Girls’ soccer hopes for regional Opinion: comeback Page 20 PBS should not lose funding Page 15
Junior Rosalie Anter pursues art career through fashion Page 9
the COURIER douglascourier.com
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
5901 Pine Island Road Parkland, FL
Stude nts take s ports to the extre m e Pages 10-11
Volume 25
No.2
October 2012
Students explore the underwater world Page 13
Index News.....................1-5 Entertainment......6-9 Feature...............10-13 Editorial.............14-16 Sports.................17-20
The Courier
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News
October 2012
Drummer marches his way to Macy’s parade MEGAN ROBB News Editor
Junior Dylan Harrison has watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on T.V. with his family since the age of five, but this year his family will watch him marching in the parade. Harrison will join a group of 185 high school students selected to perform in The Great American Marching Band during the parade. “I was watching the parade last year, saw the band, and thought it would be cool to be in it,” Harrison said. “I mean, who doesn’t want to be in the Macy’s Day Parade?” To audition, last year, Harrison sent in a tape of him playing a few basic drum strokes and a solo of his choice.
Early this year, Harrison was shocked to find out his simple video had landed him a spot in the prestigious band. On November 17, Harrison will fly to New York to practice until Thanksgiving morning, under the direction of assistant band directors Richard Good from Auburn University and Barry Houser from the University of Illinois. After morning rehearsals each day, band members will explore the city, attend matinee shows and bond at group meals. All band members are required to pay their way for this special experience. Thanksgiving morning, Harrison and the rest of the band will take the streets of New York City at 2:30 a.m.
After this final rehearsal, the Great American Marching Band will join fifty high school dancers to perform for nearly 50 million people tuned in to NBC. Harrison began playing the tenor drums as a sophomore for MSD’s Eagle Regiment. After graduation, Harrison hopes to attend the University of Florida. Although he will not pursue a career in music, he will continue to play and incorporate music into the rest of his life. “I am ecstatic that he (Harrison) took the initiative to apply for the parade,” Harrison’s mom, Emily said. “I am looking forward to him marching on Thanksgiving Day for this amazing opportunity.”
Students join US All-American Band Scott Schiff (right) and Jacob Morrison (left) pose after recieving the honor of marching in the U.S. Army All-American Marching band at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, January 5.
AMANDA GAINES News Editor The United States Army presented seniors Scott Schiff and Jacob Morrison the honor of playing in the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band on October 15. Schiff and Morrison will join a select group of musicians who will perform during half time of the U.S.
Photo courtesy of John Rusnak
Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. “I didn’t expect to make it because Scott got his email two weeks before me, so I thought I didn’t get in,” Morrison said. Both Schiff and Morrison applied to be a part of the band by sending in an individual video application
of them marching and playing their respective instruments to the U.S. Army headquarters. Schiff plays the mellophone and Morrison plays the baritone. Schiff and Morrison depart New Year’s Eve and will practice with the rest of the selected musicians for five days prior to their January 5 performance.
Photo courtesy of Dylan Harrison
Dylan Harrison showcases his drumming ability with the rest of MSD’s Eagle Regiment at practice. Harrison learned to play the drums at Coral Springs Middle School when he was 12 years old.
The Courier
October 2012
News
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Behind the competition: what it takes to debate AARON SAGER Staff Writer
Douglas offers a debate class and team for students interested in competing in individual speech events or competitive debate. Usually students not actively studying debate may believe that only one style exists but in reality debaters have many options. “[Debate] combines the skills one learns in English and writing, and mixes them with current events and history,” debate teacher Ryan Cole said. “Plenty of research is required as well.” Public Forum debate, the most popular debate of Stoneman Douglas, pits teams of two against each other to argue a topic using evidence and analysis of data. Lincoln-Douglas debate places a heavy emphasis on logic, ethical values, and philosophy rather than solely statistical data. “My sophomore year I debated Lincoln-Douglas debate at Harvard and my opponent during his case threw a piece of paper at me as if he was performing,” senior and LincolnDouglas debater Eli Hymson said. “It is safe to say I won that round.” In Congressional debate, students take turns addressing hypothetical bills. In Policy debate, teams of two advocates take a position on a resolution depending on a coin flip at the beginning of the competition. The topic typically involves policy change by the United States federal government. Debaters can also compete in speech
events, including public speaking, acting, reading and interpretation. In original oratory, competitors memorize a 10-minute speech on any social issue and offer a solution, by memory. Customarily, Extemporaneous Speaking has students memorize a speech of 7 minutes on a current event topic and deliver it to a panel of judges. In Humorous Interpretation, students perform as characters from any published work 10 minutes long, and are judged based upon how well they portray the role. “In Public Forum, you have to go through topic analysis and analyze what is being debated,” senior and Public Forum debater Zach Lee said. “You also must prepare for refutation strategies. You have to go over your case and possible arguments your opponents could make and prevent them from developing their argument and how to extend yours.” Debate styles all have separate resolutions, or debated topics, which change at different times depending on the style. Debaters must prepare on both sides of an issue and expect to get judged not solely on their evidence and analysis, but also their speaking skills. For instance, the November resolution for Public Forum will be resolved: Current U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East undermines our national security. “Students will need to be able to be knowledgeable of what is going on in the Middle East and how it interacts with our security back home,” Cole said. Tournaments occur every two weeks
Photo by Aaron Sager
Senior Eli Hymson (left) practices his case for a Lincoln-Douglas debate, while senior Jeffrey Greenberg (right) “flows”, or takes notes on, Hymson’s case. Both Greenberg and Hymson have taken debate classes since freshman year and compete regularily at tournaments.
and the public can watch. As both a class requirement and grade, students must attend at least one debate tournament a quarter. First year debaters attend debates after school, with $60 dues. Second to fourth year debaters attend competitions on Saturdays or entire weekends and have $100 dues. “I have been to Blue Key
(Gainesville Tournament), Chicago, Yale, Harvard, and all around South Florida,” Lee said. “My partner and I have not won but I’ve placed at a plethora of different tournaments.” Upcoming tournaments include Blue Key in Gainesville, Catholic Forensic League #2 (CFL2) at MSD on November 3, and Titan Invitational on November 9 and 10.
Cafeteria offers healthier options
Freshman Jonathan Cox purchases one of the cafeteria’s new healthy options, the chicken sandwich on a wheat bun, at lunch on October 24th.
