polka dots are everywhere this season, and the classic pattern is dominating like no other. The simple design is timeless and can dress up any outfit. A polka-dot skirt paired with a black top brings elegance with a twist, while a casual polka-dot top with jeans adds layers to a look. Versatile and playful, polka dots bring both simplicity and creativity to an outfit. While past prints like cheetah spots had their moment,
Comfy, cute and cozy: Uggs have defined fall fashion for years and continue to dominate, especially in schools. Students wear them not only for comfort during a six-hour day, but also because they are cute and effortless. Pair them with a hoodie and sweatpants for ultimate comfort, or with a sweater and jeans for a snug, cozy feel. Uggs remain a staple of fall fashion, especially for students chasing the cozy aesthetic.
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The French braid is an elegant yet effortless hairstyle that turns a simple braid into some thing elevated. Its simplicity makes it flexible, easy enough for everyday wear, but polished enough to pull any look together. Pair it with a chunky sweater and gold hoops, and you have the ultimate fall look.
polka dots have solidified their spot as the number one pattern this fall.
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Mariebella Exposito
m.exposito.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY JULIANA BUELVAS
PHOTOS BY SOPHIA JIMENEZ
Hi, new Panthers. Just like that, the first two months of high school are done. Things can easily get overwhelming at Miami Palmetto Senior High, so as someone who has almost completed her time here, I am here to offer advice that I wish someone had told me when I first arrived.
1. Get Involved: Do not be afraid of school spirit; embrace it. Joining school events is one of the best ways to meet new people and truly understand just how fun high school can really be. On that note, dress out for spirit days. It is not nearly as embarrassing as people think, and you will not be the only one to do it. Lastly, join clubs. Finding something that interests you will open doors for new friends who like the same things. Panther pride is for all
From Panther to Panther: Senior to Freshmen October Column
grades, and it makes your experience so much more fun.
2. Make Friends: Leave your comfort zone; talk to the person next to you in class and maybe they will become your new best friend. Throughout high school, you will meet so many new friends who are not from that same middle school group, and that is OK. High school is full of new friends to make.
3. Ignore the Pressure: Especially at a school like MPSH, it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of competition that is Advanced Placement or honors classes. If there had been one piece of advice I wish I had gotten as a freshman, it would have been this: do not stress it. Everyone will get into college (if that is your thing) and you do not need to compete with your classmates at every turn.
Jordan Glassman
Feature Editor
j.glassman.thepanther@gmail.com
Homecoming Hunger Games: Navigating the Craziness of Homecoming Season
Homecoming at Miami Palmetto Senior High is more than just a dance; it is practically a rite of passage. It feels like your first two years of high school are just preparation for becoming an upperclassman and finally getting to enjoy the night. For me, navigating the chaos that comes with it was its own kind of adventure.
It all starts with the perfect dress. I had thought finding something I liked would be fun, but instead it turned into weeks of hauling myself to the mall and scrolling through websites while second-guessing every choice I made. Despite lots of trial and error, I finally found the perfect dress that was right on trend and fit like a glove. After spending so much time, the relief I felt after getting my dress on time was almost as exhilarating as the night itself.
Then came the dreaded treasure hunt that is finding a date. At MPSH, there is this stigma around going to homecoming without a date. Even if you are not in a relationship, which is the case for many students, the scramble to lock down a friend before they are already paired off creates this unnecessary sense of urgency.
Gabriela Laventman
Buisness Manager
g.laventman.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY CHARLIE SEBAOUN
PHOTOS BY THE PANTHER
After jumping over hurdles trying to find the right date, I found myself asking, “Why does it even matter?” The entire point of homecoming is to just have fun with your friends and make memories, right? All a date would do is sit next to me on the way to homecoming and snap a few photos with me. Still, the pressure was real, and the conversations about who was going with who felt like their own challenge leading up to the night. In the end, deciding it would be best for me to go with no date allowed me to enjoy my night more because whether one walks in alone or with someone special, it is the energy of the night and how one spends it that is the most important, not the label of a date that is attached to you.
