Nov - Coral Reef High School

Bully prevention
Pg. 9
Hispanic Heritage
Month
pg. 6 & 7
Coral Reef Sr. High School
BAITLINE
Get Ho ked
November 2007 Volume 11 Issue 2
10101 SW 152 Street Miami, FL 33157
Support
Breast Cancer
Awareness
Breast Cancer Awareness
Our survivor: Counselor Dr. Sarantos’ journey through the disease
BY SAMANTHA HESKEY
Staff Writer
One in every eight women in North America will
be diagnosed with Breast
Cancer each year. For that
reason, it is recommended
that women have annual
mammograms to detect any
sign of cancer at the earliest
possible stage.
One of our Cuda members, Dr. Robin Sarantos
the Agriscience and Engineering counselor, was
diagnosed with breast cancer this past year. Sarantos
went for her annual mammogram in April, and was
recalled. In June the doctors found two lumps in one
of her breasts. The doctors
called her back in June and
performed several steriotactic biopsies.
This a procedure that involves injecting the breast
with a long metal straw-like
instrument and cutting out
a piece of the cancer cell.
These results were sent for
further testing.
One of the two lumps that
were found was a lobular
carcinoma in situ, which
is a cancer that has not yet
spread. The second cancer
was an invasive carcinoma
which had already begun
spreading.
Doctors
features and was at a stage
one.
Another one was .08 cm,
.03 cm; all were invasive
and had potential to grow
rapidly. After surgery
Sarantos described herself
as looking like a mutant.
“You have all these tubes
attached to you, that make
I was very angry. No one in my
family has had breast cancer. ”
“
scheduled Sarantos for
surgery on August 8, 2007.
The surgery took 3½ hours.
During the procedure they
found two more cancerous
lumps that did not appear
in the mammogram. These
were located in the same
breast, but had not spread
to her lymph nodes.
Doctors removed what
was a total of four lumps;
the largest measuring 1.5
cm with ductile and lobular
you look like a mutant You
need to laugh at yourself
and have constant humor
in your life,” she said after
surgery.
She had the removed
tumors sent to a genomic
health center in Redwood,
California, for an Onoctype
DX evaluation, where they
were tested. Doctors told
her that the reoccurrence
rate of the tumors was an
intermediate risk and in
order to prevent them from
reoccurring, she was given
options. She could take a
hormone blocker and chemotherapy, where reoccurrence rate would be 91/100.
Just taking the hormone
blocker, there is 14/100
recurrence rate. So she decided to take the hormone
blocker which comes in a
pill form called Arimidex.
She was back at school in
about 2 weeks.
“I was very angry. No
one in my family has had
breast cancer. But on the
other hand you need BIG
support from your family
and friends. I had a lot of
good support.” said Sarantos when asked how she
felt being diagnosed with
cancer.
Dr. Sarontos is giving
back to other breast cancer
societies next year.
“You need to go out and
do things for other people. I
think that doing for others
helps bring happiness back
to you.”
2
News
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2007
Couldn’t be prouder of our number one cuda
Celebration around the Reef for the “principle” Cuda
BY DIEGO FERNANDEZ
Staff Writer
Whether you are chosen
for Man of the year or
Mom of the year, winning
anything “Of the year” is
a prodigious award. Now
how about being awarded
Principal of the year?
Being a Principal for
any school is toilsome
work. It takes patience,
determination, and of
course leadership skills.
Here at Coral Reef High
we have a principal that has
a surplus of all three, our
very own Adrianne Leal.
Ms. Leal was awarded
High School Principal of
the Year during the fourth
annual
Commissioner’s
Summit for Principals in
Orlando, hosted by the
Florida Department of
Education.
Principal Parade- Cuda students, staff and faculty gather on
the ‘red carpet’ to welcome back our famous Cuda, Mrs. Leal
after receiving her award.
Teacher of the Year
Mr. Gonzalez is our man!
BY ELYSE MERCADO
Co-Editor in Chief
the exam and earn college
credit.”
His reasons for winning
re you listening Mr.
are evident. Those who
Gonzalez? No, you’re not
have him as a teacher enjoy
listening; you’re not paying
his classes and style of
attention. What I said was:
teaching.
Mr. Hector Gonzalez is this
“I have Mr. Gonzalez
year’s Coral Reef teacher of
for AP Government and
the year. Congratulations!
although he lectures a lot, I
In order to have gotten
know it will only improve
to where he is now, Mr.
my chances for passing the
Gonzalez attended Florida
AP exam. He takes time to
International University and
deliver notes that are easy
graduated with a Bachelor
to grasp and remember,”
of Arts in International
said Legal Academy senior
Relations, a certificate in
Juanita Arellano.
Latin American Studies,
“My intention has been
and a Master of Science in
to increase my knowledge
Social Studies Education.
of history, government, and
Since then, he has also
economics of the United
completed several graduate
States in order to become a
level classes in the study of
more effective social studies
U.S. foreign policy.
teacher. In twenty years
Before he was part of
of service to Dade County
the Coral Reef team,
Public Schools I have tried
to contribute in
academics
and
high school sports.
I strongly believe
that intellectual
growth and great
sportsmanship is
essential in the
education of every
young person,”
Mr.
Gonzalez
said.
T h e
whole school is
very lucky to have
Mr. Gonzalez as
their teacher of
the year.
“He’s a good guy,
a good teacher,
and
definitely
Secret Strategies- Mr. Gonzalez giving his own
deserves
it.”
said
VPA
brand of winning instruction, to Joseph Succar, a
senior
Michael
senior in the Agriscience academy.
Matthiesen.
A
Mr. Gonzalez began his
teaching career in 1987 at
Southridge Senior High. He
then had the opportunity to
transfer to Coral Reef when
it opened as a new school.
“Transferring to Coral
Reef was a very exciting
experience. Although there
were many indications that
Coral Reef was going to
be a great school, I never
could have imagined that
10 years later it would be
the special place that it
has become for so many,
including my family,” Mr.
Gonzalez said.
Mr. Gonzalez currently
teaches three classes of AP
Economics and one class of
AP Government.
“It was a very rewarding
experience to see a large
number of my students
receive passing scores on
“It feels great to have been
awarded but I didn’t ask for
it,” said Leal. “I received
some money to be used for
the school, the money will
go towards scholarships for
the seniors,” stated Leal.
Coral Reef High fell
under Ms. Leal’s leadership
just a little over five years
ago. Since year one she
has shown nothing but
focus and determination.
“I have been a principal
for a long time now, my
attitude and tenacity was
finally recognized. I mean,
if everyone liked or loved
me, I wouldn’t be a good
principal,” Leal says with
candor.
Our school, ranked 22nd
out of 1351 in Newsweeks
America’s
Top
High
Schools,
reflects
the
aptitude of our staff and
student body. Something
Sandii Sellers
anyone who is affiliated
with our school should be
proud of, especially our
principal, giving more of
an incentive to continue the
effort and the endless task
of giving students the best
education they can possibly
receive while maintaining
an
inimitable
scholar
environment,
something
that many other schools
don’t offer.
“You always remember
that teacher that impacted
your life. Teachers don’t get
recognized for what they
do nor get paid for it, but
that’s why they do it! They
all know I work hard and
for a purpose but without
the school I couldn’t have
done it, without the kids,
teachers, the cafeteria and
office staff, it would have
been impossible without
them.”
Our employee of the year
Top Seller Sandii Sellers, nominated as the Reef’s Employee of
the Year, has been part of the Reef since its inception.
BY JANEE’ BROWN
Staff Witer
F
or the past 33 and half
years Ms. Sandii Sellers
has been an employee
for Miami Dade County
School System starting
at Ponce de Leon Middle
School. Sellers is currently
the registrar at Coral Reef
Senior High.
The resistrar job entails
anything that involves
student data. She handles
the entrance and withdrawl
of students, grade changes,
community
service,
diplomas, applications and
verifications of graduation.
“Obviously I am always
doing two things at once but
it’s okay I love my job and
work well under pressure”
said Sellers.
“She doesn’t have to boast,
her work speaks for her,”
said Ms. Mary Kelly,
Data Input Specialist and
Registrar Assistant. Sellers
expresses her appreciation
to Kelly who is the data
input specialist and register
assistant. Ms Sellers and
Ms. Kelly have been
friends and colleagues
approximately for over
20 years since they met
at Ponce de Leon Middle.
“Ms. Kelly is my right
hand, who knows where I
would be without her,” said
Sellers.
Throughout her years with
the school system Sellers
has made an everlasting
impact. She has fought to
raise the wages for clerical
and custodial workers,
she mentors new registars
because MDCPS doesn’t
have on the job training, and
helped the careers of many
who hold administrative
positions.
“I do my job and go home,
I don’t need the spotlight”
said Sellers. As Coral Reef
Sr. High’s Employee of
the Year. She accepts her
award with a humble spirit
while acknowledging the
works of other clericals
throughout Coral Reef.
“All the clericals are all
great in what they do” says
Sellers.
On behalf of the faculty,
staff and students of Coral
Reef Senior High, we all
congratulate Ms. Sellers
and salute her for all that
she has done.
News
Another teen shooting
School Shooting In Cleveland
BY BRYAN HERBERT
Staff Writer
O
n October 11, 2007
cafeteria televisions and
computer lab computers
displayed the latest major
school shooting since the
shooting at Virginia Tech
shooting in April of 2007.
Prior to the shooting,
fourteen year old Asa Coon
was reported to have been
suspended from school
on Monday after being
involved in an after school
fight.
After the fight Coon
yelled in front of a body of
his peers “I got something
for you all! Therefore, it
was unexpected for him to
have shown up to school
on October 11, 2007.
Many question how Coon
To limit the amount of school shootings occuring throughout the
United States, students need to get together and make sure that
everyone is treating each other with respect.
Don’t be a tattle tale
“Stop Snitching”
BY SHELDON DEARR
Staff Writer
F
or years, black
citizens and minorities
in general have refused
to talk to police. Crime
has run rampant in poor
neighborhoods all over the
country, dominating the
poorer neighborhoods, and
turning them into dangerous
places for criminals and
bystanders alike. The Stop
Snitching campaign is
reportedly to blame.
