Express Yourself - The Eagle Eye - Volume 4, Number 2 - December 2018

Quarter Two 2018 • Volume 4, Number 2

Quarter Two 2018 • Volume 4, Number 2

Express Yourself student artists

Creativity social media infuencers Student run businesses tattoos fashion

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School 5901 Pine Island Road Parkland, FL 33076

The Eagle Eye Quarter Two 2018 • Volume 4, Number 2

Front Cover: cover model junior Luis Calhau; photo illustration and graphics by Nyan Clarke

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Contents Photo by Nyan Clarke The opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School or Broward County Public Schools. The publication abides by the scholastic press associations and is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. If you would like to advertise please call (754) 322-2150 or email melissa.falkowski@ browardschools.com

Visit us at: eagleeye.news @HumansofMSD on Instagram @EagleEyeMSD on Twitter

03 Letters to the Editor 04 MSD in Brief Douglas in Dissaray 06 Midterm Election Reflections 08 09 Midterm Milestones 10 Confirmation Chaos 10 Kava-nope 11 Public Platform 12 believe women

MSD student body shares their perspective on various issues New developments occur at MSD

Students and teachers protest after faculty is reassigned

2018 midterm elections bring shift of power in U.S. Congress

Midterm elections set new milestones for public office Brett Kavanaugh confirmed to the Supreme Court

Editorial: Brett Kavanaugh should not have been confirmed

Celebrities use platforms to become activists

Photo illustration by Katrina White

Editorial Board Hannah Kapoor Rebecca Schneid Editors-in-Chief

BRianna fisher Junior Editor-in-Chief

Dara Rosen Taylor morrison Leni Steinhardt Zoe Gordon Anna Dittman Associate Editors

Taylor Yon Business Manager

Einav cohen Managing Editor

Nyan Clarke Photo Editor

Ryan Lofurno Sports Editor

Staff Writers

Elama Ali Yuval Alter Ashley Ferrer Tara Gaines Thais Guerra Alex Han Emily Kolber Ryen Kowalczyk Jordyn Laudanno Mallory Muller

Bianca Navas Farrah Nickerson Julia Noye Mackenzie Quinn Kaleela Rosenthal Ryan Servaites Kacie Shatzkamer Ava Steil Darian Williams

2018 marks major conflict over sexual violence in the U.S.

15 Express Yourself • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

16 - Junior Marisol Garrido expresses herself through performance poetry 17 - Senior Isabella Pfeiffer channels creativity through her art 17 - Senior Cameron Leonardi follows his dream to perform in professional orchestra 19 - MSD students use brand name labels to express themselves 21 - Senior Farrah Nickerson shows entrepreneurship with her hedgehog breeding business 21 - Junior Bailey Paul uses her artistic talents to enhance graduation caps 23 - Students and teachers explain the meaning behind their tattoos 23 - Teachers show off their individual styles 24 - Senior Julie Piedra uses makeup as an outlet for creativity 25 - Senior Jonathan Romeus uses YouTube as a way to express himself 25 - Junior Austin Roy expresses his creative side on SoundCloud 27 - MSD students express their cultures through dance 29 - Students debate whether the school system restricts or encourages development of creativity 30 - MSD students in the LGBTQ+ community must cope with judgement when expressing themselves

32 Just Relax 34 Fall Wrap-Up 37 Taking it to the next level Figuring it Out 39 MSD students use yoga and other methods to relax

MSD athletes complete fall sports seasons

Senior athletes commit to colleges

Junior Hannah Levine enrolls in virtual school to pursuit figure skating

Design by Rebecca Schneid

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Under the Influence

Dear Editor, Drinking and driving kills almost 11,000 people every year in the United States. Two thousand of the deaths include children ages 0-14. Teen drivers are three times more likely than more experienced drivers to be in a fatal crash.

I know numerous individuals that take part in driving under the influence.

Even if it’s just one drink, it could ruin not only your life but others as well. In 2013, two lives from our community were taken because of an intoxicated driver.

It’s not cool to promote that you can control yourself when you drink and drive. I’ve heard students from this school brag that they can drink and drive.

We can prevent these devastating deaths. Reach out to your friends, family, even strangers. Ask for a ride, call an Uber, designate a driver that won’t drink, and even protect others by taking their keys if they attempt to drive after consuming alcohol. They may be angry at you, but the alternative is much worse.

Don’t drink and drive; it will ruin your life.

Gabby Furetta, 12

A Broken Home

Dear Editor, Have you seen what has been going on at our school? Our strong community is being picked apart from the inside. While it is normally logical to hold people responsible for their actions, this is not the case for this situation. The reason for this overhaul of administration is not solely because of their wrongful actions as it should be, but rather, because of the public’s need to find someone to blame.

They have lost their sense of security, no, their children’s sense of security. I understand that our community was hurt that day, but I think that their hate is misplaced. Unfortunately, our school’s administration was that perfect target. It is possible that without the continued aggression from the public on the Broward County School Board, they would have never needed to find a scapegoat. Now don’t get me wrong, the public has every right to be find someone to blame as they were the ones most affected by it. They have experienced something that no person ever should.

Although I support holding people responsible for their actions, we need to remember that there is only one person to blame. One person that caused our pain. One person that needs to pay the price. One person is responsible, not our school.

Wilson Huang, 12

Send us a letter Have something to say about school? Have something to say about a local, national or global issue? Have something to say about this issue of The Eagle Eye? We want to hear your opinions.

Email submissions to: msdeagleeyenews@gmail.com

Submissions must be between 100-250 words

The Great Divide

Dear Editor, The biggest problem with U.S. politics is political parties. George Washington warned us about splitting into factions in the 18th century, and yet the inevitability of its occurrence has led to the ridicule and decimation of our government on the world stage. The major problem isn’t that we’ve split into parties, but that the two major parties face the pressure of opposing each other on every single major topic. For politicians, it’s not just about having different ideas, but about being on the extreme ends of the political spectrum – extremely liberal or extremely

conservative with no in-between. Taxes, abortion, immigration, gun ownership, you name it.

And this results in so much hostility between members of different parties.

It happens in the news, among family members and in my classrooms. We need to understand that just because you hold certain views, doesn’t mean that you have to be so acerbic in defending them. Try and hold an understanding conversation once in a while. Listen to the other person and their reasonings for holding their beliefs. I’m sure your point will come across better that way.

Sophie Ayoung-Chee, 12

Backed Up Dear Editor, Something that I’ve always had a problem with in school is the restrooms.

Most of them are overcrowded in between classes. It’s part of the reason why I’ve never used the restroom during school hours.

The long lines in between classes is not really a huge issue for me personally, but I know that it is for many others.

We get eight minutes to get from one location to another in the school. For many students, their destination is on the other side of school. They are told by numerous teachers and staff that the proper time to use the restroom is in between classes. But how are students expected to get to class on time when they’re waiting in a line for minutes while still having to walk across campus

to get to class? Students can’t go straight to class and ask to use the restroom in the beginning of class because of the rule that students cannot leave during the first or last ten minutes of class, so that leaves students either having to wait ten minutes or start rushing to class everyday.

So, the real question is how can we resolve this issue? I don’t have an exact answer to this, but I have a suggestion.

If the bathrooms had more stalls built into them, then lines would move much faster or there may not even be lines. Not all restrooms in the school would need more stalls, but the most frequently used ones in between classes should. Having more stalls is worth trying and spending money on.

Katarina Athanasiou, 11

Missed Goals

Dear Editor, A school issue that disappoints me is the recognition by the students, teachers, and administration of the soccer season. The boys soccer team has had exceptional seasons for the past 5-8 years, making it to regional semi-finals and having a close to perfect record.

During the first quarter of the school year, every year the school gets excited about the Friday night football games.

And don’t get me wrong, I love football.

I love watching football, and it is one of my favorite sports, but the team has had a record that is under .500 every year. If we had a better football team, competed with bigger schools, and made it to the playoffs every year this would be a different story, but unfortunately, this is not the case. The school needs to better

recognize the successful teams such as the soccer team, wrestling team, lacrosse team and the baseball team. These are the teams that continue to strive.

While for football, there are pre-sale tickets, banners everywhere, posts on social media and other persuasive items to get you to come out and support the team. The team was even invited to Georgia to play. It seems like every other sport is doing something besides one of the most successful teams to ever compete at Douglas. I’d like to see announcements throughout the day about the soccer team’s games or their accomplishments this year. Successful teams need to be recognized more, acknowledged more and supported by the entire school.

Jordan Ruddy, 12

Cracking Under Pressure

Dear Editor, One thing I hate about this school is how much stress and pressure is put on us. It seems like if you don’t get straight A’s in all the seven AP classes you’re supposed to be taking to get in the $100,000 Ivy League colleges with a full scholarship or you’ll become a homeless hobo living under the Brooklyn Bridge who eventually dies of measles.

My point is that students nowadays is put under so much pressure that

depression rates have gone up. This isn’t just a problem our school has, every school in this nation.

Kids shouldn’t be so scared to screw up a little bit at school and then think their life is over and there is nothing to look forward to. And even if they do everything right and manage to get a job, they’ll still be living under huge amounts of student loans. This something we as a nation should all work on together.

Rameen Naviwala, 11

A Hot Topic

Dear Editor, Something that I have seen as an issue that has been happening everywhere is the destruction of nature. People have been tearing down so much life just to build companies on top. They never stop to think about the wildlife that lives there.

When their habitat is changed it could cause a shift or even change in the food chain which could eventually affect us. Some don’t realize that the life around us is what keeps us alive. For example, oceans are filled with trash, air is contaminated causing acid rains, the poles are melting, we have people living in trash in other countries, and we even have theories that our world will be covered in trash in the future.

Why can’t we just protect what we already have left? Us as a group need to make this one change so that our upcoming generations can live in a clean environment and not one that’s dirty with junk.

Nicolas Martin, 12

Love is Love Dear Editor, This in regards to LGBTQ+ and, mainly, its lack of representation in both politics and entertainment.

There’s a documentary about Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay public official – and that’s just about it from before 2018. I’m sure there are more, but why haven’t I heard their ideals?

Why don’t I see them on news channels? For a community that is growing by the minute, the LGBT need representation, need someone to look up to and assure them that things are possible.

We need more of that. As for entertainment, I can think of a lot of shows that have a character of the queer community – about half of them are killed off the show before it’s over. It’s upsetting knowing that they still aren’t seen as “normal” on a television screen, not without many complaining it’s being “shoved down their throats.” Is heterosexual romance not shoved down throats in general? How can one have overrepresentation? While the problem is slowly getting better, and people are becoming more accepting, it’s still a recurrent problem and hopefully politicians and those in the entertainment industry begin to recognize it, too. Even at our school, I know homosexual couples that have a fear of holding hands in case they get glares or ridicule.

Normalize it. Please.

Caitlynn Tibbetts, 11

Letters to the Editor 03

New developments occur at MSD

msd in brief

Practical printing

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n Wednesday, Oct. 10, two computers and one printer were installed in the east side of the cafeteria to provide students with an additional location to print assignments.

The new print station is available all day, every day. This occurred in response to complaints from both students and teachers over frequent media center closures.

The media center is frequently used to host events and as a testing location.

During the 2017-2018 school year, it was closed for about 30 days. When this location is closed, it prevents students from accessing computers and printers in order to complete assignments.

“There was never a clear schedule of when students could and couldn’t use the media center to print, so sometimes I was blindsided as I showed up to use the printer and the media center doors were locked because of testing,” senior Julie

Piedra said.

The Student Government Association got involved in resolving the problem by contacting MJ Photocopy – a company that offers versatile printing, fax and copying solutions for schools and public libraries – about leasing a new printer to benefit students.

“Teachers brought forth the complaint that when the media center is closed there is no where for students to print whenever they assign something that needs to be printed,” SGA adviser Justin Mellinger said. “As a service to the students, we decided that it would be a good idea to look into having the option for students to be able to print elsewhere on campus that is open during all hours of the day.”

MJ Photocopy provided a printing unit that is the same as the ones available in the media center. The company has a contract with Broward County Public

Schools, where they lease and maintain the printers for free, while collecting a portion of the revenues generated from students using the units.

Working together, SGA, MJ Photocopy and the school’s technology specialists selected the cafeteria as a sufficient place for the new print station. The school’s technology specialists provided the two computers and a monitor that are currently connected to the printing kiosk. Lunchtime Printing. Junior Einav Cohen demonstrates Students have already begun using the new print station in the cafeteria, which was installed on Oct. 10. The station is available for use every using the station.

“When I first noticed the new day. Photo illustration by Nyan Clarke Avron said. print station in the cafeteria, I got super The cost to print at the new print excited because now I would never run into the problem of not being able to print station in the cafeterias is the same as the something if the media center was closed. cost in the media center – 15 cents per This little improvement will definitely be page for black and white and 30 cents for a grade saver for me,” sophomore Sophia color. Story by Tara Gaines

Venturing to vote

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n Thursday, Nov. 1, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School transported nine students to a local polling station at the Parkland Recreational Center so they could vote for the very first time.

The trip, which was referred to as the voting bus, was organized by Sociology teacher Sandra Davis and Advanced Placement Government and Economics teacher Jeff Foster who managed to sign up 33 students for the trip. Ultimately, nine went on the field trip.

“Ms. Davis approached me with it and they were trying to give kids the opportunity to vote,” Foster said. “We are not the only school that did it in the county; the majority of the schools did.”

The idea for this field trip was proposed by Broward County Public Schools and was offered to every high school in the county that was willing to participate. BCPS provided school buses to every school that opted to participate.

The idea was to allow seniors of legal voting age the opportunity to vote.

The work of the Road to Change program to go out and register young people around the country to vote, as well as the shooting at MSD, were a few of many inspirations that prompted a nationwide push for younger people to involve themselves in politics.

“It’s unfortunate how this voting thing was spurred on by our incident in the school… but if we want to take some silver lining from what happened, it seems like younger people are motivated to change legislatures and legislation now, so that’s

04 News • MSD in Brief

a good thing,” Foster said.

Since the voting age in the United States is 18, only a few seniors were able to participate in the November election.

A voter’s first time can be seen as a transitional point in one’s growth from a teenager to an active young citizen and the nine students who participated in the voting bus are some of the very first amongst their peers to experience this transition.

“Voting for the first time was a good experience,” senior Matthew Fisher said.

“I got to feel like part of the adult society for a nationwide event… I think that this voting bus was a good idea because it encouraged young voters from our school to exercise their newly obtained right to vote.”

To help the students learn about their new power, a representative of Broward County’s Supervisor of Elections office, Mceddy Masson, came to speak with MSD students about the importance of voting.

Masson works in the Voting Education Department. One thing he emphasized was the importance of voting and how every vote matters.

“I think every vote matters in every election,” senior Maddie King said.

“Even though it seems like so many vote that yours won’t count, it will. If 100 people don’t vote, the election could go completely differently, especially in Florida where elections are so close.”