The last step before the big night was flowers and photos. Handheld bouquets and boutonnieres seemed like a tradition everyone just silently followed, even if no one understands why we still do it. But the pre-homecoming meet-up made it all make sense. Meeting up with friends, taking countless photos with our flowers in hand and piling onto a bus together set the tone for the rest of the night.
Looking back, homecoming was not really about the dress, the date or the traditions everyone stresses over for weeks. It was just one of those moments that reminded me high school is as much about the in-between experiences as it is about the big events themselves. of urgency.
OUTSIDE THE BOX: How SeniorS SHowcaSe THeir creaTiviTy
For seniors, this is the beginning of the end. The last first day of high school and painting their parking spots marks the countdown to the end of their time at Miami Palmetto Senior High, and just scratches the surface of the “lasts” of the school year.
At MPSH, seniors have the option to paint their parking space and customize it for themselves as a last hurrah, allowing them to leave their mark and showcase their creativity.
Design ideas for their spots can come from a wide variety of places; these unique designs provide a glance into the seniors themselves, and how they leave a sliver of themselves in their spot.
Lifelong best friends and seniors Madeleine Baldwin and Taylor Bouchard chose to commemorate their friendship with matching floral parking spots.
“I think that when you’re making these spots, you need to think about what’s important to you. What was important to Taylor and me was doing something together, especially in our senior year. It might be our last time in school together, living in the same place. Being able to do that
together was really the main message that we wanted to share when we made our parking spots,” Baldwin said.
As for inspiration, social media plays a huge role in helping seniors find the perfect parking spot design.
“We really wanted to do something matching that was also easy, so we looked at Pinterest and other people’s spots for inspiration,” Bouchard said.
Similar to Bouchard, senior Cecilia Merchan-Mendes used Pinterest, along with her own imagination, to curate the design for her Snoopy-themed parking spot.
“Some [of my inspiration] was my own ideas, but social media like Pinterest helped me go through a bunch of ideas and find ones that I could do easily and that I like,” Merchan-Mendes said.
These senior year activities bring up many emotions, especially when students reflect on the friendships formed throughout the years.
“We’ve had a lot of emotion. It was our first senior event, and especially doing it together, we’ve been friends for 10 years. So being able to do the first milestone of senior year together was super emotional, and it kind of made us realize that this is like the beginning of the end and a big year for us,” Baldwin said.
The colorful slots of personality line the lot for all MPSH student drivers to see, which can sometimes give the stressed seniors something to smile at and remind them of where they all started: as little kids.
Senior Sabrina Donet developed the idea for her parking spot design while relishing her elementary school days.
“My inspiration was the chapter book Junie B Jones. I used to read it in elementary, and that was my favorite character, so I put chapter 12 for senior year,” Donet said.
By adding a touch of a favorite childhood memory, seniors can reminisce about their 12 years of school and how they have grown, shaped and developed in their final year of high school. This parking spot not only acts as a trip down memory lane but also delivers a message that many in the graduating class may overlook.
“You are never too old to still act like a kid,” Donet said.
Senior Adam Olster painted his spot along with some of his best friends. Their creative idea was curated around having a design that would incorporate five friends.
“The inspiration for my spot was being able to do something that could include all five of our friends. So we ended up doing a royal flush. Basically, it’s a five-card drawing,” Olster said.
Although some students may dread going to school, whether it be the early mornings or challenging classes, seeing their spots painted in the morning reminds seniors of how they have blossomed and to embrace the few months they have left before graduation.
“I wanted to paint it because it is a nice part of senior year. I want to participate as much as I can, especially since after this year, I won’t be here anymore. It was something I could do with my friends, and it adds something about me,” Merchan-Mendes said.
Regardless of whether they painted their spots with friends, family or by themselves, seniors send their final message before they begin a new stage of life through their parking spots. These themes of creativity, friendship and community all reflect not only what these students provide to MPSH, but also what MPSH provides to its students.
