Living Healthy - The Eagle Eye - Volume 6, Number 3 - March 2021

Healthy Living

Quarter Three 2021 • Volume 6, Number 3

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

The Eagle Eye Quarter Three 2021 • Volume 6, Number 3

Front Cover: Graphic by Julia Landy

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Photos by Fenthon Aristhome, Rayne Welser, Haley Jackson and Theron Piccininni 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 Letters to the Editor 04 MSD IN brief 06 Healing hearts 08 One year later Vaccination station 13 Destroying democracy 14 Promise to protect 16

MSD student body shares their perspective on various issues

New developments occur at MSD

Mental health and healing of seniors are still a work in progress

MSD and the U.S. continue to navigate life with COVID-19

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations currently in U.S. rotation

Trump supporters invaded U.S. Capitol to overturn 2020 election

Editorial Cartoon by Madison Lenard

President Joe Biden must fulfill campaign promises on gun violence

Editorial Board Ashley Ferrer Brianna Jesionowski Mackenzie Quinn Ava Steil Editors-in-Chief

Ivy lam Travis Newbery Matthew Rosenthal Assistant Editors-in-Chief

Noa Livni Ryan Servaites Lily singer Anisah Steele Delaney Walker Isabel white Copy Editors

Fenthon Aristhome Bryan Nguyen Photo Editors

Julianne LoFurno Sophia Squiccirini Sports Editors

Nadia Murillo Social Media Editor

Special Report

18 Living Healthy

• 20 - Low carb diets aim to alter the body’s main energy source • 22 - Low carb diets aim to alter the body’s main energy source • 24 - Raw food diets and juice cleanses rise in popularity • 26 - Online workout trends have risen in popularity amidst global COVID-19 pandemic • 27 - Students manage food allergies • 29 - Debunking common COVID-19 and other health misconceptions • 30 - Politicization of COVID-19 pandemic responsible for current state of America • 31 - Mass distribution of vaccines serve as important tool to eradicate COVID-19 • 32 - Learn useful self-care tips that will help improve physical and mental health • 33 - Learn how to take care of your skin, no matter your skin type

Joyce Han

• 34 - Seniors at MSD look to pursue medical majors after graduating from high school

Kacie Shatzkamer

• 36 - High school athletes cope with injuries that interfere with their competitive abilities

Business Manager Managing Editor

Staff

Kate Becker Kelly Cooke Reece Gary Haley Jackson Ava Jurick Julia Landy

Madison Lenard David Lopez Abby Marton Theron Piccininni Gabe Uchoa Rayne Welser

Melissa Falkowski Adviser

38 Next woman up

Female athletes change standards of sports at MSD

Design by Travis Newbery

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Political Priorities

Dear Editor, In a time where we need each other most, we are divided. The country is called the “United States,” and it needs to go back to being united. We are letting political opinions get in the way of how we see each other. Through the global pandemic, we find ourselves desperate for help. Our country went from lending a helpful hand, to falling into the path of despair. We live in a country where we are able to have our freedom to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But when we need to fight for equality to give these rights, we fall empty. Abraham Lincoln once said, “A house divided cannot stand.” I think this quote is very relevant to our current state in America because we let our views get in the way of what is right for our country. We have let money become the root of all evil. I love the country that I can call home as much as anything, but at the end of the day I must ask myself: is the United States united at all?

Cameron Schuller, 09

Focus on the Real History

Dear Editor, Once a year, Black History Month comes along. It is the one month out of the year the world’s primary focus should be on Black Americans and their great struggles and triumphs.

Every year I look forward to being taught about the legacy I should be carrying on, and every year I am disappointed. Who is to blame? I am not sure exactly. Could it be the fault of the students, the teachers, the school or the district? Who knows?

The problem lies in all the above.

In history class, we are taught about kings and soldiers, rulers and conquistadors. We are taught about how they discovered places and killed whomever they had to, to get to where they were.

Who is to say that Christopher Columbus was the one that truly discovered America when research shows that the land was long inhabited by natives before he claimed

it? I bet you did not know that. Just like you would not know that the only reason NASA was able to send a man into orbit was because three Black women engineered the spacecraft.

I do not care about a city that was ruled by a 15-year-old that had five kids by the time he was 14. That occurred thousands of years ago and has no impact on me. What I want to learn about are the people that were not handed success. The people that had to work for it despite racism and sexism, the people like Mary Jackson and Medgar Evers.

I doubt you know who they are, but if I said King George, you would know who he is. Everyone knows who he is because everyone knows the faces of a movement, the cover stories and the villains, but no one really knows the true stories behind it all, the ones that still linger around today.

Neketa Dixon Jenkins, 10

Let Them Choose Dear Editor, Something that has been bugging me for a while is the issue with how our school has been handling online learning.

Specifically, with teachers and the rules about them teaching from school. I think it is very unfair to force a teacher who could be immunocompromised to come to school and risk getting sick. Students are given the option to stay at home or return to school whenever they want, but teachers are required to teach in-person.

It is not right to force someone who may have young children to have to pay for someone to care for those onlinelearning children while they are forced to go to work. This can also create a risk of teachers possibly getting their family members sick. I think that teachers should be able to choose whether they teach from home or from school, just the same as a student.

Alexis Weinberg, 10

At-Home Spirit Dear Editor, Just because we are online does not mean it is automatically easier. When we were actually in school, we were in a learning environment surrounded by our peers and teachers. We were constantly engaged, and the fact that we are now in a relaxed environment, in the comfort of our own homes, means it is a lot harder to stay motivated as a student. We learn and sleep in the same environment, so it is hard to separate that throughout the day.

The usual competitive enthusiasm that is had at school, being surrounded by people that have the same goal as you, is not there. It is just not the same, but that does not mean that we as students are being ”lazy.” It is genuinely a challenge to stay motivated, and sometimes it feels as if the work is constantly piling up.

Michala Christie, 10

Pet Participation

Dear Editor, Many students feel sad and lonely in their classes, however, there may be a simple four-legged, gilled or reptilian solution. Every day I sign into my online classes and my puppy, being the good student he is, joins me. One of the very few perks of the unfortunate at-home learning situation is that our pets get to join us while we participate in class. I think it would be a great idea to dedicate some time to acknowledging our hardworking pets that are students by day and man’s best friend by night. In an attempt to add some lighthearted fun to the dreary monotony of doing school from home, having a proper “bring your pet to Teams” day could add the vibrance many students are missing from being in the classroom.

With the cancellation of in-school events like assemblies and spirit days, showing off our pets on Teams may be a perfect at-home replacement for those special events that used to add excitement to school days.

Sydney Lieberman, 11

Isolation’s Tolls Test-Taking Turbulence Dear Editor, College Board recently released how this year’s AP exams will be handled, and the options they’ve put forth have been quite concerning.

There are two options for students: they can either come into school and take the full-length AP exam, or take the online version at home. While the online version seems to be a lot safer for students in terms of protecting them from COVID, this version of the test does not allow students to go back

once they have answered a question.

While I understand the need to prevent cheating, I feel that this will greatly inhibit students from doing well.

Skipping difficult questions and coming back to them later is a test strategy used by many students, but with this new rule implemented, how does College Board expect us to do well if we cannot use the test strategy that has enabled us to be successful in previous AP exams?

Lydia Samuel, 11

Uncertain Futures Dear Editor, I feel that many of us do not realize that our time in high school is running out, and with it, comes the real world.

Many of us are not ready to face the real world. I know I’m not. It’s not really an issue of skills to thrive in the real world, but rather the direction of where I should go. I think a lot of us are lost and fearful of the uncertainties we might face. However, even knowing this, I still sometimes feel alone.

I know many friends who have

gotten their college lives planned out already, and even their post-college life. For me, I lacked the vision to look ahead.

Growing up, I was always told which classes to take, which programs I should join and essentially what my plan should be throughout my grade school career. Now, I kind of realized I’ve wasted my time on what society wanted me to be, and not who I wanted to become.

Geordan Yuan, 11

Missing Out on the Good Old Days Dear Editor, Maybe I am a bit biased, but I feel like the seniors this year, especially in this school specifically, really got the short end of the stick. We spent three years of high school waiting for this year because it was supposed to be the best year - the most fun year.

There were so many events we had been looking forward to: homecoming, spirit week, prom, fun events with friends. Yet none of that is happening,

and we get none of the sympathy the seniors last year got. No pity cards, no consolation events, just a whole lot of stress, very little support and a sensation of absolute meaninglessness to this all. In general, the seniors at this school have had a very rough four years, considering what happened our freshman year, and it feels very unfair to just be dealing with all this alone and with very little sympathy.

Daria Leonova, 12

Dear Editor, I wanted to bring up the fact that we are not able to properly retain information during online school. Even when going in-person, we are on Canvas, doing our assignments there. I know that the school board is trying their best to accommodate the times we are going through right now, but students aren’t benefiting, and I have noticed frustration from the teachers along with students. There are barely any connections, and as someone who has a learning disability, as well as someone who suffers from a mental illness, going onto Teams and having an overwhelming amount of assignments each week is getting exhausting.

Nothing is effectively being taught and is able to be retained, and this quarantine enables depression for students. The pressure of unnecessary assignments and tests isn’t fair, and I think it’s taking a toll on the student body as a whole. We should not have as much homework as we have and not have meetings every day. I’m not saying that we should be coddled, but we should be allowed to have some freedoms and occasional much-needed mental health breaks. The removal of professional study days have made this worse as well.

We don’t have time to take part in other activities, or even go outside for walks because of how the school curriculum treats us, and this should change.

Amara Arida, 11

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

Letters to the Editor 03

New developments occur at MSD

MSD IN BRIEF

BACK TO SCHOOL

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n Jan. 4, the first school day after winter break, around 1,800 Broward County Public School teachers with previously granted accommodations to teach from home were told that they had to return to their brickand-mortar schools by Monday, Jan. 11.

Up until that point, those teachers worked from home, live teaching their students remotely through Microsoft Teams. For these individuals, teaching at school in the midst of the ongoing pandemic presented a health risk.

“I don’t like that the teachers are being forced back into school,” Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School senior Jason Hameed said. “It’s reckless especially to the teachers with pre-existing conditions. Teachers are able to teach from home the same way they would in school, so I believe they should be able to stay home if they choose to.”

In October, BCPS decided who they were going to allow to work remotely based on certain levels of medical conditions.

The district gave priority to teachers who had diseases that would put them at high risk for COVID-19 infection, using a tiered system.

Tier 1 included cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, obesity and diabetes. Tier 2 included human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis, asthma or high blood pressure. Tier 3 included teachers with a high risk family member. The district granted permission to Tier 1 and some Tier 2 teachers to work from home. All others were required to return to school during the first semester.

Before January, 29 MSD teachers were granted remote work assignments.

Anna Fusco, the president of the Broward Teachers Union, believes that there is enough coverage by teachers to cover for the Tier 1 teachers that need to stay home because of a health complication.

“We have more than 90 percent of our teachers back in schools, and we have about 20 percent of our student population,” Fusco said in a Jan. 5 interview with Local 10 News. ‘There are more than enough teachers to accommodate our students that are back on campus.”

According to a Nov. 4, 2020 Sun Sentinel article, BCPS Superintendent Robert Runcie says that the county has allowed more accommodations than they should have.

“We might as well shut down the district and shut down the country if we’re going to do [allow teachers to stay home,” Runcie said.

BCPS advised teachers that they had to physically return to school by Jan. 8 and that their only alternative option was to take an unpaid leave of absence.

In response to the district’s order that all teachers return to their physical work sites, BTU sued BCPS to prevent the cancellation of online teaching

04 News • MSD In Brief

BCPS teachers forced to return to physical school, despite medical issues, risk contracting COVID-19

Drive-thru Protest. Junior Hailey Jacobsen joins hundreds of Broward Teachers Union members for a car caravan rally in protest of medically compromised teachers being forced back to campus by Broward County Public Schools and the Florida Department of Education. Over 200 cars participated in the event on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 10 a.m.

Photos courtesy of Melissa Falkowski assignments for medically high-risk educators. In August 2020, the school district negotiated a return to school memorandum of understanding the teacher’s union. The union’s suit alleged that the district was in violation of that agreement.

The case was set for an arbitration hearing, where participants present their evidence and make arguments supporting their position. After hearing both sides, the arbitrator decides in the favor of one side or will try to find a compromise between the parties.

“The expedited arbitration is a win for our members because our case to fight for accommodations extensions will be heard and decided much sooner on a fasttrack basis,” Fusco said in an email to BTU members.

Arbitrator Roger I. Abrams listened to arguments from both sides starting at 9 a.m. on Jan. 21. Arguments lasted for three days.

The school district argued that according to a letter sent to Runcie and the school board by the Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, schools had an operational need for all teachers to return. Additionally, the district extended 600 of the 1800 remote work assignments for the second semester. School principals made the ultimate decisions on whether or not to extend accommodations.

The BTU argued that the district’s

decision to suspend all work from home accommodations was “arbitrary and capricious,” which was in violation of the MOU, and that the district had not exhausted all ways to ensure that the most medically vulnerable teachers were protected.

On Monday, Jan. 25, Abrams issued his ruling.

“The District may require teachers to return to their classrooms to meet operational needs based on the number of students who intend to return to school…

In order to monitor compliance with this guidepost, the Union must be supplied information in a timely fashion of how the principals exercised their right to grant or deny remote assignments.”

As a result of this ruling, the district was allowed to end remote work assignments for teachers, and each principal had to submit in writing how they made their decisions about who was granted extensions for their remote assignments. Union representatives from each school met with their principals for one hour to discuss the decision-making process.

The central roadblock to continuing accommodations at the high school level was the end of the use of overflow rooms for students whose teachers were working remotely. During first semester, face-to-face students connected to class via their computer and Microsoft Teams

while being supervised in the mini-gym.

The FLDOE’s letter stated that all students physically returning to school had to have their assigned classroom teacher in front of them in the classroom.

At MSD the number of teachers and staff on remote assignments dropped from 29 to six.

“The parameters outlined in the FLDOE’s letter made it impossible to extend work from home accommodations to most high school teachers,” Melissa Falkowski, MSD’s designated BTU steward, said. “It was only possible through schedule changes, that some teachers were able to be given a full schedule of virtual only students, so they could continue working remotely. Mrs. Kefford and our administration did everything in their power to give the most number of accommodations possible to our staff.”

According to a Jan. 11 Miami Herald article, BCPS has had 100 teachers retire and 100 staff members call in sick or take a leave of absence since Dec. 17, 2020. At MSD, 7 teachers have taken a leave, quit or retired since August.

Since the ruling, the BTU has continued to advocate for medically vulnerable teachers to be given remote work assignments. On Saturday, Feb. 20, the union led a 200 car caravan through Broward County to raise awareness about the plight of these teachers. Story by Matt

Rosenthal

Design by Ava Steil

Organic oasis

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he reoccurring Sunday Parkland Farmers’ Market at the Equestrian Center reopened on Dec. 6, 2020, after being shut down for months from COVID-19 in March. New guidelines regarding the pandemic have been implemented to ensure a safe reopening for everyone involved. On Jan. 24, the market held a public safety-themed event where vendors sold a variety of organic foods, plants and products for both humans and animals.

The Parkland Farmers’ Market is a well-known community event offering a plethora of fresh and organic fruits and vegetables, gourmet food and handmade products. The market serves as a way for the community to shop from and support local businesses, which is especially important in the midst of the pandemic.

After being closed since late March when COVID-19 was becoming a large threat to the nation, the market had plans to be reopened in November, but weather concerns pushed the date back to Dec. 6, 2020.

“I used this [event] to bring in customers to my store [and] get them familiar with my [products],” John Janus, owner of Three Amigos Healthy Pet Supply, said. “It has been tough to get people to go back into the regular stores.”

