Senior Sendoff - The Eagle Eye - Volume 5, Number 5 - June 2020

Senior Issue 2020 • Volume 5, Number 5

Senior Send Off

Design by Dara Rosen

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

The Eagle Eye Senior Issue 2020 • Volume 5, Number 5

Front Cover: Illustration by Leah Ronkin

05

Contents Photo by Darian Williams

The opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School or Broward County Public Schools. The publication is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. If you would like to advertise please call (754) 322-2150 or email MSDEagleEyeNews@gmail.com

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

03 Gotta Go My Own Way Polaroid Prom 04 05 Graduation From Afar 06 Class at a Glance On The Move 07 Trendy Throwback 08 MSD seniors choose different paths for future

MSD seniors show off their dresses after COVID-19 causes BCPS to cancel prom MSD seniors celebrate graduation while still social distancing

Statistics for MSD’s class of 2020 show top GPA’s and service hour earners 166 MSD seniors are continuing their education at Florida colleges and universities Current events, pop culture from past and present shape the class of 2020

Photo courtesy of Melissa Falkowski

Editorial Board Dara Rosen Brianna Fisher Leni Steinhardt Zoe Gordon Editors-in-Chief

Ava Steil Katrina White Fallon Trachtman Ashley Ferrer Ryan Servaites Nadia Murillo Mackenzie Quinn Copy Editors

Jason Leavy Matt Rosenthal Lily Singer Travis Newbery Anisah Steele Ivy Lam Assistant Editors

Darian Williams Brianna Jesionowski Photo Editors

Julia Noye Jenna Harris Sports Editors

Taylor Yon

Business Manager

Kacie Shatzkamer

Assistant Business Manager

Einav cohen Managing Editor

Melissa Falkowski Adviser

09 10 Senior Spotlights

From Diapers to Diplomas MSD seniors take a look back at their baby photos before graduating high school

MSD faculty and staff recognize exceptional class of 2020 seniors

Dear class of 2020 With our high school careers coming to a close, we wanted to take a moment and reflect upon all that our class has accomplished and overcome throughout the past four years.

It is already difficult to enter into high school as a freshman and become immersed in a new environment, and our class especially has been no stranger to adversity. We have preserved through hurricanes and rebuilt our community through acts of

volunteer work and support.

We have become activists following the shooting, using our voices to enact change and work towards a better society. We have grown stronger and closer together during the coronavirus pandemic, finding the silver lining in virtual senior activities and graduation.

From drama to athletics, student government to JROTC, honor societies to Eagle Regiment, our class has been

given countless opportunities to find and explore our niches and leave our mark on the MSD. Whether you’re going to a university, a vocational school, the military or straight into the workforce, we have all grown up together and learned to embody the true meaning of being positive, passionate and proud.

We wish everyone the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.

Congratulations MSD class of 2020! Eagle Eye Editors-in-Chief

Congratulations Eagle Eye Seniors Dara Rosen Brianna Fisher Leni Steinhardt Zoe Gordon Katrina White Fallon Trachtman

Darian Williams Julia Noye Jenna Harris Taylor Yon Einav Cohen Anna Bayuk

Leah Ronkin Charlie Goodman Elama Ali Daniel Taylor Anayris Guzman Max Geringer

Marisol Martinez Carolyn Anil Sam Grizelj Amber Mader Bianca Navas Abby Dowd

Gotta Go My Own Way

Design by Dara Rosen

MSD seniors choose different paths for future

I

love FGCU. From the moment I visited, I knew it was the place for me. Not only is it near the beach, on campus, there is a pool in the freshmen area and a lake on campus. I am pursuing Forensic Studies, and they have that as an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree. In that case, I can go to grad school at FGCU as well. I plan on doing the honors college, which means I only need one roommate, and we each get our own bedroom. The only thing we have to share is a bathroom. Bowling is very important to me as well, and I was delighted to learn they had a team that cannot wait to welcome me. I currently work at Mathnasium, and I am transferring to the Fort Myers center, where the center manager is one of the kindest people I have met. By staying in-state, I am able to use my Bright Futures scholarship and Florida PrePaid to help cover most of the costs for college. It was very important to me to be able to pay for the school and try not to take out any loans. I am really looking forward to meeting my roommate. Her name is Mackenzie, and she is from Connecticut. She is so nice, and I plan on introducing her to her first pub-sub.

