DECEMBER
05 06 10 CONTENTS NEWS LIFE FEATURE
At Miami Palmetto Senior High, the native plant garden reflects a chapter of change and growth.
Among South Florida’s various activities, many people never experience all it has to offer.
Behind every uniform, badge and jacket lies a complex and prideful story that extends beyond the battlefield.
Schools Pilot High-Tech Security Badges and Alarms
Miami Palmetto Senior High, along with nine other schools in the Miami-Dade County Public School district, is currently participating in a test run for a new security system. Students and teachers alike have become aware of the new alarm placed in each classroom and the small badges teachers are now required to wear, and they have some questions. What are the new badges?
All staff members were given a small portable badge that they can wear around their necks with a small button on it. If there is even just a simple emergency, like a sick student or a fight breaking out, they can press their badge three times, and the main office will receive notifications alerting them of the incident. Moreover, should a more serious incident occur, for example, if an armed individual steps on campus, the staffers can press their badge eight times. This will notify the school’s office, a SWAT team, all police in the area and the district of the emergency occurring. The badges aim to be a faster way of communicating with the outsiders who can get help in case of an emergency. What is the new alarm in each classroom?
Should a staff member press the button on their badge, the newly installed alarms located on the ceilings of each MPSH classroom will start flashing red. Compared to the old alarms, which would release a great amount of noise and likely cause more chaos in an emergency, these new alarms lack audio, attempting to minimize panic during stressful situations. In addition to the red lights going off, every school computer will receive a message informing teachers and students that the school is undergoing a lockdown.
Who created the new system and who is overseeing its progress?
No money has been spent on the project, as Miami-Dade County is the one providing nine schools with new security systems to see which one is best for each school. Currently, MPSH is experimenting with Centegix’s technology. For around nine weeks, the company has lent MPSH their products, including the badges and alarm. Once the trial concludes, the school will provide feedback on how well and effectively the systems worked. To gather this data, MPSH has held practice lockdowns to test if the material is working properly. The company will then use the feedback to fix any problems. Once Centegix finalizes its security system, the district will give MPSH another security company’s products to use. This trial will continue until MPSH and the other nine schools have identified the best security system fit for their schools.
Staff and Students’ Thoughts:
This trial brings new changes for teachers, staff and students to get used to. This is
the first time MPSH has been given the opportunity to play a role in making schools safer for their students, especially by being able to contact reinforcement with the press of one button.
Advanced Placement Seminar teacher Marcos Cohen holds strong feelings about school safety. Although the testing reflects efforts to improve school safety, he notes that having a badge will not protect the students and staff from a possible school shooting. Though the larger issue remains with how people with malicious intent acquire these weapons, Cohen believes the school is doing a great job of finding ways to improve its reaction in case of danger.
“I think it creates a more rapid response, and in a moment where there is an active shooter on campus, every second counts, so I think it can help with saving people. Unfortunately, this does not make me feel better in terms of preventing these school shootings from happening. I don’t think the school can do very much about this problem, but I know that the school is doing everything that it can,” Cohen said.
Many students have also had numerous thoughts on this security system and its effect on the school. Senior and Student Council School Safety Chair expresses her support of this system, as it adds an extra layer of security to the school and makes the students and faculty feel more secure at school.
“I think the system is a great way to have an alert system ready at all times. The past systems of using the phones or the overhead speakers leave a lot of room for mistakes or things not to work that would cause dangerous situations left unhandled,” said Baldwin.
This new system makes communicating with others outside the school a lot easier and can ensure that help is sent if there were ever to be an incident.
This new system is being created because weapons continue to pose a threat to the school setting. MPSH’s cooperation and participation in the process reflect the school’s efforts to ensure everyone is safe.
“I think the school is doing everything that it can. This is a situation that has to be decided upon by our elected officials at the state and the national level, and I’m hoping that they can make changes that will make everybody safer,” Cohen said.
Charlie Sebaoun
Design Editor
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Garden
of Growth and Change
At Miami Palmetto Senior High, the native plant garden reflects a chapter of change and growth. The garden, located between the auditorium and the 5000 building, has steadily expanded over time, building a home for native plants to thrive under protection. The MPSH Student Council Environmental Outreach Board has devoted time and dedication over recent months toward bringing this garden to life.
The garden was officially created last year to preserve and reestablish plants in our community.
“The goal is long-term reestablishment, at least with the Pineland reestablishment of a native community,” Advanced Placement Environmental Science teacher Pamela Schlachtman said.
Additionally, the garden brings together students of all grade levels. It provides a place for students to express their passion for the environment. When students engage with their interests, they are not only fueling their passions but are also giving back to the community.
“I have a huge passion for the environment. I saw that they had an environmental board here at the school, so I really wanted to be a part of it,” junior and Environmental Outreach Board member Kyle Cesar said.
The garden not only provides a sanctuary of protection for the native plants but also supports a healthier ecosystem. Native species help sustain environmental quality, provide food and shelter for wildlife and maintain the natural balance of the area. The garden has been able to make changes one day at
a time.
“We already saw an endangered butterfly [in the garden]. It’s the Atala butterfly. So that’s one of the species we have saved,” senior and Environmental Outreach Board Co-Chair Alexis Moore said.
With the help of these native plants, other species are also finding a home in a crevice of MPSH, forming their own community.
Without the protection of native plants like these, it becomes harder for native species to survive and thrive in their natural habitats. The garden now stands as one of the school’s proudest achievements, offering a place where native plants can flourish and demonstrating MPSH’s dedication to sustainability.