The trip’s effort to help represent young people in elections is especially important due to the age group’s historically low turnout rates. According

SGA organizes installation of print station in cafeteria

Students embark on a journey to vote for the first time

Civic Duty. Seniors Jessica Frengut, Maddie King, Nathan Louis, Erich Cook and Michael Robb check in to vote at the Parkland Recreational Center on Thursday, Nov. 1. Eligible seniors were transported to the polls to vote for the first time as part of a Broward County Public Schools initiative to engage young voters. Photo by Rebecca Schneid

to the United States Census Bureau, voter turnout for young people has always ranged between 40 to 50 percent; this is drastically smaller than the average 60 to 70 percent turnout for individuals older than 30.

The education system also plays a big role in how students perceive their role in politics, which is why many students and teachers were pleased by the introduction of the voting bus. In most schools, politics are rarely taught, aside from in government classes. Typically, it is taboo for teachers to speak about politics in the classroom; however, some students

believe that there should be more political involvement in the classroom.

“The education system can provide access to articles about different candidates, so that the students can become more aware of what is going on during election time,” Fisher said.

The transition from becoming a teen to an adult with the ability to determine the future of their country is often more than many are prepared for. The implementation of activities such as the voting bus trip is one outlet for students to become more involved and informed citizens. Story by Yuval Alter

Design by Dara Rosen

Ending on a high note

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n Saturday, Nov. 17, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s marching band, the Eagle Regiment, competed at the 2018 Florida Marching Band Championship at the Tampa Bay Rays’ Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Eagle Regiment brought home the 5A state championship for the second year in a row.

Scoring a 92.95, the victory was secured by a close margin of 1.95 points against Timber Creek High School from Orlando, Florida, who scored 91.10 points.

“When we found out we won, it was such a relieving moment,” junior Briana Eyzaguirre said. “We have a really strict work etiquette which allows us to be very productive, and we really worked hard for our title this year... which proves that if you put in enough hard work into something you’re dedicated in, there are always good results.”

They competed in class 5A, the largest class based on band sizes of over 101 wind and percussion players in the FMBC circuit. Eighty-nine schools competed at FMBC with only 11 competing in the 5A class.

“This year was different because we had all eyes on us,” junior Chloe Espey said. “Being from Douglas, we had tremendous support from everyone there. For the first time, our rivals felt like friends.”

This year was very emotional for the Eagle Regiment. Following the events of

Feb. 14, they performed and completed without two valuable members – Alex Schachter and Gina Montalto.

“What was different is that the people who passed away last year weren’t here to perform with us. A lot of people dedicated their performance to Alex and Gina, also in honor to Heather Quinn, who passed recently due to cancer, and wrote their names on their wrist,” Eyzaguirre said.

The Eagle Regiment was judged on music, visual and general effects. The music category consists of the sound and composition chosen. The visual category incorporates the shapes and designs each band executes throughout their performance. General effects refers to the wow factor given off throughout the performance. Each component contributes to the final score, which is a summation of the points accumulated in the three main categories out of a possible 100 points.

To most Eagle Regiment members, band is much more than a simple extracurricular activity.

“Band is a break from school; it’s a break from it all,” junior Alec FerrazEsper said. “All the kids there know each other, are comfortable with each other, they’re all friends.”

The Eagle Regiment worked long hours perfecting their performance for the competition. They practiced every Tuesday and Thursday for 4 hours, in

addition to weekend practices, rehearsals and local competitions. Competition days can be as long as 16 hours.

“Although band is a lot of work, I wouldn’t trade it for all the free time in the world. Our program is huge but each member brings something different to the group,” Espey said. “Through all the long Saturday practices and 16-hour competition days... all of our ups and downs are faced together.”

The band’s biggest rival, Park Vista High School, did not compete against them at FMBC because they marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 22 in New York City instead.

“They’re our big rival, and last year we didn’t expect to win. But, all the work we did paid off – in competitions our score would get inch closer and closer to theirs, until the moment at states when we got 91.7 and Park Vista got 91.35,” Eyzaguirre said.

The following day, Sunday, Nov. 18, the Eagle Regiment celebrated their victory by enjoying a day at the Busch Gardens amusement park in Tampa, Florida.

They returned to MSD later that night and were greeted by friends, family and faculty, congratulating them on their win, On Tuesday, Nov. 2, a celebratory ceremony was held in the courtyard at MSD congratulating them on their achievement. The entire Eagle Regiment dressed out in their uniforms and ran

Under Investigation

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n March 5, 2018, Gov. Rick Scott signed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Safety Act into law, allowing law enforcement to seize weapons from individuals under the Baker Act and raising the legal age to purchase a gun to 21 years old, in addition to other statewide reforms. The act also established the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission to investigate the events surrounding the shooting at MSD on Feb. 14, 2018 and to develop recommendations to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

“The commission was formed… to hold those accountable for the mistakes that contributed to the lives lost that day and to develop the best practices for school safety to give other schools across the country guidance on how to further ensure their school’s safety,” Max Schachter, father of slain MSD student Alex Schachter, said.

This committee functions within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Each commissioner was hand picked by one of three appointers.

Gov. Scott appointed Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley, Brevard County Superintendent Desmond Blackburn, Miami Shores Police Chief Kevin Lystad, former Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families Mike Carroll and Ryan Petty, father of slain MSD student Alaina Petty.

Florida Senate President Joe Negron appointed Lauren Book, Citrus County

School Board Member Douglas Dodd, Indian River County Undersheriff James Harping, licensed mental health professional Melissa Larkin-Skinner and Martin County School Board member Marsha Powers.

Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Richard Corcoran appointed Schachter, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Chief Assistant State Attorney Bruce Bartlett and City of Auburndale Chief of Police Chris Nelson.

Since April 6, 2018, the commission has met five times. Each meeting lasts for a minimum of two days. Videos of the meetings can be found on the Florida Channel website. The commission members discuss a different safety topic each time and reflect upon the causes leading up to, as well as the actions taken on Feb. 14.

“So many changes have happened already, and many more are too come,” Schachter said. “The need for an official code red policy in the district, that each classroom has to have a safe space for children to hide in an event of an active shooter.”

The information that was discussed by the commission led Broward County Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie to reassign MSD assistant principals Winfred Porter, Denise Reed and Jeff Morford along with Security Specialist Kelvin Greenleaf pending an investigation.

Eagle Regiment wins states for second consecutive year

We are the Champions

Prized Possession We are the Champions. Band Director Alex Kaminsky celebrates the Eagle Regiment’s victory in the courtyard on Tuesday, Nov. 20.

Photo by Nyan Clarke

Prized Possession. On Tuesday, Nov. 20, senior Steven Blake, juniors Nico Fraser and Angelina Brier and sophomore Jeremy Weschler, show off their state trophy to MSD students and staff.

Photo by Nyan Clarke

through the inflatable eagle used for the football team.

Principal Ty Thompson gave a speech praising the band and recognizing band director, Alex Kaminsky for his hard work and dedication to the Eagle Regiment program. Story by Taylor Yon

Public safety commission continues investigation into MSD shooting

“We identified staff members that did not do their job on Feb. 14,” Schachter said.

Not only does the commission review the actions of MSD staff members in response to the shootings, but they are also looking into other organizations and programs that were connected to the tragedy.

“There was a severe lack of training in the district as well as Speaking of Safety. Sheriff Scott Israel speaks to the Marjory problems with the Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission PROMISE Program,” Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018. Photo courtesy of Mike Stocker/South Schachter said. “We Florida Sun-Sentinel/TNS discussed how the school has to let law enforcement have access to The commission has also investigated their cameras so they can have real-time the lack of communication between intelligence when they respond to an the Coral Springs and Broward Sheriff’s emergency.”

Office. According to a WPLG Local 10 Following his resignation, former news report from Nov. 15, commission Deputy Scott Peterson, the resource members praised the Coral Springs Police officer at MSD on the day of the shooting, Department’s actions after their chief, was subpoenaed to appear before the Clyde Perry, testified. commission in the following month. On The commission hopes to further Nov. 15, Peterson was scheduled to attend investigate the events leading up to and the meeting and give a testimony, however on Feb. 14. Their goals are to ensure the he failed to show up. safety of not just Florida schools, but all “[Peterson’s] attorney showed up and schools throughout the United States and said he wasn’t going to testify,” Schachter to prevent any more tragedies. Story by Ava said. “We were very upset.”

Steil

News • MSD in Brief 05

Stronger Together. English teacher Chelsea Briggs and Anatomy teacher Jay Stobinsky stand in solidarity for their reassigned administrators. Photo by Nyan Clarke Bring Them Back. Junior Tarah Brutus walks out on Tuesday, Nov. 27 to protest the administrative reassignments. Photo by Dara Rosen Speak Out. History teacher Greg Pittman speaks with local news stations during the teacher protest on Tuesday, Nov. 27. Photo by Dara Rosen

Stand Up, Walk Out. Freshmen Kelly Cooke, Carli Komroff, Alex Heller and Sofia Cardona walk out of school on Tuesday, Nov. 27 to protest the recent administrative changes.

Photo by Dara Rosen

Stronger Together

Bring Them Back

Speak Out

Design by Dara Rosen

Douglas in Disarray

Students and teachers protest after Superintendent Robert Runcie reassigns and replaces four faculty members

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n Nov. 26, it was announced that Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School assistant principals Jeff Morford, Winfred Porter, Denise Reed and Security Specialist Kelvin Greenleaf would be reassigned in light of concerns brought forth by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission. In the meantime, the members in question will be working office jobs within the district.

Broward County Superintendent Robert Runcie, who promised to take action against MSD staff members within one week in his testimony before the safety commission on Nov. 15, made the decision to reassign Morford, Reed, Porter and Greenleaf pending an independent investigation into their actions.

Many students and staff were upset by the abrupt changes.

The following morning at 7:15 a.m., over 60 faculty members met at the school’s marquee sign, with signs in hand, and stood in protest.

“I felt that we were successful with the teacher protest because I know myself and many other people were able to speak to the press and were able to convey our concerns to them and they were able to understand why we were there,” history teacher Greg Pittman said.

During the protest, teachers held signs, chanted “bring them back” and were interviewed by local news channels.

English teacher Dara Hass held a sign that read “we are stronger together, keep us together” and debate teacher Jacob Abraham held a sign that asked “who is this helping?”

For many, protesting was a show of unity for the staff and administration in a time of such uncertainty at MSD. “I felt that it was very necessary for us as a family and as a school to collectively join together to show support for our administrators and staff members,” drama teacher Melody Herzfeld said. “The goal of the protest by the teachers is that it shines some light on the importance of having a cohesive staff and administration and teachers at the core of the school.”

Many students took to social media to plan their own protests for Tuesday, Nov. 27.

The first event was a walkout at 10:48 a.m. and the second was a sit-in located in student services at 1:15 p.m. The students participating in both events were advocating for the four staff members to returned to campus.

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Instead of completely walking off campus, some students formed groups on the grass outside of the school to protest the reassignments. As they were standing outside, students chanted “bring them back,” while news helicopters flew overhead capturing the event.

“It’s not fair. Since it’s what we’re familiar with and what we know is them and our community because we know what we went through together, and people coming in, like new people, who don’t understand, it will just make it harder for the students,” junior Lily McMullen said.

During the sit-in in the front office, students held posters demanding that their administrators be brought back.

“I’m here today because I feel as if it is insensitive, and it does not make any sense,” senior Naomi Davidson said. “You cannot just go to a school and take people out who have been here the longest and have seen people grow since freshman year. If you have a speculation or idea about something, you can’t get up out of

of slain MSD student Alex Schachter and commission member, said. “This is an investigation into finding out what happened and the causes and fixing those failures so it doesn’t happen again.”

Those in support of the commission feel as though this is the first step in holding people accountable for what occurred on Feb.14 and were greatly disappointed by the protests.

“The children have to keep in mind that the most important thing is them going home to their parents every day,” Schachter said. “If that doesn’t happen, like it didn’t happen for my son and the other 16 victims, then nothing else matters.”

Schachter is among many of the victims’ families who have been vocal about the need for accountability in the wake of the shooting.

Assistant principals Ron Adam, Teresita Chipi, Danny Lechtman and Darius Saunders replaced the four MSD staff members. Three of the four have personal connections to the school, as they are former MSD teachers or administrators.

While students and staff are grateful for their familiarity with the MSD community, nowhere and take someone from their many have expressed that they will miss job. You have to ask questions and ask the support provided by the previous questions to the right people.” leadership in the healing process after To acknowledge the students, Assistant Feb. 14.

Principal Daniel Most, leadership teacher Morford, Porter and Reed filed a Danielle Driscoll and Principal Ty lawsuit on Sunday, Nov. 30 against Runcie Thompson tried to answer any questions and the School Board of Broward County that the students had. for not following protocol when they “Robert Runcie is specifically the were being reassigned. The reassigned person who has made these decisions that administrators were told that they were are concerning you. It’s all him, he himself being investigated, but not told what the alone,” Principal Ty Thompson said to the investigation was about. students participating in the sit-in protest.

“There were things that could have “It is important that he is the one who been done differently on a lot of different hears these concerns that you all have levels, but I think that ultimately the and that is the message that I am telling person who should be held accountable is parents and staff that have contacted me.” Robert Runcie,” English teacher Katherine The small group of students continued Posada said. “He is not being held their sit-in until the bell rang at 2:40 p.m. responsible at all and seems to be passing While many within the school’s the blame onto others, which is not fair community have been vocal about their at all.” disapproval of the staff reassignments, An integral component of the culture others strongly support Runcie’s at MSD, in this case its leadership, was actions. Supporters point to the hours transformed once again with abrupt staff of testimony that has been presented to changes. Whether these changes were the safety commission as proof that the for better or for worse, have yet to be reassignments are necessary. revealed as the public safety commission “These individuals have been continues its investigation and releases its reassigned due evidence found by the final report at some point in January. Story Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety

by Dara Rosen, Brianna Fisher and Hannah Commission,” Max Schachter, father Kapoor

I felt that it was very necessary for us as a family and as a school to collectively join together to show support for our administrators and staff members... it shines some light on the importance of having a cohesive staff and administration.

”

News • Administrative Changes 07

Design by Elama Ali and Ryan LoFurno

Midterm Election Reflections 2018 midterm elections shift power in U.S. Congress

O

n Tuesday, Nov. 6, the 2018 midterm elections took place, marked not only by intense polarization, but also historic voter turnout rates.

This year, election issues were not just confined to the political world. With world leaders on Twitter, political advertising on Facebook and ad campaigns on Youtube, those of all ages were exposed to the debates presented in this year’s elections.

And because of that, political action rose significantly compared to other recent elections.

The voter turnouts were the highest they have been since the 1966 midterms, according to National Public Radio. There was a record 49 percent total voter turnout and an 188 percent increase in early voting compared to the 2014 midterms among 18-29 year olds according to the Atlantic.

