the ipatriotpost.com patriot post American Heritage School, 12200 W. Broward Blvd, Plantation, FL 33325 VOL. 20 ISSUE 6 February 2017 (Photo/Steve Sheinfeld)

CULTURE ON CAMPUS From valuing VIDEOGRAPHER IN MIAMI After submitting sev- A LOOK AT LACROSSE Catch up with this sea- cultural empathy to international students sharing their experi- eral of her films, junior Ruhi Mansey, a junior reporter for WAHS News, won a son’s lacrosse team. New coaches and players mix with experienced ences, learn about the various cultures seen on campus and spot at YoungArts, a week-long arts program in Miami. Read about Mansey’s seniors such as Joseph Weisberg, pictured above, to create a team why they matter. With students from more than 29 countries, experience immersing herself in the arts and taking classes with profession- ready for a year of intense games and a possible district title. Read Heritage is a melting pot for our world. Go to C12. als in the Entertainment section. Go to D18. the story inside. Go to E22. news Student body unites to raise money for a cure Junior high teacher Ms. Jen- nifer Estevez hopes to raise Colorful for a cause $2.5 million to fund research for her 3-year-old son’s rare NHS participates in the I Care, I Cure color run, while the Make-a-Wish club genetic disease: MPS ll. Find out how you can help in the attends the Walk for Wishes to help raise money for childhood cancer treat- News section. ments and grant wishes for childhood cancer patients. See A3. opinion Alternative facts will no longer stand The journalism industry has been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, as President Trump criticizes journalists for unethical reporting. Now more than ever, we need to recog- nize the importance of just and fact-based journalism. Get the story in Opinion. CASCADING THROUGH COLOR: At the start of the race, individuals run through a cloud of powdered colors. Below, seniors Elizabeth Shin and Robyn Ratzan embrace one another after successfully completing See B8. the color run together. “I ran the entire race from start to finish, and Robyn was right there with me. It was even more fun than last year because I ran with a friend,” Shin said. (Photos/Carrie Kuecks)

Carrie Kuecks | Features Editor Park. The Make-a-Wish club to open and throw everywhere and were given water as music [email protected] has 87 participants and raised once the run begins. played to cheer on other run- While many students slept $5,400. Heritage is the top fund- “I particularly love the color ners/walkers. Overall, the events in, National Honors Society and raising school for the fourth year run, because in my opinion, it’s shared three things in com- Make a Wish members were up in a row. the most fun part of the [I Care mon: AHS club early to walk/run for various NHS attended the “I Care I I Cure] event...participating members, impor- causes. Make-a-Wish club mem- Cure” color run last year for the with your friends makes it even tant charities, bers participated Feb. 6 in the first time. NHS got involved with more enjoyable. The best part, and fun. “Walk for Wishes” to raise money I Care I Cure because Ameri- though, is that such a large to grant wishes for childhood can Heritage graduate, Spencer number of people gather to- cancer patients. Krimsky, has family involved in gether to have fun, but simul- National Honor Society (NHS) the organization. taneously raise money for an members walked in the color run “We continued participating amazing cause,” at Nova Southeastern University this year because NHS appreci- Joykutty said. features Kuecks) (Photo/Carrie for I Care I Cure, an organization ates and recognizes the value Partici- which raises money to conduct Guests give advice at Life of the cause that I Care I Cure pants of the pediatric cancer research. is trying to promote,” president runs/walks in Action meetings Make-a-Wish club members of National Honor Society, Zara received Many students do not know walked in the seventh annual Joykutty, said. Participants of cheers upon how to write a check or man- “Walk for Wishes” at Markham the run are given a pack of color completion age their own finances. A new club on campus, Life in Ac- tion, has been hosting guest speakers to teach students Students showcase skills at annual talent show these necessary life skills. Last Vanessa Ryals | Online Editor-in-Chief senior Tiffany Pages-Sanchez Herzbrun took the stage to be- the only student to perform a meeting, nutritionist Toby [email protected] and senior class president Cami- gin the night with her clogging surprise piece (though only his Bass, pictured above, taught la Ayala introduced the 14 acts, solo. Seniors Lorena Sanchez, first song, “Pride and Joy” by students the importance of From singers and guitar-play- with contestants vying for a top Ava Loomar and Jeremy Ram- Stevie Ray Vaughan, was used healthy eating. ers to pianists and cloggers, the prize of $100. anathan took the stage next to for judging). See C11. second annual Student Govern- Parents, teachers and stu- sing and play guitar to “Hotel “I performed last year, too, ment Association (SGA) Student dents alike filled the prosce- California” by the Eagles. Follow- and it was awesome,” Thorn- sports Talent Show featured a variety nium seats as the theater lights ing their performance was fresh- ton said. “Everybody here is so One athlete, one thousand of hidden skills on campus. dimmed at 7 p.m. Feb. 9, man Chris Chen who played the talented, and it’s cool to meet points and counting SGA co-president and senior Alyssa Exodus Theme on piano. other people who like to make Senior Drew LaMont, a The night included music and dance.” basketball player who will be 10 separate sing- Three judges, Mrs. Alexandra attending American Univer- ing acts, one of Rollins (junior high SGA adviser sity this fall, has scored more them being “Nes- and English teacher), Dr. Melissa than 1,000 career points. sun Dormaan,” an Torres (Spanish teacher and ad- Head to the Sports section to aria from Giacomo viser for First Priority and BET- learn more about LaMont and Puccini’s opera “Tu- CHA) and English teacher Mrs. his stats. randot,” performed Jessica Burns (freshman class See E23. by sophomore sponsor), sat front and center to Yasmeen Altaji. score the performers. CONTENTS Of the 28 per- “We were really looking for NEWS A3 formers, eighth creativity, originality, overall per- EDITORIAL & OPINIONS B6 grader Jacob Reese formance and audience interac- FEATURES C10 Thornton stood out tion,” Mrs. Rollins said. “At the as the only student end, it all comes down to what ENTERTAINMENT D17 FIRST PLACE FRENZY: After receiving the first place award for their a capella performance, junior Diego Vazquez-Gomez, senior Zara Joykutty, senior Ashley Stacy, senior Sofia Ubilla, senior Nicholas Matese and junior Brandon Dawson celebrate in junior high and we hear from the crowd.” SPORTS E20 together. (Photo/Vanessa Ryals) Continued on A3 IPATRIOTPOST.COM A2 PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 Seniors

Patient: Seniors, Class of 2017 Age: 17-18 Pharmacy: 12200 W. Broward Blvd. Plantation, FL 33325 Diagnosis: Senioritis Compiled by Shruti Chandra, Lauren Hutton and Elysa Goldberg Treatment: Multi-faceted approach Lauren Hutton | Co-Editor-in-Chief to support. Catch a baseball or for National Honor Society and better things to do — you prob- [email protected] lacrosse game one night; you attending one of the National ably don’t. While many of us seniors are might be surprised how enter- English Honor Society and Dead 7. Forgo Netflix and make real counting down the days until we taining they can be. Poet Society’s Open Mic Nights, memories: For those of us not yet can leave high school behind, we 3. Participate in senior ac- now is the time to get involved. struck with senioritis, winding cannot forget how many memo- tivities: Between Grad Bash Cool things are happening down with our lap- ries there are left to make. These and Prom, senior year can seem on campus all the time; tops and a good TV past four years have been chal- costly at times. However, the fi- you’re probably not doing show after a stress- lenging, but instead of wishing nal memories we make with our your homework any- ful week sounds our remaining time away, we friends before heading to differ- way, so you might as ideal. Realisti- should embrace the time we ent schools are worth more than well attend. cally, though, have left and make the most of it. money. If at all possible, make an 6. Go on trips: you will always 1. Go to school productions: effort to attend the sometimes Whether it is attend- be able to binge Whether it’s the upcoming spring cheesy senior events. Chances ing FSPA for pub- watch your fa- play “Almost Maine” or the fi- are, you won’t regret it. lications students vorite shows. You nal musical of the year “Guys 4. Appreciate South Florida: or state robotics might not always and Dolls,” go see a production Many of us are planning on leav- competitions as en- be able to hang (they’re free, after all). We have an ing the state or country come Au- gineers, make the out with your incredible theater department, gust, so make the most of South most of the organi- + best friend and if you haven’t given them a Florida. Whether it is the Perez Art zations who lives 10 chance to impress you yet, what Museum in Miami, Flamingo Gar- you be- minutes away are you waiting for? dens in Davie or the Everglades, long to. or sleepover 2. Sports games (other than we are surrounded by impressive This is your with your friend group football) can be fun: Most of us urban and natural sights. Go see last opportunity to spend the of four years. It might sound ex- have attended at least one foot- them — who knows when you’ll night in a hotel room with your hausting, but spend every wak- ball game — even if it was only have another chance to? closest friends at an event tailored ing moment with your friends if the state championship — but 5. Attend club events: Between to your specific passions. Don’t you want to capitalize on these we have numerous other teams participating in the color run pass that up because you have final moments together. Pros and cons of senior year: Home remedies Shruti Chandra | Staff Writer “Keep things in perspective. There are not very [email protected] many days left to be a senior. There are great friends and wonderful things left to do in high school. The good The bad When it’s over, it’s over. College can wait. Enjoy the You’re almost done: You’re in the final It’s so expensive: College applications can stretch of the high school marathon, and cost up to $200 each, depending on where moment now.” that adds a sense of positivity and light- you’re applying and through what medium. - Ms. Deidra Lovegren Sending SAT scores, traveling to visit col- ness to the whole year. “Take advantage and go to the senior activities such There are so many activities: From leges and the sheer amount of time are all Grad Bash and Prom to the Senior Carni- large investments associated with simply as movie night and Grad Bash. Go to the senior activ- val and the Senior Picnic, there’s no end applying to college. Your other senior ex- ity planning meetings and be an active member of to the school activities we get to enjoy penses include a $200 Grad Bash expense, your class. I have plenty of graduates who come back purely because we made it this far. $250 every time you attend an out-of-town and wish they participated, so live in the moment field trip, $30 per person attending your se- There’s less pressure: Once you’ve got- now. Do not wish your time left in high school away.” ten into a college, there is a sense of re- nior dinner and a variety of prom expenses. assurance associated with knowing that Getting rejected is awful: The sense of - Mrs. Krisynda Cicos you have a future. College decisions inadequacy associated with being reject- “You are at the end of the race and you should not ed from a school - whether it’s your top ease you out of the need to have impec- give up. I have seen kids have their admission offers cable grades and be the best of the best choice or your last choice - is incomparable. and you no longer push yourself to the Feeling like the last four years of your life rescinded or put on probation for freshman year. breaking point. were a waste because you don’t get to go Also, try to enjoy your last days of high school and do You’re the oldest: You run the school. where you have dreamed of going eats you not be in such a rush to have it end.” Underclassmen will constantly run to up inside. - High School Principal Mrs. Elise Blum you for advice. You and your friends are Teachers hate you: Even if you are the most most likely the presidents of all the clubs outstanding student, your teachers believe “Spend time with your friends and participate in all on campus, and you get to go off cam- the senioritis disease is inevitable. They as- of the school activities available while you can. Once pus for your independent periods and sign copious amounts of work in an attempt high school is over, you can’t come back and do it lunch time. It never hurts to be at the top. to prevent the onset of senioritis before it occurs. You’re not done just yet, no matter over again.” how relaxed senior year might seem. - Ms. Jessica Miliffe Types of patients Name: Jackson Blitz Name: Chelsea Sinclair Name: Ramya Reddy Status: Already accepted Status: The reminiscer Status: The nervous wreck “I don’t care enough to answer this,” “I want us all to remember each other “I just freak about everything; that’s senior Jackson Blitz, who received in a good way during our last semester just who I am,” senior Ramya Reddy an Early Action acceptance from of high school,” senior Chelsea Sinclair, said while contemplating future life Princeton University, said. who began planning the class of 2017’s choices and college decisions. 20-year reunion in the middle of her AP Psychology class back in December, said. (Graphics/Katherine Quesada) IPATRIOTPOST.COM PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 A3 EditorialsNews & Opinions B6Teacher strives for son’s cure Last year, literature teacher Ms. Jennifer Estevez’s son was diagnosed with MPS II, a rare genetic disease that often proves fatal for those afflicted before they graduate high school. Since then, she has worked to raise money for a cure. Skylar Britton | Opinion Editor so I brought it up to the doctor. [email protected] The geneticist said that because he was just a baby, the fuzz was The typical 3-year-old goes precedented,” Ms. Estevez said. through the daily routine of eat- Also, the doctor felt he was devel- ing, playing and learning. The oping too ‘typically’ to be affect- toddler topples out of bed and ed by a serious genetic disease. begs for chocolate for breakfast, However, when Sebastian then pitches a fit about getting was about 2.5, genetic testing in the car to go to preschool. confirmed that he actually did He would hug his mother have Hunter Syndrome, or MPS II. or father goodbye as they According to Mayo Clinic, walk through the school Hunter Syndrome, or mu- gate for a day filled with copolysaccharidosis II (MPS ABC’s, rectangles and recess. II), is a rare genetic disorder A few hours later, he runs caused by a missing enzyme. through the school gates and Most children diagnosed with launches into his mother or fa- Hunter Syndrome do not ther’s car for a day filled with live past their teenage years. more games and diversions. “I felt hopeless because For Sebastian Estevez, how- there is no cure. We basically ever, his toddler routine sees just knew that we were going the inside of hospital walls at to have to watch our beautiful, least once a week, which is smart, perfect child completely more frequently than most deteriorate in front of our eyes. adults do in their lifetime. ‘I feel like we’re grieving Ms. Jennifer Estevez, eighth a life that is not gone yet. He grade literature teacher, gave still has so much life ahead birth to her son, Sebastian Es- of him even if his life is cut tevez, Nov. 17, 2013. When he very short,” Ms. Estevez said. was six months old, he was di- “He’s still very young, and we agnosed with hydrocephalus, should be looking forward to en- which is a buildup of fluids in joying things with him but there the brain, but this did not stop is always something in the back him from developing into the of my mind that says ‘Today is strong-willed child he is today. one last day we have with him.’” “He knows what he wants. There may be hope. The Na- He’s really smart, hilarious, tionwide Children’s Hospital in and very feisty. He and his Ohio has recently begun con- 8-year-old brother, Omar, love ducting human trials for a treat- each other to death and when ment for Sanfilippo Syndrome they are apart, they want to (MPS III), a related disorder. be together,” Ms. Estevez said. Thus far, the trials have been As Sebastian grew, Ms. Es- successful. But, the project tevez started noticing subtle will cost $2.5 million. Project differences between Sebastian Alive, a nonprofit dedicated to and the other children his age. finding and funding a cure for TOP: Ms. Estevez and her son Sebastian play at the park. Due to his condition, Sebastian cannot exert the same amount of energy as other 3 year olds. Whenever Sebastian got a cold, Hunter Syndrome, is attempt- LEFT: Sebastian’s father lifts him so he can dunk the ball into the basketball hoop. “Whenever Sebastian is running with his friends, he physically can’t keep his sickness would linger longer ing to raise the $2.5 million. up with their speed. His little body tries so hard but just can’t make it there,” Ms. Estevez said. than it would in a normal child. “Our community has worked RIGHT: Sebastian and his family spend a day at the beach. He is very close with his brother, Omar, despite having to spend much time apart. (Photos/Nicole Mariutto) When he would get healthy really hard on legislating for the again, Sebastian would contract 21st Century Cures Act, which all just donations for the cure. of April, the morning announce- I find new dreams, goals and another cold immediately. Ms. was passed a couple months ago, Because the MPS III doctors ments will play a different hopes. At this point, my biggest Estevez took to Google to re- not for just MPS but for the rare already conducted human tri- video each day informing stu- hope is simply that Sebastian will search his conditions and possi- disease community in general. als, they know exactly how dents about Hunter Syndrome. survive Hunter Syndrome. That bly find solutions to his problems. “That was really big for us. much it costs,” Ms. Estevez said. “Hunter Syndrome changed is enough for now,” Estevez said. “The one thing I was worried Now, we are looking to raise Ms. Estevez, other teachers everything. I find myself recali- Find out more about Proj- about was that he had fuzzy hair a lot of money. There are no and students are bringing fund- brating my perspective and my ect Alive: projectalive.com on his back. Children with Hunt- pharmaceutical companies raising to Heritage to reach the expectations so that I do not Find out more about Sebas- er Syndrome have excess hair, behind this, so basically it is $2.5 million goal. The first week completely fall into despair. So tian Estevez: savesebastian.com