Mariebella Exposito Copy Editor m.exposito.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY FERNANDA SUROS
PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA PANAGAKOS
SCALING THE UNKNOWN: Miami’s Rock Climbers
Among South Florida’s various activities, many people never experience all it has to offer. The most common outlets for residents rotate between waterside activities, shopping and dining. Yet, one hobby that has quietly remained in Miami’s flat backyard for years has recently gained increased attention from students at Miami Palmetto Senior High: rock climbing.
Hidden in Kendall since 1998, The Edge Rock Gym Miami has become a sanctuary for a small group of students. Member Services Manager of The Edge Rock Gym, Marc Enriquez, believes that the gym has gained popularity by offering body strengthening in a multi-faceted way that does not bore people like a repetitive gym routine does. Instead, he believes the various climbing routes available at the gym prompt participants to form a community of puzzle solvers while building a focused, relaxed mindset.
“I think that it kind of all starts with that social nature of it and people wanting to bring their friends. Once a person really gets involved in this sport, we kind of foster them becoming rock climbing nerds in a way, where it’s the thing that they want to talk about with their friends … It started with maybe one to five high school students coming in and all of a sudden their friend groups are coming in, and our gym has become kind of like a laid back place for communities to gather and hang out,” Enriquez said.
Sophomore Jolena Hargrove has been climbing for about two years, and has also fallen in love with the sense of community that comes with the chalk, ropes and walls.
“I think because [rock climbing is] such a vast community of everybody, every gender, every age, whatever, that’s why people want to keep doing it because it’s not limited to just
being tall or a certain age. I think it’s for everyone,” Hargrove said.
Rock climbing not only allows participants to connect with others, but also helps them work out muscles they would have never considered using before. For senior Bella Camacho, rock climbing at the Edge has become her favorite pastime, going once a week with her mom and challenging her to build endurance when it comes to using her upper body muscles.
“[The hardest part is] having to use my upper body strength. I’ve never used my upper body strength, and you have to use so much … I feel like I’m already getting stronger, which is a good feeling, but yeah, definitely trying to hold all my body weight [tests me the most],” Camacho said.
Climbing with her mom has helped Camacho push through this hardship, encouraging her to tackle each challenge they face together and guiding each other along the way. This camaraderie and willingness to help one another is something senior and new rock climber Priscilla Parente also feels whenever she harnesses up.
“Everyone that does it is so nice; the community is great, and the fact that it’s exercise makes me feel energized and happy every time I do it, on top of just enjoying the activity,” Parente said. “When I can’t get a route, I watch other people do it and ask for advice. Seeing other people figure it out motivates me.”
From the various climbs available in the gym to the endless rock climbing opportunities one can experience in the real world, going rock climbing with your friends opens the door to a completely different world.
“Try out rock climbing. It’s so not hard, I feel like, because there’s levels to everything you can start, never having heard of rock climbing in your whole life. Like anything, it’s really easy to get latched onto,” Hargrove said.
Eleanor Harris
Online Editor-in-Chief
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DESIGN BY CHARLIE SEBAOUN
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Fashion in Fragrance:
FINDING YOUR SIGNATURE SCENT
A new status symbol in teenage culture lies not in a fancy pair of shoes or a trendy pair of jeans, but rather in the way that one smells. As a result of social media, trends of fragrances have become huge amongst teenagers, leading to a new wave of experimentation with scents unlike anything before.
The biggest emerging trend is finding what people call a signature scent. This is what people call their favorite perfume, or the one that they can always be found wearing. Instead of finding just one signature scent, however, mix-and-match layering has also taken over the fragrance scene, with beauty companies like Ulta even promoting layering your fragrances and giving tips on what scents go together.
“I would say, to start off, it’s always good to have a moisturizer, because the perfume tends to cling better to the skin when there’s a moisturized base under,” Miami Palmetto Senior High alumnus and Sephora employee Victoria Puga said. “I also tend to recommend perfumes with oil. The oil ones tend to last longer.”
There has also been a rise in pheromone perfumes, or perfumes that use a person’s sense of smell to evoke different emotions, bringing a scientific lens into the discussion of modern fragrances. While Sephora does not sell the pheromone perfumes, Sephora and similar stores have quickly capitalized on the new scent culture that has risen in other ways, with popular brands such as Sol de Janeiro being sold almost everywhere and being marketed toward increasingly young audiences.
“I’ve seen over the years more of a focus and kind of craze on makeup, skincare and fragrance. I think people are starting younger and younger to kind of get into these products and become more knowledgeable about them, and I think that comes from social media and a lot of influencers who are promoting different brands,” Puga said. “I think kids now are starting younger to kind of create their own beauty regimen and kind of adapt the products to their liking and preferences.”
Besides teenage and tween girls, the fragrance industry has also started to frame its marketing toward young men, with a considerable increase in cologne culture in the past few years.
“Women stick to more makeup and skincare, and the guys, for them, [cologne is] kind of like their garment, you could say, or accessory … I would say maybe it’s a little more male dominated, at least at the store I work at in The Falls, I see more guys come in for fragrance,” Puga said.
The growing interest in fragrances among teenagers, boys and girls alike, is a good representation of shifting self-expression. The rise of this personalized culture is reflective of a big shift toward individuality. Whatever scent someone chooses to wear becomes part of how they portray themselves, with a teenager who wears vanilla scents being viewed as different from a teenager who wears citrus ones.
Scents can be used to display who you are on the inside by evoking your feelings, making whatever scent one chooses extremely important in representing their identity.
