STAFF: IN THIS ISSUE:
Editor-in-Chief
Dylan Gold
Assistant Editor
Samantha Heller
Content Editor
Brooke Kaplan
Layout Editors
Gianna Cosimano
Alessia Rojas
Social Media Staff
Kobey Hadar
Miae Canales
Anna Whiteman
Omar Fernandez
Social Media:
Editorial Policy:
The Stallion Sentinel is a student publication of American Heritage School, Palm Beach Campus. The mission of our quarterly magazine is to bring students up to date stories with thorough, responsible, and accurate reporting. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not reflect the views of the administration, faculty, or student body. Questions or comments can be directed to newspaper@ahschool.com.
Staff
Nikolas Antoniadis
Fernando Fegali
Moussa Sweid
Guest Writers
Jade Bednar
Logan Chalankine
Jackson Chopin
Luv Patel
Satvik Mentada
Milo Riccoli
Lily Trier
Advisor
Mrs. Williams
The Importance of Celebrating Your Wins: Big or Small
dylan gold | editor-in-chief
In an environment that is constantly changing, it is important to celebrate the milestones in life. Everything from birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations are all important milestones in one’s life. Celebrating milestones does not mean just the event. It is about celebrating the hard work and per-
Milestones serve as reminders so that we can reflect and appreciate the journey that took us there, instead of rushing to accomplish a
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severance that you put in that led to that event.
In many ways, those milestones are reflective of not only yourself, but the people and the environment around you. When we celebrate our own accomplishments, it is important to give credit where credit is due. Milestones in life, regardless if they are personal or through an organization, show us the behind the scenes of how we got there. For example, American Heritage is celebrating their diamond anniversary this year.
The hard work and dedication of current and past teachers, principals, deans, and other faculty are one of the reasons that American Heritage has lasted 60 years. Our
founder, William R. Laurie has guided and pushed our school for success. He had a vision, and it is safe to say that he should be proud of the outcome. Without his willingness to embark on a six-decade long project, none of us would be the same people that we are today.
American Heritage kept the same three principles since its start: knowledge, intelligence, and compassion, and they are going to stick with those values for the next 60 years. Our school’s curriculum is based on those principles and teaching students to keep those values close to them in the next chapter of their lives.
As American Heritage celebrates its 60th anniversary, we as students are going to look forward to the next chapter with
excitement, determined to continue the journey of excellence in academics and community service for years to come.
Life is very fast-paced which makes it easy to get caught up in a cycle and not take a moment to breathe and celebrate milestones that you have accomplished. Mile- stones serve as reminders so that we can reflect and appreciate the journey that took us there, instead of rushing to accomplish a next goal.
Como Estás? A majority of the students on our campus understand what that means, but imagine if we could use that same phrase in more languages. If our school were to add a greater variety of languages it would boost our cultural diversity in so many different ways.
According to EdSurge.com, being bilingual or multilingual increases a person’s cognitive ability and allows them to have better study habits and notetaking skills. The addition of a new language allows students to not only learn it but study the history and background of the country.
There’s no doubt that our department already has some great choices of languages to choose from but just imagine if there could be more. Adding a new foreign language would create a more social environment for our cam-
MORE LANGUAGES MORE FUN
The benefits of adding a greater variety of languages to our campus
pus. For example, it would allow students to explore new cultures they have never heard about. Some new languages that could be added are German, Italian or Russian. They would be great additions to our school and let students take other classes instead of Spanish,
Students having the option to learn multiple languages is just a great addition to our campus.
French or Chinese. It lets students pursue new opportunities and face new challenges they haven’t been exposed to yet. According to InLingua, a Washington D.C.-based English language school, it’s proven that learning a language provides major support for your social life. Not only does this benefit you academically, but when it comes to getting raises or a job it can play a
huge role.
Knowing multiple languages at a workplace can lead to getting a raise or promotion. You can be a professional person to help international customers helps businesses in many ways.
Students having the option to learn multiple languages is just a great addition to our campus. It also helps when traveling to foreign countries you’ve never been to. Understanding multiple languages can help you connect to where someone is from and their background. It will improve your communication skills in so many different ways.
You never know what problems you might face in the future and knowing more languages might just be enough to help you with that.
Which languages should we consider adding at American Heritage?
“I believe that Japanese would be a great addition to our language department.”
“The addition of Punjabi would be great for our school.”
“If we could add more languages to our school I would like the addition of German.”
fernando fegali | guest writer
Zack Zhang, Freshman
Nadhri Mahal, Senior Luke Issac, Freshman
LANGUAGE OVERLOAD!
Why AH should not offer more foreign language options
jackson chopin | guest writer
Why bother learning a second language that you likely will never use outside of a school zone? With this in mind, American Heritage doesn’t need to offer more second language options. The three top languages is taught by schools in the United States include: Spanish, French, and German, and with Mandarin Chinese being number six. American Heritage currently offers three language courses, but do students need more? The answer is no.
According to the World Factbook, besides English, the three main languages in the world based on Native speakers include Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese.
Learning these three languages in school will help a student when they pursue a career later on in life. If a student wants to pursue a career in business, learning these three languages will help them the most. According to The Office of the United States Trade Representative Executive, this is because as of 2022, the United
States has done the most business with China, Mexico, and Canada, which are countries whose main languages are Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and French. If an AHS student plans on working in Florida, Spanish will be more useful to know. An article by the University of Florida’s website titled: “Bridging the gap between UF and Spanish-speaking communities throughout Florida” states that this is because over 30 percent of Florida’s population is Hispanic.
American Heritage doesn’t need to offer more second language options.
QUICK FACTS
1. The top 3 languages taught in the U.S. are Spanish, French, and German.
2. The top 3 main languages globally are Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese.
3. The Top 3 business partners with the U.S. are Mexico, China, and Canada.
when they make a mistake, and end up developing a fear of answering questions because they believe they will make a mistake.
I Also, the University of Texas posted an article on their website titled: “Four Challenges of Learning a Second Language.”
