Sept - Coral Reef High School

BAITLINE
Coral Reef Sr. High School
Bitten by a
Barracuda p. 13
September 2009 Volume 13 Issue 1
Get Ho ked
9/11
Remembered
p. 5
10101 SW 152 Street Miami, FL 33157
ch-ch-changes
Get ready for a whole new set of rules
around the Reef!
2
News
Coral Reef Sr. High
September 2009
The passing of Ted Kennedy: America mourns
A memorial for the influential senator
ELIZABETH GONZALEZ
Staff Writer
“He had a soft
spot for poor
Edward M. Kennedy, otherwise known people,” said
James M. Ford,
as Ted Kennedy or “The Lion of the
Senate,” died less than a month ago at the AP Literature
age of 77 after combating a cerebral tumor teacher and
for over a year. The esteemed Senator was supporter of
the youngest child of the Kennedy family the senators
and therefore had to endure all the family legislations and
ideals.
tragedies.
Witnessing his
After serving nearly five decades in
daughter’s
battle
the United States Senate, including the
against
bone
years of his brother’s presidency (John
cancer, spending
F. Kennedy), Ted Kennedy has left an
countless hours
inspirational legacy of perseverance
by her side during
and determination. Responsible for
chemotherapy
formulating more than 2,500 bills,
sessions while
300 of which were enacted into laws,
listening to other
the Democratic leader now leaves a
PHOTO CREDIT: ELIZABETH GONZALEZ
parents straining
discernable and much-felt void in the
Government
teacher,
Victoria
Pinder,
teaches
her
class about Ted Kennedy
to
procure
Senate.
the
necessary
called him “the greatest legislator of our
Although Kennedy was known for his
funds to pay for their child’s rehabilitation
time.” He has championed a number of
orating abilities and skills of persuasion,
turned the senator to focus on the country’s
laws pertaining to civil rights issues,
he was more often admired and loved
disabled Americans, immigration reform
for his lightheartedness and compassion, inadequate health care system, declaring
it “the cause of my life,” in hopes of
and children’s health care, along with
even among his Republican colleagues
reforming the system and assuring every
being one of the first to address Global
while, on the other hand, his experience
citizen the right to health services despite
AIDS. The Senator was also known for
with tragedy and misfortune made
their economic situation.
his opposition to the invasion of Iraq in
him sympathetic and responsive to
It is no wonder President Barrack Obama
2003 and amending the Voting Acts Right
humanitarian issues.
by lowering the voting age from 21 to
18, his principle argument being that
it was unjust to send off 18 year-olds
to fight in a war and yet deny them a
voice in their country’s government.
“He took chances everyone else
was afraid to take,” said Pedro D.
Gonzalez, civil engineer in Miami
Dade County and follower of politics.
He liked appealing to the public
directly by funding community
activities such as BBQs and fairs, in
which he made personal appearances.
“He stayed in power by going from
town to town, walking around with a
note pad, always taking notes,” said
Victoria Pinder, the new Government
Economics teacher at Coral Reef, who
had met the Senator.
Clearly the senator’s zeal was not
based on self-interest but instead
directed toward helping those in need.
Whether it be Americans deprived of
good health insurance or gays fighting
for equal rights that will mourn his
passing the most, his dedication
and loyalty of 47 years has left an
abounding impact on all facets of the
American public.
Curbing the Vice of Smoking
Reasons to quit and how to do it
DEIBBYS CARDOSO
Staff Writer
This article isn’t only for the people that
smoke, it is also for the people that have
smokers in their lives or are considering
smoking.
Many people smoke because their whole
family does and it looks like a normal part
of life; others smoke to feel cool. In some
occasions, people do it to avoid problems
or to rebel, on occasions because of stress
or family problems. The reasons to start
smoking vary.
Most, if not all, are well informed about
the possible harms of smoking, but the
addiction to nicotine is greater than the
fear of anything else.
PHOTO CREDIT: DEIBBYS CARDOSO
Immediate reasons to stop smoking:
• Bad breath and stained teeth
• Foul-smelling clothes, hair, and skin
• Decreased athletic ability
• Cough or sore throat
• Faster heartbeat and blood pressure
increase
• The risk of secondhand smoke.
• The expensive cost of smoking
Long-term reasons to stop smoking:
• Toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke
• Risk of lung cancer and many other
cancers
• Risk of heart disease
• Serious breathing problems
• Wrinkles
• Risk of stomach ulcers and acid reflux
• Risk of gum disease
• Sets a bad example for your children.
IB Sophomores MIchelle Luchua, Avery Bramnik, Chelsea Mayor, and Hugo Garzaro pose. Photo credit:
Deibbys Cardoso.
Here are some things to do to stop smoking:
1. Set a deadline within 2-4 weeks. Write a list of your
reasons for smoking, and maintain the list so you can see
it everytime you want to smoke.
2. Look for a program to quit smoking. You can even ask
your doctor for advice.
If successful, you may gain weight, but the risk of
gaining weight is incomparable with the damage that
occurs when you smoke. Don’t diet while quitting,
because it could cause unnecessary stress.
If you start smoking again, don’t be frustrated, some
have failed on their first attempt, but in another they have
succeeded.
Editorial
Coral Reef Sr. High
September 2009
3
High school violence has gone too far
What has caused the recent outbreak of violent crimes amongst American teenagers?
Staff Writer
The violence epidemic began
at Coral Gables High School. A
fight broke out in the morning, and
17-year-old Juan Carlos Rivera
was stabbed to death by another
student.
The next day, seven students
in seven different schools were
arrested for having either guns,
knives, or in one incident, a box
cutter, the same weapon as the
one used in the Coral Gables
incident. It is easy to understand
the hysteria: the idea that
teenagers are committing
heinous crimes against
each other in affluent
neighborhoods is
shocking.
In this internetfueled generation,
we are raised to
have a certain
detachment
from real events.
Violence is the
bread and butter
of the media, and
countless studies have
been done about how watching
fictional scenes of violence have a
desensitizing effect on the viewer.
Yet, despite all this, the experience
or even the news of a shooting is
terrifying. Despite our constant
exposure to violence, the presence
of a gun in our vicinity
is frightening.
The lesson
that needs
to be
learned
from this incident is
not one of tightening security. It
is easy to say that such an event
would not have occurred if there
had been security checks in the
school. Security
should
always
be a
secondary concern in respect
to privacy. We should resist the
RIP John Carlos Rivera
1992-2009
“Only the good die young.”
-Billy Joel
temptation of eavesdropping and
creating a tense environment in our
communities, though restricting the
access to guns is not a bad idea.
The lesson here is that these
incidents show a flaw in our
society. We do not acknowledge
the fears and angers that simmer
underneath our polite exterior,
but we cannot ignore the fact
that teenagers kill each other in
school.
