PANTHER
the
V 62|N1
Miami Palmetto Senior High School
7460 SW 118 Street, Miami, FL 33156
EARNING THEIR
STRIPES
Friday 27 September2019
September
contents
Life
4
7
Teens Take over Tik Tok
News Palmetto Goes on Strike
Sports
11
Feature Adidas Sponsors the Panthers
16
How to be a Good Sport
20
Opinion
A Truly Global Citizen
Behind the
COVER Members of the Palmetto football team stand on the sidelines, eyes glued to the game against Coral Gables High School on Sept. 13.
NewsBRIEFS Local
Everywhere you look in Miami Dade County, people riding scooters is a frequent sight. There are new apps which are looking to take advantage of those people looking for a quick and cheap ride, such as companies like Uber. The new line of Uber’s electric scooters are coming to Miami, available starting Thursday, April 4. So far, no rules or regulations have been implemented regarding the scooters, but many are excited to try them out.
National
Letter to the
EDITOR
Dear Editor,
I loved how your pictures capture the joy and excitement of the pep rally. Anyone who looks at your picture would know how much fun the students were having. It shows a togetherness, and shows a form of unity. I really look forward to the next pep rally and I know you’ll have the photos.
Amber Joseph (12) See what they’re talking about on our website, www.thepalmettopanther.com *Submit letters to thepanthermpsh@gmail.com. or Room 911B. Letters may be edited for length, grammar and clairty.
On Sept. 16, 2018, 10 democratic hopefuls for the U.S. presidency took part in a national debate. Among the topics discussed were health care, immigration and the economy. The candidates clearly had different ideas regarding those areas. At times, the debate was contentious and even personal.
International Recently, oil fields in Saudi Arabia were targeted by drones carrying explosive devices. It is believed these drones were from Iran. Because of the attacks, up to 20% of Saudi Arabia’s oil production is temporarily eliminated, meaning higher gas prices in the U.S. Are there going to be more terror attacks by drones in the future? Julia Strasius Design Editor
j.strasius.thepanther@gmail.com
04|NEWS
GLOBAL
CLIMATE
STRIKE On Sept. 20 and 27, students and adults skipped classes and work in protest of current climate legislation worldwide. The strikes began with 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg’s #FridaysforFuture, a weekly town hall protest that involved her skipping school to convince lawmakers to align their policies with the Paris Climate Agreement. Inspired by the work of the Parkland survivors regarding gun control — according to The Guardian — Thunberg continuously advocates for effective climate legislation by speaking in front of the United Nations and publicizing her journey via social media. Through social media, the protests gained traction and grew into a worldwide movement that made headlines. While the strikes sometimes involve missing work or class time, participants believe it is worthwhile. Protestors believe that if immediate action to reverse the effects of climate change is not taken, there will be no work or school to attend in the future. “The strike is one way to bring more attention to the issue. If people aren’t going to their classes or their jobs, it’s because they care about the Earth’s wellbeing. It’s my future and for the time being I can’t vote, so this is the next best thing,” senior Chloe Wilson, Co-president of Science National Honor Society and Senate Environmental Outreach Chair, said. The climate treaty that inspired Thunberg’s “skolstrejk för klimatet,” or school strike for climate, was the Paris Climate Agreement. Signed in 2016, the Paris Climate Agreement gave Americans who sought legislative action for climate change hope, as the U.S. and 196 other countries agreed to implement
legislation that would reduce greenhouse gases worldwide, according to the United Nations on Climate Change. However, President Trump recently pulled the U.S. out of the climate agreement, leaving Americans without any new climate legislation. Without a provision for a cap on emissions, the U.S. will continue contributing to rising sea levels and increasing global temperatures. The urgency for proper climate legislation fuels the actions of climate activists, like Thunberg, who seek solutions for climate change. “This is our chance to stand up for what the future fossil fuel industries are knowingly threatening,” environmental activist and senior at Miami Palmetto Senior High Nicole Gazo said. “...students have to sacrifice a needed day of school to stand up against the adults, who are supposed to do what’s best for everyone in their country and not just themselves because there’s been a vicious fight against becoming more environmentally-friendly with this new reluctant administration.” The goals of the U.S. Climate Strike, as reported by globalclimatestrike. net, include the Green New Deal, respect of native lands and indigenous sovereignty, environmental justice, protection and restoration of biodiversity and the implementation of sustainable agriculture. Should the demands be met, the U.S. would need to switch completely to renewable energy by 2030, honor indigenous treaties, invest in areas with poor economic standing and decreased access to resources and transition from subsistence agriculture to purely regenerative agriculture. “I wish people would understand that if they don’t slowly change the way they
lead their lives, and if they don’t hold corporations accountable, they won’t be here for long,” Wilson said. Involvement in the climate movement is not limited to the strikes themselves. People who wish to participate in the fight for climate legislation can reach out to local and state politicians to make their demands heard. Additionally, people can garner support for the cause by making lifestyle changes regarding transportation, diet and energy consumption habits. “Become more involved. Pledge to give up single use plastics and carry around your own water bottle or bring your own containers and utensils when you’re planning on eating take-out. Use the least amount of energy you can…” Gazo said. “Try to support local produce and organic brands. Try to cut down on your carbon emissions and walk or bike to nearby places. Carpool with your friends as much as you can.” The goal of the Global Climate Strike is to draw worldwide attention to the divisive subject of climate change. Environmental activists have already started a conversation and proposed a plan for reducing the effects of global warming. Education about the environmental harm caused by human action could greatly affect the future of climate legislation. “I wish people realized that climate change isn’t a problem that we are going to deal with in the future, but that it’s here… right now,” Gazo said. “The seas are rising as I speak; we need to do something now.”