In that article, the University says that “students can get frustrated and stressed when learning a new language.” When students are learning new vocabulary, grammar, and even alphabets, they can become less confident in themselves
It doesn’t help that the U.S. is facing a shortage in teachers. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages performed a study that showed that as of 2023, 49 out of the 50 states faced a shortage in teachers qualified to teach a second language. A shortage of qualified teachers mixed with a group of kids lacking confidence is a recipe for disaster.
A+
AN APPROACH:
Add Some Extra!
satvik mentada | guest writer
One silly mistake. We all make them, but are they really worth changing your academic future? Your home for the next four years?
Imagine this: you’ve worked tirelessly day and night this school year, yet a single misstep on one test causes your grade to drop from an A to a B or a B to a C. It’s a scenario far too many students face. With the pressure of standardized tests, coursework, and extracurricular activities, and more, it feels unreasonable for one off-day to have these long-lasting effects. Enter extra credit, a small but significant way to offer students a second chance without lowering standards.
First off, extra credit provides a safety net for students. Students often have off-days, whether due to personal illness, stress, or any other reason. Extra credit assignments allow students to make up for those bad days, ensuring that one mistake doesn’t ruin their entire grade. The education podcast “Faculty Focus” conducted a study that shows that 75 percent of teachers across the United States believe extra credit helps students recover from unexpected challenges at school.
Another advantage of extra credit is that it motivates students to put in more work, both in class and extracurriculars. According to
Extra credit provides a bonus beyond the books, boosting students both academically and personally
a 2021 study done at the University of Tampa, “extra-curricular events benefit students’ academic performances…however, to benefit from these events, they need to attend them…To effectively encourage attendance, our data show extra credit is the most influential
Extra credit assignments allow students to make up for those underperforming days, ensuring that one mistake does not ruin their entire grade.
FIVE REASONS WHY EXTRA CREDIT IS USEFUL
1 Provides a “safety net” for students’ grades.
2 Motivates students to work harder and learn more, even outside of school.
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factor.” Additionally, extra credit brings out benefits within the students themselves. Since students know that completing additional assignments can boost their grade, they are more likely to go beyond what’s required, pushing their limits and skills. This not only deepens their knowledge but also teaches them the values of hard work and perseverance.
Finally, extra credit also helps reinforce concepts learned in class. For many students, sometimes the lecture just doesn’t sink in immediately, and they might need some more time to learn the concepts. As stated in the North Michigan University Commons 2020 Journal Articles, “...[I use] extra credit as an
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Helps students apply and reinforce concepts learned in class.
Gives students an opportunity to learn material in a different, more enriching way.
Helps students feel more connected to the campus community through volunteer work or event participation.
opportunity for students to revise work. In this way grades can serve as a means of formative assessment rather than the typical summative judgments of graded work.”
In conclusion, extra credit doesn’t just improve grades, but the worth of hard work. Instead of despising this process, more schools should use it as a way to foster growth and resilience among students.
EXTRA CREDIT
When bonus points come at a cost
NEXTRA PROBLEMS
luv pomal | guest writer
ew data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in 2021, demonstrate that 61 percent of teachers claim that offering extra credit is potentially detrimental in terms of promoting learners’ honesty as well as increasing the existing disparities. Despite the fact that extra credit is defined as a method of improving poor work or increased motivation for the students, it has certain disadvantages for the learners and the learning process. Such problems include: distortion of the grading system, encouragement of inadequate studying habits, and unfairness among the students.
Extra credit is also one of the largest sources of grade inflation. Furthermore, in situations where extra points are given for work that can be done hurriedly or without much effort, then the learners score better than they should. This negatively distorts the correct understanding of the course material and, quite often, students can pass subjects without fully learning the material. This is emphasized in the publication “Extra Credit in College Courses: Blessing or Curse? Weighing the Pros and Cons” by Faculty Focus writer Dunja Trunk. In the cons section, the concern for grade inflation results in giving a wrong impression of how a particu-
lar student would be performing in the subsequent classes particularly when they are promoted to other complex classes.
Extra credit also creates negative study behaviors. Students may rely on these bonus points to cover up for their failures in other important tasks and assessments. Consequently, this results in laziness. According to the article “Should You Give Students Bonus Points? Weighing
Extra credit is also one of the largest sources of grade inflation. Furthermore, in situations where extra points are given for work that can be done hurriedly or without much effort, then the learners score better than they should.
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the Pros and Cons of Giving Extra Credit” students will be relieved from doing important tasks under the assumption that they can always complete them in order to receive extra credit. It can also demoralize their academic discipline and so reduces the overall productivity among workers.
Many students cannot do the same extra credit work because their circumstances are different. For instance, students with after school jobs, household or parental responsibilities may not be in a
“Extra credit can distort the grading system: normally it is 0-100, but with extra credit it could go beyond like 105, or 110, which to me, at least, is not right.”
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Luciano Menano, sophomore
position to commit time and energy into other assignments. As reported by “Extra Credit Has Pros and Cons” by Chantilly News writer Siddharth Dhawan, the article established that extra credit contributes to student inequity since those students with free time are going to benefit from this.
Therefore, as constructive as extra credit may be in some capacities, its drawbacks include ‘grading up’, lack of proper study, and lack of equity which may erode the standard of the education system. All these matters are matters of concern when deciding about extra credit in the teachers’ classroom.
DINING HALL DISHES
The Best Rated Meal Choices In The Dining Hall
evan fernandez| guest writer
Teriyaki Chicken
Coming in fifth is the Teriyaki chicken. This dish is popular because of its bold flavors. Served with either rice or vegetables, it provides a balanced meal that’s both good and filling. Students often eat this when they’re in the mood for something flavorful, yet healthy. Its popularity has grown as people look for international dishes.
Pasta Bar
1 2 4 3 5
Coming in second is the pasta. Pasta is one of the student favorites. The main reason why students enjoy pasta so much is because of the buttery flavor of the Alfredo sauce and the quality of the chicken. Students also enjoy choosing pasta as their main dish because of the variety of toppings that they are able to add.
Sandwiches + Wraps Pizza
Landing in fourth place are the wraps and sandwiches. Both of these are great options for students looking for something fast and portable. Overall it’s a great fourth place option considering most students enjoy having a hot meal for lunch rather than a cold one. If you do enjoy cold lunches you should more than consider this!
