theCOURIER Books, concerts come alive in movies Pages 8-9 High expectations set for this year’s golf team Page 15 Above: Seniors Gary Wexler (left), David Nassau (center), and Brandon Zelman imitate the Blue Man Group in honor of Mixtape Monday in which students had to dress up as their favorite artist or genre. Photos by Fallon Birke Left: Junior Matt Mursten copies Stefan Gordy of a famous pop-rap group. Right: Two students participate in a three- legged race during the lunch activities of spirit week. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Volume 24 No. 1 October 2011 Senior class dominated spirit week contests. They won the decoration of the hallways upstairs around the main courtyard and they won the homecoming parade float contest that was showcased on Holmberg Road on September 30. The varsity football team lost to Deerfield Beach High with a score 21-0. --LIZ MYERS, News Editor Got Spirit? Spirit Week storms the school Index News.................1-4 Feature..............5-7 Entertainment...8-11 Editorial............12-13 Sports................14-16 Planking, Owling trend sweeps Douglas Page 5 Check out douglascourier.com for more homecoming spirit week photos.
Transcript
theCOURIER
Books, concerts come alive in movies
Pages 8-9
High expectations set for this year’s
golf teamPage 15
Above: Seniors Gary Wexler (left), David Nassau (center), and Brandon Zelman imitate the Blue Man Group in honor of Mixtape Monday in which students had to dress up as their favorite artist or genre.
Photos by Fallon Birke
Left: Junior Matt Mursten copies Stefan Gordy of a famous pop-rap group.
Right: Two students participate in a three-legged race during the lunch activities of spirit week.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Volume 24 No. 1 October 2011
Senior class dominated spirit week contests. They won the decoration of the hallways upstairs around the main courtyard and they won the homecoming parade float contest that was showcased on Holmberg Road on September 30. The varsity football team lost to Deerfield Beach High with a score 21-0.
Check out douglascourier.com for more homecoming spirit week photos.
Page 2 The Courier News October 2011
Dual enrollment provides college atmosphereLAUREN KANDELLEditor In Chief
As an alternative to traditional schooling that allows students to leave school early and to experience college-level education, dual enrollment broadens the scope of college courses beyond AP classes.
Dual enrollment is available in a variety of forms, including classes online, on site at Broward College (BC) campus, and off site through programs such as Judaica High School, a program that incorporates the continuation of Jewish values and education with college-level rigor. These classes are free for high school students.
Students who are dual enrolled at BC enjoy the alternative teaching styles employed by their professors.
“I am enrolled in ENC 1101, a writing course. It teaches students how to write for content and meaning, and [how to] find your personal writing style,” senior Jacob Lennertz said.
Lennertz chose to replace his high school English period with study hall instead of leaving early each day, allowing him to remain at school for extracurriculars.
“Since I have to go to baseball right after school, I did not see the point of going home for less than an hour before having to go back to Douglas,” Lennertz said.
Though BC courses are longer than high school class periods, they generally meet once a week, giving students more free time. Many dual enrolled students opt out of afternoon classes at Douglas
and leave school early.“I get to leave school
every day after sixth period,” junior Zach Lee, who is enrolled in two classes at BC North Campus, said. “The classes [at BC] are much more hands-on and interactive.”
The ability to leave school early gives students an incentive to take these courses, in addition to their GPA quality points and the possibility to be exempt from required classes once in college. It also gives them more free time to balance out the time spent at BC, generally for three-hour classes once per week.
“With dual enrollment, I have more time to do my homework after school and get a job,” senior Christie Byrne, who takes Microeconomics and English courses online, said.
Courses at Judaica High School, hosted by Temple Beth Orr in Coral Springs, can optionally be taken for college credit through BC for students’ junior and senior years.
Though students enrolled in these classes often do not leave school early, it gives them an additional opportunity to experience college on a smaller scale in a subject area which interests them.
“I really just chose [to take
my classes for credit] because the option was there,” senior Jared Tromer, who is currently enrolled in a Survey of Jewish Civilizations course, said.
To some students, despite the appeal of leaving early, leaving campus to take college
courses is unnecessary with the availability of AP courses during the regular school day.
“It’s stupid,” senior Justin Levy said. “AP classes are free, right here, and just as rigorous.”
Judaica High School teacher Aaron Cohen aids senior Jared Tromer in his studies of Survey of Jewish Civilizations at Temple Beth Orr. Students attending Judaica High School need not be Jewish.
Photo by Mitchell Kaufman
Junior Garret Mayersohn founded the Broward Disability Awareness Board (BDAB) formerly known as the Parkland Disability Awareness Board (PDAB) to emphasize that people with disabilities should be treated as social equals not only at school, but in the workplace as well.
“Our main goal is to bring about social inclusion both inside and outside the classroom,” Mayersohn said.
Mayersohn became the first person in Broward County with a disability to lead and found a club. BDAB officially became a club at the beginning of this year after having unofficial meetings during the 2010-2011 school year. Anyone can join by going to a meeting and giving their basic information. There are no dues to pay.
Fully student lead, BDAB meets on the last Friday of every month in room 1223. BDAB plans to have a fundraiser on October 14, at Duffy’s Sports Grill on 4800 West Hillsboro Boulevard in Coconut Creek. Ten percent of purchases will go to BDAB club initiatives.
“BDAB gives me a sense of pride. I feel as if the disabled population deserves an opportunity to facilitate positive social change and I am proud to be a part of that,” Mendelson said.
BDAB secretary Zachary Lee joined when his friend, Mayersohn, spoke highly of it.
“We take our cause very seriously with BDAB. We always are looking for new ways to educate people about disabilities.” Lee said.
MATT WALZERStaff Writer
New club aids disabled
October 2011 The Courier News Page 3
Changes dominate Douglas
Principal Washington Collado transferred to Douglas from Lyons Creek Middle, replacing previous principal, Ann Kowalski, on September 5.