ELYSSA RONIK Staff Writer The school cafeteria began offering healthier choices last year with the introduction of the by selling parfaits and wraps in the new vending machine. This year, the aroma of steamed vegetables mingles with pizza, fries, and chicken sandwiches - now served on wheat buns. “We’re serving less french fries and more sweet potato fries, and at least two kinds of vegetables a day,” general worker Renee Heiser said. Since 2010, Michelle Obama has urged Americans to become healthier, with a special
focus on children. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Obama created and implemented meal requirements for schools nationwide that have improved the nutritional values of the lunches of about 32 million students earlier this year. “I usually don’t buy lunch,” senior Erica Steinman said. “But now with all of the healthy options, I might consider it more often.” Although nutritious foods have been introduced at Douglas, students can still buy cookies and Papa John’s. pizza. Photo by Amanda Gaines
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News
October 2012
New club supports cancer research
Stoneman Douglas graduate and Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo speaks at the first MSD Stands Up To Cancer club. The club will be attending the Rizzo Family foundation Walk Off For Cancer in December.
JACOB FELDMAN Staff Writer
Photo courtsey of Adam Greenhut
Q & A with Anthony Rizzo Five years ago, Anthony Rizzo, then a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas and a top-prospect baseball player, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox. The following year, doctors diagnosed Rizzo with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Today, he starts at first base for the Chicago Cubs. Q: How did cancer affect your baseball career? A: Not only did it affect my career, it affected my life. Especially growing up in Parkland, you can take a lot of things for granted. I learned to have fun with everything I do and have no regrets. That’s cliché, isn’t it? But it’s true.
Scan for the rest of the Q&A
According to cancer.org, in 2012, about 118 thousand Floridians will find out they have cancer, and nearly 577,190 Americans will die from this disease. MSD Stands Up To Cancer, started this year, hopes to raise money to donate to the Stand Up to Cancer foundation. The Stand Up to Cancer foundation, established in 2008, raises money for the American Association for Cancer Research, the world’s largest cancer organization in the world that focuses on research. “The other officers and I are familiar with people that have lost their lives to cancer,” junior Nicole Spokony said. “My mom’s best friend is currently battling cancer, and it makes me so sad to see her trying her hardest to fight such a difficult disease. Jake [Feldman] also lost his grandmother to skin cancer.” At the beginning of the school year, the officers asked math teacher Adam Greenhut to sponsor the club.
“A group of students approached me about starting this club to help raise money for cancer research,” Greenhut said. “I was really impressed to hear that there are students that want to give their time to better the community and work for a good cause. Of course I couldn’t say no when they asked me to be the staff sponsor for the club.” The club will attend the first Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation Walk Off For Cancer in December, which is hosted by MSD alum, cancer survivor, and Chicago Cubs first baseman, Anthony Rizzo. Volunteers from the club will also visit the Chris Evert Children’s Hospital in Fort Lauderdale once a month to visit the cancer patients. MSD Stands Up To Cancer meets the first and third Thursday of every month in Room 1229. “We also know people that have survived cancer, and the terrible affects it had on them,” Spokony said. “We want to help bring an end to cancer in any way that we can.”
The Courier
October 2012
News
Page 5
JROTC hosts first halloween themed blood drive
MITCHELL FELDMAN Copy Editor
JROTC will hold the first of its two blood drives this year on October 30. Members chose halloween for the date because they found that more students donate around holidays, and the holiday provides an excuse to give out candy to attract donors. ‘We’re having a halloween theme, with decorations and shirts with a halloween phrase that’s a secret,” senior Juliet Belovich said. “There will probably be vampires, too.” After the drive, the blood will go to the Community Blood Centers of South Florida, which
sends it to local hospitals. Last year’s blood drive saved 2,000 lives and raised $8,000 in scholarship money for members of JROTC. “This year we are focusing on getting platelets, because they are in high demand right now,” Belovich said. “We also want scholarship money for all the cadets.” In order to participate, students must be 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and have sufficient amounts of iron in their blood, as tested by a finger prick. Donors cannot have given blood within the past year. “You might be deferred if you have been to a
certain country or state recently,” Pat Michaels, a representative from Community Blood Centers, said. “Like if you went to England, we’re worried about mad cow disease.” Some conditions such as meningitis can last for long periods of time in blood, requiring a waiting period of one year or longer after contracting one. The organization has more information about requirements on its website, cbcsf.org. “I think one thing people should know about donating is that every donor will possibly be affecting three people,” Michael said. “The blood is separated into red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, which goes to three different places.”
22nd annual Homecoming Spirit Week Schedule Monday, October 29 Starbelly sports -Wear your favorite jersey, sports apparel
Wednesday, October 31 Wacky Wednesday -Wear a “wacky” combination of clothes
Tuesday, October 30
Thursday, November 1
Thing 1, thing 2 day -Dress the same as one of your friends
Superhero day -Dress like your favorite superhero
Friday, November 2
Color War - Seniors wear black, Juniors wear red, sophomores wear blue and freshmen wear green Dress code rules: Students may not cover their faces or wear overly revealing tops or shorts
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Apple Maps lost on consumers
VS ALEXANDRA BARRY Staff Writer The feud between Apple and Google is evident in the new iPhone operating system, iOS6. Not only did Apple remove Google Maps but it replaced it with it’s own version, Apple Maps. The new Apple Maps includes more useful features such as turn-byturn directions along with verbal navigation and the
ability to view the map in 3D, but some customers are still unhappy with it. “Every time I open Google maps all I get to look at for about a minute is a grey grid as opposed to an actual map,” junior Gaby Maceira said. Apple Maps does not have the street view feature and cannot access transit directions. Apple CEO Tim Cook apologized for all the inconveniences contained within Apple Maps.
Entertainment
October 2012
Remember Myspace?