Isabel Wilder
Senior Copy Editor
i.wilder.thepanther@gmail.com DESIGN BY JULIA STRASIUS PHOTOS BY GIANNA HUTTON
NEWS|05
ADVERSITY SCORE REPLACEMENT College Board recently decided to replace its adversity score — which assessed personal adversity — with Landscape, a tool used to evaluate student demography. According to the College Board, Landscape does not measure adversity — a stark contrast to how things have been done in the past. Landscape does not help admission officers understand an applicant’s personal circumstances, such as hardship or home life, it simply measures demography. Landscape can help colleges accept students from diverse backgrounds. Starting next year, counselors, students and parents with a College Board account can access the same information about their high school and neighborhood that colleges will see in Landscape. By using Landscape, colleges will look at three categories of information. First, it displays basic high school information such as school location, senior class size, average SAT scores, AP participation and the percentage of students eligible for free or reduced lunch. “The students who have lower socio-economic surroundings don’t have the academic advantage. The colleges now know they went to a school with all the academic
advantage they needed,” college counselor Harry Nerenberg said. Additionally, Landscape will compare the applicant’s test score to others from the same high school. The applicant’s test score is presented alongside the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles of SAT scores at the high school. Many students disagree with this comparative information, arguing that their scores should be evaluated separately from their fellow students’ performance. “There shouldn’t be any comparison to other students. It should be me as a student defined by how hard I work to get that score. It is not to look at someone else’s score just to see how good I could have done within my school,” junior Marina Sanchez said. Finally, Landscape provides information about neighborhood’s average college attendance rates, household structure, crime, education levels, housing stability and family income. Research has shown that these six indicators directly relate to students’ educational outcomes and subsequent opportunities. “If a child lives in an affluent neighborhood and comes to Palmetto, they don’t get penalized. It’s just considered. Whereas a child living in a low-income neighborhood
and comes to Palmetto, it is their advantage,” Nerenberg said. College Board will proceed with the process after receiving the approval of colleges enrolled in its pilot programs. The College Board asserts that Landscape has made the job of admission officers easier and review of the applicants more fair. “It is beneficial, because it is providing context to the colleges, showing them my impediments, which could be an advantage for me,” senior Samantha Bravo said. Set to begin in the fall of 2020, the College Board aims to make Landscape widely available to colleges and universities; however, Landscape is only one part of the lengthy admissions process. According to College Board, no applicant will be denied acceptance because of the information that Landscape provides colleges.
Kun Liu
Staff Writer
k.liu.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY JULIA STRASIUS
06|NEWS
MYSTERIOUS JUULING ILLNESS
On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Trump administration announced its new plan to ban flavored e-cigarettes from the market. According to CNN, this law requires that affected e-cigarette companies file their tobacco flavors for approval by the Food and Drug Administration; all other flavors are banned until further approval by the FDA. This sudden announcement comes after the seventh death linked to vaping in the U.S. this year, according to the Washington Post. The Center for Disease Control puts the current number of vaping-related illnesses at 200. Although a specific flavor or compound has not yet been identified as the culprit, the ban serves to deter minors from using e-cigarettes by eliminating any attractive flavors. In the 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey, 3.6 million teenagers disclosed that they had used an e-cigarette, a staggeringly high number that has been connected to the enticing mint, cucumber, mango and other flavors that are marketed toward teenagers. This rise in teenage e-cigarette use is deeply concerning to parents and health officials alike. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the use of vapes during crucial teenage years can lead to serious nicotine addiction and hinder longterm brain development; toxins in the e-cigarette vapor increase the risk of cancer. Additionally, Harvard Medical School revealed that teens who initially begin using vapes transition to smoking cigarettes at a much higher rate than those who do not vape. Vapes are commonly
defended as devices to assist cigarette addicts in quitting, but the FDA has not officially approved vapes as a viable addiction remedy, and many addicts have been found to continue to smoke cigarettes even after they begin vaping. Palmetto’s line of defense against vaping-related illness and teenage vaping takes the form of a new club aimed at educating students on the longterm effects of e-cigarette use. Students Working Against Tobacco, or SWAT, seeks to assist Palmetto students make more informed, educated decisions regarding their long-term health. “I think that e-cigarettes and tobacco are a huge problem in our community and overall in the world right now...” SWAT president and junior Sofia Palacios said. “I think it is really important to spread awareness on the long-term effects it can have, especially in teenagers where it is more prevalent.” As part of their awareness initiative, SWAT will be hosting Red Ribbon Week events at Palmetto this September, with different activities aimed at educating students. The Florida Department of Health runs SWAT’s program, with weekly SWAT calls in which each individual SWAT organization is informed on other Floridian counties’ educational progress. The SWAT chapter at Palmetto plans to have an interactive activity each month to go along with a separate informational theme. Since this is SWAT’s first year at Palmetto, the organization hopes to attract more members during the year and create a large SWAT following at the school. “SWAT’s goal is not to stop people
from using e-cigarettes, because we do realize that that is unrealistic...Most kids our age are not mature enough to even realize it’s not cool to actually do that,” Palacios said. “...We just want to inform them that it’s not good for them and let them make their own decision based on the information that we’re providing.” Many teenagers have already heard the facts and listened to the lectures from various medical professionals, but in the end, the decision is up to the consumer. The recent outbreak in vapingrelated illnesses is yet another sign that e-cigarettes are still cigarettes: they contain the same harmful substances, but with a shiny, new face. However, many high schoolers are only a few years away from college or moving out of their parent’s house — every important decision will be then be up to them. “Ultimately, it’s up to you,” Palacios said.