Talent show “It’s always extremely chal- “It definitely was a success,” lenging [to judge] because Sanchez said. “There were lots of Continued from A1 all of the students are ex- great performers and acts which tremely talented,” Torres said. was exciting, and we raised Though senior Vivian Liu’s “Two groups scored the same, about $900 for Out of the Dark- performance of “Million Rea- but they wouldn’t allow us ness, an organization that pro- sons” by Lady Gaga roused to have a tie for third place.” motes suicide awareness.” the crowd to use its phones as In the end, it was the elev- SGA is responsible for plan- flashlights in the audience, in en members of A Capella and ning many events such as Home- the end only Thornton, A Ca- Company who brought home coming, the freshman mixer and pella and Company and sopho- the first place title and $100 open forums with administra- mores Eduardo Giralt, Thomas check. Second place went to tors. For those interested in join- Lovegren and Maxwell Mahan, Thornton, and third went to ing, meetings are held every DRUMMING ACT: Freshman Jason Verebay performed a drum cover of the song “Burnout” by Green were called to center stage. Giralt, Lovegren and Mahan. other Thursday in room 7104. Day. Verebay’s was just one of fifteen performances, from clogging to piano. (Photo/Vanessa Ryals) IPATRIOTPOST.COM A4 PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 News Together we stand Progressive Generation hosts its annual Black History Month assembly to Asa’s Analysis educate students on the nuances of minority relations in the United States. Lauren Hutton | Co-Editor-in-Chief for Dance Ensemble, sophomore to recognize their privilege and going to label me and they’re BY ASA ZARETSKY [email protected] Sarah Dickey for the Gay-Straight speak up for those less fortu- going to try to put me in a box, Alliance, freshman Aitana nate. The assembly covered but ultimately I am the only per- Will Trump be removed Entering after a powerful per- Hidalgo for the Hispanic com- more than black issues. Dickey son who can define who I am,” from office? formance by the Patriot Dancers munity and sophomore Jordyn commented on how the Civil Dickey said. Over the past few months, honoring black culture, a panel Allen and senior Nikoya Beck- Rights movement gave way to As the assembly came to some people have claimed of minority students spread light ford for Progressive Generation. LGBTQA* movements and how a close, interested students that President Trump will be on issues facing their respec- The discussion covered using the word “gay” as an insult were invited to attend Progres- impeached, a process which tive communities in front of the a variety of issues, including should not be condoned. sive Generation meetings on removes the president from senior class. social justice for oppressed Hidalgo also stressed the im- Wednesdays and Thursdays office, during his term. A vari- For the fourth year in a row, persons, identity issues and portance of normalizing immi- during lunch in Mrs. Audrey ety of reasons have been sug- the Progressive Generation club feminist perspectives. grants and the value that comes Spicer’s room (3217). gested, such as his alleged hosted an assembly in honor of Washington led the discus- from embracing one’s identity Washington said she wished collaboration with Russia and Black History Month that strived sion, and a list of relevant defini- regardless of appearance or eth- there had been more time to his refusal to divest himself to raise awareness for the diffi- tions for terms such as “racism” nicity.The floor was then opened discuss the issues at hand, but from his business conflicts of culties minorities face. and “gender discrimination” up to the audience to ask the that ultimately she felt the goal interest. However, despite the Seniors Jaida Scott and were projected on a screen panel questions. “to start dialogue regarding controversy that the Trump Kai-Leon Herbert began by in- above the Mainstage to better One question came from se- Black History and social justice” administration has embroiled troducing the dancers and the students’ understanding of the nior Dhimani Charles-Harris who was achieved. “Just because itself in since day one, it’s executive board, including mod- issues at hand. asked, “Why am I not allowed to you aren’t black doesn’t mean unlikely for Trump to be im- erator and President Kamryn The conversation began be accepted as being black?” re- you can’t stand up for the Black peached even if he does com- Washington and Vice President with the topic of discrimination garding the difficulties of being Lives Matter movement, or just mit a crime. Jordyn Allen. where neutrality was criticized, mixed-race. The panel respond- because you’re not a woman The main argument that After the dance performance and students were encouraged ed by expressing the importance doesn’t mean you can’t support impeachment proponents and a brief introduction, a panel to actively aid in the movement of self-identification regardless the Women’s March,” Allen said have put forward is an in- of student speakers came on for equality. of the unwanted labels often at one point, summarizing the vestigation uncovering col- stage, representing several orga- Bowers said, “When you’re given to individuals by others. idea that students of all back- laboration between Russia nizations: senior Mariah Bowers accustomed to privilege, equal- “What I’ve learned from being a grounds need to come together and Trump to undermine for Girl Up, junior Chloe Brown for ity seems like oppression,” and queer woman is that people are to “build ladders, not walls” in or- the election. Tikkun Olam, junior Tianna Davis encouraged audience members going to define me and they’re der to achieve true progress. The problem with this is that even if believable evi- dence is found, many of the Students discuss people in charge of the in- vestigation will either be Republicans committed to the refugee ban re-election or officials person- Asa Zaretsky | Political Correspondent I will be disappointed,“ Sharifi ally appointed by Trump. This [email protected] said. One thing that both stu- makes it unlikely for such evi- dents agree on: the ban has not dence to see the light of day Much controversy has made America safer. as jobs are on the line. This erupted in the past month af- “It is not fair to disenfranchise reluctance is strengthened ter President Trump issued an and generalize an entire country especially when it comes to executive order barring the based on the actions of a few. conflict of interest accusa- entry of people from seven ma- Also, in the 21st century, there tions, as fewer Republicans jority Muslim countries: Syria, have not been any major Iranian such as Sen. John McCain Iraq, Iran, Libya, Yemen, Sudan terrorist attacks on American and Sen. Lindsey Graham, and Somalia. soil. I do not think that the ban who oppose Trump, are on The stated purpose of the has had any effect on the United the relevant committee that order was to stop terrorists States, other than undermining would investigate. from getting inside the United the reputation of the United If evidence of a crime States and committing attacks. States as a free nation,” Sharifi does come out, conventional However, the ban has been said. Barazi echoed his concern. thought would lend toward met with immense opposition, “There have been no attacks articles of impeachment be- with protests across the na- on U.S. soil from any of those ing introduced. However, tion and numerous court chal- countries. However, countries with a Republican dominated lenges that could render the like Saudi Arabia, which the U.S. is congress, and one that has order unconstitutional. strong allies with, has had its citi- a considerable number of This executive order has af- zens involved in terrorist attacks.” members tightly loyal to the fected thousands of Americans The concerns of Barazi and president, it may not pass if across the country, as well as Sharifi are very similar, that in- pressure from the leadership Heritage students. Sopho- dividuals from these countries of Speaker Paul Ryan and mores Mayyar Barazi and Isa- rarely, if ever, commit acts of Senate Majority Leader Mitch bella Sharifi, both American terrorism, and that this ban dis- McConnell is not applied. citizens, are affected by the or- criminates against many inno- With almost all large me- der because of their families, as cent people. For this discrimi- dia outlets discredited in the some of their family members nating intent, especially against minds of many Republicans, it still live in these countries. Muslims, is why the Ninth Dis- would be difficult for investi- Barazi, whose family is origi- trict Court of Appeals held up gators to convince them that nally from Syria, lives in Amer- the freeze of the ban earlier in an impeachment trial would ica, but his aunt, who lives in the month. be supported by enough evi- Syria and holds a U.S. green This freeze has landed the dence. These lawmakers also card, was in the United States ban in legal limbo, and while realize that if they are seen when the ban came into effect. the Trump administration is by the Republican base as Sharifi’s family, from Iran, is also considering whether to rewrite “betraying” Trump, these Re- affected, she said. the order to be more acceptable publicans could vote against “My cousin is having a wed- for the court or to appeal to the incumbent lawmakers in the ding in May, and I am very Supreme Court, it is not in effect primaries in 2018 and 2020. A DIVERSE DISCUSSION: (Top) Progressive Generation President Kamryn Washington asks the panel concerned that the ban will for now, and likely for the imme- It is this loyalty to the Pres- questions such as “What does Black History Month mean to you?” to prompt discussion about minority not be lifted by then. If this diate future, as the various advi- ident and fear of voters which issues and discrimination. (Bottom) The student panel members, Bowers, Brown, Davis, Dickey, happens, the majority of my sors of the president work it out makes a Congressional act of Hidalgo, Allen and Beckford from right to left, address questions on issues such as race, gender and family members will not be and the administration deals identity in front of the senior class. (Photos/Lauren Hutton) rebellion unlikely. able to attend her wedding. allegations from other areas. IPATRIOTPOST.COM PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 A5 News News Brief Elysa Goldberg | Centerspread Editor Lit fair showcases writers [email protected] Katherine Quesada | One-Pager Editor School-level, first-place win- [email protected] 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place Shakespearean Monologue ners not only advance to the dis- Cinquain Nicole Newton Rachel Glaser Paul Mamonov Competition Heritage hosted its annual trict level but most also have their Ekphrastic Lexie Chong Lexie Chong Valentina Eusse For the first time, students literary fair for Upper School stu- work published in the AHS literary will participate in the Shake- Free Verse Olivia Lloyd Aarohi Talati Joyce Jiang dents and winning pieces were magazine, Expressions, and re- spearean Monologue Compe- displayed in the library Feb. 13- ceive a $20 Amazon gift card. Stu- Haiku Chloe Grabow Ethan Glassman Chloe Grabow tition. The school competition 17. Winning the school-based dents had to submit their entries Ode Jana Kelly Olivia Lloyd Natalie Perez will take place Feb. 28 from competition is a prerequisite to earlier this year to be evaluated by Poem for Two Voices Felix Romier Katherina Kushnarova Nikolay Vasilyev 3:15-6:30 p.m. in the main advance to the Broward County a panel of Heritage judges. Parody Poem Jana Kelly Jessica Wu theater. Contestants will re- Literary Fair. To the right is a chart of who Alexander DeLaTour Rhymed Verse Gabrielle Lawson Olivia Lloyd Alexander Yan cite no more than 20 lines of “Students can submit literary placed at the school level, and Shakespearean monologue, Sestina Daniela Velez Angela Lin June Dong pieces, including stories, poems winners will now advance to and the student who wins the or essays to be judged by Heri- the district literary fair, where Shrinklit Viviana Wei N/A N/A school-level competition will tage faculty and administration,” judging will take place April 8 Sonnet Chloe Brown Janese Lopez Jacob Mass move on to the next round in literary magazine editor-in-chief and winners will be announced Spoken Word Fort Lauderdale. If he or she Gabriela Coutinho Olivia Lloyd N/A Stella Ikpatt said. April 15. Performance wins that round, he or she will Villanelle Jana Kelly Daniil Tourashev Sean Robins move on to the final round in Children’s Book Sabrina Lin N/A N/A New York. New in the library: Formal Essay Zihan Kabir David Min Mikhal Ben-Joseph Informal Essay Daniel Jaen Olivia Lloyd Adrianne Morales Boca/Delray Campus Myth Joshua Gerstenfeld Arturo Gonzalez Min-Ju Kang College Fair Mrs. Leah Bonneau Parody Prose Lauren Waldman N/A N/A Due to the college fair be- Lauren Quintela | Co-Editor-in-Chief What is your role? What do Personal Narrative Emily Irigoyen Eduardo Massud Natalia Ulloa ing cancelled in October be- [email protected] you do every day? Satirical Cartoon Sophia Viner Kamryn Washington Mohamad Adada cause of Hurricane Matthew, many students attended the There is a new face at Heri- “I assist with whatever they Scene Writing Jaclyn Siu Ariann Barker Gabriela Coutinho tage. The library’s latest addi- [the library staff] need: helping college fair at the Boca/Del- Emily Namm Nithya Kasarla Lauren Hutton tion, Mrs. Leah Bonneau, works kids with iPads, NoodleTools Short Story ray Heritage campus Feb. 27. alongside coach Brandt Moser, and cataloging books. They Sophomores and juniors who Mrs. Kristina Siegel and Dr. Mee- have a ton of donations, so I’m attended took a bus from ta Sharma. This is her first posi- cataloging books in the sys- Next year’s new classes: the Plantation campus to the tion at Heritage, and she has tem, labeling them and getting Boca/Delray campus for the been working since Jan. 9. We them on the shelves.” fair. The college fair featured spoke to Mrs. Bonneau to find AP Histories and CompSci numerous colleges from all over the nation. out how she earned her posi- Describe the process of Andrew Kolondra Jr. | Co-Assistant Editor Prerequisites: the previous tion and what it’s like to be both training for the position. [email protected] year’s AP history course, concur- a mom and a library employee. “It’s a lot. Even [learning Come the 2017-2018 school rent enrollment in Honors Eng- Piano Competition to] download this system they year, Heritage will offer a num- lish or higher. Grades: 10, 11, 12. Honors Piano students par- How did you find out about have, which is a little machine, ber of new classes, many of ticipated in the Florida Band the position? How did you end was three pages of instructions. them at the AP level. However, AP Computer Science Association’s Solo and En- up where you are now? Coach Moser trains me on how these classes could be cancelled Principles: Computer science semble District Competition “I have three kids here, so I to keep the kids in line — he’s if not enough students sign department head Mrs. Marisa at Marjory Stoneman Douglas was trying to see if they need- good at that. Mrs. Siegel has up for them. Here’s what you Behar will teach this class that High School Feb. 18. Students ed any help at the school. Dr. been teaching me about iPads. should know about these four instructs students in creative as- have been practicing their [Doug] Laurie interviewed me Dr. Sharma has been teaching new classes: pects of programming, abstrac- pieces since the start of the and said that the library needed me more of the computer work. tions, algorithms, large data sets, school year in hopes of receiv- a position, so I met with Coach It’s a little bit of everybody AP Art History: Taught by the Internet, cybersecurity con- ing superiors in the district Moser and Mrs. Siegel.” [helping out].” current American History teach- cerns and computing impacts. level and moving on to the er Mrs. Kimberly Hughes, AP Art Students will be given the op- state level later this year. The How old are your kids? What has been the most History explores art’s uses and portunity to address real-world results of the competition will What’s it like to have your difficult part of the adjust- meanings throughout time. problems and find solutions us- be released in March. children attend Heritage now ment to your new job? What Students will investigate artis- ing technology. that you work here? is your favorite thing about tic traditions from prehistory “I’m very excited to teach “Shanley is in sixth grade what you do? to the present, understand art this class as it is intended to give MathCounts Competition “The most difficult part is and