Nov - Coral Reef High School

BAITLINE
Coral Reef Sr. High School
Sex talk p. 6
Get Ho ked
November 2008 Volume 12 Issue 4
Homecoming
fashions p. 15
10101 SW 152 Street Miami, FL 33157
Coral Reef presents
“Glow: Homecoming
2008.”
“Submerge Yourself” in
pages 8 and 9 for full
coverage of the event.
2
News
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2008
Financially Free Initiative
LEIDY PEREZ
Staff Writer
The financial situation
of not only the country, but
prospective college students,
is a matter that is highly
uncertain and poorly taught.
The Miami-Dade County
Public School System alone is
encountering one of the worst
economic crises in history; and
the prevention of this growing
uncertainty is inevitably left in
the hands of the students.
On October 22, 2008,
Claudia
Vallin,
Claudia
Zamorano, Kristen Hernandez,
Ydalys Nuñez, and Yvanie
Jean were chaperoned by
the Business counselor Mrs.
Yvette Perez to represent
Coral Reef Senior High as
student ambassadors at Miami
Jackson Senior High where
they spoke and discussed ideas
to help promote awareness of
Financial Literacy.
“Our mission statement is
‘Students spreading the words
to other students’ and our main
goal is to spread throughout
our community, especially
among teenagers, financial
Ydalys Nuñez, Kristen Hernandez, Claudia Zamorano, Claudia Vallin, Yvanie Jean
awareness,” said medical
senior Claudia Vallin who
represented Coral Reef
Senior High as an Executive
Ambassador at the press
conference.
Financial Literacy is the
knowledge of the economic
development of our country
and the correlation between
the consumer and the banks.
It has been established that
the average 21 year old in
America has a considerable
amount of debt in the stock
market because of their
lack of familiarity with our
country’s financial crisis.
Most teenagers walk blindly
into traps such as high
interest rates, identity theft,
and unnecessary student
loans because of the lack of
substantial understanding
of economics.
State Farm Insurance
Company has agreed to
donate a $12,500 fund to
nine senior high schools
in the county to promote
Shopping for College
MEGAN MIRANDA
Staff Writer
One of the most important decisions in a
teenager’s life is whether or not to continue
their education and, if the answer is yes,
where to go. Thankfully for its students,
Coral Reef has made things easier by
hosting an annual college fair that provides
students the opportunity to explore the
many choices for their future. It is almost
like a grocery store for colleges where
students and parents can go from booth
to booth and leisurely investigate each
prospective school.
The college fair has been an event that
has become monumental for students over
the years, but it did not really take off until
last year. Last year’s college fair won the
title of the biggest fair ever hosted in Coral
Reef when 108 schools attended. However
this year Jeanne Harper, the Reef’s CAP
advisor, outdid herself. She has managed
to coerce 138 schools to attend this year’s
college fair which is more schools than
even the Miami-Dade County College
Fair has ever had.
“It is a great thing that Ms. Harper is
able to do this,” says Kristi Birdwell, a
Business senior set on getting a softball
scholarship to Stetson University, “I
was able to open my eyes to all the
universities available to me,”
When asked why representatives
from 138 colleges and universities all
over the nation have agreed to come to
Coral Reef’s college fair, Ms. Harper
awareness of financial literacy.
This group of students will
attend workshops, create
videos,
websites,
and
brochures to endorse the many
ways in which financial crisis
can be avoided.
“I plan on sharing the
information that I receive with
my peers, colleagues, friends
and family to aid them of not
falling into temptation when
it comes to their credits,” said
Business senior Yvanie Jean.
This new program was
created by Soley Gonzalez
and the three other Executive
Ambassadors in an attempt to
nullify the growing necessity in
modern days of commodities
such as credit cards or debit
cards, which leads to the
creation of not only local debt
but national one as well. These
students along with many
others throughout the nation
are searching to promote good
credit among teenagers in their
community. So that students
can finally learn, before they
fall into the trap, the many
options and obstacles that will
face them in the world outside
of school.
said it was for the simple reason that they
were impressed. These schools agreed
to come because they are impressed with
the student body and the school which has
ranked 19th in the nation.
Some students have never been to the
college fair and have not experienced the
lively and helpful event, but have ideas
about what they think a college fair should
be.
“College fairs should be fun, colorful,
and have bright posters and free stuff,”
says Legal and Public Affairs sophomore
Michael Parker. Parker, who has his eyes
set on attending Michigan State, has yet to
attend a college fair and did not attend this
year’s, but would like to in either his junior
or senior year. Unlike Parker, IB junior
Dominique Forestier planned on attending
this year’s college fair.
“It is a great opportunity to look at
schools and get started early on getting
into college,” says Forestier who aspires to
major in computer engineering at MIT.
The college fair that Coral Reef offers
its students is an opportunity that not
many high school students get. In fact, the
college fair held at Coral Reef is open only
to Coral Reef students and their families
while students from other schools have to
do their own research or attend the county
college fair which is not as glamorous as
the one held at the Reef.
Attending this fair helps students get
more information so that they can make an
easier decision. Students can speak to the
representatives and find out what type of
college they are best fit for; small or big,
private or public, urban or rural, etc. The
choice is a big one that involves a lot of
thought and consideration.
The Coral Reef college fair offers the rare
chance to speak to people who work at the
schools and actually get valid information
from a person face to face. It is a chance
that many high school students would love
but is exclusive to Coral Reef.
News
I, American citizens have been
celebrating this day with parades
and ceremonies, honoring
American military veterans
with their heroic contribution to
society. Veterans Day is both a
federal and state holiday in all
states.
Although Veterans Day is
a major U.S holiday, many
students at Coral Reef don’t
celebrate it as intended to honor
the veterans, but instead enjoy
this day just as if it were a
Saturday or a Teacher Work
Day.
“I think that Veterans Day is
about acknowledging the loss
of American soldiers in war. I
don’t celebrate Veterans Day,
but I’m thankful for our veterans
for serving this country,” said IB
Sophomore, Galfry Puechavy.
With a day off from school,
students take a break from the
school life by either going to the
beach, hanging out with friends,
and some even finish up on last
minute homework. Others feel
the biggest benefit of Veterans
Business junior Bryan Marin shows
Day is the huge sale at the local
his American spirit by saluting the
malls.
flag.
“Veterans Day is a great day
to not think about school and
JORDAN FELDMAN
just relax, but also think about
our veterans for a moment. And
Staff Writer
then some more relaxing,” said
IB Sophomore, Lance Goldizen.
Although many students at
Veterans Day is an American Coral Reef don’t commemorate or
Holiday in honor of all those living appreciate this significant holiday,
and dead, who served in the United it is still important to keep focus on
States Armed Forces in wartime. the main purpose of Veterans Day: to
Formerly known as Armistice Day honor American military veterans for
until 1954, Veterans Day is celebrated their patriotism, love of country, and
annually on November 11th.
willingness to serve and sacrifice for
Ever since 1919, after World War the common good.
What is
Veterans
Day?
3
I think, therefore IB
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2008
IB juniors were offically inducted into the IB program
at the annual pinning ceremony on October 22.
IB Seniors Yando Lopez and Brianna
Rosa led this year’s ceremony
LEIDY PEREZ
Staff Writer
The International Baccalaureate program
held their annual Pinning Ceremony on
October 22, 2008. This ceremony depicts
the formal initiation of the graduating class
of 2010 in to the International Baccalaureate
program.
“Of all the events in the IB academy, this
is probably the most significant. It truly
symbolizes the multinational facets if the
IB program and it is the first full induction
into the International Baccalaureate
program for the juniors. While at the
same time recognizing how far the seniors
have come and how important they are to
serve as mentors for the juniors,” said IB
coordinator Michelle Patterson.
The juniors of the IB academy have
waited two long years, where they have
worked diligently and laboriously to prove
their academic excellence in many ways.
“I’m nervous because I don’t know the
senior who is pining me, and I really do
just hope that they can guide me through
my junior year,” said IB junior Andrea
Hernandez.
The basic structure of this so awaited
pinning ceremony consists of a guest
speaker and the induction of the junior,
with the pin, into the IB program.
