Dealing With Grief
The eagle eyE
Quarter One 2016 • Volume 2, Number 1
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School 5901 Pine Island Road Parkland, FL 33076
The Eagle Eye Quarter One 2016 • Volume 2, Number 1
14
Contents
Photo by Kyra Parrow
The opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School or Broward County Public Schools. The publication abides by the scholastic press associations and is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. If you would like to advertise please call (754) 322-2150 or email melissa.falkowski@ browardschools.com
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@HumansofMSD on Instagram @EagleEyeMSD on Twitter
03 Letters to the Editor 05 Planting a Seed 06 Specialized Spots 07 Preventative Measures 08 Mosquito Mayhem 10 Fair Play for Fair Play Dealing with Grief 14
The student body shares their perspective on various issues
MSD grows garden opportunity after portable removal
Class of 2017 sells personalized parking spaces
Administration provides suicide prevention training
Broward County employs multiple methods to combat Zika threat
Teaches organize “Work to the Contract”
Photo by Kyra Parrow
Editorial Board Alexa Kravitz MaKayla Manning Lily Skopp Editors-in-Chief
Gillian marton
Associate Feature & Sports Editor
Lauren Newman Associate News Editor
KaitLyn Falness Business Manager
Liam Hutton Photo Editor
Staff Writers
Amit Dadon Amy Scarlata Andrea Hengber Anna Dittman Carly Novell Christy Ma Einav Cohen Emma Dowd Gage Collamore Isabella Cohen Jacob Brown Jayden Beir Jordon Fisher
Jordyn Laudanno Karter Cooper Lauren Blodgett Madyson Kravitz Nyan Clarke Rebecca Schneid Robert Schentrup Ryan Lofurno Samantha Getz Sofia Cozzalino Tara Gaines Taylor Morrison Victoria Rosenthal
2 | Table of Contents
Grief affects students on MSD campus
15 17 Grieving Outloud 19 Concert Rap Up 20 The Lebron Law 22 Game on 26 Viva Las Vegas 28 Election Quick Guide Remembering Kaitlyn School mourns the loss of junior Kaitlyn Critelli
Social media redefines how people grieve online
Popular rappers perform in South Florida throughout summer
Athletes in Florida “play the field” with new Florida House Bill 7029
Fall sports seasons come to a close
School celebrates Homecoming week from Sept. 12 to Sept. 17
Compare canidate positions in 2016 presidental election
Cover photo by Kyra Parrow
Design by Lily Skopp
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Standardized Stress
Dear Editor: As a high school senior and a perspective college student, I believe that how college admissions officers value the SAT/ACT is absurd and that change needs to be initiated immediately. All throughout high school, students work hard for four years to maintain good grades in all of their classes. There are countless hours of time and effort that go into it, and the fact that a simple standardized test could hold almost as much weight is completely unfair. Many colleges will not even consider students if their standardized test scores are not high enough, which can put students who do not score well at a serious disadvantage. One test simply cannot determine how intelligent a student is, and colleges need to place significantly less emphasis on test scores or simply not require them at all. Colleges claim that SATs/ACTs level the playing field for students across the country, but there are still many unfair factors in the process. Students who have more money will have the opportunity for SAT tutoring and will be able to take the costly exam multiple times, which gives them a significant advantage. It is critical that the college admissions process be refined and that SAT/ACTs become much less prominent a factor in deciding admissions. This will ensure a much more equal and fair admission process that will judge students only on important matters. Lindsay Schultz, 12
Rise Up
Dear Editor, As the Tsar and Autocrat of all the Lincoln Debaters, I urge that all individuals in attendance at Marjory Stoneman Douglas stand in deference during the entrance of the Tsar to any area within the school. I work extremely hard to have this unparalleled success in debate. My intellect is otherworldly, and yet I am still gracious enough to pass on some of my knowledge to my subjects. It is a severe affront to said effort, talent, and graciousness when people hear my entrance announced and do not leap to their feet in reverence. If everyone did rise, however, I would receive the appreciation that is indubitably due to me, meaning that such an action would be in accordance with what is obligated by justice and this would, in turn, motivate me to continue offering my gracious intellectual gifts. Thus, I urge that you make it a matter of Stoneman Douglas Policy - a required rule- that all individuals in attendance at this school rise for my glorious Tsarist entrance. So let it be known. Mitchell Buehler, 12
Send us a letter Have something to say about school? Have something to say about a local, national or global issue? Have something to say about this issue of The Eagle Eye? We want to hear your opinions.
Email submissions to: melissa.falkowski@browardschools.com Submissions must be between 300-500 words
Appalling Apathy
Dear Editor, I am a junior and not legally able to vote, which stresses me out a lot. I believe the whole issue surrounding voter apathy is very important. When one person believes that their vote really doesn’t matter, I mean it’s just one vote, right?, This can lead to a snowball effect that builds and develops and grows into something much bigger than it started out as. It’s never just one vote because it’s never just one person who believes this. Voter apathy and the “one” vote not cast are an invisible snowball, which then turns into an invisible and silent landslide that could possibly be the one a certain candidate won over another. I think this snowball is very important because it has the power to influence the future in ways some voters don’t really know, similar to how most citizens don’t know who the third party candidates are. If “one person” believes their vote doesn’t’ matter it’s true that one vote may
not hawk so much influence. But if one million separate “one person’s believe their vote doesn’t matter, don’t cast their vote at all, this has suddenly become one million wasted votes. It’s important to educate the ignorant, apathetic citizens on this issue so that those who are privileged enough to even have the ability to vote for those in their government offices do not waste these rights that so many would, and have, fought and killed for. I urge the politically involved members of society and this newspaper staff to inform the masses of the impact of voter apathy. Voter apathy is a loop that keeps circling back around: because one believes their vote doesn’t matter, they do not vote, and because they do not cast their vote, their vote has no effect and essentially does not matter. I believe more people should be made aware of how voter activity could influence the situation Heather Quinn, 11
Education STEMs From Acceptance Dear Editor: As a woman, and furthermore a feminist who is trying to pursue a career in STEM, I think the distribution of exposure to STEM is lacking in gender equality. As a child, I found myself pressured to engage in literature and the arts while my male classmates were encouraged to excel in math and science. I do concede that while I am a lover of art and writing, being that I am both an artist and a writer, but I wish that it was sooner to come that I discovered my underlying love of math and science. I’ve found myself stuck between poetry and parabolas and there is nothing more fulfilling than realizing this. I fear that we are doing a disservice to the young girls and boys by pigeonholing them into a single direction. It terrifies me to think that some brilliant little girl may not pursue her calling in STEM simply because of the stereotypes that have been drilled into her head like a Semplica girl. If we don’t change and stop gender roles in education, it will suppress some of the possibilities of brilliant and creative minds.
Powerless Pupil
Dear Editor, Nobody seems to listen when I talk about this. They dismiss me because I’m just a teenager, and just a little girl who couldn’t know more than them. The school system needs to be altered. I want to see the official men in their official suits in their official glass tower who regulate everything regarding education wake up at 6 in the morning, try to stomach breakfast, drive to school when the sun hasn’t even risen, and try to absorb as much useless information as the can just to take a test on it once and forget it until the next year. Why won’t anyone do anything about it? Teens in high school have the same mental health levels as patients
So here is my proposal, the best way to eliminate societal gender roles in the work force is to begin at the root. Students as young as kindergarten should receive equal exposure to girl’s and boy’s toys. The lessons in schools should incorporate stereotypically masculine interests into traditionally feminine subjects and vice versa. Perhaps telling first graders to do their math homework in colored crayon would make it more engaging for a female student; maybe in middle school, have students read a book with action and with romance. It’s all about equal exposure and defeating the presence of taboo on any subject. Education is important, and every child should feel comfortable exploring all aspects of knowledge. I hope to see some better teaching styles arise in the future that present all aspects of education in a gender neutral way. The county will hopefully implement concepts such as what I described through new programs. Together, we will allow kids to grow up to be whatever they are destined to. Sarah Hale, 12
in psychiatric hospitals in the 1950’s, we’re expected to balance school (with every class thinking they’re the most important class, dishing out 1 hours’ worth of homework each), a social life, extracurricular activities, all while remembering to eat and sleep (which I’ve long abandoned). How? I’d like to see them, dearest editor, try and manage this lifestyle. How about a shorter school day? During the Progressive Era in the United States, scientific management proved that shorter hours at work helped keep the employees from falling asleep at their work and getting multiple tasks done. Editor, what do I do? I’m just one girl, I can’t be the only one who feels this way, right? Hayden Korr. 11
Creative Learning
Dear Editor: As a creative writing student who is currently taking her third year of creative writing, I believe that creative writing should be considered an arts credit. Currently, many students in creative writing at all grade levels struggle to achieve their art credit while still being able to take the electives that they love. With a limited number of possible electives, many students are forced to drop their favorite class and choose another elective that counts as an arts credit instead. I believe that making creative writing as an art credit is a clear correct choice. Creative writing is a performing art because in creative writing we write new writing pieces every day, learn about spoken word and perform a spoken word piece, and most importantly share our writing with the entire class every week. We perform our art, and we perform our passion whether it’s on paper or out loud, and we should receive a performing arts credit for doing this. I would like to see teachers, students and guidance counselors at Marjory Stoneman Douglas to come together and make the case to the institute that is in charge of determining what classes count as performing arts credits. I believe with our strong meaningful arguments, we will be able to make creative writing count as an arts credit and allow many students to take the class they love without any conflict. Samantha Bonnin, 11
Sleep Deprived Dear Editor, I am livid and appalled. School starts way too early. How do you expect me to be my best when I wake up at the crack of dawn? A normal teen needs 8-10 hours of sleep. I get nearly half that. With all we have to do after school with after school activities, our social lives, homework, and studying there is just not enough time. It isn’t fair to the students that can barely function and feel as if they have to put school in front of their health. The priorities are all messed up by Broward Schools and us as students shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences. There are enough hours of the day to complete all the tasks we have to complete and get the hours of sleep our bodies need to function. It is unreasonable and preposterous. Gabby Furetta, 10
Letters to the Editor 03
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Planting a Seed
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n the spring of 2016, over a several week period, district workers demolished and removed most of the school’s remaining portables. According to Assistant Principal Lucille Flynn, teachers participating in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) professional learning community (PLC) during the 2015-2016 school year proposed the garden project as part of an effort to integrate a cross-curricular STEM project. The only problem, however, was deciding on a campus location for the project. When the portables were demolished, the STEM PLC proposed using the newly cleared land for their environmental initiative. The group toured different schools, including Westglades Middle School and Plantation High School, to gather ideas. During the last few weeks of 20152016 school year, it was announced that the newly emptied space would become Marjory’s Garden. MSD was named after environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas, who dedicated her life to the conservation and protection of the Florida Everglades. The garden’s name furthers her legacy. “Marjory’s Garden will have an impact on students and teachers throughout the entire school,” AP Environmental Science teacher Tammy Orilio said. “We’re working to ensure that we have participants from a variety of disciplines.