It originally meant that
by snitching, you would be
exiled by the community
and shamed for involving
the law where it doesn’t
belong. As widespread
America and the media
have come to understand,
the phrase now means
that no one should talk to
the police for any reason
whatsoever.
The origin of the phrase
was coined by a Harlem
resident Shaheed many
years ago, when he made
shirts with the phrase and
sold them on 125th street in
Harlem. Many have made
the argument that the phrase
is actually an adaptation of
the more commonly known
“loose lips sink ships.”
The phrase remained in
Harlem until it was put in
a 2004 video with Rodney
Thomas and a group of
local drug dealers and
Thomas threatened to harm
anyone in the community
who informed the police
about their illegal activities.
Since then, this term and
practice has worked its way
from the limelight to the
spotlight.
The largest most widely
known case, which is
often referenced in the
fight against the phrase
“stop snitching,” is a case
involving the famous- and
now infamous- rapper
Busta Rhymes. His body
guard Israel Ramirez was
shot and killed on February
5, 2006 outside a sound
stage in Brooklyn. Busta
loved him like a son,
mentored him and helped
him through school. He
died on the scene, two days
before his 29th birthday,
leaving behind a wife and
three children.
New York City Police
Commissioner Ray Kelly
says that at least 25 people
witnessed the shooting,
even though none so far
have come fourth to testify.
Commissioner
Kelly
recommends asking Busta
Rhymes about the shooting,
but he hasn’t accepted any
interview requests.
Geoffrey Canada, a
nationally
recognized
educator
and
antiviolence advocate, talked
to
Anderson
Cooper,
who was on assignment
for 60 Minutes. Canada
says
that
“snitching”
or
communicating
to
police on any level will
seriously damage Busta
Rhymes career, causing
his record sales to drop.
Any cooperation with
police will label Busta as
a snitch and will diminish
his street cred as a rapper
and a kid who grew up
in a harsh, impoverished
neighborhood.
Canada is infuriated by
the rise in this practice,
but he’s not the only one.
A firm anti-stop snitching
stance was taken by Chuck
D, a rapper and member
of Public Enemy. Chuck
D was quoted saying,
“The term ‘snitch’ was
best applied to those that
ratted revolutionaries like
Huey P. Newton, Bobby
Seale, Che Guevara. ...
Let’s not let stupid cats
use hip-hop to again twist
this meaning for the sake
of some ‘innerganghood’
violent drug thug crime
dogs, who’ve sacrificed the
black community’s women
and children.”
Even though it might be
a stretch to say that many
communities are divided
on this stance, due to the
deaths of prominent artists
such as Notorious B.I.G.,
Tupac Shakur and Jam
Master Jay, opinions on
this topic are definitely not
unanimous. Although the
majority of people support
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2007
was allowed to enter the
school prior to suspension
considering there was a
security guard posted at the
entry of the first floor of the
five story downtown school
building.
Witnesses say that Coon
was wearing a black Marilyn
Manson concert shirt, black
jeans and black painted
finger nails. Coon worked
his way through the first
two floors of the school, full
of administrative offices,
until he got to the third
floor of the building, which
is where the classrooms full
of students were located.
Four people were shot,
two students and two
teachers. There has been no
known motive to why Coon
had shot the two members
of the faculty.
One of the students,
Michael Peek, who had
punched Coon in the fight
prior, was exiting the
bathroom when he was shot
in the arm. Peek said, “I
didn’t know he had a gun.”
While there were four
people shot, there was only
one fatality; that being Coon
himself, having pulling the
trigger on himself after his
tirade.
SuccessTech Academy,
the Alternative High school
located in the heart of
downtown Cleveland is
said to have two hundred
and forty African-American
students and a small amount
of white and Hispanic
students. Coon himself was
white but witnesses say that
race probably played no
part in the crime.
SuccessTech Academy,
just like Coral Reef, is
known for outstanding
academics and diversity
among its students. With
similar credentials, who is
to say that this event could
not happen at anytime in
out own school? Is Coral
Reef Security tough enough
to prevent another school
shooting to be added the
plentiful numbers of school
related crimes?
The main question turns
into this, how far will Coral
Reefs students go to ensure
there security? When asked
senior Danielle Silverman,
senior in the VPA academy
said
“Metal
detectors
bring down the students
morale and take away our
freedom.”
This seems to be a
mutual consensus with
senior history teacher, Mrs.
Barnow. She believes,
3
“Metal Detectors bring
down the overall morale of
the school, it makes it feel
extremely unwelcoming,”
Barkow previously taught
at inner city schools in
which metal detectors were
implemented. Coral Reef
also participates in random
searches
implemented
randomly by the county.
So while we sit back and
watch the news, and think
to ourselves “This could
never happen here,” think
again. This can happen
anywhere and to anyone.
Most school shootings
involve the least likely
person and for reasons that
that could have been solved
in an easier way. The
concern doesn’t come from
the present security, but the
students themselves.
A solution that could
essentially eradicate the
occurrences of school
shootings is pretty simple.
We should all just start
being just a little nicer to
one another and stay aware
of what is going on around
you. If everyone comes
together and bring attention
to situations involving
bullying and fighting, most
school shootings can be
prevented.
The “Stop Snitching” campaign has led to many unsolved
cases and people who are scared to talk and work with the police in their neighborhoods.
the stop snitching stance, a
smaller number of people
are becoming informants;
keeping the law integrated
in the community whether
it belongs there or not.
Unfortunately, of the few
people who will talk to the
law usually use it for the
ends to accomplish different
personalized goals, often
like gang warfare. It’s a
tool for the residents to
use as they see fit, not as
the governing force in the
community.
Rayco Saunders accurately
described the situation
when he said, “Guys
doin’ all this crime and
not doin’ no time, because
they’re telling on the next
man.” He believes that the
snitches are usually not
members of the community
who are above others in
anyway; he’s saying they
are usually in the bottom
of the class system in rough
neighborhoods. They often
snitch on other crimes to
protect themselves or act in
their own selfish interests.
Usually, it works. Snitching
helps the snitch get out of
his own troubles.
Even though the current
problem has no end in
sight, many experts who
have looked to the why
of this problem have had
trouble. It seems that the
majority of these experts
don’t understand life in
these rough neighborhoods,
and they certainly don’t
understand their history.
The LAPD was infamous
for
abusing,
wrongly
arresting, accosting, and
beating black men. As it
stands now, police show no
signs of change, and neither
does the community. It
seems the only way to avoid
this situation is turn a blind
eye and a deaf ear…
4
Editorial
Coral Reef Sr. High
September 2007
Generation hate?
“It’s the sense of touch. In any
real city, you walk, you know? You
brush past people, people bump into
you. In L.A., nobody touches you.
We’re always behind this metal and
glass. I think we miss that touch so
much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something.”
Lines quoted from the
movie “Crash” have sat
with me since the first
time I saw the movie. The
initial plot is too complex
to explain, where several
stories interweave during
two days in Los Angeles
involving a collection of
inter-related
characters,
but the theme centers on
racism in a blunt, honest,
and non-reserving matter.
It is explained in several
scenarios of solid messages,
loud and clear.
The film not only focuses
on the devastating assurance
that racism is still alive, but
it also points out the amount
of strong hate we as human
beings seem to carry within
ourselves. It’s such a shock
to see that most people plan
Bait Line
Co-Editors-in-Chief
Elyse Mercado
Jennfier Rowe
Opinions Editor
Elyse Mercado
News Editors
Fabienne Elie
Annie Quintana
Jennifer Rowe
Submerge Yourself
Editor
Elyse Mercado
A&E Editor
Tatiana McInnis
Sports Editor
Sheila Stanley
their daily lives around the
whole idea of hate.
But why? What purpose
does hating other people
serve? We put so much
energy into hate and hating
others that it encompasses
our whole lives. Racism
stems from hate, and hate
from racism. According to
evolutionary psychologists,
“hate is a reaction to people
whose interests consistently
conflict with one’s own.”
Every single character in
the film participates in the
continuation of the ugly
cycle and suffers from
it. I’ve come to realize
that we are also guilty of
doing the same, yet there
is still no realization that
if it continues nothing ever
seems to get solved.
If someone pushes us, we
push back, then they push
back, and we continue to
push back, until one of us
is screaming uncle in pain
and has given up. However,
it’s not always that simple.
Those who hate never
give up and continue to
spread that hate amongst
others. The mass numbers
of genocide have proven
this statement truthfully.
I remember when I was
in elementary school and I
learned of the Holocaust, I
was baffled by the idea that
someone could contain so
2007-2008 Staff
Spotlight Editors
Tyrell Hall
Elyse Mercado
Alexa Watts
Going Green Editor
Fabienne Elie
Cuda Culture
Editors
Elyse Mercado
Andrea Rodriguez
Annie Quintana
High Tide Editor
Tatiana McInnis
Staff Writers
Janee Brown
Sheldon Dearr
Fabienne Elie
Diego Fernandez
Bryan Herbert
Samantha Heskey
Anya Kaplan
Cody Lorich
Tatiana McInnis
Elyse Mercado
Michelle Porter
Annie Quintana
Andrea Rodriguez
Raziela Rodriguez
Jennifer Rowe
Sheila Stanley
Elizabet Torrents
Anthony Torres
Alexa Watts
Guest Writers
Sandra Lopez
Jake Schiff
Meghan Zucker
Graphic Designers
Christina Jay
Cody Lorich
Elyse Mercado
Advisor
Cheri MitchellSantiago
Principal
Adrianne Leal
much hate for one particular
group of people, and there
are even still followers of
the obscene idea of Hitler’s
reign.
Why has our world given
birth so many dictators
who thrive on seeing
“their people” in agony
and shame? Conditions
like these have made me
completely sensitive to
the idea of genocides and
detest in general. History
has shown that nothing is
solved from it. What does
the mass killing of people
and extreme hate conquer?
Nothing. Only millions of
lives lost, and no answers.
The passion of hate
arises from many sources.
One’s life experiences can
contribute to it. People are
born with good hearts, but
they grow up and learn
prejudice. Stretching from
past internal problems,
where feeling the need to
act on this impulse with
more continuation of hate
seems justified. Some
develop from the notion
of assuaging our fears and
self-defense.
Nonetheless our ability to
hate is frequently unrelated
to survival or self-defense.