Since its reopening, there have been events every other Sunday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The current confirmed upcoming dates are Feb. 7, Feb.

City of Parkland Farmers’ Market reopens after being closed for months due to COVID-19

21, March 7, March 21, April 11 and April 25, but they are subject to change. Every Sunday has a special theme. For instance, the theme on Feb. 7 was Pet Expo, so the majority of the vendors were selling a variety of animal products. Feb. 21 was the Craft Fair, so there were lots of homemade products and items for crafting up for sale.

“I love that everything [at the Farmers’ Market] is organic [and] fresh,” Robert Marrero, an employee of Sanctuary Exotic Tea said. “Overall, everyone can come here and enjoy something that’s natural, not processed.”

In order to ensure a safe reopening, the Farmers’ Market established multiple rules and procedures to keep everyone safe. The original format of the reopening was a drive-through with customers staying in their cars; however, customers have since instead been able to freely walk around the market 6 feet apart, with mandatory face coverings.

Individuals are asked to not attend if they are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 or if they are feeling ill in general. To help stay separated from others, the market has made every row one-way with signs marking the end of every aisle.

“I think it’s nice how they space everything out, there’s a range of different vendors available, and I think it’s just a nice outing with the music and the different food,” customer Hillary Zhu said.

Gone to Market. Patrons browse various local booths at the City of Parkland Farmer’s Market. The market reopened on Dec. 6, 2020 after months of COVID-19 restrictions kept it closed. Photo by Bryan Nguyen

To ensure that customers are in a safe environment, city staff and participating vendors are required to complete a health screening and a temperature check at home, prior to coming to the Farmers’ Market. Vendors also must wear masks throughout the entirety of the event and every vendor tent at least 6 feet apart.

Customers must not only stay apart from each other to ensure the vendors’ safety, be at least six feet away from those providing the goods.

“I love the safety of being outdoors during this time, and it helps me meet so many people for my business. I feel safe,” Mary Bohorquez, owner of Chocolate Diva Bakes, said.

Although eating is allowed at the

event like usual, you must be seated at one of the many designated tables in the eating area before you can remove your mask. The tables are conveniently located near the fresh food and drink section of the market, offering delicacies such as pastries, bubble tea, gelato and tacos. “[We went to the market for the] first time, [and] we loved it so far. Hopefully, they will continue to do it,” customer Shelly Shoulders said, “and we can see some new vendors.”

The Farmers’ Market will be open until at least April and will continue to follow its COVID-19 safety guidelines at every event until further notice. For information on the upcoming dates, you can go to cityofparkland.org. Story by Kate Becker

Rocking the livestream

MSD theatre program creates first virtual performance with ‘We Will Rock You’

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he theatre program at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School has consistently sold-out shows and performances for the past several years.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s drama show, “We Will Rock You,” was held through a Livestream on BookTix from Saturday, Jan. 29 to Sunday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. With tickets sold for $13 each, the drama department ended the show’s run with approximately 120 tickets sold. In addition, 80 teachers were given complimentary tickets to the show.

“The show takes place years in the future where everything is technologybased,” junior Sarah Wyner said. “It’s the story of how Galileo breaks free from the iPlanet and brings back real music.”

The show is based on the music written by the wide-known British rock band, Queen. There are many references to the band’s music throughout the show, including character names. The central character, Galileo Figaro, came from Queen’s hit song “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Throughout the musical, Figaro leads the people, known as Bohemians, from the iron grip of Killer Queen. By the end of the musical, Figaro has brought music back into the people’s lives.

One thing that has remained a constant

in this new world of virtual shows was the casting of roles. Any student who was in Theatre Production and wanted to audition for a role in the show was allowed to do so. The auditioning process took place during class time, virtually, since students and teachers could not meet in person. After, there was a read-through of the script, along with dancing and singing callbacks.

“We Will Rock You” was chosen to be a virtual live experience since Broward County Public Schools currently does not allow any face-to-face performances.

With this restriction, the drama students preferred to have an online show rather than nothing at all. “[The students] filmed individually in [their] own spaces, and they sent all the footage to me,” drama teacher Melody Herzfeld said. “I then worked with an editor to put together the entire show.”

There was a variety of songs, scenes, dances and backdrops within the show.

Students used headphones to listen to their prerecorded voices in each scene to make sure everything was on time and correct.

The choreography was created by senior Cameron Appel. The two leads of “We Will Rock You” were played by senior Logan LaPierre and sophomore Pearl Mass.

In past years, the drama team would rehearse every day after school from 6-10 p.m. both inside the drama room and on

From Stage to Screen. The MSD drama department created their “We Will Rock You” poster based off of inspiration from the musical’s original promotional posters. The show was pre-recorded and then streamed live for those with tickets to watch. Graphic

courtesy of MSD Drama

the stage. “We Will Rock You” rehearsals were only during class time. The team worked with a film editor to gather all the students’ parts, which were submitted via Google Drive.

“The majority of the time, drama has been difficult to do through a screen. It is hard to do a show when there is no real interaction, which is what it is all about,” senior Caroline Eaton said.

Other notable changes included Herzfeld taking up the role of director

— a role typically filled by a student and actors having the freedom to create their costumes and make-up for their characters.

“The production process was interesting to learn about, and it ended up working really well,” senior Peri Harris said. “Although putting together a fulllength musical virtually poses challenges, we worked together, and we were able to perform to the best of our abilities.” Story

by Ava Jurick

News • MSD In Brief 05

HEALING

In Loving Memory of

Alyssa Alhadeff Gina Montalto Scott Beigel Joaquin Oliver Martin Duque Anguino Alaina Petty Nicholas Dworet Meadow Pollack Aaron Feis Helena Ramsey Jaime Guttenberg Alexander Schachter Chris Hixon Carmen Schentrup Luke Hoyer Peter Wang Cara Loughran 06 News • Feb.14 Commemoration

Hearts

Design by Ashley Ferrer

Mental health and healing of seniors still a work in progress

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s our Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School community advances past the third commemoration of the deadly Feb. 14, 2018 shooting, those of us who were merely freshmen at the time of the event, now make up the senior class of 2021, continue to struggle with the lasting effects of that day.

A vast majority of our class now deal with the consequential issues that stem from post-traumatic stress disorder and present themselves through anxiety, depression or other disorders, all while attempting to carry out what is expected of us as “normal” high school students.

The social and academic aspects of school already put an immense amount of pressure on students, but having to juggle their mental health on top of that, led many students to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol and drugs.

According to the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, teenagers that suffer from PTSD are four times more likely to become dependent on alcohol, six times more likely to abuse marijuana and nine times more likely to experiment with hard drugs. However, the burden of this endeavor tends to be forgotten by others, as many of us have also been met with insensitivity regarding the progress of our emotional healing.

In the days leading up to the anniversary, the Instagram account @healingfromPTSD posted a collection of phrases to avoid saying to those who suffer from PTSD, which was then altered to fit the narrative of our school’s trauma by @ptsd.slp, titled, “What not to say to a Parkland survivor.”

Included were comments such as, “It happened so long ago.

Shouldn’t you be over it by now?”, “It’s all in your head,” or “Just stay positive.” The post was shared on the stories of numerous MSD seniors, confirming that these phrases were simply a few of the tone-deaf statements we have heard in conversations concerning our mental health.

Although it has been three years, it is extremely invalidating to be told that such a traumatic event should no longer have any effect on our well-being. Research from the American Addiction Centers Resource shows each individual embarks on a different healing process which can manifest itself in various manners. Trauma can linger for years after the actual event.

In fact, trauma-related changes in the brain can drastically alter one’s concept of time. Whereas a traumatic event may have occurred years ago, some victims it may feel as if it were both yesterday and a lifetime ago at the same time.

Even so, it is not just one horrific day that we continue to recover from.

Aside from our sophomore year, our class has yet to experience a school year in its entirety.

Merely three quarters into our freshman year, the expectation of enjoying our adolescence and the promise of high school as the best time of one’s youth were broken.

Sophomore year we were overwhelmed with media attention as well as shortstop solutions meant to provide a false sense of security after the fact. Increased security, clear backpacks and talk of metal detectors made it feel as if what happened was an oversight on the end of the students.

Last year, we persevered through the most stressful academic year but were rewarded with online schooling for the remainder of the fourth quarter. Now, we’ve entered our final year of high school virtually, without an inkling of knowledge as to how we are meant to say goodbye.

Now as seniors, we are currently in a conflicted state of isolation as the only remaining grade that directly experienced the terror and consequently the nightmares, yet acceptance as we are surrounded by a community that has attempted to come together to cater to our emotional needs.

For us, it feels like we have outgrown the utter concept of high school; simply carrying out a meaningless routine of homework and AP tests when we have stood right before death. But at the exact same time, it is as if we can take a breath knowing that we do not have to explain ourselves to our fellow peers or that the same event will never occur here again.

As we steadily move towards a future that may guarantee us a new beginning, it does not necessarily mean that we are cured or no longer feel these effects. Healing does not follow a timeline nor does it have a deadline. We may rid ourselves of the visual reminder, yet we will always take the experience with us no matter where we are. Editorial by Ashley Ferrer; photos by Fenthon Aristhomene, Rayne Welser,

Haley Jackson and Theron Piccininni

Day of Service and Love Feb. 14, 2021

News • Feb.14 Commemoration 07

One year later MSD and the U.S. continue to navigate life with COVID-19 a year after it’s emergence into the country

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March 1, 2020, there have been over 1.9 million cases reported statewide, along with 31,521 deaths caused by COVID-19.

Across the state, many districts and counties have established their own versions of a tracking system. The BCPS Coronavirus Dashboard was created on Oct. 9, 2020, when campuses were officially opened to students. Five months later, BCPS reports a total of 3,774 cases in the school district alone. According to the data, BCPS students Fourteen months after its initial emergence into are receiving positive tests about 200 more times than those of teachers. the United States, the COVID-19 virus has spread Since its reopening date of Oct. 9, 2020, Marjory across all 50 states and infected 28,646,679 people nationwide. According to the CDC’s COVID-19 Data Stoneman Douglas High School has seen a total of 42 positive cases of COVID-19 from both students Tracker, over 519,064 individuals in the U.S. alone and teachers. Out of those cases, 18 were reported have died due to the virus or complications of its within the last 30 days. infection.

“There are 3,200 students who are enrolled Zooming in to a more statewide view, Florida at MSD,” Assistant Principal Daniel Lechtman has been the breeding ground for the virus since said. “Currently, only about 250 students are on the 2020 spring break, with college students and campus.” vacationers flocking to the beaches and club Out of 241 schools in the Broward County scenes across the state. The Florida Coronavirus area, MSD falls within the top 10 schools with the Community Action Dashboard reports that since

n March 13, 2020, Broward County Public Schools issued a mandate which stated that all BCPS schools would be closed, effective immediately, due to the spreading COVID-19 pandemic. Now, almost one year later, the majority of students are still learning from their computers at home and vaccines have just hit the market.

Counting Cases

08 News • COVID-19 Update

highest reported cases. Cypress Bay High School in Weston holds the spot of most cases with 55 students and 19 teachers testing positive for a grand total of 74 positive COVID-19 cases.

Continuing Education

From Aug. 19 to Oct. 8, 2020, BCPS stuck with the remote learning model of education called e-Learning Phase 1. During this time period only administrators, a few teachers and other select staff were on-campus at Broward County schools.

Students were not the only faces welcomed back at the start of Phase 2, a few teachers also made their grand entrance. However, 1,700 teachers still remained at home with an accommodation due to underlying health conditions.

But with students and teachers alike returning to campus, there was a looming concern amongst the community. How to protect everyone from COVID-19?

MSD took many precautions to keep its teachers and students healthy and safe while they continued to learn on-campus. The school was given a COVID-19

Design by Ava Steil Behind the Curtain. English teacher Debbie Jacobson teaches both her face-to-face students and her virtual students in her 7th period class on Friday, March 5 at the same time from behind three screens. In order to manage all the demands of the hybrid learning model, some teachers have resorted to multiple screens, many of which were donated by community members to help MSD teachers. Photo by Gabe Uchoa

Staying safe MSD implements new COVID-19 precautions and protocols on campus Social distancing in classrooms and outdoor seating areas.

Constant mask wearing while on campus for both students and staff, except when eating lunch.

Staggered dismissal for students who take different methods of transportation home.

Hand sanitizer available in several locations across campus.

Bi-weekly cleanings of the campus, including classrooms, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The school and district request that students and teachers who feel unwell remain at home and get tested for COVID-19.

“

Overall, this journey has been a life lesson for me to be super grateful for my icine. health, for my family andgefoogr mraodpheryntemacedher

makeover featuring one-way directional hallways and staircases, socially distanced classrooms and a firm mask requirement. In a survey of 330 students, 59.4% reported that MSD enforces its COVID-19 policies at all times.

“There is hand sanitizer in almost all the classrooms, some teachers give wipes to clean your desk and some teachers try to pick a desk for you that other kids in the other periods don’t sit at to limit the amount of people in the same desk,” junior Erika Wilczek said.

In order to limit the amount of paper shared and used amongst students and teachers, MSD has continued to utilize the learning management known as Canvas. Students are enrolled in each of their classes respective courses in addition to school-wide courses.

Teachers upload in-class assignments, tests, quizzes, worksheets and much more to the site which allows students to complete their work without coming into contact with anyone else.

“I really like using Canvas for everything now,” sophomore Lily Tomek said. “It makes completing assignments so much easier, and it’s simple to

Ernest Rospierski,

navigate.

In a survey of 682 MSD students, 56.6% report that using Canvas has been easy for them. Even before COVID-19 came to the U.S. and shut down schools, MSD had integrated Canvas into its courses.

either by having a COVID-19 positive player or playing a team with a COVID-19 positive player,” Athletic Director Albert Guzzo said.

In addition to delays, there have been many game cancellations due to the pandemic.

“Things seem to be changing by the second,” Guzzo said. “Numerous times we had to cancel games at the last minute. The teams are having a hard time finding their game flow with all the While precautions were being taken inside the canceling and game changes.” classroom, it seemed as if the same could not be A major cause of athletic infections is due to the said for those on the field. As MSD slowly brought some sense of normalcy back into its students’ lives, fact that the players are not required to wear masks while on the field. Spectators, coaches and players athletics were welcomed back with open arms. on the sidelines are all required to wear masks “I was super excited when MSD brought sports during the game, but out on the field, it’s free reign back,” freshman Jake Steil said. “It’s just such a for COVID-19 to be passed between teams. significant part of the high school experience.”

Sports with a high amount of physical contact, As the American past-time of sports were such as football, do not leave room for social reintegrated into school life, there seemed to be a high number of game and practice cancellations as distancing to occur. There is no 6-foot rule when the season continued. Every sport, from football to the defense is rushing the quarterback. This leaves both teams’ players at risk, and in turn, anyone bowling, had at least one postponement or delay they may come in contact with. during their seasons. Not every team was delayed When it comes to game day protocols, MSD due to home players, however.

One Year Later Continued on page 10 “There were seven teams delayed [b]y COVID-19,

”

Athletic Despair

News • COVID-19 Update 09

Design by Ava Steil

Continued from page 09

has been utilizing the guidelines set by the CDC, Broward Health and the Broward County Athletic Association. These guidelines include limited spectators, mask requirements, social distancing and limited athletes on both the sidelines and team buses.

Many sports had the start of their seasons postponed and delayed. However, the MSD wrestling team had their entire season cut short, another sport with high physical contact.

“It is very hard to put into words,” wrestling coach Kenneth Gendason said. “It was just devastating. It wasn’t just about not competing in the postseason.”

Three of the team seniors were stripped of their chances at participating and winning state competitions. Quinn Heller, the last remaining member from Chris Hixon’s team, MSD’s former wrestling coach and athletic director who was murdered in the Feb. 14 shooting at school, was on track to qualify for the state championships.

