Volume 6, Issue 3
The Wildcat Chronicles Westland’s New Uniform Policy The faculty here at Westland decided it was time
Inside this issue: Headlines
1
Feature Stories
2
Testing & Health
3
By: Felipe Martinez
However, some people still don’t believe this
for a change. Our current uniform policy has remained
change is for the better. Some students are outraged and
nearly the same for a long time. But change is coming and
believe the school is not looking out for the students’ best
all students must be informed before they go out to get their interest. Kevin Quintana, freshmen, said “The change is school clothes for next year. The main change made has to unnecessary and meaningless.” Yet, on the other end of
Senior Section
4-5
Sports
6
Entertainment
7
Horoscopes
8
do with the color of the polo shirts. Students will no longer
the spectrum we have students that can’t wait to see the
be allowed to wear white shirts of any kind. Instead, stu-
change take place. For example ,Miralys Perez, sopho-
dents will be allowed to wear a grey polo shirt. Mr. Gonza-
more, said “The uniform change is great, and the color grey
lez says that the change was made so it can appeal to the
looks really good.” The opinion of the students won’t
students. He also went on to say that the goals that they
change the fact that starting next school year all students
plan to achieve with this change include making sure the
not be allowed to wear a white shirt.
students look more professional in a learning environment and so it will be easier for them to identify the people that shouldn’t be on campus.
Uprising In Venezuela For over three months now, Venezuela has
By: Felipe Martinez He only won by 1.5% of the margin of votes and
become the top story in nearly every news station. Riots many, Including his opponent Henrique Capriles, thought have broken out all over the country because many of its that the votes had been altered in some way. He was very people are tired of the way things are going in the country. influential in establishing the Movement in the Fifth At first, university students took to the streets to riot because Republic; this was essential for Hugo Chavez’s presidential of a campus sexual assault. However, the protests were far campaign. When Hugo Chavez died, he ran for office and from done and more people started protesting for different came away with the victory. The death toll in these riots is reasons. Some people were disgusted with the police around 40 and that is only the reported deaths. Over 2,000 brutality, crime rates, and the corruption going on in people have been arrested and 174 are still behind bars. Venezuela. There is not one specific thing that they want The numbers are very alarming and they are still rising. Yet, changed but instead they wish to see a massive change in a lot of Venezuelans feel like it is necessary for a huge the country starting with its leader. Nicolas Maduro took change to occur. office after President Hugo Chavez passed away over a year ago.
Feature Stories Gender Equality
By: Karina Camara
Gender equality has been an up and coming controversy inconspicuously making its way to social media. Lately, diverse groups of people have been questioning media and society’s outlook on women and men. For example, Tumblr, a blogging site popular amongst many young adults, has a post put up questioning why yogurt commercials are usually targeted towards women. Another popular questioning of society’s look on women’s equality includes Beyonce’s new song Flawless. Where the song includes a speech written by feminist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie who says: “Because I am female, I am expected to aspire to marriage. I am expected to make my life choices. Always keeping in mind that marriage is the most important. Now marriage can be a source of joy and love and mutual support. But why do we teach girls to aspire to marriage and we don't teach boys the same?” Even President Obama has been taking action in gender equality as well. He recently
“Lilly Ledbetter didn’t set out to be a trailblazer or a household name. She was just a good hard worker who did her job – and did it well – for nearly two decades before discovering that for years, she was paid less than her male colleagues for the very same work”.
signed a new Executive Order to prevent workplace discrimination and empower workers to take control over negotiations regarding their pay. The president signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and established the National Equal Pay Task Force. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act is an act established for women’s equal pay rights. Obama said this on the woman he named the act after: “Lilly Ledbetter didn’t set out to be a trailblazer or a household name. She was just a good hard worker who did her job – and did it well – for nearly two decades before discovering that for years, she was paid less than her male colleagues for the very same work. Over the course of her career, she lost more than $200,000 in salary, and even more in pension and Social Security benefits – losses she still feels today.” It has become very apparent that the topic of gender equality is one topic that will not be going away any time soon.