Mia Carneiro
Senior Design Editor m.carneiro.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY LILA SCHROEDER
PHOTOS BY SOPHIA JIMENEZ
Four years at Miami Palmetto Senior High can seem like forever, but in reality, it is not enough. With the same 600 kids in a grade, constantly meeting underclassmen and saying goodbye to upperclassmen can be a lot to take in for such a short period of time. Still, most students would agree that MPSH gives the ultimate high school experience and is overall worth it. Here are five things to appreciate at MPSH: Freedom:
Most students agree that the transition from middle school to MPSH brings a huge increase in freedom and independence. Learning to manage yourself without constant supervision helps students establish true independence.
Class Options:
The electives list in eighth grade can be overwhelming, but when students see how many chances they have to pursue what they love, they understand how fortunate they are.
No Uniform:
MPSH is the only school in Miami-Dade County Public Schools without a mandated uniform policy, though dress codes
are enforced. Students’ personal style makes it easy to see how much expression and identity come through in what they wear.
Food:
From Panther to Panther: Five Things to Appreciate About MPSH
“Can I go to Hayduk’s class?” is a common phrase MPSH students use when hungry. Mr. Hayduk’s bagels are a huge hit for hungry students on school mornings.
Lunch spots:
Students are assigned to either first or second lunch depending on their schedule. There are so many places to sit, including the Pawvillion, to enjoy the outside weather. The cafeteria is the perfect spot to cool down inside, and the courtyard for a sunny spot to relax. Many students at MPSH have marked a lunch location as “the spot” for themselves and friends.
Samantha Panagakos
Photo Editor
s.panagakos.thepanther@gmail.com
December Column
Confessions of a Giftaholic
As the holiday season approaches, gifts become the theme of the season. While gifting can be fun, it can also be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you are like me and have friends who say, “Just get me whatever.” Left with nothing but my own research, I have come up with a few tips for gift-giving.
The ideal formula to follow when gifting is something thoughtful, something practical and something fun.
A thoughtful gift can range from a sentimental card to a photo album. For my friends, I have made a customized photo collage. On Canva, you can create your own or purchase a layout on Etsy to personalize. Just put together a collage of anything from your favorite photos, inside jokes and specific places that you had experienced with that person, print it the size of a poster and frame it.
It is the perfect accessory to remind your loved
Something a little less personal yet thoughtful, for acquaintance, could be a Amaryllis.
Trader Joe’s, the waterless
Isabella Cantin
Video Editor
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PHOTOS BY THE PANTHER
amaryllis is a flower that does not require any maintenance or water, yet blooms beautifully and makes a great centerpiece. A bouquet is also something you can never go wrong with. Whole Foods even offers the free service of arranging your flowers and wrapping them in parchment.
Moreover, air-dried clay is also a great way to make something practical and thoughtful. A clay jewelry dish, a mug or even a fun sculpture for them to have as decor in their room. Or if you are following a rushed deadline, try to shop for a jewelry dish or a mug that is creative and representative of the person on Amazon.
Books are both practical and fun, depending on the one you read. A blind date with a book is a super cute way to make book gifting fun, but this gift is all in the wrapping. Whichever book you pick is wrapped in parchment and personalized with drawings and subtle descriptions of the book. Kind of like a friend trying to set you up with someone, only you are setting up your friend with what may be their new favorite book.
As a final tip, keep it simple. Something they use daily that you have noticed, or something they have maybe mentioned to you in the past, may be the perfect thing. One of my favorites is a lip balm key chain. This one only works with a specifically packaged lip balm. All you have to do is poke a small hole in the balm’s packaging seal and insert a small key ring into it to connect it to a key chain. It is nothing crazy, but it makes a simple and useful gift for your friend who is always on the go.
Behind the Badge
A Look at Local Veterans
Behind every uniform, badge and jacket lies a complex and prideful story that extends beyond the battlefield. For veterans and their families, the impact of serving lingers long after retirement. From a Miami Palmetto Senior High alumnus who once served to recent graduates now training in military academies, their experiences offer a closer examination of what it is like to serve their country and its people with compassion and sacrifice.
perspective their loved ones gained while deployed.
One of those stories comes from an MPSH alumnus and a class of 1967 graduate, who went on to serve as a United States Air Force crew chief on the F-4D Phantom.
“Being in the Air Force taught me how to be organized, to channel my masculinity, to stand up for myself and to also be disciplined and learn how to accept discipline,” Airman Guy Smith said. “I learned exactly what I needed to be able to make a living for my family, have a roof over my head, food on the table and to also be able to travel.”
Veterans like Smith frequently relocate throughout their service, giving them the chance to see the world and adapt to new environments that they may have never seen otherwise.
“I was sent to Germany twice. Spent 18 months in Thailand, and most of my time was in New Mexico, where I did temporary duty, and Las Vegas and different places like South Carolina,” Smith said. “I got to see a lot of the world.”
Family becomes a principal factor for those who serve, and those closest to veterans often absorb the discipline, resilience and
For some children, like junior Gabriela Donnelly, that influence shapes their entire outlook.
“[My dad], who was a Navy SEAL, taught me a lot about always having to be fit, never to be fully relaxed, fight for what’s right and help people in need,” Donnely said. “He was on SEAL Team Six, which is like special operations. He was a sniper and did a lot of drug cases in Colombia, Chile, Mexico and a bunch of places in Latin America.”
Donnelly’s father acts as her daily inspiration, teaching her the value of moral lessons and strict discipline.