Burrito Bar
The clear favorite is the customizable bowls station. Whether you’re in the mood for a burrito bowl, salad bowl, or rice bowl, the fresh ingredients and toppings make it a must-try. The long lines at the bowls station during peak lunch time speak for themselves. Students love the ability to personalize their meals based on their tastes.
In third place is the pizza, which is a timeless classic. Pizza is another one of the go to choices in the dining hall. Most high school students enjoy pizza because it’s always served hot and is easy to grab and go. Students can either choose peperoni or cheese as toppings. Even though the line may not be as long, pizza is still a popular option.
FIRST PLACE
THE FIVE BEST THINGS TO DO IN
DELRAY BEACH
I’ve lived in Delray Beach for my whole life, and one of my favorite parts of living in Delray is being able to go to the beach on the weekend. These past 18 years, I’ve appreciated the warm weather, fun places, and great restaurants in Delray Beach. Here, I share some of my favorite places in Delray Beach.
DELRAY BEACH
I go to the beach almost every weekend because Delray Beach is the best beach in Florida. I love the warm water. It’s the perfect place for me to relax, swim, or play beach sports. It’s also located near Atlantic Avenue, where some of my favorite restaurants and shops are. It is a great spot to go after a hot day at the beach.
MORIKAMI GARDENS
I like going to the Morikami Japanese Gardens because it is a place perfect to relax and take in all the scenery. It is a great spot to learn about Japanese culture and immerse yourself in the experience, feeling like you are in a Japanese garden. There are tons of art exhibits, and ceremonies which are always fascinating. It’s my favorite place to take a break from the city and enjoy quiet time in nature.
DELRAY BEACH GOLF CLUB
Delray Beach Golf Club is my favorite course to play. This public 18-hole course offers great challenges for all skill levels. It has beautiful scenery, surrounded by palm trees and lakes, and the course is perfect for a fun or competitive round. I enjoy going to the driving range they have. It is a great way to sharpen my golf skills. If you are thinking about golfing soon, consider getting a tee time at Delray Beach Golf Club.
PUTT’N AROUND
Another very fun and exciting activity that I always enjoy is mini golf. A good mini golf place is called Putt’n Around and it is located near Atlantic Ave. It is filled with tons of fun holes that will test your putting skills. It is very affordable and kids love mini golfing there. When you think about mini golfing, try Putt’n Around!
DELRAY MARKETPLACE
Somewhere I love to find shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one place is Delray Marketplace. You’ll find everything from boutique shops to well-known stores, plus a variety of restaurants. There’s also a movie theater, bowling alley, and arcade, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends or family.
milo riccioli |guest writer
The Delray Beach Golf Club
Halloween Hits
10 Halloween songs to get you in the Halloween spirit
lily trier | guest writer
“Thriller” Michael Jackson
“Thriller” is a classic song that has been popular for decades, and gets people in the Halloween spirit. It also has an iconic music video that Michael Jackson performs.
“Ghostbusters” Ray Parker Jr.
This is an iconic 80s single, and has over 91 million plays on Spotify. It was originally made for the Ghostbusters movie, which is about people saving NYC from ghosts.
“Somebody’s Watching Me”
Rockwell
“Somebody’s Watching Me” brings out the fright in Halloween and unfolds the fear that Halloween brings.
“Spooky Scary Skeletons”
Andrew Gold
“Spooky Scary Skeletons” is an original song from 1996. This song portrays the theme of skeletons, which associates with Halloween.
“Monster Mash” Bobby Picket
“Monster Mash” by Bobby Picket is a song all generations sing along to during the fall season. This song tells a story of dancing monsters and vampires.
“The Addams Family Theme Song”
The Addams Family is a movie that is watched all year round on family movie night. The song has a catchy tune with truly eerie vibes.
“This is Halloween”
Marilyn Manson
“This is Halloween” has been a hit since 1993 in The Nightmare Before Christmas. The lyrics talk about the fear of Halloween.
“A Nightmare on My Street”
DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
This spooky song tells the story of an eerie nightmare and has an iconic music video with over 3M views on YouTube.
“I Put a Spell On You”
The Animals
“I Put a Spell On You” by The Animals is a song listened to all year round, but the lyrics emphasize the mysterious holiday of Halloween.
“Ghost Town” The Specials
This song talks about the transformation from fall to Halloween, and how ghosts are all around spine-chilling air.
jack of all trades
logan chalankine | guest writer
Ever wonder why we carve not-so-scary faces on Pumpkins? Well, worry no more.
This article will tell the jaw-dropping, eye-popping tale of the Jack-o’-lantern, and how it became popular in Halloween tradition!
The origin of the Pumpkin started all the way in Ireland with the myth of Stingy Jack. He was so evil that when he entered the afterlife neither heaven nor hell could take him.
According to Irish lore, Stingy Jack wanders the fields at night as a spooky ghost, holding a carved Radish that’s usually an oddity wherever he goes.
And yes you heard correctly, the first Jack-o’-lantern was actually a Radish! It wasn’t until Irish immigrants came to America that made the Jack-o’-Lantern the spooky carved pumpkin it is.
But why do we do this odd tradition of carving faces into pumpkins? Well, myths say that Jack-o’-Lanterns were so scary, they spooked evil spirits that moved around the nights of Halloween.
Learn about the spooky spiritual origin of the Jack O Lantern in this graveyard smash
5 Steps to Carving a
Pumpkin
But how do you even carve a Jack-o’-lantern in this first place? Well here are the steps for carving pumpkins!
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First, you need to get your pumpkin, but from where!? Don’t worry, there are some pretty good spots like Bedner’s Farmers Market in Boynton Beach.
Next, you have to outline your pumpkin face so you know where to cut. You can use a sharpie or pencil to make your lines.
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Then cut open the top half of the pumpkin and take all the seeds and pulp out so you can put a candle in it.
After that, cut out the face you outlined.
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5 And finally, set the candle inside! Your new Jack-o’-lantern is made!
SPOOKY BUSINESS
Halloween movies and treats for the season
jade bednar | guest writer
Picture this: it’s cloudy outside, the leaves are dancing in the breeze, and spooky season has arrived. What is better then watching a movie with some festive snacks? Nothing! Since spooky season has finally arrived, here are some of the top Halloween movies and food pairings.