Hatred comes about for no
particular reason; people
are capable of hating others
for having a different
political
view,
their
religion, lifestyle, ethnic
background, and other
countless illogical reasons.
If our generation is based
on hate, who knows how our
world will be functioning
in the future. “Crash” takes
a turn from its thoughtful
combination of moments
about racism and hate in
everyday life and how
destructive it is, leading
us to a web of alternatives
and penalties—ultimately
showing us a chance at
redemption.
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
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2007
H2O Crisis!
5
Students feel ripped off
BY ANDREA RODRIGUEZ
Staff Writer
H
ave you noticed
that the water bottles in
the machines, that cost one
whole dollar, are the size
of a bottle that should cost
fifty cents or less? A dollar
that could be used for more
enjoyable items.
I can go to any McDonalds
and buy an extra large fortytwo ounce soft drink for less
than those puny little water
bottles, tax included!
It is outrageous, ridiculous,
and illogical how much
they are making us pay
for that bottle that you can
finish in two sips, one even,
if you’re really that thirsty.
Is there some sort of water
shortage that they can’t
fill a complete bottle of
regular-sized water?
The student body is
completely outraged.
“That much water should
be free,” said Agriscience
senior, Darrin Washington,
“It is completely insane
and not cool that we have
to pay so much for so little
water.”
It has come to the attention
of many students that the
prices for all the supposed
“healthy” items in the
vending machines cost
more than the “unhealthy”
items that once occupied
the machines.
The average amount of
water recommended by day
is eight glasses and with
those water bottles, we
would waste somewhere
around ten dollars just to
getting four. And that’s
only because you want
something to drink.
Imagine coming from a
hard day of Basketball,
Baseball, Football, Track,
or even Band practice,
dehydrated, only to find
that your hard-earned dollar
only buys you a sad excuse
of a water bottle.
“One time right after
baseball practice, I was so
thirsty. I went to go buy a
water bottle. What I got
was a worthless piece of
nothing,” said Legal senior,
Chris Garcia.
Most people would
probably argue, why not just
go to the water fountain?
“We can’t take a water
fountain to the field. We
need something portable
like a water bottle, and not
a little one either. I want a
water bottle that will last
me awhile and one I can
reuse,” said Engineering
senior and baseball player,
Ryan McDonald.
What is really going on
with these water bottles? Is
this some kind of scam to
get all of our money? The
Water Bottle Companies
should
realize
that
eventually we’re going to
stop wasting our money.
People will start bringing
their water from home, and
the shrinking bottles will
lose revenue. They must
realize that three drops
of water won’t quench
anyone’s thirst.
Still
slinging
that
N
word
How do you feel the ‘n word’ sits in today’s society?
BY TYRELL HALL
Cuda Culture Editor
I’ll be truthful. It’s not like
I have never used this word
in my own day-to-day talk.
But a friend reintroduced
me to an old acquaintance
named think-before-youspeak. So I thought about
it. I agreed with his opinion
that it should be addressed
in the paper. So I wrote
about it.
According to MerriamWebster’s
Collegiate
Dictionary, Tenth Edition,
the N-Word literally means
“a black person or a member
of any dark-skinned race.”
In a paragraph concerning its
usage, Merriam-Webster’s
states that “it now ranks as
perhaps the most offensive
and inflammatory racial
slur in English.”
But if you wanted
Webster’s take on the issue,
you could have asked him.
And if you didn’t already
know that the N-Word
is racially offensive, you
failed American History.
However, a clash of beliefs
about the term is currently
being waged throughout
U.S culture today.
So I asked the question
around campus: what does
the N-word mean to you?
Some commented that
it has gained a separate,
implied meaning in recent
years. “Basically, what it
means to me is ‘I’m cool
with you.’ It’s just a means
of expression,” said VPA
senior Artesian Madison.
Legal Senior Joshua
Logos expanded on the idea.
“Even though the original
meaning was derogatory
toward the AfricanAmerican race, I
feel as if through
the times it has been
transformed through
the influences of
hip-hop into a term
that we refer [to] as
simply as the words
‘dude’ and ‘man’,”
he said.
Jonathan Eidam,
a junior in the
Legal
Academy,
stated that the word
was nonracial at
first. He explained,
“Basically, when I
hear the word I do
not associate it with
color or race. To me
it means ignorant
and that’s where it
originates from.”
Of course,
someone’s
view
about
different
meanings of a word
does not necessarily
determine
their
view
pertaining to its actual
usage.
When I asked a second
question from my mini
questionnaire-about
whether or not the N-Word
should be used in modern
timesJoshua
Logos
forwarded opposition to
the term: “even though I
believe this term should not
be used amongst any race,
I find myself being a true
hypocrite when it comes to
casual conversations with
friends.”
The second question was
tossed at Eidam, as well,
should we use the word?
His remark was swift and
sure, “Not at all. I mean, I
don’t know how you can
justify a word that was
associated with oppression,
slavery, and torture, that
was used to demoralize an
entire race.”
Daniel Jose, a senior in
the Business Academy,
responded in like manner,
“I personally believe there
is no way to use it without
hinting
it’s
gruesome past.
Even
though
people
use
it in regular
t e r m i n o l o g y,
it still means
something
hateful.”
Mrs. Arnold,
an
instructor
of AP English,
is an avowed
opponent of the
term, wherever
and whenever
it is used. “The
‘N’ word is not
allowed in my
classroom at all!
I might hear it
in casual friends
conversations
but I still stop
it. It is a fully
inappropriate
word and I do
not
believe
there is ever a
time to use it. We must lift
our vocabulary.”
At first, I planned on
composing some type of
objective-simply-give-youfacts-about-the-N-Wordlike-you-don’t-alreadyknow type of article, but
Leonard Pitts, a prolific
columnist for the Miami
Herald, convinced me
otherwise.
His
piece,
“Toxic Word” has made it
all the way to Africa, told
me straightforward, “We’re
talking about the word that
was spat at Sam Hose in
1899 as his face was skinned
and his genitals removed by
a white mob. The word that
was hissed at Mary Turner
in 1918 as she was burned
alive and her newborn baby
stomped to death. The word
that followed James Byrd’s
body in 1998 as it lurched
down Texas roads, chained
to the back of a pickup
truck.”
Hose and Turner and
Byrd and the myriad of
others who suffered as
a result of racism are
eternally memorialized by
our culture today. So I’m
thinking, we reverently lay
flowers at these martyrs’
graves, so why should we
use a word that carelessly
shovels manure over their
tombstones?
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2007
6
SUBMERGE
October is Hispan
Spanish Honor Society:
A Club of Service
BY RAZIELA RODRIGUEZ AND ELISABET TORRENTS
Staff Writers
T
he most festive, colorful and proud table on
club day may well be awarded to the Spanish Honor
Society. The club is sponsored by Mrs. Merly and the
president of the club is IB Senior Annie Quintana. To
be a member of the club you are not required to be
Hispanic or even speak Spanish, you only need to have
a 2.8 unweighted GPA. The club is recognized for its
outstanding service in and out of school.
The Spanish Honor Society creates many opportunities
for everyone as a growing student. You meet a lot of
interesting people as you do different services that
allow you to become a cultured young adult. Outside of
school, members start of the year in the club by attending
a shelter for the poor and homeless in Wynnewood.
The members all talked to the elders and handed out
turkeys for the less fortunate. There are also a lot of
non-profit organizations that the club is affiliated with
that also allows for great diversity within the club. For
example, Amigos for Kids recruits volunteers from the
Government
and Economics teacher Mr.
Velez poses in
his Colombian
coustume
for the Door
Decorating
Contest. His
door won 3rd
place.
club to participate in Three Kings Parades, Christmas
gift wrapping for orphanages and tutoring elementary
school students in their neighborhood. The club also
assists with the Miami-Dade County Book Fair which
is always fun because members get to volunteer in their
area of interest.
In school the projects range from tutoring students to
helping with the Hispanic dance show, luncheon and
celebration. Also, when there are natural catastrophes
in countries in Central and South America the members
as well as Mr. Merly collect supplies and urge students
to help in any ways possible to aid those in need at the
time.
Whatever the case may be, the Spanish Honor Society
provides its members with community service projects
that are related to current events and allow them to truly
become international students. Students are awarded a
medal when they are initiated at into the club at the
end of the year Spanish Honor banquet. Seniors who
graduate and have been in the club will receive a cord
on the day of graduation for their service and dedication
to the club.
Colombia’s art
is as varied as its
people. Spanish
and African influences are present
as well as indigenous traditions.
7
YOURSELF
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2007
nic Heritage Month
Preparations and presentations
BY CODY LORICH
Staff Writer
September 15th marked the beginning
of Hispanic Heritage Month. The date serves
as the anniversary of the independence for the
following five Latin American Countries: Costa
Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and
Nicaragua.
Here at Coral Reef we have many events
throughout the month where we can get a better
understanding of the Hispanic culture. “This is
a way of showing our culture and music for the
student body to learn and appreciate what being
Hispanic is all about” says Ms. Merly, organizer
of the Hispanic Heritage month’s festivities, and
foreign language teacher.
Preparations began with auditions in the
beginning of the school year. Audition pieces
ranged from music and dances to poetry. The
final performance consisted of pieces organized
by Mrs. Merly and many of the 40 students that
auditioned. Many of the students involved felt
more in touch with their heritage after being
in the show. “I remember dancing when I was
younger living in Columbia. Performing in the
show reminded me of then,” said Valentina
David, a senior in the Business Academy.
“The first time I danced Salsa was when I
The Tango is a social
dance originating in
Uruguay and Argentina
AP Psychology and World History
teacher Mrs. Ilhardt and her student
Jonathan Boria, a freshman in the
Legal Academy, hit the hallway for a
traditional tango dance.
was seven years old visiting Columbia. I’ve
always loved dancing.” While reminiscing about
her Hispanic heritage and performance in the
show, Stephany Giralgo, a junior in the Medical
Academy said. She performed a dance with
Gustavo Bedoya, Medical Acadey junior. “We
put a lot of time and effort into our dance. It was
a fun way for me to express how I feel about my
culture,” said Bedoya.
