Shark BitesApril 5th, 2017 6th Edition 7878 Shark Way, Naples, Fl 34119

FSA: Stressful We’re Loud Sharks, We’re Assessments? Not Anymore Proud Sharks! By: Sophia Vellozzi Madelyn Morey

It is that time of year where will improve critical reading school picks up, with an at- and writing skills by providing tempt to race toward the finish students with various strategies line. Well, the year is not quite and advice when taking these over yet. The most important immense state tests. Someone assessments of this year are yet must demonstrate a proficiency to come, one of them being the in reading and writing in the Florida Standards Assessments classroom so that they build a (FSA). positive habit that will turn out The English FSA is yet to be second-nature to a student another test that is an intrinsic when it is time to take the FSA. part of the year and the years Stay involved in the classroom, to come. The teachers are dil- and ask a multitude of questions igently preparing the students that will eventually aid in these for these upcoming tests, but cumulative tests. individual work from the stu- In addition, students dent must also be applied in should use the most abundant preparation for the exam. One resource at their fingertips: the of the simplest and effective internet! Go online and practice ways of preparing is to read. reading passages or articles and Reading will open one’s mind answering the corresponding The Shark Fins club at Gulf Coast students buying tickets to the foot- to numerous types of literature, questions. This will expand a High School was created to pro- ball games during season and cre- and subjects someone to varied student’s reading skills espe- mote school spirit to all students ated a sense of school unity through sentence structure and eloquent cially for the reading portion at major Shark sporting events and school pride. vocabulary. While reading, pay of the FSA. Freshman Student school functions. The Shark Fins During sporting events, the special attention to the gram- Faessa Dorival comments, “My are responsible for the themes such members of Shark Fins would try to mar, language, and conven- English teacher prepares us by as pink-out and neon night during “pump up” the crowd with stream- tions the author uses. The more giving us multiple packets of the football season to assist fellow ers and confetti. The student sec- someone exercises this ability, practice questions to answer students in displaying their Shark tion of the Gulf Coast stadium was the more apt that person is to based on various articles. She pride. Additionally, Shark Fin filled with students participating in apply and utilize this knowledge had done this for our midterm, members have raised awareness for the theme for that specific game and on the English FSA, especially and I felt thoroughly prepared.” school events to increase attendance also cheering for their fellow for the writing component. Teachers will most definitely at these events. students alongside their friends. Focusing in class will facilitate their student’s reading At the start of the school The Shark Fins set up a one of a consequently deem a student abilities by taking such actions, year, the Shark Fins brainstormed kind school environment were the ready for the English FSA. but some require extra practice different ideas in a group setting masses can all support Gulf Coast Teachers expose their students outside of the classroom. during their meetings every week. High School with Shark pride. to a variety of writing styles that As the Florida Standards As- Members then planned out how Within the club meetings, can be practiced through writing sessment approaches, don’t be they would approach spreading Shark Fin members use team-based essays. Freshman Student Kayla nervous. Ease nerves by prepar- their message of school pride. After skills to cooperate with one another Mathai explains, “My English ing through reading and writing. deciding on focusing on raising in order to accomplish their goals. teacher is intent on us improv- If a student does as follows, they attendance to sporting events they Everyone is able to put in their ing our writing skills. Through will feel less stressed on the day organized how they could success- opinions or ideas so that all mem- reading excellent literature, we by merely taking responsibility fully attract even more students to bers are participating and have a say are learning the various com- for their own success and ac- participate in their special themes in their next project. This helps all ponents that go into a finished tively learning! for sporting events. of the members develop a respect or writing piece.” The teachers With this, the Shark Fins understanding for one another even continued their work asking other though they have different mind- students to wear certain clothes to sets as they work together on proj- sporting events, such as all black. ects that will benefit their school This effective strategy helped them and the student body as a whole. spread their message fast and even Finally, utilizing social media for helped in selling t-shirts that pro- good, the Shark Fins spread the moted their club and other organiza- word on student news surrounding tions at Gulf Coast. All around, the school events and functions that are Shark Fins increased the amount of important.

