Deaf rapper Sean Forbes creates music
Water polo begins new season Opinion: GPS tracking provides safety for students Page 20 Page 14
Club brings Japanese Page 12 culture to Parkland Page 3
the COURIER douglascourier.com
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
5901 Pine Island Road Parkland, FL
Making a statement Page 4
Volume 25
No.5
March 2013
Index News.....................1-5 Feature.................6-9 Entertainment......10-13 Editorial...............14-16 Sports...................17-20
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News
March 2013
Student advocates disability awareness today’s society, people don’t take the time to get to know people News Editor with disabilities. I have been shied For the past four years, senior away from people plenty of times.” The idea of creating this bill Garrett Mayersohn has advocated started when Mayersohn was in for disability awareness in our school by being an active member eighth grade. It was then that Mayersohn began to be socially of Best Buddies and organizing excluded. the annual Disability Awareness “In sixth and seventh assembly. Now his passion for equal treatment among students is grade I was very gullible and thought everyone was my friend,” headed to the state government. Mayersohn said. “Once I was in Mayersohn was inspired to eighth grade, I was no longer create a disability awareness bill gullible and realized that I was due to his personal experiences. being treated differently.” “Sometimes I would feel After entering high school, like an alien,” Mayersohn said. Mayersohn proposed his idea “I would be socially excluded by of starting disability awareness not being invited to parties. Also, classes to former principal Ann people were afraid of physical Kowalski, who said that schools contact such as hugs. I have also only implement classes that been spoken to like a five year old are mandated by the state, thus is.” forcing Mayersohn to bring his Mayersohn proposed the HB idea to the state level. 129 Disability Awareness bill in “I spearheaded the entire March 2010. This bill requires thing,” Mayersohn said. “I called district school boards to provide every representative, went to a lot disability history and awareness of meetings, and composed several instruction in public schools. emails. For four years this cycle “I was sick of being treated has been going on.” differently,” Mayersohn said. “In AMANDA GAINES
Throughout the process, Mayersohn has worked with Senator Jeremy Ring, former Representative Ari Porth, Representative Jared Moskowitz, and City Commissioner Dan Daley. Currently, the bill is in the process of being turned into law. According to myfloridahouse.gov, the bill is now in the House’s K-12 Subcommittee as of Wednesday, January 23, 2013. On the other hand, according to flsenate.gov, the Senate just introduced the bill on March 5. Mayersohn is requesting students and friends to write letters to state representatives to explain why disability awareness is important to them. “I want people to be aware of the fact that disability should not result in discrimination,” said Mayersohn. “Everyone has a 50/50 chance of inheriting a disability, whether it is due to risky behavior or genetics. There is no reason why people should look upon people who have disabilities.”
Photo courtesy of Garrett Mayersohn
Garret Mayersohn (left) meets with Senator Jeremy Ring (right) in his office. Mayersohn appreciates all of Senator Ring’s help to take the “dis” out of disability.
Students gain leadership skills at Valley Forge convention JACOB FELDMAN Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Jessica Ortega
In April the varsity color guard team will travel to Dayton, Ohio and compete at nationals for the first time since 2009. The team performs at each Douglas varsity football game and competitions to prepare for the national competition. In February, the team attended regional competitions in Orlando and Miami.
Participating in a mock congress and making amendments on hypothetical bills were just two of the activities that juniors Griffin Jones and Victoria Malcolm took part in while at the Freedoms Foundation Leadership Conference at Valley Forge, February 21-24. According to the Freedoms Foundation, this three-day conference allows high school students to interact with experts, like Dan LeClerc, on citizenship, democracy, the free enterprise system, the judicial system, and the American political process. “Students come from all over the country, and they have speakers that come and talk
with them and hold seminars,” AP U.S. History teacher Lisa Hitchcock said. “The students are actually at the site, and they tour Valley Forge.” Each year, the Freedoms Foundation contacts schools around the country and asks for nominees. The Broward Chapter of the Freedoms Foundation raised enough money to fund the entire trip for Jones and Malcolm. “[Jones and Malcolm] have expressed a strong interest in American history,” Hitchcock said. “They always participate in class. I picked students that I think will benefit from the program, appreciate the opportunity to go, and will also share it when they come back because not everyone gets the opportunity to go.“
Jones and Malcolm spent each day participating in planned activities from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The activities included things like creating new consumer products, listening to lectures on leadership, the Bill of Rights and citizenship, participating in a mock congress, and signing a copy of the Declaration of Independence, according to Jones. “I believe that the leadership and public speaking skills that I practiced during the conference will help me move forward in whatever field I choose to work in,” Jones said. “I also made new friends from all over the United States that I will never forget. I am very grateful for the opportunity that I had.”
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Anime Club celebrates vibrant Japanese culture Members of Anime Club “cosplay” or dress up as their favorite characters at the Hatsume fair at Morikami Park. “You get to meet new people and eventually you start to just look forward to the next one because you’ll get to see your new friends again,” senior Rachel Saperstein said.
MITCHELL FELDMAN Copy Editor Douglas has its own portal to Japan, in the form of anime club. Anime is a genre of Japanese video that comes in the form of a T.V. series, movie, or even translated into a comic book. Members watch anime and also bond over other related activities, like video game tournaments and fan art contests. “I joined the club because when I went there for the first time it made me feel like I belonged,” senior Rachel Saperstein said. “When I was in middle school I was made fun of for liking anime and all that stuff and when I go to club every Friday I know it’s a place where I can be myself.” Senior Cavonne Robinson joined the club in 2010. “Finally I was actually
Photo courtesy of Calvin Yong Photo courtesy of Calvin Yong
expressing my love in anime. If it wasn’t for this club, I would have never came out of my shyness,” Robinson said. According to senior Calvin Yong, some of the members
of the club branch off into other interests, like the card game Yugioh. Yong and his friends play before and after school as well as during lunch, with some entering
regional tournaments and Yong sometimes serving as a certified judge. At anime conventions, which occur several times a year in regions across the
country, participants dress up or “cosplay” as their favorite characters, using costumes and props, and meet others who are interested in the same anime. “What people don’t realize happens at conventions is that it’s not all about ‘dressing up’ and showing off. It’s about going to have a good time,” senior Rachel Saperstein said. “That you could make a ton of new friends. You get to meet voice actors, and even last year at Super Con they had actors from The Hunger Games.”