Another thing I’m looking forward to is the honors college program. Students of the honors college are separated into FGCU’s own Hogwarts houses, where students in each house compete academically for points. The whole campus itself is like a resort, and I cannot wait to be living in a very bright and eco-friendly area.

T

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Ashley Paris

F

Maddy King

or as long as I could remember, I have been obsessed with makeup. Picture a threeyear-old smearing lipstick all over her lips, teeth and cheeks, powdering her entire face with powder, and using an eyeliner to doodle something ridiculous on her face, and calling the crazy end result “makeup” and you’ll have a good idea of my childhood. With my high school graduation looming, I wasn’t sure what path I should follow. These last few years have been more than a bit tumultuous, to say the least, so I didn’t know if I wanted to go far from home or stay close. Go to a traditional four-year college or try a community college first. But then I thought about my childhood, and the one thing that has always made me happy: makeup. For as much as I know about it, or think I know about it, I know there’s more to learn. Much more!

That made my decision easy: I wanted to go to school for makeup artistry. My decision to choose Cosmix gave me the best of both worlds.

It enabled me to stay close to home, yet still allowed me to pursue my passion and follow my dreams. When touring Cosmix, it instantly felt right seeing the different classrooms and all the makeup kits you get to choose from. But ultimately I chose Cosmix because it was a small, close-knit school where everyone gets to know everyone. It offers everything I’m interested in: skincare, special effects, editorial and fashion makeup. And to top it off, it’s pretty close to home. If all goes well, this is the first step in what I hope will be a dream career. I am looking forward to learning everything there is to know about makeup, meeting new friends and starting a new chapter in my life. I couldn’t be happier about this decision.

Alyssa Goldfarb

here were multiple reasons I chose to go to NYC. First off, I really wanted to move out of state to get new experiences. I’m originally from New York, but I’ve lived here most of my life, and I’m bored of Florida now. I also wanted to be able to see my family more often. The biggest factor was that it’s the best possible place to be for my major. There’s no other city that could provide me with the same opportunities or be able to jumpstart a career in fashion like where I’m attending can. I’m pretty excited to just be in the NYC atmosphere in general. I want to explore

every part of it possible. There are so many dope places to visit and restaurants to try. Inspiration is everywhere. I can’t wait to see how my sense of style develops and what I will create in my time there. I’m looking forward to finally being able to study something that I’m passionate about and dive into the world of fashion. I want to be able to make up for the past few years here that weren’t the best. I’m ready to exist freely and live to the fullest and what better place to do so than NYC.

Spencer Silcott

n the fall, I will be starting my freshman year at Florida Atlantic University. I applied to four colleges—all in the state of Florida (FAU, UCF, FIU and FGCU), as I wanted to be on my own from my parents, but not too far away from them to where I would feel homesick.

Originally, my plan was to attend UCF as it was my dream school and many of my friends would be going there. Happily, I was accepted to all four colleges. When I got the acceptance letter from UCF, I was overjoyed. All my hard work over the last few years had paid off. Then, I noticed something unusual in the letter. The offer stated that I had not been accepted for fall admission.

Instead, they offered me the chance to start in the summer. The letter explained that If I did not accept summer admission, I would not be accepted at all (admission with a caveat). When I realized this, I was very disappointed. The thought of graduating and then immediately leaving home, moving to dorm life and starting college classes, was daunting. Also, selfishly, I wanted one last summer with my friends. I thought about it for weeks. Ultimately, I made the decision to decline their offer. It was a tough choice to make. I looked at my other options and at first, none of them truly appealed to me until I looked closer at FAU, and it was better than I had ever imagined. After I toured the campus and looked in-depth into the classes and programs that they had to offer, I realized it was an overall better match for me. I decided to accept their offer and live on campus. I am happy and excited for this new, upcoming chapter in my life.

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I

Andromeda Smith

t started off kind of as a joke two years ago. I had seen this family of eight hike the Appalachian Trail together on YouTube, and I joked to my mom that I should hike it if I took a gap year. My older brother had taken a gap year, but I hadn’t really considered it. But the next year as a junior, my mom brought it up again, and I realized she had thought I was serious, and the more I started thinking about it, the more it appealed to me. If I took a gap year, I wouldn’t have to suffer the stress of applying to colleges during the hectic school year, and it would give me a chance to really think about what I wanted to do with my life. I truly believe that a gap year is an opportunity that you really can’t pass up.