Everyone involved in Hispanic Heritage Month
felt that it gave the student body a chance to see
what the Latin American cultures are really like,
while having fun in the process. Although it
would seem that Hispanic students would enjoy
learning more about their culture, many nonHispanic students also found it very interesting.
“Even though I didn’t understand most of the
words to the songs, I could still appreciate
the meanings,” recalled Jamie Wheeler, VPA
sophomore.
In addition to the show and luncheon, students
were able to hear some guest speakers from
the Hispanic community. Ms. Merly invited
people who she felt the students could look up
to as a good example. Among the speakers were
Lourdes del Rio, a correspondent for Univision,
and Tony Dandrades, who is involved with
Primer Inpactó.
8
Sports
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2007
Football Cudas down and out
Team speaks about injuries
BY JANEE’ BROWN
Staff Writer
As an athlete for any
high school sport, you
have much to deal with.
A majority of those who
play sports have a passion
and love for their particular
sport. Conversely, others
play sports because they
have that special talent and
hope it would help them
advance them to the next
level.
Every player constantly
asks, “Will playing high
school football grant me a
scholarship to any college?”
during every practice and
game.
A majority of the Coral
Reef
football
players
depend on football to help
them excel. However, some
people find the students’
priorities problematic.
“As a football player or
a participant in any sport,
you are a student-athlete,
not vice versa,” says Coral
Reef Athletics Director Mr.
Donald Jackson.
Jackson, along with other
teachers, parents, colleges,
and a few players, express
constantly the importance
of education regardless if
they are involved in a sport
or not.
Specifically with football,
“A small percentage make
it to college with or without
an athletics scholarship and
an even smaller percentage
makes into the National
Football League (NFL).
If an only if you do reach
NFL status, the average
player only lasts for three
years,” said Jackson.
Another question
football players battle with
constantly is “If I become
injured, will colleges still
seek me to be a part of their
team?”
Charrod Johnson, formerly
a defensive lineman, later
transitioned into a full
back. He is also a senior in
the Legal & Public Affairs
“To be eligible to
play college football is
completive and I have only
played five out of six games
because of my injury. Is
that enough to get me in?”
Johnson questioned
On the other hand, Sawyer
is optimistic, believing
himself to be unstoppable.
“I don’t worry too much
about
myself
having
a concussion or the
to be fearless; it’s a part
of the game. If you only
concentrate on the negative,
the positive would never
happen,” Sawyer said.
Nevertheless, he does
have an alternative plan: to
become a firefighter.
You’d think football
and firefighting are polar
opposites, right? “Being
a firefighter and playing
football has the same
“As
a football player or a
participant in any sport, you
are a student-athlete, not vice
versa.”
Remaining optimistic - Charrod Johnson
and Charles Sawyer stay positive, even
after game-limiting injuries this season.
academy, hoping to get a
football scholarship for
college.
During the Coral Reef
vs. Felix Varela game,
Johnson possibly stretched
ligaments in his knee.
Charles Sawyer, a junior in
the Engineering Academy,
who plays cornerback,
underwent a bad hit in the
Coral Reef vs. Braddock
game. He may has sustained
a sustained a concussion.
Both individuals’ major
injuries could compromise
their chances of continuing
to play sports.
possibility of getting any
other injuries. I just play
football,” he said.
Sawyer hopes to perhaps
to play for LSU or Duke,
but has been speaking with
the coaches of Florida State
University. After he was
told his recovery period
from the concussion was
one month he still had
no worries. Football, he
continually expressed, was
his biggest way to get to
college.
“With football you have
intensity because you never
know what could happen
until it happens.”
Different from most
players, Johnson is not
concerned about playing
college football or in the
NFL.
“I don’t worry about
football, I worry about
school. My main focus is
going to school however
I get there,” Johnson said.
“If the opportunity presents
itself then so be it, but I
can’t wait on football.”
8-2 record for Boys Golf 07-08 season a success
“Hit ‘em hard, hit ‘em long!”
Girls Golf team undefeated!
BY ELISABET TORRENTS
Staff Writer
As for our girls team,
who won state last year,
they have a lot to live up
to and they are doing an
amazing job so far. They
are 10-0, undefeated. They
won the GMAC and placed
second in Youth Fair.
IB sophomore Melissa
Edmonson placed first in
GMAC and 3rd in the Youth
Fair. She’s an aspiring
golfer, state-ranked, and
could be looking for a
scholarship in a couple of
years.
Team captain Kaitlyn
Flynn, a senior in VPA,
places 3rd in the GMAC
and is looking to continue
gold in college. She’s very
pleased with her team this
year and expects to win
state again.
Unlike the boys gold
team, the girls don’t have
any sayings before each
game.
Rather, “We have a song
that we listen to before each
match. Last year it was
Chicken Noodle Soup. This
years’ is Crank dat Soulja
Boy,” Flynn admitted.
This years’ team is very
strong and still young
so hopefully we will see
many more of these state
championships.
Members of the girls’ golf
team include:
Kaitlyn Flynn (12),
Melissa Edmonson (10),
Erin Timmons, (12), Laura
Timmons (10), and Sylvia
de Olvin (11).
Fore! The boys golf team practices their golf strokes to ensure victory.
BY ELISABET TORRENTS
Staff Writer
T
he golf team practices
everyday, Monday through
Thursday from 3 PM to 6
PM.
IB senior Michael
Martinez, the team captain,
said that he, along with
coach Jon Margolis, were
worried about the numbers
of players on the team this
year because most of the
team last year consisted of
seniors.
They had to recruit some
guys who only played
recreational golf but the
season has turned out pretty
good for our boys this year.
So far they are 8-2.
Michael is confident when
he says, “I think we will get
2nd in districts to a Statebound Palmetto,” who are
their biggest competition.
Michael explains that the
team definitely bonded this
year. There are eight boys
on the team Michael says,
“So obviously we got really
close. We always have to
be around each other.”
Together they have come
up with many sayings to say
before and during matches,
such as ‘Hit ‘em hard, hit
‘em long,’ and ‘As long as
we look good. That’s all
that matters.’”
They also have a feather
for whoever gets the worst
score each game.
The members of the boys’
golf team include:
Michael Martinez (12)
Danny Whalen (11)
Dexter Dorer (11)
Andy Vargas (11)
Joey Belando (12)
Ryan McDonald (12)
Francisco Troncoso (12)
and Mike Salguero (9)
We’re no losers The girls golf team this year is undefeated,
with a season score of 10-0.
Spotlight
Peace keeper Lexy
Bully prevention is her goal
BY JENNIFER ROWE
Co-Editor in Chief
S
chool wide bullying
has become an epidemic
over the years. Bullying
has led to wide escalation
pf school violence.
Society has yet
to place a mark
on the reasons why
bullying has become
so increasingly high
over the years.
With recent events
such as the Cleveland
High
School
Shooting,
Columbine,
Jena 6 circumstances and
Virginia Tech Shooting, it
is becoming an awareness
issue amongst schools.
Particularly here at Coral
Reef.
One student is trying to
make a difference. Legal
Junior, Alexis Handley,
recently did a public
access show this summer
highlighting the affects
of bullying on students in
schools. This all began for
Lexy at Southwood, her
seventh grade year when
she experienced losing
student Jaime Gough, and
began to feel unsafe in her
own school.
“If we can’t feel safe in
school, then where are you
safe? If we can’t trust our
friends then who can ing
the concern for bullying
from middle school at
Southwood, her seventh
grade year she experienced
the unfortunate loss of
student Jaime Gough, and
began to feel unsafe in her
own school.
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2007
9
“If we can’t feel safe in of students to promote bullying starting at a young
school, then where are you diversity, tolerance, love, age. Teased for a birthmark
safe? If we can’t trust our and peace, helping to better around her nose, Alexis had
friends than whom can not only the school, but the to deal with taunts.
we trust? Can we not trust community as well. Strong
“I was teased in elementary
anyone?” Alexis said.
urges for groups like this school and middle school a
Her eighth grade year she and people willing to help lot for a birthmark around
became student government are needed because bullying my nose. Kids would call
president and developed has escalated significantly.
me Rudolph and other
“Peace Week,” an act of
Today it is more than mean names because of it. I
anti-violence in school. just physical bullying didn’t know how to handle
From this Alexis began to amongst teens. Mentally, it, and by doing so I let it
get involved in bullying emotionally, and now get to me. I began covering
prevention
up the spot
in schools,
It is important for everyone to come with makeup
trying
to
so no one
develop a together and put energy into creating could tease
B u l l y i n g something good. As teenagers, it is me about it.
Awareness
It really hurts
c l u b possible to prevent the fear of bullying.
to be picked
anywhere
on.
Even
she could.
at a young
“I really want to get the ever more present With age, everyone still feels the
word out about bullying the
advancement
of effects of bullying.”
and how we, as students, technology, cyber bullying,
Whatever the reason is
can prevent it somehow.”
(harassment through the behind the urge to pick on
“I spoke of my feelings use of technology) have others, it is important to
towards the crisis of reached its target point to recognize that bullying has
bullying, and how we as the schools.
a terrible effect on the lives
students need to put a stop
It is important for of young people. Today,
to it. There’s a huge mixture everyone to come together you may not be bullied,
of bullying. It’s a scary and put energy into creating but tomorrow you might.
world out there; we need to something
good.
As Working together can make
feel safe in schools.”
teenagers, it is possible to a difference. For more
Her goals consist of prevent the fear of bullying. information visit www.
bringing a club to the Alexis has experienced nationalsave.org.
school to get groups first hand being a victim of
Jamal Bonaparte lets loose and tells all
BY SHEILA STLEY
Sports Editor
Q: What makes you - out of the 3000-something other
students here – special enough to be written about?
A: [While simultaneously doing “The Wave”] I like to
sing. I like to dance. Oh, I also can play the viola, the
piano, the drums, the congas, and the harmonica. Still
trying to master that last one, though.
Q: With all of your talents combined, you could pass as a
one-man band, huh?
A: Yeah, something like that, but for now I work at
Abercrombie for Kids.
Q: Oh yeah? How does that work out for you?
A: Well, I meet new people everyday on the job, which
enhances my – [air quotes] – social skills, I get to flirt,
and I’m trying to jumpstart a modeling career. [Strikes a
pose]
Q: So do you sing, ‘Won’t you buy this shirt?’ [Yes I sang
it.]