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News Briefs Students beautify school with adopt-a-hallway program You don’t need to be Angelina Jolie to adopt a hallway. Adopt-a-hallway, DECA’s chapter project, has students from 12 clubs painting their logos on halls in March and April and maintaining their areas for the duration of the year. Some of these clubs include National Honor Society, Save What’s Left, and Debate. “High school is a microcosm of the real world,” senior and Save What’s Left President Laura Gayle said. “[Students] should respect their habitat, in this case their school, as much as they do they do themselves.” DECA teacher Sharon Cutler and AP US History teacher Lisa Hitchcock developed the idea of students improving the school environment last year during a leadership meeting. “Students having pride in their hallways would assist in the effort to keep the hallways clean,” Cutler said. With adopt-a-hallway relating to DECA’s chapter project, GT^2 (Greener Today, Greener Tomorrow), judges were impressed at the state competition, and DECA members will advance to nationals in Anaheim, California. “The way they [students] leave their environment is how future generations will as well,” Gayle said. “Lead by example.”
--AARON SAGER, Staff Writer
Senior class hosts kickball tournament The Senior Class Board will host a Kickball Tournament on April 7, open to the entire Douglas student body. “We wanted to do one more fundraiser for the class before Prom,” senior class senator Amanda Corin said. “This seemed like another fun way to raise money in addition to Powderpuff.” Any Douglas student will have the opportunity to form a team of up to 11 players. “Originally, we were just going to invite seniors, but including the whole school will help us raise a lot more money,” Corin said. Each team will pay $55 to participate in the tournament, which will take place on the school baseball field. “It seems like fundraisers are always dinners at restaurants and carwashes,” senior Daniella Abdin said. “This is different, and I can’t wait to play kickball with the rest of the school.” During the tournament, a school-wide Activities Fair will take place on the basketball court. All clubs can participate and host a booth for $20. Clubs can sell any merchandise they may have, while advertising their club to the entire school. “It’s a different than any fundraiser we’ve done before,” Corin said. “I’m excited to see the whole school come out and play.” Students can sign up for teams in the cafeteria during lunch starting March 18 to March 22.
--ELYSSA RONIK, Staff Writer
News
March 2013
Community protests removal of principal ROBBIE KRAVEC Co-Editor in-chief Following the announcement that Principal Washington Collado’s contract would not be renewed for the 2013-2014 school year, the PTSA organized a rally on March 14 to protest the decision. According to Coralspringstalk. com, over 500 people participated in the demonstration after word spread through mass emails and social media. “At first I could tell the kids were out there for a reason,” senior Brooke Denton said. “It looked like mainly cheerleading moms and their kids. Then as people were posting on Instagram and Twitter, random kids started coming out.” Collado’s release comes after he placed in the bottom 25 percent of a newly instituted grading system matrix for principals designed by
Area Superintendent Dr. Desmond Blackburn. “There was a respectful meaning behind the rally in hopes of bringing awareness to higher authority,” Denton said. “For the sake of Mr. Collado, I hope it works.” According to Coralspringstalk.com, twenty-five other principals in the district will not have their contracts renewed. “There were just a line of people on top of the hill and on the other side was just a massive group,” senior Alex Ruberto said. “There was a decorated RV, painted cars, and people standing on each others’ shoulders. In 2012, Newsweek ranked Collado as the 275th best principal in the nation. “I think it did what it was supposed to do,” Ruberto said. “It got media coverage, and the mayor was even there.”
March 2013
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Senior strives to become influential educator LAUREN CHABAREK
Junior year fostered Weisler’s passion for learning. According to Weisler, English teacher Staff Writer Donna Amelkin taught him the value of taking note of the surrounding world. Geography and Influenced by former teachers and relatives, psychology teacher Rich Mendelson allowed Weisler senior Joey Weisler plans to become a rhetorical studies teacher and inspire self-awareness within his to open up and lead class discussions. “In my elementary school years, I struggled students. with learning and comprehension,” Weisler said. “I “Ever since I was young enough to fathom mentor students today because I have compassion [my grandmother’s] career as an educator—from for challenges and I know that learning is a struggle teaching, to being a principal, to training teachers to some students.” after her retirement—I’ve envisioned myself being Staying close to home, Weisler will study just like her,” Weisler said. journalism and communications while attending Weisler’s passion for teaching began in kindergarten and continued throughout his first and Florida Atlantic University. Weisler believes in paying forward the value of secondary schooling. an education to future generations. He plans to Introduced to Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events” in third grade, Weisler became lead his own college class called “Creative Writing and Rhetorical Studies” that will teach students the a reading fanatic and learned to embrace his imagination. In eighth grade, Weisler was taught the value of skeptical thinking and the importance of connecting oneself to the world. basic writing techniques and how to break down a “One of my disappointments in high school literary work. is that no one really got to know my true colors “I distinctly remember [my eighth grade English because I was too quiet to project myself to the teacher] instructing us to circle the adjectives in world,” Weisler said. “My wish is that when I make green, box the verbs in purple, underline details my mark and pay forward the value of an education, in red and re-craft the writer’s thesis into our own words,” Weisler said. “She made me a critical reader my students will understand that learning is an incredible experience.” and a skeptical thinker.”
Photo by Ryan Blitzer
Senior Joey Weisler (right) holds his syllabus for a class he hopes to teach in the future. Weisler credits his teachers, including Richard Mendelson (center) and Rebecca Hoyumpa (left), for inspiring him to become a teacher.