Instead of sending their
children to a psychologist the
moment he
or she shows unusual
behavior, parents should make
an attempt at communicating
with their children. As
Americans we have a
blind trust in doctors
and medicine, but we
need to understand that
the cure for aggression,
sadness, and fear is not
always as simple as popping a
pill. A society more open about its
problem would be more capable at
dealing with the sparks of violence
that occur in daily life.
4
Sports
Coral Reef Sr. High
September 2009
Martial
arts
hits
Reef
Coral Reef Football
MMA is gaining popularity among Reef students
SEBASTIAN BERTI
Staff Writer
succeed in college and propel themselves
into a productive life, they will instead
spend precious time engaging in a violent
sport that could well diminish what
mental capacities they possess and will
desperately need,” said Mr. Hudson.
In attempt to broaden awareness and
understanding of UFC to others one of
Mixed Martial Arts is without a single
doubt the fastest growing sport in the
world. For those who don’t know what
the actual sport of mixed martial arts
consists of, it is a sport where two fighters
compete with one another in an
actual fight. The name MMA is
used to describe the sport, since
a fighter can have any style of
fighting he or she desires to use
in their match. Unlike boxing,
fighters are allowed to throw kicks,
knees, elbows, and the fight usually
progresses to the ground where
different styles of fighting come
into play such as BJJ(Brazilian Jiu
Jitsu), wrestling, Judo and many
more. The main fight organizations
are now made up by The UFC
(Ultimate Fighting Championship),
The WEC( World Extreme Cage
Fighting), Strike Force, and Dream.
MMA is a very demanding sport for
competition and simply practice.
As this sport grows so does its
followers, MMA has no boundaries.
Many of our own students at
PHOTO CREDIT: SEBASTIAN BERTI
Coral Reef take part in MMA.
Student Jonathan Jones wrestles with a team
Jonathan “Jamaica” Jones, a senior mate, practicing moves for t an upcoming
in the Legal, academy is a very
competition.
skilled wrestler having competed
state-wide in wrestling and also
the UFC’s Representatives Joe Lauzon
obtaining other MMA styles such as
made an analysis comparing the injuries
boxing and kickboxing.
of both boxing and MMA. To the surprise
“It’s the best sport out there; it’s the
of many, boxing averages an astonishing
ultimate deciding factor. In other sports
11 deaths per year as opposed to MMA
such as basketball or football you decide
having one. This surprising event in
who the better athlete is by running the
Mixed Martial Arts dealt with a fighter
‘45’ or by who scores the most points,
who had a pre-existing blood clot within
but in MMA you actually fight your
the brain that was not reported to officials.
opponent to see who the better athlete is
His demise would have been prevented
all around,” said Jones. When asked if
had officials been warned before the fight,
he would consider going into the field of
professional fighting as a career he smiled resulting in the fight being canceled due
to this sport’s many safety regulations and
and said “As soon as high school ends
precautions.
start looking for me in The UFC because
Mixed Martial Arts is a sport
that’s where I’ll be.”
that
teaches discipline and helps raise
MMA has been criticized on various
self–
esteem, it is also one of the most
occasions for being a vicious sport that
physically
demanding sports that can lead
consist of only violence. Mr. Hudson, the
an
athlete
to
the peak of their physical
orchestra teacher, is firmly against the
state.
With
a
new wave of students
involvement of high school students in
participating
in the sport it makes one
MMA.
wonder,
will
we
see any of our friends
“I’m concerned that at a time when a
in
these
fight
leagues
in the future? Only
student should be focused on developing
time
will
tell.
their academic skills they will need to
BAITLINE
Differences compared to previous years
DEVANTE MUHAMMAD
Staff Writer
The second week of school
2008 we face the Americans. This would
be Coral Reef Varsities’s first football game
starting the year. That night injuries occur
three times off the opposing team. “It was a
miracle in sight,” said Teanya-Tori Brown.
One minute remaining in the last
quarter, Coach Clements grips his
playbook with tense expectancy that the
Americans would cower and wave the
white flag of total surrender.
That game was won as the first
game of the season last year. This
occurrence changed the hopes of all
the fans drastically.
During last year’s season 3-7
games were won. Every one’s
fingers were crossed pretzel
like. The team wore their
jerseys in superiority,
confidant about turning the
table from all the previous
years. Unfortunately the seasons
down turn created sad faces and
unanswered questions.
These questions do not have
to be answered for the fact
is what happened already
took place; furthermore
we start a new game
plan this year in ‘09.
“I can’t give you
numbers because
I don’t want to
disappoint myself”,
said Coach
Ream’s
News Editors
Ana Mebel
Devante Muhammed
Opinions Editor
Rhea Cashmire
Valerie Diaz
Submerge Yourself
Editors
Lauren Garner
Camila Bernal
A&E Editors
Rah’nika Jones
Gabriella Reyes
Sports Editor
Sebastian Berti
Julian Ortiz
Spotlight Editor
Meghann Bailey
Features Editor
Justin Soler
Marketing Editor
Elizabeth
Rodriguez
Staff Writers
Meghann Bailey
Camila Bernal
Sebastian Berti
Deibbys Cardoso
Rhea Cassimire
Valerie Diaz
Maria Espinal
Lauren Garner
Rah’nika Jones
Jeremy Mathurin
Anna Mebel
Devante Muhammed
Julian Ortiz
Gabriella Reyes
Emma Singer
Justin Soler
Elizabeth Rodriguez
distractions
and work
as a team
when clashing
the Falcons
September 3rd.
They need all the
support they can get, so
come on out!
Barracuda fan, Mr.
Bevilacqua, has attended all
the games last year. He says
he can’t wait to strap up for this
year’s season. He also supports
the athletic department by buying
during the fundraisings of each and every
athlete in dire need of money for any sport
in the school system.
defensive
coach.
The football
team this
year has trained
all this
summer. They are
persistent
with their hard work and dedication, from
the countless times in and out of the weight
room to the field where aggression is
back
2009-2010 Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Emma Singer
required. Do you think the Cuda’s are up for
the challenge?
“I think we will have a more promising
year than last year,” said Head Coach
Clements. Clements, who anticipates a
better
season then last year.
This year we have
over one hundred
people on the team,
sixty five on junior
varsity and forty
eight on varsity.
The players
will
seclude
from
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
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Past issues can be viewed at http://crhs.dadeschools.net.
News
Coral Reef Sr. High
September 2009
Where were you? Students remember 9/11
5
Remembering September 11th
CAMILA BERNAL
Staff Writer
There comes a time when we as individuals
find ourselves at a crossroads, but when society
as a whole finds itself facing a climatic event
of disastrous proportions it must find a way
to resourcefully and with a cool head, pick it
self up and take charge. It’s safe to say that
the majority of us are somewhat familiar if not
completely acquainted with the events which
took place September 11th, 2001. Selected staff
members in Coral Reef were willing to share
with us their personal recollections of where
they were, what their initial reactions were, and
how they coped with the shocking occurrences.