Alice Levitt
Copy Editor
a.j.levitt.thepanther@gmail.com
Siena Feigenbaum
Sports Editor
s.feigenbaum.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY MIA CARNEIRO
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EDGARDO
GOMEZ
BEAT OF THE DRUM: The MPSH Marching Band
The beat of the drumline mixed with the blare of the trumpets and the colorful uniforms — these are not just sounds and sights; they are the heartbeat of Miami Palmetto Senior High. Almost every high school and college has a marching band that plays at events. Whether it is football games, pep rallies, performances or big school events, the band always brings extra spark to a school.
“The marching band is the driving force of pep rallies and football games, and without strong membership, the enthu-
si-
asm and spirit at these events are noticeably diminished,” marching band
member and junior Rachel Cepero said.
At MPSH, the marching band is an integral part of the school community, and the students who play in the band are not just an accessory; they, too, are part of the community.
“I love how we’re able to share meaningful activities with our friends while also playing the instruments and music we love,” Cepero said.
The members of the band do not just show up and start playing; the behind-the-scenes preparation is essential to the band, and often underrepresented. Aside from games and pep rallies, there is practice four days a week, two weeks of summer band camp, out-of-school events and Music Performance Assessment (competition) that band members must attend.
Football season is the busiest season for the marching band. The organized songs, halftime shows and performances are the result of hundreds of hours of practice. Oftentimes, this commitment to the activity is overlooked.
“We do get some recognition at the games and pep rallies, but sometimes we can feel unappreciated since barely anyone pays attention to us, but what we do makes it worthwhile,” Cepero said.
its members succeed.
The MPSH band has almost 30 members, which, while technically smaller than most bands, is still enough to yield remarkable results. The group not only enjoys playing music but also hopes to see
“Many may be disappointed with our small band, but the way I see it, the smaller the better. If we have a small number of people who actually care, it is much better than having a huge band of members who don’t care,” junior and marching band
member Gustavo Merchan-Mendes said.
MPSH Marching Band members are very grateful for the group they have, but are also eager to welcome more members.
“I think we should recruit more members, but it should be people who want to try and are willing to put in the effort and create a love for marching band,” junior and marching band member Dylan Kaercher said.
Those who love music and are willing to dedicate themselves may find a future in marching band. Gaining experience and opportunities, the band can open up different worlds for interested students.
“If you’re a beginner and want to be more involved in marching band, you should take beginning band, symphonic band and jazz band if you’re interested in jazz,” Kaercher said.
With every rhythm they march to, the MPSH band continues to unite the
Samantha Panagakos
Photo Editor
s.panagakos.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY LILA SCHROEDER
PHOTOS BY SETH CLARIN & EMMA LLORENTE
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH:
October: Trevor Tingle
For the 2025-2026 school year, The Panther will spotlight one athlete in every print issue. These athletes display outstanding performance in their respective sports. For the first issue of the school year, The Panther recognizes Miami Palmetto Senior High senior and golfer Trevor Tingle. Tingle has been playing golf for around six years. His love for the sport began with his grandmother, who inspired him to start playing. Tingle’s talent has led him to victory at multiple tournaments, most notably securing him the win at the Westminster Invitational, where he faced opponents from competitive schools such as Ransom Everglades High School. Tingle has verbally committed to continue his athletic and academic journey at Florida Gulf Coast University following graduation at MPSH.
Tee Time Talk with Tingle
Competition arrival time: An hour before the competition begins.
Favorite Gatorade flavor: Orange.
Hype up song: Back Lit (Rod Wave).
Biggest supporter: Parents. Time played: Approximately six years.
Favorite professional golfer: Ludvig Åberg.
Favorite golf club: Putter.
Dream golf course to play on: Augusta National Golf Club.
Proudest moment in your sport: Committing to FGCU.
Golf hot take: Draws are better than fades.
Favorite golf ball: Pro V1. Gym workouts that improve your performance: Cardio and weight lifting. Common golf injuries to look out for: Injuries to the lower back.
Golf handicap: +4. Why FGCU: Felt like the best fit and is close to home.