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Feature
‘I’m coming out’ Teens share stories of revealing sexual orientation to peers, family RACHEL EPSTEIN Feature Editor In the past two decades, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, LGBT, students have decided to “come out,” at younger ages. Whether it’s gathering the courage to tell friends or family, how they went through the process, or how to deal with the aftermath, each student has a different experience. In 1991 the average coming-out age was 25, according to Dr. Guy Shilo of Tel Aviv University’s Bob Shapell School of Social Work. As of 2010, it is 16 years old. “I always knew in the back of my head that I was gay, but around middle school was the time when I knew a little more. I didn’t feel like I could come out because I didn’t feel like I would fit in anywhere,” senior Sammy Jacobs said. “When I came to high school I joined drama and made a lot of friends. [During] sophomore year I had a really tight-knit group of friends so that’s when I felt more comfortable to come out. I didn’t tell anybody in my family yet because I was still worried about whether they would accept me.” Senior Karr Antunes came out in seventh grade. She had a boyfriend at the time, but knew she wasn’t attracted to him. After breaking up with him she had the courage to come out. This year Antunes
and her girlfriend of 14 months, Emily Krichmar, won the “Cutest Couple” senior superlative. “I told my sister and then a few months later I told my mom. [My mom] is not religious, but when I told her she thought maybe it was a phase because it was so early. She knew kids experiment and throughout time she grew into accepting it,” Antunes said.
“My parents were very supportive when I came out and told them how I was feeling... They are there for me,” Manno said.
“I told my dad last year because he is more religious and he told me he was shocked. He said, ‘Even if I don’t like it I still accept it and love you,’ so now my whole family knows.” Two years ago, a freshman girl, who prefers not to be identified, felt her experience was not easy. “At first it was kind of rough because I told the wrong person and they went and told everybody. It was in seventh grade and it was someone I really trusted. Eventually people that I barely even knew came up to
me and asked me about it,” she said. “It was unsettling because when you’re that young you don’t need random strangers coming up to you and asking you questions about something you’re not even 100 percent sure of. As the years went on it got a lot better.” The Gay Straight Alliance Club is an open environment for students of various sexual orientations. Senior Ali Manno joined the club in the middle of sophomore year, became vice president last year, and is now the current president. “What I like most about it is that no one judges and sometimes it isn’t all just about what’s happening in the gay community. Sometimes we just talk about our days and share stories about what’s going on in our lives,” Manno said. Jacobs came out to his parents the summer before junior year. Both of his parents were very accepting. According to Jacobs, he feels that our generation is more accepting, but telling his parents was frightening at first. “If you are debating whether to come out, it feels so amazing once you get that weight lifted off of your shoulders. You are who you are no matter what. You feel amazing when you can just be who you are and you don’t have to pretend that you are someone else,” Jacobs said.
March 2013
A beginner’s guide to March Madness: The basic necessities for a conversation
ADAR LIVNI Feature Editor From mid-March to the beginning of April, talk of March Madness dominates the social scene. Without possessing even minimal knowledge of the tournament, it can be impossible
to keep up with the most basic of conversations. To assist those not well versed in the world of sports, the Courier staff has compiled a list of information that can get just about anyone through the end of college basketball season. The road to the Final Four in Atlanta begins here with a few basic tips.
Illustration by Adar Livni
March 2013
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‘Find my iPhone’ has knack for keeping track SABRINA REISS Staff Writer No longer is excessive detective work required to track down a misplaced phone, or even a person, with the availability of apps that track location. According to Apple, the free Find my iPhone app will help you locate your missing iOS device on a map, as well as play a sound, display a message when your device is found, remotely lock your device, or erase all the data on it. “I lose my phone all the time- I use Find my iPhone once a month at least,” sophomore Rachel Weinsoff said. “Everybody I know who has an iPhone uses it.” Find my iPhone, the Android app Find my Phone, and other tracking apps are commonly used to locate lost technology and protect data, but can be utilized in alternate situations, from tracking a
guest driving to a surprise party to monitoring somebody’s speed. “I was going over 85 mph for an extended period of time, so my dad texted me and he was like ‘slow down.’ It turns out he got an automated call resulting from me going over a certain speed limit,” senior Britni Sonsky said of a GPS tracker. “Now I’m always paranoid when I’m driving, but I think it’s good because it makes me more aware of how quickly I drive.” While apps that track speed limits promote safety, locator apps may increase vulnerability by making your location potentially available to others. To locate an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac, one must install the app on another iOS device and sign in with an Apple ID. Anybody who knows or hacks into another person’s Apple ID will be able to track down that person’s devices as well, and possibly know where that person is at any time of the day.
The device being tracked will show up on a Google map as a green dot with a green circle around it, indicating the area the device is located in- the smaller the circle, the better the accuracy. If the device being tracked is offline, a gray dot will be displayed in the last known location for 24 hours. “On Halloween this year someone broke into our condo and stole my laptop. I had Find my iPhone and tried to use it to find my computer but it never came up,” English teacher Andrea KowalskiRospierski said. Sophomore Elizabeth Hartley downloaded Find my iPhone two years ago. “I don’t know what I was thinking [when I got the app]. I think it’s weird that people can track your phone,” Hartley said. “I wasn’t sure how to use [the app], but I don’t feel the need to try to use it again.”
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March 2013
Let’s get it straight: teens struggle with hair ALYSSA FELLER Staff Writer Hair treatments come in a wide variety and depends on the hair type and length. Brazilian Keratin costs between $250 to $500 and Rusk Thermal straightening on average costs $70. “I get Brazilian Keratin straightening done because I’ve always wanted straight hair and it makes me feel more confident,” sophomore Brooke Abzug said. According to Abzug, she can’t wet her hair for 2-3 days after getting the treatment and it stays completely straight for a week. After a week, her hair gets curlier and wavier due to her natural hair, but there is definitely a change in her hair after the treatment. Her curls are more relaxed and longer, but her hair is not completely straight. According to Neil Sadick, M.D., the Keratin treatment won’t damage your hair because keratin is a protein in your hair, but the flat ironing that is used to dry and
seal the hair afterwards might. “I use the Rusk Thermal straightener. It makes my long wavy hair longer and straight,” senior Lauren Strode said. “My hair dresser recommended it to me because she knew I wanted permanent straight hair. It was a one time treatment that lasts for a year to 18 months.” Strode’s Rusk Thermal straightener was a gift, and she gets it done by Lynda at the Attic on Wiles road. Strode also said that if she goes to bed with her hair wet it gets creases the next morning and she just has to touch it up. Other then that her hair is usually straightened without needing any touching up. According to Kellilynn Marie, who writes for Beauty Stop Online, thermal and Japanese straightening use chemicals that are harsh on the hair and unsafe for the user, but Rusk Thermal permanently straightens and smooths out your hair. Sophomore Valerie Murray, who takes about 30 minutes straightening her thick hair, says
she benefits from getting the Brazilian Keratin done because it takes less time to do her hair. She usually wears her natural hair up because it’s unmanageable to work with. “Getting the Brazilian done makes my hair look nicer and I can wear it down more,” Murray said. Murray also said it was easier to have her thick hair straightened and thinner when she dyed the underneath part of her hair blue instead of her natural thick hair. Sophomore Ashley Majerus, who has thick curly hair, does not get any treatments done. When she wants to straighten her hair, it normally takes her two hours to do; otherwise, she keeps her hair in a slicked back pony tail. Majerus would rather not get any hair treatments because she does not want to ruin her natural hair and it’s expensive to get done. “The only risk you take when you get hair treatments is putting all the chemicals from the treatment into your hair,” Murray said. ”It causes your hair to get split ends and look fried.”