Tradition in the IB program is that the
senior becomes a mentor for the junior,
facilitating and guiding the junior in their
first year in IB as much as possible, so that
the following year the junior can do the
same with another IB student, making the
IB students into a family.
“It is an honor to finally be in the IB
program,” said IB junior Mathew Martinez
excited to finally be a formal member of
the IB family.
“Congratulations juniors! This event
symbolizes your success and your
preparedness to go forward to the next
academic and personal accomplishments,”
said IB counselor Mrs. Maria Vidaña.
The truth of the matter is that most of these
juniors that were pinned this October are
preparing themselves for the true academic
rigor of the International Baccalaureate
program that is coming their way.
4
Editorial
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2008
Living
Simple eco-friendly
I recently read an article in TIME about “living
off the grid,” about families that have completely
disconnected from fossil-fuel-based power. That
means complete isolation from government, electric,
or utility services. No cable, no electricity, no water.
Sound fun?
Now, we may not all be hardcore survivalists or
want to be fulltime campers, but if we all did our part
to become a little bit “greener,” the environment could
benefit greatly. Also in this time of depression, we could
all save a little money and see more green in a different
respect.
What many people may not know is that families are
becoming more and more open to this idea of “living off
the grid.” Home Power magazine provided a statistic in
2006 that approximately
more than
180,000 homes across
the U.S. are already
supplying their own
power.
This may sound
easier than it actually is,
however, according to Dave
Black, the author of Living off the
Grid. In fact, the “grid” affects us more than
we know. It includes not only electricity, cable,
heat, but even waste management, governmentfunded roads, and gas for our cars.
According to TIME, the average American family
uses up about 10,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each
year. Considering one kilowatt-hour converts into 3.6
megajoules (3,600,000 joules), Americans as a whole
spend a gargantuan amount of energy.
There are simple ways to lessen our impact on the
environment, though, which should be incorporated
into our daily lives. Appliances which are plugged in
even when not in use draw subtle electrical charges and
wastes electricity.
BAITLINE
Green
habits save money and trees
Also, and I’m often guilty with this one, lights that are
turned on in unoccupied rooms waste energy and
lifespan of
the light bulb. Along
this line, energysaving light bulbs
are widely available on
the market and using them
will save on the electrical bill
on the long run.
As for water, most Americans
are privileged in having clean tap water, a
luxury that third-world countries do not have.
There is no reason to believe that bottled water
is better than tap water. In fact, research conducted by
the news show “20/20” has shown that tap water is just
as clean as bottled water.
Considering that a bottle of Dasani or Aquafina costs
a little over a dollar each and meets the same safety
standards as tap water (bottled water is regulated by the
Federal Food and Drug Administration whereas tap water
is regulated by the Environmental Protection
Agency), from a practical viewpoint people are
wasting money.
Furthermore, the output of plastic bottling is not
healthy for the environment, particularly when people
litter, and because plastic is one of the most difficult
products to biodegrade.
We may not need to be fanatical environmentalists
but it just seems wrong for someone to say that they don’t
care about the environment. If we destroy our natural
habitats, can we live in a world made up of only steel and
metal?
If everyone adjusted just a little bit to show consideration
for the environment, if everyone took off five minutes off
their showers or turned off their bedroom lights when they
leave, not only would they have a little more money in
their pockets but the environment would exist to nurture
this generation of life forms, and the next.
2008-2009 Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Steven Li
Sports Editor
Vanessa Rueda
News Editors
Leidy Perez
Megan Zucker
Spotlight Editor
Alexandra Castilla
Opinions Editor
Jasmine Calin
Cuda Culture
Editors
Karla Anderson
Alexandra Castilla
Submerge Yourself
Editors
Lukas Moon
Karla Anderson
Tech Editor
Emma Singer
A&E Editor
Jillian Roberts
High Tide Editor
Karla Anderson
Staff Writers
Karla Anderson
Nicole Brandford
Jasmine Calin
Alexandra Castilla
Trudy Clarke
Gabriella Delpozo
Jordan Feldman
Alexia Frith
Shatone Gray
Steven Li
Chamere Littlejohn
Andres Lopez
Ricardo Martinez
Alexander Melendez
Megan Miranda
Lukas Moon
Chiedozie Okafor
Julian Ortiz
Leidy Perez
Jillian Roberts
Vanessa Rueda
Emma Singer
Shane Sumbu
Megan Zucker
Advisor
Cheri MitchellSantiago
Principal
Adrianne Leal
Baitline strives to provide quality student-led publications to
the student body providing the school community with an
open forum of public expression. In the publications class,
students will make all editorial decisions including, but not
limited to: generating story ideas, writing copy, editing copy,
laying out copy, taking photographs, and handling all aspects
of running the business end of a school publication. Because of
this, any comments or concerns should be addressed to the
editorial staff.
It should be understood that the newspaper is not a professional
publication; therefore, students will make mistakes during the
learning process. As a staff, we will make every effort to learn
from these mistakes and continually improve the publication.
While our primary goal is to inform and entertain the school
community, we also strive to maintain high journalistic
standards. All opinions expressed in the publications are the
students’ or the individual sources, and not the staff’s as a
whole, the advisor, or school officials.
Letters to the editor are appreciated and can be delivered to
room 305 or e-mailed to
[email protected]. All letters submitted may be
condensed or edited for grammar and spelling. Libelous material
will not be printed.
Information about submitting ads can be obtained by e-mailing
[email protected].
Past issues can be viewed at http://crhs.dadeschools.net.
Opinions
I Miss Him...
GABRIELLA DELPOZO
Staff Writer
Since I left him I haven’t been myself,
I’ve become despondent. I’ve taken a
look around for something different,
a change…but no. He left me with
a unique taste lingering on my lips.
Nothing has ever compared to the way
he made me feel, he’s the best thing I
put into my mouth for a while now.
The everlasting twirls and swirls in
my stomach have become ridiculously
copious. It made me realize true love
does exist. The way he was sweet
made me crave him even more. He
was the perfect blend of hot and cold.
Every time I had the chance to get a
taste of him, he always left me with a
smile on my face.
He made me go crazy and no matter
what I always have to lick my lips just
to get that second taste. I want that
feeling back; I miss everything about
him. He’s who I dream about, who I
think about, even who I write about.
That’s it…I can’t take this suffering
anymore. I need this Outback
experience!
I need my Chocolate Thunder from
Down Under. I think this dessert is
exquisite! The fact it’s a hot brownie
with three scoops of vanilla ice cream
topped with hot fudge and nuts makes
me crave it so much. Nothing can top
this dessert; it will always be my one
and only true love.
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2008
Where is the love?
5
Student athletes feel overshadowed by the attention on football
JULIAN ORTIZ
Staff Writer
“It’s always just about football,
why can’t anybody turn their
attention to anything else?”
asked Medical senior Hisham
Kassem, member of the boy’s
volleyball team.
“No crowds come, and it’s
really unlikely to see anybody
out in the stands except for
the parents,” said Agriscience
Junior Craig Dohmen; member
of the boy’s swimming team.
Sports, such as volleyball
and swimming barely get any
recognition from the Cuda
family. Students do not know
what they are missing; many of
our school teams are excellent
and very entertaining. Many
students just are not aware of
the team’s schedule to watch
their games, and that is going
to have to change.
As some may know, during the
morning, lunch, and afternoon
announcements
sports
announcements are mentioned.
However, how emphatically
do they announce a badminton
game, for example, compared
to a football game?
The school administration
has a lot to do with this because
many times they do not support
and promote teams as much
as they deserve. Promotion is
what allows people to be aware
of such events and will later
lead to a crowd in the stands.
“I would probably go if I
knew about their games but
they really just don’t announce
them over the announcements
so nobody ever knows”, said
11th grader Kelsey Evelyn in
reference to our soccer teams.
After asking a Medical junior
Ale O’Sullivan, member of the
badminton team, how she felt
about being ‘overshadowed’ by
the coral reef football team she
responded:
“I feel it is preposterous
and very demeaning,” said
O’Sullivan
Ale O’Sullivan last year entered
to GMAC and represented
Coral Reef, together with her
teammate Alyssa Osit.