He would have been accompanied by teammate Donald Goldstein. Josh Frais was also a contender for winning the state title.

“We would have qualified most of our team to the regional championship and would have contended with Olympic Heights [Community High School] for the district title,” Gendason said.

“Olympic Heights was the defending seven-time district champions. My heart goes out to [the] three seniors and another senior, captain Fenthon Aristhome.”

“

y, that a d ry e v e to d e lk ta e w t a We lost the person th e had w re u s e d a m o h w , fe li s u e took us to school, who gav ee her. s r o in a g a r e h to lk ta to t ge everything. We will ntaevMeur ngal, 09 Tris

results, she tested positive on both rapid response and PCR tests. Her symptoms just continued to worsen so much, she had to rush herself to the emergency room.

“My symptoms got worse and worse until I could barely get out of bed I use the pulse amateur and at times in the evening it went down so low I was afraid for my life,” Kenny said. “I ended up going to the emergency room for a chest x-ray and they had to give me fluids because my potassium and sodium levels were so low which is making me super weak and unable to fight the disease.”

In addition to the lack of nutrients in her system, Kenny’s gastrointestinal tract was compromised. She could not eat, leaving her increasingly weaker. Over the course of the virus, Kenny guaranteed with her boyfriend who had also tested positive. However, while he was recovering faster, Kenny was not. She isolated herself to a separate part of the house, wearing a mask whenever coming into contact with her boyfriend.

“It was very isolating and very, very, very scary,” Kenny said.

It took Kenny about a month to recover from Despite the local precautions and protocols put the virus, but her senses of smell and taste never in place in BCPS and MSD’s campus, some students returned. During the first four weeks of her endeavor, Kenny was unable to even get up from and teachers were still exposed to the virus. Each her bed which hindered her ability to teach. individual had a different and unique experience “During the time I was quarantined I was so sick when testing positive for COVID-19.

Yoga teacher Amy Kenny began presenting with that I couldn’t really do anything especially work,” Kenny said. “I had to take so much time off work, symptoms of COVID-19 a week after attending a Christmas Eve dinner with individuals who she had and I couldn’t be with my students I couldn’t even put assignments up on Canvas.” believed were all non-carriers of the virus.

When the vaccines were released to the public, “...I went and got tested and tested negative at Kenny decided it was in her best interest to get her first with an initial rapid,” Kenny said “Two days two doses. later, I started feeling symptoms.”

“Overall, this journey has been a life lesson Once the fever and headaches set in, common for me to be super grateful for my health, for my signs of COVID-19, Kenny then returned to the family and for modern medicine,” Kenny said.” testing center for two tests. When receiving her

Living With the Virus

Taking a Break. The only time MSD students are allowed to remove their masks is at lunch. They are encouraged to maintain 6 feet distancing. Photos by Rayne Welser and

Gabe Uchoa

10 News • COVID-19

Kenny’s colleague, geography teacher Ernest Rospierski, also tested positive for COVID-19 during January. When he was first asked to quarantine himself during December 2020, both of Rospierski’s PCR tests came back negative.

“I was getting ready to come back to school,” Rospierski said.

About a week later, he began to display mild symptoms of the virus and went to get his third COVID-19 test.

“I started to feel a little funny, warm but no fever and just dragging a bit,” Rospierski said. “[The next day I] went to get a rapid test just to make sure, within the hour it was positive.”

Not 24 hours after receiving his positive result, the symptoms presented themselves in full force.

Chills, hot flashes and a never-ending headache berated Rospierski for three days. During this time, Rospierski’s wife and son tried to out-run the virus by staying at his mother-in-law’s. However, they also received positive results when tested.

“So, for about a week I was left suffering by my lonesome,” Rospierski said. “Eventually, I got smart and called a pulmonologist to help get me back on track.”

The pulmonologist, a doctor who specializes in the respiratory system, prescribed Rospierski the medicine he needed to recover. Unlike Kenny, Rospierski was aided in his teaching by a studentteacher who helped him keep his classes on track.

“I was able to just make it through the school day, but since I have a student teacher this semester I did not have much to do as he did most of the heavy lifting,” Rospierski said.”

After a month of quarantining with his family, Rospierski fully recovered with none of the common long-term effects. “[COVID-19] is not something that is fun to have or something to be scoffed at,” Rospierski said.

”

Teachers were not the only people who had an experience with the COVID-19 virus. Sophomore Emma Betancourt was also exposed.

During October 2020, Betancourt began to feel ill one day. She was experiencing a high fever, sore muscles and an overall feeling of being sick.

“It was actually really bad,” Betancourt said. “I was mostly just sick for one day, like really sick, and then it got better, and I just had a runny nose and stuff.”

Once she started to present with symptoms, Betancourt immediately got a rapid response COVID-19 test, and 20 minutes later she was given the positive result. Unlike Kenny and Rospierski, Betancourt’s symptoms were not too severe that they impeded her ability to participate in school.

“I got [COVID-19] during Halloween, so I could not do anything with my friends for Halloween,” Betancourt said. “I wasn’t really doing any sports at the time, so nothing else really got messed up.”

Luckily, Betancourt did not spend her quarantine period alone. Both her mother and sister received positive diagnoses on their COVID-19 tests, leaving the three women to have each other’s company.

“I talked to friends during those 14 days,” Betancourt said. “I remember being really, really tired. So, I spent most of my time sleeping, honestly.”

After recovering from the virus, Betancourt’s smell was slightly affected.

“My sense of smell is kind of weird now,” Betancourt said. “It’s not that I can’t smell. It’s just, I don’t know, like, different.”

While Betancourt was left with an altered sense of smell, junior Michael De Oliveria had a very different run with COVID-19.

De Oliveira differed from his teachers and peers that tested positive in a major way. He was asymptomatic, which meant that he did not present with any symptoms of COVID-19. The only reason he got tested was because other members of his household were feeling ill.

“Some of the people in my house were feeling sick, so we all just went to get tested together,” Oliveria said. “It took about two weeks to get our

results back, though, which definitely sucked.”

When the results finally did arrive, everyone, including Oliveria, had tested positive for the virus.

And so began the two-week quarantine.

“I just didn’t get out of my house,” Oliveria said.

“Everyone was already sick anyways, so we just didn’t distance ourselves from each other.”

Oliveria was not only lucky to be asymptomatic, but he was diagnosed just before campus was reopened, so his academic productivity was not affected. However, he did take the time to try some new things around the house.

“I tried to learn new skills and hobbies,” Oliveria said. “I tried drawing, pen spinning, skating and even changing my clothing style.”

Oliveria recovered in full, with no lasting effects from the virus.

Freshman Trista Mungal and her family also fell victim to the disease.

“I thought the virus was a joke and it really wasn’t killing people like they said it was,” Mungal said. “Until I experienced it.”

When her dad was admitted to a hospital with shortness of breath, Mungal’s family went and got themselves tested for COVID-19. All of them received positive results. For the following three weeks, Mungal and her family kept themselves selfquarantined.

“I quarantine with my family since we all tested positive,” Mungal said. “I kept myself occupied by going to class and playing with my dog.”

Despite using online school as a distraction while being quarantine, Mungal found it difficult to complete the work she was assigned. Her symptoms were minor compared to others, but the cough and body aches she endured made it hard for her to function normally.

Mungal recovered fully from the virus with no long-term effects. However, not everyone in her family was that lucky. After being admitted to the hospital for 35 days, Mungal’s mother passed away due to COVID-19.

“This virus left a huge impact on our family,” Mungal said. “We lost the person that we talked to every day, that took us to school, who gave us life, who made sure we had everything. We will never

Together, yet Apart. Sophomore Dashnide Villarson connects with virtual classmates via Microsoft Teams to write an argumentative body paragraphy together in English teacher Debbie Jacobson’s 7th period English II Honors class. Since the start of second semester, Broward County Public Schools has been encouraging teachers to connect with face-to-face students outside the Teams environment; however, collaborative assignments can still only be accomplished when all students interact on Teams.

Photo by Gabe Uchoa

get to talk to her again or see her.”

Since then, Mungal and her family have been major supporters and advocates for wearing masks in public in order to stop the spread of the virus.

“We wear our mask to prevent people from dying and having to go through this kind of pain, that should have never happened in the beginning,” Mungal said.

Tracking the Spread

To further protect its students and staff, BCPS created its COVID-19 Dashboard. Each positive case of the virus is tracked and reported by the Broward County Health Department.

“The Dashboard represents data for reports made directly to school nurses (which are then forwarded to Coordinated Student Health Services), to the District’s Risk Management department and notifications sent to the District from the Florida Department of Health (Broward County),” BCPS Chief, Safety, Security & Emergency Preparedness Division Brian Katz said.

After a student or teacher is reported to have tested positive, the information is transferred from the school nurse to the county in order for the case to be counted. The dashboard is updated every Tuesday and Friday using the data from the prior evening.

“The District receives reports regarding students and staff members, regardless of whether they are engaged in on-campus learning. This would include anyone we know was on campus so it may include facilities staff, District personnel, etc,”

One Year Later Continued on page 12

News • COVID-19 11

Continued from page 11

Katz said. “Because the goal of the Dashboard is to illustrate the cases impacting a specific District site or campus we try to filter out the remote/virtual cases from the in-school cases.”

In addition to reporting cases, MSD has also continued the practice known as contact tracing in order to determine if any other students or teachers are at risk of becoming infected. Teachers record the seat number of each on-campus student during attendance and ensure that no one who later tested positive may pass the virus on.

“We keep track of all students in every class through seat numbers, and we make sure that if a student or staff test positive that we follow CDC guidelines contact trace, anyone that might have been in close contact,” Assistant Principal Jay Milmed said.

The CDC guidelines for contact tracing state that any “close contacts,” meaning someone who was within 6 feet of the person who tested positive without a mask, should be self-quarantined for 14 days and be tested for COVID-19.

Socially distanced classrooms, seats separated by at least 6 feet whenever possible, limits the amount of student and staff exposure to the virus. Teachers and students at MSD are to remain socially distanced at all times, including lunch periods. There are socially distanced lunch areas both inside the cafeteria and outside in the courtyard.

“I usually eat lunch outside with a few of my friends,” Steil said. “But we always stay separated, and we don’t share our food or anything like that.”

Out of 330 MSD students, 58.9% say that all students and staff consistently wear their masks at all times.

Tuning in Live. Sophomore Ethan Laye accesses questions on Canvas to help him engage in a live “Of Mice and Men” discussion on Microsoft Teams for English teacher Dara Hass on Friday, March 5. Photo by

Rayne Welser

take a leave.”

On Jan. 26, the arbitrator of the lawsuit in the Broward County Circuit Court ruled in favor of the school district, solidifying the district’s demand for teachers to return.

“Our schools aren’t sources of spread for the pandemic,” Runcie said to Local 10 News. “The schools are safe. I would say they’re probably safer than going to the grocery store or to the mall.”

Despite Runcie’s claim of immense safety from the virus, eight teachers at MSD were recently forced to self-quarantine when one tested positive for COVID-19. The group had been regularly eating lunch together inside of a classroom, failing to follow MSD’s precautions.

Visit page 04 of this issue to read more about the legal dispute between BCPS and BTU over medically vulnerable teachers.

shot COVID-19 vaccine is a critical tool for fighting this global pandemic, particularly as it shows protection across countries with different variants,” Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Scientific Officer Paul Stoffels said in a Johnson & Johnson company release.

The demand for the COVID-19 vaccine is far above its supply in Florida. Across the state, there are several sites that are administering the vaccines; however, there are some requirements that must be met before someone can receive their first dose.

At the beginning of vaccine distribution, there were select four groups that were granted the opportunity to receive their doses, as long as they As the second semester of the 2020-2021 school made an appointment. Those eligible included year began, so did the second half of e-Learning people over the age of 65 years old, health care Phase 2. personnel who have direct patient contact, Despite the original allowance of 1,800 teachers residents and staff of long-term care facilities with special cases to remain at home during Phase and people under 65 deemed to be extremely 1, BCPS decided that all teachers must return to vulnerable by hospital providers.

After many months of widespread fear and their classrooms starting on Jan. 11 regardless Recently, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, of previous health or medical conditions. The expanded the groups with eligibility to receive 2021 provides the U.S. with a new sense of hope. teachers of BCPS did not take this news well and the vaccines within the state. On March 1, four The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has questioned the decision of the district. new groups were added to the list; people under approved three different vaccines as of Feb. 27.

The Broward Teachers Union decided to fight Each vaccine was created and tested by a different 65 years old deemed medically vulnerable, K-12 back against this ruling in order to support the employees over the age of 50, law enforcement company, yet all have the same goal at the heart safety and well-being of their teachers. According of it; stop the spread and eradicate the COVID-19 officers over 50 years old and firefighters over the to Anna Fusco, the president of the BTU, about 90% virus. age of 50, effective March 3. of Broward teachers were back in their classrooms.

On Tuesday, March 2, President Joe Biden The first vaccine to be administered was Those teachers showed up to basically empty created in a joint effort by the U.S. pharmaceutical directed all states to prioritize school staff and classrooms as only 20% of BCPS students had day care providers for vaccine distribution. The company Pfizer, and German biotechnology returned to campus for face-to-face learning. following day, March 3, CVS pharmacies in Florida, company BioNTech. The two companies’ “They are at the highest risk, they have heart international collaboration received an Emergency who receive their vaccine supply directly from the conditions, they have sickle cell, they have cancer, Use Authorization from the FDA on Dec. 11, 2020. federal government announced that they would COPD, I have people with one lung, lung disease, As the very first vaccine to complete medical trials align with the federal recommendations and offer kidney disease–these are legitimate reasons that and receive the FDA stamp of approval, there have vaccines to all school staff and daycare providers have qualified,” Fusco said in a Jan. 7 interview regardless of age, despite DeSantis’s state order to been 43,373,717 doses administered according with Local 6 News. offer it only to those over 50. to the CDC COVID-19 Data Tracker. Taking into When the order to return to schools was On March 3, DeSantis held a press conference consideration that each individual must receive delivered, the district on a school-by-school basis two doses that means that over 21.6 million people and authorized all vaccine locations to administer granted only 600 extensions for second semester. vaccines to school staff and daycare providers of have received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

BCPS gave their teachers a decision to make: take any age.

On Dec. 18, 2020, Moderna, the biotechnology an unpaid leave of absence or return to campus.

Many MSD teachers rushed to make book their company based in Massachusetts, was the second Many teachers saw this as an ultimatum between vaccine to receive a EUA from the FDA. Since then, own appointments at CVS, Publix, Winn Dixie, their livelihoods and their lives.

Walmart and Sam’s Club locations. Some traveled there have been 41,507,728 doses administered BCPS Superintendent Robert Runcie’s took the based on the CDC COVID-19 tracker. As with the to the FEMA vaccination site in at Miami-Dade position that allowed too many teachers to remain Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, Moderna requires two College in Miami. Others made appointments at home. doses to become effective. Therefore, the Moderna through the Broward County Health Department On Thursday, Jan. 7, the BTU filed a lawsuit vaccine has been given to over 20.7 million people and were scheduled at a local park. against the district seeking an injunction to Culinary teacher Ashley Kurth had her first does nationwide. prevent the district from forcing vulnerable and of Pfizer at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek on The most recent addition to the COVID-19 medically unsound teachers to return to campus Thursday, March 4. vaccine market was created by Janssen and in turn be at a higher risk for infection.

“I felt relief for myself and family for bing a Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, a “I have two teachers in ICU right now, two in bit more protected,” Kurth said. “I know I have to widely-known family company.