“HOCUS
POCUS” + POPCORN
A teenage boy named Max and his little sister move to Salem, where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches that were executed in the 17th century. Try out the Hocus Pocus Popcorn: Use dyed white chocolate and dye your popcorn purple, green, and orange to make it festive.
“HALLOWEEN”+ PIZZA
Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois, to kill again. If you watch this movie, build your own spooky pizza and shape the cheese to make an outline of ghosts, pumpkins, bats, and other festive Halloween themes.
“THE NIGHTMARE BEFORECHRISTMAS”+ CAKE POPS
Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home cause confusion. Jack the skeleton-decorated cake pops would be a sweet treat to pair with this movie.
“HALLOWEENTOWN” + MINI DONUTS
When a young girl living with her secret witch mother learns she too is a witch, she must help her witch grandmother save Halloweentown from evil forces. A fun treat to make is DIY Broomstick Donut Skewers. To do this, you can make or buy mini donuts on a decorated pretzel stick made out to look like a broom.
“BEETLEJUICE” + CUPCAKES
The spirits of a deceased couple are harassed by an unbearable family that has moved into their home, and hire a malicious spirit to drive them out. To go with this movie, make pudding filled dirt cupcakes: chocolate cupcakes with Oreo cookie crumble and gummy worms on top.
“MONSTER HOUSE” + BURGERS
Three teens discover that their neighbor’s house is really a living, breathing, scary monster. The best food to make for your watch is the Halloween Monster Burger. To build your burger, use olives on toothpicks as the eyes, cut out the cheese to look like teeth, and a pickle as a tongue
“TRICK N’ TREAT” + CANDY
A principal has a secret life, and a woman who loathes Halloween does not respect the rules, a mean old man meets a demonic trick-or-treater. Since trick or treating is all about candy, what better thing to do than make a candy salad? Gather all your favorite candies, dump them in a bowl together, and mix.
The “oldies” vs. “newbies”
brooke kaplan | content editor
Rizz? Skibidi? Have you heard these slang terms and wondered what they meant? If you haven’t, you’re definitely not a part of Gen Z or Gen Alpha. Generation Z and Generation Alphas are two types of generations. Generation Zs are people born between 1995 and 2009. Gen Zs reveal more racial and ethnic
diversity than prior generations. They are well educated and intelligent. According to Britannica.com, 16 percent of Gen Zs identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. On the flip side, generation Alphas are people born between 2010 and 2024. Gen Alphas are called digital natives because they were born into a world where technology was at
their fingertips. They are independent learners and thinkers as they have been provided with a plentiful amount of information and resources growing up. Unfortunately, Gen Alphas have short attention spans due to the continuous access to social media and the web from a very young age.
1. Do you say “Rizz” or “What the Sigma”?
a. “Rizz”
b. “What the Sigma”
2. Do you listen to music wih Airpods or wired Headphones?
a. Airpods
b. Wired Headphones
WHAT GENERATION ARE YOU?
4. What app do you like to listen to music on?
a. Spotify
b. Apple Music
5. Do you have an empowering or inspiring leadership style?
a. Empowering
b. Inspiring
7. Would you rather shop at Claires or PacSun?
a. Claires
b. Pacsun
8. Do you like Musical.ly or TikTok better?
a. Musical.ly
b. TikTok
3. Would you rather play Call of Duty or Minecraft?
a. Call of Duty
b. Minecraft
6. What type of shopping do you like?
a. In-person
b. Online
9. What music artist do you favor more?
a. Katy Perry
b. Zach Bryan
If the majority of the answers you pick are answer choice A, then you have a Gen Z type personality. If the majority of the answers you pick are answer choice B, then you have the personality of a Gen Alpha.
Clubs on Campus
“Our mission is to delve into the deeper meaning of books.”
-Mrs. Stacey Sarkela: Book Club Advisor
Four different ways to meet people and make friends
anna whiteman | social media manager
Book Club
Book Club is aimed at spreading a love of reading to the school campus. The Book Club only meets twice a month and has been advised by Mrs. Stacey Sarkela for three years now.
“My goal for this club is to continue to spread our love of reading to the school community, not just the curriculum content, but reading as a whole,” she said.
Their club meetings consist of members sharing their opinions on the book they are currently reading along with a more in depth discussion with the whole club.
If you are looking for a new way to get into the habit of reading, Book Club is the club for you. While they not only discuss the current book the club is reading, members also talk about new books being released, or books being turned into movies.
PAW Club
Mrs. Sally Schleifer has been advising the PAW Club for 10 years. PAW stands for Protecting Animals Worldwide and focuses on protecting wildlife and making the world a better place for animals across the globe.
“Our students are constantly identifying ways to help make this planet a better place for all animal kinds,” she said.
In her club meetings, they discuss local and global ways to give back to the environment.
Calm Club
The goal for Calm Club is to, “discuss and exercise mindful practices in a safe, and relaxing space.” Calm Club has been advised by Ms. Elena Hancock for three years and focuses on building a positive mindset in life. Their activities range from painting and journaling to guided meditations and breathing exercises. Calm Club recognizes the importance of taking a break through the stress and struggles life can throw, and they encourage students build their own healthy lifestyle choices.
CARE Club
Care stands for Creating All Rewarding Experiences and their goal is to “help students find, develop, and implement community service projects.” Care Club is a great resource for students looking to participate in community service projects.
What’s unique about Care Club is that it helps students to also found their own projects. Meetings sometimes include guest speakers, videos of service projects that are available for students, and a discussion between members. This club has been advised by Ms. Victoria Polentas for four years .
Saving the Sea Turtles
Students volunteer in Costa Rica
gianna cosimano | layout editor
Did you travel to another country this past summer?
Imagine getting all the benefits of traveling abroad while earning community service hours for it. Over this past summer, Heritage juniors Lia Ramos and Samantha Shullman did just that. In August, they traveled to Costa Rica with a group of others who signed up for the trip and experienced the joy of being in another country while earning community service hours by working at a sea turtle conservation.