If you’ve been working really hard, taking tons of APs and dual enrollment classes, a gap year is this perfect combination of relaxation and self-study. For me, this meant a shift in focus from the daily grind of school work towards new goals for my future. I think a lot of kids enter high school focused on getting good grades and getting into college, but this narrow view doesn’t leave room to contemplate the question, “then what?” I’ve had classmates and friends who have known all their lives what they wanted as a future career, but I’ve always tried to keep my mind open for as many possibilities as I can.

The problem with trying to keep all your options open is just that—now I have so many options to choose from. College is an open gateway to whatever path I end up choosing, but first I have to make that choice; I have to make a command decision where I want to go from here. Here’s to hoping that a six-month walk in the woods will be enough for me to make up my mind.

Keith Wood

he military makes sense to me...No one persuaded me to join, instinct made it obvious. I believe if you do a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. My passion happens to be marine biology. I guess you can call me a marine freak because of how it influenced my life. Unfortunately, only a handful of universities offer this major and the ones that do are super competitive to get into.

Nevertheless, I was still set on pursuing my goal of a career in marine biology. Zero could halt my ambition. After doing research, that’s when I discovered the Coast Guard. Instantly, I became intrigued with the idea of gaining this invaluable experience beside the water. Although

it will be challenging, I am looking forward to overcoming the challenge. Boot camp is a test of will, preparation is key to succeeding. Every day I dedicate my focus and energy on strengthening myself in order to progress. Building bonds with my fellow troops will be crucial to gain each other’s trust and establish a brotherhood.

Graduating will be one of the proudest moments of my life, being recognized for hard work is a humbling feeling because you’re rewarded for all of your efforts. All in all, I can’t wait to see what this next saga has in store for me. For now, I will aspire to improve the version of the man I envision myself to be.

Feature • Perspectives on the Future 03

Design by Dara Rosen

Polaroid Prom

Freshmen Fun

MSD seniors show off their dresses after COVID-19 causes BCPS to cancel prom

Sophomore Spirit

Fresh in Spirit. Luis Fuentes and Monique Green Machines. Class of 2020 board Showing Spirit. Brianna Fisher and Jordyn Sophomore Smiles. Class of 2020 board Miquel participate in Spirit Week in 2016. drives in the parade during Spirit Week in Hersch dress up for Spirit Week in 2017. drives in the parade during spirit week in 2016. Photo courtesy of Brianna Fisher 2017. Photo courtesy of Brianna Fisher Photo courtesy of Monique Miquel Photo courtesy of Brianna Fisher

04 Feature • Prom

Design by Dara Rosen

Graduation From Afar MSD seniors celebrate graduation in various ways while still social distancing

Honk for the GRADUATES

The cities of Parkland and Coral Springs organized a senior parade for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School class of 2020 on Saturday, June 6 at 9 a.m. The parade route started at North Community Park and continued down Holmberg Road. Seniors were encouraged to decorate their cars in a graduation theme and include a sign with their names to be read aloud as they drove through the parade.

Along the parade route there was also a slide show of memories from throughout high school.

“

Drive-by Distinction. Principal Michelle Kefford hands carnations to each graduate at the end of the parade route on Saturday, June 6. Photo

It was really great to be honored in such a special way in this unprecedented time. So much has been taken away from us due to the pandemic so it was nice to have something that was special just for us.

Daniel Bishop

courtesy of Melissa Falkowski

Parade of Graduates. Anna Bayuk drives down Pine Island Road during the graduation parade on Saturday, June 6. Photo courtesy of

”

Melissa Falkowski

Off to College

Bed decorating parties have been a long standing tradition among high school graduates, but with the COVID-19 pandemic causing social distancing, seniors got creative in the ways they participated. Some held these parties in backyards while others had drive-thru gift dropoffs.

“

Instead of doing a traditional bed decorating, my family decided to do a car decorating. My friends and family participated in a drive by, and I used my car as the surface for all the graduation gifts.

Hannah Levine

”

Photo courtesy of Hannah Levine

Photo courtesy of Leni Steinhardt

A Cap on High School

With the class of 2020 Commencement Ceremony being changed from a traditional graduation to an online version, seniors at MSD still participated in the cap decorating tradition and took photos with their families and friends.