Environmental Safety
By: Carlos Cortina
Our planet is one of the oldest things on…well, our planet. Since the world started to develop itself into a more complex and significant form, the amount that its health has been affected has caused it quite a strain. Our planet’s life is fading as we fall into global-environmental threats, such as global warming, the greenhouse effect, and the decay of the ozone layer. These problems have caused other sub-threats to take place like the extinction or endangerment of some species of flora and fauna, which future generations might look not be able to look forward to. Even on days like Earth Day, the progression of repairing the damage to the planet went mostly unnoticed, and the few efforts to try to help our planet were quite fruitless. The bottom line is that if we don’t start the process to heal our planet, we are going to be forced to either abandon it or live in a polluted and highly contaminated wasteland. We all play a major role in keeping our planet healthy, so what will you do to contribute to healing mother Earth? Page 2
Testing, Testing, Testing! Florida, along with many states
By: Holly Martin
which measures student success with the
was not passing the EOC at the end of the
nationwide, produced state exams that are
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards, year and having to go to summer school.
supposed to measure specific standards
includes assessments in Reading (grades 3 Half of the time I was only focused on the
that a student must meet every school year
-10) (This test must be passed by tenth
test and not what my teacher was showing
in designated courses. However do these
graders in order to graduate) Mathematics
me on the board. Luckily, I had an extraordi-
tests really help us progress academically or (grades 3-8), Writing (grades 4, 8, and 10),
nary Algebra teacher that was there to push
do they just stress the student to pass the
and Science (grades 5 and 8) in the 2013-
all of us along the way. In some situations ,
test. In 2011 Florida introduced yet another
2014 school year. With all the testing that
students don’t know how to work well under
test to students called the End-of-Course
students are expected to take and pass are
pressure; some of us are just generally bad
(EOC). Originally the Florida Comprehen-
we really learning or are we just preparing to at taking test. If this was the case how is it
sive Assessment Test (FCAT) measured
take a test at the end of the year? The dis-
student success with the Sunshine State
cussion has gone on for years about stu-
Standards. The FCAT measured the Sun-
dents not actually learning but instead study-
shine State Standards in Reading and
ing to hopefully pass these tests. These
Mathematics (grades 3-10), Science
tests are not accurate and do nothing but
(grades 5, 8, and 11), and Writing (grades 4, put stress on students. I remember last year 8, and 10). And we also have the Florida
when I was sitting in my Algebra 1 class all
Comprehensive Assessment Test 2.0,
stressed out because all I could worry about
fair for the student? Our state capital Tallahassee should really consider decreasing the testing standards and not requiring Florida students to take so many of these state produced exams, and finding other alternatives to determine student progress.
Student Health Students, have you considered putting some “Yummy”
By: Holly Martin
bioprocessed
meat
served
to
you
on
a
research into the foods that you have been eating lately? complementary bun and some “cheese” to top it off. Do you Perhaps it is time to start now. Obesity has become a like chicken nuggets? Another healthy alternative could be nationwide epidemic in the United States. More than one- to go to your local grocery store and buy a package of all third of U.S. adults are obese and more than one third of natural white chicken breast cut them in to pieces, bread children/adolescents are overweight or obese according to them and toss place them in an oven, it is an option but yet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2012, there the results will be delicious! Notice how homemade chicken were 263,944 fast food restaurants in America with nuggets form so many different shapes opposed to the combined revenue of well over $100 billion in reference to usual 4 shapes you get in your package of Chicken The Huffington Post. Although fast food restaurants are a McNuggets. This should surely make you consider what quick and inexpensive way to get a meal when you are in a foods you put in your body. Healthy eating is a necessity for hurry, is the fast option really worth what the food may be our bodies; it gives us the energy and brain clarity that we doing to your body? Have you ever wondered why your need to function through the day. Maybe it is time to think burger at Tony Roma’s taste much better and is much larger twice before you walk into a fast-food restaurant and than the one dollar McDouble you brought from McDonald’s consider a healthier alternative. Pick up an apple and go last week? The next time you feel good about your purchase outside and play, be active and help motivate others around from the dollar menu take a good look at your burger… you. Page 3
Through The L Homecoming
Alice: “Where should I go?” The Cheshire Cat: “That depends on where you want to end up.”