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Additionally, Art students will work on beautifying the garden. The PTSA contributed $1,000 to the project. Their donation was used for construction materials, including pavers, concrete and cinder blocks. At the end of October, the Marjory’s Garden Club was officially formed. The club will contribute to building and then eventually, maintaining the garden. “The club is all donations,” astronomy teacher Sean Simpson said. “We have put some of our own money in as well as getting donations from people such as Bobcat of Broward. He had given The project brings together students us the bobcat for the weekend and for no taking courses in engineering, science, cost, which really helped while working business, culinary and art. Additionally, on the garden.” several clubs have joined the project, The students working on the project including Save What’s Left and DECA. have volunteered their time over several The DECA organization became involved as a way for its members to give Saturdays to help with construction. back to the school community. When the Eventually, students will work on the garden after school, but currently, garden begins to yield crops, the DECA students will use its fruits and vegetables weekends are needed to complete the initial construction projects. to practice their marketing and selling To achieve their long-term skills. goals, students are organizing their “Our main goal is to get clubsespecially DECA–involved in the creation responsibilities into small projects and assigning them to small groups. They of the garden,” senior Annika Mursten plan on finishing the garden in three to said. “It’s really an amazing experience five years, and are setting small goals as for the students of Marjory Stoneman they go along. Currently, the students Douglas.” The culinary program plans to use the are prepping the land to lay down a vegetables and herbs grown in the garden, foundation where they can eventually start planting and growing plants in the which they can use when they cook. We want students to learn about organic gardening procedures, design and construction, marketing, selling and maintaining the garden.” Marjory’s Garden, will be used to promote sustainability and environmental conversation methods among students.
It helps to motivate kids in a natural way, where you want to learn about things because you have a specific goal in mind and you’re producing things where you can see the results of your hard work.
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Design by Gillian Marton
MSD grows garden opportunity after portable removal
Photos by Gillian Marton
garden. “We were building a shade house to prevent the sun from directly beating on the garden,” senior Hunter Luboff said. “The experience was fulfilling, and we worked hard.” Generally, the student body views the the garden project with positivity. The garden represents a unifying, crosscurricular project in which students with all different interests can participate in a shared beautification endeavor. It is an opportunity for participants to learn in a hands-on environment. “Marjory’s Garden is considered a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), project and I feel that any time you can introduce those things it leads us to a more projectbased learning for the students, which is something I’m a big believer in,” science teacher Kyle Jeter said. “I think it helps to motivate kids in a natural way, where you want to learn about things because you have a specific goal in mind and you’re producing things where you can see the results of your hard work.” Students can get involved with the project through their current club memberships or by becoming a member of Marjory’s Garden Club. The club’s first meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 7 and will likely meet on Monday’s after school. Story by Madyson Kravitz
News • Marjory’s Garden 05
Design by Gillian Marton
Painting with Purpose. Senior Avery Cooper paints her bumper to make her mark as a senior at Spirited Spots. Senior Allison Fleisher comes to school early to design her new spot. She enjoyed MSD. She used colors that represents her love for Texas. “I thought it would be very representative having her own personalized spot to decorate. “I got one; so that way, I wouldn’t be stressed about of who I am to decorate in red, white and blue; write my nickname and annoy y’all Floridians with getting to school early to get a spot close to my classes,” said Fleisher. Photo by Kyra Parrow ’Texas’ written at the top for all eyes to see,” said Cooper. Photo by Kyra Parrow
Specialized Spots Class of 2017 sells personalized parking spaces to raise money
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n August, the senior parking lot began featuring personally-designed parking spots from this year’s senior class, displayed for the entire school to view. The idea to decorate spaces was originally proposed to administration in 2010. However, the idea was not approved by administration until this year. Students from other Broward County schools, including Coral Glades High School and Coral Springs Charter School, have customized their parking spaces in past years, inspiring the Class of 2017 to implement the same concept at MSD. “I believe the activity raises school spirit and increases student involvement in school activities,” Senior Class President Matt Feldman said. “I hope that it continues for future senior classes at Stoneman Douglas.” Feldman worked with the other members of the Senior Class Board to get
the idea approved by administration. Once it was authorized, the class got straight to work. Exactly 67 spaces were available for customization, and seniors came together to design their bumpers the Thursday before school started. “I personally didn’t decorate a spot because I don’t have a car. However, I did help others paint their spots,” Feldman said. “All of the designs are so unique and interesting that it is hard to choose a favorite.” Senior Class Adviser Danielle Driscoll had been trying to get the idea approved by administration for several years. She believes that the personalized spots help display school pride through art. “I think a lot of the students really enjoyed putting their art out there,” Driscoll said. “Whenever a student pulls into their parking space, they have a sense of ownership and seeing something that you have created starts your morning off with a sense of pride.” A parking pass costs $60, but customizing the bumper costs an additional $50. Painting spaces is an
annual project, so at the end of the year the bumpers will be repainted, allowing the future senior classes to use them. Also, the current sophomore and junior classes contributed $1,000 towards the bumpers in preparation for next year in order to ensure a larger profit than that of this year’s seniors. “They will not have to pay the upfront costs that our senior class did,” Driscoll said. “The total cost of the project was $5,000. We put about $3,000 from our bank account into the project and when we sold the spaces, we were able to break even.” While, the current senior class did not sufficiently profit from the project, future seniors have the potential to earn about $3,000 or $4,000. “The sophomore and junior classes contributed money towards it, so that way they can make a return on it their senior year because they’re the ones that will get the return next year,” Driscoll said. When the bumpers were ready to be customized, they were first painted with white paint as a base for the artwork. The students then created and painted their
Unfamiliar furniture
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ne of the latest additions to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas campus can be seen in the Front Office. The renovation cost between $5,000 and $6,000. The renovation includes the installment of a new mahogany brown desk with a sleek glass top, a second desk in the back and a new seating area for parents waiting in the Front Office. The new desks were installed with the intention of eliminating on-campus traffic between the Front Office and Student Services, which is ensured with restricted walkways that prevent any unnecessary coming and going. Parents must now wait in the front office to sign out their student, instead of Student Services.