Gabriella Alvarez Editor-in-Chief g.alvarez.thepanther@gmail.com
PHOTO BY EMMA
LLORENTE
SPORTS HOPPERS: Finding The Right Fit
At Miami Palmetto Senior High, it is not uncommon for athletes to try a few different sports before they discover the one that is right for them. However, factors can prompt these students to switch sports often and know when a sport is the right one for them.
Students may hop into different sports due to the time commitment each one requires. While one sport may require members to practice for a long period of time, another one may create less stress and allow students to have extra time to socialize outside of school, while still maintaining their athleticism and
“Volleyball was too much for my mental health. Having to do all my studying, then also having to do a sport and also trying to find time for myself makes it tough. So, for my own mental health, I couldn’t do it this year. I did something less time-consuming for me. Dance is more flexible,” freshman Gabriella
On the other hand, students may also look into different sports on the basis of personal enjoyment and engaging opportunities. Many high school students are always looking to participate in something fun; the sport that they previously played may not have been as pleasurable.
“I would say, after years of doing some sports, I just got bored and felt like I wanted to try something new. And
then after doing that, it also made me realize that I missed another sport, so I would kind of switch back and forth through each sport,” sophomore Victoria Andre said. “I just wanted to switch it up to see if I found a greater interest.”
Andre has played five sports in the last couple of years, so with the various options available in today’s world, choosing one sport often proves to be a difficult decision. Alongside this, a certain sport can sometimes require the commitment of multiple sports.
“Currently, I have practice five days a week, and so I don’t have much time for any other sports,” Andre said.
A team’s environment and the people that athletes surround themselves with can play a huge role in a student’s decision about which sport to participate in. This factor can leave a lasting impression on how students view a sport from their personal experiences.
Sam Althuis has experience playing multiple sports at MPSH, having been on the basketball, swimming and football teams throughout high school.
“I’d say football is my favorite. I think the coaches and my teammates are great,” Althuis said. Everyone is capable of finding a sport that they feel is right for them; it may just take some time to get there.
Lila Goldhaber Video Editor l.goldhaber.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY LILA SCHROEDER
PHOTOS BY SETH CLARIN & COURTESY OF SAM ALTHUIS
YES
No one can appreciate autumn more than a Miamian. Yes, this is ironic, considering most South Floridians are not exactly familiar with chilly weather or color-changing leaves, but this is exactly the reason for any Sunshine State resident’s appreciation for the season. Although Miami may not experience a true fall, this makes the cozy autumn feeling all the more valuable.
For younger generations, fall has become less about its true definition and more about the feeling it evokes. Thanks to the internet’s trend of romanticizing life, turning seasons into aesthetics and mindsets has become second nature for social media users.
As a willing victim of this trend, fall has become my personal favorite season to romanticize. Cozy fall fashion, such as cardigans and thick knitted sweaters, is cute and comfortable. In Miami, we may not need the thick wool garb that mountain-dwellers wear, but why should we let that stop us from enjoying the comfort and style that the season welcomes?
Pumpkin-flavored baked goods and seasonal drinks are yet another weakness of mine. They are a universal comfort food and are what I imagine the feeling of coming home after a long day of work would taste like if it had a flavor. The taste of pumpkin spice and the warmth of a seasonal coffee bring waves of nostalgia over me like nothing else can.
Lila Schroeder Design Editor l.schroeder.thepanther@gmail.com
I am also never one to miss a
good photo opportunity, and fall brings plenty. From Halloween costumes to pumpkin patch photo shoots, there is no shortage of fun and heartfelt photo potential. Whether you want some cute color-coordinated shots with your friends for a new Instagram post or an updated family portrait for your living room, fall brings it all.
So yes, Miami may not reach a temperature or humidity low enough for leaves to even consider falling, but autumn is upon us nonetheless, and we beach-goers welcome the season with open arms. Traditional fall is a concept Miamians are unfamiliar with but it is because of this that we can so openly embrace the ideology of autumn as opposed to its dictionary definition. What truly makes the season now is comfort, warmth and home; it has been a long time since the weather has defined it.
FACEOFF:
DOES THE FALL MENTALITY APPLY TO MIAMIANS?