Photo Courtesy of Google Images Features

In GC’s Library: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

By: Isabella Napoles

Jay Asher is an American writer who spe- Jessica was the third person to re- cializes in contemporary novels for teens. ceive the tapes. She was a girl that Alex com- He attended Cuesta Community College in pared Hannah to, and she slapped Hannah in his hometown of Arcadia, California, where the face after Alex’s list was published. She he wrote his first two children’s books for a left a permanent scar on her face that ironi- Children’s Literature Appreciation class. He cally represented her emotional pain. then attended California Polytechnic State Tyler was the fourth, and he used to University to become an elementary school take pictures of Hannah through her bedroom teacher, but he left during his senior year in window in an attempt to “catch her in the act” order to pursue a serious writing career. From of doing what everyone in the school knew working as a salesman in a shoe store to a li- her for. brarian in a bookstore, many of Asher’s work The fifth person who heard the experiences influenced his writing. He has tapes was Courtney, who used to be Han- published two books: Thirteen Reasons Why nah’s friend. Hannah realized that Courtney (2007) and The Future of Us (2011). only used her to gain popularity. Courtney Thirteen Reasons Why has re- had been known as a sweet girl until she ceived five stars from Teen Book Review as spread rumors that Hannah sent her sensual well as praise from other notable authors such messages, which was untrue. as Ellen Hopkins, Gordon Korman, and Chris The sixth person to get the tapes Crutcher. Netflix has created a miniseries was Marcus, who took advantage of Hannah based on the book with executive producer when he asked her to go on a date with him Selena Gomez that will premiere this year. It then proceeded to physically violate her a is the story of a teenage girl named Hannah number of times. Baker who committed suicide, and it is told Zach was next. He pretended to through the eyes and ears of a boy named comfort Hannah after her date with Marcus, Clay Jensen. but she later found out that the only reason he Clay is a shy high school student helped her was because he was dared to. who comes home one day to discover a box Ryan was the eighth person to hear of cassette tapes at his front door. He finds the tapes. He was the editor of the “Lost N that they were recorded by Hannah, a girl he Found” column in the school newspaper. He had a crush on, who committed suicide two gained Hannah’s trust by befriending her, weeks prior. On the tapes, Hannah explains then he stole a poem of hers that detailed her the thirteen reasons why she decided to end personal problems. He published it in his col- her life, and Clay is one of them. umn anonymously, but people easily figured The first person to receive the tapes out that she was the author and mocked her. was Justin, who was one of the first people Clay was the ninth person to re- Hannah met when she moved to town. They ceive the tapes. As he listens to them, he kissed once, but when Hannah developed walks around town and goes to all he places feelings for him, Justin spread untrue rumors she mentions while reminiscing about what that they did more than kiss. This resulted in could have been. the ruining of Hannah’s reputation before she What do the tapes say about Clay? even began school. Does he pass them on to the next person on The next person to get the tapes Hannah’s list? How does he deal with ev- was Alex, who used to be friends with Han- erything she has said? Discover the answers nah. Alex ruined his friendship with her when to these questions and others by reading the he published a “hot or not” list that objecti- heartbreaking and moving novel Thirteen fied her and furthered her tainted reputation. Reasons Why.