Timberlake to take outdated social network site for major redesign
million users worldwide. Hollywood mogul Justin Timberlake, who ironically Created in 2003, played Facebook investor the seemingly-dead Sean Parker in “The Social social media site has Network,” is looking to taken massive blows to make changes, and reroute “I’ve had an iPhone its popularity from the all roads back Myspace. for a while and I’m really creation of more organized, Timberlake purchased disappointed in the new clean-cut networks such the domain in June of Apple Maps because when as Facebook and Twitter. 2011, released a video to I was trying to drop a pin In 2008, according to the the public re-introducing at a restaurant near my Orange County Register, the site - claiming it is house, it thought I was the site was considered the starting from scratch. In somewhere in Georgia,” #1 social media domain on the video, Myspace looks sophomore Gaby Nahous the web, with 76 million sleek and user-friendly. said. users from the United “I stopped using According to the New States alone. Myspace after I saw all York Times, Apple has This past August, of my friends switching not completely explained the site received 28 over to Facebook,” senior exactly why it replaced Google Maps but it is assumed that it’s rivalry caused this. ELYSSA RONIK Staff Writer
Matthew Mursten said. “If it looks interesting and other people start using it, maybe I’ll use the new Myspace too.” Rather than competing with Facebook and Twitter, Myspace 2.0 gives its users the ability to interact with their friends from the social media sites. Myspace will focus more on the music world, helping users discover and listen to new artists. As the reign of Myspace is long gone, Timberlake’s ideas for the new site seem promising. Myspace, don’t let us down.
The Courier
October 2012
Entertainment
Page 7
Owl City sophomore album catchy, clichéd SABRINA REISS Staff Writer For The Midsummer Station, Adam Young reached out to cowriters and outside producers, including Matt Thiesen (Relient K) and Stargate (Rihanna, Wiz Khalifa). Lyrically, the album proves less whimsical than its precedents, mainly featuring words of the average alternative/pop artist rather than colorful imagery. “I wanted to write songs that felt a bit more accessible in a way that would allow listeners to enjoy the songs for what
they are rather than parse the meaning of every little phrase and metaphor,” Young said, according to Moxie Info. Even though it is guilty of some cheesy clichés such as the lyrics “Shine brighter than a shooting star” in the song “Shooting Star” and “You got the right to remain right here with me” alongside police siren imitations in “I’m Coming After You”, The Midsummer Station has infectious tunes that are difficult to get out of your head. Young joins Call Me Maybe singer Carly Rae Jepsen on the album’s first single “Good Time”, Owl City’s second song in
the top ten since Fireflies. Young also collaborated with Mark Hoppus of the band Blink-182 on “Dementia”, adding a touch of punk rock to the album. The track list successfully shows variety with the upbeat songs “Gold” and “Speed of Love”, the beautifully melancholy ballad “Silhouette”, and the dark lyrics masked by catchy melodies in “Embers” and “Take it all Away”. Owl City appeals toward a broader audience with The Midsummer Station by being a healthy medium between Top 40 Hits and techno.
Photo courtesy of Moxie
The Midsummer Station features tracks starring Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus, “Call Me Maybe” star Carly Ray Jepsen. The album debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 in the United States, with first-week sales of 30,000 copies.
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Entertainment
October 2012
Apple redesigns iPod collection
RYAN BLITZER Staff Writer
Colorful iPod touch now better with Siri Perhaps the most notable feature of the new iPod touch is that it now comes in 5 different colors: white, black, pink, yellow/green and cyan. The new iPod touch also has native support for iOS 6, which allows for Twitter and Facebook integration, has the new Apple Maps application, Passbook, improved Siri support, and more. Until now, the iPod touch didn’t have Siri, but the new iPod Touch now has enough power and speed to run Siri. Improvements to the camera, an A5 computer chip, which was in the iPhone 4S, and a unique feature, “the loop,” which allows a strap to be connected, like a point-and-shoot camera – make the new iPod Touch more versatile.
Higher price, higher quality The new iPod Touch and iPod Nano have been re-engineered to embrace the latest technology, and are the fastest and most dynamic iPods to date. Both iPods come at a higher price, include Apple’s new “Earpods,” and Apple’s new lightning connector. Consumers must purchase all-new accessories, including docks and third-party charging cables. The new iPod Nano has a base price of $149, while the iPod Touch has a base price of $299.
7th generation better with age The new iPod Nano has changed slightly. It now has a bigger screen and supports video (similar to the third generation iPod Nano), and comes in more colors. Its touch screen now features more of an “iOS” interface, with icons that resemble apps. However, no apps exist on the Nano yet. The 7th generation iPod is the thinnest to date; it offers streamlined photos and podcasts. Similar to the iPod touch, it has Bluetooth 4.0 built in, which allows connection to a car stereo or wireless speakers. Unfortunately, you can’t wear this one as a watch.
The Courier
October 2012
Entertainment
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Student artist pursues art career through fashion ROXANNE ZECH Entertainment Editor Junior Rosalie Anter has been interested in art since age four, and her talent is impossible to ignore. In order to better pursue a future in art, Anter spent her summer at a drawing and design program as a part of Summer Intensive Studies at Parsons New School for Design in New York. The program teaches students from all over the world the fashion design and creation process. “I thought [designers] came up with designs just in their head and then made a dress; it turns out it’s a process. You have a mood board with ideas, an inspiration board, and color palettes,” Anter said.
Rosalie Anter gained inspiration from the bustling city of New York when designing her very own dress
As a part of the program, Anter was paired with a partner and required to design and create an original dress. Their first assignment was to search for inspiration amongst New York City. “I never thought I’d be able to make a dress.When they first told me about the project, I had no idea what to do,” Anter said. A bright orange net used by local construction workers caught the girl’s eyes. The fluorescent color was unmatched by any material they could find, so much so that after much persuasion of construction teams, the girls ended up using the net itself to create their final project. Simple, yet beautiful, the
duo’s dress graced the cover of their self-made magazine “L’Orange”. Anter plans to pursue a future in art by attending art school at Parsons, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago or the Rhode Island School of Design, and working in the field of social design and visual arts. She currently spends her time working on her portfolio for AP Art, and developing ideas, styles, and variety. “I used to think being an artist was about having talent, and being creative. Now I realize that it’s not only that,” Anter said. “It’s hard work. It’s dedication. It’s passion. It’s having a vision. It’s combining all these factors to express oneself in the most original way.”
Photos by Rosalie Anter
German student Hannah Heiermann models the dress she and Anter designed at the construction site where the two acquired the neon orange netting.