What these unnoticed teams
need is people to come watch
their games to support them and
to cheer them on. What many
people do not understand is that
when there are supporters the
team will perform better.
Maybe, the way we can start
our goal of being #1 in the
district in sports is to begin
supporting ALL our school
teams.
“If we had spectators and
Grad Bash vs.Grad Night
ANDRES LOPEZ
Staff Writer
Every year a new class of
seniors talk about all the money
they have to spend for those
memorable events in their last
year in high school. Among
those events are Grad Night®
and Grad Bash®.
The question stays in people’s
minds “Which is better and
which will my school choose?”
“I think Grad Bash is a lot
more entertaining,” said Senior
Kim Maggio.
This event is hosted at
Universal Studios and Islands
of
Adventures
which is home to
the thrilling rides
such as Jaws, The
Terminator, Men in
Black, and the new
animated thriller:
The
Simpson’s
Ride, Spiderman,
The Hulk, and The
Dueling Dragons.
These rides, to
some people, are
some of these best
in all the theme
parks because they
are intended for
older teens; they
are thrilling and are
very intense.
These
rides
have
been
talked about
in the news,
newspapers,
and
around
schools.
The rides at
Grad
Bash,
however, are
not for the
faint hearted.
They
have
more than a
dozen extreme,
heart pumping
rides.
Magic
an actual crowd, last year we
would have probably been
state champions. In the water
we feed off the little energy we
get from the parents, imagine if
people from school went and
supported us. We win more
games than football and we
don’t even have a comparable
amount of spectators as them”
said IB sophomore Diamone
Scotts, a member of the girl’s
water polo team.
It is a big step but it is a step
worth trying to accomplish.
Sure, you can go to football
games, but that is not the
only team there is to support.
These teams are tired of being
shadowed and belittled. They
deserve as much attention as
the others but they are not
getting it.
Kingdom had always been the
host of Grad Night until this
year; it is now hosted at MGM
Studios for the first time. MGM
is known for having very large
crowds of people and concerts.
This year these two exciting
graduation celebrations are
clashing and some schools don’t
know which one to choose.
“I love Magic Kingdom, so
I prefer Grad Night,” said IB
Senior Alexa Goodman.
We will have to wait and see
which one Coral Reef seniors
will end up at. Either way,
we’re sure to have the time of
our lives.
Celebrating Thanksgiving in a different way
JILLIAN ROBERTS
Staff Writer
As the air begins to
cool and the end of
November
approaches,
Thanksgiving vibes fill the
air and excite Americans
across the country. For the
typical American family,
Thanksgiving is a special
holiday where relatives
come together and give
thanks for all that they
have and are blessed
with. Traditionally, an
enormous feast is prepared
with scrumptious foods
including turkey, stuffing,
cranberry sauce, mashed
potatoes, and gravy, all
topped off with a delicious
pumpkin pie.
America is a melting pot
filled with an abundance
of different cultures. It is
the home of many diverse
people
with
different
Instead of cooking turkey, Saramati Narasimhan’s family celebrates with traditional food from India
backgrounds,
traditions,
and customs. For some,
America is a second home,
and they are not accustomed
to the traditional ways of
American
celebrations.
They take a different
approach to American
holidays and celebrate them
in their own unique way.
Coming to America
from Mexico at the age of
one and a half, IB senior
Ever Vidaurri celebrates
Thanksgiving in a different
fashion. For the Vidaurri
family, Thanksgiving is just
a day to get together and eat
a big meal together.
“For us, Thanksgiving
is the same concept, just
“Mexicanized.” We still eat
turkey, but add in tostadas,
rice, corn, and other
Mexican foods,” said Ever.
For others, Thanksgiving
does
not
have
any
significant
meaning.
Instead, it is used simply as
an excuse for close family
and friends to spend quality
time together.
Although born in the
United States, IB senior
Saramati Narasimhan does
not celebrate Thanksgiving
in the typical American
manner, either. Her family
is from India and along
with other close family
friends, they come together
on this American holiday
not to celebrate it, but to
bond closer together and
enjoy a nice meal.
“My family has close
friends who are practically
like my family. Every year,
we use Thanksgiving as a
way to come together as
one big family and have
a big family meal,” said
Saramati.
Unlike Ever, whose family
embraced the American
tradition of eating a turkey
on Thanksgiving, Saramati
and her family are all
vegetarians. Instead of
turkey, they eat pasta mixed
withtraditional
Indian
dishes.
Here in America, different
cultures add their own spice
and style to traditional
American
celebrations,
personalizing the holidays
and making them their
own.
6
Opinions
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2008
The Roast of Sarah Palin
EMMA SINGER
Staff Writer
Sarah Palin seems able
to do it all. Drive her kids
to hockey practice, take
care of her baby, AND pass
bills requiring rape victims
to pay for their rape kits!
This woman is truly one of
a kind. But who is Sarah
Palin? Who is the woman
behind the side-swept
bangs and red lipstick?
Sarah Palin, born in
Sandpoint, Idaho, moved to
Alaska with her family as
an infant. After graduating
from Wasilla High School,
she began her rather
atypical college career.
Attending a total of five
colleges in six years, Sarah
finally graduated from the
University of Ohio in 1987,
with a degree in Journalism.
During this time, contrary
to popular belief, Sarah
Palin did NOT win the Miss
Alaska beauty pageant,
even with her flute playing
for the talent portion of the
show. Palin won second
runner-up.
After
her
graduation, Palin worked
as a sportscaster for a
local news station, as well
as helping her husband’s
commercial fishing family.
So, how did a sportscaster
work her way up to
Republican VP candidate?
Well, Sarah Palin had very
strong feelings about the
new Wasilla sales tax, and
how it was being used. For
this reason, Palin ran for a
position on the city council.
Running against her was
John Hartrick, a local
worker for a telephone
company. Sarah Palin won
with a vote count of 530
to 310. Following up on
her initial issue of sales
tax, Sarah Palin attempted
to divert the new revenue
into the $15 million sports
complex. After leaving
office in 2002, Sara Palin
had racked up almost $20
million in debt, or around
$3000 per resident.
Where does Sarah Palin
stand on major social issues?
Abortion, gay marriage,
gun control, and education
are among the hot topics in
VPA junior Jamie Wheeler dresses up as Sarah Palin
on Halloween
Let’s talk about sex...
EMMA SINGER
Staff Writer
As teenagers, our lives are filled with
drama, stress, and raging hormones.
Whether or not we choose to act
on these urges is what defines our
futures. It is important to feel loved
and wanted, but it is also important
to be informed when making such a
HUGE decision.
What is sex? Some students seem
less sure than others. While William
Vanegas, an Engineering freshman,
believes sex is “when two people do
things on a bed or somewhere,” in
actuality, sex is defined as “genital
contact between humans.”
Many students disagree with this
definition, claiming that oral sex
is not ‘real’ sex. It is, and it poses
many of the same risks. Though a girl
cannot become pregnant from oral
sex, sexually transmitted diseases
(STDs) can be transmitted easily, so it
is important to use protection.
Who is responsible for using
protection? Can it be assumed that
Yearbooks
on Sale
Dec 1 - 5
in room 305
during lunch
$50
both partners have been tested?
No. Though it may seem awkward to
ask your partner about any STDs they
may have, it is necessary for your own
safety.
Surprisingly, when asked
about this, some students replied that
it seemed “disrespectful” and “rude”
to ask your partner about their sexual
history. They felt that it implied that
their partner was promiscuous.
This is a huge mistake. In the long
run, what is more important; a few
moments of awkward silence, or a
lifetime of regret? No matter how
reassuring your girlfriend/boyfriend
may be about their sexual purity, use
protection.
“It is the responsibility of both the
partners to use protection and get
tested. Your body’s health should
come before pleasure. You should
respect yourself and your partner by
getting tested and using protection,”
said freshman Angelika Fumero.
When is it okay to have sex? To
wait, or not to wait; that is the biggest
question. How can
you decide when
the time is right?
Unfortunately,
there is no absolute
answer. This choice is your own, and
no one can tell you what is right or
wrong. No one knows you better than
yourself.