Photo Courtesy of GCHS Teacher Spotlight: Ms. Layne

By: Katie O’Brien

hensive as the laureate and global perspectives class. junior year in Mr. Hemricks AP English language class. In Critical thinking and speaking skills learned in these his class, students had to write a pre-laureate paper, which classes will be carried on with students throughout was around 3,000 words. This helped prepare them for the their whole lives. In Ms. Layne’s global perspectives actual laureate. While this did help her prepare, Elizabeth class, students research worldwide issues. Students said the hardest part was, “making sure that I meet with my choose topics they are interested in, rather than being mentors all the time.” It is important to meet with mentors assigned a topic. because you have to meet with them to take notes and get Her other class is the laureate class. Laureate is a credit for your work. The laureate will be challenging but Collier County Public Schools program that allows will also be worth it in the end. students with the right qualifications to graduate This year’s laureates ended just a few short weeks ago. The incredible Ms. Layne can do it all. She teaches with the laureate diploma. This is the highest honor When talking about the 2017 laureates Ms. Layne said, speech and debate, global perspectives, laureate, and an awarded in Collier County and students who meet all re- “I thought the laureates were fantastic. I said at the be- English elective. This year she is teaching a freshman writ- quirements will also receive a $1,000 cash scholarship. ginning of the year that these kids came up with the most ing class as her English elective. Ms. Layne choose these The paper that students will research and present is based innovative topics that I’ve ever had.” The laureates were topics because she has a degree in communications and she on a topic they pick in 11th grade. By the end of the stu- an overall success. has a general passion for teaching these subjects. dent’s junior year, their topic will be picked and they will Many students have used their laureates to get into great One of her classes that help the most with life skills is start researching over the summer. Their topic can be on colleges and to receive amazing scholarships. One of Ms. her speech and debate class. Skills learned in this class will any global issue they choose. Once their senior year be- Layne’s past students got a full ride to MIT and another re- stick with a person their whole life. Speech and debate can gins, they will discuss their research and topic with Ms. ceived a grant. The student who received the grant was also usually help put a person on track for their laureate class. Layne. The laureate is about 15 minutes long and must be paid to continue her research of her topic while in college. However, it is still a great class to take for public speaking 5,000-6,000 words. It will be presented in the spring of the Many students have been picked over others simply be- skills even if you’re not planning on taking the laureate student’s senior year and the student will present in front of cause they have done more in depth research. Completing class. a panel of teachers and community members. One of Ms. a laureate can simply start by taking Ms. Layne’s speech There are probably no other courses that are as compre- Layne’s students, Elizabeth Roche started her laureate her and debate class. New Addition to FCA-The Great Revolution Of Faith Shark Family! By: Pamela Peralta By: Zya Crawford Everyone knows that The mission of the FCA club is to present to moving can be difficult coaches and athletes, and all whom they influ- for any teenager; leav- ence, the challenge and adventure of receiving ing friends, family, and Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Their mission just about everything is to serve him in their relationships and in the that’s familiar to you. fellowship of the church. To see the world im- But how about moving pacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of to a completely dif- coaches and athletes. ferent continent, half Eric Maya is the advisor of the FCA club of way across the world? Gulf Coast High School and he also teaches Valerie Meet Valerie Mysibega, AP world history. The club currently has Mysibega a freshman who has re- twenty five members. Members which do not cently moved here all the have to pay any fees of any kind while they way from Nairobi, Kenya. When asked how attend the club. she felt about the big move she said the she “To me, it is an honor to be the advisor for was “Really excited, but also kinda sad be- such an amazing club and to help such great cause I was leaving my country, my friends, kids accomplish a relationship with God.” said and knowing that I was going to be around Maya people who didn’t speak my language.” Val- The club has helped out the community in erie spoke a form of Swahili in Kenya. different ways, the members visit sports camps during lunch at the gymnasium where they Photo Courtesy of Google Images It took about one year for the whole pro- around the community of Naples in effort of share different real life experiences and the passion to teach others about the love of God cess; to be unionized and to get their paper giving back. By visiting these sports camps, same passion to impact other students. The and that want to make an impact on others work. Then Valerie and her family went to the the members have the opportunities to talk club often invites guest speakers such as pas- lives.” said Maya US Embassy in Nairobi on October 2016 to to young athletes about God and help them tors from different churches, people with dif- Students still have time to join this club and get their papers checked out and to get their through any situation with the power of prayer. ferent testimonies of how God has impacted be part of such a great movement that FCA is visas, which took three hours. Finally, on De- They also “adopt a family” every year during their lives, and students that want to share their making all over public schools. This club is cember 5, the Mysibega’s were ready to begin the holidays to donate clothes, food and toys life experiences. not only for athletes but also for all students their journey. They had a 4pm flight, but had for the little members of the family. “Seeing the students become closer to God who would like to join. Be a part of this great to get there a couple of hours early to get bags FCA focuses on giving students the oppor- and to each other has been one of my biggest community and help out your own community and documents checked. Then they were off to tunity to express their faith without fear and accomplishments as an advisor.” said Maya by giving others the opportunity to share their Dubai, which took five hours by plane. They to show their love for God, openly. It offers The club is planning on having a fun day in faith and their love for God. stayed there for two hours until their sixteen students the ability to get close to God on a the month of April. This fun day will include hour connecting flight to Orlando was ready. public campus which can be a challenge for different games and a guest speaker. Finally, their long journey was over. While some students. The club meets every friday “This club is perfect for students that have a staying in Orlando for a bit, Valerie’s mom received a job for a hospital in Naples, and moved down January 10th. Valerie started themselves in a model way and gives them the skills to learn how school soon after. to properly conduct research. Alongside this, the club also gives “There are mostly boarding schools in them knowledge of international affairs and international issues that Kenya. School was from January to October, Suit Up! concern the United States. The club consist of 140 members. These 8 PM to 5 PM. All of the students in grade 9 By: Pamela Peralta members pay for their own trips and expenses while they are trav- had to take the same subjects. We stayed in one eling and they travel at least five times a year to different states and classroom for all subjects, and different teach- Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an various parts of the states. They have traveled to New York, Vir- ers would come to us. We had to wear ties with educational simulation and/or academic competition in which stu- ginia, Georgia and Tallahassee so far and they are planning to visit our uniforms every day. Here we use a lot of dents can learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the Florida Gulf Coast University the week of March 6th, to participate technology. In Kenya, you had to have good United Nations. MUN involves and teaches researching, public in one of their competitions. handwriting because we wrote a lot! Unlike speaking, debating, and writing skills, in addition to critical thinking, “We compete about different topics, mostly international issues here where we use computers to type essays. teamwork, and leadership abilities. and topics that are relevant to world history. The committee picks the Students take studies seriously, because some “We focus on giving kids the knowledge of the different nations.” topics and assigns it to the students.” said Suzanne, the club advisor families couldn’t afford school. People here said Suzanne Sulard, the club advisor. The club is holding their first conference to middle schoolers this are given the privilege to learn.” Suzanne Sulard has been the club advisor for 16 years and is also September. The purpose of this conference is to talk to students about Despite how hectic her life has been re- teacher at Gulf Coast High School. The club focuses more on having the benefits of attending the club and to explain to them how being a cently, Valerie has already made new friends, a voice in international affairs and having the ability to command a part of this club can help them and give them the skills that they are attended school clubs, received good grades, large room. The club helps the community in many ways, it gives the going to need for the future. By being a part of the Model UN club, and performed with the all-girls choir for MPA. Valerie’s journey is inspiring, and hopeful. We society a sense of voice and rights when it comes to international is- students learn how to handle a crowded room, command attention are so happy to have her here and for her fam- sues. It also helps the community by giving back. Members recently for issues of their interest, and research information properly. Along ily to start a new life in the United States. participated in the flood that occurred in New Orleans by collecting with all of these skills, it gives them confidence. canned foods, school supplies and necessary items for the victim’s This club is perfect for students to get out of their comfort zone and survival. experience a journey of learning. The club gives students the opportunity to learn how to express