NO
Miamians seem to have this ideology that the traditional “fall feel” applies to our scorching hot, greenleafed, Thanksgiving-on-the-beach season. However, with temperatures soaring well above 80 degrees, fall is never really “fall” in South Florida.
Having spent every summer since I was six up north, I have come to dread the shift back to Miami each fall, when the weather only grows hotter instead of cooler. After returning from camp, the heat feels unbearable. Pumpkin spice lattes, meant to be cozy and comforting in the fall, only make me feel feverish in the scorching 90-degree air. In contrast, that same scene in New England would carry the stereotypical perfect autumn atmosphere Floridians can only dream of.
In Miami, the closest thing to a “fall activity” is getting lost in a maze at The Berry Farm or visiting a pumpkin patch in Pinecrest. Yet, the broader cultural image of autumn in America makes even these options feel like an out-oftouch imitation of the real fall season.
While these contrasts definitely show the Miami “fall mentality,” Halloween and “Halloweekend” take Miami’s fall impersonating nature to a whole new level. Trick-or-treating and parties are supposed to be fun, and while they are, they are incomparable to such in the north. In Miami, they often feel more like endurance tests. While children in other states walk door to door in cold autumn air, Floridians are drenched in sweat and overheated in costumes that were never designed for subtropical weather. The autumn holidays are simply a fight against the heat in the South.
Adi Greenberg Life Editor a.greenberg.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY FERNANDA SUROS PHOTOS BY EMMA LLORENTE
At the end of the day, Miami’s version of fall will never match the movies that shape the season in American culture. While I am sure many people enjoy burning on the beach in October, I am not one of them. I will remain someone who refuses to participate in the Miami ‘fall mentality’ until I find myself somewhere the weather truly represents the spirit of the season.
18 | OPINION
As I enter my junior year of high school, the more I realize that my childhood is slipping further and further away, and that is something I have struggled to fully accept. Looking back at old baby pictures, walking through my elementary school or even just thinking about memories in my head, one thought keeps coming back to me: “I wish I could go back to those days.”
When I look at kids from younger generations, like my younger brothers or the campers I worked with as a counselor, it feels like they are missing that “prime” childhood experience that my generation and those before us were lucky enough to experience. My childhood was filled with simple games like kick the bucket — a game where one person guards a bucket and everyone else hides, and if you get caught, you have to race to kick a bucket before being tagged by the guard. My neighborhood friends and I would play until we were sweaty and out of breath, the night air lit up with laughter. At the same age where I used to beg my mom to let me play outside until sunset, my little brothers barely know our neighbors, let alone play with them.
After school, I would spend hours at the park. I would play with my four American Girl dolls in my playroom while my dad’s “dad rock” music played in the background on the kitchen’s Sonos speaker. I would fight constantly with my brother over who got the next turn to play Just Dance or Lego Star Wars on the Wii.
Those moments seemed so simple at the time, but now I know how special they truly were. I realize how much I took them for granted, and it makes me so sad to see so many kids today growing up without that same kind of carefree, magical and imaginative childhood. Even holidays like Christmas and Halloween feel different. Trick or treating used to mean the whole neighborhood lit up with decorations and kids running around in the new, most popular Disney Channel character costumes, while kids compared who received the most candy. Now, more and more kids age out of Halloween, swapping costumes for parties or just skipping the day altogether. Childhood is starting to feel like something kids are in such a hurry to leave behind.
The games we played, our senseless tantrums and the endless amount of creativity we had as kids were not just wasted time; they were building blocks of who we are as people today. It is easy to think growing up faster is cooler, but truthfully, the memories of us playing tag with our friends, the school book fairs, the canon event of watching High School Musical or Camp Rock for the first time and getting an iPod for Christmas are the memories that will matter most later on because when we look back years from now, we will not remember the hours we spent scrolling through TikTok or beating a Clash Royale score.
So maybe the real question is not “Is it not cool to be a kid anymore,” but instead it is “Why are we all in such a rush to let go of it?” Childhood flies by, and that is what makes it so special. If we skip over it now, we miss out on the memories that shape us into who we are. ?