A: [With a dead-set face] Actually, yes, I do.
Q: [Laughing] Does it work?
A: I often find myself ignored, but there are times where the
customer sings back or compliments me on my service.
Q: Anyway, back to your so-called talents…Which would
you say you’re better at?
A: It’s a tie between singing and dancing. I’ve been playing
the viola since fourth grade, though. So maybe that one’s
my best…
Q: That was actually my next question: which have you
been doing the longest…but I gueA: [Cuts off] I started playing the viola in fourth grade,
singing in about fifth grade, and dancing, well, ever since
I could walk.
Q: Alrighty then. What inspires you to just bust out in a
random dance move?
A: Honestly, I just love to do it. Its natural – [in a
commercial voice] - like V8 Splash.
Q: [In Australian accent] So you’re really good with
accents, eh?
A: I can do Australian, English, Trini…Irish is actually the
one that I’m having a hard time with.
Q: Yeah, me too.
A: But I can impersonate people…
Q: Who? And don’t bust out with ‘Bob Marley mahn…’
A: I can do rappers, like Jay-Z, DMX, Cool J…
Q: Can you do Weezy baby?
A: Yeah, but I’d have to do a little skit to get into character
A: Well, the new ones are generic: Chris Brown,
Ne-Yo, Usher but he’s kind of – [“quotes”]
– old school. But some back-in-the-day artists
I like are The Roots, The Fugees…Did you
know they’re getting back together?
Q: Really? That’s great, I love them…Anyway,
what are some of the playlists on your iPod?
A: Gangsta, club joints, car jamz, Abercrombie
Mix (that’s the dance one), old skool, 21 [that’s
Omarion’s entire CD).
Q: So, a day in the life of your iPod…
A: Wait, my iPod…?
Q: Yes, your iPod!
A: Isn’t this supposed to be about me? Um,
let’s see. I get in my car, turn on my iPod,
put it on shuffle, change the song every 10
seconds..
Q: [Interrupting] Ooh, me too. Sorry, go on.
A: Anyway, when I hit 152nd Street, I put on
the obnoxious playlist and blast it.
Q: Obnoxious? What kinds of songs are on
it?
A: “War” by Edwin Starr, “Harder, Better,
Stronger, Faster” by Daft Punk, “Poison” Bell
Biv Devoe…songs like that.
[Throughout the rest of the interview, we
jammed to “War.”]
Q: So Jamal, would you consider yourself a
ladies man?
A: My unique personality, whether or not it
attracts the opposite, makes me me.
Q: That was perhaps the vaguest answer
ever!
Jamal Bonaparte a multi-talented musical man
A: Sorry. I just don’t want to sound conceited
takes a moment to reflect.
or whatever. Any other questions? Necesito a
terminar mi poema.
Q: Your poem? Sensitive much?
A: For Spanish. It’s a poem for Spanish class.
Q: But yes, actually, I do have more questions.
for him. He’s kind of hard to do.
What’s
your
status?
Q: So, I see you every morning, blasting one song or
A:
Status?
As
in single or taken…?
another from the 80s. What’s up with that?
Q:
Yes,
that’s
exactly
what I mean.
A: I like any song that you can dance to and sounds good
A:
Well,
I’m
single
and
satisfied. But, if the wind blows
when you’re singing it.
the
right
girl
in
my
direction…
Q: What’s some of your favorite artists, and no I don’t
mean Van Gough..?
10
Spotlight
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2007
Drug Free Youth in Town!
BY SANDRA LOPEZ
Guest Writer
D
rug Free Youth
In Town (DFYIT) is an
organization
dedicated
to giving recognition to
kids who choose to live a
healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Why? Because we know
how hard it is to be a
teenager and to not give in
to peer pressure.
Their mission is to
support the development of
healthy, productive, drugfree youth by providing
drug information, as well
as opportunities to learn
leadership skills through
community
service
activities and educational,
but fun, field trips. The best
part about the club is that
they are led by your peers.
This year’s officers are
president, Sandra Lopez,
vice president, Candice
Morris, and Luisa Santos,
Community
Service
Officers, Julio Rodriguez,
Adrian Funes, and Renzo
Carrantes,
Secretary,
Karielys
Cruz,
and
Historian Jessica Ullloa.
Furthermore, DFYIT
provides a great support
system by surrounding
students with students
who are like minded. By
resisting the temptation
We Defy You D-FY-IT members pose it up before a fieldtrip
of substance use, students
can send a powerful
message of self-control and
responsibility to family,
friends, school, and the
community.
Currently there are over
400 contracted members,
and over 200 active
members here at Coral
Reef Senior High School.
In order to be considered
an active member in the
club, you have to complete
a minimum of 10 hours of
community service, and
attend at least 5 community
service events.
Last year they completed
over 7,000 hours of
community service as a
club. Cub president, Sandra
Lopez, received the award
for president of the year, and
Mrs. Sotolongo received
the award for the Advisor
of the year in Miami Dade
County. The club won
various awards from school
with the most hours, to best
club in the county.
Their most recent event
was the Candle Light
Walk and Stand Against
Crime. On this night the
community put aside all
their differences and united
as one to support officer
Jody Wright who was
seriously wounded, and the
surviving children of officer
Jose Somohano who was
fatally shot, on September
13, 2007. Over 50 DFYIT
members attended this
event, all wearing white to
show their support.
opportunity to each and
every life. “Regardless of
what direction you chose,
I can assure you that if
you make philanthropy by
increasing the well-being of
humankind a part of your
life’s work, you’ll be
greatly enriched.”
The Mark
J.
Gordon
foundation
starts
by
g i v i n g
the
club
$3,500 and
from there
members
work
to
fundraise
another
$ 5 0 0 .
When
the
total $4,000
has
been
collected, $3,000
is divided among
different community
organizations.
The other $1,000 is
donated to CRHS and
can be used or invested
in whatever manner the
school feels is appropriate.
Additionally, if the club is
able to acquire more than
the allocated $4,000,
money how ever they want,
whether towards fieldtrips
or other fun events.
At Coral
Reef
our very own Mrs. Barkow.
There are four main ways in
which students participate:
members get involved in a
community service activity
during the year, attend
training workshops to
develop philanthropic
skills, review and
decide
what
organization to
fund and finally,
participate in
the year end
recognition
event party.
What
is
interesting
about
the
m o n e y
distribution
is the way
in
which
m e m b e r s
decide
which
associations to give
to; S.H.A.P.E surveys
the student body and
donates according to what
associations students feel
need the most financial
aid. In the same way that
S.H.A.P.E gives money
to outside organizations,
Here
comes
a
new
club
to
S.H.A.P.E.
Youth philanthropy within our community
BY ALEXA WATTS
Spotlight Editor
I
n today’s struggling
world, there can never be
enough help for the less
fortunate. Coral Reef has
always had a significant
amount
of
successful
charitable clubs, some of
which include the National
Spanish Honor Society and
Amnesty International.
Today we are proud
to present one more.
Students Helping Achieve
Philanthropic Excellence
is a new club designed
to promote humanitarian
aid by giving back to the
community. Although it
may sound like your typical
service club, S.H.A.P.E is
particularly unique in its
background and method
of engaging members and
other high school students
all of which contribute to
the greater good of our
society.
S.H.A.P.E was initially
founded by Mark J. Gordon
in 2001 whose mission
was to provide equal
S.H.A.P.E members
are allowed to use the extra
S.H.A.P.E
is a small club of about
30 members sponsored by
They also recently
completed Red Ribon
Week
where
DFYIT
members,
along
with
SADD (Students Against
Destructive
Decisions)
members assisted in setting
up and decorating the
school for the activities
throughout the week.
Upcoming events include
a traditional Skate Against
Drug Night where members
receive community service
hours for running DFYIT
booths for parent and kids
at Kendall Ice Arena.
As a member, students
participate in lots of fun
activities, including, but
not limited to community
service, mentoring young
children, club meetings,
and special events that are
all designed to celebrate a
healthy, drug-free life.
There are various of ways
of obtaining community
service hours, from ice
skating, to volunteering at
festivals. DFYIT members
are rewarded for their
commitment with various
fieldtrips, to the fair, bush
gardens, and drug free
festivals.
Meetings are held on
Thursday in the auditorium
at 12:00 Sharp. For more
information you can see
Mrs. Sotolongo.
organizations that have the
ability to make grants to the
club as well.
The first fundraiser
S.H.A.P.E officers plan to
organize this year is the
college fair. Chairwoman
Deevee Sanchez also hopes
to begin collecting supplies
to send to schools in Iraq
as well as arrange an event
in the spirit of Halloween.
These fundraisers promote
public
awareness,
encouraging everyone to
give back to those people
and institutions that need
help. “People don’t know
what philanthropy is, so the
club really teaches students
that you can give back even
if you’re not a celebrity,”
said Sanchez.
S.H.A.P.E, despite the
fact that it is a new and
developing club, has a very
promising future here at
the Reef. Those interested
in
becoming
active
with S.H.A.P.E should
contact Mrs. Barkow or
Deevee Sanchez for more
information.
Spotlight
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2007
11
Criminal Justice teacher fights more than just crime
BY TATIANA MCINNIS AND
ELYSE MERCADO
A&E Editor & Co-Editor in Chief
A
fter two major operations in a matter of
five weeks, many teachers
would consider finding a
qualified substitute to take
their place. However, as is
tradition of Coral Reef’s
faculty and staff, Mr.
Brooks decided instead to
embody diligence and determination in his brave and
highly anticipated return to
Coral Reef. Criminal Justice teacher Terrell Brooks
initially had an operation
to repair a hernia, but after
weeks of suffering he knew
something was wrong.
“I was in an enormous
amount of pain, and my
doctor just kept saying
the pain was normal and
recommending
different
painkillers, but the pain
just wouldn’t subside, so I
ended up in the emergency
room, and they told me I
had an infection. I’m lucky
to be alive, if I had waited
a day longer, who knows
what would have happened?” said Mr. Brooks.
Just days before the commencement of the 20072008 school year, Brooks
underwent surgery for a
potentially fatal infection.
Fatal enough to have to
be under strict supervision of the American Disease Prevention Control.