Sophomore Brooke Abzug displays her hair transformation before and after receiving the Brazilian Keratin hair treatment. “I don’t like my natural, curly hair and it’s an easy alternative instead of styling my hair all of the time, Abzug said.” Photos courtesy of Brooke Abzug
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Can high school relationships make the grade? NADEEN SALEH Staff Writer To date or not to date- that is the high school question. Different schools, different grades, and leaving for college are a few relationship struggles that make or break a high school couple. According to The Huffington Post, only 19 percent of high school relationships will make it to college with two percent leading to marriage. “My relationship of seven months, on and off, didn’t work out because we went to different schools. I still believe going to the same school may have helped it last longer,” senior Anne Kuczynski said. Junior Jason Naide and senior Alyssa Ursprung have been dating since November 2012. “Being in different grades
means less time to get sick of one another,” Ursprung said. “Even though we’re not in the same grade, we both play sports and can see and spend time with each other by supporting each other at our games,” Naide said. According to Teen Vogue, the steps to making a relationship last into college include considering the seriousness of your relationship, scheduling time with your significant other to discuss your relationship, beware of “breaks,” and making use of social media for communication. “My boyfriend of one year is a freshman at FSU. We talk everyday. Video chatting helps too and it’s easy to keep a relationship going when you really care about the person and get along well,” senior Heather Loveridge said. “It’s safe to say he is my best friend and even though it gets
hard at times it all depends on whether or not you’re willing to make it work.” High school relationships fail for many reasons such as stubborn teenage personalities, cheating, misunderstandings, and separation due to different schools. Bradford Brown, a human development professor at the University of Wisconsin, quotes high school relationships as being the “training wheels” for what happens after high school, including long distance college relationships or even marriage. Sophomores Tyler Frost and Danielle Jensen have been dating since eighth grade and understand the sacrifice of relationships taking away time with friends. “The positive of being in a relationship means having a girlfriend, even though the negative means having less guy time,” Frost said.
Photo by Adar Livni
Junior Maxwell Quintero and sophomore Courtney Conrad have been dating for seven months. “To make a high school relationship work you need trust, communication, and being best friends helps,” Conrad said.
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Paving paths fr
Destiny’s Ch
Past pop artists return after hiatus ELYSSA RONIK Staff Writer Pop-icon Justin Timberlake, female vocal group Destiny’s Child, and alternative band Fall Out Boy may at first seem to have nothing in common, but, this year, they have one similar trait: a comeback. Timberlake, who has not come out with any solo music since 2006, released a new album, The 20/20 Experience, on March 15. The album, which Timberlake began to work on in June 2012, has classic Timberlake sounds, and fans are already impressed with the tease “Suit and Tie,” the album’s first single, which features rapper Jay-Z. “I can’t stop listening to ‘Suit and Tie,’” freshman Sami Fuchs said. “If the rest of The 20/20 Experience has as
good of a beat and sound as that song, Timberlake is going to have a really good year.” Since the release of “Suit and Tie,” Timberlake has been all over the music scene, with stellar performances at the Grammys, the Super Bowl pre-party, and the Brit Awards. Additionally, Destiny’s Child got back together for one very special performance this past February at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Although they did not sing their new song, “Nuclear,” viewers were amazed at Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams finally getting back together for a performance. According to CBS, the reunion alone generated 257,000 tweets per minute. The last time the female trio performed live was in 2006 at the NBA All-Star Game.
“I love the new song, it sounds just like something they would have released a few years ago,” freshman Sarah Miller said. “I wish ‘Nuclear’ wasn’t the only song they were releasing.” Fall Out Boy’s new album, Save Rock and Roll, will be the first one released since their gold-certified album Folie à Deux in 2009. With one single, “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark,” released in February, fans of the punk quartet feel as though the new album will in no way disappoint. “It’s the perfect song to listen to while you’re driving,” senior Erica Steinman said. “I can’t wait to hear the rest [of the album]. It’s been so long since we’ve heard new music from them.” Save Rock and Roll releases April 15.
Then Now
Boy Meets World
Boy Meets World sequel on rise: people, plots, pilots RACHEL KAHN Entertainment Editor Girl Meets World, the sequel to the beloved series Boy Meets World, will begin production this month. After 13 years of reruns, the story of Boy Meets World will continue with a few tweaks to fit modern society and a grown-up cast. “I’ve watched and loved [Boy Meets World] since I was little,” junior Harlan Rahl said. “I like that it’s corny and it’s an old show. I watch reruns on the daily.” The original Boy Meets World follows Cory Matthews, played by Ben
Savage, throughout his high school life while he deals with the stresses of family, school, and relationships. The series also features Cory’s girlfriend Topanga, played by Danielle Fishel, and best friend, Shawn, played by Rider Strong. In Girl Meets World, Cory and Topanga are married with two children: a girl, Riley, and a boy, Elliott. The series will focus on Riley and her friends and life struggles, like those that Cory faced. Eleven-year-old Rowan Blanchard will play Riley and Teo Halm will play Elliott, while the original
actors will play Cory and Topanga. “I am thrilled about the casting. If anyone else was cast, it wouldn’t be the same,” Rahl said. “It’s awesome that they’re bringing back the ultimate couple.” According to CNN, Boy Meets World creator Michael Jacobs hopes the pilot for Girl Meets World captures the same “confusions about growing up and what we are supposed to be and what we are supposed to aspire to be.” “I don’t think the series should be explicit like TV is now,” senior Megan
Quinn said. “They should keep it traditional without drugs and cursing like the original.” However, some students feel that the concept will not have the ability to do this and will sink into a category of failed spin-offs. “I didn’t understand Boy Meets World when I was a kid, and I don’t know why they’re making a sequel,” junior Alex Novell said. “People just think they want a sequel because they miss the show, but I don’t think that it’s going to be anything different from the original series.” Girl Meets World will air next fall on Disney Channel.