Anya Jerome Contents Editor a.jerome.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY FERNANDA SUROS
PHOTOS BY SETH CLARIN & ANYA JEROME
The Panther Paper
7431 SW 120th St
Pinecrest, FL 33156
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The path of Jack O’ Lanterns glowed eerily Each headstone on the yard stood drearily Low hums and cricket sounds spread in the air Voices whisper across the night as sirens blair. This Hallow’s night the graves will shudder
Every darkened bone will rise and utter Screams in the streets spark each young child
But these filthy beasts are of the wild. f i
Courtesy of Yaar Dotan-Fuchs DESIGN BY FERNANDA SUROS
FIND YOUR THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY SOULMATE
As the summer fades into the fall, there is one thing we just can not let go of: The Summer I Turned Pretty. Take this quick quiz to find out who you would end up with if you were in Cousins.
STA
RT!
When you go to Mr. Hayduk’s room, do you tend to get a salty or sweet snack?
Would you rather study economics with Mr. Soldinger or conduct a biology lab with Mrs. Horvath? SWEET
During FNL, are you prowling the field or decked out for Palmetto on the sidelines?
Do you prefer to help Mr. Q with his aquaponics system or to work on your coding project with Mrs. Quintela?
Are football boys your type, or are you more into PLAXers?
Are you the type to join the party at the courtyard or to keep it cool in the Pawvillion?
Do you prefer stealing the show at Panther Prowl or filming Instagram content to help your friends shine in Mr. Panther?
Do you learn better listening to a lecture or by doing the work yourself?
Silvana
the PANTHER STAFF
Editor-In-Chief
Gabriella Alvarez
Print Editor-In-Chief
Edie Carneiro
Online Editor-In-Chief
Eleanor Harris
Managing Editor
Juliet Isom
Senior Copy Editor
Savanah Freedman
Senior Design Editor
Mia Carneiro
Senior Photo Editor
Seth Clarin
Business Manager
Gabriela Laventman
News Editor
Troy Wilensky Life Editor
Adi Greenberg Sports Editor
Siena Feigenbaum
Feature Editor
Jordan Glassman
Opinion Editor
Sophia Snyder
Contents Editor
Anya Jerome Video Team
Isabella Cantin
Lila Goldhaber Design Team
Charlie Sebaoun
Fernanda Suros
Juliana Buelvas
Lila Schroeder
Multimedia Team
Emma Llorente
Hara Karavias
Samantha Panagakos
Sophia Jimenez Copy Team
Alice Levitt
Mariebella Exposito
Samantha Stone
Rebecca Sanchez-Pollack Advisor
Laura Aviles
STAFF EDITORIAL
Every morning and afternoon for five days a week, all students at Miami Palmetto Senior High do the same thing: arrive at school and then leave at 2:20 p.m. What happens before and after the school day is what makes everyone’s lives unique. No matter how content a peer might appear, everyone is facing their own obstacles. As we grow up and mature, mental health becomes a fundamental factor in maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle that is necessary for students in high school. Having mental health resources available to students of all grade levels is crucial for students who are having to go through silent battles daily. Problems arise when all the school counselors are booked and busy for the day, or there are restrictions on students being able to go seek help during the school day. By hiring more mental health counselors, more help and time can be dedicated to struggling students. Mental health is a taboo topic that many students steer away from discussing because of its negative connotations and the emotions of discomfort and insecurity it evokes. However, the more mental health is normalized within a school environment, the more students will be able to find comfort in reaching out for help to counselors. Events held within the school to promote mental health awareness can bring security to students. It takes one simple gesture and action to make a difference in a student’s life. At the end of the day, not everyone has someone to lean on or trust. These steps might not affect everyone or be seen as a priority, but the effort made by administration and individuals to make mental health resources available can not only help students survive but also help them thrive.
STAFFER OF THE MONTH
CHARLIE SEBAOUN
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.
g.alvarez.thepanther@gmail.com.
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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.