Freedom does not come free. There are only a few that are willing to sacrifice, whatever the cost and whatever means.
- DALIA PULIDO
“He’s my biggest inspiration, and the fact that a lot of veterans, including my dad, have the ability to lead a normal life despite combat experiences is so inspiring,” Donnelly said. “He’s a cool dad.”
Veterans’ dedication and service expand far beyond their years of deployment, as family members learn from their relatives’ commitment. Advanced Placement English Language teacher Dalia Pulido admires her brother, a Desert Storm Marine veteran, and has been influenced by his discipline and resolve.
“I have strength because of my brother. It’s because of him that I have a strong work ethic and a high moral compass,” Pulido said.
Pulido holds a respect for not only those who have served in the armed forces, but also their family members who support them because of her brother’s service.
“I’m thankful for everyone who has served, and the families that also serve with us and help the cause and keep this country America,” Pulido said.
Watching her brother fight for a collective cause has influenced Pulido in more ways than one. She not only has a newfound understanding of military families but also admires her own brother’s commitment to his country.
“You know, freedom does not come free. There are only a few that are willing to sacrifice, whatever the cost and whatever means,” Pulido said.
Witnessing the sacrifice that accompanies joining the armed forces has led many veterans’ family members to a greater respect for their relatives. Senior and aspiring naval aviator Gavin Linton recalls how seeing his own family sacrifice comfortable lives inspired him to begin his own military journey.
“I saw the sacrifices my grandfathers and uncles made, putting others before themselves, and it’s a very selfless act. You’re serving a greater cause than yourself,” Linton said.
Witnessing the commitment serving requires firsthand from his relatives has taught Linton the importance of enlisting, no matter how unappealing some may view it.
“If I don’t serve, who will serve? You’re protecting those who can’t protect themselves,” Linton said.
Linton’s observations of his own relatives’ journeys in the armed forces led to his own call to duty as he decided to enlist in the Navy this past June after his third visit to the Naval Academy.
Alumnus and U.S. Air Force cadet Vasyl Romankiv went on to serve following his graduation in 2025.
“I had always wanted to give back to the U.S. for the countless opportunities they have given my family and me since moving from Ukraine, which I am extremely grateful for, and attending the academy and serving as an officer after is one of, if not the best, ways to do that,” Romankiv said.
Romankiv’s service journey has connected his personal story to the larger purpose of service.
“Without the sacrifices of others, this nation would not be where it is today, and that is why I see service as vital to the foundation and support of the nation. I want future families to
12 | FEATURE
have the same opportunities that I did,” Romankiv said.
Media Center Specialist Steven Batten also grew up with a family member in the armed forces. His father, Thomas Batten, a well-awarded Vietnam War veteran, spoke about the commitment that veterans experience.
“I love the democracy that we have [in the US], and being a pilot, I have flown and I’ve been to most of the countries in the world. There is no better place, and there’s not a better thing than democracy, but you have to protect, you have to fight for the things that you really believe in and you have to work together as a group,” Thomas said.
Reflecting on what his experiences have taught him, Thomas shared that his biggest source of strength came from his family and devotion to his country.
“I have two kids. I’m in flight school, and I knew I was going to go and fly in the military, but there was no war. And then, guess what? All of a sudden, things changed, and Vietnam showed up,” Thomas said. “My feelings at that particular time were trying to survive … but knowing that I was not going to bail out of that issue, that I was going to fight for my country and that I had two kids and I wanted them to grow up in the country that we have … that was a big thing that kept us going.”
Thomas also spoke about his time being deployed in different places, including Vietnam during the war.
“When I rose, I first got commissioned, and then I went to be-
come a field artillery officer. I left field artillery and went to flight school. I finished flight school and was sent up to Fort Devens, Massachusetts, where I was for about four months. After that, I ended up getting orders to relocate my family and report to Oklahoma within 24 hours, and further orders to be in Vietnam. So I went over to Vietnam, and at that time, there were only about 25,000 Americans over there, and the war hadn’t really gotten hot. But once I left one year later, there were 250,000 troops there, and I spent one full year, 365 full days in Vietnam and battle conditions,” Thomas said. “When I finished that … I came back to the United States and I flew a two-star general out of the Air Force Command Center, which was also the southeastern portion of the Army Air Defense Command.”
Thomas’s story is just one example of the dedication shared by many veterans. His courage and resilience show how transformative military service can be.
“You worked with your brothers in arms. You learned to work together, and you worked for a just cause, which was protecting our children and our country,” Thomas said.
Anya Jerome Contents Editor a.jerome.thepanther@gmail.com
Lila Schroeder Design Editor l.schroeder.thepanther@gmail.
DESIGN BY MIA CARNEIRO PHOTOS COURTESY OF INTERVIEWED
CLAWS OUT: mARtIAL ARts AmOnG mPshstUDents
As a kid, one often cycles through many sports before finding the one they want to pursue through their teenage years. A popular sport that often gets underestimated is martial arts. To many, it can be seen as a more “kid-friendly” sport that would not follow one into high school. Yet despite these assumptions, many students still find martial arts to be not only a sport for them, but so much more. It is a unique and interchangeable sport that shapes both body and mind.
The category of martial arts comes in many different forms, and people are not confined to pick one.
“I do five styles. I do taekwondo, Jujitsu, Krav Maga, Kali and American boxing,” freshman Madeline Placencia said.
This variety sets the martial arts apart from most traditional sports, letting all people find a style that works best for them. Each style has its own personal traditions and practices. This allows people to discover what suits their personalities and abilities. Furthermore, martial arts is not just about athletic prowess.