Then Now
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Entertainment
rom old to new
hild
Justin Timberlake
Miley Cyrus
Then
Now
Then Now
More values of old-generation Disney lost MEGAN ROBB News Editor
which follows the life of a talking dog and his online journal. The shows seem completely unrealistic and lack the strong COMMENTARY moral values and life lessons at At age 10, I would run into my the core of old Disney Channel shows. room after arriving home from At first, I figured the lack of school and turn on my TV. All day I anticipated watching my favorite enjoyment was due to my age. However, I still find myself shows and cartoons. swelling up with excitement when A typical afternoon consisted I see an old kids’ show playing on of episodes of Even Stevens, TV. Lizzie McGuire, and That’s So When the songs recorded by Raven before catching a Disney artists of my favorite old series Channel Original Movie at 8. However, today, when I watch and movies appear on my iPod, I shamelessly sing every word. the same channel, I cannot These experiences bring understand how anyone enjoys me to the conclusion that the the new shows. overall quality of the shows has Each time I babysit, I sit diminished. through hours of new Disney The songs produced by Disney shows like Jessie, in which a Channel today seem like overly nineteen-year-old works as a nanny to four high-maintenance sugarcoated bubble-gum pop. In the early 2000s, a few stars from children, and Dog with a Blog,
their shows made records, but, today, it seems like all characters sing, regardless of their ability. Perhaps Disney Channel feels pressured to keep up with the changing generations and has started to completely disregard the values that made it successful in the past. The changes Disney continues to make with its programming should not happen. Its rival station, Nickelodeon, has managed to transition many of the same 90’s shows to fit the viewing demands of 21st century audiences. The channel also features hours of old favorite cartoons and shows like Keenan and Kel and The Rugrats each night. Locating an old Disney show takes significant searching in video stores and online streaming sites.
Failure to make popular 90’s shows accessible to the public inhibits Disney from making a substantial amount of profit on their past shows. The old Disney series taught essential values and recreated scenes mirroring events occurring in the target audiences lives. Today, Disney shows present unrealistic situations and reinforce negative behavior, like acting out in class and disobeying parents (seen in Wizards of Waverly Place). The channel squeezes every potential talent out of actors in order to monopolize clothing and entertainment industries. If Disney continues to do this, its actors will continue to leave the company, like Miley Cyrus from Hannah Montana in 2011, costing them both money and success.
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Entertainment
March 2013
Deaf rapper feels beat SABRINA REISS Staff Writer Deaf American rapper Sean Forbes creates innovative American Sign Language (ASL) music videos linked with songs on his album, Perfect Imperfection. Forbes co-founded D-PAN, the Deaf Professional Arts Network, a non-profit organization that translates popular artists’ songs into music videos for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. “Viewers who are deaf or hard-of-hearing appreciate our videos because of how we use sign language and creative graphic ‘captioning’ as a form of artistic expression along with the music itself,” Forbes said. Two of the catchiest songs on his album, Perfect
Imperfection are “I’m Deaf” and “Bob Dylan (Was the First Rapper).” They both feature lyrics and beats that call for multiple replays. “Bob Dylan (Was the First Rapper)” has a black and white music video that reflects the simplicity of the song’s message. Moreover, the video for “I’m Deaf” contains bright, striking graphics that emulate the upbeat tune. The hip hop artist’s bold lyrical style resembles that of Eminem’s. Ironically, Detroit producers, the Bass Brothers, who discovered Eminem in his early days, signed a record deal with Forbes. According to Ability magazine, Forbes lost his hearing as an infant. He is also the only deaf member of his family and
the only one to actively pursue music as a career. Forbes’ speech inflection is noticeable, but not prominent in his music. His inspiring talent opens the gates to musical expression for the deaf, which was historically considered off-limits. Perfect Imperfection and his singles are available for purchase on iTunes. The music videos for his songs can be viewed on YouTube or his website, deafandloud. com.
Photo courtesy of NPR Music
Sean Forbes does not let his deafness stop him from rapping. Forbes’ songs reflect on the hardships and lifestyles that he lives with every day.
Scan the QR code to follow Forbes’ blog, hear and download his music, and witness this musical revolution.
March 2013
The Courier
Entertainment
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Apple introduces iWatch, reduces prices iWatch blueprints release Known for creating products that have mass-market appeal, Apple pioneers advancements and brings simplicity to technology. Most notably, the two-year-old iPad has become a “cult phenomenon” with a following of over 100 million consumers. Tech blogs and consumers alike constantly question what Apple will create next. The possible answer is a watch. The supposed “iWatch” first appeared as a rumor when Apple filed patents, which diagramed a spirallike interface of iTunes, fixated on a small screen. Within the past few months, the possibility of a new watch provoked a number of rumors. Some were even from reputable sources such as the New York Times and Forbes. The Apple iWatch supposedly has a team of over 100 working on it. According to rumors, it will be hands-free and completely connected with devices, such as the iPhone and iPod Touch, to keep users up to date on emails, text messages, incoming phone calls, and music playback via its little screen, all in addition to checking the time. Siri, Apple’s voice-recognition service, will handle all of the commands normally sent to an iPhone, such as replying to a text or email. Apple generally has a press conference regarding the release of new products in the spring, so it is possible that the new iWatch will be released sooner than expected.