“

High school is something parents and grandparents talk about all the time and having the memory of pictures in a cap and gown is very special. Having pictures is a way for me to be able to look at this day and remember the good things. I am extremely happy MSD gave us the backdrops and the ability to take pictures.

Mandi Jaffe

”

Junior Jitters

Senior Season

Red Hot. Grace DeChene and Shannon On Top. Rising seniors show off their Class Clowns. Nick Joseph and Adrian Pumped Up. Brian Smith gets students McEachern drive in the parade during decorated crowns on May 24, 2019 to Kauffman participate in lunchtime activities at lunch excited for the upcoming football Spirit Week in 2018. Photo by Nyan Clarke mark the start of being seniors. Photo by during wacky tacky day in 2019. Photo by game during the Hollister Pop Up Pep Rally on Nov. 1, 2019. Photo by Dara Darian Williams Sam Grizelj

Rosen

Feature • Graduation 05

Design by Brianna Fisher

class at a glance All information was compiled on May 23 and is subject to change

Statistics for MSD’s class of 2020 show top GPA’s and service hour earners

senior 747 Students in the class of 2020 stats 143 Seniors with Bright Futures Academic Scholarship 101 Seniors with Bright Futures Medallion Scolarship 44 Seniors with Bright Futures Gold Seal Scholarship

44 Greatest number of credits per student 392 Seniors earned the Gold Cord 326 Seniors earned the Silver Cord 149,388 Total service hours accumulated