A New Swift Stroke of the Bow Tricky Trivia! By: Sophia Vellozzi By: Katie O’Brien Many are unaware that Gulf Coast High Fiddle Club. She plays with the club and is run by the wonderful, Ms. Lenhart. She not Who doesn’t love a good trivia game? If School has a newly formed Fiddle Club. selects the short tunes for the club to play. only runs Scholar bowl, but is also a science you love trivia, competition, and ultimate The Fiddle Club is a small group com- Currently, they are practicing songs such teacher. She has been running scholar bowl bragging rights, then you should definitely prised of instrumental string players. It as “Mrs. Janieson’s Favorite” and “Mary, for three years. When Ms. Lenhart was talking join the scholar bowl. The scholar bowl, is an exposes the student musicians to a variety Young and Fair.” Fiddle Club member, about why she joined scholar bowl she said, “I academic team that competes in various com- of compositions involving fast-paced Faessa Dorival, explains, “Fiddle Club has love the trivia aspect and enjoy practicing with petitions. On a single team there are usually tempos and lively beats. made me a better player overall because the students. They amaze me every day with up to four or five players and the game may The club meets every Monday of the requirement to play very fast. It is the things they know!” She has done an amaz- be about 30 minutes or longer. There can be from 2:15-3:00 after school. One does not much easier to play my orchestra pieces ing job with the scholar bowl teams as proven multiple teams competing or just two teams have to be involved in a musical class at now that I must play much more difficult during last years’ competition, the Collier that compete and there are various topics that school in order to join. The instruments material.” The club is certainly an abun- County Public Schools high school tournament may be discussed. Topics such as history, fine played include guitar, mandolin, cello, vio- dance of fun, and is a fantastic opportunity Gulf Coast High School came in second place arts. English, current events, and science. The lin, piano, harp, and dulcimer. A dulcimer to learn a string instrument. with 177 points, winning $150. Currently, this scholar bowl can be played by young students is a wooden instrument with an elongat- The club will have a concert on year’s scholar bowl team is now entering the in elementary school all the way up to college ed and rounded body that has a total of Tuesday, May 9, at 6:30 pm. The partici- quarterfinals of the A-team competition in Lee students. The game is played using a buzzer two strings per note. It can be played by pants are thoroughly excited for the Fiddle County. The team members are working hard system; a moderator will ask a question and bowing, plucking, and even strumming. Club’s first performance. They have been to prepare for this competition and the matches students may buzz in if they have the answer. During practices every Monday, the group practicing incredibly hard on dominating can be watched on YouTube through the Lee The buzzer allows a player to interrupt the focuses on honing their skills by initially the crucial skills required to play these County School’s channel. reading of the question if they know the an- practicing separately on their individual intense compositions of music. Fiddle The Scholar bowl is one of the best aca- swer and once a team buzzes in and answers parts, and then uniting as a group to prove Club student, Faessa Dorival, comments, demic teams to be a part of and students enjoy correctly, they will receive a point. However, what they have mastered. Skills they must “All it takes is practice, practice, and more competing against each other to see who the if a person buzzes and is incorrect, no one else ultimately master are easier said than practice. Hard-work and passion need to best is. They are great teammates who are gen- on the team may answer for that question. done. Fiddle music entails inconceivably be there for the musician to excel.” Fiddle uinely happy when someone has a good round. The scholar bowl in Collier County is rapid music that requires the students to Club clearly requires a student who is pre- The scholar bowl is an all-round impressive played by middle school and high school stu- subsequently move their fingers just as pared to work hard and persevere, for they and intelligent team. dents. The top six high school scholar bowl fast. The fiddle music even comprises of cannot get discouraged if they are unable students are chosen to represent Collier County two parts: a harmony and melody. The to master a passage. Either way, Fiddle at the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge. students can select which part they would Club is an unprecedented school club that This is a state wide tournament and last year like to play for each arrangement. is sure to gain popularity as more discover Collier County placed third in state. Ms. Tara Buonamici directs the how much fun it can be! The Gulf Coast High School scholar bowl Sports