“My favorite parts are when I get to do just techniques because then it’s kind of like an art, you’re just moving like a dance,” junior Maia Espinosa said.
This highlights an important factor, that martial arts is, like its name, an art. Each aspect of precision, detail and technique mirrors aspects outside of a sport itself.
“I’m not necessarily tall or strong. It’s more like a mentality for me,” Espinosa said.
This shows that martial arts can emphasize growth outside of brute force and strength.
Through it all, the emotional aspect, variety and challenge are what make martial arts truly worth it. It goes beyond physical fitness. Instead, it homes in on working to build patience, resilience and self-confidence. These aspects highlight why many believe martial arts should not be discredited, but rather
embraced as a sport whose popularity is both meaningful and long-lasting.
Alice Levitt Copy Editor a.j.levitt.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY LILA SCHROEDER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MADELINE PLACENCIA
On A ROLL:
mPSh GiRL’S bOWLiNG stRikes bAcK
At Miami Palmetto Senior High, most students anticipate the seasons of more popular sports like varsity football, soccer and baseball, but there is one particular sport that is often overlooked, considering their accomplishments: girls bowling. Most school sports have a profile on MaxPreps to track their teams’ statistics and progress throughout the season. However, MPSH Girls’ Bowling is not represented on MaxPreps, indicating how underappreciated the sport is. Despite this, for the first time in MPSH history, the girls’ bowling team earned a position in the state championships, which occurred on Oct. 29.
While facing numerous opponents, three players performed especially well: sophomore Sunny Meltzer, junior Emma Parra and sophomore Melani Sijan. For Sunny, bowling runs in the family. Her sisters, Maggie and Halle Meltzer, cherished their time in bowling at MPSH, both having held the role of captain.
Although her sisters certainly left an unforgettable mark on the team, Sunny did not disappoint. Her contribution to the team was severely impacted by her sisters, as it led her to get a head start and develop a grasp of the team dynamic.
“I was on the bowling team my freshman year, so that helped me a lot by giving me the basics. Both of my sisters were the captains of the bowling team, and I followed in their footsteps, and I am now captain,” Sunny said.
As captain, Sunny prioritized not only winning but also ensuring that her teammates were confident and always played to the best of their ability. She hopes to carry out these values and the team’s performance this season into next fall.
Parra expressed that she impulsively decided to start bowling, simply for the joy of the sport. Her bowling experience was limited, as she had only previously done it with her family in her free time, with no thought of playing competitively.
“It was a sport that no one knew of, so I was curious and wanted to see if it was fun,” Parra said. “When I was younger, I used to go bowling a lot with my family, and especially in the summer because kids bowl free, so I would go a lot with my sister.”
Even though she never expected to, Parra developed an utmost passion for the sport. When she found out that the team made the state championships, her passion soared.
“We are the first girls bowling team at MPSH to make states, so I was super excited, especially when I found out we made school history,”
Parra said.
Sijan got into bowling because it is something that she has enjoyed ever since she was strong enough to strike a bowling ball. She wanted to express herself through something that allows her to build friendships with her teammates.
“I really have always loved the sport, and I was very excited to join the team because a lot of my friends are on it and I really wanted to bond with them in this way,” Sijan said.
In addition, making friends led to consistent victories for everyone involved. Although they did not perform as they hoped to in the state competition, attending the state championship formed a memory many of the team members would never forget.
‘‘When I made states, I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I was very happy; I was overjoyed,” Sijan said.
Aside from these stand-out players, United States History teacher and bowling coach Javier Ruiz Gil contributed a great deal to the team’s development throughout the season. With his vast experience in the bowling atmosphere, he was able to assist these players in becoming the best version of themselves.
“[Sunny, Sijan and Parra] were actually some of my youngest bowlers. So in that sense, I was happy because they contributed a lot with the amount of improvement that they made,” Ruiz Gil said. “Comparing the first day of the season to the end, they did very well. The junior had a bit more control over their bowling skills, but the sophomores improved from the first day to the end.”
Bowling is known to be a specifically daunting sport that comes with a lot of pressure, as it is just one person against 10 pins. While bowling requires composure and skill, MPSH’s girls bowling team continues to demonstrate that they can rise to the challenge. Their improvement and dedication this past season reflect their eagerness to strike again.
Since they are not represented alongside other high school sports, let’s take a look at their very own version of MaxPreps, including most of their games that led them to the state championship, and it is outlined below.
They faced countless opponents during their journey, but their most intense competition was John A. Ferguson High School. This was their
toughest game; they lost by 404 points, with Sijan as the highest scorer with 368 points, Parra with 332 and Meltzer with 305.
Ferguson was not their only difficult match. They encountered two other teams that put up quite a fight: Miami Coral Park Senior High and Coral Reef High School. Miami Coral Park was a closer game, as MPSH fell only 86 points short. This time, Parra led with 414 points, Sunny with 352 and Sijan with 321.
Victory was not out of reach against Coral Reef either; 90 points separated the two teams, with Meltzer leading the scoreboard with 359 points, and Parra followed with 333. Unfortunately, Sijan did not attend this match, but her presence could have been a game-changer.
Aside from those few games, the girls bowling team managed to dominate most of the season. They did not let these losses discourage them; if anything, they motivated them. They did especially well against South Miami Senior High School. There was a difference of 910 points between the two teams, with Parra being the top scorer, achieving 418 points.