There were certain key and heavily polarized races that had been major topics of discussion in American popular culture, such as the Texas Senate race between U.S. Representative turned Democratic candidate Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke and incumbent Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, the Florida gubernatorial race between Republican Rep. Ron DeSantis and Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum, and the Georgia gubernatorial race between Democratic Rep. Stacey Abrams and Republican Brian Kemp.

Polling times varied between states, with most polling stations opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 7 p.m.

One of the major goals of the Democratic Party leadership coming into this election was to take control of the House of Representatives. Prior to the

election, election sites like Fivethirtyeight. com, showed these odds with a 7-8 chance of them accomplishing the feat.

On election night, these predictions were proven correct; the Democrats gained the 23 seats they needed to take the House and more. New Democrats elected to the House were the most diverse group of representatives in terms of race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality.

In the Senate, the Republican party held steadfast, widening their majority from 51 to 49 to 53 to 47. Not only did they defend their seats up for re-election, they flipped three seats in Missouri, Indiana and North Dakota.

Not all election results were widely accepted, though. In Florida, there was a major outcry over uncounted votes, specifically in Broward County, leading to speculation and controversy surrounding the gubernatorial and senatorial elections.

In addition to concern over uncounted votes, a recount was called for due to the small margin between the candidates, prompting Rick Scott, the current Florida governor and the Republican senatorial candidate, to sue Broward County’s Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes over her management of the issue.

Florida, though, was not the only state with contested election results. The Georgia gubernatorial race between Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp and the Texas senatorial race between Beto O’Rourke and incumbent Ted Cruz were hot topics, trending on social media throughout the night. Republicans won with both of these elections, though, Kemp and Cruz taking the lead by small margins.

Not only were the elections themselves indicative of America’s shifting political

I’m Voting. Senior Sarah Chadwick and Ariana Ali call citizens at a phone banking party at the Heron Bay Clubhouse in Parkland, Florida, to make sure registered voters cast their ballot in the midterm election. Photo by Rebecca Schneid

climate, the voting trends were as well.

In some ways, the results were similar to those in 2016, Democratic turnout was overestimated and Republican turnout come in later, but was still extremely strong. In other ways, though, the American public showed a shift in interest.

Voters under 30 and women favored Democrats this year over Republicans by a 35-point and 19-point margin respectively.

Furthermore, white women established themselves as a swing vote, splitting their votes evenly between Democrats and Republicans; this was a major shift after the majority of them who voted

Key Florida results

Republican in 2014 and 2016.

Furthermore, a majority of voters made decisions not based on economic issues, as shown by the 68 percent of voters who believed the economy was doing “well.”

This illustrates a trend of Americans viewing social issues and ideology as their major drive for voting.

If these midterm elections are indicative of a new political trend of involvement and polarization, then America is looking forward to a new age of political involvement, the likes of which has never been seen before. Story Ryan Servaites

Florida voters pass new amendments and elect new officials

Passed Amendment 4

Passed Amendment 5

Passed Amendment 9

Passed Amendment 10

Passed Amendment 13

Restores voting rights to felons who have served their sentence, including parole and probation.

Excludes those convicted of murder or sexual offenses

Requires a two-thirds vote in the Florida House and Senate — instead of a simple majority — to raise taxes.

Does not apply to local taxes

Prohibits offshore oil and gas drilling for exploration or extraction in state-controlled Florida waters and prohibits the indoor use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices

Requires that all 67 counties in the state of Florida to elect their sheriff, tax collector, elections supervisor and clerk of courts

Ends all dog racing in the state of Florida by 2020, including commercial greyhound racing

Ron DeSantis

Rick Scott

Ted Deutch

Nikki Fried

Joshua Simmons

Elected Florida Governor (Republican)

Elected Florida Senator (Republican)

Photos courtesy of TNS, Coral Springs Commission and Twitter

08 News • Midterm Elections

Elected U.S. House of Representatives Elected Commissioner of Agriculture for District 22 (Democrat) (Democrat)

Elected First African-American to serve on Coral Springs Commission

Design by Ryan Servaites

MIDTERM Milestones

2018 midterm elections set new demographic milestones for public office

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Ilhan Omar

Rashida Tlaib

Sharice Davids

Debra Haaland

Youngest woman ever elected to serve in Congress

First Muslim American woman elected to serve in Congress

First Muslim American woman elected to serve in Congress

First Native American woman elected to serve in Congress

First Native American woman elected to serve in Congress

Jahana Hayes

Kyrsten Sinema

Angie Craig

Jeanette NuĂąez

Joe Neguse

First lesbian elected to Congress from Minnesota

First Cuban American elected as lieutenant governor of Florida

First African American elected congressman from Colorado

First African American First woman elected in Arizona to congresswoman from Connecticut serve in the U.S. Senate

These are just some of the midterm election firsts.

A record number of women won seats in the House.

Kristi Noem

Jared Polis

Veronica Escobar

First women elected to serve as governor of South Dakota

First openly gay man elected as a governor in the U.S.

First Latina congresswoman elected to represent Texas

100

women will serve in the U.S. House of

Sylvia Garcia First Latina congresswoman elected to represent Texas

Representatives

Photos courtesy of TNS and Twitter

At The Polls First 113 Million Midterm voters cast their ballots

to exceed 100 million votes

Source: CBS News

Voter turnout increases overall in the 2018 midterm elections

Highest voter turnout percentage in a midterm election since

1964

Highest

Level of midterm youth

participation in 25 years

Source: NPR

49+T 49+T 62+T 60+T 49%

31%

of eligible voters cast ballots across the U.S. Source: VOX

MSD Poll Poll results are based on a school-wide survey of 331 students

of eligible voters between ages 18 to 29 cast ballots in the U.S. Source: CIVIC

62%

34%

Maybe

Source: Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement

of eligible Broward County voters cast ballots

19% Yes

47% No

Ohio Wisconsin

How young people heard about the 28% Only heard about on social midterm elections electionmedia

Source: Florida Division of Elections

47+34+19

Are you satisfied with the 2018 midterm election results?

high youth turnout in the 2018 midterms

Source: Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement

57%

of eligible Florida voters cast ballots

5

StatesFlorida with Georgia Nevada

55+23+22

Do you believe that the Florida election recount was necessary?

23% No

19% Maybe

55% Yes

19%

There was a

188%

increase in early ballot voting among 18 to 29 year old voters

13+40+1928 38+20+22

13%

Traditional outreach by candidates/campaign outreach only

Reached through social media and traditional groups

What political party do you identify with?

20%

Independent

22%

Prefer not to answer

40%

No outreach

38%

Democrat

20%

Republican

News • Midterm Elections 09

Design by Dara Rosen

Confirmation chaos

B

y one of the smallest margins for a U.S. Supreme Court nominee in American history, Brett Kavanaugh was confirmed on the Senate floor on Saturday, Oct. 6.

This confirmation by a vote of 5048 resulted in a major victory for the Republican party and a conservative majority in the Supreme Court.

Kavanaugh was nominated by President Donald Trump in September 2018 in an attempt to fill the spot of retiring justice, Anthony Kennedy. The seat was the second Supreme Court vacancy filled by Trump since he took office in January 2017.

The Federalist Society listed Kavanaugh on a list of 25 judicial candidates recommended to Trump. Most of these candidates were judges with experience in the federal court system.

“They’re all fine candidates,” Federalist Society associate Leonard Leo said in an interview with CBS This Morning. “You could throw a dart at that list and in my view, you’d be fine.”

Kavanaugh attended Yale University, which also educated current justices Clarence Thomas, Sonia Sotomayor and Samuel Alito.

In 1993, Kavanaugh served as a law clerk to Justice Anthony Kennedy, gaining hands-on experience in the judicial system.

Years later, Kavanaugh was on the associate counsel team led by Kenneth Starr, the special prosecutor who investigated former President Bill Clinton’s extramarital affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

As part of Starr’s team, Kavanaugh helped draft the report recommending Clinton’s impeachment. Continuing in his legal career, Kavanaugh served on former President George W. Bush’s legal team during the 2000 election, going on to spend six years working in the White House.

Prior to his nomination, Kavanaugh gained judicial experience serving on the District of Columbia Circuit Court since 2006, the same court from which current Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg also served on.

Since his nomination, Kavanaugh’s political history in the Republican Party has been subject to controversy. Many of Kavanaugh’s judicial rulings have fallen in line with the President Trump’s values.

Despite the support shown from the GOP and Trump, many on the left have opposed Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination, especially after psychologist and professor Dr. Christine Blasey Ford accused him sexual assault in the midst of the nomination process.

In one of the most polarizing

kava-nope

A

lthough President Trump and other Republican leaders are satisfied with Brett Kavanaugh as a Supreme Court justice, he is not the right choice to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court nor is he the right choice for the future of the United States.

A Supreme Court Justice should show an even-temperament, high moral standards and exemplary leadership skills, alongside honesty and integrity. However, Brett Kavanaugh shows none of these characteristics.

When being questioned at his confirmation hearings, Kavanaugh avoided answering directly; he was evasive and combative.

Unlike Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who remains tranquil and sensible when explaining her opinions, and Chief Justice John Roberts, who was confirmed to the Supreme Court with little opposition, Brett Kavanaugh is a hot-headed, disrespectful man, who, in such a high ranking position, is a danger to this country.

He will be a guiding force in the U.S. government’s laws for years to come, which is something to be fearful of based on his recent conduct. As evidenced by Kavanaugh’s treatment of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, the future of women’s safety and rights are in serious jeopardy.

Brett Kavanaugh confirmed to the Supreme Court

Kavanaugh Confirmed. Retired Justice Anthony Kennedy, administers the judicial oath to Judge Brett Kavanaugh on Monday, Oct. 8. Photo courtesy of Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/TNS

controversies of the year, this sexual assault allegation galvanized hundreds of thousands of Americans to fight both for and against Kavanaugh’s confirmation.

The official hearing for Kavanaugh’s confirmation began on Sept. 27, and it addressed these sexual assault allegations.

He was also questioned on his abortion views, his alcohol intake in high school and college, and his opinion on presidential powers.

This accusation and the public response to it led to a week-long FBI investigation to examine Kavanaugh’s

moral integrity. Its results, however, made no conclusive claims for Kavanaugh’s case.

Thus, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to send Kavanaugh’s confirmation to the Senate floor.

Despite the backlash from many, every Republican and one Democrat in the Senate voted to confirm Kavanaugh.

Now seated on the highest court in the United States, Kavanaugh faces the challenge of proving to his critics that he deserves this judicial responsibility and that he will preside with integrity and objectivity. Story by Bianca Navas

Brett Kavanaugh should not have been confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court

When asked about his personal position on a women’s rights on the second day of the confirmation hearings, Kavanaugh refused to share his conservative views on abortion.

“As a general proposition, I understand the importance of the precedent set forth in Roe v. Wade… It has been reaffirmed many times over the past 45 years,” Kavanaugh said.

It seemed as though he did not definitively or clearly answer many of the questions that were asked.

Three women in total have accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault: Deborah Ramirez, Julie Swetnick and Ford.

However, Kavanaugh denied all claims and was extremely defensive when asked about the accusations.

His rebuttal to Ford’s allegation only further exemplified how guilty he appeared. How do you expect to look innocent when you immediately attack the people questioning you? In fact, it actually makes you look more guilty.

Kavanaugh also specifically attacked Democrats during his confirmation hearings saying things like “this whole two-week effort has been a calculated and orchestrated political hit.” He directly tied himself to Trump and the GOP, even though judges are supposed to be nonpartisan.

One who cannot follow laws should not be in a position of power to apply them.

Kavanaugh committed perjury when he lied about what the word “boofed” means and what the “Devil’s Triangle” is. He also lied under oath about his drinking habits Tell the Truth. Demonstrators opposed to Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh protest inside the Hart building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., in college, in on Sept. 27, 2018. Photo courtesy of Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/TNS an attempt to preserve his image. morally questionable person and a man According to Law and Crime, “multiple who lacks an even temperament, will hold legal experts, pundits and former peers this seat for the rest of his life. of Brett Kavanaugh believe the embattled Kavanaugh’s prior rulings as a judge Supreme Court nominee lied under oath shed light on where he will side in future during his re-hearing in front of the Supreme Court cases. Kavanaugh is known Senate Judiciary Committee.” to dissent on issues such as abortion, If Kavanaugh is willing to lie about climate and gun control. This country insignificant details, what is stopping him does not need another opposing view on from lying about larger issues at play? the Supreme Court to drive a bigger gap How can someone who has espoused between the parties; it needs a balanced, falsehoods be allowed to sit in judgment fair-minded individual to try to bring of any other individual? Kavanaugh, a people together. Editorial by Dara Rosen

In an effort to be more inclusive of a variety of student opinions, the Eagle Eye began including guest editorials from students outside of the newspaper staff during the 2017-2018 school year. Following Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court, our editors offered several conservative students, through Politics Club, the opportunity to share why Kavanaugh’s selection was positive. However, no students followed through on submitting an opposing editorial. Our editorial board chose to go to print with the con editorial, which reflects the beliefs of both the writer and the editorial board.

10 News/Editorial • Brett Kavanaugh

Design by Brianna Fisher

Public platform

In the Spotlight. Actress Alyssa Milano speaks about the importance of voting at the Actions for Change event in Parkland, Florida on Sept. 30.

Photo by Nyan Clarke

Celebrities use platforms to become social and political activists

T

he idea of political activism has become increasingly prevalent in today’s society. With the increase of social media, many people have shared their political views, as well as endorsed particular candidates while making their opinions known. One particular group of people have been using their platforms to speak out about controversial issues: celebrities.

The mere definition of a celebrity is someone that is always in the spotlight, which leaves a very small amount of their personal life private. However, some celebrities have embraced this unique platform they have and choose to share their political views with the world while influencing their fanbase’s beliefs.

“I think it’s important for celebrities to voice their opinions because a lot of people, especially in younger generations, see them as role models,” Politics Club Adviser Ariel Hertz said. “I think that they [celebrities] should use their opportunity and platform that they have as people that are very active on social media and have a lot of followers to, not necessarily sway people one way or the other, but to maybe just educate them on relevant, important topics.”

Taylor Swift, who has remained quiet about politics in the past, recently shared her political views with the public. In October, Swift turned to Instagram to explain who she planned to vote for and why she believes voting is important.

For Swift, a candidate’s view on human rights is a major deciding factor, which led her to endorse Tennessee Democrats Phil Bredesen for the U.S. Senate and Jim Cooper for the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country,” Swift’s Instagram post said. “I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who

they love.”

According to Vote.org, within 24 hours of the post, there was a voter registration spike of 65,000 people. Out of those newly registered voters, more than half were between the ages of 18 and 29. There was also an increase in the voter registration in Swift’s home state of Tennessee. Of the 2,811 newly registered voters in September, 2,144 of them registed directly after Swift’s post.

“I believe that celebrities should share their political views in order to increase a higher voter turnout,” junior Seth Klein

“

We Stand United, and we were getting so many calls from celebrities saying ‘what can I do; this is so crazy that we are in this movement in the United States,’” Ruffalo said during the interview. “We decided to get the celebrities to get the light and then put the people who really have something to say in the light.”