ICU, and they’re still working remote on oxygen work, and I enjoy it, but when I have no control Receiving their FDA approval on Feb. 27, the tanks,” Fusco said in a Jan. 7 interview with CBS third vaccine is currently the only available single- over what other people around me at work are Miami News. “And you know what their principals shot vaccine, setting it apart from its predecessors. doing in their own lives around me it gives me told them? I expect you back to work on Monday or anxiety. Story by Ava Steil “We believe the Johnson & Johnson single-

Teachers in Peril

Viral Vaccination

12 News • COVID-19

Vaccination station Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccinations currently in rotation in the United States

Pfizer-BioNTech

Moderna

The Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine must be mixed with a diluent before injections.

The Moderna Vaccine must not be mixed with a diluent before injections.

There must be 21 days between the first and second dose of the vaccine.

21

28

There must be 28 days between the first and second dose of the vaccine.

The Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine is suitable for those over the age of 16.

16

18

The Moderna Vaccine is suitable for those over the age of 18.

The vaccine is injected into the upper arm muscle.

The vaccine is injected into the upper arm muscle.

How to Stay Safe After Receiving Both Doses Side effects may include: • Pain or swelling at injection site • Fever • Chills • Tiredness • Headache

The vaccine will take two weeks from the second dose to become effective.

Wash hands often.

Wear a face mask in public spaces.

Visit in well-ventilated, or outdoor, areas.

6 ft

Maintain six feet of social distancing.

*Information based on www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19

38.5% of MSD students are planning on getting a COVID-19 vaccine. *Results based on survey of 343 MSD students

News • COVID-19 13

Destroying Democracy W

Chaos in the Capitol. A pro-Trump mob enters the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6 in Washington, D.C. Photo courtesy of

Win McNamee/Getty Images/TNS

Hundreds of Trump supporters invade U.S. Capitol in an effort to overturn the results of 2020 presidential election

ednesday, Jan. 6 became a day that will live in infamy as violent Donald Trump-supporting insurrectionists broke into the U.S. Capitol during the certification of the electoral votes, a historically symbolic process in which the winners of the presidential election are confirmed as president and vice president.

After a speech on the Ellipse in which he continued to spread false information that the election was stolen, Trump called upon Vice President Mike Pence to reject the electoral vote, a power that he does not have. Shortly after, and near the end of his speech, Trump’s supporters made their way to the Capitol in an effort to subvert democracy and prevent the confirmation of the election.

After clashing with the limited security present at the Capitol, the insurrectionist mob was able

to make their way into the building, laying a path of destruction in their wake. Both chambers of Congress were eventually evacuated, as the group took over the building. Many caused immense damage and destruction. Others carried weapons, and some intended violence upon prominent Democratic figures like Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi of California and Rep. Alexandria OcasioCortez of New York.

The Confederate Battle Flag was waved for the first time ever in the halls of Congress. This was the first invasion of the sort since the War of 1812. Later in the evening the National Guard and other security forces were deployed, as Trump put out a statement about the events in which he did not openly condemn the riot. Trump eventually released a statement about a week later as he faced impeachment; however, the damage was already done. Story by Ryan Servaites

AS A YOUNG PERSON IN AMERICA, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE INSURRECTION THAT OCCURRED ON JAN. 6?

“

It was a sad day for our democracy.

But the scariest part is the fact that it has kinda faded away from the news as if it was a normal thing.

”

Alyssa Robinson, 11

Daniel Duff, 12

Inside the Insurrection Over the course of a few crucial hours American democracy was threatened by right-wing extremists

2:25 P.M.

Photo courtesy of TNS

The insurrectionists make it into the center of the Capitol building and begin heading toward the House and Senate Chambers.

“

The fact that the rioters forced these politicians to hide under desks and fear for their lives should absolutely not go unpunished. I know from similar experiences that those moments can cause heavy amounts of trauma.

”

12:00 p.m.

4:17 P.M.

Trump releases a twitter video to denounce the insurrection; however he fails to admit the election was lost, stating, “There’s never been a time like this where Insurrectionist Ashli Babbitt is shot and killed such a thing happened where they could take it away from

by Capitol police while all of us—from me, from you, from our country. This was attempting to gain entry a fraudulent election, but we can’t play into the hands of into the Speaker’s Lobby. these people” and calling the rioters “very special.”

14 News • Insurrection at the Capitol

2:44. P.M.

12:53 P.M.

Trump takes the stage, urging his The outer 11:00 A.M. supporters to resist the election perimeter of the Capitol results and claiming, “...if you Donald Trump’s is breached don’t fight like hell, you’re not “Save America Rally” begins at the Ellipse, going to have a country anymore.” and within minutes the featuring many of the The then president told his rioters make Photo courtesy of Yuri Gripas/Abaca Press/TNS supporters that they were going former president’s their way past multiple layers of barricades and to march down Pennsylvania allies as speakers. onto the Capitol steps, beginning to scuffle with Avenue to the Capitol.

Capitol police.

6:01 P.M.

Design by Julia Landy

ATTEMPTING

ACCOUNTABILITY

Former President Donald Trump acquitted after second impeachment over role in inciting violence at the U.S. Capitol

Final Farewell. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump board Marine One as they depart the White House on Jan. 20, in Washington, D.C., ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden.

I

Photo courtesy of Eric Thayer/Getty Images/TNS

n the aftermath of the attempted insurrection on Jan. 6, the House of Representatives determined in a 232-197 vote to adopt articles of impeachment against outgoing President Donald Trump, for his part in inciting the chaos. Ten House Republicans, including House Republican Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney, sided with the House’s Democrat majority in calling for Trump’s removal.

Despite the fact that Trump would have vacated the presidency by the time he was convicted, a Senate vote affirmed the articles would strip Trump of his Secret Service detail and prevent him from a future run for the office of president.

A team of nine house managers led by Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland argued in the Senate that Trump qualified for removal for inciting a riot against the U.S. Capitol. They cited video, audio and photos as evidence to link the riot to not just Trump’s speech preceding the event, but also his actions leading up to the riot, particularly his insistence that the election was stolen, which was referred to as the “Big Lie.” According to the House Managers, convicting Trump was essential to prevent him from future reelection to defend democracy.

A team of three lawyers represented Trump, arguing that the Democrats were simply pursuing a partisan play and attempted to equate Democrats to the speech and actions of Trump. Ultimately, Trump was acquitted in a vote of 57-43, with the Democrats carrying the votes of seven Republican Senators. Despite winning the majority, the Democrats did not hit the 67-vote threshold necessary for Trump to be convicted. Story by Ryan Servaites

2:12 P.M.

1:00 P.M.

Vice President Mike Pence releases a letter claiming that he will not interfere with the results of the presidential election, despite Trump encouraging him to do so. The certification process begins.

1:26 P.M.

Capitol police order an evacuation of the Library of Congress, the Madison Building and the Cannon House Office Building across from the Capitol.

Trump returns to the White House.

The first rioters enter the Capitol through a broken window, opening the doors for others.

Photo courtesy of Tasos Katopodis/ Getty Images/TNS

2:13 P.M.-2:20 P.M.

Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi are evacuated, which is followed by the adjournment and evacuation of their respective chambers.

Jan. 7 -3:24 A.M.

7:30 P.M.

The Capitol is declared secure by U.S. Capitol Police Department after they were joined by the District of Columbia National Guard to clear the building.

2:24 P.M.

8:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M.

Both chambers of Congress reconvene, picking up where they left off.

The electoral count is certified, and Mike Pence formally declares Joe Biden and Kamala Harris the next president and vice president of the United States of America.

Photo courtesy of Alex Wong/Getty Images/TNS

News • Insurrection at the Capitol 15

Mitten MOOD

Senator Bernie Sanders goes viral for inauguration day vibes in no-nonsense wardrobe selection

V

ermont senator and former presidential primary candidate Bernie Sanders broke the internet on Inauguration Day, when a picture of the congressman sitting in the audience at the U.S. Capitol made its way as a meme through social media.

Sanders, an independent whose progressive policy platform almost led him to victory in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, was photographed wearing a winter coat and knit mittens, a stark contrast from the formal garb of his colleagues. According to the Senator himself, the mittens were knit by a teacher that he met on the campaign trail and have become a staple of his wardrobe ever since.

After the meme went viral, the senator decided to make the most of his internet fame, selling merchandise with the iconic photo and donating all of the proceeds to charity. According to Sanders, the meme merchandise sold out in less than a week and generated over $1.8 million for charities like Meals on Wheels Vermont, the Chill Foundation and Feeding Chittenden. Story by

Taking the Oath. President Joe Biden takes the oath of office from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts as his wife, first lady Jill Biden, stands next to him during the 59th presidential inauguration. Photo courtesy of Kent

Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/TNS

Ryan Servaites

Poet with

Purpose

H

Poet delivers inspiring message

“

the f o t u o p e st e w s e m o c ay d n e ...Wh n aw d ew n e th , id a fr a n u d n a shade, aflame always is re e th r Fo . it e e fr e w s a s m o blo it. e e s to h g u o n e ve ra b re e’ w ly light, if on e it.

If only we’re abnrave enough to b

arvard graduate and 22-year-old National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman left viewers stunned as she recited her poem, “The Hill We Climb,” during the inauguration ceremony. The poem addressed the need for unity and purpose, with the young poet drawing from her identity as a Black woman to illuminate the possibilities the future holds.

“We really need to break out of the pathology that poetry is only owned by certain elites,” Gorman said during a Feb. 4 Time Magazine interview with former First Lady Michelle Obama. “Where we can start is highlighting and celebrating poets who reflect humanity in all of its diverse colors and breadth.”

The young poet, who originally took up the art as a means of overcoming speech and auditory impediments, gave a show-stopping performance, alluding to the possibility of a re-imagined America that works for all of its citizens. With her performance, Gorman made history by being the youngest of only six inaugural poets, joining a club that includes the likes of Richard Blanco, Robert Frost and the legendary Maya Angelou. Story by Ryan Servaites

Amanda Gorm

16 Politics • Biden Inauguration

”

Photo courtesy of Alex Wong/Getty Images/TNS

Design by Julia Landy

Promise to

Protect T Newly elected President Joe Biden must fulfill campaign promises on gun violence

he transition of power from former President Donald Trump to now President Joe Biden on Jan. 20 was a hopeful moment for many.

Biden ran on a platform of unity, attempting to distinguish himself from his electoral competitor on a range of issues that America could unite over.

Gun violence is one such issue. While gun violence prevention legislation is certainly a controversial platform, Biden made it clear that it was a project he was willing to undertake as far back as the Democratic Primary, with his official campaign policy proposals including measures such as banning the further production of assault weapons, instituting a firearm buyback program and implementing universal background checks.

This disposition was confirmed when on Feb. 14, the three-year commemoration of the deadly mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, an experience that many of us share, Biden released a statement calling on Congress to enact common-sense gun reform and promised that his administration would not wait until the next mass shooting to act on this issue.

Biden’s platform and initiative are miles away from that of his predecessor.

Trump all but overlooked the issue, despite being president while the events of Feb. 14 occurred at MSD. After posturing as if some form of gun violence policy change would be on the way, Trump eventually backed down and only banned bump-stocks, which, albeit is a welcome change, felt like more of a concession than any form of substantive solution to the issue.

In contrast to this, Biden offers activists and survivors a renewed sense of hope in an area of policy that has seen little change in recent history, but has the power to save lives and mitigate the epidemic of gun violence.

Biden’s platform is ambitious and comprehensive. Gun violence prevention was a frequent topic of his speeches and conversations on the campaign trail, and the then-candidate even mentioned the topic in a New York Times editorial piece.

Biden seems to have a clear and open opinion on this issue. However, in the words of Benjamin Franklin, well done is better than well said.

When it comes to gun violence, Biden needs to be clear with his ambitions.

With a sharply split Senate, there is no room for a concession before a bill even hits the table.

Gun violence is a disease that has affected America for far too long. It has distorted and broken down American cities and towns. It completely upended life at MSD. It took from our community joy, love and 17 lives that we will never be able to get back.

This is a systemic issue, and Biden is now a major player in that system. He must take the ambitious action he promises, and he must try his best to do it fast, and do it right. Editorial by Ryan Servaites

First Time for Everything

Flags of all 50 states and five U.S. territories line the National Mall to represent the crowds unable to attend the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday, Jan. 19 due to the ongoing pandemic. Photo courtesy of

Kent Nishimura/ Los Angeles Times/TNS

1 2 3 4

Kamala Harris was inaugurated as vice president, becoming the first woman to hold the office in American history.

With an ongoing pandemic, the usual large crowd was replaced by approximately 200,000 flags.

The crowd officials, lawmakers and past presidents that attended were required to wear masks in an effort to protect against COVID-19 infection.

Former President Donald Trump made history by being the first President to skip the inauguration of their successor since Andrew Johnson.

5 6 7 8

2021 inauguration sees changes to ceremonial tradition

President Biden did not join Vice President Harris and other lawmakers for the inaugural lunch, a tradition put on hold as a result of the pandemic.

The inauguration of Joe Biden also was missing the traditional inaugural ball, a practice that had slowly developed into an inaugural staple.

As a result of hazardous health conditions, the incoming Biden Administration decided to skip out on the traditional inaugural parade.

Biden’s team produced a 90-minute celebrity-filled prime-time special, entitled “Celebrating America” in lieu of traditional celebrations.

Politics • Biden Inauguration 17

Design by Ashley Ferrer; photo illustration by Brianna Jesionowski

LIVING

Healthy 20 ALL THE RAGE 22 MACRO MANIA 24 KEEPIN’ IT RAW 26 SHAPING UP 27 Allergy Alert

29 MYTHBUSTERS 32 BEST OF ME 33 Beneath the Surface 34 IN IT FOR GOOD 36 OUT FOR THE SEASON

Living Healthy • Special Section 19

AL L

THE

RAGE Students invest in healthy eating as living a healthy lifestyle grows in popularity

S

ix years ago, only 30% of Americans bought organic food; however, a national study has discovered that 83% of Americans do so today. Over the years, individuals have developed a desire to become more educated and aware of the products they are purchasing as labels like “all-organic” begin to attract the eyes of consumers.

According to several studies, such as a Global Health & Wellness Survey

by Nielsen, a global measurement and data analytics company, throughout the United States, the concept of maintaining a healthy, all-natural diet has grown in popularity in recent years. Due to this, there has been a surge in the health food industry, with the introduction of numerous restaurants primarily focused on serving fresh and nourishing food.

Public attitudes have evolved rapidly as influencers on social media platforms encourage their audiences to eat more organic foods. On social media, celebrities oftentimes endorse items, persuading their followers to buy those products.

Well-known American actress, Daniella Monet, provides her Instagram followers with tips and recipes for homemade, healthy meals and incorporates endorsed plant-based products throughout her feed. As a vegan, she encourages others to expand their knowledge in relation to the food industry and in what they are truly consuming.

Some individuals are persuaded to eat more healthy foods because they believe it is vital in feeling better, both mentally and physically. As they continue to eat these nutritious options, individuals find themselves being more motivated and active.

“Maintaining a healthy diet has many proven benefits, such as a longer life span, greater energy and overall wellbeing,” senior Alexander Miller said. “It contributes to the activities I participate in, such as cross country and track.”

As the demand for organic food increases, the industry continuously remarkets its products to ensure their goods maintain the appealing image that attracts their buyers. Brands’ marketing teams ensure that they correspond with the new trend, pleasing consumers with several labels, such as “no-artificial flavor added,” “non-GMO,” “multi-grain” and “organic” on the packaging of their products.

“I often look for certain labels such as ‘all organic’ in order to ensure that the food I buy is healthy,” senior Lindsey Salomone said.

In order to maintain a more organic

diet, people are eating more home-cooked meals. According to a study by the FDA, those who decided to continue along the route of eating at home experienced a calorie intake decrease of about 127 calories per day. Food cooked at home is likely to be more nutritious, and consumers are more likely to check the ingredients before purchasing and eating a home-cooked meal.

“Eating at home makes sure you know every ingredient in your food and this helps achieve the goals I set for myself,” senior Michelle Lapidot said.