Gina Marmol, an English teacher and New
York native enlightens us on her personal
experience, she recalls working in Homestead
High where Ms. Leal was principal at the time.
“The televisions were turned on and I had to
deal with the shock and fear for my family, but
I also had to pull myself together to explain to
my students what was happening because they
thought it was a joke,” shares Mrs. Marmol
She went on to tell how “afterwards rumors
where flying that Turkey Point; a nuclear power
plant close to the school, was going to be a
target, and a frenzy of parents began to retrieve
PHOTO CREDIT: CAMILA BERNAL
their students from school.”
The strong character Mrs. Marmol had in
finding out that her home was attacked is an
admirable trait, and she held it together
to be an example and pillar of strength
for her students.
Joseph Roane, AP History teacher
shares, “I was in my senior year of
undergrad in North Carolina, and I
remember walking into my living room
and finding my brother entranced with the
television.”
“Then I realized what was happening:
the news showing images of the collisions
and the smoke, my other roommate came
in, and for three hours we just watched,
we didn’t speak, I think I stood the entire
time. Later we found out that all classes
were cancelled on campus.”
Most of us can relate to that feeling of
displacement- the televisions seemed to
emit the smoke and we found ourselves
surrounded by a haze, confused and
shocked. The experience might not
have felt the same for the student
body, considering most of us where in
elementary school; where our minds were
sheltered against the harsh realities of
life. But with age comes knowledge and
with time we all learned.
Despite being young when the event
occurred, we keep in our hearts all of the lives
affected by the September 11th attacks..
Fear of Swine Flu taking over schools
Students worry about the new pandemic
MEGHANN BAILEY
Staff Writer
The pandemic around the news
has been the Swine Flu, also
known as Hog Flu, Pig Flu, H1N1,
H1N2, etc. This sickness has been
known to be common in many pig
populations, and has found its way
to the human population through
Mexico.
As most know, there are many
variations to the flu, and when
converted from pig to human
is called Zoonotic Swine Flu.
Although this form has caused less
then the average 36,000 deaths
that the regular flu often brings,
precautions should still be taken
seriously.
“Yeah it’s crazy! We can die from
it, and anyone who has it should
stay home and be careful,” said
Megan Parker, Legal Freshman.
After 700 schools closing
in the spring due to the Swine
Flu, Obama recently made an
announcement for schools that
contain swine flu to stay open.
There is a vaccine available for the
Swine Flu and it consists of three
shots, unlike the one that is usually
recommended for the regular flu. It
PHOTO CREDIT: MEGHANN BAILEY
Jessica Savaria, Medical senior, demonstrates how to properly wash
hands, singing “Happy Birthday” is the proper amount of time.
is said that this will be the biggest
widespread of vaccines since polio.
The majority of vaccines are being
given to young children, pregnant
women, and seniors since they are
more likely to receive the flu.
“People are too afraid of the
Swine Flu and it’s not that big of a
deal. My step-sister had it and she
got better after a week,” said Max
Flugrath, VPA Senior.
This topic has people more
precautious about what they do and
who they are around. If you follow
the advice given, then all should be
fine.
“I haven’t really changed my
daily routines, because I know
I have good habits. I wash my
hands all the time, so I’m not
really worried about it,” said Katie
Porter-Wolf, VPA Junior.
The advice that is being given
around schools is to wash hands
and/or sanitize frequently, and
also always cover your mouth if
you cough or sneeze. In addition,
those who feel sick should very
well stay home to prevent further
contamination. School staff and
students who have a fever should
return to school 24 hours after the
fever subsides, instead of the week
that some people have been taking
off.
The question remains whether
any students changed their daily
habits after learning about this
pandemic? Many have different
feelings about this subject, and
until we see where it takes us all
we can do is play it safe.
6
Opinions
Coral Reef Sr. High
September 2009
Foxmar’s abundance of options confuses students
Seniors get creative with their photos
JULIAN ORTIZ
Staff Writer
For the graduating class
of 2010 seniors, there are a
countless amount of events to
look forward to if already not
completed. Although it’s the
very beginning of the school
year, one of the senior events has
already been in action since this
summer: senior pictures.
As many of you already
might know, senior pictures
are required to be taken by all
seniors in order to have a picture
in the yearbook.
This year, the glossy pictures
in the beginning of the annual
yearbook will consist of the
class of 2010, while the lower
classman get the smaller, more
opaque pictures.
Generally, seniors enjoy
taking the pictures for school,
thanks to our school’s senior
picture sponsor Fox-Mar taking
additional pictures for you is
made easy.
“I picked the premium
package because my
family likes to have
the variety of pictures
to save, and since they
did the same for my
older brother they felt a
little obligated. I liked it
though, it wasn’t too bad
considering I had to stay
there posing for about
40 pictures,” said IB
senior Matt Martinez.
Offering three
packages Fox-Mar
gives this year’s senior
a variety to choose from
including a standard,
double, or platinum
session. The standard
sessions are the most
basic and economically friendly,
being the cheapest with a cost
of $30.
This session is veered toward
the seniors who want a minimal
amount of poses that only
include two different types of
GRAPHIC: JULIAN ORTIZ
photo shots. One pose will be
taken with a formal tuxedo or
dress, and the other with a cap
and gown adding up to
a total of 8-10 images taken in
total.
The other alternative is the
double session which includes a
higher pay check but has a more
moderate selection of images.
Not only are the cap and gown
pictures along with the tuxedo
or dress photos included in
this session but there is also
a selection of traditional and
casual portraits taken which
allow you to bring your favorite
outfits totaling in about 18
images taken.
Now for the students and
parents that like to go all out
on their senior pictures there
is the final package named
the “platinum package.”
This package offers the most
poses, props, and variety of
backgrounds which lets seniors
really express themselves
through their pictures. Whether
it’s wearing your team’s jersey
or dance uniform, this session
allows you to bring 2 outfits and
pick a minimum of 28 poses in
addition to the required poses for
the schools yearbook.
Senior Picture deadline is
November 1, however seniors
should turn in their desired
picture to be published in the
schools yearbook as soon as
possible. So for seniors, if you
have not done it, do it; and as for
underclassmen…your time will
come.
Fort Wilderness trip abolished, students upset
IB seniors want a new class trip to replace the infamous Fort Wilderness trip
JUSTIN SOLER
Staff Writer
I believe it is safe to say that the
entire I.B. senior class is furious for
losing their traditional Ft. Wilderness
trip. As most students know by now,
last year the I.B. class of 2009 brought
illegal substances to Ft. Wilderness.
These substances included, but were
not limited to, alcohol and Marijuana.