Jane Heise
Managing Editor
j.heise.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY JULIA STRASIUS PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNETTE GONZALEZ
For You
tik tok on the Clock
When senior Megan Guthrie page, and some even have upwards (@megnutt02) opens her phone of 50,000 followers. Franco and starts creating a video, she Martorella (@francomakestiktoks), will likely do it in her famous blue a junior at Palmetto, has over 75,000 shirt, the same one that landed her followers and gains more every day. the nickname, “blue shirt girl”. She His most popular video, a spin on has more than 200,000 followers Hurricane Dorian’s path, has over on “TikTok” — a popular creative 1.1 million views and 203,000 likes. video-sharing app — and gains “I went to a restaurant for my a 1,000 or more followers every dad’s birthday last weekend, and I day. After transferring to Palmetto, saw these girls looking at me. One of students seem to recognize her on a them was showing the phone to her daily basis in the school. friend, and then when I get home, “When I came to register for my someone texted me saying ‘oh, were classes, this kid came up to me and was like, ‘hey are you on TikTok,’” Guthrie said. “He’s like ‘oh my god I You kind of start watch all your videos, I love to see things difthem.’” “TikTok” currently ferently, like the has over one billion users, other famous according to CNN. The app, which originated in 2018 people on TikTok after a merge with the oncepopular “Musical.ly,” began as a platform for lip-syncing to songs and audio, but has franco martoreLla (10) since evolved into an opportunity you at this restaurant a few minutes for people all over the world to ago?’” Martorella said. “Say ‘hi.’ I show off their creativity and gain a don’t bite.” following. They do this in a similar “TikTok” recognition remains way to the app “Vine,” an app also its own form of fame, as many use focused on short, funny videos. the app daily, even if only to watch The app’s algorithm puts the videos. That leaves some creators content it believes viewers would hoping that their videos will go viral like onto their “For You Page,” on an everyday basis. Senior Zoe a section of the site personalized Nye (@zoehomie) makes videos for the user. This page allows for with the goal to eventually end up “TikTok” users to create viral videos on the “For You Page” and amass a that increase their following and a large amount of followers. chance to get back on the “For You “I’ve been a fan [of the app] since Page.” it was actually Musical.ly, and then Other students at Palmetto aside I stopped for a while… and then did from Guthrie have appeared on this more junior year,” Nye said. “I’m
not TikTok famous yet. Keyword, “yet.” Hope to be there someday.” Since the emergence of “Snapchat” in 2012, no app has seen such a large amount of users downloading the app in such a short span of time with the exception of “TikTok,” according to the New York Times. With this, Martorella said the fame that comes with the app is not all it seems. “You kind of start to see things differently, like the other famous people on TikTok and instagram — it’s just like normal people,” Martorella said. “I feel like if I can do it, anyone can do it.”
“
“
LIFE 07
Nicole Markus
Print Editor-in-Chief
n.markus.thepanther@gmail.com DESIGN BY GIANNA HUTTON
P
the
Following
LIFE 08
STEPPING INTO
A D u l T H OO D INDEPENDENCE Do you have a job? Are you mostly financially independent? Are you close to finishing your high school education?
From a psychological perspective, Ms. Gwendolyn Schoolar, the AP Psychology teacher at Miami Palmetto Senior High, emphasized the transformative definition of adulthood, considering the wide spectrum of obstacles individuals face in society. She therefore brought to discussion the new branch in psychology entitled “Emerging Adulthood.” “Many people define adulthood as when you are financially independent... But in this society one’s definition of adulthood is changing, ” Schoolar said. She mentioned how it has become increasingly difficult for individuals to identify themselves as adults while they remain dependent on their parents for financial aid. “The ‘Emerging Adulthood’ category covers those problems in that someone has a sense of identity, they know who they are, they have a plan, but they can’t pay the bills just yet,” Schoolar said. Hence, financial independence is not defined as the ultimate factor for determining adulthood, but those young individuals who work, earn a salary, and spend their profits wisely are already on the right path towards achieving it.
According to Business Insider, Jeffrey Jensen Arnett, a Clark University research professor of psychology, mentions maturity as one of the key characteristics adults possess. Maturity itself can refer to various concepts, such as taking responsibility for actions. Robert W. Firestone Ph.D. from Psychology Today states that it is impossible to become an adult while still carrying the childish mindset of complaining and constantly seeking outside approval when making decisions. “By holding on to parental substitutes and continuing to depend excessively on others by acquiescing to their wants, needs and points of view, it is evident that you will remain a child,” said Firestone. Maturity also consists of the ability to eliminate inappropriate behavior and taking into account sense of place. “There is a lot of research now that suggests that the prefrontal cortex of the frontal lobe is still under construction well into your twenties… [This is the] decision-making part of the brain and that part of the brain that enables you to put the brakes on or not do silly things,” Schoolar said.
habits Are you a timely person? Do you seek constructive criticism? Are you organized?
if you answered yes to all you are an adult!