By: Michelle Odontuya Strike! The Eagles Are Out The shark fans came out today to support the players during their home game on Thurs- day, March 2, 2017. The team played against George Jenkins High School from Lakeland. The team played the best they could and it was definitely surprising to see their loss. They are a great team with a great coach with great average performance scores and wins almost all their games. Although its hard to tell what went wrong at this game, the shark’s base- ball team will still dominate and pull through with great wins at the up- coming games this season- that much we know! The baseball team is run by Coach Rosa, who is also a social studies teacher Gulf Coast. Before begin- ning to talk about the results of the Photo Courtesy of GCHS game, the basics of the game must be understood. There are nine players left fielder, third baseman and short- as everyone was still anticipating but unfortunately it just wasn’t their immense amount of cheering. The on each team who alternate between stop. The objective of the game is to for them to catch up. Then the game time. game was filled with families of the playing defense and offense. There basically hit a home run. The game really picked up in excitement when The baseball team is usually not players and the best supporters. As are different fielding positions and on Thursday started off uneventful teams tied on the 6th! However, then one to lose as they win most games for the loss, the baseball players have plays that go along with the game with 0-0 for the first half but then the George Jenkins school proceeded so this was a little bit of a disappoint- conditioning and will hopefully im- of baseball. There is the position of the George Jenkins team gained the to score again. This made the game ment for the team. The baseball fans prove in time to get back on their feet center, pitcher, first baseman, second lead with a point in the 2nd half. extremely emotional as they were so are definitely some of the best fans for the next game. baseman, right fielder, center fielder, There was still hope for the sharks close and they played their hearts out as they support the players with an Upcoming Sports Events Girls Girls Tennis Boys Lacrosse 4/7/17 - Naples High 4/4/17 - Seacrest Country Day 4/4/17 - District Semi-Finals 4/8/17 - Naples HIgh 4/6/17 - Community School 4/6/17 - District Finals

Boys Baseball Boys Tennis Coed Track 4/6/17 - Le Senior 4/4/17 - Seacreast Counrty Day 4/4/17 - Golden Gate 4/13/17 - Palmetto Ridge 4/6/17 Community School 4/7/17 0- Charlotte High Lady Sharks Defeat Golden Gate!