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The Courier
TAKEN TO TH
From the dusty tracks of Betty Stradling Park to the frosty slopes of Denver, Colorado, stud
3,000 students, getting to know your classmates becomes a bit difficult. He
Jump into ac ALYSSA FELLER Staff Writer On maxed out bikes BMX riders perform fast and awe-inspiring tricks on the street, dirt, or park. According to sophomore Christian Arriaga, a BMX bike can cost anywhere between $300 to $2,000 depending on the brand. Additional parts can be purchased to strengthen the bike. “I’ve injured my wrist, ankle, back, knee, fingers, arms and ribs, but I am never afraid of getting back on my bike because I love the sport,” freshmen Nick Kong said. “It takes a while to relearn
Get in line with inline skating NADEEN SALEH Staff Writer According to The Review, the University of Delaware student newspaper, nearly 32 million people inline skate in the U.S. Inline skating has been typically referred to as “rollerblading” due to the brand of inline skates called Rollerblade. “I didn’t begin inline skating until my skateboard broke and I borrowed my sister’s set of rollerblades. Ever since, I’ve been spending my summers at the West Palm Beach YMCA Skate
Park,” sophomore Tyler Frost said. “While inline skating, one is able to fall easily and there is no bailing, meaning that once you’ve messed up, there is no way to save yourself.” Like skateboarding, inline skating includes a variety of tricks ranging from grinds and slides to jumps and flips, making it one of the most dangerous extreme sports. “I was introduced to inline skating by my friend when I was nine years old and I’ve stuck with it ever since,” senior Alex Teichen said. “To be relatively good at inline skating takes
a lot of balance and courage. One fall could lead to major injuries due to the extremeness of some tricks and flips.” While typical roller skates appear to have four wheels- two in front and two in back- aggressive inline skating requires four or five wheels arranged in a single line, completely enlarging the extent of tricks that one can perform. “I’ve been skating at Coral Springs Skate Park where I’ve met a lot of my friends over the years,” Teichen said. “To keep myself going, I try to skate at least once a week for about four hours.”
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dents are flipping, jumping, and zooming away from your average sports. In a school of over
ere we have a few Douglas students who take their hobbies to the extreme.
ction with BMX riders
ricks after you’re injured and you end p falling more.” Kong, Arriaga, and sophomore Lenny Ortero have been riding for about two ears. Kong became interested in the port after watching videos online and eeing his friends ride. Arriaga saw his riend doing cool tricks and wanted to est it out on his own. Ortero’s favorite trick is a 360 tuck n which he spins 360 degrees in the air nd takes his hands off the handle bar. ong’s favorite trick is a “nose manny,” n which he put all his weight on the ront wheel and the back wheel is up n the air. Arriaga’s favorite tricks are “nollie,” when he picks up the back
wheel first, and a foot jam, where he jumps up and jams his foot into the front tire, balancing on the front wheel. According to Kong, the best place to locally BMX is at Betty Stradling skate park in Coral Springs. The park is open Monday through Friday from 3-9 pm, Saturday from 10 a.m to 10 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 9 p.m. The membership fee for residents is $40 which includes insurance, but you can purchase a ten-session pass for $25. The daily fee is $3 per session for members, and $7 per session for non-members. “To anyone interested in starting to ride, start off fast and go big, do not be afraid to max it out,” Kong said.
Snowboarders experience chill thrill NADEEN SALEH Staff Writer Snowboarding has gained inspiration from other well-known “board” sports such as skateboarding, skiing, and surfing. The sport became a part of the Winter Olympics in 1998. Descending snow filled slopes may seem farfetched for a typical South Floridian, but Douglas students find it intriguing. “I started going skiing with my family when I was eight years old. It wasn’t until three years ago that I picked up snowboarding and immediately loved it,” senior Paige Fitzsimmons said. “I normally go to the Colorado slopes in Denver, Breckinridge and Beaver Creek as well as Park
City, Utah about once or twice a year for a week.” According to Snowboarding Essentials, a helpful hint website regarding how to snowboard, snowboarders typically progress into snowboarding from skiing due to the variation of difficulty. Being strapped down by boots interlocked with a snowboard makes maneuverability on a snowboard relatively difficult. “To go down steep slopes at a fast rate takes a lot of skill,” Fitzsimmons said. “The adrenaline rush while going on really hard slopes at fast speeds is exhilarating.” Allowing speeds of 45 miles per hour, snowboarding holds a high level on the extreme sport scale.
“In snowboarding, there is an inherent level of danger, much higher than in sports like football and soccer,” senior Giancarlo Martin said. “People always say that snow is soft and it can’t hurt one bit, but packed snow and ice could be just as hard and painful as concrete.” Because there is a high level of possible danger in snowboarding, injuries are common in the sport, however it’s a part of the sport that snowboarders, like Martin, have come to accept. “I started boarding when I was seven and I would say that watching my cousins and uncle snowboard up in Whistler and Blackcomb definitely got me into boarding,” Martin said. “After watching a few Winter X Games, I was hooked.”
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Feature
October 2012
Aspiring chefs ready to turn hobby into career school when I graduate. She pushed me in the right direction and now I’m stuck. I can’t stop and I love it.” Cooking became a passion for According to Watkins, she freshman Colleen Abanico and teaches several students this year senior Ryan Jay at a young age. that aspire to become chefs. For junior Mariah Martinez, her “They are the leaders of the love for it has just begun. Now, as classes,” Watkins said. “There are Jay and Martinez prepare for life great opportunities of being a chef. after Douglas and Abanico Food never vanishes so you’re just begins her journey, all always going to have service three aspire to do one thing: and professional jobs in the turn their love for food into industry.” careers. Martinez intends “I want to go to Johnson to graduate high and Wales University to school in January. study culinary arts and This December, eventually get a business she plans to meet degree so I can open up my with Johnson and own restaurant,” Jay said. Wales University to At age seven, Jay became pursue her career interested in cooking from in culinary arts. his grandmother. “I cook a lot According to Jay, she at home, but in made a variety of foods which the culinary lab, always inspired him to make if we have certain different dishes. ingredients, I’ll make “If [my family and I] cookies. If I have are having a party then I’ll ingredients to make make something easy like a meal, I like to make chicken, wings, or pizza. If something Spanish, it’s just a family occasion I’ll something good that make London broil,” Jay said. everybody would want,” “Choosing whether to cook or Martinez said. bake depends on my mood, but I Freshman Colleen tend to cook more.” Abanico prefers baking Recently, Jay was introduced over cooking. She bakes to Miami Heat player Dwyane most often for her friends, Wade’s personal chef, Richard her brother, and her Ingraham, when his mother’s neighbors. South Florida magazine had “Usually I make brownies an issue on chefs. Ingraham for my brother and his friends. invited Jay to cook with him They call me the ‘master of Freshman for the day. They cooked tasty treats.’ It’s fun; I blast Colleen Abanico monkfish, scallops, and ended music,” Abanico said. enjoys baking the meal with a homemade “Sometimes when my for friends and mousse which included white friends come over I just family. chocolate whip cream. tell them we’re making Up until last year, Martinez cookies.” despised cooking, but with the help Abanico plans to join the navy of Sophia Watkins, the nutrition and serve as a galley chef, fulfilling and culinary arts teacher, Martinez her desire to travel the world and aspires to make her culinary dream pursue her passion. into a reality. “My mom was in the navy and “My sister cooks, my mom cooks, she taught me how to bake so it’s and my grandma cooks. I used to a mixture of two things from my hate it, but then I met Ms. Watkins childhood that I find interesting,” and she got me hooked,” Martinez Abanico said. said. “The way she taught me how to No matter where Jay, Martinez, do things just inspired me, and then or Abanico end up, one thing is for I realized I wanted to go to culinary sure: they can handle the heat. RACHEL EPSTEIN Feature Editor
Photo courtesy of Ryan Jay
Jay (right) learns the cooking techniques of presidential pastry chef Roland Mesnier (center). Mesnier has been the pastry chef for five presidents: Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George Bush. “[Mesnier] told me if my future boss said I was doing a good job, I need to leave and find a new job that challenges myself,” Jay said.