MINDSET Do you consider mature? Do you adjust your behavior given the context? Do you feel confident when making
According to Forbes, punctuality and timeliness are two of the key habits adults exhibit. Arriving somewhere on time shows professionalism and respect to a much greater extent in comparison to someone who is late or arrives sprinting and sweating profusely. Firestone mentioned the benefits of molding the habit of seeking constructive criticism. “Honestly‑stated critical perceptions of you are actually gifts that can contribute to your self-knowledge and understanding,” stated Firestone. Hence, those who promote acquiring feedback from different perspectives are most likely to derive better results in each given circumstance. However, the ability to put one’s ego aside is not necessarily the easiest task which is the exact reasoning behind why practicing this habit takes time and experience, attributes only adults possess. However, it is important to acknowledge that the process of transitioning into adulthood is much more complex than aiming towards meeting these general standards. Everyone’s path to adulthood is different. “Just accept that it’s going to be bumpy, you’re going to make mistakes… just don’t be afraid to explore,” Schoolar said. “You’re young enough to make the changes you need to make, just recognize you need to make a change… do the best you can.” DESIGN BY GIANNA HUTTON
Lissette Martinez Feature Editor
l.martinez.thepanther@gmail.com
Unknown art spots in Miami Miami is home to quite a few smaller, lesser known but equally incredible, art galleries
The de la Cruz Collection
The de la Cruz Collection, featuring contemporary art, is one such gallery. Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz started the gallery from their home in the late 1980s, but since then, the collection has expanded to now fill a 30,000 square feet museum in the heart of Miami’s Design District. It features provocative contemporary artists such as Isa Genzken, Christopher Wool and Felix Gonzalez-Torres whose works cause viewers to contemplate the realities of life. But there’s more to the gallery than just art — it’s also a reflection of the de la Cruzs’ passion for education and supporting the local community. “They always look for up-and-coming artists and on top of that, they actually allow for their gallery to be used for art teachers to do workshops,” AP Art History teacher Margarita Falagan said. The Collection’s hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Tuesdays to Saturdays and admission is free.
The Rubell Family Collection The Rubell Family Collection is located just five minutes away from the de la Cruz Collection and described as “another great family-owned gallery” by Falagan. Established by Mera and Don Rubell in New York City in 1964, the Collection moved to its current location — a 45,000 square foot building previously used by the Drug Enforcement Agency to confiscate drugs and weapons — in 1993. It features works by famous contemporary artists such as Cindy Sherman, Jean Michael-Basquiat and Jeff Koons. Just like the de la Cruz Collection, the Rubell Family Collection works with and for the community — they offer an internship program, lecture series and an artwork loan program to assist museums around the world. Additionally, the Collection actively works to support and display pieces by local emerging talents. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday and offers free tours at 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.
Lowe Art Museum
Funded in 1950 by philanthropists Emily and Joe Lowe, the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami is the oldest art museum in Miami. Its permanent collection — which includes over 12,000 Renaissance, Baroque, Ancient, Native American, African and Asian works of art — spans 5,000 years of history while its current major exhibition, “A House Divided” by Billie Grace Lynn, tackles relevant cultural issues including politics and civil involvement. “[The Lowe Museum] is wonderful,” Falagan said. “It...provides lecture series with r otating shows and an excellent permanent collection. They also have Sunday Family Days where they have interactive workshops for all ages.” The museum’s hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays. Admission is $12.50 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.
Katriona Page Copy Editor
k.page.thepanther@gmail.com
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FEATURE |11
on the
Rise
In light of Adidas’s recent selection of the Palmetto Panthers for season two of “Friday Night Stripes,” The Panther investigates how this new recognition affects the coaches, the players and the team as a whole. The story features varsity football coach Michael Manasco, cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. and defensive tackle Savion Collins. It brings forth a new perspective of the football team as a result of its new national attention.
12 FEATURE 15 FEATURE
one Team, one Dream
On the night of Aug. 30 at 7 p.m., hundreds of people watched the Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs compete against the Palmetto Panthers on the Chiefs’ turf — as another 2.6 million spectators were glued to their screens. Adidas has selected the Palmetto Panthers as one of the 12 teams that comprises the second season of “Friday Night Stripes.” Intersport, a media and marketing firm, produces the technological aspect of the campaign — its core. Friday Night Stripes allows sports fans to tune into a live Twitter feed that broadcasts select football games across the country. Some of the other 12 teams include Carol City, Cardinal Gibbons and Valor Christian. “So we were one of those [teams] — basically it’s just because of the talent we have and the growth of the program over the last six years,” Palmetto varsity football Coach Michael Manasco said. While the Palmetto football team has advanced on the road to public recognition for years, this year marks a climax in their success. “I played here in the ‘90s and went to school here. I’d been a coach for 12 years at other schools, and coming back to be a coach here, that was the goal: to put Palmetto on a national stage,” Manasco said. “I think we’re close to being what Palmetto’s never been. I think the last three years have been the best Palmetto’s ever been, a stretch of consistency — that’s where we’re headed.” The streaming of each game live on “Twitter” proved massively successful with the initial season of Friday Night Stripes. According to “Twitter,” it amassed a total of 32.6 million video views and 15.6 million live viewers over the span of the eight games. “[Adidas] coming to our school was a blessing. There was a lot of hype in that it was live and everyone around the world could see it,” cornerback and junior Jason Marshall Jr. said. The Adidas backing not only provides Palmetto football with publicity, but it also provides the equipment necessary to enhance their performance. The gear also signifies the growth of Adidas as a brand, as it extends its boundaries into other realms of the sports industry. “They’ve really cornered the market on the best football cleats. When you think Adidas, you don’t necessarily think football, you think of soccer, you think of other things. The cleats that Adidas makes — they’re called Adizero — they’re like unbelievable for the kids. They love them,” Manasco said. The equipment grants the team a sense of confidence amidst the pressure to perform well on the field.