she’s 12, Tanner is in ninth from a global perspective, en- exposure to computer science The junior high math team, being strict with the kids and grade and he’s 14, and Chase gage with a variety of art forms, to non-computer science stu- led by math teacher Mrs. Nora having to keep them in line, is in 11th grade and he’s 17. It’s compare and contrast works dents,” Mrs. Behar said. Demosthenes, competed in but I like the people that I work nice. [Shanley] doesn’t get to and apply skills of visual and Prerequisites: an A- or higher the Broward County Math- with. That’s probably my favor- come here [the library] since contextual analysis. in Algebra II Advanced or Hon- Counts Competition. Five of ite thing. I love everybody here. she’s in Lower School, but I get “I’m hoping a few field trips ors. Grades: 10, 11, 12. the students placed within the I wouldn’t mind helping with to see Tanner in some classes will be approved so we can ex- top 10: that Mrs. Siegel has been teach- other things if they need me, amine works of art in person,” Sports Broadcast and Pro- but I like the library a lot.” ing, and my older one stops by Mrs. Hughes said. “I really do duction Honors: WAHS morn- Iris Lang - Third place and sees me sometimes.” love this course.” ing show adviser Mrs. Maria Mo- Anisa Haffizulla - Fifth place Prerequisites: any AP class, lina will teach this field-based Gauri Kasarla - Sixth place concurrent enrollment in Honors learning class in which students Pierre Younes - Eighth place English or higher. Grades: 11, 12. will work with AHS athletics Nicolas Fernandez-Baigun to broadcast sports. Students - Ninth place AP European History: Mrs. will produce live-stream sports Marjorie Milam, who also teach- broadcasts at games, implement es AP World History and AP U.S. web casting and on-demand In- County Science Fair at the History, could bring back this ternet audio, assist with play-by- Broward Mall class that many students miss. play, color analysis and sideline Several students partici- AP Euro has been offered in the reports and produce an on-site pated in the Broward County past but was cancelled for the studio show with pregame, half- Science Fair Feb. 13. Project 2016-2017 year as not enough time and postgame segments. subjects ranged from biol- students enrolled in it (see “AP Prerequisites: Multimedia/Pro- ogy to chemistry. Twelve stu- Euro matters” from our Sep- duction Honors. Grades: 11, 12. dents placed first, one stu- tember 2016 issue). The class dent placed second, three strives to integrate political, Additionally: Two new ju- students placed third, three economic, social, religious, in- nior high computer science elec- students placed fourth and tellectual, cultural and military tives will be offered. Sociology one student placed fifth. The A NEW FACE BEHIND THE DESK: Mrs. Leah Bonneau can be found in the library from 9 a.m. until aspects of Western civilization will be offered on the college 12 students who came in 5:30 p.m. every day. The book she is holding, Mary Hoffman’s “City of Flowers,” is among the hun- into a complex understanding prep and honors levels, but de- first place will advance to the dreds of books Mrs. Bonneau is helping categorize. (Photo/Lauren Quintela) of its foundations and history. tails are not yet confirmed. state competition. IPATRIOTPOST.COM B6 PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 EDITORIALS & OPINIONS Please do not refuse refugees Zihan Kabir | News Editor and the ability to raise one’s [email protected] children in a country not torn Just a few days after his in- apart by war should not be auguration, President Donald unique to those who are lucky Trump signed into action a con- enough to already live in the U.S. troversial executive order, large- If we value our morals and ly perceived as a “Muslim ban,” are truly “the land of the free,” invoking backlash from pro- we must give refugees the op- testers throughout the nation. portunity to create a better life. As well as blocking immi- Contrary to what Trump gration from seven Muslim- seems to believe, refugees from majority countries, the order Syria or elsewhere are not ISIS- pauses the resettlement of trained operatives seeking to refugees indefinitely. Trump destroy the West from within. caps the total number of refu- Not one individual has been gees to be admitted to the U.S. killed by a refugee on American in 2017 at 50,000, claiming any soil in the past four decades. more “would be detrimental Rather, every ISIS-related ter- to the interests of the United ror attack after 9/11 has been States,” but it is likely, given his the work of American citizens recent rhetoric, that the actual self-radicalized on the Internet. statistic will be much lower. The refugees Trump wants In contrast, the Obama ad- to prevent from entering the ministration planned to allow U.S. are the victims of ter- ESCAPE FOR FREEDOM: A woman and her three daughters from the Yazidi sect flee from their homes to escape the brunt of ISIS. People 110,000 refugees into the U.S. ror, not the perpetrators. walked to the Syrian border near the town of Elierbeh to be accepted for refuge. (Photo/Newsweek) throughout the year. The ban “The Boston Globe” found applies not only to refugees that three quarters of Syr- the U.S. to welcome those flee- of men, women and children the future is not one of toler- from Syria, but also to those ian refugees settled in the ing from war and persecution. seeking a better life as “poten- ance and concern for the hu- from other countries, such as U.S. are women and children. Now more than ever, when tial terrorists” is more than just manitarian problems of our age, the thousands escaping reli- These are the victims of the world is facing the worst ignorant—it’s dangerous, both but one of fear and division. gious and ethnic persecution Trump’s ban, not the “terror- humanitarian crisis since World for the individuals affected and Denying refugees is a be- from countries including the ists” he claims to be stopping. War II, it is our responsibility for the reputation of the U.S. trayal of not only our past as a Democratic Republic of the Historically, it has been the re- to aid those in need. To blindly as a leader in the international nation of immigrants, but also Congo and Myanmar. Freedom sponsibility of countries such as lump together the millions community. Trump’s vision for of the values we cherish today. Beware of fraternity risks Boycotting for a Lauren Hutton | Co-Editor-in-Chief Additionally, as a member side, sorority members are more [email protected] of a fraternity, you are statisti- likely to be the victim of assault Whether their time in high cally more likely to abuse pre- when compared to women not better, safer world school is coming to a close in scription pills such as Adderall, involved in Greek life. Ultimately, Alec Chao | Staff Writer practices. As a method of protest, a couple of months or a few Ritalin or Dexedrine and more members of these organizations [email protected] it is extremely popular. Accord- short years, most students likely to commit rape. Obvi- are more likely to experience As citizens of the United ing to British consumer activist look forward to a more ex- ously, this does not mean join- poor test performance, alcohol- States, we possess the inher- magazine “Ethical Consumer,” pansive social life in college. ing a fraternity will turn you related injuries, assault, prop- ent right to “petition [our] gov- there are currently 51 ongoing Currently, more than nine mil- into a sexual offender or drug erty damage and sexual assault ernment for a redress of griev- boycotts against various com- lion students are a part of a Greek addict, but the atmosphere during their time at college. ances,” as stated in the Petition panies and organizations, from organization in college, and with and social pressures often ap- Perhaps most unsettling is Clause of the First Amend- Adidas to Hermés to Amazon. newfound independence and parent at Greek gatherings can the continued practice of haz- ment to the Constitution. There is no doubt of a boy- often increased free time, many alter your outlook. On the flip ing. While hazing is banned in This right is extended to pri- cott’s efficacy — I point to the incoming freshmen are likely 44 states, many Greek organi- vate corporations as well. One 1990 boycott against Nike for to add to this number and par- zations discreetly continue the individual cannot change corpo- their alleged use of sweatshops take in the process of rushing. practice. Whether it is through rate culture alone, yet in a soci- for product manufacturing Students involved in fra- Hell Week (a week in which ety where profits define success — but its worth is dependent ternities and sororities have a new members are forced to and money is everything, the on its organizers’ dedication. 20 percent higher chance of endure exhausting and hu- change in our pockets means A boycott cannot sustain itself graduating college and form miliating physical activities in a lot more than one may think. on purchase abstention alone. 85 percent of current Fortune order to join), forced extreme The act of a boycott — an While “voting with one’s wallet” 500 executives — but is Greek alcohol consumption or physi- abstention from the pur- can effectively cut into a corpo- life all it’s cracked up to be? cal abuse, hazing rituals have chase or use of goods or ser- ration’s short-term profit mar- Greek organizations strive resulted in a death on a college vices — serves a much great- gins, any boycott of protracted to form tight-knit groups of campus every year since 1970. er purpose than one may length will simply be unable to individuals who are taught A group of supposed friends believe, even against the larg- compete with every other con- leadership skills and form end- shouldn’t spend their time hu- est corporations in the world. sumer’s continued patronage. less connections through a miliating or abusing you for In a historical sense, boycotts A 2003 American boycott of sprawling alumni network. weeks on end in order for you have been used as an effective French-made wines is apropos However, despite these to gain the pleasure of their form of protest against tyranny of this reality — while the initial good intentions, many fraterni- company, and no social group and discrimination. The Ameri- stages of the boycott resulted ties and sororities have prov- is worth risking your life for. can colonial boycott of British in a 26 percent drop in sales, en themselves undesirable. Despite all this, you have to tea, the Montgomery Bus Boy- French wine sales rebounded Partying, and more con- make the choice that’s right for cott and the Jewish-American within six months, according to cerningly, binge-drinking is you. Every fraternity and soror- boycott against German-made Larry Chavis, professor of entre- often seen as a way of life for ity is different and varies de- goods during World War II: all preneurship at UNC Chapel Hill. members. According to the pending on what college you incidences of abstention from To boycott is to stand firmly U.S. Department of Educa- attend. If you want to join for purchasing goods from which behind the belief that consumer tion’s Higher Education Center, all the right reasons and plan profits would directly support belief is reciprocal, that the prod- 75 percent of fraternity mem- to spend your time with close oppression or malevolence. ucts we buy must be backed bers engage in heavy drink- friends, contribute to philan- The purpose of a boycott in by ethical practices. Protest is ing, compared with 49 per- thropic causes and improve our modern era is very much neither inane nor ineffective. cent of other male students. leadership skills, Greek life could the same, but the target is sim- Yet, one must remember These habits do not just per- better your college experience, ply different: corporations are that to make a difference, one tain to men, either, as 62 percent but be aware of the potential frequently targets of boycotts must be willing to advocate of sorority members engage in drawbacks before you commit for espousing political beliefs for his or her cause with con- binge-drinking versus 41 per- yourself to an organization that contrary to those of their con- stancy and fervor. Only then cent of non-sorority members. (Graphic/Skylar Britton) could put you or others at risk. sumers or for unethical business will a boycott be truly effective. IPATRIOTPOST.COM PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 D17B7 Editorials & Opinions Concerts aren’t worth it Why spend a huge amount of money favorite songs as many times as Even worse, depending on you want, whenever you want, the artist hosting the concert, to get pushed around by an obnoxious wherever you want. At a con- you may find yourself trapped cert, you hear each song once, in a crowd of loud, sweaty and The crowd and listen to below-average and that’s it. rude people who have no con- liberal snowflake Furthermore, the majority of cern for those around them. BY VANESSA RYALS renditions of your favorite songs? the time, the recorded versions You may get pushed around, Andrew Kolondra Jr. | Co- Assistant Editor streaming service or purchasing of artists’ songs sound much cussed out or even shoved to An introduction [email protected] the music on iTunes. According better than the live versions, the ground if you’re not careful. My softball career ended the Too many times I open In- to Statista, the average ticket and sometimes the concert Why spend money for that? day I refused to wear a cage on stagram to find my feed filled to a tour concert in 2016 cost crowd around you is so loud While I understand that my helmet. Two games into the with photos and videos from a $80.66, and many tickets cost that you can’t even hear the some people attend concerts to season, I took a ball to the face. I popular band, singer or rapper’s much more, some weighing in performer(s) singing over the see their favorite bands or art- walked off the field that day with concert the night before. While at upwards of $200. Compare crowd’s screams – even if you’re ists in person, and some even a swollen and bruised eye while every day millions of people this to Spotify Premium (the in the first row. pay extra for the meet-and- my parents – and coach – stood flock to concerts all around the ad-free version of the normally- If you pull out your ear- greets many concerts offer, it by the dugout laughing. I was world, I’ve never understood free Spotify), YouTube Red and buds and kick back at home to doesn’t make sense to spend not raised in bubble wrap. I was their appeal. Apple Music, which all cost $10 listen to that hot new album all that extra money with such never greeted with bandages First off, you’ll end up spend- a month. The average iTunes al- you just downloaded, you’re a large chance that you won’t or hugs each time I fell off my ing much more money attend- bum costs just $10 as well. guaranteed to hear every even enjoy yourself. Concerts bicycle. I was raised in an envi- ing concerts regularly than With any of these streaming word of every song with great just aren’t worth it. ronment which, logically, should simply subscribing to a music services, you can listen to your sound quality. (Graphics/Andrew Kolondra Jr.) teach most kids to be tough. For me, it had the opposite effect. When the final Electoral votes were tallied around 2 a.m. Nov. ...but pop quizzes really are 9, and Donald Trump was an- nounced President-elect, I cried No matter how much you may hate them, pop quizzes have been proven to help so much I couldn’t go to school the next day. I am what the alt- students succeed in their studies. Take advantage of them to bring up your grades. right has deemed a “snowflake.” Alex Becker | Staff Writer Studies by the University of cramming the night before an remember information. Pop According to Merriam-Web- [email protected] California show that when stu- exam and staying up for hours quizzes allow them to see which ster, “snowflake” originated in the You walk dents know on end, students will already of their tricks work and which 1860s as an insult for those who to class, as- that there is have the knowledge they need don’t, allowing them a chance to opposed abolition, but in today's suming that a probabil- to pass the test. revise the ineffective ones and world someone who claims the it will be a ity of a pop In fact, Morehouse College recall more material. Confederate flag is “heritage, not normal day. quiz, they finds that 83 percent of students Pop quizzes help students hate” is more likely to be the one You think pay more say pop quizzes motivate them find the best way to learn and calling someone else a snow- that at worst attention to do well and pay attention remember what they learned flake. Even more ironically, those you will have in class. in class. in class. That is why Morehouse who relish in calling liberals to do a work- Instead of Pop quizzes lead to more College states that 70 percent of “snowflakes” have been deeply sheet for a long-term learning rather than students received better grades offended by a "Hamilton" show, grade, but as short-term memorization, quick- in classes with pop quizzes rath- a "Saturday Night Live" segment, soon as you ly forgotten and crammed er than classes with none. a "Star Wars" movie and a Coca- walk through again before the Pop quizzes may seem like Cola commercial. the doors, your midterm or they only exist to hurt you, but From my experience, there teacher hands final exam. in actuality they have beneficial is not a single point liberals you a quiz. No Learning effects. If you take advantage of can make that won’t provoke two words fill over memo- pop quizzes, you will see your the “snowflake” dismissal from students with rizing is the grades increase. Trump supporters. more dread than "Pop quizzes are the Brussels key to getting Remember, not all assess- “Don’t feel safe in a public “pop quiz.” Pop quiz- sprouts of school: you may hate good grades. ments will be unannounced, restroom?” Queer snowflake. zes are the Brussels them, but