In addition to encouraging voter registration and casting a vote, many celebrities have stressed the importance of their fans voicing their own opinions.

Throughout countless Instagram posts, Milano has reminded others to become educated and know what their candidates stand for. Additionally, Milano provides resources so that her followers can become educated.

However, other people believe that celebrities should stick to focusing on their careers, not politics. While having such a large platform to voice their views, celebrities also have the potential to influence their fans in a negative way. a speech touching on the importance If a person votes for a candidate just of voting and activism, and spoke with because their favorite celebrity did, then students and teachers from the MSD they did not make an informed enough community. decision.

“Any time that you feel something “I feel like celebrities are constantly about an issue, and it is an issue that is marketing themselves in everything not easily fixed we have to keep beating they do, even if they do not realize it,” the drum, keep raising awareness, keep putting it in front of people so that they junior Max Wolfman said. “Today, any celebrity in the public eye is constantly don’t forget to make it better,” Milano getting ripped apart for every decision said in an interview with the Eagle Eye. they make, and I feel voicing political “There is no way that we are going to win any of these battles if we do not have opinions is a situation for disaster. Giving students, young people using their voices people a reason to dislike you is never a good idea and voicing political opinions to create this change.” does just that. I feel celebrities will be These are not the only celebrities more successful if they do not voice their following this new trend of activism. political opinions and focus on what Actor Mark Ruffalo has joined March made them famous in the first place.”

For Our Lives organizers in increasing While living in the spotlight, voter registration and voter turnout within the U.S. Ruffalo appeared on “The celebrities are looked to, today more than ever, to be a guide and role model in the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon” alongside MSD alumna Delaney Tarr and world of politics. Even though some may disagree with this new role that some senior Jaclyn Corin before the midterm elections to talk about the importance of celebrities have taken on, the trend has been on a rise within recent years. Story being politically active.

“We started an organization called

by Brianna Fisher Ramirez, have joined Cyrus to voice their opinions on the issue through social media.

Shortly after the statement, Milano took to Instagram with the picture “Trans rights are human rights.” Milano captioned the picture with “Voting is how we protect each other,” and has also posted several times about the importance of registering to vote.

Milano showed her support by attending the Actions For Change event on Sept. 30, 2018, held in Parkland, Florida. Additionally, Milano delivered

Any time that you feel something about an issue... we have to keep beating the drum, keep raising awareness, keep putting it in front of people so that they don’t forget to make it better.

said. “Celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande have such large audiences, and they have the power to make a change.”

Another celebrity that is very upfront about her political views is Miley Cyrus.

On March 24, 2018, Cyrus stood alongside MSD students at the March For Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C. “This is what my foundation represents, which is young people coming together to change the way that history has been written before us,” Cyrus said in an interview with the Eagle Eye. “Right now [young people are] changing what our future is going to be and making this world acceptable and safe for everyone.”

Cyrus’ nonprofit organization, The Happy Hippie Foundation, has been continuously advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, since its creation in 2014. After President Donald Trump’s statement that the sex listed on a person’s birth certificate shall constitute definitive proof of a person’s sex, many celebrities, such as actresses Alyssa Milano and Sara

”

Feature • Politically Active Celebrities

11

Believe Women 2018 marks monumental strides and conflict over the prominence of sexual violence in the U.S.

Photo illustration by Nyan Clarke and Darian Williams

Design Kapoor DesignbybyHannah Einav Cohen

A

n age-old power struggle, a form of oppression that transcends every race and class, a timeless form of terrorism. There are infinitely many ways to describe sexual violence, as it haunts men and women from every generation and culture.

From Hollywood to Washington, D.C., to college campuses and our own backyards, society is quick to taboo the idea of sexual violence but has yet to find a way to empower victims.

Recent months have proven monumental strides in the fight against sexual violence. For the first time in history, women are not as afraid to come forward, and for the first time, the public is ready to listen, to help and believe those who have been made victims by the horrendous acts of sexual violence.

According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, one out of every six American women has been a victim of attempted or completed rape in their lifetime and of these, only 230 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to the police.

Sexual violence, whether it be harassment or assault, is staggeringly widespread. It is frequently evaluated by its degree of severity, which often confuses many.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defines harassment as “offensive remarks about a person’s sex, unwelcome sexual advances [and] requests for sexual behaviors.”

While harassment often preludes to assault, it is not often taken as seriously as the latter. Assault is defined as explicit sexual contact that occurs “without the consent of the recipient.”

There is no doubt that sexual violence is one of the biggest, and surprisingly controversial, obstacles faced by women today. To combat this societal epidemic, feminist movements, such as the Women’s March, a grassroots organization that started on Facebook, and the #MeToo movement, founded by youth worker Tarana Burke in 2006, have garnered much attention towards sexual violence in today’s society and have taken drastic steps to end it.

The Women’s March and the #MeToo campaign are just two examples of modern feminist movements. In addition to combating sexual violence, the Women’s March and the #MeToo movement hope to battle other female-related issues, such as job discrimination, which is manifested in the wage gap and reproductive liberties, which are manifested in the abortion, and Planned Parenthood controversies.

“Feminism is a really important movement. It has had a lot of important waves, but the one right now is super important,” junior Anna Bayuk said. “It is

destroying the reputation of one individual makes for a tempting story, statistics have proven that is largely unlikely, taking into consideration the repercussions a victim must face when stepping forward.

Sexual assault and harassment is an issue that is controversial by nature, but if one thing is clear, it is that it extends far beyond the giants in Hollywood and Washington, D.C. The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network reports that sexual violence happens every 98 seconds, making it an issue that is so prominent, that it consistently plagues the lives of all women, no matter their culture or socioeconomic status.

Such has been the case throughout history, making it plausible to say that skepticism towards women has been embedded into many societal conventions.

In the Code of Hammurabi, one of the oldest examples of written law, the rape of a virgin was regarded as property damage done towards the victim’s father. It was not until years after the abolishment of slavery that women of color were finally protected by rape laws, despite enduring years of sexual violence at the hands of their masters. At every phase of human progress – not just in America – the rights of women as humans, not just sexual objects, has been a lesser priority in a world run by men.

Perhaps its prevalence in the day-today lives of women has served as the true momentum behind recent strides to bring justice towards victims of sexual assault.

“Seeing this stuff on the news is just a reminder that no matter who runs our clash between Kavanaugh and Ford extend country, we can always overpower [them].

O’Reilly, “House of Cards” star Kevin We have the right to be who we are. We Spacey and Minnesota Senator Al Franken, far beyond politics. can do whatever we want and not have to “I know the Kavanaugh case brought are just a few of many names on the live in fear,” junior Noa Golan said. a lot of people back to their own seemingly growing list.

While typical cases of assault and experiences of sexual assault,” Stav said. “I “I grew up watching many of these harassment are not met with Senate think it was really toxic to say [Ford] was people,” senior Wilson Huang said. “It’s judiciary hearings and weeks of bold both saddening and disgusting to see that just trying to destroy his political career. headlines and endless media coverage, the I think it prevented a lot of people from they were capable of this all along.” public is now more aware than ever and There is no doubt that media coverage stepping forward out of fear that they women are gradually overcoming their has made a major contribution in bringing would be blamed in the same manner.” fear of being judged for the violence that For many, Kavanaugh’s confirmation attention towards individuals guilty of has been inflicted upon them. to the Supreme Court symbolized a harassment and assault.

“Sexual assault is very scary. I know of reason for women to not come forward “It’s because of the bravery of all a lot of people who have experienced it, women and activists before us we’ve been with their stories. In fact, a study by but at the same time I refuse to let that Psychology Today identifies shame and able to get to this point,” Bayuk said.

“Because of them, we’re at a tipping point fear of consequences, such as losing one’s limit me and what I’m capable of doing,” Stav said. “Everyone should feel free to job and physical safety, alongside denial where change is happening a lot faster.” and feelings of helplessness to be the main express themselves and push themselves However, history has proven that to their limits without fearing sexual reasons why most incidents of sexual with any monumental movement, assault.” assault go unreported to the police. backlash always ensues. For many, it The upcoming months mark a beacon “If you take all the negative things was epitomized by the Brett Kavanaugh that come out of being sexually assaulted of hope in the feminist movement and in case this past September where the the changing dynamic of women’s rights. in addition to the act itself, I don’t think Supreme Court nominee was accused of At a national level, every case will not only anyone would fake that,” Stav said. “It’s sexual harassment by Stanford research signify the priorities of our nation, but a horrifying experience, and we have to psychologist Christine Blasey Ford and also serve as a reminder to women about believe survivors.” two other women. what they are fighting for. Story by Hannah While the notion of a widespread “I am here today not because I want Kapoor conspiracy that is pointed towards to be. I am terrified. I am here because I influential in the sense that it is not only working to get women equal rights, but it is working so that women aren’t always afraid.”

In 2017, movie mogul Harvey Weinstein’s career abruptly ended after a series of sexual assault allegations. What was most notable about this incident, however, was not a single allegation, but a series of them after the initial ones had been publicized on the media. A similar trend was seen involving President Donald Trump, with over 22 women accusing him of sexual misconduct, according to Business Insider.

“Sexual assault has always been a controversy. I think with a lot of people coming out with their experiences and it being in the news so much it’s become even more controversial,” junior Haley Stav said. “I think a lot of people just don’t want to believe that these big men in Hollywood and politics are capable of that.”

In the past few months alone, countless careers have been ended due to sexual assault allegations. “Today Show” host Matt Lauer, former chief justice of Alabama Roy Moore, Fox News host Bill

“

believe it is my civic duty to tell you what happened to me while Brett Kavanaugh and I were in high school,” Ford said in her testimony in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

While Ford was ultimately unable to prove that Kavanaugh was indeed guilty of her allegations, her testimony revived a centuries old debate about the credibility of women in cases of assault.

“This whole two-week effort has been a calculated and orchestrated political hit… When it was needed, this allegation was unleashed and publicly deployed over Dr. Ford’s wishes,” Kavanaugh said in his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. “And then as no doubt was expected- if not planned – came a long series of false last – minute smears designed to scare me and drive me out of the process before any hearing occured.”

In this instance, believing a case of sexual assault became a matter of red versus blue, with many advocates of Kavanaugh’s political agenda quick to deny the credibility of his accusers, labeling it a political conspiracy. While the public may never know the truth behind what happened, the implications of the

If you take all the negative things that come out of being sexually assaulted in addition to the act itself, I don’t think anyone would fake that. It’s a horrifying experience, and we have to believe survivors.

”

Coming Forward

80+T 60+T 80%

of victims of sexual assault know their attacker

63%

of sexual assaults go unreported to the police

Source: National Sexual Violence Resource Center

reasons WHY sexual assault survivors stay silent Source: U.S. Bureau of Justice

They have a fear of retaliation They have no proof

They believe the police will not help them They don’t want anyone to know

58++27+15 15+T

Sexual assault victims rarely report their abuse

14%

Do schools have adequate resources to handle issues of sexual assault and harassment?

Poll results are based on a school-wide survey of 330 students

Yes

27% No

59%

I don’t know

15%

of MSD students have been sexually assaulted or harassed

Feature • Believe Women 13

Design by Taylor Yon and Darian Williams

#KNOWTHEFACTS Alcohol and other drugs affect the developing brain.

03

02

The human brain is not fully developed until the age of 25.

01

Marijuana users score an average of 8 points lower on IQ tests.

Underage alcohol use can alter the structure and function of the developing brain.

04 Marijuana use negatively affects coordination, memory and emotions.

05

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Express Yourself

Express Yourself • Opening 15

Design by Brianna Fisher

Painting with her heart

Passion for Paint Senior Isabella Pfeiffer paints a mural for Astronomy Club in Marjory’s Garden on Dec. 19. Photo by Nyan Clarke

outspoken

Junior Marisol Garrido expresses herself through performance poetry

originally created in 2014 as an outlet for students in Chicago to give youth a place to express their views on the world.

“It’s cool to go to the competition and see all these different kids who also have a n an illuminated stage at 14 years old, junior Marisol Garrido love of spoken word,” Garrido said.

Since 2014, Louder Than a Bomb had finally found a way to has empowered youth across Florida transform her spoken words to speak out. Garrido auditioned at the into a masterful display of her dreams, school level during her sophomore year passions and all the emotions she had never been able to relay before. From the in hopes of making it to the next stage of the competition. Over the course of the subtle snapping at open-mics to tireless event, Garrido earned enough points to writing sessions, Garrido has found both earn her fourth place out of hundreds of a safe space and a way to explore her competitors. identity through the spoken word poetry “It’s the healthiest way I can express community.

Garrido first discovered spoken word at my feelings on things,” Garrido said. “I was Westglades Middle School and was greatly not in a great place before I found spoken word.” encouraged by the Westglades drama Even as a young girl, Garrido found teacher, Rachel Finley. it difficult to show people how she was “She really got me into the art form,” feeling. Many of her peers had a tough Garrido said. “She pushed to me get time relating to her. Not only did her involved, to get out there.” relationships suffer from her lack of self Spoken word is a form of poetry that expression, but so did her confidence. is meant to be performed. This form “Having this designated outlet where I of poetry uses repetition, rhythm and improvisation to shed light on many issues can just speak my mind on issues and put myself out there, it’s not only cathartic, involving social justice, race, politics and but it also helps me with speaking in even personal issues. While it is mainly everyday life,” Garrido said. meant to be performed, some pieces of Following the events on Feb. 14, 2018, spoken word have been published in print.

Garrido has found an even bigger voice Knowing that performance is a key within poetry. Instead of only speaking part of spoken word, Garrido, during her about her personal issues, Garrido is also freshman year at MSD, auditioned for a able to address national and politically statewide competition known as Louder controversial topics.

Than a Bomb Florida. This event was

O

16 Express Yourself • Student Artists

Speaking Out. Junior Marisol Garrido performs a spoken word poem at the Actions For Change event in Parkland, Florida on Sept. 30. Garrido discovered spoken word in middle school and has continued to write and perform as part of the MSD Spoken Word Club. Photo by Nyan Clarke

“I have more to express now,” Garrido said. “Not just about my everyday life, but also about the people I lost.”

In collaboration with senior Sawyer Garrity, junior Andrea Peña and other members of the spoken word club, Garrido recorded an unnamed album. She also competed at Louder Than A Bomb with a piece she wrote in honor of Helena Ramsey, one of the 17 victims of the Feb. 14, 2018 shooting at MSD. In her freshman year, Garrido took English teacher Stacey Lippel’s creative writing class. Before even reading one of her pieces, Lippel knew that Garrido had a passion for spoken word. On the first day of class, Lippel was sure that Garrido would excel in her course.

“She was a stand-out from the beginning,” Lippel said. “Nobody else

could match up to her writing quality or her performance ability.”

Garrido would spend all night working on assignments for Lippel’s class. Her determination and work ethic even earned her the nickname “suffering artist” from Lippel. Throughout the last three years of Garrido’s high school career, Lippel has watched Garrido grow in her writing abilities.