According to a survey published by the International Food Information Council and the American Heart Association, 95% of Americans search for the “healthy option” when shopping. This implies the majority of Americans who are committed to living a more healthy lifestyle.

Individuals have begun to invest in this new lifestyle, eager to improve their well-being through the consumption of more balanced meals and less artificial ingredients. When people go out, many favor the restaurants known for their healthy food options and the popular earthy aesthetic that is often paired with them.

“I love going to places like Juicery Rx because everything is super organic and still tastes so good,” sophomore Elayna Auster said.

“When going out I tend to look for the healthier options, and these kinds of restaurants always have the best food in that sense.”

Some of these healthy restaurants sell various types of vegan and gluten-free food items, including wraps, salads, smoothies and açaí bowls. As individuals continue to prioritize their health, restaurants have monetarily benefited by charging higher than average prices because of their pure ingredients.

In addition to supporting healthy food restaurants, there are numerous food trends that people are participating in.

Some of the most popular ones include plant-based proteins, açaí bowls and fruit flour. These trends have become very common in recent months in an attempt to establish a healthier diet.

Plant-based proteins are said to have far more of an environmental impact while enabling an individual to lose weight and eat less red meat. Plant proteins tend to be lower in calories and fat, as well as higher in fiber and essential

20 Living Healthy • Health Food Trends

“

ven o r p y n a m s a h t ie d y Maintaining a health ergy n e r e t a e r g , n a p s e f nger li lo a s a h c u s , s t fi e n be I s ie it iv t c a e h t o t s e t tribu n o c It . g in e -b ll e w ll a and over ack. r t d n a y r t n u o c s s o r sc participate in, such a er Miller, 12 Alexand

nutrients. Some of the most common sources of protein are hemp seeds, quinoa and lentils.

“I’ve been a vegetarian for about four years now and throughout that time period I’ve relied on foods like beans and quinoa for my protein substitutes,” senior Hannah Kravec said. “There are so many delicious meals I can make with them while simultaneously being provided with the nutrients I need.”

Like any food product, the quality often depends on the brand. One of the most popular brands, Beyond Meat, is said to taste like a beef-based hamburger; however, the amount of saturated fat is quite similar to a classic burger.

”

Açaí bowls are becoming a popular treat, not only in the United States as a whole, but also locally. Most açaí bowls are high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The delicacy is considered a super food, made of all-natural ingredients, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Another newly popular item on the market is fruit flour, a replacement for flour that provides individuals with gluten-free alternatives. In doing so, individuals are able to bake healthier and more enjoyable foods. For example, apple flour and banana flour have become quite popular in both the gluten-free community, as well as for those who are simply yearning for another healthy

”

Design by Madison Lenard

alternative. These fruit flours provide people with fiber, potassium, antioxidants and a sweet flavor, all depending on the type of fruit used.

These trends are meant to attract consumers by providing them with more options that correlate with the health food craze. In doing so, stores and restaurants are making themselves more appealing in the eyes of the consumer.

According to a survey published by the International Food Information Council and the American Heart Association, the 25 to 34-year-old age group appeared to be the most health-conscious. This is due to their involvement in social media, their peers and their exposure to recent trends as a whole.

The era of health foods has entirely altered the food industry with the creation of all-natural restaurants all around the nation, with the goal of attracting more consumers. Pure foods continue to be the preference of many

with the help of different influencers and advertisements.

In South Florida, there are numerous restaurants that fit the characterization of this trend. These include Bolay, Juicery Rx, Raw Addiction, as well as stores such as Whole Foods Market.

Bolay is a gluten-free restaurant that has several restaurants all around Florida. The company’s main purpose is to provide high-quality, pure food to ensure a happier and more sustainable life for its consumers. Since the opening, the restaurant has maintained a steady crowd with very satisfied consumers.

Juicery Rx is a 100% organic, apothecary-inspired juicery and eatery.

With the slogan “Drink. Nourish. Glow.

Repeat,” they supply their consumers with tonics, açaí bowls and several other plates made with pure ingredients. The eatery believes it is essential to provide their consumers with healthy food that will promote a high-quality life.

Raw Addiction is an organic eatery that enables its consumers to experience nature’s nutrients through their menu.

The goals of the restaurant is to encourage wellness through their organic products including smoothies, fruit bowls, “booster shots” and more.

Whole Foods Market is a plant-based, organic supermarket that provides only pure products to its customers. The store monitors its products, making sure they reach their standards by researching all ingredients and buying from only their partners.

The current health food craze in the U.S. has affected the food market in several ways, from introducing more products onto the market to altering options in restaurants. Individuals have clearly begun to take into consideration the health aspect of what they buy and consume as they evolve into a healthier, more aware lifestyle. Story by Noa Livni;

photo illustration by Madison Lenard

Local healthy Restaurants Bamboo / Healthy Foods

6240 Coral Ridge Drive #110 Parkland, Florida 33076

Bolay

9204 Wiles Road Coral Springs, Florida 33067

Salad Creations

4437 Lyons Road Coconut Creek, Florida 33073

Raw Addiction

8200 Wiles Road Coral Springs, Florida 33067

True Food Kitchen

6000 Glades Rd Site 1015A Boca Raton, Florida 33431

Living Healthy • Health Food Trends 21

Design by Ashley Ferrer and Matt Rosenthal; photo illustration by Mackenzie Quinn

Ketogenic Diet Scorecard 3.8/5 3800 = 2.1/5 = 2100 1.4/5 = 1400 1.7/5 = 1700 Short-Term Weight Loss Long-Term Weight Loss Easy to Follow

Healthy

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Macro

Mania

Paleo is ranked #31

in Best Diets Overall category by U.S. News & World Report

Low carb diets aim to alter the body’s main energy source and clean eating diets cut out processed foods

A

ketogenic diet involves cutting down the number of carbohydrates and increasing the amount of fat eaten in a day. There are four different types of keto diets: standard, cyclical, targeted and high-protein. Each diet has a unique fat to carb ratio or specific days for specific food groups.

Keto diets have shown to reduce or slow the symptoms of heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, as well as acne. According to the National Center of Biotechnical Information, short-term side effects of the keto diet include diarrhea, loss of muscle mass and lethargy. According to a Health.com article, weight is oftentimes regained when the diet ends.

“For the average person, the ketogenic diet can have harmful long-term side effects. A diet high in saturated fat, processed foods and sodium can cause chronic disease,” nutrition counselor Ariel Rasabi said. “Restricting carbohydrates is dangerous because they are our bodies main, and preferred, source of energy.”

While many meal options are cut in keto, dieters still have options. Red meats and fatty fish, such as steak, salmon, butter, creams, nuts and seeds, are included in keto.

A paleogenic diet is similar to keto but is rooted in foods that could be found in the Paleolithic era. Paleo cuts out grains, dairy, refined sugar and salt. The benefits of such a diet include better blood pressure and weight loss.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “The diet’s reasoning is that the human body is genetically mismatched to the modern diet that emerged with farming practices—an idea known as the discordance hypothesis.”

Another similar diet is the Whole30 Program, which is led by a book of the same title by Dallas Hartwig and Melissa Hartwig Urban. It is a 30-day program that cuts out preservatives, dairy and refined sugar. They have a list of rules on their website going over the simple do’s, don’ts and exceptions, like you are allowed to drink fruit juice and use salt.

Whole30 holds you responsible for what you eat; their website states, “Commit to the program 100% for the full 30 days… You never, ever, ever have to eat anything you don’t want to eat. You’re all big boys and girls. You’re all adults. Stand up for yourself.”

This diet does not allow cheat days or “slips.”

Along with the rules, Whole 30 provides a list of normal symptoms, which include but are not limited to headaches, change in moods, breakouts and digestive issues.

They also provide symptoms that state you should call a doctor: nausea, hives, fever and dizziness.

Whole30 does not label itself as a weight loss diet, but a health reset. Each of these diets cuts out junk foods and preservatives. Medical and health professionals recommend that individuals should seek medical advice before starting any official diets. Story by Mackenzie Quinn

Paleogenic Diet Scorecard 3/5 3000 = 2.1/5 = 2100 1.8/5 = 1800 2.5/5 = 2400 Short-Term Weight Loss Long-Term Weight Loss Easy to Follow

Healthy

Source: U.S. News & World Report

22 Living Healthy • Fad Diets

Whole30 Diet Scorecard 2.9/5 2900 = 1.7/5 = 1700 1.4/5 = 1400 2.3/5 = 2300 Short-Term Weight Loss

Long-Term Weight Loss Easy to Follow Healthy

Source: U.S. News & World Report

WHOLE30 is Ranked #35

in Best Diets Overall category by U.S. News & World Report

Keto is Ranked #37

in Best Diets Overall category by U.S. News & World Report

You can lose about 9 pounds following Paleo for 60 days According to a 2015 study by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology Source: U.S. News & World Report

Feature • Local Farms 23

RANKED #32

in Best Diets Overall category by U.S. News & World Report

RANKED #39

in Easiest Diets to Follow category

by U.S. News & World Report

Dates BACK TO THE 1800’s

when Dr. Maximilian BircherBenner used raw apples to cure his own jaundice Source: U.S. News & World Report

High End Blenders

for juicers cost between $300-$600

Source: U.S. News & World Report

FOOD Processors can cost $700

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Food DEHYDRATORS can cost between $100-$200

Source: U.S. News & World Report

24 Feature • Local Farms

Design by Ashley Ferrer and Matt Rosenthal; photo illustration by Mackenzie Quinn

Keepin’ It

Raw

Raw food diets and juice cleanses rise in popularity

R

aw food diets include eating a combination of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. This diet is associated with veganism and vegetarianism. To give the food some variety, they can be blended into sauces and smoothies. In a study conducted by Dr. Suzanne Havala Hobbs, who specializes in public health and health policy, most subjects following the diet did not meet their daily calcium or protein requirements.

Similarly, juice cleanses are detoxes that can kick start a healthy diet. Before cleansing, all caffeine, refined sugars, animal products and processed foods are cut out. While there are many brands, there are usually six juices for each day, and the individual is recommended to drink them every two or three hours.

Detoxes can have negative effects, like mood swings and insomnia. People interested in cleanses should do ample research about where to get their juices from since the FDA has found several companies who have falsely marketed or put harmful ingredients in their products. “...any eating style that requires restriction of any other types of food can be harmful. Specifically, in raw food diets it is very easy to miss out on protein and other essential nutrients,” Rasabi said. “Following a balanced diet of protein, healthy fat, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables is the best way to achieve long term health.”

Story by Mackenzie Quinn

In one day of an average juice cleanse you drink...

6

Bottles

900 Calories Raw Food Diet Scorecard 3.75/5 3750 = 2.8/5 2800 = 1.1/5 = 1100 2/5 2000 =

3

Quarts

Source: Better Me

Short-Term Weight Loss Long-Term Weight Loss Easy to Follow

Healthy

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Living Healthy • Fad Diets 25

Design by Ashley Ferrer and Matt Rosenthal

Intermittent Fasting Intermittent fasting is a scheduled eating process. The people who participate in fasting have a set time period when they eat, which is normally 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A

study at Harvard University has tested intermediate fasting on rats. The results show lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. While people can experience those positive side effects, they may also lose sleep, muscles and nutrients.

Gin Stephens’ book “Delay, Don’t Deny: Living an Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle” starts with a foreword from Dr. Kenneth Power and a disclaimer to

seek medical advice before starting any official diets.

“Intermittent fasting claims to help the body burn fat in an efficient way, but this has not been proven,” Rasabi said. “The main reason individuals see weight loss with this eating pattern is because they are eating overall less calories throughout the day, due to the fasting windows required in this diet.” Story by

Mackenzie Quinn

Photo illustration by Mackenzie Quinn

SHAPING UP W Online workout trends have risen in popularity amidst global COVID-19 pandemic

hile people have been working out at home for ages, gyms are popular locations for people to exercise. However, with the outbreak of COVID-19, many people could no longer go to the gym due to their temporary closures. As a result, more people began purchasing home workout equipment.

The Business Insider article “Peloton's stock is rising as fears over the spread of Coronavirus could encourage customers to work out at home” documents Peloton’s rise in stock price. Peloton is a technology-based workout company led by a schedule of instructors on live streams.

Exercise equipment can be expensive, but there are other options. Many simple exercises, such as push-ups, sit-ups and squats, can be performed anywhere without equipment.

Additionally, some workout and dance studios have switched to virtual classes on Zoom, and a number of trained personal trainers have done Instagram live lessons to connect with their viewers.

There are several accounts on YouTube centered around different types of workouts.

Pamela Reif has a large variety of videos that viewers can follow along with. Each video ranges between five and 45 minutes and features a brief workout routine that targets a certain body part.

Most are set to specific music and do not require any equipment. Some of her workouts include moves like bicycle crunches, wide squats and close push ups.

Natacha Ocèane has a wide range of videos including personal challenges such as the “I took the US Navy Seals Fitness Test” and “I Trained with an Elite Ballet Dancer *harder than it looks.*” She additionally does workout, advice and healthy eating videos.

Group Nine Media, which has many sub-platforms, has a channel called “POPSUGAR Fitness,” which has a wide variety of exercise playlists for viewers to follow along with. The channel also offers a “4 Week Full Body Fusion” fitness plan for $19.99.

Throughout quarantine, TikTok users

26 Living Healthy • Fad Diets & Exercise Trends

have shared their workout sets and routines, as well as showing before and after comparisons of themselves after their fitness journey.

Most of these videos provide examples of known exercises like holding planks, twists and squats. Each video also provides how many repetitions and sets of these exercises they do and how often they are done.

Some of these videos use click bait thumbnails, while others just show before and after photos or are showing off the users muscles. There are a wide variety of videos under #workout on TikTok, some

Trending Training. Popular fitness YouTuber Pamela Reif creates trending fitness challenges for her subscribers.

With 6.33 million subscribers, Reif is one of many fitness YouTubers to capitalize from those wanting to achieve quick weight loss Still courtesy of www.

YouTube.com/PamelaReif

being serious videos about workouts, others being just another way to show off.

Most of the accounts are not trainers or professionals, rather just ordinary people sharing their personal routine. These exercises may not work the same for every person. Story by Mackenzie Quinn

Design by Lily Singer; photo illustration by Brianna Jesionowski

Students manage food allergies

Allergy

ALERT I

magine being unable to eat ice cream, cake or chocolate. Imagine not having the luxury to enjoy eating whatever you want, whenever you want it. Imagine eating a specific food, and nearly dying because of it. This is the reality people with food allergies have to deal with on a daily basis.

An allergy is defined as an immune system response to a substance that is not naturally harmful to a person.

Some of the most common allergens are environmental substances, like pollen or seasonal conditions, animals and food products.

According to Food Allergy Research and Education, a non-profit organization who is the world’s largest private funder of food allergy research, food allergies affect over 32 million Americans.

Additionally, one in every 13 children have food allergies, with 40% of children allergic to more than one food. Major food allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy and fish.

Dealing With It

The most common way people deal with their food allergies is by being cautious of what they eat. Most of the time, reading a label is all it takes to determine if a food is safe to eat.

“With the allergies I have, pistachios are never really a concern since nothing has pistachios [in it], but cashews [are] kind of a concern,” junior Tyler Opdyke said. “So before I buy chocolates or something, or before I get a lot of food, I have to look at the ingredients to make sure there are no cashews in it.”

People with food allergies, especially those with non-severe reactions, may feel like they are missing out on popular foods, like fruit.

“We have a lot of [strawberries] at my

Mylan bought the EpiPen product, the price for a two-pack was a little over $100.

Now, a two-pack is sold for $600 or more.