“I feel like we feel better on the field with all the gear and stuff, and so for us [the pressure is] really nothing. A lot of the skill guys, unlike me, they got the nice cleats. They’re nice, they’re comfortable,” defensive tackle and junior Savion Collins said. Aside from the benefits of the gear, the true backbone of the team is the core principles ingrained in the players’ minds known as “E.A.T.” The acronym stands for three qualities: effort, attitude and toughness. “So those are the three things we can’t teach the kids; they got to have it. You got to have great effort, you got to have great attitude, and you have to be tough to play the way we play,” Manasco said. Amidst the greater attention the team has received in recent weeks, the pillars of E.A.T. prove especially vital. According to “Periscope”, a livestreaming service partnered with “Twitter,” the first game drew in over 1.4 million replays on “Twitter.” “Sometimes the spotlight and all the fame puts a lot on a kid, a lot of pressure to perform. I always knock them back down and find out how really hungry and humble they are,” Manasco said. The long hours that the players invest into perfecting their game allows them to develop a close relationship with their coaches. “I see [Manasco] as my second dad; I love him,” Collins said. At the end of the day, experiencing both physical and academic rigor can weigh heavily on the shoulders of the players. As high school students, the players face pressures to excel on the field while balancing other extracurriculars. “You got to win, and you got to do well. What people seem to forget is the lives [of the players] — going to class, girlfriends, just drama. A lot of times I’m a counselor more than I’m a football coach,” Manasco said. Although the Palmetto Panthers did not win against the Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs, they missed it by the skin of their teeth, with only a two-point difference in the final score of 21-23. “My only concern going into the Cardinal Gibbons game was that they were a team that won the state championship last year, they’ve been on TV before, they’ve been with an Adidas deal forever. It’s very new to us,” Manasco said. “I knew going in our kids would be inexperienced, and I knew that would be the edge. We’re really young. We only start five seniors on the whole team.” The fact that the Palmetto Panthers football team starts with so few seniors indicates a path to improvement that is largely unprecedented. “This is the first year I can really say we’ve got a shot,” Manasco said. “We really do. It’s exciting.”
Allison Strasius Editor-In-Chief
a.strasius.thepanther@gmail.com
Joanna Salvat
Online Editor-In-Chief
j.salvat.thepanther@gmail.com PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOANNA SALVAT
14 |FEATURE
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16 SPORTS
the secret ingredient to success in sports Sports etiquette: the positive conduct of an athlete or a sports team. Regardless of a team’s success, true sports etiquette garners respect. Within all sports — especially those played in schools and youth — highly-regarded teams demonstrate respect for their teammates, opponents, coaches and the sport itself. While it does require skill and practice to become a good athlete, one’s abilities on the field does not mean everything. The best and most respected athletes create reputations for themselves based on their behavior toward everyone. Poor sportsmanship or a lack of respect during games can throw off the rhythm and collaboration of a team. “When people are just so rude and disrespectful in soccer games, it makes me lose respect for them, and I wonder why they are playing this sport if they feel that way,” senior, midfield and forward Madeline Wise said. On a global level, like at the Olympic Games, athletes must show respect to their competitors and demonstrate perfect behavior as they represent their entire country. While high school or youth sports are at
DESIGN BY CAMILLA BONDY PHOTO BY VALENTINA CACERES
smaller scale than the Olympic Games, sports etiquette for all types of athletes proves important as each individual athlete represents themselves, their team and school. A basic, yet vital gesture of sportsmanship — shaking the opposing team’s hands — proves essential, win or lose. Simple examples of sportsmanship such as these begin with the initiation of a coach. As the leader of a team, the coach sets an example for their athletes. “I teach sports etiquette as the number one thing, because if you don’t, you’re probably gonna end up on the losing side,” Girls Basketball and Junior Varsity Football Coach, Donnie Martin said. “There’s a lot of teams out there that don’t have sportsmanship and as a coach this is something I try to put inside my coaching theory.” Apart from the behavior of athletes and coaches; fans and parents of young athletes play a fundamental role in practicing sports etiquette, as they also represent a team. Parents, oftentimes the biggest supporters of young athletes, tend to forget that winning does not mean everything in the grand scheme of sports.
“It doesn’t help to hear your parents or someone else’s parent yelling at you or their kid. It just brings down your confidence completely and it’s a distraction that I don’t need,” Wise said. Being of high importance — as it produces well-rounded and respected athletes — sports etiquette does not always come as an easy skill. Like most fundamental aspects of sports, it must be practiced and embedded into an athlete’s thought process. “Going up to the other team after a game is really important because it teaches the other players that no matter who won or lost, there’s still a reason you were playing, its all a part of the learning experience,” Wise said. “Sometimes, I just really don’t want to go over there after a bad loss, but I do it anyway, and it reminds me that I play soccer because I enjoy it — not just the win.”