“She has gotten a little bit more focused and more confident, not only in her writing, but also in who she is today,” Lippel said.

Spoken word has given Garrido an outlet and a safe place to express her emotions. From a shy, misunderstood preteen to a mature, confident young woman, Garrido is ready to let the world hear her voice. Story by Ava Steil

Senior Isabella Pfeiffer channels her creative energy into her art

F

or senior Isabella Pfeiffer, art is so much more than a simple pastime.

What started as an activity to bond with her mother, who is also an artist, transformed into a passion that continuously allows her to express herself, her culture and her aspirations through painting and sculpture.

Pfeiffer’s fascination took off with a painting depicting dancers from numerous Hispanic cultures under the same sun which she presented in Ana Roa’s Spanish Speakers III class last March.

All of the students and judges praised the young artist, as they could not believe that it was the work of a student.

“We all loved it. It really turned some heads,” Spanish teacher Ana Roa said.

Pfeiffer grew up with a heavy artistic presence in her household. Amidst the hardships of migrating from Guatemala to the U.S., Pfeiffer’s mother continued pursuing her art. Pfeiffer grew up admiring her mother’s work, and it became apparent when she was 4 years old that she had inherited her mother’s love for art. “[My mother] had to get a corporate job to get adjusted to the country, so at the age of 46, she is just now starting her true art career. She really inspires me to follow my dreams at any age,” Pfeiffer said.

At 9 years old, Pfeiffer began taking classical human figure drawing classes at the Boca Raton School of Art. Most of Pfeiffer’s work contains abstract pieces,

Staying sharp

W

hen he attended Westglades Middle School, Cameron Leonardi did not anticipate that a simple elective choice would lead to his life’s passion: music. Now a senior, Leonardi is hoping his years of practice will kickstart his musical journey in college, as he works to transform his hobby into a career.

“My favorite part [of playing] would be performing,” Leonardi said. “There is no better feeling than finishing a great performance and knowing all of the hard work and countless hours of practice have paid off.”

Leonardi has developed his talents in Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s Eagle Regiment, a rigorous and timeconsuming program. To many, marching band is a hobby and an enjoyable elective for their time in high school, but for Leonardi, it is a pathway to a future career in music.

“I want to major in music performance in college and hopefully be in a professional orchestra or chamber group when I am older,” Leonardi said.

Leonardi’s love for music began in middle school. He had originally only signed up because all of his friends decided to sign up for the course.

However, once he learned to play the saxophone, he fell in love with music, leading him to continue on in the program.

featuring classical techniques that speak to her years of experience. According to her teachers, abstract and classical forms are considered very difficult to blend. “[My work] kind of refers to my dedication to art throughout the years, since I make sure to get my proportions right,” Pfeiffer said.

Although her work ranges from abstract sculptures to oil paintings, Pfeiffer enjoys human figure drawings the most. Not only are they her specialty, but she prefers this style as it requires precise detail and realistic components.

“It is really logical and a challenge to get the angles just right,” Pfeiffer said.

“That’s what I like doing; I like making it appear just as similar [to a human] as I can.”

As her artistic abilities improve, Pfeiffer feels more liberated and less restricted in her work, as she is able to create pieces beyond her imagination.

School has also affected Pfeiffer’s art, as she fuses her technical knowledge of the subject with the emotions depicted in her artwork.

“Since I have the basics done, I can focus on concepts that are more abstract.

Also, with schooling you learn about different events and how they relate to your life. So, it is interesting to include those experiences,” Pfeiffer said.

In the summer before her junior year, Pfeiffer was accepted into the California College of the Arts pre-college program. Alongside students from all over the country, Pfeiffer experienced the authenticity of an art college and enhanced her portfolio. At the end of the

program, Pfeiffer was allowed to show eight pieces of her art in their gallery.

“I absolutely loved it, and I learned so much,” Pfeiffer said. “It was a lot of fun being immersed in art 24/7.”

Over the past few years, Pfeiffer has submitted numerous pieces to literary art magazines and has had her works featured in several of the schools at which she has studied, including at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the Boca Raton School of Art and the California College of the Arts.

Pfeiffer painted the Marjory’s Garden sign, as well as detailed decorations around the garden and has completed several murals in hallways around the school.

As an artist, Pfeiffer sees the world in a completely different context. When drawing, she views things piece by piece, instead of seeing entire objects.

“It is important to incorporate art into daily life because it fosters a sense of creativity and you start looking at things in the world more analytically. It is definitely something I will rely on for my entire life,” Pfeiffer said.

Pfeiffer uses art as an escape when times are a bit too overwhelming or stressful. She keeps art near to her heart, knowing it is always going to be there waiting for her whenever she needs it.

Pfeiffer’s artwork continues to be recognized as she builds her portfolio.

Her pieces have been displayed at school, competitions and even on her social media accounts. On her Instagram @frizzy_ izzybella, Pfeiffer features a variety of her pieces. Story by Ashley Ferrer

Senior Cameron Leonardi follows his dream to perform in professional orchestra

He eventually moved on to a higher level band in eighth grade, where he learned how to play the clarinet and has been hooked ever since.

Leonardi had the opportunity to meet his musical idol, Anthony McGill, who is the principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, when he attended a masterclass that McGill taught.

“Anthony McGill has been my favorite clarinet player, and idol, since I’ve been playing the instrument,” Leonardi said.

“He is someone whose playing I envy so much and someone who I aspire to be.”

The passion Leonardi has for the clarinet and for music has brought him far in the pursuit of his dream.

The strenuous schedule of MSD’s Eagle Regiment leaves little space for free time and school work, so Leonardi spends his summers pursuing music programs, such as the Boston University Tanglewood Institute.

Located in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, Tanglewood is a music academy that gives students the opportunity to perform in large ensembles and chamber groups while being coached by distinguished musicians.

“I got really serious about clarinet and so I needed something that was gonna force me to practice and push me.

Tanglewood is a really intense and highly regarded music institute that forces you into an environment with other kids

Practice Makes Perfect. Senior Cameron Leonardi practices his clarinet, in hopes of pursuing music professionally. Leonardi started playing instruments in middle school and has continued in high school, competing in county and state competitions. Photo Illustration by Nyan Clarke

that are equally or more talented and passionate about music and that is all it is for four weeks,” Leonardi said.

Leonardi’s constant push for perfection has led him to compete and win spots in Broward County’s All-County Band the state of Florida’s All-State Band. Students must apply and then audition for a spot in both of these groups.

“I have been in All-county for the past six years, and I have made it on alto saxophone, baritone saxophone and clarinet,” Leonardi said, “If you make it on more than one instrument, which they do not tell you, they pick which

instrument you are going to play for that year.”

Over the six years that Leonardi has been playing in the All-County Band, his instrument has varied between the three.

In the future, he hopes to be accepted into Rice University, the New England Conservatory of Music or the Juilliard School. In order to make that a reality, Leonardi is taking additional steps, which includes taking lessons from esteemed musicians Richie Hawley from Rice University, Michael Wayne from the New England Conservatory and Jon Manasse from the Juilliard School, in order to pursue his dreams. Story by Yuval Alter

Express Yourself • Student Artists

17

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chasing trends

the rest of the world. According to Niche Pursuits, the sneaker resale market is valued around $1 billion.

The first step in selling shoes, is to find to a proper website to sell it on. Many sellers prefer websites such as GOAT or Stock X, both website made to market sneakers from an electronic device. It is important to take various angles of the shoe, so that the buyer knows what they are receiving. Then, the seller would add a description of the shoe, including how old the shoe is, size, if the shoe has been worn already and price. Prices of the shoes can vary depending on the model, its authenticity and popularity. Shoes can be valued anywhere from $100 to $500 more than the original price.

“Over the years, I have probably sold $4,000 worth of shoes… I look at it as a future investment,” Wolfman said. “The money in my pocket can be used to buy more shoes and make more money.”

Students at MSD are attracted to popular brands, especially when they see their favorite celebrity wear the brand.

Teens can identify themselves with various celebrities that they enjoy. For instance, someone who listens to Kanye West, might prefer to wear his signature, expensive “Yeezy shoes” for the sole reason that Kanye West makes and wears them.

“Students are absolutely influenced them apart from their peers. by celebrities and influencers like sports MSD students use brand various men in both tailored and nontailored suits, study participants generally As a solution to keep up with expensive stars,” Wolfman said. “Anyone who is name labels to express rated the men wearing a tailored suit as trends, junior Max Wolfman has gone into trying something new, for the most part, themselves and seek more confident, successful, flexible and the business of buying and selling items is influenced by someone who they saw higher earning. such as sneakers. By reselling shoes for try it first. Right now the most current ways to afford them hroughout the halls of Marjory “For me personally, designer clothes profit, he is able to afford sneakers that he influencers are Kanye West, Travis Scott, Stoneman Douglas High School, are more out there with their designs. wants to wear. Wolfman has been doing Odell Beckham Jr and Virgil Aldro, the students flaunt their individual creator of all white.” styles. From thrifty creativity These upscale brands can give students to luxury labels, finding one’s style is all the illusion of a glamorous and rich a part of coming of age, but it can come lifestyle. with a hefty price tag.

“Many people believe that by wearing Whether it be to fit in, to stand out, brands such as Supreme or Gucci or simply to express oneself, labels play stereotypes the person as wealthier a huge role in the American fashion to other people. However I do think industry. A touch of brand name clothing that’s the stereotype; I don’t necessarily or accessories can change a mundane agree with it,” Wolfman said. “ It means outfit to a trendy, edgy one. Though Whatever basic item your find at Pacsun this for the past seven years. something to them, whether they received these high fashion brands can be costly, isn’t going to stand out as much as a “My sneaker business started in sixth it as a gift from their parents or if it’s students are finding ways to accomplish design brand,” senior Kerry Lin said. grade when I got a pair of Jordan 4 Toros. something they worked very hard for, and this while raising their fashion status.

“It also has to do with self confidence.

I saw the Jordans in the store and really not everyone should be judged just based Over the years, brand culture at MSD Wearing clothes from high brand wanted them,” Wolfman said. “However, upon what they wear.” has steadily increased. With the growing companies like Gucci or Supreme really I didn’t have enough money for them so Every student has their own style and popularity of brands such as Gucci, makes a statement.”

I thought maybe if I bought two pairs [of flair which could be inspired by celebrities Supreme, Adidas and Louis Vuitton, it However, these popular brands can be regular sneakers] and then sold one of or the newest fashion trends. Though seems as though the more “high-end” an very expensive. Many students can find them at a higher price, with that extra it may be an expensive lifestyle, teens outfit is, the more appealing it is to many it difficult affording these lavish items. money, it would be enough for the shoes I identify themselves by what they wear, students.

One such example would be a $1,200 wanted. This ended up working, and I was which is how the world perceives them.

According to a study of 300 adults by Balenciaga jacket, that Lin bought for the able to buy the shoes.”

“I feel everyone likes to express Psychology Today, after just three seconds, “clout.” Clout is a term often affiliated What goes on throughout the halls of themselves, especially in a way personal to people will judge others based on their with fame, money and influence, traits MSD regarding the business of buying and them,” Wolfman said. “Clothing is the best outfits. After being shown a few images of that students want to have in order to set reselling sneakers is only a glimpse into way to do that.” Story by Leni Steinhardt

T

“

Whatever basic item your find at Pacsun isn’t going to stand out as much as a design brand. Wearing clothes from high brand companies like Gucci or Supreme really makes a statement.

65+25+10

Have you ever purchased an item because of the brand name?

25% No

”

What do you find most appealing about brand names?

68% 7%

10%

28% 57% 270+ 680+ 70+ 570=

Maybe

65% Yes

Name Notoriety

Quality

Celebrity Endorsements

What are your favorite brand names?

Appearance

1. Nike 2. Adidas 3. American Eagle 4. Hollister 5. Gucci

Poll results are based on a school-wide survey of 331 students

Express Yourself • Brand Names 19

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STUDENT RUN SHARP BUSINESS

W

hen senior Farrah Nickerson first got her hedgehog Jordi, she never expected that in a year’s time, she would be owning and running her own hedgehog breeding and selling business.

Today though, she is the proud owner of JoJo’s Hedgies, a student-run hedgehog breeding company that now breeds nearly 60 hedgehogs. This company has been growing since its conception three years ago, selling to a wide variety of clients ranging from 7 to 60 years old.

“Hedgehogs are different and that’s why I love them. You can’t just walk into PetSmart and get them, but they are just as lovable as any other pet,” Nickerson said.

As a minor, Nickerson is required to be business partners with her parents.

However, when she turns 18 on Feb. 6, 2019, she will run the business on her own.

When Nickerson becomes the sole owner of her company, she hopes to expand the animals she sells by breeding tenrecs, which are small mammals native to Madagascar that look like hedgehogs, but are actually more closely related to shrews and moles.

“I want to work with tenrecs because they are extremely cool animals,” Nickerson said. “They’re rare in the U.S. and not everyone has them as a pet.”

Nickerson has a Florida Wildlife Conservation license and a U.S. Department of Agriculture license. The USDA is normally associated with food;

however, they have another section that is specifically for animals. At the time she formed her business, Nickerson’s ownership of 15 female hedgehogs required her to obtain a USDA license, which is mandatory if you have more than four female hedgehogs.

“It’s a confusing regulation the USDA has. If you have more than four females, you have to get this license,” Nickerson said. “It was a long process, but it wasn’t hard. I was inspected by a vet and USDA officer and couldn’t starting selling until I had their complete approval.”

Nickerson sells African pygmy hedgehogs, which normally grow to be 6 to 11 inches in length and weigh between 10 to 25 ounces and have the ability to hibernate.

The hedgehogs do not require extensive work, but Nickerson still spends her weekends cleaning their cages and taking care of them. Babies do not necessarily need extra attention; however, she has to make sure they socialize daily.

Hedgehogs are classified as insectivores, or insect eaters. However, Nickerson feeds them high protein, low fat, dry cat food. Nickerson makes her customers aware of the type of cage and accessories required for proper care.

“It is important to have the proper equipment when raising hedgehogs,” Nickerson said. “It helps them live longer and better lives.”

After they are bred, Nickerson sells

Senior Farrah Nickerson shows entrepreneurship with her hedgehog breeding business

each hedgehog for $150 to $200. She has sold around 117 hedgehogs and makes about $7,000 a year, minus expenses and taxes. All of her earnings either go back to caring for the hedgehogs, to her college fund, or to herself to spend in her daily life.

Nickerson sells her hedgehogs all over the United States, any location where owning a hedgehog is legal, which excludes California, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and some places in Georgia. The younger the hedgehogs are, the easier they are for her to sell. Her customers reach out to her through her website, Instagram and Facebook.

Graduate In Style

W

hen using the word entrepreneur, most people usually think of someone in their 20s or early 30s.

That is not the case when it comes to Bailee Paul, a 17-year-old junior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School who started her own graduation cap decoration business called Caps Off. “I have been designing caps for less than a year; I started designing the caps sophomore year,” Paul said.