The main cause for the drastic price change was a 2012 lawsuit, in which Mylan settled to let a generic epinephrine pen competitor into the market. Since then, the proposed generic pen was rejected by the Food and Drug Administration, and Mylan’s main competitor, Auvi-Q, ceased production over dosing issues. Currently, Mylan has a near-complete monopoly over the epinephrine injection market.

The hefty price-tag for EpiPens leaves many low-income or uninsured families About one in every 50 individuals with to decide whether it is worth spending food allergies are at risk for anaphylactic $600 on a product they might not even have a use for. Yet the potential of leaving shock, the most severe reaction possible a family member at risk pushes many to for an allergy, according to the Asthma purchase these life-saving devices. and Allergy Foundation of America.

According to the Mayo Clinic, once your immune system detects an allergen, it sends out chemicals that sharply lower Though some food allergies can be blood pressure and block airways, causing outgrown in early childhood, many immediate choking. Other symptoms who suffer from them have to do so include hives, rashes, rapid pulse, nausea for the entirety of their lifetime. While and dizziness. contemporary treatment options are “The first time I found out I was limited to general allergic to almonds was when my throat avoidance, and closed,” junior Isabel Kilman said. in emergencies, Many of those with anaphylaxis-tier epinephrine allergies carry an EpiPen, a portable injections, the injection of epinephrine, a chemical that rise of oral directly reverses the life-threatening immunotherapy symptoms experienced during creates an option anaphylaxis. for those who “I have to carry around EpiPens pretty cannot live comfortably with their food much everywhere I go, which is kind of allergies. a hassle, but I just have to do it,” Opdyke OIT is the process of feeding/ said. administering an allergen to an allergic The company that manufactures individual in order to build up resistance EpiPens, Mylan, has faced severe backlash and mild immunity. It is very similar to in recent years due to its sharp increase how Westley in “The Princess Bride” in the cost of the product. In 2007, when builds an immunity to iocane powder

house, and I can’t go inside my fridge without smelling the strawberries and wanting to eat [them], but knowing that I can’t,” junior Romar English said.

Those with a food allergy may feel as if they are missing out when they see what their friends can eat. Lacking the ability to eat a certain food while others are eating it may make someone with a food allergy feel isolated or upset.

“I hear everyone talking about how much they love peanut butter, and I can’t eat peanut butter or Nutella, or anything like that,” junior Ziya Kassam said.

Worst Case Scenario

New Options

“

through gradual intake.

“I’ll take, let’s say, a milligram of a cashew, and I’ll eat it. Over time, I’ll take more and more, and eventually build up an immunity to it,” Opdyke said.

“Eventually, after maybe a couple months, I can just eat a whole cup of cashews.

That’s what a lot of people do when they’re really allergic to something, when it really affects them.”

OIT will never grant complete immunity to an allergen, but it will drastically increase resistance to a controlled amount of the allergen through desensitization, which is the decreased sensation of pain or discomfort when consuming an allergen. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, peanut, milk and egg OIT were tested to desensitize 60-80% of patients studied.

Despite seeming like a near-perfect solution to food allergies, OIT does not work all of the time. Side effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting and cramping, as well as anaphylaxis or other severe allergic reactions in response to dosing issues or other complications.

The first time I found out I was allergic to almonds was when my throat closed.

Isabel Kilman, 11

”

Food allergies are a disorder that affect nearly one tenth of the American population. Reactions can vary from mild discomfort to hospitalization, or even death, but the use of oral immunotherapy may be a way out for those who wish to coexist with their allergies. Story by

Travis Newbery

Living Healthy • Food Allergies 27

Design by Joyce Han

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Design and reporting by Lily Singer

MythBusters Myth:

6% of MSD students believe this myth

You do not have to get vaccinated if you have already contracted COVID-19.

Myth: Fact:

Excessive use of hand sanitizer can cause people to lose the ability to build up a resistance against bacteria. It not only kills all bad bacteria, but it also eliminates all the harmless and beneficial germs which aid the immune system. People still can and should use hand sanitizer when washing with soap and water is not an option.

The CDC recommends that anyone who has contracted COVID-19 at some point should still get the vaccination when it is made available to them.

While there is a natural immunity once someone is infected with COVID-19, which can last around 90 days, the vaccine would work to form a powerful immune response within the body.

Myth:

Children can’t contract the COVID-19 virus.

2% of MSD students believe this myth

Fact:

21% of MSD students believe this myth

The creation of COVID-19 vaccines were “rushed” and therefore are unsafe.

Fact:

Fact:

Partaking in any of these activities is not only extremely dangerous, but possibly fatal. Disinfectants and bleach are strong oxidizing agents used to kill bacteria or viruses, but only when they are used on surfaces. They are not medications or treatments; they can cause damage to blood vessels and severe tissue burns.

Myth:

4% of MSD students believe this myth

Once you have had the COVID-19 vaccination, you no longer need to follow public safety guidelines.

Fact:

Both COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. require two doses, before the vaccination is fully effective. Data has shown that the vaccines are effective at preventing the person who has received both doses from developing serious symptoms. However, a fully vaccinated person can still become infected with the virus. It is recommended to continue following COVID-19 safety guidelines.

While COVID-19 vaccines were developed at an unprecedented speed, the COVID-19 vaccines followed the same protocol as all other vaccines must. Both shots passed their safety and efficacy trials, and federal agencies like the CDC and FDA have been monitoring vaccine rollout as an added and standard layer of protection.

30% of MSD students believe this myth

Myth:

Injecting or consuming bleach or disinfectant kills the COVID-19 virus.

Individuals of any age are at risk for contracting and becoming sick with the COVID-19 virus. The majority of children who do contract COVID-19 experience mild symptoms. Children have died from the virus.

Similarly to adults, young people with underlying health conditions are at an increased risk of complications due to COVID-19. People of all ages should practice social distancing and wear face coverings.

Myth:

32% of MSD students believe this myth

Constant use of hand sanitizer is good for your health.

Fact:

3% of MSD students believe this myth

Carrots give you night vision and swimming after eating leads to cramps. At some point, we’ve all heard, read and shared misconceptions about our bodies and health. It's about time we put an end to these alluring fibs and expose the truth behind the myths.

Myth:

Individuals can contract COVID-19 from the vaccine.

Fact:

Both the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines, which have been approved for current use within the U.S., lack the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that there is no way to contract the virus from a vaccine.

Some individuals have reported pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, chills, fever and joint and muscle pain. These side effects are similar are temporary and do not indicate a COVID-19 infection.

23% of MSD students believe this myth

Myth:

Eating food within 5 seconds of dropping it on the floor is safe.

Fact:

Bacteria is immediately transferred to food the moment it comes into contact with a contaminated surface, such as a floor. Some types of bacteria can transfer to food in less than 1 second. Bacteria move with moisture, so the wetter a food is, the larger the risk for transfer.

Different surfaces result in different transfers of bacteria.

For example, tile, wood and laminate surfaces transfer much more bacteria than carpeted surfaces.

Results from a survey of 340 MSD students

Living Healthy • Health Myths 29

Design by Fallon Trachtman and Katrina White

PARTISAN Pandemic

on the effectiveness of mask-wearing, American citizens continue to express their opposition to mask mandates due to political beliefs and misconceptions spread by politicians and media networks. he COVID-19 pandemic has A recent study conducted by Pew plagued our world for over one Research Center revealed that Democrats year now, and during this time were more likely to wear a mask than America has faced the mass Republicans. This could be due to politicization of a public health crisis. prominent Democratic leaders promoting The reckless actions of our politicians has resulted in a divide in the nation and the importance of masks to their supporters and the majority of Republican has hindered our country’s ability to leaders emphasizing their opposition to effectively tackle this pandemic. mask mandates.

For instance, former President For example, Rep. Louie Gohmert, Donald Trump has made his antipathy R-T.X., has been vocal about his dislike towards masks clear over the past year for masks and has been seen on multiple by downplaying the effectiveness of face coverings and perpetuating the belief that occasions without one when interacting with his colleagues. According to a CNN this virus is not a serious matter.

“I don’t agree with the statement that interview, Gohmert stated “I don’t have the Coronavirus, turns out as of yesterday if everybody wears a mask, everything I’ve never had it. But if I get it, you’ll never disappears,” Trump said in an interview see me without a mask.” with Fox News. Despite Trump’s claims, There are a few problematic things research has proven the effectiveness of about the statement made by Gohmert, wearing a mask and social distancing. but the most concerning one is that he According to a model study created seems to believe that if you do not test at the University of California, Berkeley, positive for COVID-19, then you do not if 80% of the American population were have to wear a mask. to wear a mask in public, the spread of Research has shown that this notion is this virus would stop entirely. In addition, extremely flawed because from the time a separate study published in the New an individual is tested to the time they England Journal of Medicine states that receive their results, they could come in wearing a mask significantly decreases contact with COVID-19 and contract it. the transmission of saliva droplets from Additionally, masks are used as a one person to another, meaning it reduces preventative measure to ensure that if you the risk of contracting the virus from an individual and/or spreading it to someone. do come in contact with the virus, the risk of transmission is extremely low.

Regardless of the evidence provided

Politicization of COVID-19 pandemic responsible for current state of America

T

30 Living Healthy • Politicizing the Pandemic

According to a study conducted by Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Oklahoma State University, it was discovered that COVID-19 was present in over 92% of participants’ saliva, whether they were symptomatic or asymptomatic.

The results of this study dispute many claims that people should not have to wear a mask unless they test positive for COVID-19 or are showing symptoms.

Furthermore, a study published in Health Affairs showed that after mask mandates were enforced in 15 states and the District of Columbia, the daily COVID-19 growth rate decreased. The amount of data and studies that prove the efficacy of masks and social distancing is astounding, yet some politicians actively choose to ignore the truth and spread misinformation to their supporters.

Elected officials have perpetuated a false narrative about this pandemic and in doing so, right-leaning Americans have refused to wear masks and follow CDC guidelines because they believe it is an infringement on their human rights and that it threatens the democracy of America.

This fear can be put to rest by looking at other countries with similar beliefs to us who have handled this pandemic.

For example, New Zealand and Australia have both almost completely eradicated COVID-19 and are both democracies.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia’s conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison constructed a cabinet with state leaders. Unlike Trump,

whose cabinet consisted of officials who were willing to champion his causes, Morrison’s cabinet includes Australian officials from all political parties. By seeing politicians of varying views come together, many Australians felt that their views had a seat at the table and were more willing to adhere to the mandates put in place by their government.

Australian leaders also refrained from downplaying the seriousness of the virus and were willing to cooperate with officials from other political groups.

Sadly, this quality was nowhere to be seen throughout the duration of this pandemic in America.

Trump’s behavior, along with other conservatives, not only influenced the public opinion on how to combat this virus, but also impacted how government officials dealt with this crisis in their own states.

Lloyd Chambless, a biostatistics professor at the University of North Carolina, discovered that there is a correlation between the number of COVID-19 cases and the party the governor of the state is associated with.

It appears that states governed by a Democratic leader have significantly less cases than one governed by a Republican, and despite correlation not implying causation, there appears to be a strong association between the two.

According to the COVID-19 Tracking Project, South Dakota, a state governed by a Republican, has averaged more than 1,400 daily COVID-19 cases over the course

Design by Ivy Lam

Combating

covid-19 O

of one week. This is primarily because South Dakota’s governor, Kristi Noem, has followed in the footsteps of Trump which is resisting restricted gatherings and questioning masks as a method of reducing transmission of the virus.

Trump is specifically responsible for the politicization of the pandemic since he established early on that there is a political distinction between those who follow CDC guidelines and those who do not. By making mask-wearing and COVID-19 safety protocols a partisan issue, Trump has ruined America’s ability to handle this pandemic. A public health crisis should not have been treated as a method of advancing a political agenda and, by doing so, it has cost the lives of approximately 456,000 Americans so far.

Our government has ineffectively handled the virus and has argued over simple protocols and mandates that could have saved countless lives. If all politicians, regardless of party affiliation, had enforced mask-wearing and properly shut down when COVID-19 was first reported in America, then we would not see an increase in cases by hundreds of thousands per day a year into this pandemic.

In order to successfully combat this virus we must enforce mask mandates, shutdown the country, close all nonessential businesses and maximize the distribution of vaccines. For far too long this country has been treating this virus as a minor inconvenience and this has done irreparable damage to our nation.

COVID-19 can be eliminated from our country but only if politicians cooperate on legislation and mandates. Editorial by

n Jan. 20, 2020, the first case of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was reported in the United States. Almost a year later, the CDC has reported over 20.5 million COVID-19 cases and 455,000 deaths in the United States alone.

Since the pandemic came into full swing, people all over the world have been forced to adjust to a new way of life in order to protect their health and the health of those around them.

From social distancing to mask wearing, the U.S. has exhausted all of its policy-driven methods for diminishing the virus. As a result, the nation is forced to rely on the hope that the vaccines will be the light at the end of the tunnel.

While many individuals want to protect themselves and be able to fight off the potentially deadly virus in case they come into contact with it, others need to be protected from that risk in general, such as the elderly and the ill.

In order to establish herd immunity, which occurs when enough people become immune to a disease and make it less likely to spread, we must all do our part in getting the vaccine. Besides, a vaccine with over 90% effectiveness is useless if nobody takes it.

While some have used fallacies and conspiracy theories to argue against the validity of vaccines for years, it is vital, now more than ever, that we trust science and recognize that the pros of a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the cons.

CDC researchers argue that a vaccine will not only protect people from contracting the virus, but also act as a safer way to help build immunity protection and serve as an important tool in eradicating the pandemic.

After a lethal year-long struggle to find a solution to the global virus, two pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer and Moderna, have finally created vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use. A limited number of vaccines will be available to those 16 years of age and older before the end of the year.

While it may have seemed like the longest period for those personally affected by the pandemic it is not the case for everyone. On the other hand, others are not as pleased and even discouraged by the rapid development of these

Mass distribution of vaccines serve as important tool to eradicate COVID-19 and end pandemic

vaccines.

However, the fact is that prior to its authorization, the first vaccine, developed by Pfizer, had been studied on approximately 43,000 people. Half of this number were then followed by the manufacturer for at least two months after initial vaccination.

According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, in addition to a safety review by the FDA, the Advisory Committee on Immunization has established a panel of vaccine safety experts to independently analyze the safety data from the original trial.

After evaluation, both Pfizer and Moderna have reported that their vaccines show approximately 95% effectiveness in preventing mild and severe symptoms of COVID-19 across all age, racial and ethnic groups, as reported by Johns Hopkins University.

That being said, concerns over possible long-term side effects of the vaccine are still valid. With this in mind, perfectly healthy high school students should be willing to take the injection to protect those around them who have high-risk conditions.

While it is true that only time will tell the long-lasting effects of the distributed vaccines, society must first overcome the present obstacle that is the pandemic. With this vaccine, everyday tasks such as traveling to local grocery stores, malls and beaches would feel a lot safer.

In addition to the stresses of adjusting to a new daily lifestyle, such as with virtual learning, students are now faced with the burden of making safe choices actively in every one of their decisions. Even though adolescents are not as at risk as their parents or grandparents, they still have a responsibility to keep everyone safe despite the circumstances.

If something as simple and secure as a certified vaccination can relieve just an ounce of this stress, it will have been worth it. From lowering the amount of international cases to regaining some form of normalcy, all individuals should be vaccinated as soon as possible.

Editorial by Abby Marton & Kelly Cooke; editorial cartoon by Julia Landy

the Eagle Eye Editorial Board; editorial cartoon by Madison Lenard

Living Healthy • COVID-19 Vaccinations 31

Design and reporting by Julia Landy

Best of me

What self-care...

5 ways to practice self-care z zz

Learn useful self-care tips that will help improve your physical and mental health in order to put your best foot forward

Sleep Well

Is

Healthy Eating

Isn’t •Disciplinary self-improvement

Everyone knows that getting a good night’s rest is good for you physically, but did you know that sleep also affects your mental health? Getting an insufficient amount of sleep causes increased irritation and frustration, decreased concentration and many mood swings. Sleep deprivation is also linked to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, in addition to other health problems like diabetes and heart disease.