“I received 30 hours and I did community service for five days but was in Costa Rica for a total of 11 days,” Ramos said. “While the group was volunteering several hours a day, it still felt like a vacation.”
Ramos and Shullman stayed in several different towns during those 11 days, but Montezuma was their first stop. The group was there for five days, where they worked with a local sea turtle conservation to earn hours. During the days they volunteered, they would be required to be at the turtle conservation from 8-11:45 a.m. Afterwards,
they were given free time.
Ramos said, “After lunch we had the day off until the night. During this time we could do many things: explore the town, go to the beach, or the pool, or eat at the local restaurants for a snack.”
During the morning shift, the group participated in beach cleanups at Playa Montezuma. Some days they would pick up typical trash to be disposed of correctly, and others they would pick up organic trash, such as wood logs, to be taken to a different part of the beach to assist the turtles hatching eggs by creating an ample environment for them.
moved them to the top of the beach for the turtles to have room in the sand to lay their eggs,” Ramos said
During the night shift, the group would split into two; one would patrol the beach to find turtles, and the other would stay at the hatchery to remove crabs from the premises, as they feed on turtle eggs.
“On the last day, a turtle was found laying eggs, so the manager assisted the turtle in laying its eggs by taking its eggs back to the hatchery to be layed there,” Ramos said.
I love traveling so I wanted to volunteer in a place I have never been before. After researching different programs, I chose Costa Rica because it combined my love for turtles with volunteer-
-Samantha Shullman, Junior
Not all of the trip was spent volunteering. The group was given several hours a day to relax and
participate in planned activities. Some of these activities included snorkeling, banana boating, and swimming.
“It felt like an actual vacation even though we were volunteering because there was a good balance of volunteering and other fun activities,” Shullman explained.
While the group wasn’t volunteering or doing an activity, travelers were given free reign to explore the town’s beaches and restaurants. After the six days in Montezuma were over, the group went to the
town Jacó for four days, where the group participated in activities such as surfing lessons, yoga in the jungle, and zip lining. After each activity, they were allowed to explore the town. Finally, on the last day of the trip, they stayed in Puntarenas and spent the day sightseeing before they flew home.
Shullman found out about the opportunity through her sister, who went on a similar trip with the same company.
“I knew I wanted to volunteer during the summer, I just wasn’t
sure as to where,” she said. “I love traveling so I wanted to volunteer in a place I have never been before. After researching different programs, I chose Costa Rica because it combined my love for turtles with volunteering.”
Both Ramos and Shullman said they loved the trip and are grateful for the opportunity.
Ramos said, “Going to Costa Rica brought me so many new friendships and life lasting memories.”
Various pictures that student Lia Ramos took while in Costa Rica
SGA
get the behind the SCENES of how students organize the school’s most loved events
alessia rojas | layout editor
Student Government Association plays an important role in how every school runs. They take on many responsibilities ranging from the planning of school activities, showing appreciation for our staff, and bringing awareness to health, environment and school safety. At American Heritage, you can spot our SGA members working on a variety of things, like ensuring we show school spirit at football games or spreading love to our staff through small gifts and food.
ROCK, PAPER, SCISSOR,
This year, SGA decided to add on to our many events and kick off the school year with a fun bonding game. We had a rock paper scissor tournament and each grade had different color necklaces, and you could challenge anyone to a game. The loser gave the necklace to the person they played, and the person with the most necklaces at the end of the week won a gift card!
Lilly Nguyen and Gia Voci both said, “we need creative and dedicated people in SGA, and leaders who are willing to take charge and initiative. Overall, you need people with a strong work ethic as it is a big time commitment.” They explained the challenges faced as a member, “When running SGA it can be hard to stay on top of everything since each month we have nine different committee events”
FEATURE 21
One of our biggest events of the year is Homecoming since it sets the tone for the rest of the school year. During our Homecoming week we have dress up days, powder puff and competitions between the grades. Shown below, you can take a look at this year’s upcoming dress up days.
Events throughout the year can include from the entire school, such as the dress ups day, or they can be strictly Student Government events. In Student Government we have different committees such as Community Service, Environmental Concerns, Fundraising, School Service and more.
For example, a School Service event we host every year is babysitting night. On this night we plan crafts, sports, and more for the parents and teachers’ kids so they can just drop them off and focus on their parent teacher night. SGA also had a rock painting day where members worked together and had fun painting the rocks. Afterwards the cute rocks were placed all throughout the school.
SGA’s Rock Painting Event Football Game Student Section
2023 Hoco Week Dress up Day
2024 Babysitting Night
2024 Winter Week
Hit the lights & Quiet On Set
miae canales | staff writer
With the start of the new school year comes lots of new changes. This year American Heritage hired several new teachers in a variety of departments. One of those departments was the theater department, who welcomed Mrs. Monica Andrews.
Mrs. Andrews is an experienced teacher who said she strives to make students try acting as a hobby and potential career. Mrs. Andrews shared how different it’s been for her going from four 90 minute classes to seven 50 minute rotating classes.
She also shared how much she loves video games and how she considers herself to be a part time gamer in her free time.
Lastly she also shared how much fun she has watching students succeed and seeing them happy and figuring out a new
hobby that they find entertaining and might enjoy in their free time. Below, our conversation with Mrs. Andrews.
What made you choose American Heritage? I was excited for a new challenge as a theater educator. I was excited for the opportunity to work with a team of theater professionals and students who share a passion for the arts.
What are some things you would say that describe you? I am a self-proclaimed theater nerd and video gamer (Pokemon, Zelda, Animal Crossing.) I am a musical theater actress and singer, Tampa Bay Lightning hockey fan, and escape room enthusiast.
leagues and administration and the excitement students have to learn. The dedication shown by every staff member and student is inspiring to be a part of.
Did you always want to teach?
I started my professional career as a performer and transitioned to education when my husband and I started our family. I still perform when my teaching schedule allows. You can find me on stage at local theaters in summer shows.
Has it been easy being a “Newbie” on campus? While this is my 12th year teaching, coming to a new school has its own challenges. I spent the last six years teaching at a school with block scheduling, where we had four 90-minute classes a day and I would see classes every other day. Getting to see students every day is a really nice change.