06 News • New to MSD
“A lot of the times when I was being signed out, it was kind of congested when people were walking back and forth between that smaller hallway,” junior Remington Fiore said. “The new desk keeps apart parents and students which adds a level of security.” The new desk not only caused a change in decor, but also the addition of a new staff member. MSD has appointed a new clerical employee, Ophelia Almonte, to aid in the most current functional layout of the office. “Some of the students made some suggestions, and we thought it would be a good idea to have two people work up front,” Assistant Principal Winfred Porter said. “One person would work the
approved designs onto their bumpers. “There is meaning behind my design,” Senior Ryan Irwin said. “First the colors are the colors of MSD. Also, I painted two soccer balls on it because soccer is my favorite sport. I wrote my positions and jersey number on it.” There is a variety of artwork within the designated area; some spots are designed with deep meaning behind them. Others are designed just for fun, while others sport whimsical patterns. One of the the most unique spots was Blake Leon’s, which has the phrase “If you’re reading this I’m late,” as inspired by Drake’s 2015 album, “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.” “It’s nice having a customized spot,” Irwin said. “I don’t feel like I have to get to school early to get a good parking spot like I had to in the junior lot last year.” This endeavor helped pave the way for seniors to claim a part of the school as their own and created a new tradition. The artwork created by fellow students represents the talent and creative diversity of individual students at the school. Story by Anna Dittman
New furniture added to the office limits campus traffic; ensures student privacy
switchboard and sign parents in so that helps ensure the confidentiality of our they can wait here for their kids to sign students,” Principal Ty Thompson said. in and out. No parents really need to be in Story by Taylor Morrison Student Services.” The previous layout of the office allowed parents to linger in Student Services, where many personal student security matters are handled. The new set up is designed to prevent parents from witnessing any events that could evoke feelings of discomfort or lack of safety, as well as to prevent them from overhearing any confidential student information. “We didn’t want parents to go back into the Student Services area because there are things going on in the back that New desk in the front office to prevent clutter in we don’t necessarily want to advertise, student services. Photo by Gillian Marton and so not having parents back there
Design by Lily Skopp
Preventative Measures
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ccording to ABC Local 10 News, a federal survey given in the state of Florida in 2013 found that suicide is the third leading cause of death in teens; of these deaths, Broward County has the highest number of teen suicides in the state. Statistics from the Florida Suicide Prevention Coalition and Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health show suicide rates are on the rise both globally and locally, and are still one of the leading causes of death for youths. Marjory Stoneman Douglas has faced four suicides in the past five years-- and this does not include attempts that may remain unreported each year. To prevent further tragedy at MSD, various resources have been provided in recent months. Principal Ty Thompson is working with the district to increase dialogue between parents, students and teachers regarding suicide warning signs and prevention. District employee and Severe Emotional Disturbance Network (SEDNET) Coordinator Charlene Grecsek is assigned to facilitate trainings at MSD to help accomplish this goal. “Part of my job is to bring awareness to communities, families and schools related to suicides, and what we can do to be more proactive to prevent it,” Grecsek said. According to Grecsek, MSD administration has taken an increasingly proactive role in the process. The first step involved educating teachers on two seperate days during their planning periods. The Oct. 18 presentation covered suidide statistics, and on Oct. 24, Grecsek discussed identifying and helping students at risk. The response from teachers was generally positive, with a consensus that any conversation regarding suicide prevention is welcome. However, at times, some teachers found the information redundant.
“I think initially it was effective because it brought to light some statistics people don’t realize or understand,” English teacher Laurie Edgar said. “But I think with the losses we have had as a school, teachers [at the training] really felt like ‘we know this.’ I just hope that some of the teachers heard how even the smallest attention to changes in students can be life changing, and to never underestimate the important role they can play in saving someone’s life.” This sentiment was echoed by additional teachers who were irked with the idea of losing planning periods, but still felt that giving up two 50-minute planning periods was worth it, if it could potentially prevent a student from taking his or her life. “I want [the training] to occur again, but I just want it at the beginning of school because we are already a quarter in,” TV production teacher Eric Garner said. “It had the right intent- that we open our eyes to this issue- its atypical to have as many [suicides] as we have had the past few years, so it’s obvious we need to talk about it. Some dialogue needs to start-- so if this is it, some dialogue is not a bad thing.” The idea of dialogue as a way to increase awareness of this issue was echoed at the the parental information session held on Oct. 24 at 6:00 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. Grecsek spoke for a little over 15 minutes. After, a panel of suicide experts from organizations like The Humanity Project and Henderson Behavioral Health opened the floor to questions from parents. Only around 20 parents attended. However, Grecsek noted that while the audience was small, even “small things can make the biggest difference.” “She had a lot of good points and spoke about of a lot of different things I’ve never heard of–like reasons why kids commit suicide and what programs are out there to help them,” Judy Marrich,
The Silent Killer
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owdays it can seem like every time one watches the news or scrolls through the Twitterverse, one encounters terrible news: murders, mass shootings and police shootings. As these events repeat themselves, people become desensitized and begin repeating the same ritual: initial shock and outrage, followed by a push for either gun restrictions or better mental health that ends without resolution. While these events have taken over the headlines, a silent killer has been quietly increasing its pace: suicide. According to the Center for Disease Control, there were 42,773 deaths by suicide in the United States during 2014, over double the number of deaths from homicide, making it the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S–as compared to homicide, which is ranked 17th. Since 2000, suicide rates have increased from 10.4 suicides per 100,000 to 12.1 in 2014; in other words, about 105 Americans are killing themselves each day. To most, these statistics come as a
shock, since it feels like homicides happen all the time. On almost any local news broadcast, there is bound to be a piece about someone who was killed earlier in the day. With so many Americans dying from suicide daily, one must wonder why it is not constantly on the news; therein lies the tricky part about suicides. When suicides are reported in the news, it often causes a small spike in the suicide rate due to people who commit copy-cat suicides. Some famous examples include Marilyn Monroe and Ernest Hemingway. The problem of copy-cat suicides often leads to the media avoiding suicide coverage for the fear of encouraging more. Therefore, many people don’t understand how big an issue suicide really is, since suicides are not covered on the news very often. This lack of attention leads to a lack of conversation and education on how to prevent suicides in the future. Recently, the student population of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School has been affected by the untimely passing
Administration provides suicide prevention training
whose daughter is a senior at MSD, said. “As a mom, this is something that is important for me to know.” But, while Grecsek worked directly with parents and teachers, peer counselors were given the role of student education. Peer counselors are trained in a four-week program by district employee Kim Kelleher, where together they create a project on Compassionate Counseling. SEDNET Coordinator Charlene Gracsek speaks to parents about suicide prevention at a parent suicide statistics and informational session on Oct. 24. Photo by Lily Skopp prevention. Once the rely though the grapevine to help get the project is completed, message to get out to the students. So, one peer counseling students present their thing I’m working with Coach Rubenstein projects to students in various classes. In the past, the projects were presented is to figure out what section of the school we want to target as far as subject areas, to in the latter half of the school year; get as many students as we can informed.” but, to take a proactive approach, Peer But, peer counselors are not the only Counseling teacher Lauren Rubenstein in her inaugural year with the program, resource available to struggling students. Thompson pointed to the school’s pushed to have the presentations guidance team, social worker, who is on available starting in November. campus five days a week, or any adult as “They put together a presentation and practice and work on it, so they can outlets for those with suicidal thoughts. Additonally, the county provides a 211 properly educate teens on the warning hotline where students can speak to signs that they may be experiencing professionals anonymously. or someone they know may be “We want to make sure students experiencing, and know where they can know where to go before they make any look for help and know the importance of getting help immediately,” Rubenstein impulsive decisions,” Assistant Principal said. “In the presentations we go over the Winifred Porter said. “We want to make resources provided in the school, myself sure that every student knows they are valued and that they feel safe at school, being one of them.” Project presentation is contingent on they feel safe at home and that suicide is not an option. It’s not something a student teacher support. Peer counselors only should resort to, no matter how bad their visit classrooms where teachers have specifically requested the presentations. situation may be.” While only time can tell how effective However, Thompson plans to expand the these measures will be, it is clear that with project to increase impact. “There’s really not an easy way to get proactivity and a multi-tiered approach, the MSD faculty has at least created a to every student,” Thompson said. “So, conversation regarding a pressing school we are going to do whatever we can to get to as many as possible, and hopefully issue. Story by Lily Skopp
To prevent future tragedy, MSD needs open discussion about suicide
of an incoming junior at MSD. The death marks the fourth suicide at Stoneman Douglas in five years, making the suicide rate at the school a whopping estimated 32.2 deaths per 100,000 people. This statistic, while saddening, alludes to something called the suicide paradox. The suicide paradox is that as quality of life increases, so does the rate of suicide. When the quality of life is poor, people tend to know why they are miserable, whether it’s due to a lack of food or money, absence of opportunities, etc. However, when the quality of life is high and someone is depressed, the answer as to why becomes more elusive–everyone else around them is happy so why can’t they be too? Blaming the misery on an external cause fades away as the quality of life becomes better, thus causing that person to turn inward and blame the misery on themselves, believing that something is wrong with them and that they will remain miserable for the rest of their lives. This paradox could explain why MSD,