“It’s a shame that a few students can
ruin what is supposed to be a great
trip for everyone,” said Alejandro
Gonzalez, Math Chair and IB Math
Studies Teacher.
Principal Adrianne Leal has
permanently cancelled all future
Ft. Wilderness trips. Instead Leal is
working with us to come up with a
new trip.
“As long as it’s not an overnight
trip, then we can work together and
work in the best interests of the
student body. Students have worked
too hard to jeopardize their education
with a foolish mistake. We, the
administration, are doing this not to
punish you, but to protect you. We
know it is not your fault, but we
simply cannot let this event take place
anymore,” said Leal.
Our new goal is to find a class trip
that will come close to Ft. Wilderness
because nothing will ever be as great
as an overnight trip with your best
friends, unless you’re from the IB.
class of 2009.
“We are looking for a field trip that
will build a strong bond between the
seniors, but will not compromise their
IB. Diploma’s or their right to stay at
Coral Reef,” says Maria Vidaña, IB.
Lead Teacher.
Students have proposed a few ideas
Blue Man Group & Cirque de Soleil
10%
Busch Gardens
1%
22%
Halloween Horror Nights
18%
Disney Park & Cirque de Soleil
9%
to replace Ft. Wilderness. These ideas
include going to Islands of Adventure
to see The Blue Man Group, a Disney
Park with Cirque de Soleil, Halloween
Horror Nights, and The Rusty Pelican
with Owaissa Bauer Park afterwards.
IB seniors were asked to
vote for their favorite idea
for the trip. As the graph
Rusty Pelican & Owaissa Bauer Park
demonstrates, almost half of
the IB seniors would like to
go to Islands of Adventure
and see The Famous Blue
Man Group. Sound familiar
at all? This is exactly what
the class of 2009 did last
year on one of their days
Islands of Adventure
at Ft. Wilderness. Next on
& Blue Man Group
the survey was Halloween
Horror Nights, which is
40%
also a great idea, but simply
can’t compete with Islands
of Adventure and The Blue
Man Group. However, if the
IB coordinators keep their
promise of giving IB. Seniors
more than one field trip, then
both of these trips are very
probable. These decisions
are not final; IBIS must still
GRAPHIC: JUSTIN SOLER
decide what trips we’re going
to plan.
Spotlight
Coral Reef Sr. High
September 2009
New fish swimming around the Reef
7
Get to know some up and coming guppies
RAH’NIKA JONES
Staff Writer
Finally, another school year has begun again at The Reef, and a last year for returning seniors. A stressful year for juniors and a
reality check for the sophomores. But what about the freshman class of 2013?
Well Cudas once more we have some new freshman bait in the tank. First time coming into high school can be quiet overwhelming
but this year it appears that we have some very interesting freshies. If you don’t believe me check them out for yourself.
Name: Danielle Wright
Middle School: Richmond Middle
Age: 14
Academy: Medical
Thoughts about Reef: “Well the teachers
are pretty nice and there are really cute
boys…well, seniors.”
Most Embarrassing Moment: “Oh my god
I was in PE and I was running around in
my skirt and I don’t know what happened
but it fell down. Everybody saw and was
laughing. It was so embarrassing.”
Name: John Abell
Middle School: Southwood Middle
Age: 14
Academy: VPA
Hobbies: “I collect Snapple caps because
they have cool facts. I play the guitar,
skate, and like football. I also like jumping
off like 50ft bridges into canals with my
friends…it’s so cool.”
Quote: “When music hits you,
you feel no pain”-Bob Marley
Name: Riley Storm Navario
Middle School: Doral Middle
Age: 14
Academy: Agriscience
First week around the Reef: Pretty Cool
Favorite Artist: Usher
Interest at Reef: “The cute girls of course.
I’m a white boy, so no sports for me.”
Background: Cuban and Irish
Favorite Movie Types: Comedies
Quote: “I think I’m so Black… Holla!”
Name: Donald Moyer
Middle School: Winston Park Middle
Age: 14
Academy: Medical
Reason for choosing Medical: “Well the
human body looks cool and my favorite
show is House.”
Hobbies: Sing in the shower, video games,
and football.
Craziest thing to ever happen to you:
“Well I went scuba diving on top of a jelly
fish mine field.”
Too much barracuda spirit
A sophomore comes face to face with one of the ocean’s most dangerous predators
JULIAN ORTIZ
Staff Writer
Medical sophomore Katie
Negreria seems to have a little too
much enthusiasm for our school
mascot, the barracuda. During
her last couple days of summer,
Katie visited Mexico in hope of
a vacation she could remember,
Apparently she got what she
wanted because after being
attacked by a barracuda, I don’t
know who would forget.
With a sleek, torpedo-like body,
saber tooth teeth, and surprisingly
large appetite, the barracuda is
respectfully known as the tiger of
the sea. For over 50 million years
the barracuda has been dominating
the top of the food chain by being
ranked one of the top hunters of the
sea varying from less than one foot
to over six feet weighing about 100
lbs.
Unlike other fish, a hunting habit
of the barracuda is to first ram
its prey with a total force of 720
Newton before slicing it in two for
a delicious meal. Luckily for Katie,
this wasn’t the situation.
While in Cozumel, Negraria was
spending most of her days enjoying
the weather and the cool waters
of east Mexico. As an exception
to this wonderful celebrity life
style she sacrificed her afternoon
attending a local hospital because
of an apparently threatened or
confused Barracuda.
“I walked into the water relaxed
attack, I saw the black stripes of
the barracuda swiftly swim away,
then that was it. My parents drove
me to the hospital and that’s where
I was treated,” said Katie.
A typical barracuda attack; it
was quick and swift.
When Katie arrived at the
hospital she was given stitches
and something a little more
unusual to most cases of skin
lacerations…a cast. Apparently,
the barracuda cut her finger so
deeply she had nerve damage.
In order to reduce the chances
of long term symptoms, she
received a cast to immobilize
her wrist where the nerves
enter the hands and eventually
lead to the fingers and their
tips.
For now, Katie claims she
still has no sense of touch in
her finger, none the less her
finger tip. Negraria expects to
recover 100 % over the next
months from this unforgettable
experience that she now has
under her belt as an experience
PHOTO CREDIT: JULIAN ORTIZ
that she hopes doesn’t happen
Katie Negreria, Medical Sophomore, poses with our school mascot and her
again.
new friend of the ocean.
and ready to enjoy the day in nice,
cool waist-deep water. I was just
running my fingers through the
surface of the water, looking at the
sunset and before I could react, I
felt a razor sharp cut on my finger.
There was blood everywhere and
it was then when I saw it. After the
Coral Reef Sr. High
September 2009
8
SUBMERGE
Packed like Sardines
This year, class size is bigger than ever
ANNA MEBEL
Staff Writer
Class sizes suffered a dramatic increase
this year. Though the Florida Class-Size
Amendment keeps the core classes from
exceeding the size of twenty-five students, the
vocational classes have no such limit. Because
of this, many academy classes and electives
have over thirty students.