What is your favorite thing about teaching? As a theater director, I love when students find themselves in their art and take on challenging material with a sense of pride. Getting to produce shows that family and friends can come and enjoy make all the days and rehearsals worth it! Get to
What’s your favorite part of American Heritage? I love the support provided from my col-
Q&A with Marion Chopin, 6th grader
What your favorite thing about Mrs. Andrews’ class?
“I was in drama last year, and I tried out for Thespians last year. I expected a drama class that was a lot harder than at my old school. I also expected it to be more competitive. Mrs. Andrews is a wonderful teacher and made me like drama and actually gave me the courage to try out for Thespians.”
three shows to check out this year
the role of della
This play is based on a young, caring, and sensitive girl who is trying out for the role of Della. The little girl is trying to convince her heart colded director. Will she stand a chance?
the marvelous wonderettes
The Marvelous Wonderettes is a show that represents the 1958 Springfield High School prom. The Wonderettes are four girls with big hopes and dreams that are as big as their Caroline skirts.
9 to 5 the musical
9 to 5 is a musical based on three female co-workers that are coming up with a plan in order to get even with their egotistical, lying boss.
moussa sweid | staff writer
Three seniors share the joys and challenges
of working a part time job JOCKS ON THE CLOCK
Ernesto Lujan Godoy
Students at American Heritage with part-time jobs are clocking into work after hitting the books. There are different reasons for doing this, and it comes with its own challenges. Three Seniors, Anderson Lee, Ernesto Lujan Godoy, and Jake Stansbury, shared their experiences with having a job while also being full time students.
These students saw part-time work as a way to gain financial freedom and responsibility. Each student has a different reason for wanting a job, and for Lee it was about taking on responsibility.
“I wanted to get a job at Wood
Jake Stansbury Anderson Lee
& Fire to earn my own money and to feel more independent and productive,” Lee said.
Godoy’s goal was to pay for his car, including gas and parts, as well as other personal expenses. Stansbury, on the other hand, wanted to make money to cover his car insurance and have some extra spending money. Balancing schoolwork and a job can be tricky, and each student has found a way to make it work.
“Since working at The French Bakery and Cafe, I’m better with time management, making sure to finish all of my school work during
the day so that my evenings are free for work,” Godoy said.
Each student has found a system that helps them manage their responsibilities, though it’s not always easy. Their part-time jobs have taught them things that they don’t think they could have learned in school.
“I work at Wood & Fire three days a week and my shirts start at 5 p.m.,” Stansbury says. “I discovered the true value of money and understanding how much effort goes into earning each dollar.”
Godoy said having a job has taught him how to manage money
better and how to deal with difficult people. Anderson mentioned learning how important it is to be on time and to always put in extra effort. These life lessons, such as responsibility, patience, and managing finances, are things they believe they wouldn’t have picked up just by going to school. When thinking about the future, all three students believe their job experience will help them.
“I feel more confident about getting future jobs because I now understand what it’s like to work for a wage and have more improved communication skills,” Anderson said.
Godoy said that he believes his experience handling money and dealing with people will make him better prepared for adulthood. Stansbury said his work in the service industry will help him develop good work habits, and he’s learned the importance of
respect and hard work.
Of course, being a working student isn’t without its challenges. Lee finds it hard to have free time because of how much he has to juggle between school and work. Godoy struggles with the stress of rushing from
Managing time is one of my biggest challenges, but I stay proactive and try to stay on top of my schedule.
‘‘
-Jake Stansbury, Senior
school to work and managing his time well.
“Managing time is one of my biggest challenges, but I stay proactive and try to stay on top of my schedule,” Stansbury said.
Tips for managing a part time job in school
Jake Stansbury working at Wood & Fire. Use a planner 1
2 3 4 5 Limit work hours Communicate early Prioritize rest
Stay focused
Taking The Wheel
Get a closer look at the nicest senior cars on campus
Nick
Schwartz
Q: What kind of car do you drive?
A: I drive a 2022 Audi S4.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about your car?
A: My favorite thing about my car is its interior and sound. The interior is very modern and it has red massage seats, along with carbon fiber everywhere. It also has a blow off valve on the turbo that I installed so it makes really cool noises from the front.
Q: Why did you choose this specific make and model?
omar fernandez | staff writer
A: My family has owned many Audis and we really like the brand. I was originally looking at the cars other competitors (BMW m340i, Mercedes c43 AMG), but after going to different dealerships and looking at all of them, the Audi seemed like the best deal. Audi also has certified pre-owned cars meaning that everything is inspected and made perfect before being sold.
Q: If you could upgrade or change anything about your car, what would it be?
A: If I could upgrade or change anything about my car it would definitely be a tune. Unfortunately
this voids the warranty, so I have not done it yet, but I definitely will in the future.
Q: Are there any other cars you aspire to own in the future?
A: There are definitely many different cars I aspire to own in the future. I really like the Audi RS6 as it is a very unique shape for cars in America because it is a wagon. I also like it because it is very fast and sounds really good.
Rafael Egnaz
Q:What kind of car do you drive?
A:I drive a gray BMW 330i.
Q:How long have you owned your car?
A:I’ve owned my car since November 2023, so around nine months.
Q:Why did you choose this specific make and model?
A: I chose this model because it’s small, compact, and fast enough for it to be fun.
Q:Are there any other cars you aspire to own in the future?
A:There are many cars I aspire to own in the future. In a dream seven car garage it would be, Range Rover SV, Rolls Royce Ghost, Ferrari 812, Porsche
Q: What kind of car do you drive?
A:I drive a BMW x4 m40i .
Jesse Colson
Q: What’s your favorite thing about your car?
A:My favorite thing about my car is the amazing interior. I also love
GT3RS, Bentley Bentayga, Porsche 918 spider, and lastly a Mercedes Benz SLR.
Q:If you could upgrade or change anything about your car, what would it be?
A: I would do many things to my car, if my insurance wasn’t so stingy. I’d tune my car, lower it, down pipe it, and remove unnecessary weight.
how even though it’s very fast I can fit a lot of people.
Q: If you could upgrade or change anything about your car, what would it be?