Prices decrease to compete
The Apple iWatch
To compete with other phone and tablet manufacturers and to help expand its consumer base, Apple recently released more affordable products, such as a cheaper iPhone, for $99, and the iPad Mini, for $329. In February, Apple even lowered the prices on its Retina Display laptop line to $300. “This is an excellent move by Apple, because a lot of Apple’s products aren’t affordable now, and it would allow more people to buy new products,” said senior Josh Bahaw. By releasing cheaper versions of its most popular products, the iPhone and the iPad, more people can afford the ‘luxury’ of owning an Apple product. Apple also allows consumers to purchase their products with cheaper prices through a section for refurbished products on Apple’s online store. Refurbished products can be up to 20 percent cheaper than new Apple devices. Although refurbished products are pre-owned, the metal shell and battery are replaced and the buyer receives a one-year warranty. --RYAN BLITZER, Staff Writer
Trending past through modern mediums ALEXANDRA BARRY Staff Writer Throwback Thursday, also known as “TBT,” is a social networking trend used every Thursday to remember a significant event that happened in the past such as a birthday or a vacation with friends or family. On Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, and other social networking sites, people use this hash tag to describe the picture and link certain descriptive words to it. Anyone can search the hash-tagged words to see public posts. “I use #TBT because it’s funny to look back at old pictures from when I was younger,” sophomore Megan Hutchinson said. “Almost everyone that I follow uses it too.” Users hash tag “TBT” in order to identify a younger picture of themselves and to look back on a past, memorable time. “I use #TBT to really represent
the spirit of Thursdays,” freshman Joanna Zuang said. “I love looking back at pictures from the past. It’s kind of like you’re living in the past. I like posting pictures from when I was a baby and seeing my friends laugh at it.” Although TBT is the most popular way to express a past memorable event, “Transformation Tuesday,” “Way Back Wednesday,” and “Flashback Friday,” which have branched off of “Throwback Thursday,” are also used to remember a past event. “It’s something that is fun to look at,” freshman Gabi Kostzer said. “Old pictures bring back so many memories. It’s also fun to get to laugh at old pictures.” Users find it amusing to see a friend or family member in a younger, potentially more embarrassing state. “TBT” is a great way to look back on your past each week and share it with friends and family that you are linked with online.
The Courier
Page 14
Editorial
March 2013
GPS tracking useful parenting tool AARON SAGER Staff Writer As the world advances technologically, so must parenting methods. The growing trend of parents tracking their kids via smart phone apps serves as an innovative way to keep kids safe. Teens might consider this an extreme measure of overprotection or an invasion of privacy, but its usefulness outweighs the negatives. Life360, an app created in 2008 that allows family members to locate each other and communicate through messaging, has reached 20 million downloads. The app utilizes a mix of GPS, cell phone triangulation, which is cell towers receiving a phone’s signal to calculate its geophysical location, and Wi-Fi data to pinpoint the location of a smartphone and upload it to users. Users not using smartphones are tracked based on information provided by cell phone carriers. Parents can use similar
GPS tracking technology such as the iGuardianTeen and Speedbump apps to monitor the speed at which their kids drive. According to Time, by 2016, 70 million people in North America and Europe will be using such programs. These resources aid in prevention of the many dangers posed to teens. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, nearly 800,000 children younger than 18 are reported missing each year. With apps like Life360, parents could have an efficient method of tracking their children should such an unfortunate situation arise. But the benefits exist only as long as the teens keep the app on their phones. If a kidnapper did dispose of the phone or the tracking app before any suspicion of a teen’s absence, having the app would not offer any benefit. But it’s better to have it than not have it. Another issue rampant in the teenage world is texting while driving. The LIFE Before Text app calculates
Illustrated by Rebecca Lowy
a driver’s speed by GBS (Global Broadcast System), and once a speed reaches 10 mph or higher, a pop-up blocks incoming calls and texts. If overridden, the app can send a notification to a parent e-mail. Car accidents are the leading cause of death of people between the ages of 16 to 20 years. This past
year, 21 percent of fatal car crashes involving teenagers resulted from cell phone usage, a rate that is growing at approximately 4 percent each year. Parents capable of stopping teens from using phones while driving could be life saving. Teens may argue that these measures of security are invasive and overbearing
on their privacy. On the contrary, a teen could potentially gain freedom as their parents become more assured of their child’s safety. The world is a dangerous place. Parents should keep an eye on their teens by implementing these apps and technologies to save lives.
Letters to the Editor Bring back rotator schedule I have heard every single teacher that I have this year complain about the new schedule and how it makes the classes way too short. The new straight-7 schedule has brought problems. One problem that I experienced as a student is the fact that I have to wake up everyday knowing that I will be going to 7 whole classes rather than just 6. The fact that students need
to go to 7 different classes everyday means that they will have less time to focus on each class individually. Shorter classes will lead to shorter lessons and activities, leading to more homework as well. More homework for more classes at a time with less lesson time for us to learn how to do the homework results in a much harder time in our academic lives. Nathaniel Ma, sophomore
Mr. Collado deserves to remain principal I think Mr. Collado is an amazing principal. He really cares about the school and the students, but I personally thought the walkout was pointless. Sure, it showed how much students and
parents care about Mr. collado. But I feel like the school board might view it as another reason why he shouldn’t come back because he can’t control the school. Amanda Corin, senior
The Courier welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be signed. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for poor taste, libel, and space. Drop off letters in room 236 or submit them online at douglascourier.com.
The Courier
March 2013
Editorial
Page 15
FAU sells naming rights of stadium to abusive prison company, tarnishes ethical reputation MITCHELL KAUFMAN Online Editor in chief In a controversial deal, Florida Atlantic University has sold the naming rights of its new stadium to GEO Group, a private prison corporation, for $6 million over a 12-year period. The company is one of the nation’s largest operators of for-profit prisons and has been linked to numerous lawsuits and allegations of prisoner abuse. FAU’s decision to allow GEO to purchase the naming rights casts a poor image on the student body and the university as a whole. In recent weeks, this deal has received national attention and pundits are calling it “Owlcatraz.” According to the Palm Beach Post, lawsuits were filed against GEO for its conditions at the Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility in Mississippi. One federal judge referred to the prison as “a cesspool of unconstitutional and inhuman acts and conditions.” Shortly after, Mississippi ended its contract with GEO. The government of Australia also had problems with GEO and ended its contract with them after the company was accused of abusive treatment of immigrant children. Numerous other incidents have been documented at GEO facilities in the U.S., including deaths of inmates attributed to insufficient medical attention, sexual assaults, beatings by guards, and
suicides that were linked to institutional neglect. GEO has been hit with verdicts in those cases totaling tens of millions of dollars. FAU’s deal with the company is not simply a transfer of money to make bond payments on the stadium. Instead, it represents a strong partnership between FAU and a company known to have violence, discrimination, and abuse. It tarnishes all degrees awarded from the university. The debate is essentially a decision between finances and ethics. Hundreds of students have protested the deal. However, President Mary Jane Saunders describes the deal as “philanthropic.” She envisioned the stadium as the center of a new, more traditional campus. Now, it will forever be linked to the GEO controversy. According to The Nation, Students marched and occupied Dr. Saunders’s office last week, submitting a letter that read, “We are protesting because we believe that institutions of higher learning like FAU
have the responsibility to stand up to the systemic racism, corruption and human rights violations that define the prison-for-profit system, and advocate instead for the equality and human rights.” According to NPR, Dr. Saunders said “it’s a closed book.” She commented that the university followed all its procedures in evaluating the deal and has signed a binding contract with the private prison company. On campus, though, students and faculty members say opposition to the deal is just getting started.