Senior Breakfast
Looking Glass Grad Bash Grad Bash...An Unforgettable Night By: Teresa Provenzano Grad Bash 2014 was definitely one to remember. Westland Hialeah Senior High’s Class of 2014 attended for the first time ever, the Grad Bash Pre-Party in Universal Studios. The Pre-Party had fun music to dance and sing-along to, an array of foods to eat from, and a special performance put on by Trey Songz , at 10:30pm. The Class of 2014 experienced a night they will never forget, surrounded by their friends before graduation day.
Prom
Letter From the Editor By: Karina Camara
Seniors! It is finally that time, time for us to further our knowledge into a world we have never known before. Whether it is an out of state college or university, one in our home state, or the pursuit of a vocational career, we are ready! Through the past four years we have discovered and rediscovered ourselves, our allies, and our ambitions. We have experienced four years of growth and understanding. Now we meet our own personal wonderland- graduation. We are proud of you, Wildcats. Now is the time to continue the legacy! Congratulations and best of luck!
Sports An MVP’s Memorable Speech
By: Felipe Martinez
The 2013-2014 NBA season was unforgettable for many reasons. Big name players played big time basketball and it seemed like everyone was putting up huge numbers every game. Yet, no one was more consistent with their stats than Kevin Durant. He had scoring streaks that we had not seen since Michael Jordan was in his prime. He was named the MVP of the league and not too many people argued the decision, since he won nearly all the first place votes. Kevin Durant had one of the most emotional acceptance speeches we have seen in a long time. He showed emotion like he had never shown before and it was remarkable. Kevin Durant made sure he thanked all his teammates individually and had a hard time getting through his speech without tearing up. After he was finish thanking every man one the roster, he followed it up by thanking the organization, the coaching staff, and the front office. When the time came to thank his family, his voice changed and the emotions really came out. His mother was in the audience watching him and everybody knew why he waited to thank her. It was one of the most humbling and emotional speeches seen from a professional athlete. After he thanked his mother, the room was quiet and filled the silence by saying, “You’re the real MVP.” She burst into tears and everyone applauded him for being so authentic and unassuming. Kevin Durant won over many people with his acceptance speech and now he has his eyes set on the championship.
The Wildcat Chronicles would
Wildcats Take to the Water
By: Edwin Blandon
Get ready to take a swim, Wildcats! The Westland Wildcats Swim Team is
like to wish
taking to the water this upcoming school year. After 3 seasons Coach Kentis is back
Coach Manasco
at the Milander Pool, Coach Kentis says “Our goals are simple. I want every athlete I
to guide our aquatic felines for a 4th season and make sure they don’t sink. Training
the best of luck
have to be able to swim all 4 styles of swimming and to be able to finish in at least
as he heads to
swim team by trying to increase their swimming endurance, making sure they have
the top 3 of any type of race they join.” Coach Kentis says she’s been training the
Palmetto Senior
the stamina to speed through any swim lap. When the Wildcats aren’t in the water
High & we
fitness”. Originally thought to just build muscle and slow down swimmers, dry land
welcome Coach Payne to the Wildcat family! Page 6
building their endurance, Kentis says they’re on land doing what they call “dry land fitness has now begun incorporating exercises to increase muscle flexibility and strength. The results show for themselves. On schedule, there are 7 swim meets and 1 tournament waiting for any Wildcat accepted into the Wildcat Swim Team. For anyone interested in joining the Wildcat Swim Team, they will be holding tryouts on August 4 through August 14 in the 2014-15 school year.
SUMMER WON’T BE A BUMMER By: Miralys Perez 1. Get a little cheesy, go out for pizza. 2. Experience the sea life (not through television), go to
7. If you’re fit enough to hold your body upright, go out to A1A Watersports in Pompano Beach. 8. Get crazy wet and crazy sun! Rapids Water Park has both to offer….unless it rains the day you choose to go.
Miami Seaquarium 3. Salty hair and sun-kissed skin? Hit the beach but use that sunblock. 4. Go shopping, or window shopping, if you’re broke. 5. Visit some friends, if they are willing to feed you.