“When I went to the
hospital, my nurse wasn’t
confident I would make it
through my stay,” said Mr.
Brooks. The doctors had to
fix the previous mistakes
by scraping away at the infection, resulting in an agonizing recovery. He was
released after his operation, and sent home to rest.
Despite his suffering, Mr.
Brooks was present during
the first week of school, and
tried his utmost to build anticipation for the approaching school year. Although
students watched as he lectured with an IV in his arm.
“I do it for the kids, I get
self-satisfaction from their
success, so I try my best
to be here for them,” said
Brooks. However, the pain
proved to be too much for
even Brooks’ vast amount
of perseverance. He missed
five weeks of school, which
he spent in the hospital or
in bed on a long road to recovery. “It was agony, literally five weeks of severe
pain, 24/7,” said Brooks.
Fortunately for all the
Coral Reef Criminal Justice students, Brooks finally felt strong enough
to return to school early
in the month of October.
“It reminded me that anything can happen at anytime, it was a slow, painful
recovery, and I’m still not
100%, but I’m glad I’m
back,” said the Criminal
Justice teacher. Mr. Brooks
is doing his best to come
back in full force, incorporating hands-on tactics, and
making sure his students get
the most out of the program.
“I’ve always been involved with kids; I want
to teach them something.
It’s something that I love
doing, and I am determined to keep doing it.”
Food Not Bombs
Getting inspired by real stories
Have a meal, not an explosive A typical day at FNB, there is
always plenty of food to go around and lots of hospitality.
BY FABIENNE ELIE
Going Green Editor
F
ood Not Bombs
is a national activist
organization that focuses on
protesting war and instead
advocating the protection
of essentials like food and
ensuring it reaches certain
people in need. Following
a written guideline to the
Food Not Bombs theory
published by C.T. Lawrence
Butler and Keith McHenry
and made available on
the main website www.
FoodNotBombs.net.
With this resource readily
available people set up
programs regionally and
simply register to have an
affiliation with the other
FNBs throughout the nation.
Miami is lucky enough to
have its own small FNB,
based in downtown Miami,
where food and shelter is
needed most.
I’ve had the pleasure
of attending a few of
their events and decided
to share a little of what
I experienced. The First
event I attended was a
benefit show that requested
food donations as an entry
fee and offered some great
eclectic, folksy music and
some great conversation.
I happened to engage in
several conversations with
the friendly FNBers and
all contributed some pearls
of wisdom from their very
different backgrounds.
Alex a twenty-two year
old infrequent member
shared with how he had
originally participated ins
something similar to FNB
Neither rain nor sleet nor snow Mr. Brooks grades papers,
not letting 2 back-to-back surgeries get in the way of his appointed rounds.
when he was about sixteen
and couldn’t imagine not
doing something like it ever
since. “There’s this kind of
call to duty that I wake up
to every morning. ”
Andrea, a nineteen year
old college student, started
to ask me about my camera
equipment and quickly
bonded over our shared
hobby. “Hey, if you’re
willing to follow me to the
parking lot, I could show
you some of my favorite
pictures?” Hesitant, of
course, I accepted. The air
of good intentions won me
over and I followed Andrea
to her car.
As it turned out, Andrea
was actually an immigrant
from Brazil. She had come
to Miami when she was
fourteen to study and leave
the dangers of her town.
Her pictures were of a
band of rebels, well really
just a group of kids who
were handing out food and
seemed to embody the same
ideals as FNB.
I suppose I never expected
to realize how important
events like these are to
people. How easily an
impression is made. Andrea
kept on with FNB because
of the impression made on
her when she was younger
and knowing this, I felt this
overwhelming urge to carry
on Andrea’s motivation.
Essentially, I’m writing
this article to try to
(hopefully, with some
success) encourage more
people; this is a door of
opportunity that you can
open at any time.
Critical
Mass
!
Riding on the wheels of chance
BY FABIENNE ELIE
Going Green Editor
e’ve reached our
critical Mass! Get out of
your cars and start walking! Generally, that’s the
idea behind Miami Critical
Mass. The term was taken
from a publication by H.G.
Wells, Wheels of Chance
that was essentially a metaphor for how Wells saw his
entire society: uncertain
The idea was something
learned from through travels in the U.S. to actively
participating cities like
New York. In cities like
Berlin, bicycles have conquered some large portions
of the road, even in New
York City signs and officers worn pedestrians to
be careful when crossing
bicycle lanes. For those of
you concerned at all with
gas prices, the eventual un-
and only barely keeping
its balance on this new machine. And thus began the
international organization
known as Critical Mass.
Urging for a move away
from one-passenger SUVs
and inspired by growing bicycle culture and anti-consumerist sentiment, Critical
Mass organizes month and
in some places bi-monthly
bike rides around their
cities that usually last all
morning. I actually haven’t
had a chance to join any of
the rides yet, but I did get to
speak to some participants.
necessary overcrowding of
our streets, or simply fascinated by bicycle culture
you should consider joining
in on a ride.
They ravel from Key
Biscayne or occasionally
downtown, usually riding
for most of the morning
with occasional breaks, every second to last Friday of
every month. Check out the
website http://criticalmass.
meetup.com/40/ for up to
date information or look
them up on Myspace, to get
regular bulletins reminding
you about events.
W
12
A&E
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2007
School play success!
Mayonnaise, Bread & Greater Tuna
BY ANYA KAPLAN
Staff Writer
and Mederos made the final
decisions. The cast and
crew consisted of mostly
seniors, as well as those
selected juniors.
The set design was
detailed and professional.
The
actors
portrayed
their characters to the
fullest extent; completely
embodying the Texan
lifestyle.
Cast rehearsals began
the first week of school
and practices were held
everyday after school for 2
and a half hours, truly testing
the cast and reflecting the
utmost dedication.
They first did a read
through of the play, then
rough blocking, off book
blocking, dress rehearsal
and then the final show
which everyone can agree
was worth the hard work;
despite the cast and crew’s
exhaustion, the result of
the play truly reflected the
passion they have for their
art and abilities.
They performed after
school and there were also
two other performances in
the evening further in the
week. Many Coral Reef
students were eager to see
the play, so the house was
definitely full.
Senior Daniela
Hernandez said “I enjoyed
the play, but did Petey really
eat those dog treats?”
Senior Kevin Alonso,
who played Petey Fisk,
responded and said “A
milk bone does taste pretty
good.”
To get pumped up the
cast would build up noise
louder and louder while
chanting “What time is
it?,” “Tuna Time!” The
cast seemed pretty positive
about the show and we’re
proud of a job well done.
The audience seemed to
feel the same way. The
end of the performance
was followed by a wave of
applause which showed that
the audience enjoyed the
play. as much as the actors
enjoyed putting it on.
the ranks of
The Beatles
and
The
Rolling
Stones,
with
an
average
ticket price
of
$214
and people
willing to
pay over
$ 1 0 0 0
apiece.
Noemi
Polanco, a
senior in the
Business
a c a d e m y,
echoes the
sentiments
of many,
saying “I
like Hannah
Montana
but
I
wouldn’t
pay
that
much for
Miley Cyrus’(Hannah Montana) “average” girl attitude, and diva talent has certainly paid off, as can be seen by her
her concert
skyrocketing career.
ticket.”
Hannah
BY ANNIE QUINTANA
the parents, who now must Montana, Disney’s current Beatles, Bruce Springsteen,
Montana
News Editor
search high and low to get teen queen on her hit show Hannah Montana? It seems tickets
surpassed
the
their hands on one of the “HannahMontana.”
as though the teen’s name average
ticket
prices
When tickets for one of should be added to the list of other tours of 2007
old-Out. That is “golden tickets.”
Last
month,
fans
of
the
the
hottest concert tours of of successful musicians.
including Justin Timberlake
what countless Hannah
TV
show
Hannah
Montana
the
year
went on sale, no one
For thousands of fans, the ($182), Beyonce ($193) and
Montana fans encountered
when trying to buy the lined up to purchase tickets expected that they would be chance of seeing Hannah The Police ($209), leaving
highly anticipated ticket for her Best of Both Worlds gone in record time. In eight Montana live was now many unable to attain the
to her Best of Both Worlds Tour. An estimated 10 minutes tickets for Hannah going to cost more than the concert even if they could
Concert, breaking the million viewers tune in Montana’s concert were expected $26-$66. Ticket find tickets.
prices for the Hannah
The record speed in which
hearts of 13-year old girls weekly to watch Miley sold-out. Eight minutes!
Cyrus,
aka
Hannah
Rolling
Stones,
The
Montana concert shot up to these tickets sold-out has
everywhere and burdening
led to investigations to
uncover any illegal action
regarding the sale of these
concert tickets, especially
with scalpers acquiring
computer
automated
programs which allow them
to buy large amounts of
tickets online and through
the phone, eliminating the
chances of countless fans.
However, the lack of
tickets is, for the most
part, caused by supply and
demand. With ten million
fans nationwide there is no
way that all can go to the
concert.
How far are people
willing to go to see Hannah
Montana sing live? For
many, there is no limit.
Alyssa Porcelli, a senior in
the IB academy said, “Kids
are spoiled these days.
Parents should spend their
money on more productive
things.”
With parents willing to
spend thousands of dollars
for concert tickets, the
Hannah Montana concert
will be one of the highest
grossing concert tours of
all time.
But is Hannah Montana
worth all the hype? That’s
a question with a subjective
answer, but it is clear that
there are some willing to
make sacrifices to attend
Hannah Montana’s concert
event of the year.
V
I’m Petey Fisk Michael Matthiesen, Kristina Rodriguez
and Kevin Alonso dressed up (or down) to portray their
Greater Tuna characters.
isual and
Performing Arts Drama
students performed their
first play of the 2007-2008
school year. The play, titled
“Greater Tuna,” is about the
residents of a town called
Tuna.
“I loved the show, I
wasn’t expecting it to be
half as good as it was, but
it really impressed me and
it’s obvious that the cast put
forth a lot of effort to make
it great,” said IB Senior
Yasmin Chebbi.
The play was chosen and
directed by Ana Mederos,
amiably called “Queeny”
by her students.
Thurston Wheelis was
played by VPA Senior Paul
Thompson. When asked to
describe the plot of the the
play, Thompson said “ It is
larger than life and really
random.”