Illustrated by Rebecca Lowy
The Courier
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Editorial
March 2013
Video games not responsible for violence MITCHELL FELDMAN Copy Editor With the recent shootings, particularly the one in Sandy Hook, lawmakers and citizens have been looking for something to blame. Part of that blame has fallen on violent video games, which supposedly increase anger in children and incite violence. This has led to the resurfacing movements against violent video games, a repeat of California’s attempt to ban the sale of them to children in 2011 (which the Supreme Court struck down). Sen. Jay Rockefeller introduced a bill for the studying of the effects of violent video games after the shooting at Sandy Hook, and publications like Time and CBS have been making a new set of articles discussing putting the blame for shootings on games. Video games, however, have not been sufficiently proven to at all affect violent behavior. The New York Times found that 80 percent of high school males play them. Therefore, if a teenager commits a violent act, probability follows that he plays video games; connection is not the same as causation. The link needs to be proven, and so far it has not been. According to the Washington Post, “psychological studies purporting to show a connection between exposure to violent video games and harmful effects on children
Even though video games may depict violence, that does not mean that they will influence children to become violent. Illustrated by Rebecca Lowy
do not prove that such exposure causes minors to act aggressively.” Any demonstrated effects are both small and indistinguishable from effects produced by other media such as movies or T.V. shows. Laura Davies, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist, agrees that studies cannot prove a connection conclusively. More importantly, though, she brings up the
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idea that the problem lies in the violent kids themselves. Davies says that some kids have difficulty distinguishing between reality and fantasy. This is not the fault or responsibility of video games; this is an issue with mental health. Rather than focus on games that are harmless to the majority of the population, society should focus on helping the kids themselves.
A 2012 article for the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that “depression, antisocial personality traits, exposure to family violence and peer influences were the best predictors of aggression-related outcomes.” This places a big portion of the responsibility on the parents. Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in the 2011 Supreme Court decision that “a causal link between these games’
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content and harm to young people had not been proven and went on to place the responsibility to filter what children are exposed to with the parents.” Certain children are not suitable to play video games or participate in other activities involving visual violence, their parents should not allow them to engage in those activities at their own discretion. These are special cases that should be dealt with separately. Video games actually have positive effects. Surprisingly, Michael R. Ward, an economist at the University of Texas, showed that “higher rates of violent video game sales related to a decrease in crimes, and especially violent crimes.” This might be attributed to video games keeping kids off the streets, or providing an outlet for violent thoughts. Video games are even proven to improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time. Psychologist Vaughan Bell says gamers are “able to resolve small detail in the context of clutter...[and] able to resolve different levels of gray,” an ability that can help drivers avoid car accidents. I’m not suggesting that we encourage the playing of video games. We do, however, need to change our focus when it comes to shootings and violence. The problem lies in the kids themselves; let the kids play.
Staff Matt Walzer Elyssa Ronik Lauren Chabarek Spencer Davis Jacob Feldman Sabrina Reiss Nadeen Saleh Aaron Sager Alyssa Feller Sabrina Eisenberg Brandon Ponczek Ryan Blitzer
March 2013
The Courier
Sports Stuart participates in a race at Palm Beach International Raceway in a Tony kart. In addition to Florida, Stuart has raced in Las Vegas, Indiana, North Carolina, and Jamaica.
Photo courtesy of Kayla Staurt
Student pursues racing career through competitive go-karting SPENCER DAVIS Staff Writer Freshman Kayla Stuart has a unique hobby: go-kart racing. Every Saturday Stuart takes one of her two go-karts and goes to either Palm Beach Raceway or Homestead Speedway where she drives as many laps as possible from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Go-kart racing can be a costly activity with practice days ranging from $65 to $300 each, admission into races costing from $500 to $3000
each, and go-karts costing around $7000 each. Stuart owns two go-karts, which she keeps in a private trailer when not in use. “My favorite thing about racing is the speed that I drive, about 85 mph, and traveling to different places to race,” Stuart said. “When I am in the leading position on the track, there is no better feeling than being in front of the rest of the field.” Stuart’s most prestigious win came at the Fall Championship at
Palm Beach International Raceway. Prizes for winning races include trophies, money, or a “ticket” to bigger races, such as the world championships. Kayla, who began racing nine months ago, plans to compete in 15 to 20 events per year. Kayla became interested in racing after watching her family friends, who have been racing their whole lives. “It always looked like a lot of fun and not a lot of people race, so it got me interested,” Stuart said. Stuart has two coaches, Jesus Rios and Kurt Matthewson. Rios, at his peak, raced in Formula 3. “I would love to be able to race in NASCAR or Formula 1,” Stuart said.
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Flag football starts over SPENCER DAVIS Staff writer Retaining only three players, the girls’ flag football team lost virtually its whole varsity roster from last year. “On last year’s team everybody had been on the team since freshman year and we had all been playing since we were little,” senior wide receiver Samantha Ball said. “This year we have a lot of girls that haven’t played, so it will take them a while to get a hang of the game and remember the plays. We are going to be a little rusty.” According to head coach David Piroozshad, his coaching will center around teaching scheme and technique during practices because of the inexperienced players. “I think having a younger team will have a positive effect because it brings different energy from younger players who want to prove themselves,” Piroozshad said. According to Piroozshad, the girls have great chemistry and love to work hard. “Our three seniors are outstanding players, and with the limited amount of practice we have had so far, we can tell that our team is very strong and improving everyday,” junior wide receiver Kierstyn Howell said.