Cutler Bay was another one of MPSH’s memorable matches, while the Panthers beat them by 326 points, with Sijan scoring the highest at 393 points, and Sunny was right behind her with 382 points.
Their game against G. Holmes Braddock High School was yet another example of a time that they prevailed. MPSH won by 180 points, with Parra leading the team. She scored 364 points, followed by Sunny who had acquired 347 points and Sijan, with 257. This game marked a shift in their season, representing a feeling of spirit in the team.
This hope continued when they beat Miami Sunset Senior High School by 115 points. Parra was in first once again with 402 points. Sequentially followed by Sunny, who earned 325, and Sijan, not far behind with 322 points.
At last, their game against Southwest was won by just over 100 points. This time, Sunny was in the lead, putting up 379 points against the school. Secondly, Parra with 359 and Sijan with 285. The girls bowling team had an extremely successful year, winning a majority of their games and making history for MPSH at states.
Lila Goldhaber Video Editor
l.goldhaber.thepanther@gmail.com
Savanah Freedman
Senior Copy Editor
s.freedman.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY JULIANA BUELVAS
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MPSH GIRLS BOWLING TEAM
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH December: Kevin White Jr.
For the 2025-2026 school year, the Panther spotlights one athlete of the month per print issue. These athletes display outstanding performance in their respective sports. For the second issue of the school year, The Panther recognizes Miami Palmetto Senior High senior and cornerback Kevin “Mike” White Jr. White has been playing football for four years. He began playing football at St. Brendan High School before transferring to MPSH for his junior year. White is a dynamic defensive player who causes havoc for opposing teams. With his impressive play, he picked up his first division one offer from Texas A&M University in January of 2023, and has since picked up more offers from schools such as Syracuse University, the University of South Florida, the University of South Carolina and 10 other schools.
Pre-game song: Killa by Young Pappy
Favorite touchdown celebration: Slam the Seatbelt
Biggest supporter: Mom Time played: 4 years Favorite professional football player: Patrick Surtain ll Dream stadium to play
at: Beaver Stadium at Penn State University during a white out game
Proudest moment in his sport: Getting his first Division 1 offer from Texas A&M University
Football hot take: Football builds real character
Favorite moment of MPSH career: Beating Christopher Columbus High School this year Gym workouts that improve performance: Dumbbell Curls (55 lbs)
Ways to avoid football injuries: Eating healthy and lifting a lot of weight in the weight room
Seth Clarin
Senior Multimedia Editor
s.clarin.thepanther@gmail.com
PHOTO BY SETH
CLARIN
16 | SPORTS Step 1. Self-Evaluation
Before diving into recruiting, it is crucial for athletes to know where they stand. They must be honest about their grades, skills and goals. They must ask themselves what level of college competition fits them best (Division I, II, III, NAIA or junior college). Think about what matters most: playing time, school size, location or academics. Outlining future goals and priorities is the first step to finding the right college fit.
For junior and Georgetown soccer recruit Raya Kempler, self-awareness started early.
“Soccer became a passion of mine at a young age, and I knew I wanted to be the best player I could possibly be,” Kempler said. “I always told myself I would work as hard as I could to become a D1 soccer player, so I never gave up on that dream.”
Step 2. Create an Athletic Resume
Yes, athletes need resumes: it is not only for jobs. A sports resume acts as a quick way for coaches to get to know athletes. An athletic resume should include one’s name, school, graduation year, weight, height, position, GPA, athletic stats and awards. Keep it one page, clean and easy to read. A professional resume shows coaches that one is not only organized, but also serious about pursuing the sport beyond high school. Staying focused in class and keeping a high GPA up reflects responsibility and preparedness for college life.
Kempler also believes that her academics have helped her stand out.
“As I wanted to play soccer at a high academic school, I made sure to include my GPA in all of my highlight videos and emails. That made me stand out to most high academic coaches,” Kempler said.
Step 3. Make a Highlight Video
A highlight video is one’s first impression, so make it count. Keep it short, from three to five minutes, and include one’s best plays first. Label oneself clearly in each clip to be easily spotted. Then, upload the video to YouTube or Hudl, and send the link via email to the coaches.
THE ROAD TO COLLEGE RECRUITMENT:
Step 4. Research Colleges and Programs
Do not just focus on bigname schools. The best fit might be somewhere unexpected. Look for schools that match one’s athletic level and academics. Check team rosters to ensure one’s position is in demand and research the majors they offer. Make a spreadsheet to keep track of everything. Knowing which schools are the right match allows one to use their time wisely when reaching out to coaches.
Step 5. Reach Out to Coaches
Here is a big one: do not wait for the coaches to take the first step, reach out first. Send a personalized email that includes one’s resume, highlight video and a short message about why one’s interest in their program. Keep it polite and professional.
Senior, wide receiver CJ Miller’s initial outreach to colleges included his name, height and grades, as well as his tape. Coaches appreciate athletes who take initiative and communicate clearly. Following up shows commitment, not desperation.
Step 6. Compete at Exposure Events
Exposure events like showcases, tournaments and ID camps are where the coaches go to scout new talent. These are your best chances to get noticed. Miller attended an Armored Camp for increased exposure. Play hard, stay positive and show good sportsmanship. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself afterward, it shows confidence and maturity.
8 stePs eVeRy stUDent AthLete shOULD knOw
Step 7. Campus Visits and Communication
When one starts getting serious about certain schools, go visit them. Unofficial visits, meaning the athlete pays for the visit themselves, are a great way to explore the campus, meet coaches and talk to players. If one is invited for an official visit, take the chance to learn about team life and culture. Ask about scholarships, practice schedules and academics. Remember that it is one’s own future, so do not be shy.