Top 5 Student GPAs Julia Suconic

Daniel Bishop

out-of -state 32% Going

Life After High School

1% Armed Forces 3%

Joshua Rosenthal

2%

86+14+T 68+32 2+5+8931 86%

Workforce

Gap year

68% Staying

MSD seniors going to college

Math

Reading

Science

Composite

24.9

23.2

25.3

23.8

24.1

2200 +2400 +2300 +2200 +2300= Reading

Science

Composite

20.2 20.5 0 +213 21.3 0 +208 20.8 0 +210 20.8 0= 2030 +209 English

Math

98%

759 Students

Average SAT Scores

English

Math

98+2

Not 2%Graduating

Graduating

college

in-state

Brooke Bourdeau

Grad stat

2-year college

89% 4-year

Average ACT Scores English

5%

Brianna Fisher

Reading

Science

Composite

19.5 +195 19.5 0 +207 21.2 0 +191 19.7 0 +196 20.1 0= 1870

MSD Class of 2020 Average

National Average

Florida Average

Reading

Math

582 564 524+ 532= Reading

Math

Reading

Math

531 528 497+ 513= 431 483 491+ 485=

Top 5 Service Hour Earners

Zachary Cohn 1412 Hours

06 Feature • Class of 2020 Statistics

Haley Stav 1353 Hours

Ella Giacomini 1169 Hours

National Average

Florida Average

Service Hour Requirements

40 40= 250 250= 75 75= 100 100= Graduation

Andrea Peña 1752 Hours

MSD Class of 2020 Average

Alexander Du 1167 Hours

Silver Cord

Bright Futures Gold Medallion Scholarship Bright Futures Academic Scholarship

on the move

Design by Brianna Fisher

Based on a naviance survey of 704 MSD seniors

Pensacola

University of North Florida Jacksonville, FL

Tallahassee Jacksonville

Four students

Two student

University of Central Florida Orlando, FL

64 students

One student

University of South Florida Tampa, FL 24 students

Three student

Tampa

Stetson University DeLand, FL

Four students

One student

94 students

Fort Myers

St. Thomas University Miami, FL Three students

Boca Raton Fort Lauderdale Naples Davie Miami

Florida Gulf Coast University Naples, FL 32 students

One student

Five students

West Palm Beach Lake Worth

Florida Southwestern State College Fort Myers, FL One students

Barry University Miami Shores, FL

University of Miami Miami, FL

Broward College Fort Lauderdale, FL

Sarasota

One student

Ave Maria University Ave Maria, FL

Palm Beach State College Lake Worth, FL 30 students

Two students

Miami Dade College Miami, FL

Lakeland

One student

New College of Florida Sarasota, FL

Webber International University Babson Park, FL

15 students

Bethume Cookman University Daytona Beach, FL

Orlando

Florida Polytechnic University Lakeland, FL Two students

Florida Southern College Lakeland, FL

Valencia College Orlando, FL

59 students

University of Florida Gainesville, FL

Three students

Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL

Two students

Florida State University Tallahassee, FL 46 students

Sante Fe Community College Gainesville, FL

One student

Flagler University St. Augustine, FL

Gainesville

Tallahassee Community College Tallahassee, FL Six students

Four students

Jacksonville University Jacksonville, FL

Six students

Florida A&M University Tallahassee, FL

University of Tampa Tampa, FL

527 MSD seniors are continuing their education at Florida colleges and universities

Johnson and Wales University North Miami, FL Two students

Atlantic Technical College Coconut Creek, FL Five students

Lynn University Boca Raton, FL One student

Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL 87 students

Florida International University Miami, FL

Nova Southeastern University Davie, FL

Seven students

Nine students

Far from home University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA One student

Yale University New Haven, CT

82 seniors are continuing their education at out-of-state colleges and universities

Mercer University Macon, GA

Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LA

Miami University Oxford Ohio Oxford, OH

University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA

One student

One student

Belmont Abbey College Belmont, NC

University of Georgia Athens, GA

Massachusetts Institue of Technology Cambridge, MA

Elon University Elon, NC

Tiffin University Tiffin, OH

Edinboro University Edinboro, PA

Two students

Three students

Two students

University of Connecticut Storrs, CT

Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, GA

Brandeis University Waltham, MA

One student

One student

Boston University Boston, MA

Two students

Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah, GA

Three students

American University Washington, D.C.

One student

One student

One student

One student

Appalachian State University Boone, NC

Ohio State University Columbus, OH

One student

One student

Pennsylvania State University State College, PA

One student

Three students

Four students

Two student

New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark, NJ

Oklahoma Christian University Norman, OK

Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA

One student

One student

One student

Northwestern University Evanston, IL

One student

One student

Montclair State University Montclair, NJ

One student

University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OK

Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN

Two students

Suffolk University Boston, MA

George Washington University Washington, D.C.

Purdue University Lafayette, IN

Emmanuel College Boston, MA

Two students

Oklahoma Christian University Edmond, OK

One student

University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX

Two students

One student

Cornell University Ithaca, NY

Three students

Emory University Atlanta, GA

Indiana University Bloomington, IN

Michigan State University East Lansing, MI

New York University New York, NY

Wilfrid Laurier University Waterloo, ON

Virginia Polytechnic Institute Blacksburg, VA

One student

One student

Reinhardt University Waleska, GA

Murry State University Murry, KY

Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD

Pace University New York, NY

University of Toronto Toronto, ON

Washington State University Pullman, WA

Tulane University New Orleans, LA

Wingate University Wingate, NC

One student

Howard University Washington, D.C.

One student

Two students

One student

Young Harris University Young Harris, GA One student

Four students

One student

One student

One student

One student

Two student

Three students

Two student

Clarkson University Potsdam, NY

One student

Two student

One student

Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana, PA One student

One student

One student

University of Wisconsin Madison, WI Two students

Feature • Class of 2020 College Plans 07

Design by Ava Steil

trendy throwback Current events, pop culture from past and present shape the class of 2020

Internet Sensations

Jammin’ Out “Hanging by a Moment” by Lighthouse

2002

“How You Remind Me”

by Nickleback

2001

“Blinding Lights” by The Weekend

Newsworthy 2001

On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists flew two planes into the World Trade Center in New York City, killing thousands of Americans.

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” brought in a gross amount of $317,871,467 in the box office.

2002

On Oct. 16, 2002, Congress passed the Iraq Resolution which allowed the United States Armed Forces to take action against Saddam Hussein’s government.

Photo courtesy of Chuck Kennedy/Krt/TNS

After being released on Jan. 17, 2020, “Bad Boys for Life” grossed around $419.1 million in the box office.

In early 2020, COVID-19 began to spread across the world.

On March 11, the World Health Organization deemed it a pandemic, creating a new normal across the globe.

2020

Photo courtesy of John Raoux/ Orlando Sentinel/TNS

2002

As social media has expanded, TikTok has an abundance of intergenerational users.

Book Club

2001

“Life of Pi” by Yann Martel details the story of a boy lost at sea with a tiger as his only companion.

New England Patriots v.