Olivia Solomon
Advertising Chair
o.solomon.thepanther@gmail.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF RYLEE ENDARA
SPORTS 17
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HOW STUDENT ATHLETES DEAL WITH RECRUITMENT From keeping up with their schoolwork to constantly practicing to stay at the top of their game, student athletes have a lot on their plate. In addition to all this work, some student athletes also must manage their college recruitment and future in sports. Many Palmetto students have established themselves as top-tier athletes, successful both on and off the field. The recruitment process often brings about extra work for the athletes, but for some, it pays off in the long run. These students get scholarships to continue playing a sport at the collegiate level, increasing their chances of going pro later in their athletic careers. For standouts like Palmetto junior Corey Collier, they tend to soak in this time and take advantage of it while it lasts. “You have to enjoy your recruitment. Going on the trips and visits is the most fun,” Collier said. As a four-star football recruit who is ranked by 247 Sports as the fifth-best cornerback in the country from the Class of 2021, Collier has received interest from multiple toptier schools. Some of these include Clemson University, the University
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of Miami, the University of Georgia, Florida State University and Syracuse University. Similarly, Palmetto football 2019 alumnus, Cornelius Nunn, continued his football career at Syracuse after being recruited by the University of Alabama and the University of Miami. Palmetto’s football team also features several other top recruits. Ranked as the seventh-best defensive tackle in the nation, junior Leonard Taylor has received interest from UM, Georgia and Alabama. Additionally, junior Jason Marshall is ranked as the fourth-best cornerback in the nation and has secured offers from Alabama, FSU and UM. However, football is far from the only sport at Palmetto with talented athletes. Senior and softball infielder Katie Burge will play for the University of Central Florida following graduation this year. As Palmetto’s 2019 MaxPreps Softball Player of the Year, Burge remains focused on playing the game she loves despite the attention she has received after committing. “When I’m playing, I don’t even think about who’s watching,” Burge said. “It just makes it harder if you
try to overcomplicate everything and think too much.” After racking up 50 hits and a .667 batting average in the 2018-19 season, Burge hopes to lead Palmetto to a successful season. Burge’s main goal for the team this season is to make it to this year’s state competition. Following an extremely successful junior year, Burge will definitely be worth keeping an eye on in the future, especially when she arrives at UCF. Outside of football and softball, Palmetto features sports with several other notable recruits. Senior Jackson Menachem, a midfielder for the Panther soccer team, is currently committed to play for Washington University after he graduates in 2020. Palmetto has produced talented student athletes in the past, and still do to this day. Whether football, softball or any other sport, Palmetto’s athletic program has been on the rise recently and can only go up from here.
Jack Meyer
News Editor
j.meyer.thepanther@gmail.com
OPINION|18
volunteer
or
VOLUNTOLD? With college applications looming over senior’s heads, some wonder if they have done enough. Nowadays, students feel the need to pack their application with community service hours, internships and a long list of clubs to give them a competitive edge. Moreover, other seniors are rushing to complete their graduation requirement for community service hours. Generally speaking, this forces students to rush into a volunteering field many are indifferent to. However, the ugly truth behind the system reveals how students enter the world expecting they already know their passions and the field they want to study in, but in reality, experience a change of heart. Overall these requirements—especially those of community service—result in said confusion. The mandating of volunteerism by schools and the fact that it has become a standard on college applications creates a system where students volunteer solely to complete the requisite, dissuading students from finding their true passion. Overall in the U.S., an estimated 15.5 million youth – or 55% of youth ages 12 to 18 – participate in volunteer activities, according to the Corporation for National Community Service. 19 states allowed
districts to award graduation credit for volunteering or service learning in 2011, and seven states allowed districts to require service for graduation, according to data collected by the Education Commission of the States. However, this system results in the possibility of students volunteering simply to get their hours completed instead of finding something they feel truly passionate about. According to research by the University of Pennsylvania Scholarly Commons, 72.1% of youth volunteers did community service just to put it on their college application. This suggests that students do these activities not out of goodwill but to fulfill their credits and make their application look good, producing students with no idea of true civic engagement. “I think there’s a straight correlation between civic education and volunteering. Meaningful civic education should have that approach where you tell the students, ‘This is how your government works; this is what happens in a community; what are you going to do about it,’” District supervisor for social studies at Miami-
Dade County Public Schools Jackie Viana said. “However, when you tell a child, ‘Listen, this is a mandate, you have to do this to graduate,’ I don’t know how well that works.” This concept of systematic volunteering just to fill an obligation and then stopping once passing the minimum was illustrated in Maryland when community service became a requirement for seniors to graduate. According to Education Week, before the 2011 mandate, 7.8% were more likely than other students in the U.S. to be engaged in service activities. After, however, seniors were 9.2% to 17.4% less likely to volunteer. While this sometimes results in students finding an activity they truly enjoy, the practice of requiring community service has become a burden for unpassionate students, defeating the purpose of volunteering and not benefiting students or the community overall.
Gianna Hutton Design Editor
g.hutton.thepanther@gmail.com
DESIGN BY ANA MARTINEZ
OPINION|19
face off: have curse words lost their shock value? YES
This sh** sucks! Just walk through the halls of high school and you will understand why curse words do not pack a punch like they used to. Cursing allows students to release pent-up anger or emphasize a point. As American culture increasingly values self-expression, the tabooness of curse words diminishes. Though commonplace nowadays, profanities previously turned heads. According to the Huffington Post, in the Victorian era people could not refer to the leg or thigh of a chicken at the dinner table; instead, they used the words “dark meat.” Though considered risqué back then, the connotations behind “leg” and “thigh” have changed because of cognitive dialectology, or word desensitization due to overuse. In modern times, curse words made their way into mainstream vocabulary through social media. According to a study by TIME Magazine, 22 curse words get posted every second on “Twitter.” Children look up to celebrities, and when their posts include curse words, kids feel the urge to do the same, causing the trend to spread. Music also plays an important role in the desensitization of curse words. Specifically, the music genre of rap contains a slew of curse words. Teens have become numb to this — the words sung in rap have become part of their everyday vocabulary, with 46% of teens using profanity daily, according to a Gallup Youth Survey. The increased use of profanity trend does not exempt movies. Profanity in movies has increased by 500% during the past 74 years, according to The Washington Times. The exposure teens have to social media, music and movies causes a generational difference in the shock value of curse words. This trend will continue for generations to come, until curse words lose all their negative connotations and become normalized. In fact, calling some words “profanity” is just a cultural construct. The cycle of desensitization will continue to persist because as culture evolves, so does language.