A: If I could upgrade my car I would add a new intake, exhaust, sound system, and new body parts.
Q: Are there any other cars you aspire to own in the future?
A: Yes if I could own any cars in the future I would aspire to own a Rolls-Royce Phantom, Lamborghini SVJ, BMW 4 comp fully modded, McLaren Speedtail, and a Ferrari SF90.
SCHOOL SPORT SUGGESTIONS Sports that AHS students and staff want at American Heritage
Basketball, soccer, tennis. These are some of many sports that American Heritage has as options for students
CRICKET
to do, but what if American Heritage added more sports? We asked students and staff what they think should be added to the school’s
nikolas antoniadis | staff writer
athletics program and here’s what they had to say.
Cricket is he second biggest sport in the world. It’s a bat-and-ball team sport where you hit a ball thrown from a bowler and try to score the most runs during your inning.
Senior Jennifer Belton said cricket should be added to the school’s athletics program.“Cricket should be added to the schools athletics program because it is one of the most popular sports in the world,” she said. “The pros of adding cricket to the schools athletics program are that it can get you outside for a long time. It is one of the most popular sports in the world, but, the cons are that it could be too similar to baseball which could prevent it from happening.”
SKATE BOARDING
Tony Hawk. You know that name because of one thing, skateboarding. In skateboarding, you ride on a board with wheels and do tricks off platforms. Junior Jack Lambrecht says skateboarding should be added to the school’s athletics program.
“Skateboarding should be added to the schools athletics program because it gets you outside and was a very popular thing to do back then and it is still popular today,” he said.
Lambrecht said that the pros of adding skateboarding to the school’s athletics program are because it gets you to challenge yourself. It challenges you to never give up. But the cons are that you can get badly injured if you mess something up.
A game of cricket being played.
A guy skateboarding during the sunset.
HANDBALL
Handball is a sport you might have never heard of but it is a very popular sport in Europe. It is a team sport where you have a team of seven players and try to score a goal using your hands. Senior Landon Schiffman said handball should be added to the school’s athletics program.
“Handball should be added to the schools athletics program because it is a growing sport that can be fun to watch,” Shiffman said. “It also combines different sports so it is basically many sports in one.”
Schiffman says that the pros of adding Handball to the schools athletics program are that it is easy to understand, and it can get you stronger. But, the cons are that it is a sport that might not be popular enough in America for people to join.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain Biking is a popular intense racing sport where you race while riding an off road bike usually on rough terrain. Kevin Barry, who is a dean here at American Heritage, thinks that mountain biking should be added to the schools athletics program.
Dean Barry said that mountain biking should be added because “it is a sport that has many disciplines and it is a dynamic sport that immerses the participant in the great outdoors in a competitive and rewarding environment.”
Dean Barry says that the pros of adding mountain biking to the schools athletics program are that it gets kids outside, and promotes trail maintenance and stewardship. One of the biggest disadvantages is that it can be quite a dangerous sport to participate in.
Someone riding a mountain bike in the forest.
A match of womens handball being played at the 1012 Olympics.
Going How Heritage students took on Paris in last summer’s Olympic Games
For Gold
samantha heller | assistant editor
For nearly 31 million Americans who tuned into the Olympics this summer, the competitors thousands of miles away in Paris were merely figments in their televisions. Zoe Thevenot, however, experienced the Olympics in real time.
During her time in Paris, Thevenot watched the Women’s Rugby 7s pool rounds and a basketball match between France and America. The stakes were higher than ever for Thevenot and her family, because even though she was born and raised in the USA, her dad’s side of the family is French.
“For me, the most exciting moment of the Olympics was watching the basketball match because I got to cheer for both sides of my family,” she said. “When I wore red, white, and blue to the match, I was rooting for both France and America.”
An athlete herself, Thevenot has always been invested in the Olympics, particularly the running events. This time around, however, her interest in the games was taken to a whole new level.
“The events felt so much more real when I watched them in person. I was actually able to feel the competitive spirit in the air as the people around me cheered for their
The events felt so much more real when I watched them in person. I was actually able to feel the competitive spirit in the air as the people around me cheered for their favorite players and teams.
-Zoe Thevenot, Junior
favorite players and teams,” she explained. “It made me become much more invested in the event, even though rugby’s not a sport I usually follow. The whole audience was almost as involved in the event as the competitors. That’s something you’ll never get from watching the Olympics at home.”
Additionally, Thevenot experienced another aspect of the Olym-
pics that viewers at home don’t get to see - the culture and tourism. Thevenot is no stranger to traveling the world; in addition to France, where she visits every summer, she also traveled to Indonesia, Turkey, Singapore, and Germany this past summer. Even with her extensive experience visiting foreign countries, Thevenot had never seen more cultural diversity than what she saw at the Olympics.
“I noticed that there were fewer locals than usual in Paris because they were avoiding the influx of tourists. The matches I went to were full of French spirit, but I saw people from so many other countries who came to support their teams and watch the Olympics.”
Zoe and her family supporting France and the USA at the Olympics
All in the Family
Sixth grader Lucy Sweetnam shares her father’s Olympic experience
While some may have had the privilege of watching the Olympics in person, sixth grader Lucy Sweetnam has an Olympian at her very own dinner table. This summer, Sweetnam and her family traveled to Paris to watch her dad compete in the equestrian events of the Olympics. Although her dad didn’t win a medal, he and his family returned home with an experience they will never forget.
Sweetnam mentioned that one of the highlights of her time at the Olympics was when she and her dad got to trade pins with other athletes. Pin-trading is a long-running Olympic tradition, which is usually reserved for the athletes, but Sweetnam herself got to take home a few of these rare souvenirs from Paris.
Along with her excitement to watch her father compete, howev-
Lucy Sweetnam in front of the Eiffel Tower at the Olympics
er, came nerves. “I was so nervous for my dad to go in the ring - every second, I would stand up and freeze,” she said.
Not only did Sweetnam return home from the Olympics with new memories, but a new aspiration as well: “After seeing my dad go to
the Olympics, I aspire to go to the Olympics myself one day,” she said. Only time will tell if Sweetnam will follow in her father’s footsteps, but one thing is certain - she had an interesting story to tell about her summer when she returned to school.