By: Maddie Morey

The Gulf Coast High School ju- freshed and ready to play. The keep every offensive player from nior varsity lacrosse team defeated Golden Gate Titans were deter- the opponent’s team covered. The the Golden Gate High School Ti- mined to lessen Gulf Coast’s lead. defensive game from Gulf Coast tans on Tuesday night with a score The Titans reversed the play to skillfully cleared the ball from of 15-1. Throughout the game, score a goal. However, the Sharks their defensive end of the field to the Sharks utilized the strategies adjusted to the play and responded eliminate any scoring threats from learned in practice to dominate the by scoring more goals before half- the Titans in the second half. playing field on their home turf. time could even begin. Gulf Coast As the Sharks discussed In the first quarter, Gulf formulated offensive strategies their gameplay over the water Coast started out with a=the lead. incorporating passing routes and break, players were instructed to The first goal of the game was offensive setups previously dis- slow down the pace of the game scored within the first minute by cussed during practice at halftime. and utilize defensive strategies to the Sharks. After that, the Sharks In the third quarter, the keep their lead strong. Gulf Coast continued their scoring streak as Sharks found their groove and High School’s players focused on they continuously drove down the sped up the pace of the game. keeping possession, allowing the field towards the goal on offense. Gulf Coast drove long passes clock to run, and securing the team Gulf Coast’s endurance proved down the field to keep the play on another victory. This is the team’s to be an advantage as the play- the Titans’ defensive half for the fourth win of the season and the ers were able to make runs time majority of the matchup. Com- Sharks are looking to keep their and time again. When the buzzer munication was another factor impressive record when entering sounded to end the quarter, the in the Sharks’ victory, as passes the second half of their season. score was left at 4-0. would not have been as success- After the break, both ful without it. Additionally, on teams returned to the field re- defense communication is key to Photo Courtesy of GCHS World News Black History Month: History and 2017 Highlights By: Zya Crawford