Los Angeles Rams 20-17

Photo courtesy of Patrick Schneider/Charlotte Observer/TNS

“The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold follows a young girl as she watches the world continue on from heaven.

2020

2002

“American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins is a story of a Mexican woman fleeing to the United States.

Commander-in-Chief

Super Bowl Dubs Baltimore Ravens v.

New York Giants 34-7

2020

Photo courtesy of CDC

2001 & 2002

2001

2002

The first social media site was launched under the name Friendster. In 2015, it was sold and became a social gaming site.

Photo courtesy of TNS

2002

“Spider-Man,” the first of a trilogy, ended its box office run with a gross earning of $821.7 million.

2020

Wikipedia, and StumbleUpon, the first internet search engine, were both released during this year.

2020

Poetic Cinema 2001

2001

2020

Kansas City Chiefs v. San Fransisco 49ers 31-20

Photo courtesy of Tammy Ljungblad/Kansas City Star/TNS

Inagurated on Jan, 20, 2001, George W. Bush served two terms as the President of the United States until Jan. 20, 2009. While in office, Bush became a wartime president within nine months of his inaguration after the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001.

Photo courtesy of George Bridges/ MCT/TNS

Before being elected in 2016 as the United States’ 45th president, Donald Trump was a wealthy business man in New York City.

He was also the star and host of a reality television show entitled “The Apprentice.”

Trump serves alongside his Vice President Mike Pence.

2020

Photo courtesy of TNS

08 Feature • Trends

Design by Ava Steil

from diapers to Diplomas MSD seniors take a look back at their baby photos before graduating high school

Kayla Renert

Eddie DeGregorio

Kayli Hendry

Ariana Calamia

O’kayhvia Ferguson

Mackenzie Bjork

Samantha Blahut

Charlie Goodman

Leya Harris

Sam Hendler

Andrew Williams

Katelyn Gomez

down memory lane

“

Enjoy high school and make the most of it because even though everyone says it, it goes by so quickly. Don’t be afraid to attend school events, they’re fun and make awesome memories.

Monique Miquel

“ “

Do everything you can in high school; sports, clubs, etc. because once it’s over, it’s over.

Job Charles

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Don’t let your competitiveness get in the way of doing what you want and being happy.

Be proud of your work, without comparing yourself to anyone else’s journey.

Cat Tibbetts

”

”

MSD seniors share advice they would give their freshmen selves

“

Live in the moment and cherish all the little moments you make over the next four years because time really does fly.

Jaedyn Wint

“

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Find a friend group you can rely on and stick with them through high school. They make the journey a lot more fun and exciting.

Matthew Binder

“

”

Grades are so important, and even though I think I did a good job, there is always room for improvemenent... Other people’s opinions don’t matter, because at the end of the day you have yourself.

Bryan Cooke

”

Feature • Baby Photos & Advice 09

“ “” “ “ Nyiah Bosfield

Caitlynn Tibbetts

”“ ” ”“ “

Cat has been my student for the past four years. She joined yearbook as a sophomore, has been an editor since she was a junior and has been EIC as a senior. Cat helped to create two books under unimaginable circumstances and has exceeded my expectations every time. She is bright, hardworking, thorough, caring, dedicated, amazing and fantastic.

Sarah Lerner, yearbook adviser

Nyiah has successfully completed four years of French. As the president of the Black History Month committee, she spearheaded the event and designed the program. She was very instrumental, for several years, to the celebration of the Black History Month at MSD. She is also an officer of the French Club.”

Geemps St. Julien, French teacher

Brianna Fisher

Brianna understands that success is not just good grades. She has learned skills that have made her able to communicate with a diverse group of individuals. She evaluates the outcome of all situations, listens to others’ opinions and is considerate of them. What she has learned from her education goes beyond textbooks. She has mastered the ability to listen, analyze and always learn from those that have experience in what she is searching for. She has good morals, is ethical and trustworthy. I wish her much success in her education and life journeys; there is no doubt that she is a wonderful role model to our present and future Eagles.

Ana Farrand, BRACE adviser

Spotlight

Lucy Rosenblum

Lucy Rosenblum is an amazing well-rounded and talented young lady. She is academically strong, athletic, has a great personality, extremely humorous and clever. I have had the pleasure of having Lucy in my computer science classes starting in her freshman year. I have marveled at her cheerleading abilities as an MSD Cheer Captain and enjoyed watching her show her school spirit throughout the years. This year, Lucy was my TA, and I have enjoyed every moment of the time we spent together.