Healthy eating is not just about what you eat; it’s about eating the right things in the right amounts. Eating the right portions of food helps to keep your body nourished, which in turn keeps you energized, motivated, alert and happier. Lack of nutrients can cause stress, headaches and other mental and physical issues.

While the needed amount of daily calories varies from person to person, it is recommended that you eat every 4 to 6 hours and adjust accordingly to the physical activities of your day in order to feel your best.

Adequate Exercise

In addition to being healthy for your body, getting frequent exercise has also been proven to be highly beneficial for your mental health. According to a study conducted by Harvard Medical School in 2019, people who move and exercise more have a significantly lower risk of depression. Some people also find that physical activity is a good way to decrease their stress, and many consider it to be a fun, enjoyable activity to do in their free time.

Social Needs

Socialization is an important part of healthy behavior and good self-care.

Everyone meets their social needs in different ways. While some people enjoy a more socially active setting, others may prefer to spend time with just a few people whom they are closest to. Figuring out the best way to meet your own social needs is key to a good self-care routine. It is crucial to spend time putting effort into building strong, healthy relationships with friends and family members, as it improves your mood and helps build a social support system.

Emotional and Mental Well-being

Because self-care routines differ for each individual, it is important to become well acquainted with yourself in order to increase self-awareness, recognize emotional patterns and find what you enjoy doing most. It may be beneficial to spend time finding ways to cope with uncomfortable emotions. For some, that may be talking to a close friend or partner, while for others, it may work best to partake in leisurely activities that allow you to peacefully think and process your emotions.

•Deliberate actions taken to care for your mental, emotional and physical health •Something that you enjoy doing •Something to help improve your mood and well-being for the long run •Something you look forward to doing for your own benefit

•Fad dieting and weight loss •Something you force yourself to do or do not enjoy doing •Something that makes you only momentarily happy (bingeeating, spending increased time on social media, etc.)

In the way Time

Self-care can be as simple as listening to a song you like or making a healthy decision at the grocery store. Doing these things doesn’t have to get in the way of other important tasks and responsibilities.

Money

Taking care of yourself and practicing healthy habits does not have to be expensive. It can be as easy as taking time to reflect and do something you enjoy.

Access

Everyone has access to self-care. You do not need to enroll in a yoga class or sign up for any special programs to practice a healthy inner dialogue and promote a good physical, mental and emotional mindset.

Motivation

Self-care should be something you enjoy doing.

If you feel yourself needing to force yourself to partake in “selfcare,” you may want to try doing something new.

What do you think is hindering your self-care?

Lack of Motivation 72% 7200 0+2800 Lack of Time 71% 7100 +2900 Lack of Money and/or Access 33% 3300 0+670 0

Sources: Better Health, Real Good Nutrition, Harvard Health Publishing

What have you been doing to practice self-care?

“

When COVID hit, I found myself being left with my own thoughts a lot of the time, so to deal with the amount of raw emotion and distress I felt, I began to write. I began going on walks around the time the sun sets. I just found it peaceful and I could lose myself in the scenery and forget about everything.

Geordan Yuan, 11

“

To practice self-care, I like to take ‘brain breaks.’

School has been stressing me out a little bit, and it puts a damper on my mood when I have a lot of work.

I’m still working on managing the stress, but self-care definitely helps.

”

Reagan Licata, 11

32 Living Healthy • Skin Care

”

*Results from a poll of 394 MSD students

“

Trying new forms for art is one way I practice self-care during these times because it’s distant from people and obviously corona-safe. I have been getting into drawing and painting as a way to express my self and as a way to relax.

“

”

Lexie Sealy, 12

I have been practicing self-care by eating cleaner and having ‘spa days,’ where I take one day out of the week to do face masks, my nails, hair mask etc. I’ve also been challenging myself to drink a gallon of water a day, which has really helped increase my energy and [has improved] skin health as well.

Esther Durosier, 09

”

The

Beneath Sur Face

Learn how to take care of your skin, no matter your skin type

Design by Julia Landy; reporting by Julia Landy and Ashley Ferrer

Diversity in Skin Tone

The pigment of skin is formed within the melanosome organelles of cells called melanocytes. There are two types of melanin produced by the melanocyte cells: eumelanin, which makes skin darker, and pheomelanin, which gives skin a lighter, more pink color. While everyone has roughly the same amount of melanocyte cells within their tissue, skin tone is determined by the amounts of eumelanin and phenylalanine within one’s skin. People with more melanin tend to have darker skin, and people with more phenylalanine tend to have lighter skin.

It is important to consider your skin type and skin tone when choosing products since common ingredients have different impacts on varying shades of skin. The overuse of products with ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids and glycolic acid can cause lasting effects in certain people.

Common Skincare Issues & Solutions Eczema

Solution

Eczema is a very common skin condition where the skin becomes irritated and itchy. This condition is two times more likely to affect those with darker skin than in lighter ones, but it is still prevalent for all skin colors.

To deal with eczema, all skin types and colors can use pimecrolimus (Elidel), tacrolimus (Protopic) and crisaborole (Eucrisa) as remedies. Additionally, using shea butter is a natural remedy for this condition.

Hyperpigmentation

Solution

Hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin produces too much pigment within an area or forms deposits in the skin, resulting in dark spots. This is a fairly common skin issue primarily among those with darker skin. Dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation can last for months, or even years, but can be heavily reduced with medical treatments.

To fight hyperpigmentation, a highly recommended product is Gleamin’s Vitamin C Clay Mask, as it has an abundance of antioxidants and vitamin C that work wonders for all skin types and tones. To combat this issue in dark skin, Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 is recommended.

Oily Skin

Solution Dry skin can be avoided by washing the skin with lukewarm water instead of hot water. People who have dry skin should apply moisturizer often to return moisture to the skin. They may also want to use a humidifier, which reduces dryness in the air, which in turn can reduce dryness in your skin.

Wash your face at least twice a day and avoid scrubbing skin harshly, as that can cause skin irritation, and finish with the right kind of moisturizer for your skin type.

Be sure to wash off all makeup before going to sleep because it can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.

Do not pick at or pop pimples. Picking at acne spreads oil and bacteria, worsening acne.

Keep hair products off skin. Hair products can clog your pores and cause acne near the hairline.

Avoid eating large quantities of sugar and dairy, which cause skin inflammation.

Drink lots of water in order to flush toxins from your skin.

Dry Skin Dry skin can occur for a multitude of reasons, including cold or dry weather, harsh soap, aging and lack of moisture.

Having a dry skin type can cause skin to feel tight, look ashy, itch or even flake off.

Skin Care Tips:

Oily Skin often looks shiny and feels greasy. It has pores that are easily clogged and are more prone to acne development.

Solution Solution:

People who have oily skin should wash their face with warm water and exfoliating face cleansers. It is best to use only oil-free face moisturizers and products so as to not add extra oils to the skin.

Clay face masks are also beneficial because they help remove excess oils from the skin and prevent blackheads and whiteheads.

Acne: Acne is a widespread condition affecting all skin types and tones. It is caused by having pore-clogging bacteria and excess oil in the skin. Different types of skin have different needs when it comes to acne treatment.

Solution:

Treatments for acne vary depending on your skin tone and type. Some popular treatments include antibacterial treatments, water-based products, salicylic acid treatments and benzoyl peroxide. Antibacterial treatments work by preventing bacteria build-up within pores. They include products like benzoyl peroxide, which treats moderate acne and is best for oilier skin types because it dries out the skin. Waterbased products combat acne without dehydrating one’s skin, making them a popular alternative to their oil-based counterparts. Instead of sealing in moisture from the outside, they contain water as their main ingredient to help hydrate the skin.

For all skin tones, a recommended water-based skincare is Glossier’s 3-Step Skincare Routine. Besides this, salicylic acid penetrates the skin and dissolves poreclogging debris. It works best for those who have oily skin since overuse can lead to dry, red and irritated skin.

Keep your hands off of your face. Oils and dirt from your hands are likely to clog your pores and lead to acne.

Apply sunblock to avoid sunburn, sun damage, peeling skin and wrinkles.

6+S+ 25+S+ 28+S+ 42+S+ 71+S+ 6%

of MSD students prefer oil-based moisturizer

71%

of MSD students use moisturizer

25%

of MSD students prefer water-based moisturizer

28%

of MSD students use moisturizer with sunscreen in it

42%

of MSD students do not use moisturizer with sunscreen in it

Are you conscious of how your diet affects your skin?

Yes 44% 440+ 560

Are you conscious of how water drinking habits affect your skin?

Yes 52% 520+ 480

*Results from a poll of 250 MSD students

Sources: Eucerin, Web-MD, Avail Dermatology, Everyday Health Group

Living Healthy • Skin Care 33

In It for Good

Seniors at MSD look to pursue medical majors after graduating from high school

D

ressed in lab coats and protective goggles, students prepare themselves to experiment in their laboratory stations. Whether it be mixing select chemicals or dissecting a frog, students are divulging into the scientific world of exploration and discovery. Oftentimes, these experiments set the scene for a future in medicine.

In the United States and across the world, numerous high school students take rigorous courses and seek enriching opportunities to prepare for their future.

At Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, some seniors are planning to further their education by pursuing a major in healthcare.

Health science careers are very extensive, covering applications such as science, engineering, mathematics and technology. Many students aim to divulge in this field for a variety of personal reasons, but one common factor they all share is their want to help others.

“Recognizing the need for moral, upstanding physicians has led me to strive to become a member of a community that vows to serve those that cannot effectively serve themselves,” senior Alexander Miller said.

Within the medical industry itself, there are hundreds of professions one can choose to go into, varying on their skills and preferences. Jobs can range from a nurse to a radiologist to a biomedical

engineer.

Although there are a variety of choices, additional education beyond a standard college degree is usually required, or at least recommended, for specialization and promotion.

“I have always loved science and math classes, which led me to the realization of wanting to go into the medical field,” senior Jayden Broome said. “This, along with my personal skin experiences, has led me to want to become a dermatologist.”

Students may be determined to become a medical major to carry out a family legacy, a passion for medicine or a need for change. Senior Arthy Suresh knew from a young age that there were many masked issues in the realm of psychiatry, and this is what pushed her to get into public policy.

“When I was younger, my neighbor became severely mentally ill. He was a diagnosed schizophrenic and was admitted to a nearby psychiatric ward,” Suresh said. “A few months later, he was released, but the very next day, he drove a car off of a bridge and passed away.”

As a result of her emotional experience, Suresh has devoted her time to working on mental health legislation.

She loves every second of her work with public policy because it gives her a voice for herself and others struggling with their mental well-being.

In high school, the majority of those who go into a medical major have

34 Living Healthy • Medical Careers

prepared themselves by prioritizing science-based classes or enrolling in summer courses at different universities across the nation, either physically or virtually.

“I have prepared myself for my major by taking advanced placement and honors level science courses all throughout high school, joining and becoming an officer in [the] HOSA club, and taking a summer course at Brown University that demonstrates [a] week in the life of a medical student,” senior Haley Bohm said.

For further advancement and understanding, students can also choose to partake in dual enrollment or College Academy. At MSD, electives such as psychology, anatomy & physiology and physics aid in developing the skills necessary for a medical career.

“After doing a research project about those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease during my time in AP Capstone Research, my interest in studying the complexities of the brain and human nervous system was heightened,” Miller said.

With the intention of pursuing a medical career, students may partake in state and national leadership councils and conferences to gain more knowledge and experience. Additionally, academic groups such as Science National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society provide students with leadership and competition opportunities to succeed.

“A few days ago, Harvard Medical

School invited me to present at their 2021 Global Mental Health Conference, and I have been selected onto national leadership councils like Mental Health America,” Suresh said. “I have also shadowed a few neurologists, ran a medical mission in Guatemala and won a few HOSA awards during high school.”

Additionally, students can volunteer, shadow or apply for internships to get more comfortable with their potential profession. For those in pursuit of medicine and its related career options, doing well in science and math classes is very beneficial.

“Science and math are very important for high schoolers [since] the core premedical curriculum is heavy on these subjects. The more practice prior to going to college, the better,” Regina Marranzini, a board certified internist and geriatrician, said. “Having said that, medical schools are moving away from mandating that applicants major in the sciences, and it is perfectly fine to major in psychology, philosophy or even languages as long as your grades in the core science subjects are good.”

Although a medical major is not required for a profession in healthcare, meeting the prerequisites is an essential part of the process. Nevertheless, going into a medical major demands time, dedication and higher education after graduation. Story by Ivy Lam; illustration by Julia Landy

Design by Ivy Lam

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

TOP 5 COLLEGES IN THE U.S. FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY Location: Baltimore, Maryland Full-time Tuition: $54,900 Average GPA: 3.93 Average MCAT Score: 521 Faculty-Student Ratio: 5:1

Location: Boston, Massachusetts Full-time Tuition: $63,400 Average GPA: 3.9 Average MCAT Score: 519.82 Faculty-Student Ratio: 13.6:1

Source: U.S. News & World Report

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Full-time Tuition: $59,910 Average GPA: 3.91 Average MCAT Score: 521.7 Faculty-Student Ratio: 4.3:1

Location: Stanford, California Full-time Tuition: $60,234 Average GPA: 3.89 Average MCAT Score: 519 Faculty-Student Ratio: 2.2:1

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Location: Gainesville, Florida Full-time Tuition: $22,408 (in-state) $55,314 (out-of-state) Average GPA: 3.79 Average MCAT Score: 514 Faculty-Student Ratio: 2.6:1

Source: U.S. News & World Report

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

Location: New York, New York Full-time Tuition: $0 Average GPA: 3.96 Average MCAT Score: 522 Faculty-Student Ratio: 2.4:1

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

TOP 5 COLLEGES IN FLORIDA FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

Location: Tampa, Florida Full-time Tuition: $29,175 (in-state) $49,355 (out-of-state) Average GPA: 3.76 Average MCAT Score: 515 Faculty-Student Ratio: 0.9:1

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY Location: Tallahassee, Florida Full-time Tuition: $32,74 (in-state) $45,000 (out-of-state) Average GPA: 3.7 Average MCAT Score: 506 Faculty-Student Ratio: 0.4:1

Location: Orlando, Florida Full-time Tuition: $25,491 (in-state) $52,365 (out-of-state) Average GPA: 3.81 Average MCAT Score: 511 Faculty-Student Ratio: 1.4:1

Location: Coral Gables, Florida Full-time Tuition: $45,871 Average GPA: 3.72 Average MCAT Score: 513 Faculty-Student Ratio: 1.9:1

NUMBER OF WOMEN COMPARED TO MEN IN THE MEDICAL FIELD In 2017, women comprised 50.7 % of 21,338 enrollees in U.S. medical schools, compared to 49.8 % of 19,254 enrollees in 2016. The first year that more women were enrolled in U.S. medical schools than men was in 2017.

BEST CLASSES OFFERED AT MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL TO TAKE FOR A FUTURE HEALTHCARE PROFESSION

Source: Association of American Medical Colleges

HEALTHCARe occupations TOP 5 HIGHEST PAID

Anatomy & Physiology Honors

Biology Honors/AP Biology

TOP 5 FASTEST GROWING

Physician/Surgeon veterinary technician

Dentist Physician assistant

$208,000 41%

$156,240 39%

Chemistry Honors/ AP Chemistry

Calculus Honors, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC

Physics Honors, AP Physics, AP Physics C

AP Psychology I & II Honors/AP Psychology

Podiatrist athletic trainer

$129,550 37%

Pharmacist medical assistant

$126,120 34%

Nurse practitioner veterinarian

$113,930 33% Source: College Census

Source: Monster

Living Healthy • Medical Careers 35

Out for the High school athletes cope with injuries that interfere with their competitive abilities

Season A

thletes put years of blood, sweat and tears into the sports they love. The hours of dedication can pay off with a great game, a win, a championship, but what an athlete might not anticipate is the risk of losing it all because of an injury. With the intense nature of some of these sports and how a long season plays out, players at all types of skill levels have been facing the risk of getting hurt far more often in recent years.