they are good for you." Kent State Uni- having a few mixed in with the “Black lives matter?” Un-Amer- sprouts of school: you versity finds people bunch will help you as a student ican snowflake. “Affordable may hate them, but they are devise clues and devices in the short and long term. healthcare for all?” Socialist good for you. to help themselves retain and (Graphic/Andrew Kolondra Jr.) snowflake. “Rape jokes aren’t funny?” Triggered snowflake. “Ev- eryone deserves human rights?” ...and reading more books is, too Special snowflake. The right has to do better if Not only does reading improve your vocabulary and strengthen your brain, ad-hominem arguments are all they have to offer in defense of but it can also decrease stress and expand your view of the world around you. the racist, sexist and xenopho- Kevin Pollack | Co-Sports Editor Though it may repulse some, the more knowledgeable you Reading provides insight bic views they defended this [email protected] reading is good for the mind. It become. A study from the Uni- into other ways of life and oth- election cycle. During my beloved and is proven to keep the brain men- versity of California proved that er cultures. Expanding your If believing the LGBTQ+ com- sparse free time in junior year, I tally stimulated and improve books, even children’s books, worldview is priceless. My own munity deserves to have rights, either napped or watched Net- memory. A study by the journal introduce people to more words cultures and traditions have or that women deserve bodily flix. The stress from schoolwork “Neurology” that included almost than television, so even the sim- introduced me to one life, but autonomy, makes me a snow- often made me want to relax 300 participants who had died plest of books can go a long way reading stories of other people’s flake, then so be it. If acknowl- with something not mentally showed that those who read of- in improving one’s vocabulary. experiences is invaluable. edging the institutional racism, challenging, but with so much ten experienced slower memory You may not have loved xenophobia and bigotry that un- free time as a second-semester decline in comparison with “Othello” or “Oedipus” in English dermines our nation’s past and senior, I have realized that I those who did not. class, but picking up a present makes me a snowflake, should have been reading. Reading is also book you’re interest- then so be it. After submitting all of my one way to de- ed in can make a When Trump called women college applications in late De- crease stress: re- big difference. “nasty,” we owned it and put it cember, I was able to finally relax searchers at the on our T-shirts and protest signs. with a good book. University of Sussex It is time we own the “snowflake” Whether it’s Ta-Nehisi concluded that read- label, too. Coates’s “Between the World ing reduced stress Internet personality Jomny and Me,” Jonathan Wilson’s “An- levels more than even Sun recently tweeted, “A group gels with Dirty Faces” or Mori- listening to music or en- of snowflakes is called a blizzard; hei Ueshiba’s “The Art of Peace,” joying a cup of tea. an avalanche; a force of nature.” reading has been one thing that The more you read, If my belief in equality, empathy, I can always look forward to, of course, the more your compassion and love makes me even after a long day at school. vocabulary expands and (Graphic/Andrew Kolondra Jr.) a “snowflake” – winter is coming. IPATRIOTPOST.COM B8 PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 Editorials & Opinions Should colleges be holistic in the admissions process? The majority of American colleges use a holistic system to review applications and choose prospective students. The holistic approach to applications takes into consideration all the applicant’s attributes, which can range from service projects to grades, allowing for a stu- dent’s passions to really shine. This non-standard approach leaves room for subjectivity in the admission process, as it allows an admis- sions director to choose whether or not an applicant can bring to the school what the college needs. This subjectivity has aroused controversy, with many lawsuits, such as Fisher vs. The University of Texas at Austin, brought against Katherine Quesada | One-Pager Editor schools for denying acceptances to qualified students. However, subjectivity is not a bad aspect of the admissions process, but a funda- [email protected] mental and necessary part of building a class. The holistic process allows for equality. Admissions officers labor over thousands of applications in search of the student who has worked hard in school and can bring something unique to the college. Each student is seen as a person who can bring something to the school that it wants, such as a math whiz or soccer champion. The subjectivity of the process allows for students to shine a light on their strengths and advertise what they can bring to a college. This method allows a school to self-improve by selecting which students would make the best additions to the university. Moreover, admissions officers want to build a class of diverse thought, religion, style, culture, politics and background, as this diversity fosters intellectual growth. It allows students to collaborate with one another and build off each other’s different perspectives. It opens doors to new concepts and ideas and teaches students to communicate with people of different opinions. When a student graduates, he is not only awarded with knowledge, but also the power to communicate and work with different people to reach a common goal. When a student attends college, he is not in a room of like-minded individuals, but surrounded by uniqueness fostered from different socioeconomic backgrounds, race, perspective and talents. This is an aspect of the college experience that truly allows one to flourish while observing different techniques and cultures. Although it is important to be qualified to attend the school, one’s qualification should not be the only factor in determining admission. If we all thought, believed, dressed and talked the same, who would be the odd one to think of something out of the ordinary? Subjectivity breeds the diversity neces- sary to foster creativity. It is this non-standard way of choosing which is and should be the standard with regard to college admission.

“You have to start NOW.” Beginning the second semester of junior year, we are thrown into a whirlwind of Jumpstart, question-and-answer sessions with college representatives, tours, Common App and Coalition App information sessions and so much more. The process of applying takes months; then we wait in painful anticipation anywhere between two and seven months to hear an answer. However, it only took me a grand total of 25 minutes to apply to McGill University in Montreal, Canada, which operates on a rolling Shruti Chandra | Staff Writer admissions basis so most applicants hear back within a month or two. [email protected] The reason for this disparity is simple. In the United States, the process extends well beyond the basic factors of grades, tests and activi- ties. The use of quotas or allocating predetermined advantages when admitting minorities is unconstitutional. Nonetheless, there have been lawsuits against Harvard University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Texas and more for their use of race as a deciding factor in undergradu- ate admissions since then. Thomas Espenshade and Alexandria Walton Radford of Princeton concluded that on average, Asian-Americans need 140 SAT points (out of 1600) more than whites to get a place at a private university and blacks need an average 310 fewer points. Amy Hsin of the City University of New York and Yu Xie of the University of Michigan examined the progress of 6,000 white and Asian children to understand where this “Asian nerd” stereotype stems from and their study showed a considerable gap in ef- fort and hard work between Asian and white children, which grew during their school careers. If Asian children are statistically the hardest workers, what is the argument for their rejections? Why are certain students given such a sizeable advantage before their application has even reached the admissions committee? Another consideration of many admissions committees is the applicant’s income. As The Economist said, “The number [of places allotted] for people who are just high achievers is limited.” In the United States, average wages for people with a bachelor’s degree has remained relatively stagnant in the past 10 years whereas average wages for people with an advanced degree increased more than five percent. However, in the United States, the average cost of a master’s degree for students is between $30,000 and $120,000. The lowest paying jobs often stem from the lowest levels of education but when those people cannot afford to give their children advanced edu- cation, their families get stuck in a cycle, magnifying the “rich-poor gap.” Education plays an important role in shaping our generation’s lives and by considering family income subjectively, colleges reduce the accessibility of colleges to a large proportion of the population. I concede that there is more to a student than grades and standardized test scores. The college admissions process in the United States is extremely subjective, ac- counting for factors well beyond a student’s control. In many other countries, the admissions process is narrowed down to two or three factors, simplifying the process and giving students an accurate idea of their chance of admission. Once we hit submit, we have no idea what we are being judged for. Universities need to dismiss the ambiguity of their admissions process so that students can start finding their place in an equal and successful society. (Graphic/Isabel Chamberlain) There are facts, then there are alternative facts Amber Bhutta | Business Manager alternative facts.” Though Con- [email protected] way may be unaware, false- As the highly publicized hoods and “alternative facts” feud between President Don- are interchangeable. ald Trump’s administration At its heart, journalism’s and the so-called “dishon- purpose has always been dis- est media” reaches stagger- seminating news and facts as ing heights, accusations from they happen, keeping people all sides have compromised informed and people in posi- journalistic integrity. tions of authority in check. Amid the controversy, the These alternative facts, heart of the debate and the seemingly confused with out- future of true journalism boils right lies, have proven a frus- down to two concepts: the trating adversity to journalists facts and the alternative facts. as they struggle to combat The idea of “alternative the stream of false information facts,” the term for the flying permeating news sources glob- accusations and blatant propa- ally, corrupting the integrity of gation of misinformation, arose the mission. in the wake of the new Trump Trump’s aforementioned administration assuming office. inauguration crowd size exem- Senior Trump adviser Kel- plifies this phenomenon. The DEFENDING DISHONESTY: Trump’s senior adviser Kellyanne Conway has made multiple appearances on major news networks such as CNN and lyanne Conway initially coined facts, as gathered by Nielsen, MSNBC to uphold White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer’s accusations of respected reporters being notorious liars. (Photo/CNN) the term. a data-analyzing company, the globe,” Spicer said. In a That historic precedent democratic, “by the people, for “[We] feel compelled to go hold that 30.6 million viewers world where figures of author- should serve as motivation the people” ideology. out and clear the air and put tuned in for Trump’s inaugura- ity can lie without accountabil- to continue sifting through In the current political land- alternative facts out there,” tion, compared with the 37.8 ity, striving toward journalistic the barrage of information for scape, where government- Conway said in an interview million who watched Obama’s excellence is more important the true facts and reporting issued propaganda and an with NBC, dodging the initial 2009 inauguration. than ever. them in the most unadulter- alarming lack of accountability question about the heavily As the alternative facts Historically, the suppression ated way possible, maintain- threaten to stretch democra- disputed size of Trump’s inau- would have it, however, “This of free speech and free press ing high reporting standards cy’s definition thin, preserving guration crowd. “You’re saying was the largest audience ever holds ties to totalitarianism and even when pressured to report journalistic integrity and re- it’s a falsehood. [But] Sean Spic- to witness an inauguration dictatorships, as demonstrated falsehoods.The United States porting the facts may stand as er, our press secretary, gave both in person and around by countries such as Turkey. has always prided itself on its the only hope of salvation. IPATRIOTPOST.COM PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 B9 Editorials & Opinions Teachers: Keep Cut the prom pressure out politics private Amanda Wasserman | Co-Assistant Editor “Prompressure” has taken the [email protected] fun out of Prom for many. Many because they feel pressured to teachers are excellent at sharing Carrie Kuecks | Features Editor female students begin search- [email protected] agree with a teacher. both sides of the issues or sim- Months of planning, hun- ing for their Prom dresses as Some may become afraid to ply not discussing their views. dreds of dollars spent on dress- early as winter break. Just off the heels of a conten- voice their opinions, fearing that Some teachers even repeatedly es and pressure to find the Some students do enjoy tious presidential election, it is a teacher may dislike them. are asked to share their opinions perfect date. the quest for the perfect dress, more common than not to hear This ultimately causes pas- on political issues and decline This is not a description of an but many do so out of an obli- students involved in heated sionate students to suffer be- each time. extravagant gala from the hit- gation to parallel the amount political discussions. come less politically involved. This can be a great lesson for show “Gossip Girl” or TLC’s “Four of money their friends and However, when teachers If teachers are not careful, students to question the profes- Weddings,” but rather an event classmates spend. freely share their political opin- students may feel uncomfort- sionalism of discussing politics that many high school senior It is wrong for girls to feel ions, the learning environment able. Political discussions can in their jobs (except for jobs in- attends: Prom. that the amount of money they becomes altered, which may be emotionally charged and volving politics of course). Giving seniors a night to have spend on their dresses is related cause some students to feel extremely personal. During these turbulent po- fun and spend time with one an- to the amount of fun they will alienated or uncomfortable. Classes can and should litical times, it is almost natu- other before the class scatters have at Prom; Whether the dress Teachers should not express be able to talk about cur- ral for political discussions to across the country for college is is $40 or $400, the important their political views and should rent events so students can become heated. a great idea, but Prom is not as thing is to feel confident. instead allow students to form become informed. This particular election has effortless as it is in theory. It is natural to want a Prom their own opinions on the is- Teachers should encour- resulted in extreme polarization According to Visa’s Prom date for photos and for the tra- sues. It works both ways. age students to become po- of the political parties. Spending Survey, the aver- ditional experience. The real- Students should be respect- litically active, to ensure a It is not the time to divide stu- age household spent $978 ity, however, is that not having ful not to offend teachers and true democracy. dents and teachers. Open-mind- on Prom-related expenses in a date to Prom does not mean their fellow classmates. Students It is an understatement that edness should be promoted so 2014. Furthermore, many male that the event won’t be fun. should develop political views teachers have a difficult job students can form their political students are expected to ask Plenty of students attend based on what they believe, not appearing unbiased. Many views independently. a date to Prom with an elabo- Prom with just their friends and rate “Promposal,” while female have as much, if not more, fun students spend months won- than those who go with a date. dering if they will be surprised Prom is what you make of it, with one. with or without a date. Start taking your We should question why Prom is the quintessential an event which is supposed to last hurrah for high school se- be fun has often turned into a niors. Let us not allow Prompres- unreasonable source of stress sure to cloud the true purpose safety seriously for many students. Simply put, of the event: to have fun. Elysa Goldberg | Centerspread Editor perfect time to fool around with The whole purpose of do- supposed to use their phones you are supposed to do in a [email protected] your friends, talk in the halls and ing the drills is to practice just or iPads for safety reasons. If a case of emergency, for teach- not stand in a single-file line, in case an emergency occurs. phone or iPad makes any noise ers and security staff work hard Imagine this: You are in class, when in fact you should be do- By not taking the fire drill or in a real code brown, the over the summer and during the and the teacher is giving a really ing the exact opposite. the code brown seriously, you bad guy would know school year to make sure boring lecture. Students do not always are putting not only yourself in there are people in every- body understands You are at the point that you take fire and code brown danger, but also your classmates the room. what to do in the event of just cannot take it anymore, but drills seriously. and teacher. If you are ever unsure an emer- gency. lo and behold, the fire alarm I see it all the time: When the fire alarm goes off, about where to go dur- Students, do not think goes off. Stu- dents talking dur- students are supposed to walk ing a fire drill or what of drills as a time The teacher ensures your ing the drill and whipping to their class’s designated area to do if you are out to fool around or class that is just a drill, so their phones out of their quietly and line up two-by-two of the classroom a “saved by the bell” y o u decide pock- ets to update their in their designated area. Dur- during a drill, situation. Actually, it is the Snap- chat stories. ing a code brown, students do not be practic- ing must sit silently along embarrassed what you would the wall farthest away to ask your do can s a v e from the door. Stu- teacher. your life. dents are not He or she can tell you what