Sandra Rennie, computer science teacher

Sara is a true leader in all aspects of life. She excels academically, athletically and knows how to lead a group. She carried nearly a weighted GPA of 5.0. She was two-year team captain on the wrestling team in which she is nominated by her peers and not the coaches. She is a JROTC Battalion Commander at MSD. In wrestling, she has placed twice in the girl’s state wrestling championships and top 12 in the National Championships of out of 51 girls last summer. Sara had hopes into becoming an All-American this summer (top 8), but unfortunately the national championships were canceled due to COVID-19. It was an honor and a pleasure to coach Sara her last two years at MSD. Ken Gendason, wrestling coach

10 Feature • Senior Spotlights

Ryan Wiesenfeld

Sara Ochoa

Ryan is the treasurer for LED Dance Club; he would go above and beyond to make sure the club was running smoothly and was a good sport when it came to being a part of a girl-dominated club. He was also my TA, and I was so privileged to have his help this school year.

Chelsea Briggs, LED dance adviser

“ ” “ ” “” “ ” “ “

Design by Ashley Ferrer

Taylor Yon

Hunter Dorman

Hunter excelled frequently, put in hard work and took on numerous leadership roles. He anchored our hospitality team that won first place in state competition sponsored by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. He held DECA officer positions for three years, won first place in DECA state competition twice, was an International Finalist and is President of Good Scents, an actual business started and run by seniors in the hospitality entrepreneurship class. They are currently a finalist for South Florida JA Fellows Company of the Year.

Mitchell Albert, hospitality and marketing teacher

Krystina Masihy

Krystina was a four-year starter on the Varsity soccer team, senior captain and Teams MVP Offensive player this year. During her sophomore year, she played goal keeper because we needed one. She is an unselfish giver who truly sacrificed for her team. As a result, she was honored by making the First Team All County team as Utility Player for both the Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald her sophomore year. She is also a Senior Scholar Athlete Nominee this year. She will be attending the University of Florida and is a very talented artist also.

Laura Rountree, women’s varsity soccer coach

Seniors Elisabeth Mitchell

Elisabeth won the title of ‘MSD Cadet of the Year’ after a close competition with other distinguished JRTOC students.

She is a highly successful leader in the JROTC program and everyone looks up to her. Her impeccable character, leadership skills and all around awesomeness will ensure she excels at anything she pursues after graduation.

LTC (RET) Mark W. Anders, ROTC instructor

Taylor is by far the best TA I have ever had, displaying excellent organizing and plant watering skills. She often goes above and beyond the duties of a TA, volunteering to work at debate events and offering freshman debate students life advice as they display a need for it.

Taylor has notably perceived through school and life struggles, currently improving her grades in all her classes.

Dr. Jacob Abraham, Debate teacher

MSD faculty and staff recognize exceptional class of 2020 seniors

Lekha Varuandi

Lekha opted out of a big team tennis tournament to orchestrated the Relay For Life on behalf of my son going through chemo just recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last summer. She was a sounding board for me as I went through some personal difficult times and always there if I needed anything. I am so proud of her for accomplishing her dream to play Division 1 Tennis for Mercer University.

Amelia (Amy) Pena, tennis coach and registrar

Sabelle Raoof

Sabelle left an indelible mark in the history of the French Honor Society. As the president of the French Honor Society, she organized many events such as Relay For Life, French Week and teaching French to elementary students using French games and other fun activities at Heron Heights Elementary. Because of her leadership, for the first time, the French Honor Society raised more than $100 for Relay For Life.

Geemps St. Julien, French teacher

Feature • Senior Spotlights 11

“ “” “ “ Leah Ronkin

Sydney Kerr

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Sydney Kerr is an amazing young lady who strives to improve any situation—she loves to help. She is talented and a hard worker. She volunteers in the community, and is passionate about everything she does, especially making films. Her ambitious, kind and giving nature draw people to her. Sydney is a strong and courageous young woman, and I cannot wait to see what the future brings for her.