“We were huge in articulation this year,” said
Assistant Principal Magda Pereira.
In ITGS (Information Technologies in a
Global Society), an IB computer course, there
are thirty-eight students on thirty computers.
Three Agriscience classes were combined into
one, making a class of over forty. This occurred
because one of the teachers, Atischa Jackson,
was surplussed. The Engineering Academy
combined their junior and senior classes, also
because of the loss of a teacher.
“Our class time is so divided now,” said
Engineering Senior Chelsea Foresman.
Perhaps the most surprising development is
that a rigorous math course, Calculus BC, has a
total of thirty-nine students. One problem was
that that only thirty-nine students signed up for
the course, and the Coral Reef staff decided that
splitting the class into sections of twenty and
nineteen would not have been possible with the
school’s shrinking budget.
The Assistant Principals attempted to
discourage students from taking the course,
but most of the students insisted on keeping
the class. Only one student dropped the class,
making the total of thirty-nine. Though some
students taking the course were recommended
based on their Calculus AB or IB math
experience, some got parental overrides.
The Calculus BC teacher, Luis Vila, initially
thought that this arrangement was a mistake.
“When I first learned that I had forty students
in my class by looking at the teachers’ portal I
was sure that it would be split into two classes,”
said Vila.
Vila admits that he feels wary about teaching
such a large class.
“Having so many students is not
pedagogically (educationally) sound but we all
have to accommodate and adapt to the current
situation,” said Vila.
The counselors are working for a strategic
plan for next year. One problem school
administrators face when attempting to
maintain small class sizes is that they do not
want to bar any student from the education of
their choice.
“We would never hinder your educational
opportunities,” said Pereira.
PHOTO CREDIT: ANNA MEBEL
Mr. Vila’s BC Calculus class has 39 students as of September 3
Ch-Ch-C
“There is nothing wrong with change, as long a
you’re late for a very important date!
New tardy policy triggers controversy
CAMILA BERNAL
Staff Writer
Students shouldn’t be surprised if they
walk into the attendance office tardy to
school, with their parents at their side and
walk out with an unexcused tardy pass back
to class. With a crowd of new freshman
walking the halls of Coral Reef, the entire
student population needs to be aware of
the changes that have been put into effect,
including the new tardy policy. According
to the School Board Rule 6Gx13-5A1.041, for a tardy to be acknowledged as
“excused,” documentation must be provided
(for example: a doctor’s note or court
order) and for a tardy triggered by an event
“beyond the control of the parent/guardian
or student,” the actions taken must be
decided by the school policy.
Elise Kugler, administrative assistant and
Silver Knight Coordinator, provides some
insight on the situation. According to Mrs.
Kugler, it was an administrative decision to
override the way that these situations were
handled, because excessive tardiness is
“disruptive to the learning environment.”
Students should be conscious of the fact
that certain amount of unexcused tardy
passes will have serious repercussions;
detention, SCSI, and outdoor suspension
are some of the punishments in store for
those who can not get to school on time. The
method to the madness goes as follows, if
a student receives three unexcused tardies,
they receive a detention, if the student is
a no show for the fist one they get two
opportunities to show up. If the student
refuses to complete their detention, they will
receive SCSI; which goes on their record.
On the other side of the spectrum, student
opinions differ from that of administration.
Danielle Webley, 11th grade student in the
Legal Academy, thinks that the new policy
will result in “more students ending up with
unexcused tardies,” therefore affecting not
only the students, but the school, which then
must execute the punishments. When we
asked Senior Dennis Neel from the Legal
academy his opinion on the matter, he said
that the new policy is “ridiculous,” and if
“parents come in, there must be a legitimate
excuse behind the tardy.”
T.V production teacher David Ernsberger
says, “I love the new tardy policy…and you
can quote that.”
For all those students that can not control
traffic, vehicle malfunctions, or Mother
Nature’s wrath, we suggest you start
learning now. Hopefully, the entire student
body and staff can have a pleasant year free
of tardiness, and hopefully the new changes
implemented into our school policy will
work towards improving our school.
PHOTO CREDIT: CAMILA BERNAL
The new enforcers of the tardy policy get ready to start the day
9
YOURSELF
Coral Reef Sr. High
September 2009
Trendsetters
around
the
reef
Cudas take it from the runway to the hallway
GABRIELLA REYES
Staff writer
Our students have fallen in love with
the fall 2009 Fashion trends. Everywhere
you look there are plaid shirts, neon
colors, and vests. Their inspiration comes
from the best of the best, fabulous fashion
world trendsetters, such as Rihanna,
Kanye West, Lady Gaga, and Demi
Lovato.
Rihanna’s leather vests are one of the
most necessary Fall Fashion pieces,
and by the looks of it, our students have
adopted it.
Vests are versatile and could serve
for several school purposes, not only
for regular class days but also for days
such as “Dress for Success.” Students
this year have no excuse to not dress in
business attire, because as we see, even
on mandatory dress days we are still able
to be fashionable!
“Vests make any outfit more interesting.
They have a relaxed look yet at the
PHOTO CREDIT: GABRIELLA REYES
Winsome Woolcock works the new
fashion trends
same time, I could wear a V-Neck with
it and instantly I’ll have a touch of
sophistication,” said Jessika Lilly, Legal
Junior.
Another thing we are seeing very often
around our halls is accessories! Everyone
has noticed students wearing them in
every color, every shape and every length.
The chunky necklaces and the oversized
rings are sometimes the only things
you are able to notice in our crowded
hallways.
The only ones who don’t sport popout accessories are our boys. Well, they
are boys after all! But one thing they are
definitely rocking is sneakers, something
they often refer to as “kicks.” The cool
kicks and also most popular ones are
Jordans, Nike SB’s, Vans and Chucks.
These, you can find in mostly every class.
Inspired by celebrities such as Kanye
West, a rapper, a producer and singer
known for his great fashion sense who
wears very urban-styled clothing.
Sneakers are as crucial to changing the
mood of attire as vests are. Our boys
only have to wear a v-neck, any color, as
long as it matches their sneakers, and they
are suddenly hip. That’s what fall fashion
is all about! Being able to wear just one
thing to make your entire outfit look
like you just came off a runway, which
in this case, would be an urban runway.
Undoubtedly, whatever type of runway it
is, it sure is an updated 2009 one.
“You can make any outfit look good just
by putting in your own little style,” said
Stefania Garcia, VPA Junior.
Be unique, spontaneous and wear many
layers when it comes to dressing yourself
up and you should be good with this fall’s
fashion, just watch out to not be wearing
the same thing as your teacher, it’s
embarrassing for her as well as for you.