Step 8. Evaluate Offers and Commit
When offers start coming in, take your time.
“Based on the relationship I have with the coaches, the amount of playing time I’m going to get, and of course, how much money I’m going to make,” but prioritizes “the relationship I have and the trust I have on all the coaches,” senior, cornerback Kevin White said.
Fernanda Suros Design Editor
f.suros.thepanther@gmail.com
Sophia Jimenez
Photo Editor
s.jimenez.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY LILA SCHROEDER
PHOTOS BY SETH CLARIN
ARtificiAL InteLLiGence enGULfeD with yOUth InteLLiGence
Artificial intelligence is by far the most prominent tool in classrooms that have accepted it. This new form of technology has exploded in advancements and popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic. Miami-Dade County Public Schools has an approach to AI in which it is meant to be used as a tool to help guide students through content rather than completing assignments or giving answers in assessments. However, many have failed to use AI in this way, when it should be used in this way by both teachers and students.
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At the dawn of the AI movement, Miami-Dade County blocked most AI websites to make them inaccessible for students in order to contain the mass spread of cheating. Now, a student can easily get on Gemini AI and other county-approved AI websites during a class to use as a tool to assist with school-related content. This is due to the county’s quick and effective solutions to cheating and promotion of an innovative mindset.
Initially, teachers were unsure how to approach handling AI, as it had become widely used immediately after its emergence. Teachers were worried and unsure, but Miami-Dade County was able to quickly turn this confusion from teachers into excitement for how they could use AI to make their jobs easier.
MDCPS was ranked number one for AI adoption as of June 2025 by the Center for Public Sector AI, making partnerships with several AI programmers and helping to pilot several programs for student-run AI as well. Southwest Miami Senior High School has a special program in which students can learn all about AI, and it can be expected that many more MDCPS schools will implement a program very similar.
On the other hand, using AI to cheat has been an extremely emphasized issue in the past years, one that has still not been stopped. Student cheating rates continue to be at an all-time high, and the number continues to consistently go up, with over twothirds of high school students admitting to cheating. The county has been exploring better AI detection software options every day, in hopes of finding a permanent solution to this rampant cheating.
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AI has also become extremely diverse in the ways it can be used as a tool. For teachers, AI can be used to create teaching content, whether it be assignments, quizzes or PowerPoint presentations. AI can also give analysis, something that would take a teacher hours to do for every student. This AI-driven analysis requires only a prompt, and can be extremely beneficial for struggling students, providing a major helping hand to teachers.
For students, AI can be used to create study guides. This can be done by giving a downloaded form of the content to the AI, in which it filters what it considers the major and most important parts of the content to include in a study guide. AI also makes study podcasts, with the same process for a user as creating study guides. Undoubtedly, the greatest tool for a student is an AI that can simplify complicated subjects, with over 90% of students doing this at least once, according to Forbes.
The reality of the situation is that even with restrictions in place, most students are still successful in using AI to cheat. Current attempts at AI detection have been an utter failure, and while MDCPS is actively finding a solution, some students continue to use AI for purposes it is not intended for.
AI also has a part outside of school for the youth, with some students finding relationships with AI bots. According to NPR, 20% of high school students are in romantic relationships with AI, and a larger percentage have friendly relations with AI. This can definitely be a slippery slope, and as AI technology improves, it can be expected that more diverse types of AI that cater to having relationships with users will be made, which is something that will require vigilance on the part of the user.
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MDC Mayor Daniella Levine Cava plans on making AI more prominent in all aspects of life, which explains her approach to AI in schools. Cava is extremely excited for a potential future in which AI revolutionizes every aspect of life and is a part of student life.
AI has already become a part of every student’s life, whether they have been directly involved in using it or not; it affects what they do in the classroom. Advancements appear to happen every day, and the county is not yet satisfied with the grasp it has on AI in schools. In the future, it can be expected to see more limitations to prevent cheating.
Troy Wilensky News Editor
t.wilensky.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY FERNANDA SUROS
Remember Your Digital Footprint
Everyone knows the saying, “What you post on the internet stays forever.” We can hear echoing from teachers and parents alike, but does that phrase really cross people’s minds before they click post? It seems as if people of all ages are falling victim to the trap of posting without thinking of future consequences. Teenagers pose with alcohol on their stories every weekend, and mothers post their kids in vulnerable, sometimes even exploitative ways. This epidemic of posting without thinking affects people of all ages and backgrounds, yet receives little conversation in society. It is now more important than ever to remember your digital footprint as technology becomes more and more dominant in daily life.
What makes the idea of digital footprint so interesting is that, more times than not, your digital footprint is completely in your control. A simple decision not to post something that can potentially hurt your image can save you from an array of problems in the future. Yet, we still see how detrimental it can be to a person’s reputation.
The key takeaway is that your digital footprint is not something you can put on pause when you want to post something risky; it will follow you throughout your life. Therefore, thinking about what you post becomes more crucial. Teenagers are known for making irresponsible choices, so it is not shocking to see them posting on social media drinking and doing other reckless activities. The issue being discussed here is not the fact that they are making bad decisions, but the fact that they are choosing to publicly share them with the world.
Employers, colleges and other organizations, such as sororities, are known for checking applicants’ social media pages for anything reflective of moral character. Things such as illegal and/ or reckless activities can stain your digital footprint. Hate speech and opinions that can be seen as controversial can also flag you as an unfavourable candidate.