Frequently, players will be taken off the field or court with an injury. In fact, they are so common that over 2 million athletes sustain injuries each year, according to Weinstein Legal, an accredited personal injury law firm in South Florida.

Additionally, the National Center for Biotechnology Information states that over 1.4 million injuries are endured by high school students in a standard school year. Whether it is a collision with a teammate or a piece of flying equipment, student athletes are constantly vulnerable to injuries.

Depending on the sport, the injury probabilities may vary. For example, in a sport with more contact and physical activity, the athlete is at risk of frequent or serious impairments. According to Weinstein Legal, football outputs the most injuries of any high school sport as it caused over 215,000 student athletes to enter emergency rooms in 2009.

Following football, the sports that left student athletes most vulnerable to emergency room visits in 2009 were basketball with 170,000, versus baseball and softball with 110,000 versus and soccer with 88,000.

Across all sports, the most common form of injury is a strain or a sprain.

Some more serious injuries that require more recovery time include fractures, concussions or knee and elbow injuries.

Contact-related injuries are commonly found among many high school students, including senior Emily Burke, a women’s varsity soccer player, who dislocated her knee during summer of 2020. Burke’s injury temporarily prevented her from advancing her soccer abilities and skills until she was able to heal and move forward with her athletic career.

“I still deal with my injury today, but I was in crutches for two months over the summer, which stopped me from playing soccer,” Burke said. “I did physical therapy for about a year, and I am getting better.”

Sports injuries are much more serious than they seem as players are taken out of the games they love for reasons that could influentially impact their health and future. These damages range from small

36 Sports • Sports Injuries

injuries that leave players out for a short number of weeks to detrimental ones that affect players for the rest of their lives.

Additionally, certain injuries can cause death, with over 300 American high school athletes dying from a sport-related injury from 2008 to 2015, according to Weinstein Legal.

With a massive list of injuries that can result from sports, there is no limit to when, where or how they can quickly change the entire season for a player.

Branching from the great amount of injuries, there are plenty of different ways to treat each of them depending on their seriousness. Some injuries require serious medical treatment, while others only take specific precautions and time to heal.

Most injuries often lead to treatment with temperature therapy. While this sounds like a form of extensive healing methods, temperature therapy could be as simple as leaving an ice pack on a wound. Nevertheless, it is important to know how temperature therapy works and what methods to use. The two types of temperature therapy are hot and cold treatments.

Applying heat to injured areas allows for muscles and tissue to become more flexible and relaxed until they can properly heal. Moreover, heat therapy allows for better blood flow and circulation, which is crucial for healthy athletes. Heat therapy can come in the forms of dry heat, the use of heating pads, packs or saunas, which all result in considerable alleviation, and moist heat, the use of wet heat packs, hot towels and hot baths.

Treatment through heat should be done at least once each day after the initial injury. It can further aid in healing sore muscles, hip flexor strains, groin pulls and other injuries related to muscle and tissue pain.

On the other hand, cold therapy reduces blood flow to certain areas to prevent pain and swelling, as well as reducing nerve activity to mitigate pain.

Ice packs, ice baths, ice massages and cryokinetics are all forms of cold therapy.

Icing injured areas is typically done within 24 hours of the injury, or when need be if swelling or pain becomes prominent.

Although it may seem helpful, ice treatment should not be used on open cuts, wounds or broken tissue. In addition, icing an injured area for too long could cause frostbite, so long periods of treatment should be avoided.

Junior Santiago Ordonez, a catcher for the varsity baseball team, experienced a contact-related injury during a team practice that led him to use ice treatment.

Ordonez’s injury challenged his ability

to play for about a month and was temporarily detrimental to his athletic performance. Ice treatment allowed Ordonez to make an efficient recovery, allowing him to play in his next baseball season.

“The ball hit me and left a big cut on my eyebrow. I had to have stitches that put me out for a month,” Ordonez said. “[After I was injured,] I stayed home and had to ice [my injury] almost the whole day. It was very frustrating, but I knew I was going to come back.”

Differing from methods of selftreatment, some injuries require medical treatment from doctors and experts, especially when serious. Physical therapy is a common way for doctors to help treat athletes, as it helps them regain their strength, stability and coordination.

This form of injury treatment was beneficial to senior Chloe Rogers, a

“

I was running, and when I stepped down, my knee popped backwards and dislocated. I had to go to physical therapy about four times a week doing band stretches, grazing, cupping and different workouts to strengthen my knee.

Chloe Rogers, 12

midfielder on the women’s varsity soccer team, who suffered a knee dislocation in a soccer game against Cardinal Gibbons High School last year.

Rogers’ rehabilitation process involved many different exercise methods, which eventually led to the repossession of her athletic abilities.

“I was running, and when I stepped down, my knee popped backwards and dislocated,” Rogers said. “I had to go to physical therapy about four times a week doing band stretches, grazing, cupping and different workouts to strengthen my knee.”

Surgery may also be required for serious injuries. A common sports injury, an Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear, occurs when ligaments in an athlete’s leg are torn. Torn ACLs require surgery as a treatment and leave athletes with months of recovery.

As simple and obvious as it may be, one of the best forms of treatment is rest. Many, if not all, injuries require

”

rest because it is the best way to achieve efficient and healthy recoveries. In order for muscles, bones and other injured body parts to return to their previous states, they must take a break. This leaves athletes with the most difficult part of coping with injuries, the slow recovery process.

The recovery process isn’t all about an athlete’s physical recovery, but also mentality. Psychologically, one way athletes can endure their injury is to focus on the positive side of their situation and to be optimistic. They can also set goals during their recovery process and try to stay as active as possible, without harming themselves.

“Not being able to play messed with my emotions because I love to be out on the field,” Rogers said. “It also messed with me because I needed to start being recruited for college soccer. With my knee injury, I wasn’t able to play. When I did play, I was hurt and unable to perform at the best of my ability.”

Design by Matt Rosenthal

Tight End Tackle. Marjory Stoneman Douglas varsity football players, tight end Geovanni Vilsaint (12) and guard Anthony Perillo (52), tackle a Coral Glades High School player at the annual Pig Bowl on Nov. 5, 2020. Football players incur the most injuries in high school sports. Photo

by Kelsie Yon

Behind the Plate. Varsity baseball catcher Santiago Ordonez throws the ball back to the pitcher in a practice game on Oct. 7, 2020. Ordonez was out for a month after a ball hit him in the face during a practice game. Photo by

Theron Piccininni

Battle for the Ball. Varsity soccer midfielder/defender Chloe Rogers (4) fights for the ball against an opponent from Park Vista High School in the semi-final round of Regionals on Feb. 16. Rogers dislocated her knee during the 2019-2020 soccer season, which required physical therapy to heal.

Photo by Fenthon Aristhomene

Behind the Plate Physically recovering can be painful and enduring, but is a far easier process than mental recovery. With physical recovery, athletes follow orders from highly trained professionals and medical experts, so it is easier to head in the right direction. However, with the mental recovery process, athletes are driven by their personal goals and motivations.

While they can receive help from friends and family, they are primarily their own guide on the path towards improvement.

Junior Landon Reuter, who plays midfielder and attacker on the varsity lacrosse team, experienced the physical and mental recovery process after sustaining a broken arm during a match in October. Physical therapy allowed for him to heal quicker, but a primary focus during his recovery was keeping a well-managed headspace.

“I was not able to do much, and it was bringing me down, but I decided to focus more on school,” Reuter said.

“Even though I was unable to actually

Battle for the Ball play lacrosse, I still attended games and practices and was able to stay in touch with my friends on the team.”

Depending on the injury, a student athlete can maintain a healthy lifestyle during recovery. Although it may not seem beneficial for an athlete to stay in shape while injured, it helps to keep the injury from worsening and prevents any other possible injuries.

Another great way for an athlete to stay healthy is to have a proper diet.

Eating good foods like fruits, vegetables, proteins and nutritious fats can help accelerate the healing process. The main goal of a healthy recovery is to protect the athlete from further injury, but if a doctor approves, the athlete can continue to train the body lightly.

“I work out certain areas of my body to improve flexibility and strengthen the weaker muscles, which can cause me to be more susceptible to other injuries,” Burke said. “I often wear a brace to prevent my knee from dislocating again.”

There are many easy steps an athlete can take to prevent further injury. One way is to do a warm-up before a game or practice since it is a good way to get the blood circulating and the body moving before competing. Another way is to stretch out the body and prepare it for any stress during physical activity.

Doing both dynamic and static stretches is additionally very beneficial because it targets all muscle groups while the body is in motion and stationary.

Finally, making sure the athlete is aware of their body’s limits can prevent them from overexerting themselves.

“When I came back from my injury, I was a little nervous,” Ordonez said. “But once I got into a groove, I realized how much I missed getting out there to play.”

Sports injuries can be life-changing for many student athletes. It can make them more aware of their sport’s risk factors and dangers and enforce the importance of being cautious and safe before, during and after a game or match. Overall, this

can have many benefits when student athletes play their sports at a higher level in the future or even later in life in general.

“My injuries will always affect how I play because I have to strengthen my legs to the point where they become strong enough to not hurt again,” Rogers said. “With dislocating my knees several times throughout my high school experience, they are pretty fragile. I just have to work on strengthening my legs, and hopefully, I won’t have to deal with as much pain.”

Coping with a sports injury is extremely tough for high school athletes.

With their driving passion moving them towards potential athletic careers, injuries serve as a major obstacle in their paths. Learning the best ways to physically and mentally push through the challenge brings out the perseverance and dedication needed to succeed in athletics. Story by Reese Gary

and David Lopez

Sports • Sports Injuries 37

Rainy Day Win. Forward Victoria Alverez (21) gains possession of the ball in the semi-finals of Regionals against Park Vista Community High School on Feb. 16. The women’s varsity soccer team won the game 8-6. Photo by Maria Vera

Get Your Head in the Game

38 Sports • MSD Female Athletes

Spreading Cheer

Pass the Ball

Design by Travis Newbery

Female athletes change standards of sports at MSD

Next Woman UP

“

You run like a girl! Grow a pair!

Man up!” are simply few of the many phrases thrown around and normalized on the field. With the aid of these microaggressions, various stigmas were formed surrounding the validity of women in sports. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School has an abundance of female athletes within its athletic program; however, many feel as if they are stuck in the shadow of their male counterparts.

On a professional level, men have dominated the interest of mass audiences.

According to a Healthline article from a 2016 study, girls gain less support from teachers, and even family members, to be physically involved in sports.

Similarly, the achievements made by the female teams at MSD tend to receive less attention.

Although the ticket sales and attention garnered by the MSD football team never seems to falter regardless of their record, the state-qualifying cheerleading team that performs at every game often goes overlooked.

“I feel like cheerleading isn’t taken seriously as a sport, and it is neglected by most people and considered something you do for fun; but it is a sport,” varsity

“

cheerleader Anna Kiernan said.

Nationwide, there is controversy about whether or not cheerleading should be considered as a sport as many believe their only role is to cater to the football players. Whereas most sports are male-dominated or have multiple teams to accommodate different genders, cheerleading is often sexualized because most teams have a predominantly female roster. “[Cheerleading] doesn’t get recognized at all and is neglected,” Kiernan said. “I have been told by many people that it is not a sport and is something people do for friends.”

On the other hand, outside back Calista McCausland thinks that the school has done a fine job of placing the attention on all sports teams.

McCausland, a junior on the MSD varsity soccer team, played as a guest in the U.S. Youth Soccer National League competition and placed sixth in the country.

“I feel like people always assume men are going to be better than women in whatever sport they play. Men downplay the difficulty of women’s sports,” McCausland said. “[But] I think MSD is good about promoting both men’s and

women’s soccer. I actually think our girl’s team receives higher accolades.”

At MSD, female athletes have also made their way onto teams that only cater towards males. Senior Ava Cunningham is the only girl on the men’s wrestling team; however, she is not the first or only woman to do this. This year’s football season featured junior Kelly Ferber as the first ever female punter and kicker for the varsity football team. “[My biggest accomplishment, being on the football team is] that I get to wake up every day, go out on the field and do something that I love,” Ferber said.

Cunningham often feels the frustration of putting forth all of her effort during matches, yet not being taken seriously or being sexualized in the sport. She feels pride when winning against those who doubt her and believes that matching their strength is one of her biggest accomplishments.

“I 100% feel that I have been sexualized as a woman in sports. This is because a lot of the time I get responses like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to wrestle a girl,’ or ‘I don’t accidentally want to grab her in the wrong place,’ but sometimes they do; however, most of the time I just try and talk to them and ask them to wrestle me, and how they’d wrestle anyone else,” Cunningham said.

Biologically, women are at a natural disadvantage. Not only are women at a higher risk for sports injuries caused by the increased stress on their slightly wider pelvis and hip positioning, but men’s hearts are about 20-25% larger than women’s.

In addition, males produce primarily testosterone, which promotes the development of muscle mass, but the primary hormone produced by females is estrogen, which encourages the accumulation of fat. These

I feel like people always assume men are going to be better than women in whatever sport they play. Men downplay the difficulty of women’s sports, [but] I think MSD is good about promoting both men’s and women’s soccer.

Calista McCausland, 11 Power Move

”

disadvantages play a role in the stamina, endurance and overall performance of female athletes, which leads to the stigma that women in sports cannot handle as much as or compete with men.

Women’s golf player Lindsey Salomone strives to exhibit her athleticism at each of her matches and prove the strength of women through her hard work and dedication.

“Growing up I would only watch male golfers since I never saw women represented on television,” Salomone said. “Simply because women are viewed as incapable or weaker than men, I was unable to grow up with a female role model which motivated me to work harder.”

Traditionally, household names in sports feature men of all teams and skill sets, but for many women, they tend to only receive attention once they reach this exceptional level of success or are dramatized to fit the media’s narrative.

Four-time Olympic Gold medalist and tennis player Serena Williams is the most prominent example of this. Williams has been pushed in the spotlight multiple times not only for her accomplishments, but for her “attitude” and feuds with her opponents outside the court.

This has occurred various times throughout women’s involvement in sports; as views for the games of women’s sporting teams are relatively low compared to that of men’s, they are often portrayed as unprofessional and are not solely recognized for their skills in their field, but rather are dramatized for entertainment purposes.

The stigmas that surround both the capability and drive of female athletes remain prevalent on a national scale, as well as in one’s own community. As women continue to display their skills on the field, they strive to defy the societal standards thrown their way. Story by Julianne LoFurno and Sophia Squiccirini

Get Your Head in the Game. During a women’s varsity basketball game, point guard Kayla Kravitz (24) fends off Flanagan High School’s defense.

The Eagles lost the Jan. 5 game. Photo by Fenthon Aristhomene Spreading Cheer. Seniors Hailey Hung, Ashley Ferrer, Sophia Avron, Kacie Shatzkamer, and junior Talia Kabolowsky cheer on the varsity football team’s Senior Night game against Coral Glades High School on Nov. 5. MSD won 28-3. Photo by Kelsie Yon Pass the Ball. In the semi-final round of Regionals, defender Lizzie Sheehy (08) lines up the shot for a pass to her teammate against Park Vista Community High School on Feb. 16. Photo by Maria Vera Power Move. At a home game on Jan. 5, power forward Julia Kayser (35) drives past a Flanagan High School defender. Photo by Maria Vera

Sports • MSD Female Athletes

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Design by Fallon Trachtman and Katrina White

40 Feature • Local Farms