“It’s totally awkward when I see me and
my students picking up the same shirt at
the store,” said Stephanie Cramer, United
States History teacher.
By twisting this shirt here, and putting
a little ribbon there, you can make any
outfit look fabulous and at the same time
you’ll guarantee you’re the only one
wearing it. Fall fashion has hit Coral Reef
hard this school year, and it’s definitely
for the better.
Changes
as it is in the right direction.” -Winston Churchill
fashion: shoulder police on patrol
New dress code enforcements ignites intense indignation
RHEA CASSIMIRE
Staff Writer
Dress codes, every school has one. In
fact it’s a MDCPS rule that schools have
a dress code. Here at Coral Reef we know
that our shorts can’t be too short, midriffs
aren’t allowed, shirts can’t be cut too low,
and you’re not allowed to show shoulders.
In earlier years, students were allowed
to wear tank tops that were at least three
fingers wide and if the strap was a thin
strap (also called spaghetti straps) students
were permitted to wear sweaters or shawls
with sleeves or again, three finger width
cover ups and still be within dress code
standards, until recently that is.
On August 24, 2009 at around 1:30
PM, Ms. Leal came on over the P.A.
system and announced that wife-beaters,
tank tops, or any kind of top that showed
shoulders was prohibited. She then added
that even wearing a sweater or shirt
over those tops was illegal as well. In
confusion, many of the girls were appalled
by the announcement because many of
them had already bought and planned their
outfits for at least the next two weeks, as
was the case with Ashanti Weathers, a
Legal Junior.
She thinks the dress code change is
unfair, and that there should’ve been an
earlier warning, or have gone into effect
last year so students would already know
what is expected and would’ve planned
their shopping around that.
“If they are going to enforce the change
this year, they should find a way to help
people get new clothes because it’s too
she was scared to walk through the halls
late to return the other ones now,” says
because she didn’t want to get detention.
Weathers.
“It was
“If the dress
crazy!” she
code was going
says.
to be so strict,
“I think
there shouldn’t
it’s really
have been a vote
dumb, the
for uniforms,”
fact that you
Shanay Dean,
cant wear
also a Legal
sweaters.
Junior, agrees.
How are
“I think that it’s
they going
wrong to mandate
to check?
the dress code in
Plus, people
the beginning of
have already
the year instead
got their
of saying it last
clothes and
year. I also think
in Miami it’s
that it was poorly
kind of too
planned because
hot to wear
there is a sticker
anything
PHOTO CREDIT: RHEA CASSIMIRE
on page 10 of the VPA Senior Taelher Sealy admits to a life of
else,” says
agenda saying
Miluska
crime, wearing a tank top under a regular shirt.
that students
Vizcardo,
should follow
a Medical
the dress code.
senior.
It’s basically
Vizcardo’s
just a plot for
point is
uniforms,” says VPA Junior Erik Wilson.
very valid; here in this hot and humid
The dress code change also has a lot
subtropical climate, wearing shirts with
of girls on their toes when they come
sleeves brings up the problem of being too
to school. A lot of them had over night
hot or sweating too much and ruining your
thoughts that the dress code was a trick
outfits. Everybody knows sweat stains
and that they weren’t really going to be
aren’t appealing.
too strict about it, they were wrong.
Alison Annear and Ali Oliba, both IB
Agriscience sophomore, Kelsey Elliott
seniors, agree that the students here at
said she wore a tank top dress to school
Coral Reef work hard enough that what
one day and had a cover up over it, and
we wear to school shouldn’t matter, and
that’s why our dress code shouldn’t be so
strict.
“We never have problems here...It’s not
like we’re like other schools that have
fights like everyday and they need a dress
code,” says Oliba .
The issue of being uncomfortable when
someone approaches you to check under
your sweater has come up too. Medical
sophomore Ashlin Endter says that during
Friday’s fire-drill, she saw a teacher who
stopped girls going down the stairs and
was checking each shoulder and awarding
detentions to the violators.
“For one, it is completely wrong for
someone to come up to me and tell me to
take off my sweater, that’s sexual assault!
You can’t do that, who do they think they
are, telling me to take off my clothes? I
got more respect in elementary school
where tank tops were not a problem, and
in high school where I’m 18, and an adult,
I’m getting treated like a baby? Let’s get
serious!” says VPA senior, Taelher Sealy.
Many Coral Reef students don’t agree
with the impromptu dress code change
because if the administration was going to
change the dress code, yes they should’ve
made an earlier warning such as a phone
call to your house stating the new dress
code.
Obviously people thought the dress code
was appropriate enough that uniforms
weren’t needed and if they were already
planning to change the dress code, why
make uniforms a vote?
10
A&E
Coral Reef Sr. High
September 2009
A taste of brute force: Fuerza Bruta in Miami
Dramatic show arrives in Miami and astounds locals
GABRIELA REYES
Staff Writer
On those weekends where you have to stay at home and do
homework while all your friends are out having a ball, have you
felt as if the world were rushing past you; then suddenly just
want to escape reality and fly away?
This sounds very unrealistic and very much dramatized, but the
reality of it is that even though it’s impossible for us humans to
do it, we are surely able to at least witness its theatrical version.
An event that came and shocked Miami was Fuerza Bruta, in
English meaning Brute Force. The event definitely lived up to its
name. As you might have seen in its ads, it was the experience of
a lifetime.
This show was specifically made for people who enjoy
drama, music and dance. This being said, even though any of
our students would enjoy the experience, it’s definitely mostly
relevant to our VPA students.
“I thought it was phenomenal! It felt as if I were in a club,
dancing and just having a good time. The whole show was
literally held right above me. My favorite part was when they
threw water from the ceiling and it seemed as if it was going to
soak us but it really didn’t,” says Rosie Ramos, VPA sophomore.
The water was just one of the many things they shocked the
crowd with. The surprises kept coming.
“It was one of the weirdest yet interesting, mind-blowing
experiences of my life. The performers exceeded my
expectations in every way! And just when I thought it couldn’t
get any better, they started splattering us with confetti. It was
amazing, and I left with the hopes of one day being able to
jump on that transparent pool that as held right above all of our
heads. It seemed like so much fun,” said Jacqueline Fernandez,
Business Junior.
No performance was like the last or like the next. That’s what
apparently drew so many people to go more than just once. So
many people attended, that they stayed in Miami for an entire
month performing, and Fuerza Bruta now holds the record for the
longest running show at the Adrienne-Arsht Center.
“I went twice, because I just couldn’t get enough. The dancers
were more than just amazing! The way they climbed, walked and
managed all those dance movements while they were basically in
the air, left me speechless,” said Olivia Celestin, Legal Junior.
This dramatic experience is taking place in New York this
September- October. But one thing’s for sure, they didn’t leave
because Miami people wanted them out, but because they were
being craved in other states too!