which has an average family income of almost one and a half times the national average, has a suicide rate that is over two and a half times the national suicide rate. While these statistics may be shocking, one must keep in mind that, according to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death in those from ages 10 to 34, right after accidental fatalities. The only way to stop this trend and prevent this from happening is to communicate and educate students on this issue. There needs to be an open discussion about why people commit suicide and about the warning signs that show when someone is considering suicide. By opening a discussion about this, as a community, all persons can better understand how to identify those at risk and get them the proper care and attention they need. If this issue is not confronted with honest and frank discussion, the community at MSD risks suffering through another loss that, in reality, could have been easily prevented. Editorial by Robert Schentrup
News • Suicide Prevention 07
Mosquito Mayhem A
Broward County employs multiple methods to combat Zika threat
ccording to the Miami Herald, as of Oct. 16, Florida has confirmed 993 cases of the Zika virus this year, including 165 mosquitoborne cases. Infections of Broward County citizens make up 167 of these cases, with one transmitted locally from Aedes aegypti mosquitos found north of downtown Miami. There have been no reported mosquitoes carrying Zika in Broward itself, but the threat of Zika is now quantified. To combat these threats, various precautions have been employed in Broward County, including the Parkland and Coral Springs communities. In Miami municipalities- according to CNN- the aerial spraying occurred during the month of September, though it will continue and likely expand in the weeks to come. The primary insecticide sprayed, Dibrom, contains high doses of the chemical Naled. With fine droplets produced by the insecticide aimed to stay airborne, this chemical kills mosquitoes on contact. However, the use of insecticide containing Naled has caused major controversy; while Naled does not pose a risk to humans or pets when sprayed in low concentrations, it has dangerous implications for other small insects and aquatic animal populations, specifically those of honeybees and additional pollinators. “One spraying is not going to be a major issue to human health,” Environmental Science teacher Tammy Orilio said. “I personally would not want to be outside. But, if I went outside a couple hours after spraying, I would not be concerned because my immune system is not compromised in any way. Ecologically, though, it’s bad for the environment. It does not have one specific target species, so it’s wiping out many- if not all- of the insects in the area that it is being sprayed in. There have been significant issues with Naled spraying and bee populations.” Weighing knowledge of the negative effects of Naled on the environment with the known success of the insecticide, members of Broward County’s Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division, the department handling the countywide Zika prevention effort, ultimately decided the tradeoffs were not worth the risk. Thus, the mosquito larvicide VectoBac WDG was chosen in place of Naled. Broward County officials are afforded the opportunity to turn their attention to mosquito larvae rather than adult mosquitoes, as there is no need to spray adults if they are not present in the environment. “We chose to treat the larvae, so Naled would not be effective,” Laurie Sheppard, the Public Communications Specialist for Broward County Mosquito Control (the division carrying out the spraying of the larvicide) said. “If you get them before they hatch, you don’t have to kill adult mosquitoes. With the environmental concerns surrounding Naled, you don’t use it if you don’t have to. The county did a lot of research, and [VectoBac] was the
08 News • Zika
A mosquito from the genus Aedes, which can carry Zika virus. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Arguedas/EFE via ZUMA Press best product to eliminate larvae. We are aggressively treating larvae and have seen success.” VectoBac, with the active ingredient Bacillus, is a naturally occurring bacteria larvicide as opposed to the synthetic insecticide Naled. The Bacillus attacks solely the mosquito larvae, having no lasting or detrimental impact to humans, pets, bees, other small organisms or environmentally sensitive areas. VectoBac has been certified and reviewed by the Organic Materials Review Institute and the World Health Organization and is noted as a recommended formulation for control of mosquito larvae. Once the district government decided on what larvicide to use, they then had to decide what areas to spray. Covering every single inch of the district is impossible, due to the cost and sheer size of Broward County. Therefore, the areas being sprayed were chosen according to certain criteria and demographics. “We have isolated several different locations according to information from the health department, population density and the number of women of childbearing age, among other things,” Sheppard said. Several Broward locations have been sprayed already. According to releases from the Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division, on September 3 between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m., a plane flew at 100 feet and spread larvicide to areas in Coral Springs, Ft. Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach and Davie. The closest spray area to Marjory Stoneman Douglas included the boundaries of “just south of Royal Palm Blvd to the north, just south of Ramblewood Drive to the South, just west of University Drive to the east, and Coral Springs Drive to the west” according to the report. Other locations such as Dania Beach and Lauderhill were set to be sprayed early October.
According to Sheppard, the cost for spraying these areas varies. Currently, the county is sponsoring all the costs for mosquito control. But, the county is in the process of reclaiming a state grant. The grant will be allocated on a monthly basis with specific directions on how it is to be used. The costs of both of county spraying and the amount of money the state will provide are not known to date, as the spraying process has not been completed. According to Coral Springs Commissioner Larry Vignola, anyone can request for his area to be sprayed, and Broward County Mosquito Control doubled their staff a month ago to comply with these requests. The expansion of the department will add to the cost of fighting the virus. However, with increasing federal government attention to this cause, much of the burden on state and local governments will be alleviated. “I spent months urging my colleagues to view Zika as a public health issue and to get the politics out of it and so we could get the funding necessary to address it,” US Representative Ted Deutch said.“We’ve finally succeeded and there’s now over a billion dollars to be used to come up with vaccines and to deal with it on the ground.” However, there are more ways to prevent Zika infection than just aerial spraying. Officials from Broward County Mosquito Control, local government and entities like the CDC and EPA all encourage individuals to help with the effort to fight Zika carrying mosquitoes by limiting groundwater deposits on their property. Doing this limits breeding grounds for the mosquitoes. “In the city, we are encouraging everyone to check their property every four to five days to limit groundwater. This kind of mosquito can lay their larvae in something the size of a bottle cap,”
Vignola said. “They don’t lay their larvae in canals or places like that, they like to be under cover and in things in smaller areas.” In addition to informing citizens of ways to get involved in the prevention of Zika carrying vectors, Vignola has also encouraged the spraying of local parks and schools. The city additionally is looking to put in mosquito traps at the larger parks. As of Oct. 10, this effort is in progress, and the city is looking at numerous models, which price around $40 per unit. “We asked the county to spray our parks; they did,” Vignola said. “We also asked them to spray our schools because these are daytime biting mosquitoes. A lot of people don’t realize that. I do know for a fact they did spray Coral Glades high school. We have 49 parks in the city. Not all have the capability to run the traps, so we will have to wait and see. It’s something that we really have to monitor as a community. It may seem minor to install traps, and to constantly check groundwater, but it is imperative everyone stays cognizant of the danger the virus poses. The spread of this could have major damaging effects, Vignola said. “We don’t know the long-term effects of the spread of Zika on adults; we know about pregnant women and development of fetuses. That alone could cause a social program nightmare for the county-- and for tourism, which is a big impact. Almost a third of the county’s tax dollars is based on tourism. That’s a serious concern. We know very, very little about [the effects of Zika]. So, until we know more about it, we have to take it as seriously as possible.” For more information on the spraying schedules or on ways to prevent Zika, visit the Broward County website. Story by Lily Skopp.
Design by Gage Collamore
Pinpointing Zika
Travel Associated Cases in the U.S. New York has the largest amount of people with Zika, followed by Florida and California
Locally-Transmitted Cases in the U.S. Florida is the only U.S. State to have access that originated from local mosquitoes
Locally-Transmitted Cases in Florida There are 128 documented locally-transmitted cases of Zika in Florida
Around the World Zika has been reported in 60 different countries, most of these located around Central America
Athletes Bite
Z
ika, a mosquito-born virus, has spread rapidly within the past year, especially throughout the world’s Western Hemisphere. The virus spreads four different ways: through mother to unborn fetus, through sex, through Aedes mosquito species vector and possibly through blood transfusion. Many student athletes have taken precautions to ensure their safety. This includes the swim and dive team. According to Coach Lauren Rubenstein, the practices were moved from afternoon to nighttime, after a concerned parent, believing that the mosquitoes were all more active at that time, volunteered to buy all of the swim team mosquito bracelets. “I am really scared of the possibility of getting Zika, because we swim late, and I always get bitten up by mosquitoes,” senior swimmer Renana Cohen said. “I
Mosquito traps lower the population of vectors by attracting mosquitoes to a contained source of open water. A simple liter bottle can be used
Prevention Removing standing water daily reduces the number of mosquitoes to reproduce. Mosquitoes can reproduce in standing water every 24 to 48 hours
action to handle Zika threats. “[The county] sent memos to us way back when the school year started. They just gave us some basic guidelines to keep the kids safe; mostly we are just looking out for standing ground water, and when we see it we are going to call the county to come out here,” Hixon said. “As of right now, we are pretty much leaving it up to the coaches to make sure that their athletes are spraying up, but a lot of times they don’t really listen.” Despite communication between the county and the school, some coaches and staff members are still in the dark about the threat of Zika. “I think that if there was a big risk, they would have really done something,” Football Coach Willis May said. “But no, they haven’t really told us to do [anything] for the kids and make sure that they’ve been putting on bug spray or anything like
Repellents Repellents are used on bare skin to prevent mosquitoes from biting. Strong repellents prevent mosquitoes for up to eight hours
that. I’m not the athletic director, so the county hasn’t really sent anything to me” Other staff members feel that they are doing all that they can to solve the problem, and they weren’t told to accomplish anything else. “Other than maintenance and keeping the mosquitoes under control, we haven’t been really doing anything else,” Campus Security Monitor Brian Staubly said. “Mostly, the county hasn’t really told us to do anything, because there isn’t much that the security can do about it” Zika has become a troubling, yet important issue that has been addressed on all levels: globally, nationally, regionally and locally. Stoneman Douglas and schools all over Broward County and South Florida, specifically the parents and students within them, have been especially disconcerted by the risks, Story by Rebecca Schneid.