NO
It only takes one word to move someone to tears after making an innocent mistake. The word might continue to echo in their minds for hours and hours, leaving an impact that does not fade. Although curse words are now spoken more often in everyday conversation, the shock value remains, especially when put under a spotlight. Cursing perceivably allows someone to express hatred or discomfort, but after slipping in a curse word to a seemingly mundane conversation, it can make another person feel like a target. From heated arguments to a slight confrontation about an issue, using profanity towards another person, will affect the person, influencing the reactions and thoughts of the target. This person may now proceed with more caution in taking on daily tasks and how he or she reacts to a future situation. On a larger scale, because of the fault-finding world we live in today, the use of curse words should remain avoided at all costs in a professional setting, including national politics. If a political candidate or even president were to use profanity when addressing an issue, citizens would certainly criticize the person using such language. It would create a negative image of the country and set a bad example for those that look up to the leaders. Profanity in the music of my generation has become the norm, but other generations find it completely appalling. For instance, in the car, when a child or teen plays their music and it contains a curse word, parents react with utter shock. The child may feel numb to the lyrics, but when he or she actually processes the song, the messages can still startle them. While profanity has become habitually used in our lives, when one stops and really listens to what another says, reactions prove this type of language can still be shocking and considered unacceptable.
Kate Stuzin
Allison Gould
k.stuzin.thepanther@gmail.com
a.gould.thepanther@gmail.com
Copy Editor
PHOTOS BY ANA MARTINEZ
Opinion Editor
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OPINION |20
AROUND THE WORLD IN years, filled with patisserie françaises and weekly trips to Magicland. But soon, my dad got another job in Accra, Ghana, and after my sister’s birth, we moved again. At first, Accra had many similarities to Dakar, as we were surrounded by strangers. Luckily, in Dakar, we had met another Paraguayan family with a daughter one year older than me that moved to Ghana with us. During our first few weeks in Ghana, my friend and I would spend hours making “Hannah Montana” videos. (She lives in Miami today, and we still hang out to this day). In our three years in Accra, we explored Ghanaian culture, doing everything from African dance to making beautiful necklaces with the local bead factory’s products. Not only did I learn the culture, but we also made our own dysfunctional family, full of Latinos from all countries. A day we were not together celebrating was extremely rare. After three years in Ghana, my dad got relocated again, and it’s now my seventh year in Miami. The older I got, the more I missed the huge family gatherings and my childhood best friends in Paraguay. But even though I did not grow up around those I knew back home, I would not have wanted to grow up any differently. I had the opportunity to meet so many different people who not only became my family but made me the person I am today. Home is not a country, nor my old childhood home. Home is laughing with my parents and my sister; home is my dogs, and my friends, who live out all my adventures by my side. Though not the traditional family, the experiences we share created a bond like no other.
Valentina Caceres Sports Editor
v.caceres.thepanther@gmail.com
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Many people stay in one place their whole lives, spending the holidays with their families. But I grew up in four different countries and did not experience these things that seem normal to others. Instead, I had to adapt to a new environment with completely new people every couple of years. I was born on Oct. 28, 2002 in Asuncion, Paraguay. My five years there consisted of family gatherings and playdates with classmates whose parents went to school with mine. My mom tolerated me begging to play at el Club Centenario, where, after hours of trying to make it across the “big kid” monkey bars, we sat down for empanadas de jamon y queso and helados en paleta. Unlike adults, kids are more open to change. That’s why, when my dad told me of his new job in Dakar, Senegal, I didn’t see this as a complete reconstruction of my life—it just meant a new playground. The day we left Asuncion, we were sent off by our family and friends, and, with my noni (my yellow pillow) in hand, my parents and my two dogs, we set off on our adventure. We arrived in Dakar, Senegal, a place completely different from the one we had known our whole lives. In Asuncion, I had spent hours watching everything from “Patito Feo” to “Los Backyardigans.” But when I turned on the TV in our new home, I found myself watching “Hannah Montana,” where they spoke something my mom called frances. Back home, the only language besides Spanish I had heard was English. In Dakar, I had to learn to speak English and French. The culture was completely different, too. I had gone from living in a completely white area to a predominantly black area. My school, the International School of Dakar, lived up to its name; every student was from a different country. I had friends from India, Lebanon, etc. I lived in Dakar for an incredible two
PHOTOS COURTESY OF VALENTINA CACERES
16 years
AD 21
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Jennifer Gould
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continuing the family tradition
STAFf editorial
Do well in school — really, really well — but have a social life. Have a relationship, but do not get carried away. Remain independent, but remember: you are still dependent. Teenagers are constantly pulled in a million different, often conflicting, directions. Our teachers tell us one thing, our parents tell us another, our friends, something else. It is already a difficult stage — we are trying to “find ourselves” — but compounded by mixed messages and expectations nearly impossible to live up to. Nowadays, teens must live up to much higher expectations than their parents ever did. According to US News and World Report, Columbia University had an acceptance rate of 65% in 1988, whereas in 2014 it had an acceptance rate of a mere 7%. Because more students partake in rigorous schedules, getting into top tier colleges has proven more difficult than ever. Students must practically start a charity, achieve the highest grades and test scores and get enough sleep — all at once, which is simply impossible. Teens have also created high expectations for themselves socially. Teens feel pressure to get their license on their 16th birthday, and when they do not meet that expectation, they can feel judged. Whether from repeated jokes from friends or disappointed looks from acquaintances, the tension remains. An average age of when “firsts” should happen applies added pressure: first kiss, first date, first job, etc. Those firsts happening to everyone at the same time lacks naturality. Teenagers should live uninhibitedly and enjoy the few years they have left before they go off to college. Stop worrying about what friends and parents think and focus on what makes you happy. Blast your music loudly and dance like no one is watching. Go out, or stay in, whatever you prefer. Experience the world for what you make it, and forget about the judgement of others. Live your life for you.