Just ask any of your friends who have gone, if you’re in New
York this month or the next and don’t go to this fabulous event,
you will surely be missing out!
So you think he should have won?
PHOTOS BY: GABRIELLA REYES
Coral Reef students share their opinions on the results of “So You Think You Can Dance”
RAH’NIKA JONES
Staff Writer
This summer America’s hit
television shows So You Think
You Can Dance premiered its
fifth season on FOX. Thousands
of talented dancers auditioned
for the show but who would have
guessed that Miami’s and Coral
Reef’s very own Brandon Bryant
would have made the final cut of
32 for the show.
Brandon an ‘07 graduate,
now 20, has been dancing since
the age of ten. He continued
his passion for dance through
middle school and all the way
into the Visual and Performing
Arts Program at Coral Reef
Senior. Throughout those eight
years, Brandon’s talent of
dancing evolved phenomenally
and transformed from just ballet
dancing into a whole new spirit
of contemporary dancing. Using
his gifted talents, he made it on
the show.
Ecstatic and nervous, Brandon
showcased his talent week by
week in front of America and
judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary
Murphy.
Criticized weekly by the
judges, millions of viewers, and
his conscience Brandon swept
America off their feet all the
way to the season finale. By
his side for the ride were Kayla
Radomski, Evan Kasprzak
and other Miami local Jeanine
Mason. All at their highest state
of bliss during the last week took
their final challenges and then
began to learn and rehearse them.
After several days of
preparation, finally ready to
showcase their routines to
the viewing public, everyone
took their last walk behind the
curtains of the stage, anxious
see what some of you think. So
to find out what their future
you think he should have won?
now held past the long drapes.
“No matter what the results
Awaiting to be announced they
are I am very proud of Brandon.
each took the stage and gave
He was very interested in dance
America all they had. Performing and the school helped him in
outstandingly on each
routine the final four
pressed on through
the night leaving
America with a nailbiting situation. Then
finally time was up and
America had to vote
two off. Radomski
and Kasprzak were
eliminated leaving
Bryant and Mason
remaining to claim
the title of “America’s
favorite dancer.”
The two Miami
dancers again kicked
their nerves to the side
and battled it out with
the most heart moving
performances of the
night. Once again it
was time to vote and
Brandon Bryant in
America was in a state
of shock on whether
2007 Coral Reef Senior
they should pick the
Picture.
humble Brandon
Bryant or spicy Latina
Jeanine Mason.
Well America voted
and the winner of the 2009 So
his career to pursue that dream.
You Think You Can Dance
Brandon had a passion for
contest was Jeanine Mason.
dancing, and after he graduated
Brandon, as runner up, remained
he knew that was what he wanted
his modest self, congratulated his to do, and he followed that
component, thanked the judges
passion which lead him on the
and later returned to Miami.
show. And I cannot say enough
Now America may have voted
how proud we are of him. Every
but Coral Reef, what do you
child should pursue their dream,”
think? Should Brandon have
says Principal Adrianne Leal
lost? Or could he have done a
“Brandon is an amazing
whole lot better? This question
dancer! He had the most talent.
has been amongst the most of
But in the end America voted
you who watched the show. Let’s and sad to say he loss,” says Mrs.
O’hair, Pre-IB Chemistry teacher
“I think they are both
extremely talented dancers and
the fact that they were the final
two dancers left standing was
amazing for Miami. It’s hard
to say who should have won;
it’s like comparing apples and
oranges. They’re both fruits but
the flavors satisfy different taste
buds. Brandon is a one of a kind
dancer. He is so powerful and
breathtaking. He can be elegant
in a waltz, sassy in the disco
and yet get down and dirty with
his hip hop. And of course,
show his perfectly defined body
and dancer lines while doing
his contemporary solo. As for
Jeanine, she is a beautiful dancer
whose technique is flawless and
her talent is so amazing that
anything she performed became
memorable. So who should have
won…They both did! Brandon is
a very humble person. It’s hard
to believe that when you see how
talented he is. But it took a lot
for him to do the show and have
the confidence in himself to just
audition and go for it. But wow,
what a great kid! I love him to
death and am so proud of him.
He is not a wealthy kid and he
works very hard for everything
he has. Most importantly, he
doesn’t forget where he comes
from and the people who helped
him get there. He goes to
church on Sundays, takes good
care of his mom, teaches at his
former dance studio in Miami
(Dance Empire) and even gave
up 3 days from his one -week
visit in Miami to choreograph
a hip hop for our own Varsity
Cudettes Nationals competition.
He is a special kid! He’s very
happy and is so appreciative to
everyone who voted for him and
kept him motivated during the
show. I think he was incredible.
I cried every time I saw him
dance. I loved his final solo. That
was the moment he proved to
everyone that he was America’s
best dancer! My favorite dance
he did was the jazz dance
choreographed by Wade Robson.
The way his body moved and
the awesome. My heart would
stop when they would announce
who was going home. I knew
what was going on in his mind
when he was in the final two....
I can tell he knew Jeanine won.
His face said it all to me. I called
him 15 minutes after the last
show was over, just to leave him
a message and to my surprise
he picked up his cell phone and
genuinely sounded happy and
thankful for making it that far.
He is in awe with everything that
has happened to him. I know
we will see and hear a lot about
Brandon and his dancing career.
He really is an inspiration!” says
Mrs. Santalo, VPA Dance teacher
So do you think he should
have won? Well it seems to me
Cuda’s that maybe FOX and
America should give him a
second chance. America needs
some more CUDA FLAVOUR.
But if you can’t wait on FOX
to catch another glimpse of Mr.
Brandon Bryant you can always
catch Sir Humble after school
some day’s working diligently
with his dance students on some
cool new choreography. To
see him perform again go this
October 22nd to the America
Airlines Area (AAA) where he
will be performing in the So
You Think You Can Dance fifth
season dance tour. Tickets are on
sale now!
A&E
Coral Reef Sr. High
September 2009
Music Reviews
11
VALERIE DIAZ
Staff Writer
http://www.allseanpaul.com/
Utah’s hard rock act, The Used, are
known for their heavy riffs and dark lyrics.
In their new album, Artwork, The Used
take heavy and dark and run with it like
they never have before. Frontman Bert
McCraken described the album as being “...
all [the] more tantalizing and brutal.” Well
I don’t know if it’s more tantalizing and
brutal, but it’s definitely more creative than
their previous album, Lies for the Liar.
As soon as the opening track Blood on
My Hands began to play, my expectations
soared. It’s the first single off the album,
but as the song began to play through, I
realized that it wasn’t as good as the first
single off of Lies, The Bird and the Worm.
Still, it was a great start to the album – the
verse was catchy and the guitar riffs were
brilliant.