The business started with a few of her friends asking her to design their caps for the 2018 MSD graduation, since they knew how much she enjoyed creative tasks. After seeing the designs, many other students reached out to her to get their caps decorated as well.

“All of my friends that were older were asking me to design their caps for them and a bunch of people were asking them where they got the caps from, so I started my business,” Paul said.

Paul started Caps Off with an initial $150 investment towards supplies. Once she sold the decorated caps, she used part of her profits to purchase more supplies to continue her business.

Paul charges between $30 to $45 per cap, depending on the design the graduate is looking for. That cost covers both her time and the supplies needed to bring her creations to life.

Paul donated 30 percent of her profits in 2018 to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Victims Fund. She made around 15 caps total, earning approximately $600.

MSD students take the initiative to create and manage their own private businesses

The Best Breeder. Senior Farrah Nickerson holds her breeding male hedgehog, Sopranino, on a walk around the city. Portraits by Nyan Clarke

Since she is a senior and will be going to college next year, Nickerson thinks that the business will start to downsize.

However, she hopes to continue a similar business and work with other animals in the future. Nickerson aspires to be a veterinarian.

“I’ve wanted to be a vet for as long as I can remember,” Nickerson said. “Animals have always been my passion.” Story by Mackenzie Quinn

Junior Bailee Paul uses her artistic talents to enhance graduation caps

“I knew I wanted to donate, since everything I do somehow relates back to that day,” Paul said.

Paul is both the founder and staff in her business, carrying all the work load.

“It’s a little stressful because it’s around the same time as finals and AP exams, but I make it work,” Paul said. “It’s more towards the end of the year when I start focusing on the designing, so I can focus on school too.”

Her purpose is to bring joy to others through the arts. She also has ambitions in the future to expand into other types of design through apparel and pillows, hoping to continue her business after she graduates from MSD. “I could make it into a website and do more things since I used to make

Portraits by Nyan Clarke

sneakers also, so maybe I could expand the business,” Paul said.

Paul can’t wait for the graduation season to start up again so she can start expanding her business and use her creative passion to make eye-catching graduation caps for seniors to enjoy on their big day. Story by Farrah Nickerson

Caps off

Paul publishes graduation cap designs on Instagram @caps.off

Express Yourself • Student Businesses

21

Design by Taylor Yon and Darian Williams

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PERMANENT MEMORIES

Kim Krawczyk, Math Teacher

“

Holly Van Tassel, English teacher

It’s more than meets the eye. I wanted to get this tattoo because it has a deeper meaning than it seems. Inside the eye is also a yin and yang.

These are all my four-legged babies – past, present and eventually, into the future.

“

I’m part Irish so the clover represents that; I got it on my wrist so I can see it every day, especially since it represents my family and my kids; I’m the luckiest mom alive.

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”

”

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Oriana Rivas, 12

“

Christian Toscano, 12

Ashley Kurth, Culinary Arts teacher

“

I knew I wanted something Christmas themed because my grandpa used to work as Santa during Christmas, and when he passed away, I wanted him to be close to my heart.

I got it right before getting married, I had a pre-existing tattoo on the wrist and wanted to compliment and bring meaning to it by adding the trinity knot. It’s a Celtic trinity knot that means love, honor and cherish.

”

”

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Sarah Edelsberg, 12

I wanted a tattoo that represents my brother; it’s my brothers initials. I placed it above my foot because he’s with me every step of the way.

”

Trendy TEACHERS

“

I don’t need a style icon...

Anything can be inspiring for my fashion. I see stuff; I see how it fits into my aesthetic. It’s just about putting in some thought and coordinating what I like with some personal style rules I have.

Jacob Abraham Debate teacher

”

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My style is very hippieesque. I listen to a lot of electro funk, and I like to go to music festivals, so that’s where I get my inspiration from.

Chelsea Briggs English teacher

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Students and teachers explain the meaning behind their tattoos

Hadley Sorensen, 12

Michael Marino, History teacher

I wanted another tattoo, but didn’t want it too visible. Right before my grandmother passed away she wrote me a letter, and I embroidered the ‘I love you’ from the card.

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My sister and I had a conversation that we wanted to match tattoos; it was not a hard decision. I wanted the tattoo to be out in the open. It’s my first tattoo that hasn’t been covered; this tattoo means everything to me. Family first.

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Destiny Briceno, 12

Penny Pagano, Support Facilitator

I love the Japanese culture and this term was used in my favorite song from my favorite band, so I wanted it to be easily visible but also easy to cover up. The Japanese concept of ‘wabi-sabi’ means perfectly imperfect.

I wanted a tattoo that represents my family. I like the placement; it’s not too visible, but can be seen.

My tattoo is three peas in a pod – one is me, another is my sister, and my son.

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Teachers show off their individual styles

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I went to Purdue, and I started wearing Purdue apparel on Fridays to show school spirit. I have always encouraged my students to wear Purdue apparel on Fridays, and while they don’t get extra credit, they do get to be featured on my Purdue Wall of Fame.

Joel Sanders Calculus teacher

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I don’t have much of a style. I just like to embellish on my outfits by wearing funny socks. I own a bunch, and it’s just an easy way to make my outfits not as boring.

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Jeff Taylor Trigonometry teacher

Express Yourself• Tattoos and Teacher Fashion 23

makeup magic

Senior Julie Piedra uses makeup as an outlet for creativity

posts and video tutorials.

Professional makeup icons, like Jeffree Star, have large followings on Instagram with over 4 million people waiting for their newest update. They post about “swatches,” or examples that show what the product looks like on their arm, along with tutorials and product recommendations.

Scrolling through makeup tutorials everyday, it was not hard for Piedra to see the compatibility of her newfound passion and Instagram’s features.

“I watched a lot of the videos and then I practiced and they give Face Paint. Senior Julie Piedra demonstrates her artistic skills by applying junior Nicole Wolfe’s makeup. Piedra found me inspiration so I keep her passion as a makeup artist in the seventh grade. Portrait by Nyan Clarke getting better,” Piedra kept practicing, and I found a love for it,” said. “Jeffree Star, James Charles and Tati fter years of painting, senior Westbrook have influenced me greatly; Julie Piedra found her passion Piedra said. “Then I just started doing people’s makeup, and they said I should I love doing things differently, just like as a seventh grader, using they do.” make an [Instagram] account, so I did.” her blending brushes and Piedra’s account started when she was A vital step in her career in cosmetic eyeshadow palettes to decorate a new a freshman, and she has been posting artistry was taking her clients advice kind of canvas: her face.

Once she began displaying her talents, and creating a social media platform for on it ever since. With 150 followers, her pictures showcase makeup looks for herself where she can express her love Piedra would receive compliments and Homecoming and senior pictures. for makeup and her skills. suggestions encircling her newfound Her Instagram account is still in the For Piedra, Instagram became this gift. Encouraged by the constant praise, process of growing, and she is hopeful Piedra started doing makeup for friends place. The diverse platform attracts that with new opportunities, her aspiring makeup artists, such as Piedra, and peers, who eventually became following will expand. to not only practice their craft, but also customers.

Through advertising her contact inspire their followers through creative “I started off really bad, but I just

A

24 Express Yourself • Social Media Influencers

information in her bio, she has been hired to do makeup on students attending events hosted by MSD. “Julie did my makeup for my senior pictures, and it turned out amazing. I told her exactly what I wanted and she did it and exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend her,” senior Danielle Gilbert said.

In total, she has accumulated approximately 40 clients.

“Honestly, [the money is] just a plus, I don’t really do it for the money. I love to do it, and it’s just a side business,” Piedra said. “Most of [my clients] are my friends. I’ve only had a couple I didn’t know, but it’s been a good experience because I get to learn a lot about other people and make new friends.”

Piedra understood the mass influx of makeup artist videos on Instagram. Thus, she felt it was essential to create her own brand in order to set herself apart from the crowd. In doing so, her posts are unique to her interests and demonstrate her best skills.

“I hope to take [my makeup career] as far as I can and own a business in the future,” Piedra said. “I am going to study education and business, and I want to have a couple businesses when I’m older.

I want to open a preschool and a makeup line.”

Piedra plans to study at BethuneCookman University where she will be playing for the school’s volleyball team; simultaneously, Piedra will continue working on her career and advancing her skills with makeup. Story by Jordyn Laudanno

A

Through the Senior Jonathan Romeus uses YouTube as a way to express himself

t school, senior Jonathan Romeus simply blends into the crowd. But on Youtube, his fans know him as Kingrome. Romeus became dedicated to his vlogging channel three months ago with a mission to create a positive atmosphere for viewers and a creative outlet for himself. Romeus currently has 406 subscribers.

“The reason I came up with Kingrome is because as a king, they are suppose to take control and make things better for people,” Romeus said. “I can relate because I do everything on YouTube by myself and make people laugh.”

Romeus discovered his interest in creating online content when he was 11 years old, but decided to start his own channel a year ago. After his mother, Fanie Romeus, passed away from breast cancer when he was 10 years old, Romeus felt inspired to lift other people’s spirits.

His mother’s courage and hard-working attitude influenced him to work hard for what he wants.

“She was a fighter for a long time and

always a hard worker,” Romeus said. “I do it for her and my dad. She motivated me to work hard.”

His father, Sadrac Romeus, is one of his biggest supporters. He consistently provides the help Romeus needs to grow and expand his channel, such as cleaning out the garage to create filming space.

“The reason I grind so hard is because

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“Smash, Marry, or Kill” and “Rate Me 1-10.”

Depending on the type of video that he is making, Romeus spends one to two hours filming. On top of his schoolwork and other responsibilities, Romeus tries to upload videos four to five times a week.

Often, Romeus features his close friends in his videos, especially in

movement against gun violence and filmed his missionary trip to Haiti this past summer.

“The last trip I went to was in Haiti, so we gave out clothes, shoes, soccer balls, food and the knowledge of the Bible to the poor,” Romeus said.

Romeus encourages people to express their creativity in any way that makes them happiest. However, for his fellow YouTubers, he has advice for those trying to grow their own YouTube channels.

“Stay consistent, be patient, find an audience that fits you, be yourself and learn how to become better at editing,” Romeus said. challenges and vlogs.

By keeping his mother in his heart “Being in his videos makes me feel like I’m a part of something,” Brandon Dasent at all times, Romeus knows he has the constant encouragement to keep creating said. “He has a lot of brilliant ideas and uplifting content. the work ethic to implement them into Focused on the feelings of happiness his content. It’s amazing to witness him he creates for his viewers, rather than pursuing his dreams.” likes or views, Romeus hopes to inspire As a result of wanting to help others, Romeus frequently films videos that give others to go after their passions in life. a voice to those in need. He has created Story by Ryen Kowalczyk; portrait by Julia content in light of the Never Again Noye

He [my dad] helped me through so much; when I make it big on YouTube, I’m going to give back to him.

my dad has been a very hard worker throughout his whole life,” Romeus said.

“He helped me through so much; when I make it big on YouTube, I’m going to give back to him.”

Romeus admires his own ability to create original content. His channel mainly consists of challenges such as “Dare for Dare” and “Say Yes To Everything,” as well as occasional vlogs.

His favorite videos he has filmed include

sound-clout very high school student has an individual passion for something.

Whether it’s a club, organization or talent, students have ways to express themselves. In junior Austin Roy’s case, his passion is rapping. Through the streaming platform SoundCloud, Roy has released multiple tracks and albums, which explain and explore his feelings and thoughts.

He has used SoundCloud as a creative outlet for himself, rapping under the alias “Problematic.” His own personal struggles that he has faced inspired this name.

“When I was starting out in music, I was dealing with a lot of problems at that time and trying to look for a way to let it out,” Roy said. “Music helped me do that.”

Initially, rapping was simply a hobby for Roy; however, his experience with SoundCloud inspired him to take his passion to a new level. As a freshman, he started making music on Garageband and then later transitioned to using other more sophisticated software, exposing him to more professional studio equipment.

Currently, Roy has around 370 followers on Soundcloud and is a verified user; each of his recordings garnering at least 1,000 plays.

He plans on expanding his audience and working with his management team to move higher up in the music industry.

He is managed by his parents, as well as his uncle, who is finding a professional studio in Miami to advance Roy’s path in music. Roy’s friends, juniors Alex Azar and Alex Riveira, are helping Roy in his quest for reaching a greater audience.

lens

Design by Dara Rosen

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Junior Austin Roy expresses his creative side on SoundCloud

Tuned In. Junior Austin Roy freestyles rap songs for his Soundcloud account. Portrait by Nyan Clarke

“He makes the music, and I promote,” Azar said. “I contact as many people as possible and try to get that word of mouth going on, hoping to increase views and maximize exposure.”

Although he has just started taking rapping seriously about a year and a half ago, Roy believes his music has evolved tremendously since the eighth grade.

“Over time it’s gotten better and is starting to reflect more and more what I am thinking,” Roy said. “Before it was

just content to put out because I liked the way it sounded, but now it’s also getting emotions out too.”

Through his lyrics, Roy expresses his thoughts on every day drama, from girls to fake friends. Roy feels his work is unique in the way it highlight his true feelings. In finding his distinctive sound and style, Roy drew from rappers he looked up to in his daily life.

“My inspirations would have to be Travis Scott and Frank Ocean, just

anybody with a similar type of sound,” Roy said.

Roy recently came out with an album called “The Dark Place” consisting of nine tracks. One of his most popular tracks,“NO ONE, NO MORE,” racked up to more than 10,000 plays.

He looks forward to his future in the music industry and plans on releasing a mini mixtape with a couple of his friends later in the school year. Story by Kaleela Rosenthal

Express Yourself • Social Media Influencers 25

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The

ArtOF Dance MSD students express their cultures through dance

Starstruck. Senior Nhi Nguyen dances in the K-Pop performance in the 2018 multicultural show on Dec. 11. Photo by Nyan Clarke Shining Like a Diamond. Senior Pinaki Upadhyay prepares for an October 2018 dance competition. Photo courtesy of Pinaki

Upadhyay

Hips Don’t lie: Senior Oriana Rivas dances in the Egyptian belly dancing performance during the 2018 Multicultural show on Dec. 11. Photo by Nyan Clarke

Strike a Pose: Senior Mei-Ling Ho-Shing moves to the beat during the Jamaican performance at the Dec. 11 multicultural show. Photo by Nyan

Clarke

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“The step team is the only place where what you want and dance how you want.”

I feel like I belong,” senior Merhedyne Verna said.