But how can you know if sex is
right for you? “I think that if you are
responsible enough to take your pants
off, then you are responsible enough
to deal with what happens after,” said
Business Senior Andres Rasch.
this year’s election. Palin
believes that a marriage
is strictly between a man
and a woman, and that any
benefits or rights given to
the traditional male/female
couple should not apply to
individuals in a same-sex
marriage. Palin is currently
an active participant and
supporter of The Family
Research Council, which
claims that homosexuality,
“is unnatural… should not
be accepted as equivalent
to heterosexuality…” and
that “every effort should
be made to assist such
persons to overcome those
attractions.” Concerning
abortion, Sarah Palin is
strictly pro-life, stating that
even if her own daughter
were raped, she would not
allow an abortion.
A lifelong member of
the NRA (National Rifle
Association), Sarah Palin
supports
ending
any
bans on the ownership
of guns. More surprising
than her advocating of
weapons is her view on
education. Contrasting to
our Constitution, and the
separation of church and
state, Sarah Palin wishes
to teach creationism in
public schools. This theory
supports her idea that
“dinosaurs and humans
walked the earth at the
same time.”
What does she say about
the polar bears? In all
seriousness, Sara Palin has
sued the federal government
to reverse the decision
that polar bears should be
protected as an endangered
species. When asked about
her opinions on global
warming, Palin warned
against “overreaction,” and
would “not attribute it to
being man made.”
So who is Sarah Palin?
After abundant research
and hours of thought, I have
come to a conclusion. Sarah
Palin is an incompetent (yet
attractive) politician, who
eerily resembles Tina Fey,
(or visa versa) and whose
views seem to correlate
with those of all the hockey
moms in Wasilla, Alaska…
where ever that is.
Lowering the
voting age to 16
Jordan Feldman
Staff Writer
I have two years until I have the right to vote, but
what if I could vote right now? Having the right
to vote at the age of sixteen has never crossed my
mind. There are many reasons and arguments that
a sixteen year old should be able to vote.
To me, voting shows that a person belongs to a
society, giving the voter a voice among millions.
It symbolizes maturity and adulthood, which is
needed to make an educated decision when it
comes to voting. Teens would bring a fresh new
perspective, energy, and spirit to politics.
“High school teenagers are the future leaders of
America and should be allowed to vote and make
decisions for this country,” said IB Sophomore,
Jonathan Bensoussen.
Sixteen year olds in Florida have the right
to drive, just like adults, which should let them
make decisions in the society in which they live
in. With getting their license at a young age,
teenagers have to pay soaring gas prices just like
their parents.
Many sixteen year olds have part time jobs,
which as a result has them paying taxes to the
government. They should have influence in what
the government does with their tax money. By
having the right to vote, they will be able to have
their opinions known.
In the state of Florida, a sixteen or even fifteen
year old can be tried as an adult in court. If they
can be tried as an adult, then why not be able
to vote like an adult. Sixteen year olds are also
having and raising children. As a parent, they
should have the right to vote for what will affect
their family and the future of their children.
Whether you’re sixteen or sixty-one, no matter
who you vote for, no vote is a wrong one.
Sports
Dunking
into the
season
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2008
Cheerleader controversy
7
Coral Reef cheerleaders feel they are being treated unfairly
Boys’basketball begins
in November with a
new attitude
CHAMERE LITTLEJOHN
Staff Writer
Basketball
season is
dribbling
around the
corner and
the Coral
Reef Barracudas’
b o y ’ s
basketball team
seems to
be pretty
pumped
up about
starting
the season
off right.
“This Jerel Miller blocks a Killian ball
basketball during a game last year. Jerel, 11
s e a s o n grade, plays for the Varsity team
this year.
will be the
best Coral
Reef has ever had. We have talent everywhere
from the coaches to the last man. This is a new
beginning and we are ready to get it rolling.
We feel we have the best team in the state and
nobody can hang with us. We are confident
and work hard every day to achieve our ultimate goal; winning the state ring,” said Business Senior Jerron Granberry.
Taking it all the way to the top appears to be
what will have the players dunking their way
through the season.
“Our team has played a total of 78 off-season games and only lost 10. This is one of the
ways we have been preparing for the upcoming season. We intend to take it one game at a
time. Our slogan for this season is “Leaving
Nothing to Chance,” said Coach Gaston Rodriguez.
With a record from last year of 16-10 and
losing 5 of those games by 3 points or less,
there are very high standards set out for this
upcoming season. The goal is to make it to
states and bring back home the championship
title.
“We’re going to be a really good team this
year. We lost some really valuable seniors but
we have made good additions that should fit in
perfectly. We’ve been working as hard as we
can to be the best team in the state. If we play
how we are capable of playing, we should
be state champions,” said Agriscience Junior
Charles Hankerson.
This year’s senior line up stars: Steven
Lopez, Jerron Granberry, Printice Strawder,
Frank Tameze, Carlos Palmer, George Saunders, Brandon Vickers, Chris Carithers, and
Zack Roth.
The first game of the season begins November 25, 2008 against the Killian Cougars and
will be the first home game as well.
The Barracudas’ will also be taking it out
of state and participating in the USA top 25
basketball tournament. They will be the only
unranked team playing in the tournament and
are looking forward to this event.
Coral Reef’s 2008-09 cheerleaders. Their uniforms consists of short skirts which have lead to banning
of wearing them on game days.
CHAMERE LITTLEJOHN
Staff Writer
to be the most school spirited, though
this appears to have their spirits a little
down.
F-A-I-R-N-E-S-S! Those are the letters
cheerleaders have been chanting since
hearing that they cannot wear their
uniforms to school on game day. Is it
fair that the football players get to wear
their jerseys to school on game day yet
cheerleaders were told they could not?
The true controversy behind this
madness could be the possible idea that
administration feels as though the outfits
are a bit revealing. Their attire consists
of a skirt and long sleeved shirt. Is this
is a valid reason to ban the pom-pom
shakers? The cheerleaders are stated
“I feel it is very unfair that we cannot
wear our cheerleading uniforms to
school on game days. Administration
always wants students to be more school
spirited. What better way than to have
cheerleaders, the most school spirited,
wear their uniforms promoting football
and basketball games. We’ve been trying
to improve the squad by purchasing
quality uniforms but not being allowed
to wear them makes our improvements
hard to meet. I hope administration will
reconsider their decisions,” said Medical
senior Julia Thompson.
Convincing administration to change
their mind seems to be a task that has
failed at hand.
“I’m disappointed with the decision
but at the same time I respect and
support their decision. I have to make
sure we are respecting the student body
and faculty,” replied Ms. Cramer, head
of the cheerleading squad.
There does seem to be an alternative
that might be the solution to this
controversy. Cheerleaders can consider
making t-shirts to wear to school on
game day. This still appears to be unfair
due to the fact they have spent money
on new uniforms but, it is the only way
they will get to shake their pom-poms
in school.
Color guard on the rise to stardom
ALEXIA FRITH
Staff Writer
to make up their
own routine that
involves
their
Color guard is a form
specialties
of
of Dance Theater
dancing,
saber
that uses props and
work, flag work,
movement to express
and
riffling,
dynamic
passages
and they will be
in the music that is
evaluated at the
being
performed.
end.
Today, color guards
“It’s a lot of
use flags, sabers,
hours, but we’re a
rifles, and occasionally
lot more dedicated
other equipment. They
and motivated this
mainly dance to a mix
year
compared
of ballet, jazz, modern,
to last year, we
and
contemporary
have a new coach
modern dance. Color
and new uniforms
guard actually dates
which is very
back to the American
exciting,” said IB
Revolution
where
Senior, Isabela De
the members would
Coral Reef Color Guard captains Samantha Robinson (left)
La Puente.
perform with the band
and Elizabeth Eduard (right)
This is something
to lift the soldier’s
we as a school
spirits.
should definitely
Here at Coral Reef,
Gutierrez. The great thing about this
our Color guard is really stepping up team is that they don’t expect students look out for considering all the new
compared to years before due to the effort to be perfect right off the bat. They had changes. It seems that most of the teams’
that is being set forth by the members. a period of time for the training where members have much higher spirits and
With a new coach this year, people are the team taught the techniques and skills, high hopes for the team.