9. Rejuvenate your soul at Disney World. School makes us feel a little old sometimes. 10. Attack your taste buds. Visit some exotic restaurants and try some new foods.
6. Drive-in to a movie at Ft. Lauderdale’s Swap Shop, if you have a boyfriend/girlfriend or go alone, who cares?!
Lights, Camera & Lots of Action! By Miralys Perez
Summer is a great time to check out those major blockbuster films. Not sure what to see? Check out this list and don’t forget your popcorn!
1. Edge of Tomorrow - June 6, 2014 2. The Fault in Our Stars – June 6, 2014 3. The Sacrament – June 6, 2014 4. Obvious Child – June 6, 2014 5. 22 Jump Street – June 13, 2014 6. How to Train Your Dragon 2 - June 13, 2014 7. The Rover – June 13, 2014 8. The Congress – June 27, 2014
Student Spotlight: Holden Martinez
By: Karina Camara
Holden Martinez, a quirky, fun, and, outgoing senior, is the student spotlight for the Senior Edition Newspaper Publication! Holden is an involved individual who plans on furthering his education by going to college and majoring in public relations. Holden hopes to eventually work in a well-known firm. Though the years have gone by quickly, Holden will sometimes reflects on his freshman year of High School and he offers a tip to being successful in High School for the Class of 2017; it is “Don’t wait till the last minute in anything, ever! This includes clubs, sports, friends, and yes…Final papers.” Holden says that one thing he can honestly say he’s learned throughout his years of high school is how to deal with people and their ways of thinking. “People are, and always will be, diverse. You can either learn from them or better yourself from their lessons, or you can pretend that you are already better than them…and pretending is never a good thing.” Page 7
Horoscopes Aries- Summer is coming and all your classmates can not wait to NOT see you for 2 months. Taurus- Stop shouting at people, they hear you. They just choose to ignore you. Gemini- You will be winning both on the work and on the sentimental field, probably because you won’t have much to work on and not a lot of people to talk to. Cancer- With all the things going on, you may begin to feel like a fabulous celebrity. You’re wrong; don’t let it get to your head. Leo- Your summer will be filled with dancing and parties. Sadly you have two left feet and can’t dance very well. Virgo- Socializing is one of your best qualities, especially through social media. Unfortunately, your status updates are all misspelled and people can’t understand what you are trying to say. Libra- You are the sign known for maintaining balance. Too bad you are not very coordinated when you are walking. Scorpio- Money is something you have a grasp on. Unfortunately, your grasp is that of a newborn kitten. You will most likely go broke this summer with all of your spending. Sagittarius- You are a free bird! Sagittarius people love to travel and you are no exception. Problem is, the only place you will be traveling to is the East side of Hialeah. Capricorn- A summer flame will spring into your life this summer. Be careful because you are not very good at lighting a match so you might get burned. Aquarius- Jupiter will keep you very active with work this summer. Of course, this work will only consist of you going from your bed to the refrigerator for food. Pisces- You are in for a major transformation this year. Just make sure you are very careful at the salon/barber shop or you might end up with purple hair! *Disclaimer: These are only for entertainment purposes only !
Wildcat Chronicles Westland Hialeah Senior High 400 West 18th Avenue Hialeah FL, 33012 (305) 818-3000 Ext: 2198 The Wildcat Chronicle’s mission is to inform and entertain all students, faculty, and staff with everything Wildcat. We aim to cover every event pertaining to Westland Hialeah Senior High. Editor in Chief: Karina Camara Layout Editor: Edwin Blandon Managing Editor: Holly Martin Sports Editor: Felipe Martinez Opinion Editor: Carlos Cortina Entertainment Editor: Miralys Perez Photo Editor: Teresa Provenzano Advertising Manager: Andy Inchausti, Teresa Provenzano & Lianet Santana Staff Writers: Edwin Blandon, Miralys Perez, Teresa Provenzano, Felipe Martinez, Holly Martin, Carlos Cortina, and Karina Camara Advisor: Ms. Arlene Socorro