Proper Clothing Clothing that goes past the ankles and long sleeve shirts are the best options to protect bare skin from bites
Preventative Measures
Trapping
don’t think anyone has thought about how Zika affects our swimmers and athletes.” But it is not just the swim team; all outdoor athletics are affected by the threat of the virus. With practice hours ranging from the time school ends to past sundown, a wider variety of students are susceptible to Zika because the mosquitoes carrting the disease are daytime and nightime biters. “When I run on the cross country team, the issues of mosquitoes and Zika have definitely crossed my mind,” sophomore Alyssa Fletcher said. “We start the season during the summer, when there are more mosquitoes, and when there were more cases, I got worried and would put on bug spray and protect myself more.” According to Stoneman Douglas’s Athletic Director Chris Hixon, Broward County officials have briefed the school’s athletic department on the best course of
Broward County employs multiple methods to combat Zika threat
News • Zika 09
Fair Play for Fair Pay
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Teachers organize “work to the contract” after years of stagnant salaries roward County teachers have experienced a loss in wages and other work benefits for the past eight years. The final straw for many Broward educators was when the school board voted to take away $2,600 from high school teachers in June 2016. “We felt like it wasn’t fair that although we got a raise this year, the district took away our $2600 for our extra period,” said English teacher Sarah Lerner, a lead teacher in the ‘Work to the Contract’ event. “So although we got a raise, the district still took away 2.5 percent of our annual salary, and since we can’t strike because we’re a right to work state, we decided to work to our contract hours.” Working to the contract implies that teachers only work during normal school hours, and not before or after school between Sept. 19-30. Teachers came to school at 7:15 a.m. and left at 2:45 p.m., but did not do any extra work like grading at home and staying after school for clubs with unpaid sponsor positions. “I found out about teachers working to the contract because some teachers talked about it and discussed how they couldn’t stay after school to help out,” junior Justin Hing said. Working to the contract has caused a pause in extra help and tutoring before and after school for many students. This has impacted students because it slowed down the grading of assignments and eliminated additional subject help in the mornings and afternoons. “I’m all for it just because it’s not fair that they always work extra hours,” sophomore Lorena Sanabria said. “They grade papers, and they just keep going. Even after getting their salary cut, there’s still some teachers working after school, so I don’t think it’s fair.” English teacher Melissa Falkowski was one of the main organizers of the working to the contract event. “The main goal was to call the community’s attention to our working conditions, and I think the work to the contract has done that. We hope that the school board was paying attention, and that when we start salary negotiations in a couple of weeks that they’ll be more apt to listen,” Falkowski said. Working to the contract has caught the attention of administrators and the community. According to Lerner, the Broward Teachers Union President met with a news crew on Monday, Sept. 19; the Parkland City Commission meeting led by Mayor Michael Udine recognized the teachers’ situations and other schools followed the lead of MSD teachers and participated in working to the contract. “Mayor Udine did put out at the last commission meeting that he wanted to give $25,000 for the Douglas teachers, but it has not been voted on yet and the district has not done anything favorable yet to the teachers as a result of what we have done,” Lerner said. Over the past eight years, veteran teachers should have seen step raises that would raise their base salaries above $72,000, but instead their salaries are still lingering around $50,000, according to teacher accounts and previous salary scales. “Teachers have lost a significant amount of incentives that were readily available like some bonuses that were lost due to the contract changing and a couple thousand
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Labor Leave. French teacher Geemps St. Julien, physics teacher Robert Rosen and chemistry teacher Teresita Chipi join union leaders iin front of the school at 2:45 p.m. on Sept. 19 as part of the “Work to the Contract” event at MSD. Photo by Justin Liba. dollars on top of that,” Assistant Principal Winfred Porter said. Although 87 percent of MSD teachers participated in the event by working within school hours, some teachers have made the decision to not participate. “It’s infuriating that we have to make cuts from paychecks that barely cover daily living expenses. However, I decided not to participate in the work to the contract because I’m already extremely overwhelmed with grades and school work, and I thought participating would slow it down and create a bigger problem for me,” English teacher Patti Thompson said. Broward County teachers hope to bring the case to authorities’ attention, whether it be at the district, state or national level. “Teachers feel strongly about not getting raises and steps they feel they deserve, so they feel like a way to protest this is by working to the rule. I think teachers should be compensated for the work they do,” Porter said. According to a Washington Post article, there has been a 35 percent reduction in the number of students enrolling in teacher preparation programs. On top of that, teachers leaving the profession before retirement age is at a high point. “We need to value the work that teachers do and pay them an amount that reflects the contributions they’re making to our communities,” said Florida Congressman Ted Deutch. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in school, but I can tell you that I still remember which teachers have had a dramatic impact on me, what I did, and how I approach the world, and that kind of impact that teachers have every day is something that we as a community don’t value enough.” With deteriorating benefits to choosing teaching as a profession, people can expect the current shortage of teachers and professors to continue to grow in the near future. Through the “Work to the Contract” event, teachers have made a statement that educators do a lot of extra work that often goes unrecognized and is not reflected in their paycheck. Story by Christy Ma
We felt like it wasn’t fair that although we got a raise this year, the district took away our $2600 for our extra period, so although we got a raise, the district still took away 2.5 percent of our annual salary.
10 News • Work to the Contract
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ESE teacher Kevin Siegelbaum stands with union leaders in front of the school on Sep.19. The event was covered by local news crews. Photo by Justin Liba
September 19-30 What Teachers Did: Continue to provide a quality education to students everyday Grade assignments, organize lessons plans and make copies during the planning period Respond to parent emails and phone calls during the planning period Attend conferences between the hours of 7:15 a.m. and 7:35 a.m.
What Teachers Did Not Do: Grade papers at home, after school hours or on the weekends Stay after school or come to school early Respond to parent emails and phone calls after 2:45 a.m. or before 7:15 a.m. Sponsor clubs after school that are unpaid sponsor positions
Design by Lauren Newman
TeAcher Pay (With One Extra Class) in Broward County Over Time 58,000
$58,000
56,200
Some teachers work 60 to 70 hours a week, but can not afford to buy homes in Broward County, buy braces for their children or send their children to college
$56,500
Most teachers work at part time and summer jobs such as tutoring and working at summer camps to make ends meet
Salary ($)
54,400
The amount of graduates enrolling in teacher preparation programs has been reduced by 35 percent because of the education field’s reputation for providing low salaries
52,600 $51,100
50,800
$49,800
49,000
2007
Reasons For Work to the Contract
2011
Years
2013
2016
Teachers make 20 percent less money than other college graduates
Insightful Interview. A reporter interviews English teacher Melissa Falkowski regarding “Work to the Contract” for WSVN Channel 7 and WFOR Channel 4. Photo by Justin Liba
Teachers want respect as experts in their fields, better working conditions, fair compensation and a voice in district, state or national school decisions
News • Work to the Contract 11
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T
Dealing with Grief
Grief affects students at MSD
he news registers slowly, and then all at once. “I’m sorry to tell you this, but _____ has passed away.” Whether it be from a doctor, a guidance counselor, a family member, a friend or even a police officer, the words strike just the same and with equal, unrivaled magnitude. Death is an inevitability. We are born with the comprehensive understanding that we will only live for so long, and when that moment is reached, we will predictably pass away. The only certain thing in life is that one day, it will end, yet when death rears its ugly head, its appearance generates surprise just the same. When someone close to you passes away, no one hands you an elaborate five-step guide on how to grieve. Grief is unique to everyone who experiences it, and everyone has their grief manifest itself through different outlets. For some, expression may come through music, while for others, it may be through spiritual signs or looking at old photographs. While looking back on times once had can undeniably be comforting, it does not mask the everlasting feeling of loss. Junior Lexi Heller lost her mother on Oct. 7, 2014. “Dealing with a death is so difficult, but after awhile it eventually gets better with the support from your friends and family,” junior Lexi Heller said. “Talking to them definitely helped me to cope with the situation. If I didn’t have any support through that time, I would be a completely different person today.” Heller recently marked the two-year anniversary of her mother’s passing, but this past year, she and her family spent more time honoring the memory of her mother. “We decided to spend more time celebrating her
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for her.” According to OMEGA’s Journal of Death and Dying, 1 in 5 children will experience the death of someone close to them by the time they turn 18. One in 5 children will be faced with the mayhem of funerals, consoling faces and the barrage of “I’m sorry for your loss” texts that come with the loss of a loved one. The tragedy of death doesn’t discriminate. Life does as it does. No good or bad individual is subject to the loss of a loved one as punishment, and it’s only when death’s unpredictability and inevitability is fully understood that one can begin to accept it. Any one of us could be gone tomorrow in the blink of an eye, and we have absolutely no power over that whatsoever. Death comes to us all, whether it be in 6 months or in 60 years, but it’s not when it happens that matters most, but rather what we choose to do with the time that we’re given that truly counts. Death shakes us, but life prevails. Make every day worth living, and live a full life for those who no longer can-because time is precious, and you can never get that time back. she passed away, I was definitely depressed that I According to a tombstone epitaph, “It isn’t had lost my eternal mentor, but somewhat happy the date on either end that counts, but how they and relieved that she no longer had to suffer.” used their dash, for that dash between the dates Weissman found an alternative outlet to help represents all the time they spent alive on Earth, and him deal with the passing of his mother. “During our shiva week-or week-long mourning now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.” period- every significant person in my life spent Death is not a block in the road; it’s not intended time with me and consoled me at the beginning of my struggle,” Weissman said. “That Saturday, while to halt the life of another, or to doom those dealing with it to a life of unhappiness and incessant we were still in shiva, though, I decided to break mourning. It merely serves as an obstacle that must religion and attend the last regional competition be dealt with. While keeping the loved ones we have of the band season at Park Vista High School. In band, I felt very safe and supported knowing I was lost in mind, we must move on because though their lives are lost, time is not. Dealing with death is hard, with my second family. I knew that that was what and there’s no magic trick to make it any easier. The my mother wanted me to do, and that she loved most important thing is to keep on living because it’s every second of our show, because we won grand exactly what your loved one would have wanted you champions at our competition. I kept her close to my heart and played every note at the competition to do. Story by Alexa Kravitz life as opposed to mourning her death,” Heller said. “We didn’t focus as much on the negative things. We knew that staying positive was what she would have wanted us to do.” Senior Michael Weissman’s mother spent four years battling breast cancer before she devastatingly lost the battle on Nov. 4, 2015. “It was mentally challenging to see my mother decline to such an extent,” Weissman said. “I saw her in hospice, bedridden, having a nurse at home every day, gradually eating and speaking less and bound to a wheelchair and an oxygen tank. When
Dealing with death is hard, and there’s no magic trick to make it any easier. The most important thing is to keep on living because it’s exactly what your loved one would have wanted you to do.