“Last year it was a lot of drama and
definitely talking about what the Color so when students tried out they could see
now it is not so much. The team seems
guard has in store for the audience. They how far they had progressed.
practice every Tuesday and Thursday
The people on this team have a lot to be very family oriented,” said business
with Coach Emma Niesel.
of exciting things to prepare for. A sophomore Rikivia Kennerly.
That being said this team has a lot of
“Coach Niesel pushes us to do our best competition called Winter Guard is
and we want to make her proud so we something that the team is anxious work to do and they seem to be moving
work really hard,” said IB Senior Laura about. In this competition, the team has in the right direction.
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2008
8
History of
homecoming
SHANE SUMBU
Staff Writer
Long ticket lines, super hero day, tail gates, a
homecoming game and an elaborate dance to top things
off, are all things reminiscent of the celebration we know
as homecoming. But where did the tradition spawn from?
Who started it? Why is it so widely popular in high schools
and universities?
“Originally homecoming was a celebration to welcome
back the football team after a couple away games, honoring
the home game in turn showing unity,” said Activities
Director, Ms.Martinez
According to the dictionary, homecoming is characterized
by an annual event held by colleges, universities or high
schools for visiting alumni. But apparently here at Coral
Reef we’ve changed the meaning of homecoming and
don’t have any alumni coming back to visit, perhaps it’s
because our school is barely a decade old school spirit runs
rampart throughout homecoming week from wacky tacky
day to the pep rally to the homecoming dance itself.
“It’s a great way to unite everyone while promoting
school spirit,” said Legal and Public Affairs Senior Brittany
Hueston
This year Ms. Martinez and the rest of the activities
staff have come up with a new innovative theme for
homecoming, “Glow.” The glow theme will be an all glow
in the dark party in the lovely Hilton Hotel Downtown.
Also this year the menu will be different, there won’t be
any meals- simply finger foods as well as desserts.
“I’m anxious to go both because it’s the last homecoming
of my high school career and I think the glow in the dark
theme is going to be sick,” said Business and Finance
Senior Gerald Grant III
All in all, this year’s homecoming celebration is going
to be one for the ages. The tradition is one that everyone
should experience at some point during their high school
years.
SUBMERGE
Homecom
MEGAN MIRANDA
Staff Writer
The lights are soft, the music loud. The
room is filled with teenagers dressed in
their best; girls in majestic dresses and
boys in fine suits. It is a night that is more
than kings and queens. A celebration of
another year at school with great friends
and the memories they make. For some,
this is the last time to be welcomed back
and for others it is the first of many. It is
Homecoming.
After an amazing Spirit Week filled with
boisterous, energetic students, November
7th arrived and the students of Coral
Reef showed up at the Hilton, prepared
to have the time of their lives. The Hilton
was chosen for its location; close to the
beach where most students will end up
afterwards. However, the location is also
one of the main reasons that the price for
Homecoming has risen. Mrs. Martinez, our
Activities Director, says that she has tried
to suggest they hold it at a more convenient
and inexpensive place, such as the school
gym, but the students wouldn’t hear it. It’s
just not the same walking into a dressed
up gym as opposed to being swept into a
glorious ballroom at the Hilton Hotel.
So much work went into making this
event one of the most memorable in the
history of the school. The theme was
chosen by our school’s dedicated Student
Government Association (SGA). This
summer they spent a good portion of their
break working with the Class of 2009
officers on Homecoming. There was much
debate on what theme would be chosen
for this year. SGA Vice President, Idalys
Nunez, suggested the theme of “Alice in
Wonderland,” but unfortunately Coral
Gables was already working with this
theme for their Homecoming. As great as
the idea was, Coral Reef does not follow
other schools. We are originals and that is
the reason why the suggestion of “GLOW”
came up and was voted for as the theme.
SGA President, Brittany Roberts, spoke
about the way things were handled to get
Homecoming planned. She and the rest
of the SGA officers would meet during
lunch in the activities office or Mr. Mateo’s
classroom to argue about every little detail
so it would all be flawless.
“I want the ambiance to be amazing,”
said Roberts, “I want the expressions on
[the students’] faces to drop in awe.”
And once the details were picked apart
9
YOURSELF
ing 2008
until declared just right, Homecoming
arrived and the room needed to be made
perfect. The entire room was decorated
by the SGA, Class of 2009 officers, and
Mrs. Maderos’ stage craft class to look
like a club. The few lights in the dark room
cast the dancing students in a soft glow.
Students were given glow sticks as they
walked in and they swung from their necks
as they danced. It was unlike anything ever
done in Coral Reef.
“It was fun and I especially liked that
all the girls looked amazing when they
dressed up” says Andres Rasch, Business
senior, “This was my third time going and
it was better than the rest.”
At the end of the night the moment
came when the final members of the
Homecoming Court were announced.
Thursday, November 6th was the Pep
Rally and when the younger classmen of
the court were made known. The Junior
Prince and Princess were Sean Jenkins
and Dominique Whitehead. Sophomore
Prince and Princess were Chris Cakmak
and Carolina Ramirez. And for their first
Homecoming at Coral Reef, freshmen
Gregory Davis and Akua Williams won
Freshman Prince and Princess.
After days of planning, campaigning,
and voting, it all came down to those final
moments when Ms. Rebecca Santalo called
the winners of King and Queen to receive
their sashes and crowns. Alexandra Dugarte
and Brandon Limprich received the honor
of being the 2008 King and Queen and the
runner-ups and winners of senior Prince
and Princess were Fabian Diaz and Noel
Kassiwetz. “[Being Homecoming King]
made my night a lot better,” said Limprich
with a grin.
“It was a great feeling in a sense that
a good friend of mine, Noel, won princess
but I was sad that we couldn’t share being
queen,” Dugarte stated, holding her crown,
“Regardless, we’re both royalty.”
The Homecoming Court was complete
and the night ended. Students bid each
other farewell and took their leave. Some
went home, others continued their night
at the beach, an after party, or anywhere
else that was enjoyable enough to keep the
night alive.
What we remember from high school, we
remember forever; permanent memories,
forever stamped, inked, imprinted in our
minds to accompany us as we grow and
prosper.
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2008
Getting ready for
the big night
NICOLE BRANDFON
Staff Writer
Every homecoming season, the Coral Reef student body is
starting to get ready to party. Every student has a different way
of preparing for the anticipated event but one thing is for sure:
Everyone wants a cool outfit.
“I think I’m going to spray paint my favorite sports brand on
my tux and wear skate shoes.” said Paul Warren, a VPA Senior
Some students even arranged their outfit in accordance to the
new “glow” theme.
“I’m going to go soon and rent an all white tuxedo just for the
occasion,” said IB sophomore Micheal Saulgero.
However, for the girls it’s more about the hair and
accessories
“You have to get your hair and your nails done and buy a
dress and amazing shoes. I’m going homecoming shopping
this weekend with friends!” Said Beatriz Oliveira, an IB
sophomore.
Once the clothes and the accessories are taken care of the
next question is who to take to homecoming. Jonathan Coira,
Business senior, said, “I have to go to SIMS, to get my suit, and
find a date for homecoming,” Said, Business senior, Jonathan
Coira.
Some are complaining that on the day of homecoming students
are required to attend school which takes a crucial amount of
time to getting ready.
“I think that the fact that we have to attend school the day
of homecoming sucks even though we can get signed out
early because the amount of students that leave school early is
ridiculous, especially since homecoming is on a Friday. Many
students will be signed out because no one will have enough time
to get ready from the time school ends to the time homecoming
starts,” says Daniela Ferris, IB sophomore.
Although all of these things are important, other preparations
have to be made in order to have a successful homecoming.
People have been planning since this past summer on themes,
places, and decorations. They have been visiting companies for
decorations and caterers since then and the new and anticipated
theme, Glow, was suggested in May. In the end all these
preparations paid off because homecoming was a great success.
10
A&E
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2008
Twilight fans await
highly anticipated movie
Why is there so much commotion?
MEGAN ZUCKER
Staff Writer
Twilight, the first of four books in the
best-selling series by Stephanie Meyer, has
been made into a movie! It’s due for release
on November 21st, which is the day that
thousands of devoted readers are looking
forward to.