Check out Mariah Martinez’s chocolate chip cookie recipe and Ryan Jay’s garlic butter chicken recipe by visiting douglascourier.com
October 2012
The Courier
Jewish-based youth groups thrive ELYSSA RONIK Staff Writer Broward County has the eighth largest Jewish population in the country. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Douglas has multiple students involved in its Jewish communities. On campus, not only do we have Jewish Student Connection, but students are also involved in Jewish youth groups, such as United Synagogue Youth (USY), the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), and B’nai Brith Youth Organization (BBYO). USY, affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, is a teen movement that reaches about 6,000 teens all across the country. “I love going to programs at my synagogue each week, because I do fun activities with a ton of my friends,” freshman Sarah Miller said. Similar to USY, NFTY is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. The youth group provides programming from the temple level (Temple Youth Group, TYG) to the regional level. “Once, we had a scavenger hunt all over Coral Springs and Parkland
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with other TYGs, and it ended with a sleepover at my temple,” junior Ariana Reilly, a Temple Kol Tikvah chapter member said. As opposed to the co-ed programs NFTY and USY, BBYO has separate events for boys and girls, with some mixed events. “I joined after a bunch of older girls in my classes kept on telling me how much they loved it, so I eventually went to a program freshman year,” senior and Vice President of Recruitment for the Coral Springs BBYO Chapter, Ryan Gross, said. “I’ve been hooked ever since.” BBYO offers programming based on ‘Six Folds,’ which are community Sophomore Coral Miller dives in the reefs of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida over service, social action, creativity, summer vacation. Photo courtesy of Coral Miller sisterhood (or brotherhood) recreation, and Jewish heritage. “The Six Folds and all of BBYO programming helps us learn leadership skills, as we take on bigger roles in our chapters and regions,” Gross said. All Jewish youth movements have similar aspects; learning about your friends that dive, and York, and the Bahamas Jewish background, doing good for SABRINA REISS they all got me into it,” when she moved to the world around us (tikkun olam Staff Writer junior Austin Maller said. South Florida. repairing the world), and meeting new “[To get certified] you “I like being under people from all over the United States. Swimming over have to read a book, take the water, closer to the the vibrant coral reefs a test, do a pool dive and things in the ocean, through the myriads of four open water dives.” rather than stuck at the creatures, scuba divers Locally, Broward and surface,” Orilio said. experience peace and Palm Beach Counties Junior Matt relaxation in a whole have over 30 coral reefs. Newman’s parents introduced him to scuba other world. Other diving spots, such diving. “It’s just so beautiful. as the Florida Keys, “I [scuba dive] once Every time you go require further travel. a month or once every you see something “I’ve been diving all couple of months,” different and new. It’s over the world, in places just amazing to watch like Cozumel, Mexico Newman said. “It’s the interaction of the and Bimini (part of the fun, and it’s something creatures, especially Bahamas),” Boyd said. “I different from what since I’m a biology have a little cottage down people normally do.” teacher,” Cynthia Boyd in the keys, so every Boyd has had two said. weekend [my family] experiences with sharksScuba diving requires goes down there and we one while snorkeling and certification. According go scuba diving.” one while diving. to the Professional Sophomore Coral “I did a shark dive Association of Dive Miller dove in the over in Bimini one time Instructors, the Caribbean and plans where they chum the certification process to dive around the water purposefully and ranges from three or four Galapagos Islands during then you dive down to days to five or six weeks. winter break. see a feeding frenzy,” Classes cost $350 to Marine Biology Boyd said. “That was $450 and the gear costs teacher Tammy Orillio probably the coolest $150 at minimum. dove in Lake Ontario thing I’ve ever done “I have a couple of when she lived in New underwater.”
Students, teachers explore underwater world
The Courier
Page 14
Editorial
October 2012
Math, science lessons should connect to real life MITCHELL FELDMAN Copy Editor Calculus is not very useful when calculating taxes. Knowing the acceleration of a ball means nothing when the ball is imaginary. The majority of learning in math and some sciences is, like those examples, theoretical and impractical, and connecting lessons to real life would improve students’ education. According to David Kolb, an educational theorist, the four steps necessary to learning consist of generalizing, interpreting/ reflecting, applying/testing, and experiencing. The problem is, students do not see those last two steps. On a basic level, when teachers integrate lessons into activities, students are simply more interested. Vincent Tinto, a professor at Syracuse, explains that “students who are actively involved in learning activities and spend more
time on task, especially with others, are more likely to learn and, in turn, more likely to stay.” Being actually involved in the learning, or active learning, leads to greater participation and interest in students than if they were learning passively from lectures. It is only logical that a teenager would care more about a problem that involves his/her own life. Using real-life examples and problems has also been proven to accentuate learning. Karen Arul, module chair of economics at The Republic, asserts in her essay that “an effective impartation process has to facilitate the student’s ability to apply the content appropriately by ‘plugging him/her’ into a real world context.” Nan Maxwell, a California State professor, actually put problem-based learning, or learning through realistic problems, to the test. Using data from 252
Illustrated by Rebecca Lowy
economics students at 11 high schools, she found “modest evidence that [problem-based learning] increased learning of macroeconomics at the high school level as compared with traditional classes.” Problembased learning not only enhances content absorption but also
retention capacity. Putting the ideas and theoretical concepts from lessons into action and practice helps understanding. Actually going through the formulas and seeing them work helps students remember them. I know this from personal experience and from
observing other students in my classes. I am not proposing that we file our own tax returns or travel to Europe to study Sir Isaac Newton. It would be very beneficial, though, to introduce more practicality into lessons, through labs or real-life problems.