Auditions and tryouts
were held for the characters
Hannah Montana is larger than life
Is it really the “Best of Both Worlds”?
S
Going Green
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2007
13
Reduce Reuse Recycle
BY FABIENNE ELIE
Going Green Editor
Some of you may think worrying about our earth is just another one of those
hippie mantras that broke down along with all the two-tone Volkswagen vans filled
with runaways from across the coutnry. Sure those vans once headed to the famous
haight-ashbury district maybe the same ones that you find in junkyards, but the ideals outlived the style. Environmentalists, most likely formally referred to as hippies,
are alive and well and more ardent than ever. Vehement efforts are becoming more
and more focused on showing the public how simple it is to make immense long term
contributions and now it has fallen onto our shoulders to take conscious action towards
eco-friendly living. The sheer magnitude of the task may be overwhelming, but that’s
why it’s important to start small. This may not be a colorful, flower power demonstration, but here is a lengthy list of some things you can implement in your home or
incorporate into your lifestyle for a more conscientious living. Try picking one or two
tips a month and become a Go Green! Advocate in your home and with your friends.
10 simple ways you can conserve water
6.
1.
Never put water down the
drain when there may be
another use for it such as
watering a plant or garden,
or cleaning.
2.
Don’t use running water
to thaw meat or other
frozen foods. Defrost food
overnight in the refrigerator
or by using the defrost
setting on your microwave.
Sweep, rather than spraying
down, your driveway and
sidewalk.
Take short showers instead
of baths. A four-minute
shower can use as little as 8
gallons of water, while a bath
needs 50 to 60 gallons.
When washing dishes by
hand, fill one sink or basin
with soapy water. Quickly
rinse under a slow-moving
stream from the faucet.
If the toilet flush handle
frequently sticks in the flush
position, letting water run
constantly, replace or adjust
it.
Wash fruits and vegetables
in a bowl, and fill you sink
to wash and rinse dishes,
instead of running the
water.
Avoid flushing the toilet
unnecessarily. Dispose of
tissues, insects and other
such waste in the trash
rather than the toilet.
Green
7.
8.
3.
with
9.
4.
Passion
5.
Fix the drip. There is no such
thing as a little drip. A leaky
faucet with a drip of just 1/16
of an inch in diameter can
waste 10 gallons of water
every day. This can be easily
fixed by replacing worn
washers or valve seats with
the help of your parents.
10.
Don’t let water run while
shaving or washing your
face. Brush your teeth first
while waiting for water to
get hot, then wash or shave
after filling the basin.
14
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2007
The Origins of Halloween
What you’re really celebrating
BY ALEXA WATTS
Spotlight Editor
T
he little boys dress up
as ninjas and superheroes;
little girls as Disney
princesses; older girls in
revealing outfits claiming
to be bunnies, cats or “Little
Red Riding Hood,” while
older guys usually mock
the occasion or disregard
it altogether. Others wear
wigs, exaggerated makeup or fake teeth. I’m sure
you’ve guessed it by now:
Halloween!
Halloween today has
nothing to do with its
origins. Most people have
no idea about its history,
besides vampires, candy
and pumpkins.
Halloween’s origins date
back two thousand years
ago to the Celts and the
celebration of their new
year.
The first of November
marked the end of summer
harvest and thus the
beginning of the dreaded
winter. Winter brought the
cold darkness which was
also associated with human
death. The Celts believed
that on the night before the
New Year, October 31st,
the worlds of the living and
the dead entwined into one.
They dedicated this night to
“Samhain” by celebrating
the ghosts of the dead
returning to the earth.
The Celts thought that the
presence of otherworldly
spirits stirred up trouble
and damaged crops but it
also made it easier for the
Druids, or Celtic priests, to
make predictions about the
future. These prophecies
served as an important
source of comfort and
direction for the simple
people who had nothing
else to look forward to
during the long, depressing
winter. To commemorate
the event, Druids built
large, sacred bonfires
where the Celtic people
Is Trick-or-Treating only for kids?
Each year, as the sun
sets and darkness falls
on October 31, people
rush home to put on their
costumes and hit the streets
for a night of trick or
treating.
It is a night that everybody
knows as Halloween, the
night that excited little
children – and some not so
little ones - dress up as their
favorite television or movie
hero and roam around their
neighborhoods in pursuit of
candy.
But should Halloween be
only for little children?
When is it time to hang
up the costume? It may
sound silly, but this is a
topic that comes up in the
conversations of many
teenagers at this time of the
year.
Some people think that
Halloween is only for kids.
“There is a little kid in
everybody, so you are
NEVER too old to go trick
or treating,” said Business
senior, Ricky Jean-Louis.
“Ms. Mitch suggested that
the English Department
dress up as literary
characters. I had the
costume [ of Teiresias] and
we had just read Oedipius
Rex,” said AP English
teacher, Mrs. Plyler.
In a recent survey of 100
high school students, more
than half of them agreed
with Ricky Jean-Louis that
trick-or-treating is a ‘sport’
that all ages should be able
to enjoy without feeling
awkward or inappropriate.
Olivia Persons, a medical
freshman, puts the limit at
high school graduation. She
believes that high school
students are not too old to
trick-or-treat, but that after
wore eccentric costumes,
usually
animal
heads
and skins and gathered
together to prophesize
each others destiny.When
the celebration was over,
they lit individual fires in
order to protect themselves
during the coming winter.
By 43 AD however, the
Romans had conquered
most of the
Celtic
territory.
In the course of the next
hundred years they accepted
the tradition of “Samhain”
and incorporated it into
Roman festivals.
The first Roman festival
was known as “Feralia,” a
day in late October devoted
to recognizing the passing
of the dead. The second
was a day dedicated to
honor Pomona, the Roman
goddess of fruit and trees.
The tradition of bobbing
for apples on Halloween
derives from Pomona, as
she is represented by the
symbol of an apple.
By the 800s, Christianity
had influenced the lands
and in the Seventeenth
century.
Pope Boniface IV initiated
“All Saint’s Day” on the
first of November in honor
of the saints and martyrs.
The
church-sanctioned
celebration
was
also
known as “Alholowmesse”
which essentially turned
into “All-Hallows.” The
church
continued
to
commemorate the night
of Samhain on October
31st which was then called
“All-Hallows Eve” which
ultimately developed into
today’s commonly used
“Halloween”.
In later years, the church
made November 2nd “All
Soul’s Day”, another day to
honor the dead. These three
celebrations together were
termed “Hallowmas.”
Thus, the Halloween
we celebrate is a distorted
version of what Halloween
really stands for. At the
same time it is a holiday
that everyone, families and
friends, can participate in
together. Not to mention
that you can never go wrong
with surplus amounts of
candy.
access to trusting children.
Unsuspecting
children
knock on doors, not
knowing what was behind
those doors.
Sometimes more tricks
than treats awaited them.
The problem of pedophilia
has become so great that
in many communities
convicted child molesters
are now required to refrain
from
participating
in
Halloween activities.
In a further attempt to
protect children, some
communities even require
these felons to post signs on
their doors indicating their
criminal status.
On the other side of
the coin, some older
kids and adults use the
anonymity that dressing up
at Halloween provides to
commit crimes.
There have been many
instances of homeowners
being robbed when they
opened their doors to trickor-treaters.
Others have had their
homes or cars egged when
they didn’t provide candy.
The problem has become
so severe that many people
now dread what used to be a
fun holiday. The innocence
and spirit of good will that
prevailed when it was a
children’s holiday, have
long since vanished.
Halloween is one of the
few holidays that was truly
theirs before it was invaded
by the Peter Pans of the
world who didn’t just want
to join them in the fun the
holiday was intended to
provide, but instead, to
rip it callously from their
lives.
congregated to burn crops
and animals as sacrifices
to the deities. During this
celebration, the people
The Dead walk the Earth! Halloween is
celebrated year after year, but do you know
what you get dressed up for?
Too Old For Tricks?
BY MICHELLE PORTER
Staff Writer
Cuda Culture
that they should be handing
out the candy, not taking it
from little kids.
However, other students
surveyed supported the
mantra, ‘to everything there
is a season,’ and believe
that there is a time to put
away childish things.
“Dressing up in costumes
and going door-to-door,
begging for candy is for
little kids. It is not age
appropriate for high school,
or even middle school
students to do it,” said,
Engineering senior, Tatiana
Figueroa.
In today’s society where
child abuse and pedophilia
are rampant, Halloween
provides scary – no pun
intended – opportunities
to unsavory characters to
indulge in dishonorable and
even criminal activities.
Adults dressed up in
kid-friendly costumes gain
Pablo Ortiz let Coral
Reef have it their
way this Halloween by dressing
up as the beloved
King (and no, we
don’t mean Elvis).
“When we have become
to old to have fun, we
have become TOO OLD!”
said Ms. Plyler, who celebrated by dressing up as
Teiresias, the blind prophet from Oedipus Rex.
Daniel Hillbery, left,
and Alfred Nicoletti, right, dressed
up as two of the
four Fruit of the
Loom spokes-fruits
we love so much!
Cuda Culture
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2007
Our day with the President’s daughter
15
Jena Bush visits Coral Reef to speak out about HIV/AIDS prevention
BY MEGAN ZUCKER AND
JAKE SCHIFF
Guest Writers
A
s students piled
into the auditorium and the
Secret Service blocked off
hallways, Coral Reef Senior
High was getting ready
for a special guest. On
November 7, Jenna Bush,
the daughter of President
George W. Bush, visited
Coral Reef to talk about
her new book, Ana’s StoryA Journey of Hope. The
book documents the story
of Ana, an AIDS victim
Bush met while traveling
to Latin America as a
UNICEF volunteer. “Ana”
is a teen-age girl who is a
victim of the HIV/AIDS
virus. Bush read the first
four chapters of Ana’s Story
to the audience.
Ana, whose face is never
revealed in the book, lives
a life of someone much
older. She was born HIV
positive, her parents died
when she was very young,
and her life has been filled
with struggles. Like many
young AIDS victims, her
identity has to remain secret
to maintain her status in her
community. Ana recently
gave birth to a baby girl
named Beatrice.