The series of books are to selling mostly
to the female crowd because of its romantic
plot. A teenage girl named Bella falls in love
with her school mate Edward. The book later
reveals Edward’s real character... a vampire.
As the premiere date comes closer,
Twilight fanatics prepare for what everyone
has been waiting for.
“I really like all of the books in the series,
although I was disappointed in the 4th. I’m
definitely excited for the movie, and I plan on
going to see it with a lot of friends who have
also read the books. Whenever I read books,
I always picture the events in my mind.
I’m excited to see how they will interpret
Twilight on screen,” said IB sophomore
Lauren Dlugasch.
The books have taken America by storm,
creating a “Twilight frenzy” among young
adults. It has been said that this series is
filled with love, betrayal, and action. This
‘all in one’ novel is becoming more and more
popular, leaving Harry Potter in the dust.
Fans are eagerly waiting for the film
adaptation of the book, but hope that the movie
stays true to the plot and will be able to capture
some moments that have mesmerized readers.
“I’m really excited for the movie. From what
I’ve heard, the plot is very close to the book and
I think that’s good. I hope the special effects are
cool and reflect all of the events in the book,”
said IB Junior Leigh Gordon-Patti.
In addition to the excitement of readers to
see how the book is conveyed in the movie,
readers are eager to put a face to the name of
the famous Edward Cullen. Something that has
been generating converations for quite a while.
Between his perfect looks, inability to age,
smouldering golden eyes, and the fact that he
is a mysterious vampire, Edward has become
famous, although not yet given a face.
“I love the guy they picked to play Edward
Cullen [Robert Pattinson]. I think the movie
will be amazing just like the book. I’m really
psyched!” said IB sophomore Angelica
Martinez.
With expectations high, dedicated fans have
been counting down the days until one of the
most anticipated movies of the year comes out
in theatres. Twilight has astonished readers of all
ages, making the release of the movie eagerly
awaited by adoring fans.
PHOTO from http://www.stepheniemeyer.com
Twilight Opens November 21
A&E
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2008
11
It’s That Time of Year Again
Students will be performing in many musical shows over the next few months
LUKAS MOON
Staff Writer
The months of November and December
always mean that it’s time for the fall and
winter concerts. The entire VPA academy is
busy making preparations for their upcoming
performances and want everyone to come
see them use their talents in these fantastic
shows.
Orchestra will be having their first concert
of the year on November 25th at 7 p.m. The
show will include both songs played by the
large orchestral and songs played by smaller
ensembles. The show will appreciate the
artistic genius of
composers from the
hundreds of years ago
to today with both
classical and modern
music as part of the
event.
“It’s gonna be a
ridiculous show. The
music will touch
upon all your senses,”
said Orchestra Senior
Treymon Ellis.
Also, the band will
be having their winter
concert on the nights
of December the 2nd
and 3rd. It will be
the first time the wind and brass ensembles
will perform this year, and there’s a lot of
excitement in the band room about it. There
will be a mix of exciting, quick pace music
along with some more somber, slower music
that emphasizes artistic beauty.
“We’re playing some of the hardest music
we’ve ever played. We’ve been working on
it so hard,” said band sophomore Kristen
Duncan.
Another important upcoming event is the
Piano Holiday Concert on December 4th at
7:30 pm. The piano academy will also be
performing an annual rendition of the Twelve
Days of Christmas.
The chorus academy will be performing
an opera on November 12th, 13th, and 14th.
They will also be participating in the
annual caroling competition on December
6th, and have their holiday concert on
December 18th. This holiday concert will
also include singing in Spanish and Creole
as well as English.
“We practice every day in class and even
rehearse in lunch sometimes. It’s going
to be a good show,” declared engineering
senior Kevin Coleman, who takes chorus
as an elective.
Never failing to take an opportunity
to perform, the Drama
academy will be performing
an act from a play that
they will be using in an
upcoming competition. The
name of the play is “The
Great American Cheese
Sandwich,” a comedic
satire of family tradition and
American culture. It will be
an opportunity to laugh and
see some of the talent of
the drama students in our
school.
Everyone has heard a bit of
the Nutcracker, but few have
gotten the chance to see a
performance of live dancing
and live music. The Dance academy will
be taking on the Nutcracker, working
with the orchestra and band academy to
include live music. The two showings of
the Nutcracker will be on December 11th
and 12th, and with Christmas around the
corner, it will fit in perfectly with the theme
of the season.
“It’s going be exciting and different,
and everyone should go see it,” said Dance
academy Junior Mallory Newman.
Our school has a large number of talented
individuals with a large variety of abilities.
As always, this year includes many
different shows and will have something
for everyone.
Band students are excited about their
upcoming concerts. Left to Right: Brodes
Hartley, Kristen Duncan, Andrew Mendez,
Monica Espinosa, Katie Morrow, Henry Ortiz
Orchestra student Treymon Ellis has
fun with his violin.
Lizzie Boyles practices for the Piano
Holiday Concert.
12
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2008
Spotlight
Motocross star
Cameron Jessee: accomplished motocross rider
RICARDO MARTINEZ
Staff Writer
You may see him in the drum lines
throwing down the latest beats, but few
know what Senior VPA Cameron Jessee’s
true passion really is. Cameron Jessee is
a “C” Class motocross rider; he has been
riding since he was seven years old.
You’re probably thinking, what a
young age it is start such a rigorous sport.
Although not entirely young, professional
motocross riders start riding as early as
the age of two.
Jessee left the playground when he took
on the Hares Scramble challenge, a race
for young riders. The race was based on
what riders like to call a “forest run.” It is
an arduous race from one point to another
through the woods. The race took place in
Seminole, Florida.
He was 8 years old.
Jessee placed first in the event and from
that point on he knew that motocross
racing was what he wanted to do.
Cameron’s first motorcycle was a Honda
XR 70.
“I loved that bike. It was good on gas
which meant I could ride all day and it
would never break down no matter what I
put it through,” said Jessee.
Yet, like in all things there is always
something bigger and better, for Jessee,
his new Honda 85R is a much faster and
higher performing motorcycle and exactly
what he needs to reach greater heights in
Motocross.
“Everything is a lot better with the
Hondo 85R.The things I couldn’t achieve
before on my old bike are now a thing of
the past. Speed comes so easy it scares me
sometimes,” said Jessee.
Not only was his motorcycle different,
but the level at which he was about race
was also more nerve racking than ever.
“My first race with my new bike was by
far more exciting and better than Hares
Scramble. Although I placed 5th I enjoyed
every second of it,” said Jessee.
With change, in Jessee’s case, also came
responsibility. The increased racing level
brought an increased exposure of being
injured.
Jessee, however, with his new bike, was
able to adapt well into this new level of
racing due to the fact that his worst injury
has been a fractured wrist.
“Of course it’s dangerous, but I won’t
stop riding because of injuries, I love to do
what I do and nothing is going to stop me
from riding,” said Jessee.
The accident involved him and his riding
friend George Burns. Ironically they met
at the start and things did not go the way
they wished when George accidentally lost
control of his bike at the start and slammed
against Jessee’s bike. The crash, Jessee
admits, could have been a lot worse than
what actually happened.
“Most of the time it’s the bikes that take
the damage. The gear I wear is specially
designed to take on most accidents,” said
Jessee.
Jessee, without the support of his friends
and family, would not be where he is today.
George Burns, a close friend of Jessee’s,
practice and train with him and also inspires
Jessee to follow his dream in Motocross.
Since they first met, they have always
discussed different opinions or feelings
each have for the sport. Jessee’s parents
are also very supportive and financially
help him with gear and bike parts to keep
his game up.
“It’s cool because as long as I’m doing
well in school my parents help me out
with my riding,” said Jessee.
Jessee’s average poll spot is amongst
the top 5, out of 40 competitors.
Although this is no easy accomplishment
he achieves all his dreams in motocross
by keeping his head up and going in the
right direction.
Dedication and Boxing Anything you can do I
Abel Begon: student boxer at 17
can do better
TRUDY CLARKE
Staff Writer
While most students in the student
body are playing sports such as football,
basketball, and baseball, Business Senior
Abel Begon is doing something much more
different. His love for boxing sets him
apart from the rest of the student body
and athletes here at Coral Reef.