Sincerely, The Panther Staff
Florida, man Just Florida Things: Publix Any state you go to will have an average supermarket. However, no matter where you go, no store is more special to Floridians than Publix. Every child remembers running away from their parents and asking the bakery worker for a free cookie. Those free cookies tasted better than any treat money can buy. As we get older, the cookies fade away, but there’s still the free sample bar right next to it. Every sample felt like a mini home cooked meal, and you always asked your parents to buy the ingredients to make it, knowing it wouldn’t even come close to how it originally tasted. If you were bold enough,
you’d put on a hoodie or readjust your hair to try and sneak some seconds. What makes Publix stand out, however, is how blatantly Floridian it is. Only at Publix will you see cakes that challenge incoming hurricanes or all the water bottles flying off the shelves every September. Without a Publix every few blocks, our Floridian culture would remain as bizarre as ever, but it would be a little less sweet. So here’s to Publix and everything Floridian about it. Jack Meyer
News Editor
j.meyer.thepanther@gmail.com
MISSION STATEMENT The Panther staff aims to inform fellow students and parents about schoolwide, local, national, and international news. The Panther’s content aims to represent the student body. Editorials feature the opinions of staffers. Features of other students, teachers and clubs further promote the spirit, culture and personality of Miami Palmetto Senior High School.
EDITORIAL POLICY The Panther is a monthly publication of Miami Palmetto Senior High located at 7460 S.W. 118th Street Miami, FL 33156, (305) 235-1360 ext. 2337. The views expressed are solely those of The Panther staff. Students who wish to respond to an article in this publication or discuss another issue may write letters to the editor and submit them to room 911B or e-mail us at thepanthermpsh@gmail.com. The Panther has professional membership in NSPA and CSPA. The Panther prints 3,000 copies per issue for distribution. The Panther is distributed for free to all students in school. Subscriptions (for cost) are also available. Please visit our paper online at thepalmettopanther.com.
BYLINE POLICY:
All creative work (such as illustrations, graphics, photos and writing) excluding staff editorials and staff member pictures will include byline credits.
CORRECTION POLICY:
Any errors in print will be acknowledged in the next print issue in a correction box. Any errors online will be acknowledged immediately. Errors include facts, figures, misquoting and name misspellings.
ADVERTISING POLICY:
Ads will be designed by the advertiser and include all information the advertiser wants included. If the advertiser asks the staff to design the ad, the individual who sold the ad will design the ad or the Ads Manager will. Ads will be approved by EICs, the Advisor and the Ads Manager. If an ad produced is illegible, contains false information, or the advertiser does not like it, they will receive a free ad in the next issue. If you would like to advertise, please contact us.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY The School Board shall comply with all Federal Laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and all requirements and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education. The Board will enforce its prohibition against discrimination/harassment based on sex, race, color, ethnic, or national origin, religion, marital status, disability, age, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, gender identification, social and family background, linguistic preference, pregnancy and any other basis prohibited by law. The Board shall maintain an educational and work environment free from all forms of discrimination/harassment, which includes Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX prohibits sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct such as unwelcome touching, graphic verbal comments, sexual jokes, slurs, gestures or pictures. All students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding, discouraging, and reporting any form of prohibited discrimination or harassment against students by employees, other students and their parents or guardians, or third parties. This policy prohibits discrimination and harassment at all School District operations, programs, and activities on school property, or at another location if it occurs during an activity sponsored by the Board.
STAFf Editor-In-Chief
Allison Strasius
Print Editor-In-Chief Nicole Markus
Online Editor-In-Chief Joanna Salvat
Managing Editor Jane Heise
Senior Copy Editor Isabel Wilder
Senior Design Editor Gemma Torras
Advertising Chair Olivia Solomon
Feature Editor
Lissette Martinez
News Editor Jack Meyer
Life Editor Kristine Villarroel
Sports Editor
Valentina Caceres
Opinion Editor Allison Gould
Multimedia Team Valentina Caceres Jacob Grindstaff Sofia Vinueza
Copy Team Priscilla Bermudez Katriona Page Kate Stuzin
Design Team Camilla Bondy Sydney Campbell Gianna Hutton Ana Martinez Julia Strasius
Staff Writers Catalina Arbe Kun Liu Zaviera Presley
Adviser
Laura Aviles
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