The simple decision not to share bad decisions or anything deemed controversial on social media can al-
most guarantee that you will not stain your online image forever. But if you do choose to post, the likelihood that it will be seen by someone unintended is almost certain.
Parents also fall for this trap. Often overshadowed by the issues of teenagers posting unsavory things online, it is not talked about enough how much parents really share about their kids online. Although parents usually have good intentions, nobody knows the intentions of people online, and often, parents’ mindset changes when their audience is on social media rather than in person. I like to call it the park analogy. For example, many videos of children online have hundreds, if not thousands, of saves. However, imagine you, as a parent, were at a park and multiple strangers came up to take and save a photo of your child. I am certain parents would feel differently about the consumption of media surrounding their child if they were in a real-life scenario rather than online.
In this scenario, however, the real victims of this epidemic are the children, not the parents. No child wants to open social media fifteen years later, to find their parent or guardian posted videos or pictures of them that they did not want the world to have access to. Parents are opening the door for their children to already have a public image online, without ever accessing it themselves. This means they have no control over what already exists surrounding their digital footprint.
In a world that revolves around social media, it can seem almost impossible not to want to share every aspect of your life. However, remember that your digital footprint is much more important than a post or a 24-hour story. Keeping a clean public image is the simplest way to protect yourself and others, and ensuring that your online presence keeps you and the people you love safe does not limit you. Instead, it keeps your reputation intact.
Rebecca Sanchez-Pollack Copy Editor r.sanchezpollack.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY JULIANA BUELVAS
PHOTOS BY EMMA LLORENTE
Your Writing Here!
Writer's Corner is a recurring column in The Panther's monthly print issues where student writers can have their work featured. We accept everything - editorials, short stories, poems, personal essays, and more. Writers can submit their work through the link in our Instagram bio or may be nominated by a teacher. Submissions must be school appropriate and cannot be anonymous. We will select one piece per monthly issue, and we will reach out to you for f nal permission to publish if your work is selected. i
Giving Thanks: Thanksgiving MadLibs
In MadLibs, read the blank spaces to a friend and ill them in based on what it says underneath. Read it back when you’re done and you’ll get a hilarious MPSH themed story! Grab a friend, grab a pen, and ill out our Thanksgiving Mad Libs!
Every year at Palmetto Senior High, the week before Thanksgiving is known as “The Great ________ Week.” It all starts when ________ announces over the loudspeaker that students must prepare for the annual Thanksgiving Assembly. Naturally, everyone groans — except for ________, who has been practicing their ________ turkey impression since ________.
During irst period, ________ tries to give a lesson on ________, but no one can focus. ________, the most ________ student in class, keeps staring at the clock, muttering, “Only ________ more minutes until freedom!” Meanwhile, someone in the back of the room keeps making ________ noises, causing the entire class to ________.
By mid-morning, the hallways are full of students exchanging ________ Thanksgiving cards and Mr. T and Donnie debating whether ________ is better than ________. The school’s loudspeaker crackles as ________ reminds everyone to behave “in a very ________ manner,” which immediately causes a group of seniors to start a dramatic reenactment of the First Thanksgiving in the Pawvillion using only ________ they found in ________.
Finally, the students gather in the gym, sitting on the ________ as the lights dim. The marching band performs a dramatic version of ________. Everyone lines up to donate ________ cans of food to those less fortunate thanks to ________. When it’s all over, ________ asks everyone to share one thing they’re thankful for. Without hesitation, the entire school cheers: “We’re thankful for Palmetto Senior High!”
For anyone who has never been to The Edge Rock Gym - Miami (basically, is not in our system yet), we’d like to offer them a free rental harness during their f rst visit with the purchase of a Day Pass and Climbing Shoe rental. This will allow them to access many of our taller walls in addition to bouldering. All they have to do is mention The Panther and we’ll honor that for them!
- The Edge Rock Gym Miami
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
Samantha Pagakanos
Sophia Jimenez Copy Team
Alice Levitt
Mariebella Exposito
Samantha Stone
Rebecca Sanchez-Pollack Advisor
Laura Aviles
STAFF EDITORIAL
In today’s age of constant information, it is easy to take journalism for granted. News is always just a click away — on our phones, through social media and our TVs. But behind every article and every fact lies a principle that keeps democracy alive: freedom of the press.
Losing the press is the first sign that a democracy is failing. Journalism is not just about reporting the news; it is about holding those in power accountable, giving a voice to those without and helping citizens make informed decisions. Without a free press, corruption skyrockets, misinformation spreads and public trust erodes. The right to report freely is not only vital to journalists — it is essential to anyone who values truth.
In the United States, this right is protected by the First Amendment. Around the world, however, journalists are imprisoned, silenced or even killed for speaking out. Even here at home, influential individuals are making attempts to censor the press and give selective access to certain news outlets to skew the flow of information. This here serves as a reminder that press freedom, though guaranteed by our constitution, is not something we should take for granted; it must continuously be monitored to ensure our leaders are living up to the promises of our country.
Throughout history, the press has served as the watchdog of democracy, exposing corruption, defending civil rights, and spreading knowledge to every citizen. While these recent events may seem politically charged, they are much more impactful. They do not just challenge the press; they challenge the public’s right to information. A democracy cannot function if citizens are denied clear, accurate, and unbiased information.
A free press is not the enemy of the people; in fact, it is their greatest ally. When we stand with journalists, we stand with democracy itself.
STAFFER OF THE MONTH
SIENA FEIGENBAUM
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.
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.