Dawn Tavares, psychology teacher

Student Director for 2019 Award Winning One Act. Outstanding member of Drama Club and wonderfully talented actress!.Leah Ronkin is not only bright, confident and humble, she has grown into a creative voice through her writing, direction and performance. She has been a loyal drama club member and an important part of our theatre family.

Melody Herzfeld, drama teacher

Mia Newberg

There was never a day when Mia did not come to class without the best attitude about learning. She remained engaged even during the most uncomfortable times, be it a personal issue, school issue, social issue or a sports issue. It was Mia who would keep the discussion going with a remarkable depth of insight or an interesting query. She encouraged others in the class to do the same. Mia is an inspiration to all students and teachers.

Theresa Bennett, language arts teacher

Spotlight

Zachary DeVito

Zachary is an exemplary student, captain of the soccer team and a peer counselor. A natural-born leader on and off the field, he never shies away from helping others. He is a positive influence on everyone around him and is always willing to go the extra mile, not only to help anyone who needs it, but also to achieve his goals. Congratulations on committing to Marshall University for D1 soccer. I am so proud of you.

Veronica Aranguren, social studies teacher

Alexandra Sullivan

Sully has been my student for the past four years. She joined yearbook as a sophomore and has been an editor since she was a junior. Sully helped to create two books under unimaginable circumstances and has exceeded my expectations every time.

She is bright, hard-working, thorough, caring, dedicated, amazing and fantastic. She helps out with whatever is needed for the book, always going above and beyond her job title on staff.

Sarah Lerner, yearbook adviser

12 Feature • Senior Spotlights

Mandi Jaffe

Mandi has been a student who always worked hard throughout her high school career. She demonstrates leadership as our President of our large DECA chapter (4th largest chapter in the world) and always comes to school with a smile on her face and ready to brighten up the day of her peers and teachers alike.

Sharon Cutler, marketing teacher

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Design by Ashley Ferrer

Kaley Morabito

Kaley has been my student for the past four years. She joined yearbook as a freshman and has been an editor since she was a sophomore. Kaley helped to create two books under unimaginable circumstances, and has exceeded my expectations every time. She is also one of my English seniors. She has overcome adversity and never lets it get in her way. She works hard and always tries her best.

Sarah Lerner, yearbook adviser

Matthew is the President of the MSD Drone Racing Team and is pretty much single-handedly responsible for reviving the club after a one-year hiatus. Matt is a terrific leader and a great motivator of his teammates, and he is very reliable and enthusiastic. I could always count on Matt to be cool headed and focused, no matter the circumstances. After a bad setback during testing of an advanced drone, it was Matt who managed to see the bright side and keep a positive perspective on the situation. He reminded the rest of us that we just learned something. This is just one small example of what sets Matt apart.

Frank Krar, mathematics teacher

Matthew Roa

Seniors O’Kayhvia Ferguson

I would like to nominate O’kayhvia Ferguson [for a senior spotlight]. She is so intelligent and open minded, and I love to converse with her. She was part of our Book Club and added to its success. She is well-read and well-spoken and always smiling.

Debbie Jacobson, language arts teacher

Zurine is a super special, genuine human being. We met in my personalization class in 2018. She has been beside me during my most vulnerable moments.

She and I have shared an experience never to be forgotten. I am forever grateful for being a part of her history.

Julie Matlock, Spanish teacher

MSD faculty and staff recognize exceptional Class of 2020 seniors

Creative, caring and the ability to have the most tremendous empathy is how I best describe Bailee. She is philanthropic, kindhearted and a humanitarian. For over six years she has been helping young girls from all over Broward County find inner beauty, strength to overcome adversity and a voice. She is considerate, thoughtful and very thankful for the support that her friends and family provide her. There is no hesitation on my part that she is on the right track to be successful in her career choices.

Ana Farrand, BRACE adviser

bRYCE gOTT

Zurine Iza

Bailee Paul

I only got to know Bryce for two months. Bryce is a great example of a student athlete. He maintained about a 3.75 unweighted GPA this school year while competing on the football and wrestling teams. Bryce was nominated to play in two All-Star football games (BCAA All-stars and Broward vs. Dade All Star).

Bryce said he wanted to wrestle starting in January. In the end, Bryce finished his wrestling career 8-1 It was an honor and a pleasure to coach Bryce in wrestling, and he is a humble and respectful young man and competitor and will do great things in life.

Ken Gendason, wrestling coach

Feature • Senior Spotlights 13