To the MSD community, the Jamaican and step performances are simply hough its dancing styles are not showtime favorites. To their participants, derived from Korean culture, however, they are a source of community K-Pop is a genre rapidly growing of their own. in popularity among people of all cultural backgrounds. The music style garnered popularity after the explosive success of “Gangnam Style,” and continues to flourish through artists such as BTS and or senior Oriana Rivas, the jingling enior Pinaki Upadhyay uses dance TWICE – enthralling millions of teens of her belt, the silence of the to express her Indian culture. around the world with its mixture of illuminated stage and the intricate hether through communities at movements of bellydance all blend Since childhood, Upadhyay has several audiovisual aspects focusing on school, activism or even dance, seamlessly together into a wholesome trained extensively in both classical and both dance and music. senior Mei-Ling Ho-Shing never expression of her emotions, whether they mainstream forms of Indian dance, such One of the most important reasons shies away from her pride in her Jamaican be anger, fear, happiness or sadness. as Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Bollywood why K-Pop is growing in popularity is heritage. The annual multicultural show fusion. dance. In the K-Pop genre, almost every “It’s [dance] a way of expressing at MSD serves as an outlet for Ho-Shing The classical forms combine folk song is accompanied by a choreography. myself,” Rivas said. “Through the to explore Jamaican and step dances, music, intricate tapping of the feet, costumes, the movements and the dance, While the music is in the native Korean where she can not only reconnect with orchestrated facial expressions and I feel like it can express a bunch of things language, the dancing is influenced by her own culture, but also the cultures of traditional attire consisting of heavy western styles of dance such as modern at once.” her friends. jewelry and defining makeup. hip-hop, making it a unique way for Many are often surprised by Rivas’s “I think it’s so important that we show passion for belly dance, which is of Arabic students of Korean origin to retain “Dance allows me to reconnect with my heritage,” Upadhyay said. “I really love our school what culture really is and that origin, considering her Venezuelan traditional ties to their culture and still [dancing]. It’s a hobby, a therapy and just it’s not just the stereotypes that people follow contemporary trends. descent. Rivas has been, in fact, identify us with. It’s good to show people performing belly dances since she was 5 a lot of fun.”

K-Pop dance captain Nhi Nguyen that Jamaicans are not just shaking their Upadhyay takes part in an annual years old and has even worked with little practices both Vietnamese and K-Pop butts,” Ho-Shing said. high school dance competition hosted dance. At church she competes with kids at Dreams Belly Dance Academy.

The Jamaican performance combines by the Indian Regional & Cultural Center her friends in Vietnamese dances while While belly dance originated in the traditional and pop music, and the team in early to mid November where many Middle East, it has traveled through other wearing traditional straw hats, fans and ao never fails to hype the audience as they of South Florida’s Indian dance teams dai dresses. countries such as Australia, Spain, the compete. Upadhyay is the choreographer flaunt their green, yellow, and black flags. United Kingdom and even Venezuela, “I feel like music is a universal way “[We] truly have a culture rooted in for her team, which is named “Riyazz” of communicating with other people,” where it reached Rivas. While each [how] we’re raised – through dance,” Ho- country has put its own cultural twist and translates to the “soulful practice of Nguyen said. “My friends and I do Shing said. an art.”

Vietnamese and K-Pop, it is just for fun… on the dance, they still maintain its core While step dance is not of Jamaican The team is predominantly composed I do believe it’s a good way to express my features, such as the decorative metallic origin, many of the Jamaican dance of MSD students, but includes students costumes and the complex movements of culture.” performers choose to participate on from all over Broward as well. Not only In December 2018 Nyugen is competing the torso. the step team as well, which takes on a do teens from Central and South Florida with her Korean teammates in a K-Pop “You can decorate it to your own hip-hop adaptation of the traditionally compete in the event annually, colleges style,” Rivas said. “That’s what I like about competition. Story by Einav Cohen and Thais percussive African dances. from across the country compete in a Guerra belly dancing; it’s very free and you do n the sea of students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, it can often be difficult to stand out. Each and every student comes from a unique identity to be cultivated. In an effort to not only showcase those identities, but also reconnect with their heritage, many students participate in cultural dances in and outside of school.

Indian Fusion

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separate division as well.

In addition to her private lessons, Upadhyay has also participated in the multicultural show throughout her time at MSD. “It’s fun to be able to express my culture to the school [through dance],” Upadhyay said. “I also think that it’s a positive way for immigrants who come here to still be in touch with their home country.”

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Jamaican Dance

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K-Pop

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Belly Dancing

Express Yourself • Multicultural Dance 27

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MSD STRONG! Douglas High Partner!

Since 1988

Design by Zoe Gordon

Creativity Students debate whether the school system restricts or encourages development of creativity

student to explore their interests.

The debate over whether or not school helps or hinders students’ creativity has yet to be settled, especially among students themselves.

Creative thinking can be defined he imagination of a child knows as “making new connections between no bounds. Whether it includes different regions of the brain, which is carelessly finger painting a canvas with a rainbow of colors, accomplished by cultivating divergent building a Lego tower so tall and believing thinking skills and deliberately exposing ourselves to new experiences and to it is a skyscraper, or playing on a swing set and feeling only a short distance away from the sun and moon, the creative times of childhood gradually fade by the neverending demands of adulthood.

As a child grows up, they can feel like just another number in the school system.

Students go to school five days a week for seven hours each day, typically sitting in rows of desks, staring at a teacher learning,” according to Psychology Today. lecturing.

Some students believe that their According to “Imagine: How Creativity creativity levels depend on the classroom Works,” by Jonah Lehrer, a Contributing environment and teacher with whom Editor at Scientific American Mind, a they are learning from. These kinds of child’s self-perception of their creativity students tend prefer interactive activities declines significantly from when they with other students, rather than typical start kindergarten to when they reach powerpoint presentations. high school.

“If you are sitting at desks, you only The reasons why a child may feel less talk to the other person to ask them a creative as they grow up can may stem question about the work, but if you are from the institution of school itself, as well as the growing feelings of insecurity all forced to sit at a large group table, it allows for more social interaction and about having to find a more realistic creative ideas to flow from person to career. person,” junior Stacie Sayers said.

However, this can not account for Other students see the importance those who believe that school is a place of lesson plans and organization in a where creativity lets loose and allows an open space for them to find their passions classroom setting. According to a blog by Concordia University Portland, creating in life. Schools provide many interactive “learning stations” instead of rows of activities and extracurricular clubs for

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Graphic by Nyan Clarke

in the classroom

desks helps to maximize creative learning.

“Some teachers will give you activities that allow for creativity to flow and others give you assignments that restrict creativity,” junior Hailey Carpenter said.

“I hope to be a teacher when I’m older. It makes me want to allow for more freedom on assignments that would promote creativity rather than restrict it. When a classroom limits creativity, most students don’t want to do the assignment since

arts route; other kids may like cooking; while others may like marketing. High school provides such a different type of curriculum, and it allows students to maybe pick a niche or even experiment with what they may want to be creative with to make a determination with what they want to do with their lives.”

However, some students insist that school greatly limits their abilities to be creative and successful. A portion of students feel this way because they are required to take core classes each year, even if they are not interested in them. When they are out of the school environment, these students flourish significantly, finding interests that they excel in. “[In school] you are focusing on academics, and you don’t really have time they can’t have fun with it.” to really express yourself fully, especially Carpenter discovered her profound if you are just taking mostly core classes. passion in the school system last year.

You are kind of focused on only one While in the exploratory teaching course thing, not what you want to be doing,” offered at MSD, she quickly became class of 2016 alumnus Kamil Kisielewicz interested in the idea of becoming a said. “I found my passion [for writing and teacher when she grew up. This led her to photography] when I was out of school. I become president of the MSD chapter of found it through exposing myself through Florida Future Educators of America this new things every day.” school year.

Students view their school in regards Along with students like Carpenter, to creativity either negatively or Principal Ty Thompson believes that high positively. While the ones that look at the school provides the resources for students educational system with a pessimistic to expand upon their interests. attitude tend to view school as a “waste of “The nice thing about high school time,” the optimistic thinkers believe that is that it gives kids a large variety of high school gives them the ability to step opportunities to explore certain things outside of their comfort zones and dabble which allows them to be creative in their in different subject areas to discover their own way,” Thompson said. “Some kids interests before college. Story by Zoe may be good in arts, so they take the Gordon

The nice thing about high school is that it gives kids a large variety of opportunities to explore certain things which allows them to be creative in their own way.

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Express Yourself • Creativity in School 29

Design by Rebecca Schneid; photo illustration by Nyan Clarke

pride

MSD students in the LGBTQ+ community must cope with judgement when expressing themselves

living with

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Straight people have never been negatively affected because they’re straight. They don’t get weird glances when holding hands; they aren’t afraid to be seen and they aren’t treated differently. We are, we do. That’s our reality. People will judge us because of who we love, and who we are, even in this school.”

Marjory Stoneman Douglas student *Jane has been dating her girlfriend for four months now, and while the couple goes out to the movies together, hold hands in school hallways and give each other kisses between classes, their dating experience is extremely different than most at the school as a lesbian couple.

“The first time we were holding hands in the hallway, this girl we knew was glaring at us so hard. And we were kind of friends, which was so weird,” Jane said.

“I’m super perceptive of that stuff when I’m with [my girlfriend], because honestly I feel like I have to be on the lookout for something that’s going to happen.”

Beyond feeling uncomfortable with expressing her sexuality at school sometimes, Jane cannot even be herself at home, as she was taught from a young age that being gay was unnatural and wrong.

“I told my mom in middle school that I thought I like girls, and my mom told me ‘That’s not true, but if it is I’m sending you to conversion therapy.’ Obviously, that had a pretty intense effect on me,” Jane said. “I’m terrified someone is going to tell my parents. I get super nervous even when they just come to school because I’m so scared someone was going to slip up.”

So, with fear following Jane seemingly everywhere just for being herself, a question remains. Why would Jane and LGBTQ+ youth come out in the first place?

The obvious and often the first answer given for most non-heterosexual people lies in the fact that their sexuality is a part of their identity. By hiding that identity, many feel that this creates a barrier between them and those they love, and it prevents them from living their lives truthfully.

“Everytime the question of sexuality came up, my heart would just sink into my chest and I would get so embarrassed,” junior Daniel Bishop said.

“I decided I didn’t want to live like that anymore. If I do something, I do it all the way. I needed to just be who I am, because we really do only live once.”

Bishop had a much more positive experience coming out to his friends and family, though.

“Most of my friends are super supportive of me, and my parents are too,” Bishop said. “Of course, they had to get used to it, and there have been some bumps along the way. But, at the end of

the day, I know how lucky I am.”

No matter the experience though, LGBTQ+ students often feel the same confusion when first coming to terms with who they are.

“It honestly felt like there was a glass barrier between me and everyone I met [before I came out], because I wasn’t being honest about myself,” senior Em Jiminian said. “I feel so much more confident now.

I’m not afraid to express who I am, and to love who I want to love.”

Jiminian is the president of the school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance, a club for non-straight students, non-cisgender students and their allies to express themselves. For her, GSA was a new beginning, a safe space in a time in which she felt there was none.

“I was just coming into my own, and I thought that the GSA would be a great

“

and solace for LGBTQ+ youth lies in representation on television or in movies.

Unfortunately, they are extremely underrepresented in cinema in proportion to their population in the United States with only 28 explicitly LGBT characters in major film releases in 2017.

More recently, though, the representation of LGBT characters has been more explicit and seen in a more positive light. Major films such as “Battle of the Sexes,” “Love, Simon” and “Blockers” have all been extremely inclusive and had major success.

“I never saw anyone who I identified with on television or in movies, so I thought something was wrong with me,” Jiminian said. “In shows like the L-word, we see powerful women doing their thing while also being lesbians. It’s critical to their identity, but it isn’t their

Expressing your sexuality in a certain way doesn’t make anyone more a part of the community or less a part of the community. Everyone should be themselves, not just conform to what others want them to be. place for me,” Jiminian said. “I went and I had an amazing time and the people there were great. It was amazing to be with people who I understand and who understand.”

While statistically, most lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth live positively during their adolescent years, they also have much higher rates of depression and suicide than their heterosexual counterparts. According to the Center for Disease Control, safe, student-led clubs like GSA, as well as a supportive school staff is important in promoting health and safety for queer students.

The CDC also suggests that schools have curriculum to promote safe-sex habits for LGBTQ+ youth. Yet, according to the 2013 GLSEN National School Climate Survey, less than 5 percent of students have health classes that included positive representations of LGBT-related topics.

“There is literally no curriculum for us at school. I mean, I didn’t even know that bisexuality existed until eighth grade. How am I supposed to be myself in a place that won’t even teach that I exist?” *Catherine said. “Sex-ed is taught to straight students, but I had no idea there were certain safe-sex habits for lesbians to prevent the transmission of STI’s and STD’s. I had to look that up for myself, which is scary for a teenager, and probably dangerous.”

Another source of education

30 Express Yourself • LGBTQ+ Expression

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entire identity, and I think that’s really important not only for LGBT people to see, but also for straight people to see.”

Although coming out to loved ones is a trial in itself, it is only part of the struggle; many feel the need to express their sexuality in specific ways. LGBTQ+ youth each decide to approach this differently, expressing their sexuality to the world at their own pace in their own ways.

“For me, I just don’t hide anymore,” Jiminian said. “It’s not like I am trying to push it in anyone’s face, but if a guy gets to talk about girls, I want to talk about girls too. I should be allowed to do the same.”

Others, like Bishop, want to ensure that they are seen as who they are by posting about it on social media, whether that be through posting pictures on Instagram or using hashtags on Twitter.

“I posted a picture of myself for National Coming Out Day because it was important for me,” Bishop said. “I mean, obviously it was something important in my life, and I wanted to share that with everyone.”

With the evolution of technology, the evolution of safe queer spaces came with it. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, about half of gay men and lesbians chose to come out through social media in 2015.

With this expansion of gay and lesbian culture through social media, though, comes also heavy stereotyping.

“Just because I am super girlie, people are usually really surprised at the fact that I’m gay. But the truth is there is no right way to be gay, there is no wrong way to be gay,” Jane said. “Expressing your sexuality in a certain way doesn’t make anyone more apart of the community or less apart of the community. Someone femme is not more lesbian than someone butch.”

An important thing to note in the LGBTQ+ community, though, is the difference between sexuality and gender identity. While non-straight students must come out for loving who they want to love, transgender students must do their same with the gender they identify with.

For transgender students at school, this is an every day struggle. When transitioning to their preferred gender, leaving their house alone can feel like coming out to the strangers around them.

“I came out in middle school to everyone over instagram as a trans girl, and I said ‘this is my name, this is what I identify with’. I essentially came into high school as a new person,” senior Noelle Kaiser said.

Though coming out can be freeing for many trans people, similar to queer students, that is not nearly the end of the struggle. According to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, 41 percent of trans people have attempted suicide and 19 percent have experienced violence or abuse from a family member.

“For trans people... our very ontology and existence is in question...which at times can be dehumanizing,” Kaiser said. “When I first understood what transgender was, I was hyperaware of the political climate, so I created a plan for myself. I wanted to wait until after high school so I could transition in the peace of privacy. Obviously, that was an unrealistic goal, because I still had this drive for a genuine feeling of happiness; I wanted to be respected for who I truly was inside.”