(Graphic/Isabel Chamberlain)

Editors-in-Chief News Editor Centerspread Editor Social Media Editor This publication informs || Lauren Hutton, 12th || Zihan Kabir, 11th || Elysa Goldberg, 12th || Vanessa Ryals, 11th students about events, || Lauren Quintela, 12th influences readers through Opinion Editor One-Pager Editors Political Correspondent editorials, and entertains Assistant Editors || Skylar Britton, 11th || Katherine Quesada, 11th || Asa Zaretsky, 11th through features and reviews, all || Andrew Kolondra Jr., 11th achieved through responsible || Amanda Wasserman, 12th Copy Editors || Amanda Wasserman, 12th Features Editor Business/Managing Editor reporting. Opinion articles || Lauren Hutton, 12th reflect the views of the staff and || Carrie Kuecks, 10th || Amber Bhutta, 10th Online Editor-in-Chief || Andrew Kolondra Jr., 11th do not necessarily reflect the Entertainment Editor || Vanessa Ryals, 11th Staff Writers || Kevin Pollack, 12th opinions of the administration, || Angela Lin, 10th || Alex Becker, 10th || Katherine Quesada, 11th faculty, or student body. We Adviser strongly encourage letters Sports Editors || Isabel Chamberlain, 10th || Lauren Quintela, 12th || Ms. Diana Adams to the editor from students, || Conner McLeod, 12th || Alec Chao, 11th || Vanessa Ryals, 11th parents, or faculty in response to || Kevin Pollack, 12th || Shruti Chandra, 12th || Amanda Wasserman, 12th these articles. patriot post patriot IPATRIOTPOST.COM C10 PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 FEATURES Everyone Has a Story: Gianna Sanchez liked talking that much — I still receiving a press pass to see for- don’t like talking that much — mer president Barack Obama but I always used to love doing speak last October. From Hill- the behind-the-scenes stuff,” ary Clinton’s appearance to DJ she said. Khaled “getting the crowd hype,” After making it through Pio- Sanchez felt the event solidified neer Middle School and her her love for broadcast journalism. self-described “awkward phase,” When Sanchez isn’t using Sanchez decided to attend Heri- her camera to record videos, she tage in ninth grade for the abun- takes photos that she posts on Lauren Quintela | Co-Editor-in-Chief [email protected] dant opportunities. When pick- her photography Instagram ac- Lauren Hutton | Co-Editor-in-Chief ing her freshman schedule, she count, @giannaa.sanchez. She [email protected] thought the iLife class (which became active on the account taught iMovie skills) seemed fit- about three months ago after We are on a mission: to ting, which marked her first step watching a YouTube video post- prove to you, our reader, that into the broadcast world. Later, ed by a photographer she follows everyone, and we do mean she discovered her passion for on Instagram. The video stressed everyone, has a story within WAHS News. the importance of consistency for them, both unique and inter- “Freshmen year, I saw [alum- photography accounts. esting. Cue our monthly fea- nus] Ben Pollack and Eduardo “Now, I have a reminder on ture EHAS: Everyone Has A Serpa on the announcements my phone every day to Story, where two Patriot Post and I was like, ‘woah, I want to do post on Instagram,” staffers set off on a quest to that,’” Sanchez said. Sanchez said. find and extensively interview She took Multimedia as a Sanchez was a Heritage student at random sophomore and worked also inspired her way up to run- by a pho- to prove that everyone does, ning the WAHS tography in fact, have a story. morning show. course she One of the took this With Valentine’s Day rapidly most valu- past summer approaching and students ea- able take- at George CAMERAS, FLUTES AND FUTURE PURSUITS: For her senior portraits, Sanchez brought a gerly awaiting A Capella students aways Washington camera as a prop because of her appreciation for videography and photography. (Photo/ filling classrooms with the sounds from University. Weston Photography) (Left) Sanchez plays the flute during the Fine Arts Festival. “We were of love songs, we sat outside the her “I’d seen doing a pop block,” Sanchez said. “A pop block involves performing covers of popular songs 9000 building with a sign which involve- ment in Obama and from football season.” (Photo/Zachariah Chou) read, “So you think you can sing? broadcast is the peo- Hillary [Clinton] Sign up to help A Capella mem- ple she has been able and been all bers deliver singing grams!” While to meet and work over D.C. I could A Capella did not need additional with, including Dave post photos that members to help out, we wanted LaMont, an ESPN I’d taken at all the to find a student who was willing sports commenta- different places to try something new. tor. “Had I gone to that I’ve been to Senior Gianna Sanchez was another school, I and of football curious enough to fill out our may not have been games, because “registration form,” earning her a able to meet some- I cover every- chance not to sing in front of her one who works in the industry,” thing,” she said. peers, but to share her story as she said, also noting working Another passion central to our EHAS subject. with ex-CNN reporter Rick San- Sanchez’s identity is music, as she Sanchez, the current Executive chez as a worthwhile experience. plays the flute and the piano. Producer of WAHS News, found Broadcast has allowed San- Beginning in sixth grade, she her passion for broadcast while chez to travel to California and focused much of her time on PLAY BY PLAY: Sanchez communicates with WAHS adviser Mrs. Maria Molina about what is still in elementary school. Using Georgia and form valuable con- band. She was in the marching happening on the football field. (Photo/Emma Gellman) her mother’s Apple laptop in third nections for a future in the indus- band from her freshman until her grade, she began creating five- try with students from across the junior year and made All-County inspired by Washington, D.C. she hopes to find her place in the minute-long iMovies using Photo nation. She is also now invited orchestra each year. Although and political happenings, the world of political, sports or mu- Booth pictures of herself. to the annual Media Excellence she no longer is in band, she still sports documentary series 30 sic-related journalism, pursuing She also participated in the Awards, a competition for actual pursues this interest. for 30 and the music-oriented the passions that are central to morning news show for her el- news broadcasters. Sanchez wants to dou- Complex magazine. her identity. ementary school, learning about Ultimately, Sanchez’s best ble major in broadcast jour- While she may not be sing- the different stations. “I never experience in broadcast was nalism and music, interests ing to strangers anytime soon, Junior student programmer shows prowess at hackathon Alec Chao | Staff Writer that fits the ‘purpose or prompt’ The young programmer’s He was certainly able to hold applications for C++, such as [email protected] of the Hackathon,” Akkiraju said. presence at Minnehack was his own as he was awarded the Robot Operating System, an op- Akkiraju began pro- somewhat of an abnormal- second spot overall. “Other than erating system used in industrial Of all the languages in which gramming when he was in ity. Out of 150 participants, a sweet medal, I won an AR Elite settings to program robots. Be- one may be fluent, C++ is likely elementary school. Akkiraju was the only high Parrot Drone,” Akkiraju said. yond that, he is unsure of where one of the more nuanced. Junior “I got involved with program- schooler present. Although Akkiraju is unsure the future will take him. One Anurag Akkiraju is certainly no ming and computer science “The vast majority of com- whether he will participate in thing is for sure, however: he will stranger to programming lan- in general in the fourth grade petitors were juniors and seniors future hackathons, he is cer- never stop coding. guages, having learned six other when my dad introduced me to [enrolled in] colleges around the tainly dedicated to progression. programming platforms in the the binary number system, and country,” Akkiraju said. He plans to learn to use new seven years he has been coding. he enrolled me in a basic LOGO After the 24-hour period Akkiraju, a member of the programming language course. elapsed, Akkiraju had cre- Ninjineers robotics team, re- Ever since then, my interest in ated a fully functional app cently decided to take his pro- the field has skyrocketed, and I dubbed Notfall. gramming expertise on the road am continuously expanding my “I created an app that basi- to Minneapolis as a participant knowledge,” Akkiraju said. cally crowdsourced First Re- in Minnehack. Minnehack is one He is fluent in Java, C, C++, sponders and Caretakers for of many “hackathons,” an event Scheme, JavaScript, Bash and Emergency Care. The app was in which participants are given ASM; applications for these lan- able to alert people within a a practical problem which must guages vary from app develop- 3-mile radius if you needed as- be solved through the creation ment to website building, and sistance of some sort, match of marketable and accessible his knowledge of Java enables you with a caretaker if longer software or applications. “Par- his participation in robotics as lasting help was needed or just ticipants get 24 hours to build a programmer for the robot’s simply call 911 at the touch of a something computer-related autonomous routines. button,” Akkiraju said. IPATRIOTPOST.COM PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 C11 Features Guest speakers in action Carrie Kuecks | Features Editor [email protected] Life in Ac- tion’s speaker In a college preparatory this month school, students’ main goal is was dietician to prepare academically for col- Toby Bass, who lege. The Life in Action club’s taught stu- Mandy’s Musings goal is to address practical dents about BY AMANDA WASSERMAN daily living skills not taught at healthy eating. school, such as how to change The club also Solitude and silence a tire, balance a checkbook or plans to bring In today’s world, the value eat healthily. in a lawyer to of solitude has been lost in the Co-presidents Mikaela Basso teach students shuffle. Sitting alone is pitiful, and Amy Kwon seek out pro- about their declining plans is antisocial fessionals in their given field to rights and an and failing to respond to mes- speak at club meetings to help auto mechanic sages within minutes is rude. bridge the gap between aca- to teach skills The truth, however, is that be- demics and everyday life skills. such as how to ing alone is not the same as “When you go off to college, you change a tire. feeling alone. are basically all on your own. “We hope If you are able to draw a dis- Life in Action [LIA] will help you to bring in EAT IN ACTION: Toby Bass discusses proper eating habits with the Life in Action club. She describes to students the tinction between solitude and cope with life’s daily obstacles,” people from dangers of energy drinks and sugary sodas. Additionally, Bass explains to students the foods you should consider pur- loneliness, it is possible to dis- Basso said. different jobs chasing organic. (Photo/Carrie Kuecks) cover a great deal of value and Last month’s guest speaker, that can give joy in the simple act of spend- Rafael Bracho from Wells Fargo us an insight into their field. This practical life skills they would time that people were going ing time with yourself. Bank, provided valuable infor- will allow us to explore different like to learn about, and then to be bored. But the next day Loneliness can kill. Accord- mation to students regarding job opportunities,” Basso said. they seek out experts in that people came up to me and ac- ing to a 2015 study in the jour- how credit cards work, how to Club members are involved field or area to come speak. So tually thanked me, and told nal “Perspectives on Psycholog- save money, smart spending, in the guest speaker selec- far, the feedback has been posi- me how much they enjoyed it,” ical Science,” social isolation and taxes and mortgages. tion process. They decide what tive. “I was a bit worried the first Basso said. living alone were found to in- crease a person’s mortality risk by 29 percent and 32 percent The art of applying to fine arts schools respectively. Somehow, our society has associated spend- Amber Bhutta | Business Manager laborious process of applying to necessity. However, Pendas pre- Despite the stress and com- ing time alone with loneliness, [email protected] fine arts schools. fers making the journey to the plicated logistics involved, when the two are unrelated. “First, you must apply to the schools themselves. Pendas finds the college ap- People are afraid to spend With schoolwork coupled college itself. If you get accepted “I prefer going to the campus plication process for music some quality time with their with college applications, senior into the school, you are allowed itself so I can get a feel of what programs necessary. oldest friend — themselves — year can be a source of stress to apply to the music program,” the college is like and see its mu- “Although the process is long for fear of appearing an outcast for anyone. Pendas said. “To apply to the sic program for myself,” she said. and stressful, it is also under- or a loner. For people planning on at- music program, you must au- All of her hard work has begun standable. Everything is given This summer, on a long trip, I tending fine arts schools, how- dition either at the college or paying off as Pendas has re- to you in a detailed manner, learned the importance of soli- ever, stress is an understatement through prescreens. These are ceived acceptances to Loyola and you can always contact the tude. After spending close to as fine art students travel around videos college representatives University, Stetson University school at any time for further 15 hours alone in a multitude the country to audition at many look at before inviting you to and Belmont University so far. questions,” she said. of airports, I began to realize of the schools they apply to. have a live audition and gain a Other programs she applied to Though the fine arts college that listening to music, reading Applying to 12 colleges with spot in their program.” reveal acceptances after audi- applications seems somewhat books and eating meals didn’t hopes of studying Classical Vo- With prescreens as an op- tions, which will be sometime tedious, to fine arts students necessitate the company of cal Performance, senior Natalie tion, scrambling across the during March. During this time, with dreams similar to Pendas’, it other people. I liked myself and Pendas is all too familiar with the country to get auditions is not a all Pendas can do is wait. is worth it in the end. enjoyed spending time with just my thoughts. I soon under- stood that solitude, previously a source of anxiety, helped me Senior jersey spotlight connect with myself on a more substantive level and revitalize my mind. The benefits of spending time alone aren’t just abstract. (Graphic/Lauren Quintela) A 2015 report by CNN com- piled research on alone-time from researchers across the na- tion and discovered that soli- tude increases your creativity, improves your work ethic and helps prevent depression. Carv- ing out “me-time” is not selfish (Photo/Andrew Kolondra Jr.) or bad: it is necessary. Andrew Kolondra Jr. | Co-Assistant Editor For high school seniors, [email protected] there is no understating the Often times, you may see a senior jersey with a pun on importance of learning how to someone’s name, but this is not the case for senior Rebecca spend time alone. In college, Shipman’s jersey. where students do not spend Shipman’s jersey reads “Heda,” the official title of Commander eight consecutive hours a day Lexa (Leksa) from the CW’s hit sci-fi drama “The 100.” In the show’s together, it is typical for stu- fabricated language of Trigedasleng, “Heda” means “ leader. dents to walk to their classes “She was a fierce warrior dedicated to protecting and serving alone or eat by themselves. people. That’s what I aimed to reflect here: my willingness to go the Seniors must shake the idea distance for those I care about,” she said. that choosing to do something According to Shipman, Lexa is also a crucial representative alone instead of with others is of the LGBT community through her relationship with the show’s bad and accept that it is a nor- main protagonist, Clarke. mal part of adult life. But Shipman took her appreciation for Lexa beyond her senior Go get a cup of coffee, read jersey. She participated in the “LGBT Fans Deserve Better” cam- a book or listen to your favorite paign, ran a Lexa/Clarke-centric blog for a while and cosplayed artist’s new album, but don’t be Lexa at Florida Supercon over the summer. “It was inspiring to see afraid to celebrate solitude and someone like us in a leadership position, fight[ing] against the do it alone. same rhetoric we battle every day,” Shipman said. C12 American Heritage: a true ‘melting pot’ C13 With students from more than 25 countries, our school has a diverse student body. Here is some information about the cultural makeup of the school.