Letters to the Editor Students should eschew gum Students should not be allowed to chew gum in their classes. When you are taking a test or trying to take notes in class, having someone chew gum in your ear can be very distracting. The entire classroom becomes disrupted when students “crack” their gum. Also, many students tend to stick their gum underneath the desks and tables. Not only is this damaging to the desks, but it is also unsanitary. Many times when your teacher asks you to move your desks into a group, you reach under your desk and find a chewed up wad of gum ready to meet your fingers.
Touching this gum spreads germs and can cause people to contract sicknesses. Furthermore, chewing gum in class can lead to a lifetime of a bad habit of chewing in inappropriate places, whether it is church/ temple, job interviews, or places of work. Because of this, I think that when the students enter their classes, they should be required to throw their gum away. By doing this, they allow everyone around them to be able to focus on their work, they do not damage the school’s property, and they increase their chances of getting a job in the future. Devin Bielski, senior
Class skipping disrupts classes During 6th or 7th period, many students can be seen walking around or simply sitting and chatting in the halls. Not only is this detrimental to their education, but occasionally these students find their way into other classrooms, disrupting the learning experience of their peers.
Although skipping class is not an unusual event in a high school, it is the number of students doing so, as well as the frequency, that is disturbing. Groups can be found in plain view of staff and cameras, yet this continues to occur. Administration should act on preventing class skipping. Yiyu Li, junior
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.
October 2012
The Courier
Editorial
Page 15
Governor Mitt Romney bashes Big Bird, PBS must not lose government funds LAUREN HALPERT Editorial Editor In the first presidential debate, Republican candidate Mitt Romney vowed to cut federal funding for the valued Public Broadcasting System if he wins the election. He used PBS as an example of wasteful government spending which must be eliminated so that the United States can get out from under the deficit. To illustrate his point, Romney invoked the iconic Big Bird whom he said he loves, but will not borrow money from China to support. The New York Times reports that Romney’s position against Big Bird in the first debate puzzled many viewers abroad where local versions of “Sesame Street” are popular. State support for televised educational programming and news occurs commonly in much of the developed world. Romney’s position against funding PBS likely meant to appeal to American conservatives who believe that public television and radio show a liberal bias in their programming. According to PBS, public broadcasting costs Americans about $1.35 per person a year, or less than half a penny a day. The amount of
government spending used to support public broadcasting is about one one-hundredth of one percent of the federal budget. Public dollars are especially important to small rural stations which bring public television produced news and educational programs to local residents, without the need for cable or satellite subscriptions. Public television provides educational programs and news analysis shows that are vital to the American public. The producers of “Sesame Street” explained that while the show does not rely on public funds, it depends on PBS to distribute the commercial-free programming to all children in the United States. Public television provides educational opportunities and interesting in-depth programming to all Americans, not just those who can afford cable TV and internet services. Public television brings the arts into the living rooms of Americans who may never be able to see a live performance at the Lincoln Center or the Kennedy Center. Defunding the relatively miniscule amount that supports PBS should not be the first thought of politicians seeking to balance the budget.
Illustrated by Jordan Paul
McDonald’s provides better health options AARON SAGER Staff Writer The Affordable Care Act (ACA) puts in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that will take effect over the next four years and will mandate that restaurant chains display calorie amounts on menus by the beginning of 2013. According to the Washington Post, any restaurant with 20 or more locations offering standard fare, including table-service establishments, fast-food outlets, bakeries and coffee shops, will have to disclose calories “clearly and prominently” on menus or menu boards.
In September 2012 McDonald’s first implemented the new policy, thus benefiting customers by aiding in better choice making. According to Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, every day, one-third of American children and adolescents eat fast food. Students must take advantage of these changes by reading about and understanding what they eat. According to McDonald’s Corp, the company plans to help customers and employees make informed nutrition choices by listing calorie information in some 14,000 restaurants and drivethru menus across the US.
A 2008 study in New York City found average calorie counts per meal dropping by about 5 percent at McDonald’s and more than 6 percent at KFC; Au Bon Pain achieved a whopping 14.4 percent drop in calories per purchase. The results suggest that when consumers have the chance to get informed on their choices, they will go for healthier options. Most customers want healthier food and McDonald’s seems willing to give them what they want. Although McDonald’s doesn’t spring to mind when one thinks of healthy food, this past summer, the chain introduced a “Favorites Under 400” menu, which highlights calorie
information of popular customers’ choices including a variety of wholesome options such as salads, fresh produce, and their world famous French fries cooked in canola oil, a low saturated fat cooking oil that contains no trans fat. McDonald’s took the right step by adding calorie counts to menus earlier than required but a large responsibility still remains on the consumer. The consumer chooses what he/ she wants to purchase and can easily disregard the calories listed. Thus there remains a significant importance for the consumer to understand a healthy diet and proper nutrition, and order appropriately.
The Courier
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Editorial
October 2012
PARCC exam will lead to educational benefits PARCC English/Language Arts assessment, which will be Editorial Editor administered for the first time Florida high school students, in the 2014-15 school year, current freshmen in particular, when current freshmen will be face unprecedented changes in their junior year. The PARCC in state-mandated testing will replace the FCAT 2.0. and high school graduation PARCC stands for requirements. The new “Partnership for the Assessment expectations may prove of Readiness for College and challenging for some, but Careers” and is an assessment most Douglas students will be system aligned to the Common prepared to succeed. Core State Standards in English Although students first took and mathematics. Twentythe FCAT 2.0 during the 2010- three states, including Florida 2011 school year, the current will participate in the PARCC freshman class will experience assessments. a new testing requirement for Besides those assessments, high school graduation, the current freshmen must pass LAUREN HALPERT
the Algebra 1, Geometry, and Biology End-of-Course assessments, and take an EOC in United States history which will count as 30 percent of their grade. They will also be the first class required to successfully complete Algebra 2 and Chemistry (or an equivalent science course) in order to graduate. Florida has made great strides in education. Using the federal criteria for graduation rates, the percentage of Florida high school students who graduate has increased from 56.5 percent in 2002-03 to 70.6 percent in 2010-11.