Black History Month is cele- brated every February for achieve- ments by Black Americans. It is a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. Many of us know this, but how did it really get started? Today you are going to learn about the origins of Black History Month, along with some highlights on oth- ers contributed to celebrating this year. The event grew out of “Negro Photo courtesy to Google Images History Week,” from noted histo- a national Negro History week in yearly proclamations recognizing the United Kingdom, also devote a rian Carter G. Woodson and other 1926, choosing the second week Negro History Week. Thanks in month to celebrating black history year. Six black actors and actresses prominent African Americans. of February to coincide with the part to the Civil Rights Movement (history.com). were nominated for some of the top It began in Chicago summer of birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and a growing awareness of black categories at the 89th annual Acad- 1915 (asalh100.org), half a century and Frederick Douglass. Woodson identity, Negro History Week had Here are just a few of the amaz- emy Awards. Viola Davis won the after the Thirteenth Amendment wanted to help educate black and evolved into Black History Month ing things accomplished and rec- Oscar for Best Supporting Actress abolished slavery in the United white Americans about blacks and on many college campuses. Pres- ognized during this year’s black for her role in “Fences,” Denzel States. That September, the Har- their accomplishments and poten- ident Gerald R. Ford officially history month. ‘Sesame Street’ Washington was nominated for vard-trained historian Carter G. tial in a way that would benefit ev- recognized Black History Month joined the crew in honoring black Best Actor for his role in “Fences,” Woodson and the prominent minis- eryone. The event inspired schools in 1976, calling upon the public to history by airing out various old and Mahershala Ali and Naomie ter Jesse E. Moorland founded the and communities nationwide to “seize the opportunity to honor the clips from its archive. Among Harris won in the Best Supporting Association for the Study of Negro organize local celebrations, estab- too-often neglected accomplish- aired, were three vintage clips Actor and Actresses categories for Life and History (ASNLH), an or- lish history clubs and host perfor- ments of black Americans in every which featured black icons like; their roles in the Best Picture-win- ganization dedicated to researching mances and lectures. In the decades area of endeavor throughout our Erykah Badu, Maya Angelou, and ning “Moonlight” (theallstate.org). and promoting achievements by that followed, mayors of cities history.” Ray Charles (yourblackworld.net) Another successful and produc- black Americans and other peoples across the country began issuing Since 1976, every U.S. presi- Black actors, actresses, and art- tive Black History month has come of African descent. Known today yearly proclamations recognizing dent has officially designated the ist are serving look after look on red and gone. Here’s to next year, for as the Association for the Study of Negro History Week. In the de- month of February as Black His- carpets this award season. Chance more great things to come. African American Life and History cades that followed, mayors of cit- tory Month. Other countries around the Rapper won 3 Grammys, in- (ASALH), the group sponsored ies across the country began issuing the world, including Canada and cluding best hip-hop album of the Earth-like Entities: The Discovery of Seven New Planets By: Isabella Napoles thick; if one was to stand on the Forty lightyears away, or about 235 trillion miles, a miniature surface of one of the planets, he system of seven Earth-like planets has been discovered around a or she would receive 200 times dwarf star known as TRAPPIST-1. It is extremely rare because less light but the same amount the planets have similar dimensions to those of Earth and have of heat as here on Earth. This temperate climates, meaning there is a possibility of water being being said, the sky view would on the planets’ surfaces. This in turn leads to the possibility of be clear, and one would be able some form of life. The solar system was named after the tele- to see all the other planets at a scope that discovered it, TRAnsiting Planets and Planetesimals size up to two times larger than Small Telescope. These findings were announced at NASA the Moon. Headquarters in Washington. In 2018, the James The planets, currently known as TRAPPIST-1 a, b, c, Webb Space Telescope will be d, e, f, and g, all orbit the same star. This star is very red in nature, launched and positioned about so it is speculated that the light it gives off is salmon-hued. The one million miles from Earth to planets closest to the star seem to be tidally locked, meaning they observe the universe and star- only face one way from the star. This results in a perpetual night light through the atmospheres on one side and a perpetual day on the other. Researchers noted of other exoplanets. the extremely small distance the system spans. If placed in our “Spitzer will fol- solar system, the dwarf star, along with its seven planets, would low up in the fall to further fit between the sun and Mercury. Regarding the environments of refine our understanding of the planets themselves, they seem to be rocky rather than gas- these planets so that the James eous. Currently, the most habitable planets are e, f, and g, which Webb Space Telescope can may contain oceans on their surfaces. Planet f seems to be the follow up,” stated Sean Carey, best candidate for supporting life; it is cooler than Earth, but may manager of NASA’s Spitzer be suitable with the right atmosphere and greenhouse gases. Science Center at Caltech in In May of 2016, researchers studying the dwarf star Pasadena, California, “More through TRAPPIST noticed small, eclipse-like shadows that in- observations of the system are terrupted their vision every now and then. This was an indication sure to reveal more secrets.” of the presence of planets and other types of satellites, and further The discovery of research confirmed the existence of an initial three planets. The these seven Earth-like planets research continued by employing the help of space-based tele- has been another giant leap for scopes such as the Spitzer. This scope aided in the determination mankind. As technology ad- of orbital periods, radii, masses, and distances from the central vances, more exoplanets and star. The last four planets were discovered more recently by the other space entities will con- Spitzer Telescope. tinue to be discovered. More “I think we’ve made a crucial step towards finding if research into the TRAPPIST-1 there is life out there,” stated Amaury Triaud, a study author and system is necessary, but the astronomer at the University of Cambridge. planets hold a high potential The key to finding life on other planets is through find- for containing some form of ing the correct combination of gases. The goal of researchers is life. Until this breakthrough to define the atmospheres of each planet over the next decade occurs, the search for life con- and to look for liquid water, another indicator of life. So far, tinues. astronomers have determined that the atmospheres are extremely Photo courtesy to Google Images