After that, Empty With You began to
play, which shouldn’t have been placed as
Jamaican artist, Sean Paul, has not
released an album in almost 4 years. His
reason being that he wanted to make more
socially conscious music, specifically
about violence in Jamaica. His new
album, Imperial Blaze, failed to deliver
anything relevant to society, unless you
spend every waking moment looking for
chicks at the club. Yes, Sean Paul is a hip
hop artist so he’s expected to talk about
some “booty.” But when you’ve got 20
songs that are all about the same thing,
you start to wonder if there’s even an
ounce of creativity in Paul.
The beginning of the album starts off
with someone speaking in a Jamaican
accent with electric guitars in the
background. It’s confusing but I ignore
it and keep listening. The second track,
Lace It, starts and things look deceptively
the second track. It’s a much slower song
and causes the album to lose momentum
after a roaring start. The album then picks
up with the angst ridden Born to Quit with
McCracken singing in an angry voice
“You’ve blown it, you need to let go of
letting go.” But then, The Used manages
to show that love songs aren’t exactly their
forte.
Kissing You Goodbye is a sad attempt
at a melodic, soft tune especially with
McCracken’s slightly out of tune voice
being so uncharacteristic of a love song.
Then, to my relief the song ends and Sold
My Soul begins to play which proves at
the end that The Used can in fact write a
decently pretty piano solo.
The rest of the album proves to really be
tantalizing and brutal. Meant to Die faces
the realities of drug abuse and overdose
with lyrics like “The second you let it
As the second track starts, you
can tell someone’s been listening
to some anti-folk. You Got Me’s
piano intro is spunky and pretty
all at once and mirrors the stylings
of Regina Spektor and Sarah
Bareilles.
But her brightest moment is in
the song Droplets that features
Jason Reeves on guest vocals.
It’s starts off as a simple acoustic
song, but in this case simpler is
better. Caillat and Reeve’s voice
go perfect together, and the lyrics
have a poetic quality to them like
in the line “my head is in a cloud
of rain and the world it seems so
http://www.colbiecaillat.com/ far away and I’m just waiting to
fall in droplets”
Two years after the release of her
However, some songs fall a little
very successful album Coco, Colbie
flat like I Never Told You which is mainly
Caillat released Breakthrough. It’s an
all chorus. Also, in the last 2 minutes of
arrangement of endearing songs that’s
Breakin’ At The Cracks, it sounds like
perfect for some easy listening after a
Caillat is just improvising. And since the
long day. Even though Caillat doesn’t do
song is 6 minutes long, the track gets dull
anything extravangant, Breakthrough is
very quickly.
enjoyable and has more ups than downs.
All in all, Breakthrough could very well
The album starts off with about as much be a successful album. It’s hard to mess
angst as you’re going to get out of the
up too badly when your voice is as lovely
gentle singer songwriter. I Won’t is an
as Caillat’s. And even though she doesn’t
emotive song with lines like “cause when
mix it up or take any risks, the album is
you took my heart you took it all. When
sure to please fans, and maybe even make
you gave it back it fell apart” that can
some new ones.
relate to just about any high school girl.
promising. The song has a good beat and
is great dance music. The single So Fine
is picked as the third track, and I get a
good feeling about the album because I’ve
liked So Fine since it was released on the
radio. But the good feeling only lasts up to
the fourth track, Now That I’ve Got Your
Love, and then I just want to shut off the
CD player.
Paul fails at being romantic, and the
song gets so stuck in your head you’d
have to beat it out with a crowbar (which
would actually be less painful than
listening to the song). Paul apparently
really liked the backing track to
Evening Ride for some reason, since it’s
annoyingly played throughout the entire
song. Daddy’s Home is uncreative and
repetitive, with cheap techno beats playing
in the background.
become a part of you, you’ll never forget
it, no matter what you do”. The album
ends with the six minute track Men Are
All the Same which is appropriately placed
to serve as the grand finale with its eerie
intro and slow ending which then turns into
raging guitars and background screaming.
Artwork is sure to please fans, but won’t
get much further than that. This heavy
sound has been heard before (i.e. From
First To Last, Escape the Fate, etc…) and
the album didn’t deviate much from Lies
except that the tracks were catchier and
some were maybe slightly heavier. It’s a
well written album overall, but it won’t
leave a very big footprint in the music
world.
In Pepperpot it all gets confusing when
an acoustic guitar- yes an acoustic guitaropens and ends the track while Paul’s
out-of-tune singing acocmpanies it.
The last track, I Know You Like It,
doesn’t stand out like an outro is supposed
to, and is quite the bad ending to an
already bad album. The only flicker of
quality is in Hold My Hand, which sounds
more like the reggae Paul was so badly
trying to imitate. I only smiled when
in Bruk Out Paul tries to be “smooth”
when he says “Girl you keep it tight like
a speedo,” which wasn’t intended to be a
joke, but then again neither was the whole
album.
http://www.theused.net/
12
Spotlight
Coral Reef Sr. High
September 2009
Coral Reef’s very own “Piano Man”
VPA Senior plays his way toward a promising future
ANNA MEBEL
Staff Writer
Photo Credit: Anna Mebel
Dion Todman, VPA Senior practicing
piano.
The world of professional
pianists is highly competitive,
and breaking into this world takes
immense talent and discipline.
Dion Todman, a VPA senior, is a
great example of someone who has
the abilities to become a part of the
world of professional musicians.
Dion is an Afro-Academic,
Cultural, Technological and
Scientific Olympics Miami Dade
County Medalist for Instrumental
Contemporary, Classical, and
Musical Composition. In 2008,
he won the Young Artists Piano
Showcase and performed at
Carnegie Hall in New York City.
He was also awarded second
place in the Florida Federation
of Music Clubs Class 3 music
composition competition. Todman
Events
has performed his compositions
and received standing ovations at
Coral Reef recitals.
Dion has played the piano for ten
years, and practices two to three
hours a day. At school, he can
be found practicing after quickly
finishing his lunch in the piano
room. His dedication has won the
admiration of his classmates.
“He’s determined to live out
his dream in composing and
performing. He practices everyday,
and nothing seems to get into his
way,” said fellow VPA senior,
William Chavez-Salinas.
Aside from his ambitions, Dion
Todman genuinely adores classical
music.
“I love it because it’s the
foundation of music and without
it we wouldn’t have the music we
have today,” said Dion.
Todman cites his inspirations as
Alan Caves, the piano teacher at
Coral Reef, and Frederic Chopin,
his favorite composer.
As Dion plans to continue
playing and composing music,
he wants to apply to premier
music schools such as Julliard,
Curtis Institute of Music, Stetson,
University of Miami, Florida
State University, and Florida
International University.
His repertoire is also becoming
more and more challenging as he
expands his musical horizons.
“My favorite piece is the Chopin
Scherzo Op. 31 in E Flat. It
requires a lot of technical skill and
when played properly, you can
really portray your talents well,”
said Todman.
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