The rising standards for high school students in Florida and around our nation are meant to teach students what they will need to succeed in college and to find good jobs in the twenty-first century. Many students already take the challenging courses that will be required to graduate for the current freshman class. National standards and the new tests are meant to assure a quality education for Florida students. The national goal is a 90 percent high school graduation rate, according to America’s Promise Alliance,
a children’s advocacy group founded by former Secretary of State Colin Powell. An unintended consequence of the new requirements might be a decrease in high school graduation rates in the early years of implementation. But most Douglas students should be well prepared for the new graduation requirements. The increased rigor in the curriculum will ensure that more students have completed the coursework expected by most colleges. High school students ultimately will benefit from the new standards.
What is your opinion on the new testing requirements for freshmen?
I don’t think it’s fair because we are the only grade that will have to take the PARCC exam in the school right now. -Ashley Custoda, freshman
It’s not really fair, but the school should do whatever it has to do to make sure that students are learning what they need to learn.
I don’t think it is fair because these tests shouldn’t count for so much of our grades.
The tests will cause pressure, but I think I’ll do well because I’m learning the material on them throughout the year.
-Nathalie Thelemaque, freshman
-Elissa Yaw, freshman
-Ally Hamadeh, freshman
the COURIER
douglascourier.com
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School 5901 Pine Island Road Parkland, FL 33076
The opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of the advisor, administration, or advertisers. The Courier welcomes letters to the editor which can be turned into Michelle Gideon in room 236 or online at douglascourier.com. These letters can be edited for content but these changes will not affect their meaning. The publication abides by the scholastic press and is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. If you would like to advertise please call (754) 322-2150.
Contact us at douglascourier.com
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Staff Rachel Kahn Matt Walzer Elyssa Ronik Lauren Chabarek Spencer Davis Jacob Feldman Sabrina Reiss Nadeen Saleh Aaron Sager Alyssa Feller Sabrina Eisenberg Brandon Ponczek Ryan Blitzer Alexandra Barry
October 2012
The Courier
Sports
Page 17
Boys’ soccer embraces underdog status
Boys’ basketball enters season with new coach JACOB FELDMAN Staff Writer After finishing last season 13-8, the basketball team begins the 2012-2013 season with a new coach, Orlando McCorvey. Former head coach Jeffrey Foster stepped down from his position to spend more time with his family. McCorvey, a Triple Threat Basketball trainer, MSD graduate in the class of 2002, and former head coach at Broward College, replaced him. “[Coach McCorvey] is a perfect fit for Douglas,” sophomore guard Gregg Kacprzak said. “He is a great energetic, young coach. He understands the concept of hard work well and how to make a team win.” McCorvey plans to modify the
team’s offense and defense by speeding the tempo up on offense and switching the defense from a 1-3-1 half-court trap zone to man-to-man coverage. “We have also gotten new players,” sophomore small forward Milan Ciudad-Real said. “It seems like it would slow us down a little, but we have worked hard to get better. All summer, we worked on ball handling and shooting. The rest of the team and I greatly improved these skills after a lot of drills.” During his time at Douglas, McCorvey started at point guard for the basketball team. “I want our team to be the hardest working team in the county,” McCorvey said. “When I played at Douglas, we were as good as any team in the county. I want these guys to develop that same winning attitude.”
Sophomore Cem Gokhan dribbles the ball during try outs. Gokhan hopes to play right mid field this season. The boys’ soccer program has no junior varsity affiliate.
Photo by Roxanne Zech
SPENCER DAVIS Sports Writer After rival Coral Springs High School eliminated them in the first round of the district playoffs last year, the boys’ soccer team looks to come back stronger this season. According to sophomore defenseman Brett Solomon, the players will have more chemistry this year. “Our upperclassmen have gained a lot of experience over the past few years and will be the leaders of the team,” Solomon said. “Also, we are hoping that some freshmen players can join the team and make an immediate impact going forward.”
Sophomore striker Sebastian Hernandez looks toward a rematch against Coral Springs High School for redemption. According to senior captain and center attacking mid Jason FitzGerald, who was selected to first team all county last year and has committed to play soccer at Florida Atlantic University, other teams don’t view the boys’ team as a contender. “I like being looked at as an underdog,” FitzGerald said. “It gives us the opportunity to upset teams. I know that if we come to compete we can win.” The Eagles face off against Cypress Bay on November 5 for their first home game, under the direction of head coach Mauricio Lopez.
The Courier
Page 18
Sports
October 2012
Water polo player overcomes scoliosis
Photo courtesy of Sami Delia
Sami Delia prepares to throw during practice. According to Delia, she plays mainly at the positions of driver and wing. “I feel like I’m with my other family when I’m with my team,” Delia said.
MATTHEW WALTZER Staff Writer Junior Sami Delia may look like the average tan water polo player, but the challenges she overcame
Girls’ basketball benefits from summer tournament ALYSSA FELLER Staff Writer
For the first time ever, this year’s girls’ basketball team includes no seniors, because none tried out. Last season the team finished with a record of 23-3 and won districts against Taravella. “I like that we have a young team. It gives us time to bond and come out stronger in years to come,” junior center Sarah Cooper said. According to junior shooting guard Deja Enos, the team typically practices for two and a half hours where they warm up, shoot free throws, and do team drills and lay ups. If players are able to make at least eight out of their ten free
The girls’ basketball team lives by the motto DWWD: Do What We Do. The team started using the mantra last year and carried the tradition into this season.
throws they can drink water, but if not, they must run the length of the court first. The Lady Eagles competed in Atlanta Georgia on September 28-30 at a college exposure tournament where they played in front of college coaches. “There were definitely a lot of good teams and talent in Atlanta. It was intimidating at first but we bounced back and played very well on September 30,” lead coach Larry Moore said. According to junior power forward Ashley Arinus, the team bonded and improved throughout the tournament. “It’s a great group of girls and I can’t wait to start our season. As long as we stick together as a team and work hard nothing should be able to stop us,” Cooper said.
to get in the pool were anything but ordinary. Delia has scoliosis, a lateral curve in the spine. Doctors diagnosed Delia with the condition at
age 11, and she received correctional surgery at 13. While competing in matches, Delia has to keep her hips vertical instead of protruding them out to compensate for her inability to bend her back while also keeping her shoulders above water to stay afloat, all while constantly treading water. According to Delia, maintaining proper form when matching up with an opponent one on one is difficult because of her scoliosis. Before Delia’s diagnosis, she involved herself in different sports, so after, she listened to a friends suggestion and started playing water polo. She accomplished her goal of playing a sport despite her condition.