The Courier
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Sports
March 2013
Talent, experience may drive boys’ volleyball to states VICTORIA MALCOLM Sports Editor
Photo by Alyssa Feller
Senior co-captain Jorge Luis returns a serve at practice on March 13. Luis is one of 12 seniors on this seasons’ varsity roster.
The boys’ volleyball team possesses a mix of intellect and athleticism that will be key to their success this season, according to senior co-captain Matt Archambault. “Most of the kids on the team do really well in school. Almost our whole team could be on the scholar-athlete award,” Archambault said. “I really like volleyball because I can use my brain as much as I can use my physical abilities.” According to head coach Carla Nicholson, this year’s roster has the talent and experience to make it to states. “The thing they wanted to improve was just redemption from last year when we lost in regionals because they want to
go to states this year,” Nicholson said. “They need to be able to practice hard and stay focused on their goal, because they have the skill and potential to do it.” The third coach in three years, Coral Springs Charter teacher Carla Nicholson succeeds Frank Bowman and Austin Clubb as the head coach this season. “[With Nicholson] we have different types of practices and drills,” senior Josh Lewin said. “We’re have to get used to her strategies and what she does, but we will be better this year and we know where each other are going to be on the court.” According to senior Jake Ross, many incorrectly perceive volleyball as a simplistic sport. “Men’s volleyball is kind of like a choreographed dance,” Ross said. “If you looked at volleyball from the top down,
everything is flowing perfectly towards the ball.” The most pressing challenge for players is nerves during important games, according to Archambault. “Not everyone has played the same level as me and my other captain [senior Jorge Luis] where we’re used to playing really good teams,” Archambault said. “I could tell by players getting nervous during regional finals last year, if we can’t address that issue that’s going to be a major problem.” Admission to games is free and the first home game will be on April 1 against Pompano. “We don’t like a crowd to raise money, we like a crowd because we like to play with energy and get the school involved,” Archambault said. “That’s the way we play the best.”
The Courier
March 2013
Sports
Page 19
Freshman breaks school track records Morrison competes in the Walter Dix Invitational Relay on February 25. The meet included teams from Coral Glades, Boyd Anderson, Coral Springs, and Blanche Ely.
MATTHEW WALZER Staff Writer According to jump coach John Lewis, freshman Gillian Morrison has required minimal coaching since joining track and field this year due to her outstanding talent and work ethic. This year, Morrison broke the school record for the high jump with a height of 5’ 6”, the 100 meter hurdle with a time of 15.1 seconds and the 300 meter hurdle with a time of 47.2 seconds. “It helps me justify to myself that I really do belong on this team and that I am good enough to compete with the older kids,” Morrison said. Morrison has participated in track and field for three and a half years, including club and middle school track. “I’ve always loved playing sports and running,” Morrison said. “My coaches noticed that I had some speed, and my mom did track and so did my dad, so we found a local club and I tried it out.” According to Lewis, Morrison has just scratched the surface on her potential. “She has talent, she has desire, and she loves to compete,” Lewis said. “These are things that can’t be coached.”
Photo courtesy of Gillian Morrison
Student athletes gain inspiration from parents’ pro sports careers ROBBIE KRAVEC Co-Editor-in-chief Senior Luis Silverio Jr. and sophomore Yorvis Torrealba have more in common than playing on the same high school baseball team. Both of their fathers, Luis Silverio Sr. and Yorvit Torrealba, gained entrance into professional baseball before their 18th birthdays. Signed out of the Dominican Republic by the Kansas City Royals in 1973, Silverio Sr. played eight games with the Major League affiliate before suffering a career-ending knee injury. Five years and five surgeries later, he returned to the field as a
minor league manager for the Royals. “I’ve had the best coaching I could ever ask for, but it’s hard with [my dad] working in another state,” Silverio Jr. said. “It’s a lot of coaching over the phone and texting. He’s seen me play about three regular season high school games in four years.” Since becoming a coach, Silverio Sr. has served on the Major League staff of the Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Currently, he works as a Counselor and Head Latin American Coordinator for the Pirates, gauging talent from international baseball hot spots and reporting on the organization’s
minor league teams in the states. During summers, Silverio Jr. occasionally travels on road trips with the Major League club and takes batting practice with the players. “It’s every kid’s dream to be out there,” Silverio Jr. said. “It has made me realize what it takes to get to that level and made me strive to get to that point.” Since his Major League debut in September 2001, Yorvit Torrealba has played for seven different teams. “When I started going to his minor league games, I would put a uniform on and play with him,” Yorvis Torrealba said. “The experience was amazing.”
Photo courtesy of Yorvis Torrealba
Sophomore Yorvis Torrealba accompanies his father, Yorvit Torrealba, to a Venezuela Leones regular season game for the winter ball team.
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The Courier
Sports
March 2013
WATER POLO Girls utilize conditioning “This year we’ve been training harder and have new plays like our positions on defense and offense,” senior Sarah Ojalvo said. “We scrimmage for games at practice and we sprint to condition for the constant swimming.” According to Ojalvo, land conditioning includes sprinting, warm-ups, ab exercises, legs, and arms. So far this season, the Lady Eagles are 6-0. --ALYSSA FELLER, Staff Writer
Assistant coach guides boys
After finishing last season 0-10, the boys’ water polo team brought in assistant coach Greg Naranjo, a Stoneman Douglas alum. “With his previous experience in water polo for the school, he has taught the team a lot of his knowledge about positioning and play, which has already helped us quite a bit,” junior hole set Andy Hofmann said. Naranjo accomplished the feat of becoming the first MSD student to play water polo at the collegiate level, ending his career as the 7th all time leading scorer at Gannon University (DII) in 2010. “We need to really focus this year on the drills,” Hofmann said. “We need to work well together as a team and make sure everyone shows up at practice. ” --JACOB FELDMAN, Staff Writer
Photo by Ryan Blitzer
Junior Bri Kimmet of the girls’ water polo team guards hole set Andy Hoffman of the boys’ water polo team during practice on March 11 at Coral Springs Aquatic Center.