Boxing is a combat sport where
two participants, with the same
weight group, fight each other
using their fists. Boxing,
just like other sport, has a
referee and a series of one
to three-minute intervals
called rounds. The winner is
determined when one player
is knocked down and unable
to get up before the referee
counts to ten seconds. This
results in a Knockout, or KO.
Some students spend their afternoons
on MySpace, go to work, or just sit
around the house with nothing to do.
An average afternoon in the life of Abel
is training at Tropical Park Gym.
The basic training of a boxer consists
of heavy bags, speed bags, shadow
boxing, and running.
“I was first introduced to boxing by
my next door neighbor. One day he told
me to get ready and he took me to the
gym and its history from there,” said Abel.
From that day on Abel instantly fell in
love with the sport of boxing. Abel has
been boxing for a year and half and has
no plans to stop boxing any time soon. His
hard work and dedication makes him an
extremely devoted boxer.
Does his devotion to boxing interfere
with his studies?
“It’s not hard to balance school and
boxing I just have to keep myself well
grounded. School comes first always and
then boxing,” said Abel.
Boxing, like any other sport, can be very
time consuming. By managing his time
and keeping organized, Abel makes
boxing and school seem like the
simplest things to manage.
Since he began boxing a year and
a half ago Abel has competed
in an amateur fight/
tournament in which he
won.
Abel’s biggest
boxing influence is
Floyd Mayweather.
Mayweather has won
six world boxing
championships
in
five different weight
classes. One day Abel
hopes to follow in his
footsteps.
“My uncle was a boxer
and used to fight pro, it
takes discipline and focus.
Only the strong will come
out winning. At the gym
they call me pretty boy
like Mayweather because I
dodge most of the punches
and im fast, quick, and
agile,” said Abel.
At first, Abel started boxing just to start
something new, but now, with a year and a
half of dedication to boxing it has become
a way of life for him.
In the future Abel hopes to continue
boxing and is considering pursuing boxing
as a career and making a name for him self
in the world of boxing.
Shambrika Tomlin, co-captain of the girls’
basketball team, overcomes injury to play
SHANE SUMBU
Staff Writer
From the start of her basketball career
in 7th grade, IB senior Shambrika Tomlin
has been excelling and hasn’t looked back
since. Now as a starter at the point guard
slot on a solid varsity Lady Cudas squad,
she plans to break records and lead her
team to district supremacy.
“This year I hope to develop my skills
as a leader. All success starts with great
leaders,” said Tomlin.
Unfortunately Tomlin hasn’t been able to
practice with the team, due to
a shoulder injury. The surgery
was needed after several
recurring shoulder dislocations
during on-court action. The
good news is “Sham” is
rehabbing and recovering at an
exponential rate.
“Staying dedicated and
focused [was the key]. Being
willing to keep working hard
and staying faithful to my
teammates, who have been the
core to my success. Without
them I would be a quitter,” said
Tomlin.
Coming off of her surgery,
Tomlin looks forward to this
season saying she can’t wait to
play district rival Southridge
and Lourdes who have gone
deep in the state tournament.
Last season, she averaged 10
points per game, 3 steals per
game and 7 assists per game,
showing her unselfishness as a
leader and a co-captain. She has
big plans for the team this year.
“The overall goal of the team is plain and
simple to be better than last year. Being just
as good or successful is not enough. We
plan to make a run at states,” said Tomlin.
As well as being one of the co-captains
of the team Tomlin also runs track,
maintains a 4.6 weighted GPA and plans to
receive her IB diploma. As for college, she
lists Howard University as her first choice.
“If there is any college looking at me, I
don’t know about them. So tell them to get
at me!” said Tomlin jokingly.
Spotlight
The Mike Davis beat
Mike Davis: student producer
SHATONE GREY
Staff Writer
“This is a Mike Davis Beat!”: the signature
phrase heard before a wide variety of
captivating music by Michael Davis, a senior
in the VPA academy. Not only is he in the
school band but he is also an established music
producer in the Richmond Heights area.
Davis is known for creating melodies in his
free time and putting hard hitting background
percussion to them. Making beats, however, is
only one part of his musical expertise.
He has a wide variety of musical experience:
from creating dance mixes for performances
at Coral Reef to remixing hit songs like,
Britney Spears’ “Gimme More.” He has made
musical compositions that include original
instrumentals and lyrics.
Davis began his musical career when he
joined the school band in the 4th grade. He
started with the trumpet and from there, he
moved on to percussion, which he was more
inclined to.
After auditioning and proving his abilities,
he became a member of the Coral Reef
Band. He first tried to compose a beat while
listening to the song “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit
It” by Dem Franchize Boyz.
“With the rise of all of the snap music
and the dirty south movement, I felt that
I could do as good, if not better than the
producers that were out at the time. I had to
prove to myself and others that I could be a
successful producer,” said Davis.
Davis dreams of one day being a successful
producer. He has been involved with and
surrounded by music his entire life.
He draws from his many years of
experience and knowledge to create his
original sounds. In the process of building
toward his dream, he has slowly added the
essential components of a home recording/
production studio.
This facility, which is located in an extra
room in his house, consists of a state-of-the-art
condenser microphone, an 8-channel Alesis
mixing board, Cubase music production
software, and an Edirol HyperCanvas
Workstation keyboard. All of these were
purchased using the money raised from selling
his beats and services to local artists.
Davis is also widely known for his
production with Coral Reef’s own rapper,
Shot1ne and other musically talented
groups such as ALaSS, Joshua Lugo AKA
Frost, Javon Wright, and Tyrell Hall.
Currently, Davis is working with an
up and coming hip-hop group, the Yung
Millionaires who are on the verge of
being signed to a local record label. He
executively produced their mixtape and
could be signed to the label along with
them.
A combination of raw talent and ambition
has brought him a lot closer to his goals
and dreams of one day becoming a wellknown music producer.
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2008
13
Lights,camera, Steven?
Steven Rodriguez: Coral Reef’s own director
CHIEDOZIE OKAFOR
Staff Writer
Coral Reef is known
significantly for its
creative
and
talented
student
body.
Steven
Rodriguez is surely one of the most
innovative and unique students of our well
known school.
At the age of seventeen, Steven is heading
down the same path as many noted movie
directors. It wasn’t until his sophomore
year; however, that Steven decided that he
wanted to become a movie director.
“I made a movie for my girlfriend on
Thanksgiving, and I realized that I really
liked doing it,” said Senior
Steven Rodriguez.
This year, Steven is the
president of the Cinematic
Arts Commission (CAC) club
and has already developed his
own production company,
Eternal Studios. You can
even watch his work on
YouTube.com where his
videos are open
to the public to
watch.
“Steven is pretty great, he’s definitely
going places,” said Legal Academy Senior
Aymee Harrera.
Every morning the student body tunes
into CRTV Live, where Steven is behind
the camera filming many of the creative
packages shown that make the show unique
and interesting to watch.
“I don’t want to take credit for
everything. I have to give my assistant
director, camera man, and all that work
with me, credit because they put in so
much effort into making a great
show,” said Steven Rodriguez.
This film maker is definitely one
of Coral Reef’s prized Barracudas.
Success is in his near future. If you don’t
believe so, just check out his work every
morning on CRTV Live.
Cuda Culture
Photos Courtesy of Sharon Docampo
14
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2008
The Cheerleaders perform with their new uniforms on Spirit Day
Reef’s got spirit!
Students dress up for Coral Reef’s annual Spirit Week in preparation for Homecoming night
VANESSA RUEDA
Staff Writer
While
tickets for
Photo Courtesy of Sharon Docampo
homecoming went on sale in October,
bringing about the excitement in students
that comes along with it, Spirit Week
brought out the spirit amongst the student
body regardless of whether they attended
homecoming or not.
This year’s Spirit Week took place
November 3rd through the 7th with new
themes for each day and traditional classics
as well. The week was kicked off on
Monday with the traditional Wacky Tacky
day which has been held on Mondays for
years to get the school eager about the days
before homecoming. Even though there
Kevin Ward, IB Senior
wasn’t school that Tuesday, students still
dressed for Superhero day on Wednesday,
which was repeated from last years Spirit
Week as a result of the huge turnout.