Where are our Stay Culturally Empathetic students from? Students from sea to shining sea Below is a list of countries and how many students in Up- Kevin Pollack | Co-Sports Editor per School are citizens of these countries as of right now. [email protected] Below is a map of all the countries that are represented at American Heritage in Upper School and Lower School (shaded yellow). Australia: 1 Angola: 2 The United States today is home to racial and religious conflict that, though not often violent, has Note: This informtion was collected through the guidance office, and all the students have their required paperwork. Argentina: 3 Belarus: 2 come to the fore of the political arena. Especially after Donald Trump’s election as president, racial and gender tensions have intensified, and it is important to remain tolerant and empathetic toward Brazil: 25 Canada: 3 other cultures. China: 71 Colombia: 6 Because Heritage is home to students born in more than 25 nations, many cultures are represented Ecuador: 3 Egypt: 1 on campus. Though political opinions are welcome and discussions enhance our understanding of the France: 1 Haiti: 1 status of our nation, stating an ignorant opinion is not constructive. Hong Kong: 1 Ireland: 1 Before you state your opinions on, for example, the ban of immigrants from seven heavily Muslim Italy: 3 Japan: 2 nations or Black Lives Matter, educate yourself on both sides of the issue. Ask yourself why you disagree with the other side of the debate and what the implications of your opinion are. South Korea: 2 Nigeria: 2 Most recently, the immigration ban has precipitated discussions about Islam’s role in the United Norway: 1 Peru: 2 States, and some opinions insult Muslims and other culturally aware citizens. It must be noted, though, Portugal: 1 Russia: 19 that we should respect all opinions, no matter how offensive or flagrant they are. It is as equally point- South Africa: 2 Spain: 1 less to deny someone the right to an opinion as it is to ignorantly state one. Switzerland: 1 Trinidad and Tobago: 1 It is also important to recognize other people’s experiences due to their Ukraine: 2 Uruguay: 1 culture. In general, a black man and a white man unfortunately may lead different lives in the United States today, and an under- Venezuela: 22 standing of these differences can make us more empathetic toward other people. We’re the kids in america: Students born outside the U.S. Desmond Tutu, South African social rights activist and No- Amber Bhutta | Business Manager bel Prize winner, once said: “If you are neutral in situations of [email protected] injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” We must be empathetic toward the oppressed. Anam Ahmed If you wish to donate to the American Civil Liberties Union, Sophomore Anam Ahmed is the only one of her two siblings born in New Delhi, India. a legal organization that advocates for universal civil rights, “I was born in New Delhi, but we moved to Gainesville, Fla. when I turned 3” she said. “My parents and I were the first in our close family please visit: action.aclu.org/secure/donate-to-aclu (Graphics/Elysa Goldberg) to move here. My younger siblings were both born in Florida, and a few relatives immigrated after we did.” Ahmed and her family still love their home but try to visit India every year. “It’s harder, now that I’m in high school and always so busy, but we still make the effort to go back and reconnect with everyone there,” she said. Ahmed still talks to her relatives and close friends in India through social media. Because of this increased connectivity between A wide range of beliefs countries, she finds herself and her family affected by events taking place an ocean away. We asked 451 students grades 7-12 what belief they are involved with. Below are the results. “We have a close connection to India overall, so all events that affect people there affect us indirectly,” Ahmed said. “Especially with recent political events, as Indian Muslims, we can personally relate to people there and situations that they’re in. My parents read Indian Agnosticism (5.3%) newspapers online to keep up to date, and they update me as well.” (Photo submitted by Anam Ahmed) Judaism (16.6%) Atheism (7.1%) Kenzo Kimura Hinduism (3.3%) Sophomore Kenzo Kimura holds roots in both Brazil and Japan. “I was born in São Paulo, Brazil,” he said, “but my family history also traces back to Japan. There’s a large Japanese community in Buddhism (3.5%) São Paulo.” Despite moving to the U.S. at only 1 year old, Kimura still visits Brazil on a yearly basis. “I go to meet up with family, and we visit so often that the distance doesn’t always feel as big,” he said. Islam (3.1%) However, even with the annual trips to Brazil, Kimura still feels that sometimes he only experiences life there through a screen. “It affects my family to know that the country I’m from is more unstable compared to where I live now,” he said. “Since most of my family still lives in Brazil, we feel as if we can only watch the current events such as protests and crime on the news while they experience it.” (Photo submitted by Kenzo Kimura) Other (11.1%) Stella Ikpatt Senior Stella Ikpatt also has roots outside of the United States. “I was born in Calabar, Nigeria,” she said. “I was born there, but I haven’t been back since I left.” Ikpatt moved to the U.S. from Nigeria in 2004, nearly 13 years ago, due to her father’s career. “My dad is a doctor, and he went to colleges in Hungary, Finland and Italy. Eventually, he went to the United States to complete his resi- Christianity (50%) dency at the University of Chicago. The rest of my family just joined later on,” she said. With an ocean and 13 years between her and her birthplace, Ikpatt often feels the distance, unable to fathom what life would be like had she not moved here. “The cultures and customs of Nigeria are just so different from those of the U.S., I can’t really imagine life there,” she said. “There’s no way of knowing, but I absolutely think I’d be a very different person if I had never moved to the United States.” (Photo submitted by Stella Ikpatt) IPATRIOTPOST.COM C14 PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 Features A human ’s political views Angela Lin | Entertainment Editor election. Our mission was to cre- My understanding of the elec- the streets. He said that the wall New York, sometimes sleeping [email protected] ate a “bridge” between people tion and people’s beliefs was shouldn’t be built because every on the side of the road. and help others understand altered after each interview man should be able to feed his The people he met were The controversial presiden- each other’s opinions. we completed. I met so many family. He didn’t mind his job be- helpful, some even offering him tial election did nothing but In each state, we made stops types of people, from college ing taken away by immigrants. A a place for the night. His experi- confuse me. Media was con- at parks, malls, or anywhere students to retirees, each with a young woman’s opinion on the ence restored his friends’ faith stantly contradicting each other highly populated. The process distinct opinion. presidential election had tore in humanity. and spewing out statements did come with trial and error. I I have heard stories of fam- her family apart. They no longer We have collected more than that were sometimes true and was required to ask strangers if ily, famine, changed lives, greed, communicate with each other. 50 videos and audio record- sometimes not. we could interview them and happiness and faith. One that Another man told us the story ings of people’s opinions. We After the election and dur- would often have to brace my- particularly struck me was the of how he hitchhiked across the launched our project “BEING’” ing winter break, my father and self for rejection. By the end of story of a homeless man and East Coast. His friends had told on Facebook in January and the I decided to take a road trip the trip, I had asked more than his son. The man had just lost his him that they had lost faith in page quickly gained more than through 13 states to document 100 people and over half of job and was trying to support humanity. To prove them wrong, 1,000 likes. For more information the “people’s voice” about the them declined. himself and his son while on he hitchhiked from Florida to visit being2017.com. Dr. Schachter’s office: a backbone of Heritage Elysa Goldberg | Centerspread Editor chiropractor, he was walking days a week and alleviate his [email protected] again without pain. back pain. Heritage is home to many Dr. Schachter’s office was lo- For nine years, Dr. Schachter things, including an award- cated in Miami, making it hard took care of patients in the winning Fine Arts Department, for Mr. Laurie to visit him and 200-square foot office, but 18 sports teams and hun- the pain eventually came back. eventually it was time for an up- dreds of prestigious courses. “I went to physical therapy, grade. In 2011, Mr. Laurie and Dr. Yet, there is one thing at Heri- but there was no relief,” Mr. Schachter worked together to tage that a lot of people would Laurie said. expand the office to its current not associate with a school: a To try to make his visits with 600-square foot space. chiropractor’s office. Dr. Schachter more convenient, “[Mr. Laurie] took a small In 2001, Mr. William Laurie Mr. Laurie offered to give Dr. space and turned it into an of- had severe back pain. “It was dif- Schachter space on campus for fice,” Dr. Schachter said. The of- ficult for me to walk and climb his office. fice originally only had enough stairs,” he said. In 2002, the art storage room, room for a few adjusting tables Dr. Douglas Laurie, his son, in the 7000 building, was turned and equipment. Now it has a recommended he visit Dr. into Dr. Schachter’s new office. lobby, four separate adjusting Steven Schachter’s office in With the office conveniently lo- rooms and an X-ray room. The HE’S GOT YOUR BACK: Dr. Steven Schachter holds a model of a spine in his office located on North Miami. Three weeks af- cated at school, Mr. Laurie was public, students, teachers and the Heritage campus. The office was originally opened in 2004 and was expanded in 2011. ter Mr. Laurie’s visit with the able to visit Dr. Schachter three faculty can make appointments. (Photo/Elysa Goldberg) IPATRIOTPOST.COM PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 C15 Advertisement

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2915 BISCAYNE BOULEVARD . SUITE 200 . MIAMI, FL 33137 O: 305.573.1818 F: 305.573.3766 WWW.KOBIKARP.COM IPATRIOTPOST.COM C16 PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 Features WTWU: Ms. Pamajala Have you ever wondered what your teachers were like in high school? In our monthly teacher profile, we take a trip back to the past and explore what teachers were like ‘When They Were Us’ (WTWU).

Shruti Chandra | Staff Writer She never practiced for a math physics. She used to work with [email protected] competition, but often won based her dad and hired a tutor, but purely on her prior knowledge. her physics teacher inspired her “We’d all be in one classroom. During her free time, she to keep working and eventu- Our teachers would come and go learned cooking and cross-stitch- ally enter the science field. In - we didn’t change our classroom. ing from her mother, both hob- comparison to our classes, her We didn’t have lockers. We had to bies she continued after moving physics classes encompassed carry everything and keep it with to the United States post-college. all of what we recognize as the us every day. Every class had 50- From eighth grade, her friends AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2 and 60 students. There were no used to call her “teacher.” Writing AP Physics C curriculums. computers: just a blackboard, on the chalkboard and solving “Here, I see high schoolers are pencils and papers. Some classes problems appealed to her from chilling too much. There, they are didn’t even have desks to sit and a very young age, and she often struggling. It’s very competitive; write,” AP Physics and engineer- helped her fellow students when it’s even more difficult than be- ing teacher and Ms. Mohanalatha they were struggling. fore,” Ms. Pamajala said. Pamajala said. “My math teacher went on a Looking back, Ms. Pama- Ms. Pamajala attended maternity holiday and I used to jala said her only regret was K.T.C.T. Girls Higher Secondary teach...the whole class,” she said. the amount of traveling she School in Chennai, India from By eighth grade, she discov- had to do because using the sixth grade until 12th grade, A CLASS TO REMEMBER: Ms. Pamajala (top row, third from the right) stands with her classmates around ered her passion for math and public transportation in India noting the stark differences to her biology professor, a woman who helped spark Ms. Pamajala’s interest in the field of science. Through- science. Although she started off was strenuous. American education. Beginning out high school, Ms. Pamajala was required to wear a traditional Indian saree as her school uniform. (Photo with a goal of entering the medi- However, her favorite part sixth grade, Ms. Pamajala com- submitted by Mohanalatha Pamajala) cal field, she eventually went was teaching and helping her pleted her education in English. Her personal favorite was sew- station; the bus would take 45 into engineering. friends. She advises all current It was a large jump from her ing and in ninth grade, she won minutes to an hour, and then “My plans in high school were high school students to put pas- primary education experience, the sewing competition within I walked another 15 minutes very simple. I wanted to be a sion into their work to prepare where all of her classes were in her school. Her time outside the home. I never used to stay after teacher, and I wanted to study them for the rest of their lives. her mother tongue, Telugu. classroom was not so easy. school because I had to get home science and math. That was my “If you work hard for four Within school, Ms. Pama- “After school was a nightmare before dark,” said Ms. Pamajala. whole thing. Where I am now, I years now, you’re settled for the jala took classes such as sewing, for me. I lived really far and we She still kept active after feel so happy and fulfilled,” Ms. next four years. Anything you’re physical education, drawing and didn’t have any school buses. school, participating and win- Pamajala said. doing...put your heart, mind and music, for which teachers would You had to take transportation. ning math competitions at lo- The one subject that Ms. passion in and everything will come once week. I walked 15 minutes to the bus cal schools closer to her home. Pamajala struggled in was come out good,” she said. 30 days, 50,000 words, 1 novel Beginning Nov. 1, thousands of aspiring writers from across the world set out to submit 50,000 words for a novel by Nov. 30,11:59 p.m. during the annual NaNoWriMo event.