14 Features • Grief
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Design by Alexa Kravitz
Photo by Kyra Parrow
Remembering Kaitlyn School mourns the loss of junior Kaitlyn Critelli
M
arjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Kaitlyn Critelli passed on Wednesday, Aug. 3 in Coral Springs. She is remembered by her loving family and friends. “She always taught me to think positively,” junior Cassidy Herz said. “She inspired me to look at the good sides of things, rather than the bad in every situation.” Critelli touched the lives of many with her uplifting personality and contagious
smile. Her friends describe her smile as her best feature, and one that brightened up the lives of so many around her. “She always took me out of my comfort zone and made me do things I wouldn’t do. She always made me smile and just feel happy at all times,” junior Julia Friedman said. According to her friends, Critelli was an excellent student. She was an avid participant in the DECA program, and hoped to attend Florida State University for college. Critelli dreamed attending
FSU because she was a fan of their football team and because she wished to follow in the academic footsteps of her siblings who attended the university. “She inspired me to live every day like it’s my last, and to never take anything for granted,” Friedman said. “You never know what will happen the following day.” Critelli was honored by a memorial service on Tuesday, Aug. 9 at Church by the Glades. Her memory remains in the hearts of all of those she met, and her legacy will last a lifetime. Story by Carly Novell
Features • Grief 15
Design by Jacob Brown
16 Features • Grief
Design by Robert Schentrup & Isabella Cohen
Grieving out l Social media redefines how people grieve online
ud
PC Police Strike Again
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Sharing feelings of grief online is healthy
ecntly, people have come under fire online for what others are calling “grief hogging,” or using someone’s death to promote themselves and their opinion under the guise of respect for the deceased. While this can be an issue, too often it is used as a reason to exclude people from celebrating the life of someone recently deceased. Through the recent advent of social media such as Twitter and Facebook, people are more connected now than ever. This connection has lead to a shift in how people mourn and deal with grief. Once a private event, now grieving has spilled onto social media, allowing for those not connected to the deceased to mourn their loss. The issue of grief hogging arises because people who may only tangentially know the deceased will use the death as a platform to call attention to and promote themselves instead of respecting that loss. This selfish act of self-aggrandizement sometimes takes away from the consolation that comes out of these situations. However, grief is a common emotion we all sometimes must experience, and it is important that we respect and allow others to process grief, however they see fit. Instead of telling others that they are mourning a loss the “wrong” way, we have to remember that everyone copes differently. In the arena of social media, where we so often talk about ourselves, grief and loss flip this norm on its head. “Focus shifts from a desire for endorsement to a desire for support,” explained Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, a professor of business psychology at the University of London. “Tragedy invites us to lay aside the ‘I’ of social media and
instead embrace the ‘we.’” The transition feels strange and awkward to most because it brings our own weakness into the forefront of our minds. The visible expression of this vulnerability and outpouring of sympathy can be unsettling in an environment that is so often filled with vitriolic trash and microaggression. In the recent, tragic death of Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, thousands took to social media to express their condolences to his girlfriend and family. The support and outpouring of love by fans online was truly heartwarming to see, especially with the shocking nature of his death. Many of those who showed their support for the family online did not know the deceased personally- a popular critique among critics- but Professor Garry Hare, program director for media psychology at Fielding Graduate University, argues “fomenting the grieving process…it sets it within the context of a community that comes together and says you are not alone. And that helps.” Right now we are in the midst of an evolution in the way in which we process and deal with grief, increasingly putting our vulnerability out for the whole world to see. The trends and rituals we establish now will determine how this issue is dealt with in the future. Through these stories those who have passed can live on in memories and tributes online, reminding us the legacy they left behind. Editorial by Robert Schentrup
Illustration by Sam Getz
feelings of grief online is disrespectful Social Media Memorial Sharing
W
ith today’s use of social media, grieving has transformed from a private act into a public performance. People rush to Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets when any event occurs–from a bad breakup to passing a test or even a death. Most of us have seen plenty of “RIP” posts while scrolling through our social media feeds. Whether it be for a close loved one or someone we have seen or heard about, many of us have experienced death, since it is an undeniable fate which we will all have to experience at some point in our lives. It is still unclear as to what the socially accepted standards are to be posted on these networks. How do
socially accepted standards relate to death and how people grieve? When people die, the fallout is felt far past the ones who were close to the deceased. Before social media, when someone died, expressions of love and empathy were conveyed in the form of in-person visits to show respect. Today however, with the use of social media, while those generosities still take place, a unique approach to expressing sorrow occurs in the form of an Instagram photo, Facebook tribute, or even in a concise tweet. But is this socially acceptable, especially if you were not close with them? If you do not feel comfortable personally contacting the bereaved to send your condolences, publicly eulogizing someone on social media
if you were not close with them is not something you should do. The death of someone is not the latest gossip circling around Twitter. It is not the next headline. It is understandable to be upset, as death can be felt by a whole community. However, the amount of favorites you get on your tweet or making people think you are grieving is not an important matter during times of tradegy. By posting your expressions of grief on social media, you in turn make the situation more about yourself than the person who died. It is self promotion at the expense of someone who passed away. While you might feel as if you need to post about it, think about the family and loved ones of the deceased- the people who will be grieving longer than the 24
hours that your post will be seen for. Not only does publicly posting your grievances equate to self promotion, it also takes the meaning of death away and turns it into a social occurrence. A person’s passing is more than just a 140 character tweet, and it can be considered insensitive to those who were close to the deceased to post about them as if you were close. While it is understandable that everyone grieves in their own way and it can be beautiful to see how many people cared about someone with the amount of photos or tweets posted after their death, it creates avoidable and unneeded stress for the bereaved. You can still have empathy and not publicly display your emotions on the issue. Editoral by Isabella Cohen.
Editorials • Grieving on Social Media 17
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Concert Rap Up
Photo by Devyn Joseph
Photo by Devyn Joseph
Photo by Devyn Joseph
Photo by Alexa Kravitz Twitter Poll
What do you think the best concert of the summer was?
Photo by Devyn Joseph
46+T 30+T 19+T 5+T 46 %
30 %
Drake & Future
Kanye West
19 %
Chance the Rapper
5%
Popular rappers perform in South Florida throughout summer
I
t may have seemed that “all summer 2016” was consumed with rap concerts from some of the biggest performers in the business. Throughout the summer, many of hip hop’s most successful artists went on world tours, with some shows in the United States even stemming through early Fall. Kicking off the plethora of artists who held eccentric performances in the South Florida area was a collaboration between rappers Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dogg. The show consisted of both rappers transitioning back and forth between their setlists, and a comedic cartoon video depicting their lives on tour. Soon after, Drake and Future’s highly anticipated Summer Sixteen Tour launched nationwide with a completely new energy, sufficiently differenciating from what both of the rappers’ tours had normally consisted of in the past. A new setlist, light system, video backdrop and guest performers provided an exciting new twist for audiences. “Drake and Future are two dynamic artists, and having a show with both of them together on one stage just made the concert memorable as one of the best rap concerts of the summer, ” junior Devon Wiesenfeld said. One guest performer who brought a lot of media attention to the successful tour was pop star Rihanna, who was rumored to be in relationship with Drake this summer. At the show in Miami, the pair performed their hit single “Work” together and left fans in shock when Rihanna kissed Drake before exiting the stage. Although the Summer Sixteen Tour received a lot of buzz, no concert was as acclaimed throughout social media as Kanye West’s Life of Pablo tour. With phenomenal shifts through his most recent album, “The Life of Pablo,” to his first singles placing a sense of nostalgia on older fans, West definitely pumped up the crowd at the start of his show. West is known for original and authentic stage designs based on past tours, and this year was no different as he performed on a single elevated platform above the entire crowd on the ground floor with flashing red and orange lights shining down. “His moving stage was definitely one of the best parts of the entire concert; it made it seem almost interactive,” senior Raychel Edelsberg said. “He would sing while moving on this huge platform, and watching all of the fans below him in the pit moving along with him completely enhanced the experience and made seeing him live that much better.” According to Complex News, West wanted to take the typical concert experience and place it on an entirely different level so his fans could attend with hopes of just having a good time with their friends. “The tour was honestly what you would expect from Kanye: occasional ranting, unexpected song transitions and boisterous energy,” senior Joey Wong said. “His entrance and exit was extraordinary; you would have never seen anyone else perform an entire show on an elevated platform. It was probably the best concert I have ever been to.” Although West’s concert was the last big rap concert of the summer, music fans eagerly awaited for the tour of his occasional co-writer and comrade, Chance the Rapper. After coming this same time last year, Chance once again returned to Miami in the start of October for an even bigger and better show, especially since he has gained more fame, expanded his fan base and released his first Grammy-nominated album. Chance’s show was filled with a surplus of vibrant lights, dancing puppets and his best hits over the years as he brought an eccentric and up-beat performance for the crowd to dance and sing along to. However on his first night, a fan ran onto the stage and grabbed the rapper, forcing him to exit the stage in the middle of a song. Eventually, Chance returned and finished the night with an uplifting and positive set as he stated he didn’t want to “ruin the night.” From Drake to Kanye to Snoop Dogg, these rappers’ summer tours have been acclaimed to be some of their overall best performances with buzzworthy moments and good remixes, including both old and new songs from various albums. From tour to tour, rappers have been leaving fans ecstatic from their fun and upbeat environments and pining for more. Story by Makayla Manning
