March 2010 - Volume 46 - Issue 3 - Miami Springs Senior High - 751 Dove Ave, Miami Springs, FL 33166 Haiti walk off in the circle School Violence By: Grethel Villalobos this did not deter Anchor members from mak- On February 13, 2010, Miami Springs ing the most out of the campaign they had Senior High stepped up to contribute to a very initiated. The campaign consisted of food important foundation: the Haiti Relief Fund. stands, donation locations, and performances Many arrived to support this cause, which is from our school’s talented Golden Girls and desperately needed now and for many years Dance Fusion teams. The “walk” started to come. Americans had not dealt with a natu- from the beginning of Curtiss Parkway and ral disaster on the scale of the earthquake in proceeded down to the golf course. It lasted Haiti since Hurricane Katrina struck New Orle- from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and was a wonderful ans. School clubs like Anchor and Hospitality success. At the end of the day, Ms. Doyle & Tourism have contributed a helping hand. announced that they had reached their goal Hospitality and Tourism launched operation of one thousand dollars. If you would like to “Triple H” that will send blankets, food, and know how you can lend a helping hand with other miscellaneous items to Haiti. Anchor, project Triple H or Benefit Haiti, please go to which was the leading force behind the Haiti room 129 or talk to any member of the An- walk that occurred on Curtiss Parkway and chor club. Any donation no matter how small began their fundraising efforts bright and early helps.—“No act of kindness, no matter how to make the most out of the daytime. The small, is ever wasted.” ~Aesop weather conditions were cold and windy, but Mr. Thomas Ennis, Sherrieka Othello, and Mr. Frank Lasaga posed for pictures after the night’s meeting (Photo: Yessenia DePaz) By: Yessenia DePaz jor problem in schools today.” To this An assembly took place on particular comment, Mr. Lasaga re- January 14, 2010, in MSSH’s auditori- plied, it all comes down to “lack of um to discuss school violence within in parent participation. If they are not Miami-Dade County Public Schools. willing to help and get involved, how The goal of the night was to hold an are we going to help?” This is a prob- open forum between 6:00 p.m. and lem that students are currently facing 8:00 p.m. to generate feedback from in schools today. All in all, parents students, concerned parents, and were reassured and the night’s objec- community members regarding the tive was met, which was to inform the increased violence in our public public about school violence and schools. Even though, only a small about student safety within our gathering of approximately 50 people school. Special thanks go to our Prin- attended the meeting, it was eventful cipal, Thomas Ennis, Trust Counse- and full of community feedback. Alt- lor, Frank Lasaga, Head-Counselor, hough, there were definitely mixed Rosamelia Gonzalez, and student feelings. “There is nothing wrong with representative, Sherrieka Othello, our school,” one person stated. Anoth- who through great efforts made this er student remarked, “Drugs are a ma- night possible. Students gathered for a short break (Photo: Ms. Doyle) Junior Ring Ceremony By: Gisella Loffredo ca Horta, and Lily Valdez) and the Pledge of Miami Springs’ auditorium played host Allegiance by Class Representative Yessenia to this year’s Junior Class Ring Ceremony on DePaz. After taking their seats once again, Thursday, March 4, 2010, after a two year President, Shayleen Bernal, welcomed the remodeling project. The auditorium sparkled in guests followed by Principal Ennis. The tradi- all it’s glory with brand new seating, sophisti- tion continued with the Ring Heritage by Histo- cated lighting, and enhanced music equip- rian, Themis Lopez; How To Wear Your Ring ment. The crowd of approximately 400 stu- by Vice-President, Eden Cintron; and Tradi- dents, parents, teachers, and staff enjoyed a tion of Unity by Treasurer, Patty Skarlinsky. memorable evening courtesy of Herff Jones. The evenings’ festivities culminated with The The Class Sponsor, Mrs. Karlick, opened the Principal’s Dedication during which Principal festivities by introducing the Class of 2011 Ennis commended the students and led them who made their awaited entrance to “That in the placing of the rings. “It was a nice cere- New New” from Kid Cudi. The evening pro- mony that the Juniors will always remember,” [L-R] Vice President, Eden Cintron; Historian Themis Lopez, Class Repre- ceeded with the Presentation of Colors by remarked Lily Valdez. sentative, Yessenia DePaz; President, Shayleen Bernal, and Treasurer, JROTC (Lauren Rego, Ivania Delacruz, Jessi- Patty Skarlinsky (Photo: Gisella Loffredo) MSSH continues Music & film to shine Page 7 Page 4 Tragedy in the air Living Page 2 Page 5 Politics Page 2 Gay rights and the military By: Grethel Villalobos orably discharged are striped of military Many in today’s society might view benefits and prestige. The military’s policy the issue of gay rights as a matter that is has gay, as well as heterosexual people, taboo or immoral or better left ignored. questioning the basics of its foundations. However, due to recent events involving In a time of middle-eastern tensions, many gay rights politics, such as proposition 8’s question the validity and effectiveness of ban on gay marriage in California, it seems such a policy. While the United States Ar- that activists, celebrities, and even politi- my seeks to raise its enlistment numbers, it cians have spoken out in outrage. is also turning down openly gay individuals While the issue of gay rights has who are qualified to serve in the military. Photo: courtesy of Bing.com received growing support since 1973, when New light may soon be shed on the 15 the American Psychiatric Association first year-old-policy since President Obama Massachusetts’ Senate seat removed homosexuality off its list of mental promised to have it eventually reversed. disorders, the struggle remains a long road The issue remains open and is still being By: Brian Engleman voters are Republican and Democrats out- down the path of equality. evaluated. Many laws have been Shortly after the polls closed on number Republicans 3 and half to 1. The One of the most controversial laws passed regarding the rights of gays and Tuesday, January 20, 2010, the Massachu- last Republican Senator elected from Mas- passed in 1993 by the United States gov- lesbians. One of the most controversial setts Senate seat was still undecided. sachusetts was Edward Brooke on January ernment is the military’s policy of “don’t laws has been the legalization of marriage Throughout much of the campaign for the late 3, 1979 over 31 years ago. Various news ask, don’t tell.” While many see the law as a in some states. For example, the legaliza- Senator Ted Kennedy’s long held seat, both outlets reported on several reasons why loophole in the strict system and a small tion of gay marriage in California has gone Scott Brown (Republican) and Martha Coak- Martha Coakley’s campaign ultimately ley (Democrat) ran neck and neck. At the failed. CNN’s Democratic strategists say the victory for the gay rights movement, others from being legal back to being illegal. On start of the campaign, Martha Coakley held a reason Coakley lost was because she didn’t see it as discriminatory and an outright vio- May 15, 2009 the “California Supreme slight lead in the polls. However, as the cam- relate to the Massachusetts voters and did- lation of constitutional and human rights. Court ruled that same-sex couples have a paign progressed, President Obama traveled n’t campaign as heavily as Brown did. The The policy states that the United States mili- constitutional right to marry. By November to Massachusetts to help Coakley gain sup- Boston Globe stated Coakley’s downfall tary must hide any interest in the sexual 3, 2009, more than 18,000 same-sex cou- port. Despite President Obama’s support for was that she didn’t go around meeting vot- ples were legally married under state sanc- orientation of a potential enlistee or of those Coakley, Republican Scott Brown’s cam- ers. But when you interview the people of already enlisted in the service, while dis- tion. On November 4, 2009, however, Cali- paign, which maintained a slight lead over Massachusetts, they will tell you the majori- charging homosexual individuals that open- fornia voters, via referendum, approved a Coakley with a 50-46 lead in the Suffix poll, ty voted for Brown because he didn’t sup- ly reveal themselves as such. The United ban on same-sex marriage called Proposi- achieved greater momentum. During the final port the way the Healthcare reform is being States military prides itself in setting high tion 8.” Due to gay supporters’ outrage, the week, many election networks were baffled at handled. This election proves that 51% of standards of moral character in its recruits. couples married before November 4, 2009 what was taking place. There had never been Americans dislike the Healthcare reform. According to the military’s policy, the open will remain legally married. The ban, how- a closer Massachusetts Senate seat race in Brown’s win will change the way Healthcare acceptance of gay individuals compromises ever, created resentment and anger and is all of its history. Due to the exit poll numbers, will be run in the United States Senate. the “the high standards of morale, good seen as a big setback.