Lauren Hutton | Co-Editor-in-Chief crises, few successfully document struggle’ many Americans face, around in my head and heard my life. You’d be surprised [email protected] 1,667 words a night. This year, at without romanticizing it.” characters’ voices echo in my ears what inspires you from the peo- While it is easy to say you are least one student and one teach- Lloyd successfully wrote is over. The novel wasn’t finished, ple you observe.” a writer, dabbling occasionally in er competed in NaNoWriMo, 50,000 words within the month, but I had hit 50,000 [words]. I had English teacher Mrs. Jamie Be- the odd poem or attempting a though each approached the task named a winner by NaNoWriMo, been trudging through for so tancourt participated for the sec- short story, it takes a true writer somewhat differently. though she found the process long, I hadn’t considered what it ond time this year, continuing to to commit to National Novel Sophomore Olivia Lloyd at- challenging. While Lloyd has at- would be like to emerge to the work on her successful attempt Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). tempted NaNoWriMo for the first tempted several novels before other side,” she said. from last year. Each year, thousands of par- time, using a story she first wrote and hopes to submit this one to She does, however, consider it While she did not technically ticipants commit to trying to in Creative Writing II as the basis competitions, she didn’t initially a “labor of love” and plans on par- “win” this time around, she did write a 50,000 word rough draft for her realistic fiction novel. She feel elated with the win. ticipating again next year. contribute an additional 25,000 of a novel. In a sea of online fo- wanted her work to “illuminate “This task that has kept me “The late nights staring at words to her fantasy novel about rums, long nights and plot-based the realism of poverty and ‘the up at night as I rolled phrases the blinking cursor on my com- an alchemist. After completing puter screen with still a thousand half of the daunting task, Mrs. words to go was kind of rough, Betancourt realized she “wasn’t but I guess there’s a sort of ac- accomplishing anything useful complishment with such hard with [her] writing,” and instead work,” she said. chose to start synthesizing and Lloyd considers finding the editing her existing work. time to write the most challeng- As Mrs. Betancourt hopes to ing aspect of participating but become a published novelist, also admits that prioritizing the she is considering trying again daily word count over studying next year with something new — was sometimes a harmful deci- though deciding what to write is sion. Additionally, resisting the the hardest part for her. urge to edit as she went was an “Finding the time is easy if ongoing struggle. you’re driven to do so, but when “It taught me you can’t get you actually sit down, you realize anything done if you’re con- how many words 1,667 actually stantly second guessing yourself is… sometimes you just need to and trying to correct every error,” put words to the page to get your she said. mind going,” she said. Ultimately, Lloyd advises po- As Mrs. Betancourt said, tential participants that “NaNoW- “You’re never going to get better riMo is not for the faint of heart, at anything or achieve your goals or people who give up easily if you don’t find some way to or procrastinate. work toward them,” which both Also, write down the she and Lloyd did with a commit- little things you see in ted month of writing. IPATRIOTPOST.COM PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 D17 ENTERTAINMENT It’s a (w)rap: Chance vs. Kanye Artists Chance the Rapper and Kanye West are both beloved rappers, but who’s better? Skylar Britton | Opinion Editor basis of West’s genius is his pure adapt to the audience while words are enveloped in a coat [email protected] rapping skills. In the early 2000s still keeping his original sound. of smooth piano, bringing his Kanye West at the start of his career, his psy- Many artists attempt to try a fans back to his younger years Kanye West is an old soul. He chedelic beats and eye for pro- new sound and fail. But with as a budding crush inhibits his wears his heart on his sleeve and duction were far superior to his West, fans await the “new” ver- mind. Meanwhile in “Blood on does not hide his inner thoughts rapping skills. After his album sion of Kanye on each album. the Leaves,” West introduces the and outward emotions. West’s “The College Dropout,” West The difference between his song with an excerpt from Billie mind wanders to alternate uni- worked his way up the ladder to albums “Yeezus” and “Gradu- Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” and im- verses so complex and far-reach- the glorified version of himself ation” is immense, yet both mediately enters into an impres- ing that most people cannot ful- we see in popular culture today. albums exhibit the expertise sive industrialist rap. ly understand the deep meaning Many young rappers focus solely of West and his ability to use It is obvious that West’s ex- behind his rich words. Although on the noise, but West is able to his unique sound to produce traordinary talents supersede many people dislike his candor produce sounds modern day something remarkable. his larger-than-life ego. Kanye during speeches and interviews, rappers could only dream of. In his song “Homecoming” West once said “I am a god.” He’s it is evident how diverse and Because the music industry featuring Coldplay lead singer not wrong. (Photo/US Weekly) talented West is as a rapper. The evolves rapidly, West needs to Chris Martin, the retrospective Conner McLeod | Co-Sports Editor Kanye mentored Chance and of the best experiences I’ve had and only make money off of his [email protected] somewhat inspired Chance’s because Chance is not only a merchandise and concerts. Chance music style since Chance idol- musician but also a performer. Chance’s influence on music Widely-acclaimed Chance ized Kanye West. However, there On the other hand, Kanye West’s has been evident, as this year the Rapper the Rapper has blown up the often comes a time where the 2016 tour, Saint Pablo, was dra- marked the first that the Gram- music industry, earning five prodigee outdoes the master. ma filled, with West arriving to my’s would consider nominating grammy nominations, produc- Chance’s gospel-inspired “Color- some of his concerts three hours music made on Soundcloud, a ing a unique album that will go ing Book” attracted fans from all late, and half-heartedly rapping popular, free, music-uploading down as a classic and proving demographics. When compared his own lyrics. website for any artist. that an artist does not need a to Kanye West’s album “The One of the biggest reasons Chance still has a long way to music label behind him/her in Life of Pablo” dropped in 2016, why Chance the Rapper will go to reach the legacy of Kanye order to be successful. Chance Chance gains more credibility, as one day be a bigger household West, but I believe he will easily has a long career ahead of TLOP, while entertaining, wasn’t name than Kanye West, is that shatter that legacy. him, hopefully filled with more nearly as genuine or memorable Chance has gone against the Chance will easily be one of pushing of normal boundar- as “Coloring Book.” common action of immediately the greatest when it is all said ies and timeless music which Chance accompanied the al- signing to a music label in or- and done, and that includes be- is why, between Kanye West bum with his The Coloring Book der to make money. Instead, ing a better lyricist, performer and him, Chance is the more Tour, and as someone who at- Chance has made it a point to and musician than Kanye West. (Photo/Chicago Tribune) influential musician. tended the concert, it was one give away all of his music for free A Capella sings its heart out on Valentine’s Day Amber Bhutta | Business Manager groups running between build- [email protected] ings all day. Even before the scheduling On Valentine’s Day at Ameri- process begins, A Capella mem- can Heritage, a knock on the bers practice and refine their door during class often indicates actual pieces with the goal of the arrival of an enjoyable way to perfecting them in the allotted spread appreciation for others: A month-long timeframe. Capella’s Valentine’s Day singing “During class, we’ll split up grams. However, the process in into two groups, boy and girls, between paying two to three and spend half the class work- dollars to a chorus member to ing on our own, fixing any prob- the recipient receiving the sing- lems with notes and words, and ing is much more arduous than the other half working with Miss one may expect. VanDerhoof polishing up the “First, we have to find every- nuances,” A Capella member Em- one’s schedule so then we can ily Gutierrez said. figure out what period to send After delivering all of the the gram to,” Chorus president singing grams on Valentine’s Zachary Perez said. “Finding ev- Day, A Capella members use the eryone’s schedule takes about money collected to fund their two weeks.” attendance to choral competi- As chorus members advertise tions, namely Carnegie Hall. and sell singing grams to the stu- “This year, A Cappella had dent body, Perez, his fellow offi- the honor of being chosen to cers and chorus accompanist Mr. perform as the featured choir at Milton Sesenton spend hours Carnegie Hall in March,” Gutier- compartmentalizing deliver- rez said. “The money we make ies for an optimal schedule that helps make the trip more afford- doesn’t have various A Capella able for all of us to attend.”

CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU: A Capella members serenade sophomore Kenzo Kimura on Valentine’s Day. (Photo/Ian Bluth) IPATRIOTPOST.COM PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 D19D17 Entertainment Patriot Dancers move their audience Skylar Britton | Opinion Editor “We often make up our own [email protected] dances as a collaboration. When Since its founding two we are assigned a ‘collab’ piece, years ago by alumni Audrey we usually split up into groups or Lugo and Sophia Martinez, sit down as a class and talk about the Patriot Dancers have what overall ideas and themes wowed the student body on we want to portray. For our col- numerous occasions. lab pieces, Ms. Brown helps steer The Dance Company, which us in a clear direction,” she said. is the highest level dance class Once the dancers choose the in- at school, wanted to showcase tended message for their dance, their talents in more ways than they must find the right music to performing at the Winter and portray their idea. Spring Concerts. Thus, the com- The lyricism coupled with the pany created The Patriot Danc- beat create an overall mood for ers, which is a dance troupe the audience, and the perfor- that meets after school and pro- mance The Patriot Dancers ap- PATRIOT PRIDE: The Patriot Dancers line up in front of the mirror before their performance debut at the Homecoming Pep Rally.The dancers duces dances for various perfor- ply to the music adds to their mashed up numerous popular songs along with creative moves to create a piece that received a standing ovation from the student body. mances. Although the dancers powerful message. (Photo/Renee Brown) move with grace and passion, When the dance is complete, the hard work that goes into the performers, along with message behind the music and thought it was necessary to in- about three minutes, the work such a production is intense. dance teacher Ms. Renee Brown, the movements. clude Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I and dedication leading up to Senior Jaime Ostrow started focus on the technical aspects While many of their dances Have A Dream’ speech in our mu- those three minutes shows each dancing for Heritage her fresh- of the art, such as costume deci- focused on movement and sic choice. We decided to blend dancer’s love and appreciation man year and has been a part sions and lighting. The Patriot expression, the Black History that speech with a John Legend for the visual arts and expres- of The Patriot Dancers since its Dancers’ most recent perfor- Month Assembly dance focused song, and we have worked very sion through a different medium founding. In order to produce mance was at the Black History on racial equality and mindful- hard to put this piece together,” than verbal communication. To The Patriot Dancers’ perfor- Month Assembly, which was ness of different cultures. Ostrow said. see video clips or updates, fol- mances, Ostrow stresses the im- very different from their previ- “We wanted to include Although each performance low The Patriot Dancers on Insta- portance of teamwork. ous dances because of the vital history in our dance, so we The Patriot Dancers put on lasts gram @ahs_patriotdancers. Obscura: With ‘Getz/Gilberto,’ bossa nova goes global Alec Chao | Staff Writer Released in 1963, the epony- simultaneously serving relaxing “Getz/Gilberto” is sung in fickle Brazilian audiences turned [email protected] mous collaboration between fare to those simply looking for Portuguese in near entirety, to rock and country over bossa There are few albums that American jazz saxophonist Stan a good time. yet that in no way hinders en- nova and the waters evaporated are powerful enough to change Getz and Brazilian guitarist and The soothing, nearly lyri- joyment. It is almost best if the once and for all. the fate of a musical genre vocalist João Gilberto perma- cal tone of Getz’s saxophone is vocals are not understood; it is The main collaborators went forever. However, jazz-bossa nently cemented bossa nova’s incredibly charming, and com- as if they become part of the in- their separate ways, with all nova album “Getz/Gilberto” is presence in jazz Zeitgeist at a poser Antônio Carlos Jobim pro- strumentation, adding another ultimately having successful one of those privileged few, time when the genre was in des- vides the American with ample layer to the duo’s masterfully solo careers. saving bossa nova from itself perate need of validation. time to woo his audience; Getz’s calming work. With “Getz/Gilberto,” bossa and rocketing the genre to Following the 1962 release nearly 3-minute solo on “Para The album would go on to nova was given a second wind, international recognition. of “Jazz Samba,” a bossa nova al- Machuchar Meu Coracao” is per- win Album of the Year and Re- a time to demonstrate its true bum created by Getz and Ameri- haps one of the highlights of the cord of the Year for “The Girl worth to the world. can jazz guitarist Charlie Byrd, 33-minute runtime. from Ipanema” at the 1965 Even if it did not survive its the Brazilian sub-genre found Astrud Gilberto — João’s Grammy Awards, the first album early ‘60s rally, Getz and Gilberto fame and scorn all at once. then wife — and her legendary by non-American artists to win sent the genre on a global trajec- American markets were performance alongside Getz Album of the Year. While “Getz/ tory that would mark its place in soon flooded with bossa nova on “The Girl From Ipanema” is Gilberto” increased bossa nova’s the history of jazz forever. derivative of “Jazz Samba”, something to behold. international marketability, and the overexposure proved Her graceful vocals and to be a detriment to the the light strum of João’s gui- genre’s longevity. tar provide an idyllic image Throughout its eight track of the famous Rio de Janeiro length, the album satiates the neighborhood, much like more rhythmically inclined João’s performance on halfway (Photo/Wikimedia) members of its audience while mark “Corcovado.” The ‘New Celebrity Apprentice’ just isn’t the same with Schwarzenegger Elysa Goldberg | Centerspread Editor reality competition host to Presi- his stares don’t have enough [email protected] dent of the United States. When intimidation and all of the con- the franchise started in 2004, the versations sound scripted. It is After President Trump’s show was originally planned for obvious that Schwarzenegger 2016 presidential campaign Trump and his unique personal- wanted to fulfill an action-hero started to gain momentum, ity. People who tuned in years persona turned businessman. NBC hired Arnold Schwar- ago who were pleased with While watching “The New zenegger, previous governor Trump may not have been satis- Celebrity Apprentice” it is clear of California, to replace Trump fied with Schwarzenegger. that when Trump was the host, as host on “The Celebrity Ap- Also, Trump is still an execu- he honestly believed he had an prentice.” When the show aired tive producer of the show. This influence over the contestants. Jan. 2, ratings and viewership might have left some people He was able to push them out immediately plummeted. less excited to watch the show of their comfort zone in their at- In Trump’s last season on due to his switch to politics. tempt to please him. the show in 2015, viewership Aside from Trump’s previous On the other hand, Schwar- was as high as 6.8 million view- role in the show, I think Schwar- zenegger seems rigid and cau- ers. But now, “The New Celeb- zenegger simply does not have tious not to taunt the contes- rity Apprentice” lost almost the right personality for the tants. This appears to make the 5.5 million viewers in the first show. With Schwarzenegger as contestants think of the former Heritage for Humanity episode of the season. So what host, there is no joy in watching governor as an equal. Meetings: Every other Monday in Dr. Sood’s room (9204) went wrong? the show; it all seems robotic. If ratings do not improve Contact: Ryan Methot For starters, two years have They might as well have had the sometime soon, Schwarzeneg- Email: [email protected] passed since Trump was on the “Terminator” as the host. His re- ger will not be back. show. Trump has gone from marks do not have enough spark, IPATRIOTPOST.COM E20 PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 SPORTS Girls soccer team falls in semifinals Kevin Pollack | Co-Sports Editor After the Patriots battered most is] playing [email protected] the Mustangs for much of the with the girls and The streak of four consecutive second half, Merritt Island went seeing them ev- state championships for the var- on a counter attack and scored ery day,” she said. sity girls soccer team has come on a deflected shot. Time ran Now that her to an end this year after the girls down, and as the Merritt Is- high school ca- lost 2-0 to Merritt Island Feb. land fans rushed the field, the reer has ended, 10 in the state semifinal game. dream for a five-peat was over. she is beginning After going 15-0 in the Throughout the entire sea- to look toward regular season, the girls, who son, the girls were extremely the next step were ranked No. 27 in the na- successful, scoring 129 goals and in her journey: tion, began their road to state allowing only eight. Sophomore collegiate soccer. with a dominant 12-0 victory striker Marlee Fray led the team in “I’m really over Alonzo Mourning. From goals and assists with 35 and 19, looking forward there, the girls defeated Mi- respectively, in only 16 games. to the new expe- ami Springs 3-0 and North Senior goalkeeper Rikki riences of high- Fort Myers 4-3 in one of the Farquharson seured her col- level soccer at closest games of the season. lege career at the University of USF,” she said. In the game against Merritt South Florida when she signed The soccer Island, the girls simply could not on National Signing Day Feb. girls are ready keep up with the Mustangs. A 1, and though she hoped for for revenge. Fray player from Merritt Island took a better ending to her high summed it up a long shot that rebounded off school career, she appreciates when she stated the crossbar and fell to a striker, everything her teammates did her goals for next