Snoop Dogg & Wiz
Arts & Leisure• Summer Concert Review 19
Design by Jacob Brown & Emma Dowd
On the Defense. Wide-reciever Matthew Cabey (6) joins the starting lineup during the Sept. 7 home game against Piper High School. The team lost 7-16. Photo by Emma Dowd
The LeBron Law Athletes in Florida “play the field” with new Florida House Bill 7029
“free agency” law, was passed on April 14, 2016. It took Governor Rick Scott about five months to sign and approve the 160page education reform bill after it was filed. tudent athletes are about to get The law allows students to go to a glimpse of what it is like to be a free agent in a professional sport. schools outside of their high school boundaries and to essentially pick their Each new sports season will now give students an opportunity to switch to team and school regardless of location. Students would be instantly eligible to whatever high school they please. play upon transfer. The law not only In 2010, LeBron James chose to leave applies to those in public schools, but the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami also home-schooled students and those Heat, which created a superteam in attending virtual school. Miami. After two championships, James’ There are guidelines or eligibility contract was up and he chose to leave issues that athletes will need to adhere to. Miami, returning back to his home state An athlete cannot be facing any kind of of Ohio to play for the Cavaliers. When LeBron James saw an opportunity to win, penalty, such as expulsion or suspension; the school of choice has to have room and he left his current team to go where he was presented the best chance at winning. resources for the student and the student can’t sit out or red-shirt their first season. Similar possibilities apply to Florida A student is also not allowed to student athletes, with the passage of Florida House Bill 7029. Students can pick transfer to a different school to play a sport in the same season unless certain and choose whatever school team they want to play on for the upcoming season. circumstances occur, such as having to move due to a parent on active duty in the House Bill 7029, also known as the
S
military or a change in foster homes. Essentially, a student can play football at one school in the fall, hockey at a second school in the winter and play baseball at a third school in the spring. As long as a student does not switch schools to play the same sport in the same season, the possibilities are endless. Florida is one of the most recent states to add the new law for high school. Colorado has had a similar law in effect for high school students for over a decade. The Florida law clearly states that athletes may go to other schools, but schools cannot recruit or offer athletes acceptances into the athletic programs. The Florida High School Athletic Association considers recruitment “an act of gross unsportsmanlike conduct that is expressly forbidden.” Penalties for recruiting follow a three strikes you’re out format. The First offense carries a $5,000 fine. Second offense is a suspension without pay from coaching and extracurricular activities. The third offense results in an additional
$5,000 fine and the potential for the coach’s teaching license to be revoked. Cross Country runner Alyssa Humphryes supports the law. “I think it’s cool, if you’re so passionate about athletics. It’s always better to be in a more competitive program where they feel they fit best,” Humphryes said. Although some athletes may be open to the idea of free agency, some coaches are quite opposed to the idea MSD basketball alumni and current men’s basketball coach Orlando McCrovey disagrees with the law. “I hate the law; it’s ruining sports, especially in schools like Douglas. Taking away key players makes teams less competitive,” McCrovey said. Varsity football coach Willis May thinks the law will poorly impact Douglas. “It is not gonna affect us as badly as other schools, due to us having so many kids. We have no room, but playing teams with new kids is just unfair.” May said Story by Jacob Brown and Emma Dowd
What do you think about people leaving their school program for a team that they think is better? Having school pride is important. “ That is your team, so I personally
would never think of doing that, you can’t just leave when it starts going bad. It is all about school spirit and pride- you have to be proud to represent your school.
”
Aly Sheehy ( Varsity Softball) 20 Sports • Play Anywhere Act
why someone would “ I understand want to do it, maybe there’s a
school with a bettter program or they have something to offer you that you want. I personally would never do it, but I get that everybody wants to be the best at what they do.
”
Robert Mandachescu (JV Football)
Design by Jacob Brown and Emma Dowd
Lights On MSD
Ring Chase. Members and coaches of the baseball team proudly displays their championship tings, presented to them during the halftime show of the Homecoming game. Photo by Liam Hutton
School begins social media campaign to help raise $600,000 for softball and baseball lights
A
fter the Marjory Stoneman Douglas baseball team’s success last year with the team becoming 9A State Champions and National Champions, administration decided that both the baseball and softball teams should be able to play their games under nighttime lights. For that reason, Principal Ty Thompson started the fundraising campaign “Lights on MSD” in order to raise money for this endeavor. “We met with Mr. [Jeff] Morford, whose over at athletics, and we’ve been talking about improvements for the last few years and one of the few things we’ve talked about was lights, and this was even before last year’s success,” said Thompson. “We were asking ourselves how can we raise enough money, so really over the summer and most of last year we were talking about campaign ideas.” Thompson has challenged all MSD alumni to donate a dollar for every year since they graduated from the school. The goal for the campaign is to reach $600,000. As of Wednesday, Oct. 19, the campaign raised around $2,000. This is the first time Thompson has done such a big fundraiser. If they are
able to reach the goal, the lights will be installed and will be capable of running by themselves after school hours. This way, the softball and baseball teams will be able to play night games. Other teams that regularly play MSD have lights, like Coral Springs High School. “Lights on MSD is basically to generate funds to pay and get lights installed and operate after school hours on baseball softball fields. We don’t have any lights. Since we can’t do night games, it forces games in early afternoons. Now we won’t have to worry about playing in the dark,” said Ashley Kurth, one of the JV softball coaches. Alumni, students, parents, teachers and community members can make donations on the school website through the the online payments banner. The lowest donation price is $5 and goes all the way up to $1,000. Administration is brainstorming additional fundraising ideas, including the possibility of auctioning off a Corvertte. There is no time table in when the fundraiser will be reached. Thompson did not specify a date that the fundraising will end. Story by Jacob Brown
Field of Dreams. The baseball field sits empty during the school day. Only daytime games can be played until lights are installed. Photo by Liam Hutton Lights On. The lights on the football field are similar to the ones that would be installed for the baseball and softball fields. Photo by Liam Hutton
Sports • Lights on MSD 21
Design by Lauren Newman
GAME OVER
Fall sports seasons come to a close
WOmen’s Volleyball
Varsity & JV Football
“
Varsity Regular Season: 3-4 District Games: 1-2 Playoffs: Districts: Did Not Qualify JV Regular Season: 4-2 Districts: 2-1
Missing the playoffs this year has been hard on us, especially with the expectations we had. We have great talent, but by the time next season starts, we’ll need to be hungry, if we’re serious about winning.
Head Coach Willis May
”
“
We worked hard all year to make it here, and I feel confident that we’ll play to our full potential in the playoffs. No matter what, I’m proud of how we’ve grown together.
Starting Setter Brooke Lohuis (4)
Regular Season: 1st Place: No placements 2nd Place: 1 Placements 3rd Place: 2 Placements Lower: 2 Placements Playoffs: Districts: 4th Place Regionals: Oct. 27-29 States: Nov. 5
Our team has put in so much work this whole year in order to get to where we are at. We’ve been this successful due to our perseverance, determination and great chemistry.
“
”
Co-Captain Karel Klos
Co-Captain Emilia Thom
Men’s Swim & Dive
Women’s Swim & Dive
Regular Season: 7-2 District Meets: 4-1 Playoffs: Districts: 2nd Place, 12 Individuals Advance Regionals: Oct. 28 States: Nov. 5
Overall, it’s been quite a season, and getting to watch the team grow as a senior is amazing. We’re well-prepared for the postseason. It hasn’t hit me yet that this is my last year; I’m going to miss it.
Co-Captain Joey Wong
“
Regular Season: 1st Place: 4 Placements 2nd Place: No Placements 3rd Place: 1 Placement Lower: No Placements Playoffs: Districts: 1st Place Regionals: Oct. 27-29 States: Nov. 5
Despite our current success, it didn’t look like we were in a position to win Districts at the start of the year, but, by now, it’s clear that our training has paid off and that our winning tradition continues.
”
“
”
Women’s Cross Country
Men’s Cross Country
“
Varsity Regular Season: 13-8 District Meets: 11-3 Playoffs: Districts: Won Finals Regionals: Oct. 26 States: Nov. 5
”
“
Regular Season: 6-3 District Meets: 3-2 Playoffs: Districts: 3rd Place, 10 Individuals Advance Regionals: Oct. 28 States: Nov. 5
We performed well as a team this year, but each of us has improved individually, too. All of us shaved seconds off of our personal records, and we feel better than ever going into this postseason.
”
Co-Captain Charlene Forti
Men’s Golf
Women’s Golf
Regular Season: 10-0 Playoffs: Districts: 7-2 Regionals: Lost States: Did Not Qualify
Regular Season: 6-1-1 Playoffs: Districts: 1st Place Regionals: 1st Place States: 6th Place
We had a very strong season. It’s the first time in my four years on the team that we’ve gone undefeated. We feel good about getting through Regionals, and with the way we’re playing, I know that we’ll do great.