IB sophomores, juniors
and seniors were invited
to to hear Jena Bush speak
about her book and her
experiences with UNICEF
in Latin America. Her goal
in coming was to emphasize
the need for our generation
to be more aware of the
dangers of HIV/AIDS
while moving away from
the current stigma that
having this disease makes
you a bad person.
“The most important thing
to do is to be educated,”
Bush said. “It’s important
for us to understand how
kids live in our world, and
Ana’s story accomplishes
this.”
This heart-felt story about
Ana touched the students
in the audience. They had
nothing but wonderful
things to say about the
presentation
and
the
message behind it.
“I think what she did was
really brave because being
the President’s daughter and
going to a foreign country
with unknown dangers
shows her dedication to the
program. Her book tour will
really help our generation
become more aware of
HIV/AIDS and how we can
get involved to help,” said
IB senior Alex Silva.
Bush
continued
her
presentation with a video
showing the dramatic
affects of HIV/AIDS and
poverty in Latin America
and challenged the audience
to take action.
“Often a small gesture
of kindness can make a
difference. Get the facts
about HIV/AIDS and
become a mentor, tutor
a student, work in an
organization,” Bush said.
Bush said she chose working
with UNICEF because it
gave her the opportunity to
be a teacher or educator and
still help.
Coral Reef teachers
were encouraged by her
dedication to community
service.
“The
most
appealing part of her speech
was the fact that she was a
young person, who looked
outside her own community,
and even country, to help
others,” said IB coordinator
Mrs. Patterson.
While visiting many
schools throughout the
country, Coral Reef was
the only public school in
Miami-Dade County that
Jenna Bush visited. She
selected our school because
of Coral Reef’s outstanding
reputation for vigorous
The Chronicles of Mr. Mahoney
academic achievement.
After hearing Bush
speak, the impact of
her
presentation
was
easily visible, as nearly
100 students lined up to
purchase Ana’s Story and
getting their books signed.
Mrs. Mesa-Verga, a
9th grade Language Arts
teacher said her perception
of the first daughter changed
after hearing Bush speak. “I
just saw her as the daughter
of the President, but now I
see her as much more.”
His adventure in Kuwait and the story he’s come back to tell
BY RAZIELA RODRIGUEZ
Staff Writer
R
ecently, IB History teacher, Mr. Mahoney, came
back from Kuwait after four months. He had to leave his
classes behind to serve in the reserves and we sat down to
talk to him about the bad food and the good people, the
rough times and the rewarding ones of this experience.
Batiline: What were your first days in Kuwait like? What
were your initial feelings or thoughts when arriving?
Mahoney: I left the 1st of May to get there in the middle of a dust storm. The weather was real bad and we
couldn’t get any vehicles so we waited at the airport for
sixteen hours. I hadn’t slept for like 50 hours so I do not
remember much because I kept falling asleep.
Baitline: What exactly did you do on this time of service?
Mahoney: I was in charge of loading cargo planes.
Baitline: Did you know who you were going to be with?
Did you make friends?
Mahoney: Yeah, I knew them. We were friends. We’re
actually going to dinner soon.
Baitline: What sort of training did you have to go through
or what arrangements before you began your service?
Mahoney: Requalifying M-16 rifles, passing a physical
test, chemical warfare training, and make sure will was
up to date.
Baitline: So how hot was it really Kuwait when you were
there?
Mahoney: Get a blow dryer and place it 6 inches from
your face, that’s hot it was. In July it was in the 120’s and
130’s. By August it was more like 115 but never below
105. When the plants started turning green I’d throw
some water on them.
Baitline: How were the living arrangements?
Mahoney: Well you can not use the tap for brushing your
teeth and to take a shower you have to close your mouth
and eyes. Each room had three bunk beds and four lockers.
Baitline: What was the most dangerous in your stay in
Kuwait?
explode them two miles from our living area and its
always the same day at the same time so you know
you’re not being attacked. Well, one day I forgot
and there was an explosion so I grabbed my mask
and ran but I saw it was Friday 9:00 am. I was not
being attacked.
Baitline: Tell us about the uniform or gear you had
to wear?
Mahoney: We had to wear a scarf around face
because the wind gets pretty bad sometimes, like
30-40 mph. And as far as uniform it was the camouflage and we had to wear it all the time and can’t
wear hats because they get sucked in. Others had
different colors.
Batiline: How was the food?
Mahoney: Food? It was more like do you want
chicken or chicken? Ill have chicken. Then I hear
we get steak and I was like great! But it was just
as terrible. The grill seemed to be mostly made of
sand because the steak was just gritty. Then we had
Surf and Turf which was the steak and seafood on
Fridays. I thought to myself : If you turn down the
steak so I don’t think ill try the seafood. I lost my
appetite and I lost weight… you cant tell.
Baitline: How did you pass the time? Was it hard to
let time pass?
Mahoney: Well I read and played basketball but
some people counted down the days and it seemed
a drag! I told myself I wouldn’t even think about it.
Baitline: How often did you get to talk to your family?
Back from Iraq Mr. Mahoney has returned from his
Mahoney: I learned NOT to skip e-mails from my
tour, ready and willing to get back to work.
wife… yeah, don’t do that. I called my mom and
wife once a week.
Baitline: Why exactly do you serve and why did you
Mahoney: The most dangerous thing was the unexplosive
join
the
reserves?
ordinates.
Mahoney:
Paid vacations. I’m also a service type of perBatiline: Well, then was there any time where you thought
son,
except
for teaching. And family tradition. There are
you were in danger?
five
boys
in
the family and none are interested except for
Mhaoney: There are bombs everywhere. They let you
me,
I
like
airplanes.
know when they are going to blow up the army and they
16
High Tide
Coral Reef Sr. High
November 2007
Coral Reef kids...
“
Have...
I’m
BY TATIANNA MCINNIS
A&E Editor
driven
by my
passion
Not only does
Joey have determination, but he
also has a keen
sense of humor.
Feel...
for music...
”
BY TERELL HALL
Cuda Culture Editor
L
egal Senior Sandra Lopez has a list of
activities that show compassion; she is the
president of DFY-It, President of SADD
(Students Against Drunk Driving), a peer
mediator, a member of the HIV/AIDS club,
a member of Relay for Life, and part of the
executive board for the FYPD ( Florida
Youth Prevention Delegation).
During her time at the Reef, Lopez has
accumulated an impeccable record of
public service .
“In FYPD, I get together with different
members of the community and the statewe meet and we come up with different
programs to implement in elementary
schools throughout the different counties
in Florida. The programs provide the
elementary schools with different focus
groups in which we give them ways
to escape peer pressure and give them
information that they can utilize to live a
drug-free life.”
Some of Sandra’s efforts have had a more
personal impact on her.
“For my community service project, I
volunteered at Small Fry Daycare, which
is right down the street,” she explained. “ I
assisted the kids that are foster children- I
helped them get their get their grades up
because they have Pre-K there-I help them
focus on their abc’s and provided them with
some clothing. I also provided them with
food for their families on Thanksgivingyou know, because a lot of them didn’t
“
pushing
the bar a
little
higher...
Are...
BY TATIANNA MCINNIS
A&E Editor
L
”
Invincible
ast year, then Criminal Justice junior
Carlos Encarnacion was the first in Coral
Reef history to become the GMAC Wrestling Champion. Now, as a senior and the
captain of the wrestling team, Encarnacion
shows no signs of slowing down, and attributes his disdain for defeat as his source of
motivation, success and invincibility.
“I like challenges, and I’m confident
that I can lead my team through a success-
ful season and hopefully become a state
champion,” said Carlos.
Idolized by his younger teammates, Carlos leads by example, always taking time
to help his teammates both on and off the
mat.
When asked what makes him ‘invincible,’ Carlos confidently replied, “I’m driven by what I believe in, I’m optimistic and
I pursue the best in everything I do. I am
firmly grounded in my faith, and nothing
can deter me from my goals.”
band), an A Capella group, and is actively
involved in Coral Reef’s Chorus, even
getting lead roles in three of the school’s
productions (The Mikado, Pirates of
Penzance, and The Gondoliers). He learned
how to play the piano in a year, writes his
own music (“some acoustic, sappy love
songs”) and even composes.
However, according to Joey, his biggest
accomplishment is the acquirement and
application of his musical knowledge. “I’m
able, based on what I know about music, to
take what I learn from say, a chorus play,
and apply it to my own music,” said Joey.
It is clear that Joey’s dedication to music
has reaped many benefits already, there’s
no doubt his persistence and passion will
make his dreams a reality.
I also
provided
them with
food for
their
families on
Thanksgiving...
“
Seek...
I
End Up
Jessica juggles books and
responsiblity.
V
PA Senior Jose Barreiro was born
with an insatiable passion for music and
has since dedicated countless hours to
lessons and practice to expand and perfect
his musical abilities.
When asked what makes him determined,
Joey replied, “I’m drop-dead gorgeous, and
that would motivate anyone. [laughs] I’m
driven by my passion for music and my
passion for sharing my music with others.
I have always wanted to be successful
in music, and I study a lot of music to
appreciate it as a whole, not just one aspect
of it.”
Barreiro is a member of D.E.M. (a local
“
Compassion
Determination
BY TATIANNA MCINNIS
A&E Editor
B
Sandra proudly displays her compassion
by wearing one of the various shirts she
has obtained in her community service
activities.
Perfection
etween being the president of both
the Speech & Debate Club and the Legal
Honor Society and balancing college
applications and AP classes, it’s amazing
that Jessica Moscoso has time to sit down
for an interview.
“I’ve actually given up sleep these
days, but it’s worth it; my expectations
for myself are limitless. Whenever I think
about them, I have to reach, and after I
grab them, I end up pushing the bar a little
higher,” says the Legal Senior. For Jessica
‘a little higher’ means arguing in front
of the Supreme Court as a sophomore in
high school (a privilege many long-time
practicing lawyers never receive).
“I dabble in a little bit of everything, but
I put forth maximum effort to be at the top
in whatever I do,” said Jessica, “It can be
incredibly exhausting, but I have this fire
inside of me, and it reminds me everyday
that I am meant to be successful and
persevere, and it’s that fire that provides
the energy that gets me through the day,
and pushes me forward.”
“
I’m driven
by what
I believe
IN...
”
Carlos proudly holds up his GMAC
award.