SLAM DUNK INTO THE NEW SEASON
A new player shows what he brings into this new season
kobey hadar | social media manager
Standing at 6’4 and 165 pounds, Rowan Linder is set to make a huge impact for this new American Heritage basketball team. As a new player on the team, he’s eager to show what he can do, and both his coaches and teammates are excited to see what he’ll bring to the court. Linder is known for his basketball smarts, speed, and athletic ability, which help him stand out and make him an important part of the team’s goal to win the district championship.
Linder’s choice to come to American Heritage wasn’t random; it was a decision he thought about carefully.
“ “I chose American Heritage because my mom got a job here,” Linder said. “I also wanted a fresh start and the chance to play for Coach Kam. Plus, I knew I’d get a good education here.” The combination of family, basketball, and academics made the move a natural fit for him.
As he looks ahead to the upcoming season, Linder is filled with excitement. “What I’m most excited
for this season is winning districts. I feel like we have a strong enough team to compete for the district championship,” he said. His confidence in his team is clear, and he’s focused on making sure they reach that goal together.
When it comes to what sets him apart from other players, Linder believes it’s his knowledge of the game. “My basketball IQ is what makes me different,” he explained.
What I’m most excited for this season is winning districts.”
to get better. “Right now, we’re doing strength and conditioning on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and sometimes we have morning shooting sessions,” he said. “On Tuesday and Thursday, we’re in the gym shooting and scrimmaging. We’re also playing in a fall league to get some game experience and build team chemistry.”
l This dedication shows Linder’s commitment to improving and helping his team get ready for the season.
-Rowan Linder, senior
“But also, my speed and athleticism help me get past defenders, create open shots, and help my team.” These skills have been a big part of his success as a player and will continue to make him a key player for American Heritage.
Linder isn’t just relying on his natural talent, though. He’s been working hard in the off-season
Linder also knows how important a good relationship with his coach is. “The best relationship between a coach and player is built on trust, respect, and communication,” he said “you also need to have clear goals for the season.”
He values leadership on and off the court, and he believes that’s what makes him a great fit for the team.
“I think I’m the best person for this because I’m a good leader, I’m smart, and I believe in this team. I know we can be successful and win districts.”
When asked who he compares
himself to in the NBA, Linder doesn’t hesitate. “I try to play like Tyler Herro,” he said. “We’re similar in how we move and our speed, and I feel like we both have a high basketball IQ.” With his sights set on leading his team to victory, Linder is ready to make his mark this season. Everyone will be watching to see how he helps American Heritage reach new heights.
Linder playing for his AAU basketball team
GAME. SET MATCH
There’s a fascinating story behind pickleball’s rise in popularity. The sport, created in 1965, incorporates several different sports: the racquet comes from ping-pong, the court comes from tennis, the ball comes from wiffleball, and some of the rules come from badminton. Though pickleball has been labeled as an old person sport, that couldn’t be further from the truth. According to the usapickleball. org website, 50% of the players are under the age of 35. One of those people is fresh- man Maya Schnei- der. Schneider started playing pick- leball a few years ago
pleasure every once in a while against friends and or family, and for those starting out she has some valu- able advice.
“It’s never too late to start a sport,” she said.
“Pickleball is one of those sports that is easy to learn and play for fun. Also, make sure to pay attention to the rules because it is easy to mess up in
For anythone thinking about playing, my advice would be to simply give it a try, it...pickleball is an accessible and fun sport that doesn't require a great deal of prior experience as skill mostly relies on having good hand-eye coordination. The guidelines are quite simple to follow and beginners will certainly have a memorable and exciting time such as I did.
Benjamin
According to EcoSports.com, the number of pickleball facilities has increased from about 4,300 to around 14,000 since 2010. In South Florida, it’s possible to play year round, which has contributed to its rise in popularity. Another student drawn to the sport is Jordan Malamed, a senior, who has been playing since the Covid pandemic.
“I have competed in numerous
Slutsker, Sophomore
dylan gold | editor-in-chief
tournaments at many different levels. The way pickleball works is that a 2.5 rating is beginner and a 5.5 rating is professional. I’ve played pretty much every level and am considered a professional player. As of now, all of my tournaments have been in the professional division in mixed or women’s doubles,” Malamed said.
Benjamin Slutsker, sophomore, was introduced to the sport by his aunt and uncle. Since then, he’s enjoyed playing with them and the strategic aspects of the game, and it has become a hobby of his. He plays for fun on an irregular basis, but if a family member or a friend asked him to play he would “graciously accept”. When he does play, he plays doubles with his brother against other family friends.
“For anyone thinking about playing, my advice would be to simply give it a try,” he said. “Pickleball is an accessible and fun sport that doesn't require a great deal of prior experience as skill mostly relies on having good hand-eye coordination. The guidelines are quite simple to follow and beginners will certainly have a memorable and exciting time such as I did.”
Anna Bright, a professional pickleball player, got into the game in 2021 after graduating UC Berkeley and thought it would be fun to switch from tennis to pickleball. Bright is the number two pickleball player in the world for mixed women’s doubles and number three in the world for women’s doubles. She competes in roughly 25-30 tournaments per year and usually plays with Rachel Rohrabacher: her doubles partner.
She has a vigorous training routine “every week is different, but I typically play six days a week I’d say. When I’m home on a non-tournament weekend I play two to four hours a day, tournament weeks vary more” Bright said. When asked what advice she would give players who want to try the sport, but don't know where to start, she
said "Pickleball is super unique in the pickup culture it has and the sense of community there is. Find a local park with courts, bring a friend, and you will easily be able to find games and people willing to show you the ropes. It’s one of the things that really made me fall in love with the sport."
The Five P's for Pickleball Perfection
1
Proper gear
Make sure that you have paddles, clothes, and accessories that are tailored to you.
2
Paddle
Make sure that you have the perfect positioning of your hands on the paddle.
3
Position
Make sure that you position yourself well on the court and are able to get any trick plays.
4
Practice
Make sure that you practice. Practice makes progress. It’'s mportaint to refine your skills.
5
Prioritize
Make sure that you prioritize yourself and go to workshops to improve your game.