And, truthfully for transgender students, gay students, lesbian students, bisexual students, and anyone anywhere on the sexuality and gender spectrumsthis is the bottom line. Each have different experiences coming out, coming to terms with who they are, and dealing with the those around them. Yet, to them all, their sexuality and gender is an intrinsic part of their happiness, and making others uncomfortable is not enough to keep them from that happiness.

In the future, students are hoping for an environment that not does not just allow for freedom of expression of sexuality and gender, but also one that encourages it, no matter the ways in which they choose to do it. Story by Rebecca Schneid *Names indicated were changed to protect the students’ anonymity

Just Relax MSD students use yoga and other methods to relax their minds, bodies and souls

Stretch it Out. Yoga teacher Amy Kenny and senior Macarena Abarca show their unique yoga poses in front of the #WhatLiftsYou mural.

Photo by Nyan Clarke

use various relaxation READY TO RELAX Students methods in order to release stress

14%

What do you employ for relaxation?

53+4+1514

Students’ preferred calming scents

Essential Oils

53%

14% Yoga

15%

Meditation

None

4%

Aromatherapy

Poll results are based on a school-wide survey of 330 students

32

Arts & Leasure • Mind Body Soul

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Lavender Vanilla Citrus Rose Lemongrass Chamomile

How often do you practice relaxation methods?

47+26+225

22% Monthly

26% Weekly

5% Daily

47% Never

Design by Anna Dittman and Nyan Clarke

Strike A pose

Yoga teacher Amy Kenny and her students display advanced poses

Eight Angle

Dancer

Half Moon

Double Sided Plank

Double Downward Dog

Eagle Pose

Warrior

Tree Pose

Joint Dancer

Photos by Nyan Clarke

For beginners

Yoga 1 students share yoga poses anyone can try

Seated Meditation

Lunge Twist

Child’s Pose

Upward Dog

Photos by Nyan Clarke

Becoming Yogis

Students explain why they enjoy participating in yoga

just relaxing. When like how it gives me “ It’syoureally “aI workout... go in there with all the I get more music and lay down to meditate, the whole soft belly breathing thing, finally get to just let everything go for a moment.

” Madison Foster, 10

stretched out and more flexible... I did it to just help me out with football.

”

Matthew Martin, 10

It has helped out with my took yoga because I’m an “back “ I athlete pain a bit and I am a and I needed to be bit more flexible than I was in the beginning. It’s very relaxing; meditation is the best.

”

Julian Espinoza, 11

more flexible. It’s helped me relax in school and loosen up.

”

Liam Gierden, 10

Arts & Leasure • Mind Body Soul 33

FALL WRAP-UP MSD athletes complete fall sports seasons

“

Men’s jv football

Women’s varsity volleyball

Season Record: 5-5 District Record: 2-3

Season Record: 4-3 District Record: 1-0

Season Record: 11-5 District Record: 10-0 Regional Quarter Finalsts

“

We need to focus up on the next season by getting back on the grind and making playoffs.

Our JV team is full of promising and hardworking players and we grew a lot as a team as the season went on.

Wide Reciever Christian Higgins (2)

Kicker Julian Barrionuevo-Kesma (35)

“

“

Men’s Varsity football

”

”

“

Great way to end my last four years, but I’m excited for what’s to come. We’ve been a great team and finished with a great season.

Libero Julie Piedra (6)

MEN’S VARSITY SWIM & DIVE

wOMEN’S VARSITY SWIM & DIVE

woMen’s JV volleyball

Season Record: 9-3

Season Record: 9-3

Season Record: 4-4 District Record: 1-2

For the most part our team did really well and made it to Regionals, which is a big accomplishment.

”

“

I’m so proud of our team, and I really think we gave it our all. We all came together and swam for Nick.

”

Captain William Berk

Captain Devin Lee

MEN’S VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY

WOMEN’S VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY

Top 2018 Personal Records Josh Charo: 17:22.64 Austin Freese: 17:37.14 Leo Scopino: 17:41.51

“

Top 2018 Personal Records Alyssa Fletcher: 19:55.4 Gabby Rumasuglia: 20:47.33 Kayla Sanseverino: 20:58.06

Captain Joshua Charo

Captain Alyssa Fletcher

34 Sports • Fall Sports Wrap Up

”

”

Taking a Dip. Senior Justin Irwin dives into the pool during swim practice at the Coral Springs Aquatic Center on Sept. 28. Photo by Nyan Clarke

mEN’S VARSITY BOWLING Season Record: 8-5 Did Not Make Districts

Together, we were able to accomplish personal records and team goals. I will miss my team and always remember all of the amazing experiences.

Making the Stop. On Sept. 15, defensive tackle Charlie Rothkopf (55) celebrates after making a defensive stop against Piper High School. Photo by Nyan Clarke

I love the girls; I think all of them are super supportive and just a really nice group of girls.

Middle Blocker Julia Van Arsdale (1)

A lot of hard work and dedication was put on by not only myself, but my whole team. We grew closer not only as a team, but as an equal family.

”

“

“

The season went great. I made some new friends, and I think with a little bit more practice and hard work, we can make it to states.

”

Sophomore Jack Juliano

Jump Right In. Outside hitter Owen Keely (4) and middle blocker Tatyanna Kittendorf (1) jump up to block Monarch High School on Oct. 17 Photo by Nyan Clarke

”

Design by Ryan LoFurno

MEN’S VARSITY GOLF Season Record: 7-1 Regionals Runner-Up Two Individuals Made States

“

We worked hard all year, but came up short by one stroke to get to states. I know we’ll be just as good if not better next year, and I hope to make my last year a memorable one.

”

Junior Tyler Le

WOMEN’S VARsITY GOLF

“

Season Record: 3-7

Golf has taught me so much and it was amazing to be surrounded with such great teammates and a fantastic coach.

Captain Naomi Rozenberg

”

woMEN’S VARSITY BOWLING

“

Season Record: 12-2 District Runner Up 12th place at States

I was so proud of the girls for sticking together and making it to states for my last year as captain. It was truly an amazing season.

”

Captain Hannah Carbocci

Running Like the Wind. Senior Arantxa Bojorquez

runs in a cross country meet on Sept. 27 at Tradewinds Park. Photo by Lyliah Skinner

Sports • Fall Sports Wrap Up

35

Design by Taylor Yon and Darian Williams

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Next Level

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Taking it to The

Senior athletes commit to colleges

Jordan Strauss Sport: Soccer Position: Center midfielder College: Western Kentucky University Beginner Age: 4 years old Training: Every day (2-3 hours) Teams: Travel team and MSD

Carolyn Stein Sport: Lacrosse Position: Midfielder College: Lynn University Beginner Age: 6 years old Practice: 3-6 days per week (2 hours) Teams: Team 12 and MSD

“

I like playing center mid because you’re part of every play, and you can see the whole field and always in the action.

”

“

Lacrosse is a good outlet to get away and it forces you to stop paying attention to all your other stress and just focus on playing your game and getting your mind off of it.

GABRIEL CABRERA Sport: Baseball Position: Outfielder College: University of Central Florida Beginner Age: 9 years old Training: Every day Teams: MSD

ANDREA TOVAR

Sport: Baseball Position: Right-handed pitcher College: Florida SouthWestern State College Beginner Age: 3 years old Training: Every day (3 hours) Teams: MSD

“

Softball is my outlet for everything, when I’m just out on the field I just let everything out.

One negative aspect is when you use the excuse ‘sorry I have softball’ and people stop believing you.

I enjoy being apart of a team, especially a team like the one we have here. We have an undeniable bond, and I have learned so many life lessons through baseball.

KEVIN HEINRICH

Kyle Yeoward

”

Jessica lOPRESTI Sport: Volleyball Position: Outside hitter College: Troy University Beginner Age: 13 years old Training: 3 times a week Teams: Volleyball Academy and MSD

“

My parents inspire me because they always tell me not to give up.

”

”

Sport: Baseball Position: Right-handed pitcher College: University of Arkansas Beginner Age: 7 years old Training: 6 days per week (3 hours) Teams: Summer League and MSD

“

I like being a part of a team because it’s like being a part of a family – a family away from my family.

”

”

Hunter Fitz-gerald

Sport: Softball Position: Outfielder, Catcher College: Florida Institute of Technology Beginner Age: 7 years old Practice: Every day (during Season) Teams: Travel and MSD

“

I like baseball because it was what my brother and I used to play when we were younger and then I fell in love with it. Baseball has always been a way of getting away from stress and drama.

”

Sport: Softball Position: Outfielder, First baseman College: Pensacola State College Beginner Age: 6 years old Practice: Every day Teams: Florida Power Black and MSD

“

“

I enjoy the competitiveness and the atmosphere the sport puts me in. Baseball is something I’d like to call my career, even after college.

”

Monique poitevin

Luke schiltz

Sport: Baseball Position: Third baseman, First baseman College: Florida Southern College Beginner Age: 3 years old Training: Every day Teams: U.S. Elite Baseball and MSD

“

”

Sport: Baseball Position: Right-handed pitcher College: Stetson University Beginner Age: 4 years old Training: Every day (4 hours) Teams: Travel and MSD

“

Baseball definitely inspires me to be better in the classroom, be better as a person and especially on the field.

”

ANDREW JENNER Sport: Baseball Position: First baseman, Outfielder College: Winthrop University Beginner Age: 3 years old Training: 4-5 times per week Teams: Travel and MSD

“

I enjoy every part of baseball, but I think what I enjoy most is getting to be out there with the guys and always having a good time whenever wherever.

”

Julie Piedra Sport: Volleyball Position: Libero College: Bethune-Cookman University Beginner Age: 8 years old Training: 6 days per week Teams: Tribe Volleyball and MSD

“

I enjoy the competitive aspect of volleyball, The negative aspect is handling time management.

”

Sports • College Commitments 37

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Figuring it out Junior Hannah Levine switches to online school in pursuit of figure skating

D

ays of gliding on the ice, turning and jumping, help her to forget every worry in her life. For junior and ice skater Hannah Levine, the ice is her best friend, helping to comfort her and give her the unique experiences of feeling free and unstoppable.

“When I was little, I would go to the public skating sessions with my dad and my family, so he suggested that I start going to group lessons,” Levine said. “I started private lessons after a while, and I enjoyed it, so I stuck with skating.”

Levine started skating at 6 years old, improving her skills with each passing year. Representing the Panthers Figure Skating Club at competitions, she practices at the Panthers Ice Den five days a week, three hours on the ice and one hour off.

“When I’m off the ice, I either work out or do my ice jump class,” Levine said.

During off season, Levine works on her skills, such as advanced two foot spins and slide toe hops. With her competition season starting in April, Levine has to practice extensively months before, spending over six hours a day at the rink from the months of January to April.

“We get new choreography and put new routines together for competition season,” Levine said. “At the end of the season, we have a big competition, and I usually have to travel out of state for that one.”

Although Levine dedicates a vast amount of time to figure skating, it was not her main concern and focus in her life. In October, she decided to switch to an online school because it gave her more time to practice figure skating, yet still allowed her to focus on her academics with less stress.

“I saw it coming,” Hannah’s mom, Alison Levine said. “She was about to quit skating because she couldn’t balance both. When she presented me with a solution, it just made sense.”

Online homeschooling programs, like Florida Virtual School, are very flexible and allow Levine to spend more time at the skating rink. She can choose the time she focuses on her classes, consisting of Advanced Placement Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Language and Composition, AP U.S. History, AP Statistics and AP Calculus BC, and plan it around her rigorous skating schedule.

“Online schooling gives me more time to do the classes that I want and keep the sessions that are less crowded during the day, rather than the ones that are filled in the afternoon with all the kids skating after school,” Levine said.

Levine also continues to participate in extracurricular activities at MSD including DECA, Key Club, NASAGV and NHS. In order to attend after school meetings or events, she leaves the rink half an hour earlier to make it on time.

“It’s not really that time consuming

Skater Girl. Hannah Levine skates to “Lord of the Rings” by The Piano Guys at the Southwest Florida Fall Classic on Sept. 15.

Photo courtesy of Hannah Levine.

or hard for me to get to school to attend club meetings,” Levine said. “I’m glad I can still participate in clubs with my friends while taking school online.”

Though ice skating is Levine’s passion, she never intends on making skating a job in her future. She has always wanted to pursue engineering as a career because she enjoys math, science and businessrelated subjects.

“

would further her future. Although it’s not a decision many people would choose for themselves, I’m glad that Hannah is doing something that she enjoys.”

For Levine, self-drive played a major role in her achievements. She believes her success not only comes from the love and stimulation from others, but also from the positive inducement that she gives herself.

It motivates me to keep going, no matter how hard it gets, because in the end, it all really matters on how I feel when I excel. When I get a high score at competitions or learn a new skill, I know it’s all worth it.

“I want to go to college for engineering to have it as a job, but I also know that coaching is always a side job that I can have,” Levine said. “In college, I want to coach to still let skating be a part of my life.”

According to Levine, the switch to virtual school has been an amazing. Both Levine’s parents and friends offered their complete support when they realized she would be happier attending a virtual school, motivating her to follow her desired path.

“I’m proud of her for making a decision that she feels will benefit her and will help further her education in a way that she feels is best for her,” junior Emily Wolfman said. “She really took it upon herself to make a decision that

”

“I like to look back at all of the difficult times, and then realize how amazing I feel on the good days on the ice,” Levine said. “It motivates me to keep going, no matter how hard it gets, because in the end, it all really matters on how I feel when I excel. When I get a high score at competitions or learn a new skill, I know it’s all worth it.”

Levine participates in various competitions which includes the Florida Open, Sunshine State Games, Miami Open, Labor Day Invitational, Southwest Florida Fall Classic and the South Atlantic Florida Fall Classic. She’s won medals ranging from first place to fourth place.

For Levine, the next big event coming up is a holiday show in December that focuses more on holiday fun, skating

with friends and coaches rather than competing.

“The holiday show is one of my favorite times of the year,” Levine said.

“There is Christmas music, and I have fun with my friends.”

Levine’s favorite part about figure skating is doing jumps and learning new skills; excitement and happiness rush through her when she learns something new. However, the aftermath of skating leaves its toll on her energy.

“My least favorite part about it would have to be the exastution that runs over my body,” Levine said. “I get tired very easily now, and most of the time you can hear me talk about how tired I am at the rink, but it always feels great to know that I did it in the end.”

When performing a passionate-filled activity, Levine believes it is important to have support from people she cares about. Along with her parents and friends from school, Levine has her friends at the rink and her coach as her support system to inspire her to continue figure skating.

“We all know how it feels when skating, the good and bad parts of it, which is why it’s helpful to have them supporting me and being right there next to me,” Levine said. “If I feel tired and try to give up, I know I can talk to them and that they can uplift my mood.”

Figure skating will always be apart of Levine’s life, even when she returns to MSD for senior year to graduate with her class. The feeling that skating gives Levine has influenced her to keep her passion for the sport close to her as the years pass by. Story by Elama Ali

Sports • Figure Skater 39