Senior Blake Leon
22 Sports • Fall Sports Wrap-up
”
“
It really has been a great year for us. We clicked as a team early on and bonded with each other very quickly. I’m so proud of how every single one of my teammates has performed. We’ve really shown out.
Captain Amanda Okulanis
”
Reporting by Amit Dadon
Storming the Field. At the Homecoming game on Sept. 16, fullback Robby Rodriguez (20) and wide reciever Trent Baldeo (3) run onto the field at the beginning of the game. The Eagles lost to Dillard 8-22. Photo by Liam Hutton
Sports • Fall Season Wrap-up 23
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VIVA Las Vegas
MSD holds Homecoming Dance at Harbor Beach Marriott on Sept. 17
M
arjory Stoneman Douglas High School brought all the fun of Las Vegas to Florida at the annual Homecoming Dance on Saturday night, Sept. 17 at the Harbor Beach Marriott in Fort
Lauderdale. Homecoming Princes and Princesses were crowned for each grade the night before at the Homecoming Game. Homecoming Queen Madison Locke took home the tiara and sash with excitement while Homecoming King David Landess celebrated his victory as well. “David has been my best friend since the eighth grade,” Locke said. “We were hoping to win together because we wanted to do something memorable for our senior year.” Landess and Locke said that they enjoyed the slow dance together, and viewed it as more of a hilarious moment rather than a romantic one. They were glad that they both won as friends, and were thankful that they didn’t have to dance with a complete stranger. “I felt relieved,” Landess said. “It gave me something to be proud of other than just my GPA or class ranking. My victory is now something that resembles who I am as a person, a person that people chose to vote for to represent the senior class.” Landess added that the sense of pride that he felt raised his confidence and allowed him to fulfill the personality of a true king. Students from each grade attended the dance this year. About 1,000 student attended the dance. Junior Jennifer Naile felt that she had the most fun this year because her close friends, rather than just former classmates, surrounded her. “I’ve been to Homecoming every year since I was a freshman, and this was by far the best,” Naile said. “As soon as I heard my favorite song, I took my heels off and rushed to dance with my friends. It was a night I’ll never forget.” Senior Christopher Prosperi had never been to Homecoming before this year. He enjoyed it and described it as one of the most exciting moments of high school. “The music was amazing. I loved the mixture of Hispanic and hip hop,” Prosperi said. “The atmosphere of the event was great.” Story by Amy Scarlata and Sophia Cozzolino Taking The Throne. Seniors David Landess and Madison Locke pose for a picture seconds after being crowned Homecoming King and Queen.
Photo by Amy Scarlata
MONDAY
Doughnut Miss the Doughnut. Senior Greg Stabile and junior Angelique Meneses challenge junior Khala Gaves to a doughnut eating contest. “Monday’s Spirit Week theme was super wacky,” Meneses said. “Everyone showed their school spirit and dressed in the wackiest outfits possible.” Photo by Anna Dittman
26 Features • Homecoming
TUESDAY
Best Pair Overall. Junior Delaney Tarr and senior Sarah Teplicki admire how similar they look in their festive twin day attire. “Everyone definitely had a very comical reaction towards us,” Tarr said. “We’re already kind of like the same person, but today especially it was like looking in a mirror.” Photo by Amy Scarlata
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
Wax City. Senior Halliston Lake dresses up as the rapper Tyga for Wednesday’s theme: Waxy Wednesday-Dress Like a Celebrity Day. “I chose this idea because my bestfriend has blue hair and reminded me of Kylie Jenner,” Lake said. “I told her she should dress up as Kylie, and I should dress up as Tyga to go along with it.” Photo by Gage Collamore
Masqued in the Past. Inspired by the garments of the Victorian era, Emera Jiminian participates in Throwback Thursday. Jiminian mixed some sci-fi elements into her costume. “This style is genuinely incredibly aesthetically pleasing to my eye, so I tried to re-create that exact look for Spirit Week,” Jiminian said. Photo by Ivanna
Paitan
Design by Amy Scarlata
Dancing Love. Juniors April Brodeur and Ken Rodgers share a laugh together, as they enjoy Homecoming. “Homecoming was amazing. I got to go with my girlfriend who I’ve been dating for a little over a month at the time. We were dancing a lot,” said Rodgers. Photo by Amy Scarlata
Bang Bang into the Room. Senior Ruth Bang dances with her boyfriend, senior Felipe Linares. “I loved sharing my last Homecoming with the people I love. [He] is my best friend and the greatest boyfriend. Having him as my dance partner for the night was such a blessing,” Bang said. Photo by
Amy Scarlata Dancing Love
Bang Bang into the Room Blue Away the Crowd. Senior Christopher Prosperi dances along to the music with seniors Bobby Bolling and Samantha Kelley on the dance floor. Photo by Amy Scarlata
Blue Away the Crowd Capture the Feeling. Freshman Brooke Albern dances with her friends at the Harbor Beach Marriott in Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday, Sept 17. Photo by Amy
Scarlata
Capture the Feeling
FRIDAY
Red, Black and Blue. Students roar, filling the gymnasium with laughter as powderpuff members attempt to dance in sync to a mashup, including songs from then and now. Boys from sophomores (blue), junior (red) and seniors (black) classes all teamed up together for the dance. Photo by Ivanna Paitan
Lunch Family. Seniors Chad McDaniel, Max Miednik and Corey Katz gather to eat lunch in the cafeteria on Friday’s color wars, representing their class color. “I love senior year because everyone comes together and becomes a big family,” Miednik said. ”We realize how much we all mean to each other.” Photo by Amy Scarlata
SATURDAY
March in September. Starting in the Westglades Middle School parking lot, the Homecoming parade ended at the Stoneman Douglas teacher lot. JROTC led the way, marching in uniform and with American flags. Parents and former Douglas students gathered around with cameras in hand. Photo by Liam Hutton
Everybody’s Hands Go Up, and They Stay There. Junior Nico Grados and senior Luciany Capra enjoy their night at the Homecoming dance. The dance floor was crowded with adrenaline-filled bodies from start to finish. Photo
by Amy Scarlata
Features • Homecoming 27
Reporting and Design by Jordan Fisher and Ryan Lofurno
ELECTION QUICK GUIDE Hillary Clinton Donald Trump VS If you could pick anyone to be president who would it be? I would want Bill Nye the “Science Guy because he is smart and has a nice intro. ” Genevieve Martin, 10
Photo by Lily Skopp
Photo Courtesy of David T. Foster III/ Charlotte Observer/TNS
Background • Born on Oct. 26, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois. • Former First Lady, New York Senator, Secretary of State • Democratic nominee
• Born on June 14, 1946 in Jamaica Estates, Queens, New York • American businessman, television personality and author • Republican nominee
Immigration Enforce current immigration laws, create a wall between the United States and Mexico, which Mexico will pay for, deport illegal immigrants, increase the vetting of new immigrants and eliminate amnesty laws
Supports passing comprehensive immigration reform, ending family detention, closing private immigration detention centers and creating ways to allow more eligible people to become naturalized
Foreign Policy Plans to maintain a “cutting-edge” military, strengthen alliances, to be “firm but wise” with rivals, to defeat ISIS and to enforce the Iran nuclear deal
Wants to focus on destroying radical Islamic terrorist groups, plans to end the Iran nuclear deal, opposes the TransPacific Partnership (TPP) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Guns Supports reforming gun legislation to keep guns away from terrorists, domestic abusers and violent criminals. Supports comprehensive background checks and closing loopholes that allow guns to be bought without much scrutiny
Opposes gun control legislation, plans to “empower” law-abiding gun owning citizens to protect themselves and strongly supports the Second Amendment
Abortion Opposes efforts to deny women’s access to reproductive health care. Supports the funding of Planned Parenthood and advocates for access to safe, legal abortions
Opposes abortion, except in cases of rape, incest and when a mother’s life is at risk. Opposes government funding of abortion
Taxes Plans to close corporate tax loopholes to ensure the wealthy pay their fair share, to give tax relief to working families that are struggling with college and health care costs
“
I want Michelle Obama because she is an amazing person, honestly. Anisha Saripalli, 10
”
“
I want Kanye West because he came out with Yeezus. Dylan Fisher, 9
”
I would want Donald Trump “because he is not a politician, straightforward, and gets stuff done. Anthony Rilling, 12
”
I would like George W. Bush “because he knows how to be president already. Zachary Fyzool, 10 ” want Michelle Obama “I would because she is cool and seems like she would do a better job than Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Emera Jiminian, 10
”
If you were able to vote, who would you choose in the 2016 presidential election?
Hillary Clinton
Donald Trump
62% 38% 362+ 338 Independent respondents were polled about the two candidates. Results displayed show responses
Poll Results are based off of 350 respondents to a school wide survey
Plans to reduce tax for middle-income Americans and ensure the rich pay their fair share, but at a level in which it does not destroy jobs or undermine the U.S’s ability to compete in the global economy
Health Care Plans to defend and expand the Affordable Care Act and attempt to reduce its cost. Plans to ensure lower income families and those living in rural areas to have better access to the ACA
28 News • Election Quick Guide
Plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with a policy that broadens health care access, and aims to make healthcare more affordable, while improving the quality of the care available
Illustration by Samantha Getz