“I was so immensely proud of myself because I used to play soccer and karate but because of my surgery, I had to quit it all. Getting back into a sport made me so happy that I had something [an extra curricular activity] to set forth my time to,” Delia said Even Delia’s family had doubts about her taking up water polo. “My parents knew it was an intense sport, and they weren’t sure if I would be able to handle it,” Delia said. Junior Bri Kimmet, Delia’s teammate, is inspired by her determination. “I am extremely proud of her because it’s already a difficult sport as it is for me, so I can only imagine what it would be like to have scoliosis,” Kimmet said.
The Courier
October 2012
Sports
Page 19
Boys add power, strength to cheer squad VICTORIA MALCOLM Sports Editor
Senior Jonathan Hui prepares to lift sophomore Emory Etheridge. Hui hopes to continue cheer in college.
Photo by Ryan Blitzer
While this year’s varsity cheerleading squad, the squad that cheers at games, is composed entirely of girls, the competitive cheerleading squad, which competes with other schools, has a roster that includes 5 males: juniors Jake Kordas and Andrew Francis and seniors Juan Jerez, James Chung and Jonathan Hui. According to Jerez, many students don’t know that guys may try out for cheerleading because of a lack of advertising. “Every time cheerleading is mentioned at Douglas, it only talks about the girls,” Jerez said. “I think if it was put out there a little bit more, more guys would definitely come out.” For Chung, who participated in gymnastics as a child, cheerleading provides an opportunity
to participate in school athletics. “I could already do flips and tumbling, so joining just gave me a school activity that I could do [even though] I’m not big,” Chung said. According to Kordas, cheerleading provides all the prestige of other sports but offers an alternate social experience. “I get a varsity letter and I get to hang out with my friends but it’s different because we hang out with all girls,” Kordas said. For Hui, joining the squad presents possibilities beyond high school. “I found out that cheerleading can give you a lot of scholarships, so [I joined] mostly for the opportunities in college,” Hui said. According to Francis, having males on the squad allows for more impressive stunts. “I like having guys on
the cheerleading squad because they help us do all the stunts. When there’s a girl that needs help, we put the guys with her so she can [complete] the stunt without falling,” senior Amanda Weissman said. “They also have good tumbling [skills] and they’re not afraid of anything [so] it’s easier for them to learn.” While the guys agree that cheerleading came naturally to them, understanding their teammates presented a challenge. “The hardest part to learn was that when [the girls] fall, it actually hurts. I have to learn that I can’t be like, ‘just get up,’” Francis said. According to Hui, conventional stereotypes about male cheerleaders don’t hold true on their squad. “People generalize male cheerleaders as being flamboyant but the guys on our squad are not,” Hui said. “They’re just normal guys.”
Sibling rivalries extend into athletic pursuits at school SPENCER DAVIS Staff Writer Some Douglas families have twice as many reasons to cheer. At least three pairs of sibling athletes play at Douglas. According to junior Jake Miednik, having a sibling who also plays sports at school gives an advantage talent-wise. “We started playing together at the age of 7 and we train to a point where it is pure sweat,” Jake Miednik said. Jake Miednik plays
varsity football and varsity baseball while his older brother, senior Zack Miednik, plays varsity basketball and varsity baseball. “After all these years of going head-to-head against each other, it has really shaped our killer instincts,” Zack Miednik said. According to junior Jamie Lustig, who runs track, she and her football, rugby, and soccer-playing brother, senior Corey Lustig, encourage each other to play harder and get faster. “We motivate each other to do better in our respective
sports by training together and trying to outdo each other in soccer,” Corey Lustig said. Both junior Will Meguschar and his brother freshman John Meguschar play football. However, Will Meguschar plays on the varsity team while John Meguschar plays on the JV team. According to John Meguschar, he and his brother help each other improve on their talent without being too combative. “We work with each other on the mistakes we make during a game or in
practice,” John Meguschar said. “I don’t really think there is a lot of competition between us because we play different positions.” As children, siblings senior Corey Lustig and junior Jamie Lustig pose before a game. (Inset) In addition to running track, Jamie Lustig serves as the school mascot.
Photos courtesy of Carol Lustig, Roxanne Zech
The Courier
Page 20
Sports
October 2012
Girls’ soccer hopes to make regional comeback LAUREN CHABAREK Staff Writer
Junior defender Serena Delgado (right) heads the ball while facing off against sophomore Sarah Mckay during try outs.
Photo by Roxanne Zech
After losing in the regional semifinals to state champion Saint Thomas Aquinas 2-1 in penalty kicks last season, the girls’ soccer team looks to make a comeback and prove its ability to dominate the region. “All of the girls were heartbroken but we all look back on it and are really proud of our season,” senior midfielder Jane Katz said. “I think that we worked harder that game than we ever have, and we were just unlucky.” According to head coach Stu Katz, expectations are the same as they are every year, to win a district championship, a regional championship, and then become
VARSITY GIRLS’ SOCCER UPCOMING GAMES October 29th vs West Broward October 31st @ Park Vista
November 7th @ Cooper City November 13th vs Coral Springs
state champions. “We may lose again in the future, but we will never lose in penalty kicks again,” S. Katz said. “Some girls were very self-conscious about taking penalty kicks but we need everybody to be able to step up and make one when we need it.” The team lost two starters and returned 15 players from last year’s squad. New members to the team include Serena Delgado, a junior transfer from Maryland who will start as center defender, and senior Brianna Raaf who left Douglas to attend American Heritage her junior year but transferred back. “I’m excited to have these new players because they are major impact players which will definitely help our
team,” J. Katz said. According to junior Bailey Leal, the team’s top goal scorer for the past two years with 51 career goals, the team needs to focus on putting more effort into practices and games. “As a team we need to work on fitness, endurance, and mental preparation because it has a lot to do with how we play,” Leal said. According to J. Katz, the team’s passion to win states motivates them to improve and keep the right mindset during practices and games. “Our main goal this year is to win states, but more importantly it’s to become closer as a team and work as hard as we can to finish off the season strong,” J. Katz said.