who put the ball in the back for her during her time here. year: “winning a of the net. At halftime, it was “It has been a great experi- state title, putting 1-0, and though the Patriots ence being a part of a great another banner STAYING ON TOP OF THINGS: Senior Chyanne Dennis, No. 7, retains control of the ball as a defender from Merritt Island trails had chances to tie the game, team at Heritage, and I’ve on the wall and her. Dennis was one of five soccer players to sign on National Signing Day Feb. 1 when she cemented her commitment to the they were never able to do so. learned a lot. [One thing I’ll miss getting a ring.” University of South Florida. (Photo/Gianna Sanchez) Freshman Jackson Arnberg shoots for the stars Conner McLeod | Co-Sports Editor propelled him to an elite level around Arnberg. Coach Kirby which are two of his favorite ac- understands the intense dedica- [email protected] once he started to play kids his was able to recruit complishments in basketball. tion to basketball he will have A lifelong fan and student own age. When he entered players who went In every sport, injuries to possess. Arnberg credits Har- of the game of basketball, fourth grade, Arnberg along with threaten a player’s ability to rison, who is now a guard for the freshman Jackson Arnberg is joined a travel basket- Arnberg improve and continue play- varsity team, for pushing him a standout point guard always ball team, which at play- ing the sport he or she loves. to be the best player he can be. looking for opportunities to the time was new ing The flu plagued Arnberg at the “Playing against [Harrison] in improve his already elite game. and small compared style worst possible time; he was the backyard is just energizing Arnberg began playing bas- to other organi- and about to play in a huge tour- and is just as intense as a regu- ketball at the young age of 3, zations that had before nament where many college lar game which helps improve when he received a mini-bas- been operating long, scouts would be in attendance. my own skills,” Arnberg said. ketball hoop for his room. Since for a long time. Arnberg’s Arnberg’s desire to compete Arnberg has a long road then, his love for basketball has In his first season travel team helped him overcome his pain ahead of him in order to stay at an grown and fostered into his with the team, gained enough and silence his parents’ doubts elite level of basketball skill. This main passion. He first realized Arnberg never skill to com- about his health. Even with a includes dedication to school basketball could be more than gave up on his pete with high fever, he ended up play- basketball and travel basketball, just a passion when his older teammates though the best ing very well in the tournament. which are both very demanding brother, junior Harrison’s fourth- the team was not that in the “After coming back from an and time-consuming. However, grade recreational team invited good. His strong country. injury, the greatest feeling is Arnberg extreme passion for Arnberg, only a second grader work ethic and Arn- to get back on the court, play basketball shines and should at the time, to play with them. natural leader- berg helped his a good game and watch time ultimately help him overcome Even though Arnberg competed ship encouraged team win the na- on the shot clock run down any obstacles that come his way. against kids two years older, he his coach at the tional championship before winning,” Arnberg said. “Ever since I can remember, did not find it difficult to play well. time, Coach Kirby, to one year and the state When Arnbergenrolled at basketball was the main way I Arnberg’s time with the older build the entire team championship the next, Heritage, the basketball coach- could let myself age group developed his ath- GO UP STRONG: Arnberg goes up for a layup during an exhibition game at Camp Lennox during the es, without hesitation, moved free. Every leticism and basketball IQ, which summer of 2016. He has attended the camp for four years. (Submitted by Jackson Arnberg) Arnberg up from the freshman day get- team to the junior varsity squad. ting on While the team’s lack of players the court made it difficult to win games, is the one Arnberg says the season helped thing I him grow as a player as he got look for- used to playing against ward to,” high school players. He Arnberg eventually was able said. to find a sense of leadership among players older than him. Arnberg said he is a student first and an athlete second, so he hopes to use basket- ball as a tool to further his chances of get- ting into a top-tier college. To reach that level, Arnberg SAY CHEESE: Arnberg smiles after a superb performance with his travel team, the Weston Wolfpack. He has played with the team for six years. (Submitted by Jackson Arnberg) IPATRIOTPOST.COM PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 E21 Sports Ice hockey skates to success 20 big games Alex Becker | Staff Writer next season,” [email protected] Usan said. The average temperature in This team Half Court South Florida during the win- had its fair BY CONNER MCLEOD ter is about 75 degrees. Almost share of lead- Pay attention to 50 degrees warmer than the ers to direct the Patriot Power temperature needed for snow. the team Our Patriot athletic pro- Despite the summer-like tem- towards suc- gram is currently on track to peratures in winter, Heritage cess. “Our have won a state champion- still found a way to play ice goalie, senior ship in seven different sports hockey. Weather was just one Ryan Sku- by the end of this school year, of the obstacles the hockey had pien was out- which is unheard of and more to overcome. standing. He importantly, not talked about The ice hockey team’s season is easily one enough. While the Heritage has come to a close. The team of the best teams continue to dominate in had its ups and downs ending goalies in the most games, students still find the season with a 7-12-1 record, entire league an excuse not to attend an im- but not before a five game win and he kept portant Friday’s home playoff streak to end the season. The the most of game. The fact that many stu- team continued to improve all the games dents couldn’t care less wheth- season, leading up to its amaz- close. Sopho- er our football team went to ing win streak. more forward the state championship or the “As a team, naturally, we Anthony fact that athletes’ parents are want to win. We also want to VanSteenkiste, the only ones who are cheering continue to improve. As a coach, junior for- the team on sends a sad mes- my objective is to develop play- ward Camer- sage to opposing teams who ers for the next level, whether on Wolk, ju- PLAYING LIKE PROS: Although all games are crucial, according to Coach Usan, the best game is the one played at the BB&T Center, see the lack of fans and assume they want to go on to play in nior forward home of the Florida Panthers. The team plays one game a season at the stadium. “It’s a special feeling to play in an NHL arena,” Usan the Patriots are not worthy junior leagues or to play college Jacob Usan said. (Photo/Michael Usan) enough to have any support. hockey. We want to teach them and senior of players. “I’m extremely proud ‘fresh’ players. Under the cir- At most other schools, the the game, but along with that center Michael Obrevko led the of our team. We are certainly cumstances, our team played crowd attendance for home comes teaching responsibility, team in points,” Usan said. better than our record sug- incredibly well,” Usan said. games is respectable, even if sportsmanship and teamwork,” However, they won as a gests. Almost every other This team has talent and pas- the team has no chance of win- coach Michael Usan, assistant to team. “It’s truly a team effort. school we played had over 25 sion, but needs more players. ning games. As an avid sports head coach J.L. Haber, said. Most goals are not scored with- players on their roster. This al- The coaches send out a mes- fan myself, I attend away games With the season officially out an assist. The players be- lowed them to have four lines sage to all students at Heritage: and witness how packed the ended, Haber and Usan will start come really close, and I enjoy and three defensive pairings, “I know there are other hockey crowds are, as fans for other to prepare for next season with coaching this incredible group. plus subs rotating in through- players out there. Anyone in- schools show up to support the unofficial summer league. Hockey players are a special out the period. We have a very terested in playing during the their fellow classmates. The Pa- “We play in an unofficial sum- breed. Everyone has a great small squad. There were only 13 summer league or playing on triot fan base, which is so me- mer league that begins in June time, and we learn and grow to- players on our roster. We usu- the varsity squad next season diocre that the boys basketball and goes to early August. All gether,” Usan said. ally ran only 3 defensive players should contact me. Every stu- senior night had more fans for games are big. There will be The team had to over- and 2 lines. Our players had to dent needs goals. Join the Pa- the away team, fails in compar- many big games during the un- come many obstacles this play harder and fight fatigue to triots hockey team and score ison. There is no real excuse for official summer league and then season, including a shortage keep up with the opponents some goals of your own.” the extreme apathy students have for Heritage teams; more than half of the teams on cam- Baseball to swing for the fences pus are highly ranked power- houses which almost guaran- Kevin Pollak | Co-Sports Editor (12), runs batted in (10), doubles way to a 0.81 ERA and a 2-1 re- “Although we lost a lot of se- tees a win and home games are [email protected] (three) and homeruns (two). cord. Both signed on National niors last year, we also gained a free with a student ID. The University of Miami com- Signing Day Feb. 1 – Cordero to bunch of incoming players. We Along with giving the play- The varsity baseball team lost mit will take his experiences High Point and Cortelli to Pomo- have put a lot of work in since ers on the field confidence and 4-3 in heartbreaking fashion to from USA Baseball’s 18U nation- na-Pitzer – and the duo is ready last year, grinding every day,” boosting morale, attending rival Archbishop McCarthy in al team, which won a gold med- to stymie hitters once again. he said. games connects the student the Class 6A regional semifinal al in Mexico in the fall. The only Cortelli realizes the potential Cortelli’s goal is crystal clear body in ways almost impos- game last season. The Patriots sophomore on the team, Casas this team has but also recog- this season: win a national title. sible in any other setting. Stu- are ready to avenge that loss. attracted attention with his play. nizes that the team still must “Being a senior, I want to end dents can meet people they Leading the way this season is The two players on the other make improvements before it my high school career with a haven’t talked to before and utility player Triston Casas, who side of the ball who will make can compete for a state cham- bang. I want to win a state and bond over watching the Patri- recently reclassified for the 2018 an impact are seniors Israel Cor- pionship. Though the team national title, which we defi- ots dominate another school’s class. His .429 batting average dero and Cody Cortelli. Cordero will miss former players such nitely can. It always comes down team. Watching your team win is a menace to opposing pitch- sustained a 2.55 ERA last season as Jacob Pino and Kyle Carter, to us and McCarthy. We need to gives you a sense of pride in ers, and as a freshman last sea- with a 3-0 record and 25 strike- new players will fill their shoes, win the big game,” he said. your school that can only be son, Casas led the team in hits outs, and Cortelli pitched his Cortelli said. reached with sports, and above all it gives students a fun way to spend their evenings. The athletes at our school would definitely appreciate the support their peers would give as it provides energy dur- ing the game. The opposing team’s crowd should not be louder than the home team’s, as this eliminates the concept of home-field advantage. More support would also let the ath- letes know that their hard work is not going unnoticed. Heritage students should realize how lucky they are to have multiple sports where going to a game is often not a question of whether our team is going to win, but by how much. IPATRIOTPOST.COM E22 PATRIOT POST FEBRUARY 2017 Sports Q&A: Gomes goes for gold The only varsity boys soccer player to commit on National Signing Day, senior Jonathan Gomes will continue playing soccer at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), a Division I school. The Post learns more about this all-star athlete in a Q&A session. Amanda Wasserman | Co-Assistant Editor more than just a team, and I would it give me my best shot to their goalkeeper coach, which about the transfer from high [email protected] can’t wait to come back to visit have a chance at the next level, is almost unheard of, and every- school to the collegiate level the young players and see where but it also provides me with a body that knows him has only — that the pace of the game How long have you their talents lead them in life.” good education in case I don’t positive things to say about him. is going to be a lot higher and been playing soccer? make it to the next level. Their I personally feel with the help of the intensity is going to be What do you like about it? Why did you choose head coach coach Aiden Heaney, [the pro- a lot harder. I believe this to to commit to UNCW over happens to be gram] can propel me to play at the core and I hope to make a “I have been playing soccer other universities? How the highest level attainable.” smooth transition, but I know ever since I could walk, and I does its soccer program it will take some time to adjust.” started travel soccer when I was cater to you as an athlete? How do you antici- just 7 years old. I am a person that pate that collegiate Do you hope to play soc- hates to lose, so it is safe to say "I chose soccer will be differ- cer at the professional level? that I love the intensity and the UNCW ent than highschool competitive aspect of the game.” because soccer? “I hope to play professionally, not but I know the odds are not really How has your experi- only “Every- in my favor. I plan to take a shot ence been as a member of body says at it if the window presents itself, the Heritage varsity team? the but if I don’t make it, it will not same be the end of the world for me.” “I have been a member of exact the varsity team since freshman thing What are your academ- year. This past year has by far ic aspirations at UNCW? been my best experience with the team. This year has stood “I am undecided, but I out from the others not only be- have narrowed it down to cause I was named a captain and either nursing, exercise sci- a leader, but also because of the ence or sports medicine.” tight bond we developed over WE ARE FAMILY: Gomes celebrates with his parents, Ronie and Joseph Gomes, after officially signing to play at UNC-Wilmington. As starting the season. We truly became goalkeeper for the varsity team this season, Gomes allowed only nine goals in 23 games. (Photo/Gianna Sanchez) Softball team Lacrosse teams hit the sticks Vanessa Ryals | Online Editor-in-Chief looking up for the Lady Patriots New drills have been incorpo- [email protected] this year as they have entered rated into the Lady Patriots’ prac- With a final standing of 29th the season with two wins against tices to help build their offense, ready to hit it in the state and overall record of North Broward Prep (16-6) and defense and sportsmanship. 11-5-0 for the 2015-2016 school Coral Springs Charter (7-0). Practice for both teams be- year, the Heritage varsity boys’ Under head coach Troy Mil- gan mid-January will continue out of the park lacrosse team entered the 2017 lican, and new agility special- until the season’s end in May. season with an exhibition win ist Angel Rodriguez, the team Kevin Pollack | Co-Sports Editor players and is excited for how against Ransom Everglades. hopes to improve from last year. [email protected] the team will play this season. “It’s the first time in a while Two years ago, the varsity “We all are getting along we’ve had a lot of seniors, so softball team lost 1-0 in the extremely well, and it feels we’re going into the season state championship against more like a family than in the with a lot of experience,” senior Baker County. The Patriots past. Winning states is always goalie Joseph Weisberg said. avenged their loss last year our main goal, and I think The Patriots have 11 se- with a powerful 12-2 win that we are more prepared niors and one junior starter. in the state championship, this early in the season than Working into the fold are tal- and they’re thirsty for more. we have ever been,” she said. ented juniors and freshmen The team that showed up Grobman has faith in the and two junior high players. to the state championship younger players and realizes “We are a lot better this last year has barely changed. that they have the ability to year. Our offense is a lot more There were only two seniors make an impact this season. balanced. Our defense is a lot on that team – Melissa Rini “They have so much poten- more experienced and ready and Madison Canby – so the tial to be a big part of our jour- to go. We’re also pretty ma- Patriots have a leg up when ney to states. I don’t think age ture for a varsity team and it comes to returning players. really matters on our team. If that’s helped us through the The numbers don’t lie: you are talented and work hard, first game,” Weisberg said. the Patriots have some then you deserve to play. I defi- Last year Heritage’s first la- of the hardest hitters. nitely think the younger players crosse player to commit to col- Sophomore Jordyn will have their opportunity to lege, alumni Jared Alfero, ma- Griffith, who batted .438do great things, and I am excit- triculated to Rutgers University PROTECTING THIS HOUSE: Senior Joseph Weisberg defends the goal in a game against Archbish- with 34 runs batted in and ed to be a part of that,” she said. to continue his lacrosse career. op McCarthy. The boys have won six games so far thanks in part to Weisberg's strong goalkeeping. four home runs last season Sophomore Olivia Savis- This year Weisberg will be (Photo/Gianna Sanchez) looks to continue the domi- kas will take over as the main the second lacrosse player to nance from her freshman year. pitcher for the Patriots even commit – this time to Haver- Senior Sydney Grobman, though she served primarily ford College to play Division who committed to Yale Uni- as a relief pitcher last season. III lacrosse. Other players have versity, is another of the Pa- Her 6-1 record and 0.92 received offers to play in col- triots’ offensive weapons. ERA over 45.2 innings last lege as well, Weisberg added. She hit .413 last season season speak for themselves. In an interesting twist of with one home run, a three- The girls, who are ranked events, coach Chad Moore’s run bomb that put the first second in the state, are college lacrosse coach, runs on the board for the poised to get some more Mike Sessa, is now an assis- Patriots in their title game. hardware this season. tant coach for the Patriots. Grobman has kept her They have won three state Girls’ varsity lacrosse faced eye on the prize since the championships in the last five tough competition last year, preseason. She noted the years, and this season could ending the season with a 3-14- chemistry between the mark the fourth in six years. 0 record. However, things are