Students also had the opportunity to
attend the first annual Mr. Barracuda
pageant that night. Thursday was Spirit
day, where students dressed in the schools
colors and a pep rally was held along
with the homecoming game against
Southridge that night. Friday was the first
ever homecoming themed day to be held
in Spirit Week, Glow day, where students
dressed in their brightest clothes in order to
glow throughout the day, as they would be
that night at homecoming.
“Spirit week is held every year to promote
Varsity Cudettes perform at the Pep Rally
Allison Talana, VPA Senior
school unity,” said Business senior Idalys
Nuñez, who is also student body vice
president.
The themes for each day were chosen by
the student government from a list and they
were all an unanimous decision.
When asked about what day they were
most excited for, students had several
responses:
“I’m excited for Spirit week and my
favorite day would have to be tacky day
because you get to see other people dressed
really weird,” said IB junior Dominique
Forestier, who plans on dressing up for
Wacky Tacky day and Glow day.
Wacky Tacky day did in fact turn out
to be the most popular day of Spirit Week,
Photo Courtesy of Sharon Docampo
Alexa Fields, VPA Freshman
Legal Seniors Mery Arcila and Adrian
Funes
as most students dressed up extravagantly
along with Superhero day.
“Yes, I’m very excited for Spirit week,
I go all out every year and my favorite
day is Wacky Tacky day,” said VPA senior
Allison Tallana who will be participating
in all the days of Spirit week.
School Spirit could be seen not only
amongst the student body but also within
the main courtyard where streamers and
banners were placed in order to celebrate
the week. Whatever the reason, students
chose to dress up, whether it was to get to
wear a cape on Superhero day or to dress
in their neon best for Glow day, it can
definitely be said that Reef’s got spirit.
Mr. Barracuda candidates “get down” on
Spirit Day
Cuda Culture
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2008
15
Homecoming fashions
IB Seniors Karissa Dieseldorff and Rashielle
Teape show off their dresses. Karissa’s
magenta dress and Rashielle’s dark purple
satin bubble dress compliment both girls.
“Since the theme this year was GLOW, I
thought I should find a bright dress that
would be club-type.” said Karissa.
VPA Senior Dorilys Miralles wears a
strapped, neutral-toned print dress. The
neutral colors bring out her fair skin,
giving her a radiant look.
“This dress was actually a present
picked out by my aunt,” said Miralles.
“I wore it because i liked the colors
and how it laid out my back. It was
more comfortable than most dresses to
wear.”
VPA Senior Christina Santiago
wears a indigo fitted dress. This
style was popular amongst the
girls at the Reef for this year’s
Homecoming 2008. Last year,
the theme was Reef Rock and
more metallic was seen on
people.
IB Seniors Maria Coloma and Cynthia Garcia both are
wearing different styles. Maria is wearing a purplemagenta scruched fitted dress. Cynthia wore a satin
dress which incorporated the colors that were part of
the theme, GLOW.
Above: Seniors Minji Kim, Nicole Paez, Faith Cayobit,
and Vanessa Guerrero. Nicole is wearing a blue and black
cocktail dress while Minji and Faith are wearing hot pink
halter top dresses. Vanessa is wearing a fancy, hot pink
spaghetti strap dress.
“I like this dress because it’s simple but flattering at the
same time, and it really fit me well,” said Nicole.
Agriscience senior Erica Reyes is
wearing a simple, yet stylish, black,
burgundy, and silver cocktail dress
from Expose. She matched her dress
with silver peep toe high heels from
Traffic.
“This dress was nice and simple yet
elegant,” said Reyes. “With make-up
it also allowed my eyes to stand out
more than usual.”
16
High Tide
Meditation: the art of relaxation
Coral Reef Sr. High
December 2007
ALEXANDRA CASTILLA
Staff Writer
For most of us, when the word meditation is brought
the image of an old, long white bearded man sitting
cross-legged floating in mid air seeking spiritual
answers automatically comes to mind.
Yet while the old man is seeking
spiritual answers most of us
are mixed up in our chaotic
day to day lives seeking
some sort of escape, too
busy for any “soul searching.”
Meditation is not only the
enhancement of spiritual and physical
knowledge but can help reduce stress
and promote relaxation. Meditation
relaxation is something that
any active teen could use to
their advantage. In a busy
chaotic schedule of balancing school,
extra-curricular activities, friends
and family, it is important to take a
break and refocus on your priorities
Adriyan Rotati, IB Senior, is a
strong believer in the positive
effects relaxation meditation has
on emotional and physical levels.
He uses a technique called
breathing meditation.
The purpose of this
type of mediation
is to calm the mind
and develop inner
peace. In breathing
mediation, you must
free all distractions and
make the mind clear. You
concentrate on nothing else but
your own breathing and the passing
of air in and out of your nostrils into
your lungs as you sit in a quiet place.
This kind of simple breathing
meditation is the
most common and most basic of all meditation techniques.
Nonetheless, Adriyan finds it to be incredibly beneficial
and claims that it helps to reorganize personal thoughts
and priorities when emotionally and physically exhausted.
KARLA ANDERSON
Staff Writer
“I use meditation to de-stress and refocus for
school. A short 10 minute meditation process of
focusing on my breathing really helps,” said Adriyan.
Another student, Barbara Uchdorf, also uses meditation
to help her relax when confronted with the pressures of
school and everyday life. She was introduced to meditation
through Adryian’s meditation club last year. Barbara
also uses breathing meditation as she focuses on a visual
to free herself of all worldly distractions. Meditation
allows Barbara to reduce stress and refocus on school.
Meditation has many benefits that are useful for students in
today’s world who have numerous activities going on and many
different priorities. Mediation brings to those who practice
it a sense of relaxation and inner peace. In reducing
stress and tension, meditation helps to deal with
the busyness of every day life and ultimately
allows for one to experience true happiness.
If you or any one you know is
interested in learning how to do
meditation contact Adryian Rotati at
[email protected].
“I USE
MEDITATION TO
DE-STRESS AND
REFOCUS FOR
SCHOOL.”
What is in a Dream?
What is a dream? Noun. 1. A succession of
images, thoughts, or emotions passing through
the mind during sleep. 2. The sleeping state
in which this occurs. Everyone has them,
yet they are still a mystery. Usually, one
“dreams” when they are sleeping, or even when
people are awake and are “daydreaming.”
Many people can agree with the fact that
it is hard to distinguish between
dream and reality.
are
There
also
Dimaris Acevedo, an IB senior
has experienced many déjà vu,
but there’s always one that has
haunted her. “I was taking a nap
before I went jogging, and then I
woke up. Everything I was doing
seemed so familiar, the music that
was playing was at the same place
it was in my dream, I saw the same
cars pass by, it seemed so unreal.”
Dreams are the reflection of one’s
subconscious. Events that might
have happened years ago or even
yesterday, are usually found in people’s
dream and usually involve the same
topic: fear, love, or mystery. At times,
when both are combined, they can turn
out to be nightmares. A famous psychiatrist
who developed many theories about dreaming,
Sigmund Freud, called dreams the “royal road
to the unconscious.” This meant that dreams
illustrate the “logic” of the unconscious mind.
Also, dreams seem to scare some people
because they can seem so real. Madeline MesaPerdomo, senior in IB said, “Once I dreamt
that I was being chased by a stranger, on
the beach. I ran and ran, but it turned out that
I was running in slow motion. It felt so real.”
makes people wonder whether or not the
reality they are experiencing is real, which
leads to many to be confused and everything
becomes a mystery. Some believe déjà
vu is the memory of dreams because the
majority of dreams are never remembered.
different kinds
of dreams in which
you feel like you’ve
experienced or dreamed
that
something has happened.
This is also known as déjà vu. Déjà vu
It is amazing how important dreaming
is to a person and while at the same
time it can shock someone. Like Edgar
Allen Poe said, “Deep into that darkness
peering, long I stood there, wondering,
fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no
mortal ever dared to dream before.”