Collado started in New York as a teacher. He has taught Spanish, French and social studies.
“My mother was a teacher, and I always knew I wanted to do the same and work in this field,” Collado said. “I started out wanting to do computers, but the kind of computers they had back in 1983 were very different from the ones they have now.
They were confusing and I quickly backed down from that. Reading and writing is more my cup of tea.”
Collado has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Spanish, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University, and a specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from Florida International University.
After moving to Florida in 1992, Collado worked as a Broward curriculum assistant at Coconut Creek High in 2000, an intern principal at Coral Springs Middle School in 2003, and as the principal of Lyons Creek. Although he found the middle
New principal takes officeschool experience enjoyable, Collado missed the high school atmosphere, which is what brought him to Douglas.
“There was an opening at Douglas, and I applied along with many others. I never thought I’d be so fortunate to be the principal of such an elite, premier school,” Collado said.
Collado sometimes misses the classroom tremendously; however, his job as administrator has its advantages.
“It’s the best of both worlds. I relate to the kids, and I still get to visit classrooms. Only now I get to be a part of the philosophy of the school and its education,” Collado said.
Photo by Fallon Birke
During the second week of school, teachers’ classes were dissolved, and students were moved to maintain class sizes of 25 students per class.
“It was really upsetting, mainly because I was in a class that was dissolved, and my teacher didn’t even know about it until that day,” junior Carleigh Shaheen said. “Administration was really impersonal, even though it was such a big deal to each individual student. I’ve been pretty overwhelmed trying to adjust and catch up to new classes and new teachers.”
Shaheen finds it upsetting that while some students were lucky to keep their previous teachers, her’s changed.
“I don’t know the exact circumstances, but I do know that it was unfair to all the students who got new schedules and all the teachers that lost classes,” Shaheen said.
These changes trace their roots to the Class Size Reduction initiative as well as insufficient funding from the Florida Department of Education.
According to The Orlando Sentinel, the Florida Department of Education spent about $9,000 per month per student from the 2008 to 2010 school years, falling below the $10,300 national average, and recently cut that amount by about $570 per student.
A ParentLink message from Assistant Principal Ty Thompson stated that Douglas “is currently under-enrolled by about 100 students,” which means that the school receives about $90,000 less than anticipated. Due to the dent in the budget, 17 periods were cut from the schedule, and students in those classes had to be moved. Students in classes that did not meet the Class Size Reduction guidelines were also moved.
Those 17 classes came
from teachers who taught six classes, and received extra money for the extra hour. The extra money teachers received will make up for the budget shortfalls, but to the detriment of their own financial situations.
Geography and AP Psychology teacher Ronit Reoven says that she is frustrated because, although she truly enjoys teaching, opting for a sixth class came with a pay increase that served as an incentive for her as the mother of a young child. She has taught at Douglas for 12 years, but the dissolution of one of her classes cut her salary by about 12 percent.
“And now it’s a big financial burden not having six classes,” said Reoven.
Her seventh-hour class, as she explains, was given to another teacher after one of his classes was dissolved, and he was left with just four.
“What’s interesting is that decisions were not made based on seniority,” Reoven said.
Although frustrated with a cut in her salary, Reoven recognizes that teachers are not alone in this situation.
“I feel bad for the students that were not notified of their schedule changes, and were caught in the crossfire of budgetary fallouts in Tallahassee. It’s sad how many areas of education are suffering due to the economy,” Reoven said.
The Class Size Reduction and budget cuts affected physics teacher Robert Rosen twice: last year he took on a seventh class, and this year one of his Honors Physics classes was one of the 17 dissolved.
“I think administration is making difficult decisions they don’t want to make,” Rosen said. “The administration is doing the best job they can with the tools they are given. All the things happening flow from Tallahassee.”
Ever since it started September 5, parents have been allowed to drop of their students in the South Lot, better known as the “Bus Loop.”
The Parkland City Manager, Caryn Gardener-Young, has been involved in investigating the traffic that occurs every morning at Douglas while students are dropped off. The Parkland City Manager has been receiving feedback from parents, such as the lines being too slow, and students arriving
late to school. The City Manager and
Douglas has collaboratively worked on a plan to ease the traffic. Public school buses drop off students by 7:10 every morning, and teachers arrive to school by 7:25, which enables parents to use the South Lot to drop their students off from anytime after 7:25.
According to Assistant Principal, Ms. Flynn, this new additional car line should increase the time arrival of students and decrease the parents’ frustration.
AMANDA GAINESStaff Writer
New car drop off aids traffic, slow lines, tardy students
Page 4 The Courier News October 2011
The First Tee of Broward, created in 2003, is the local chapter of The First Tee, an international golf program.
The World Golf Foundation started The First Tee because they believe that children, particularly those of low socioeconomic status, do not have the opportunity to play golf.
The program gives children of any background from the ages 7 to 18 the opportunity to play while acquiring positive traits to use in their daily lives.
According to The First Tee of Broward, the organization is “an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship.”
The typical daily program consists of basic golf instruction, such as teaching how to swing, mixed with character building. Instructors focus on nine “core values,” including respect and responsibility.
The Douglas golf team is now partners with The First Tee of Broward, meaning that members of the golf team participate in mentoring and teaching the kids in the program.
Sophomore Matt Newman, a member of the Douglas golf team, volunteers for The First Tee of Broward, teaching golf while earning service hours.
“Their manners become better, they get more mature from it, and they become all around better people,” Newman said.
Sophomore Alec Herzfeld also participates in First Tee.
“My favorite part is the good feeling when they hit the ball well,” Herzfeld said. “The kids smile and get excited.”
During the school year, sessions take place Monday to Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. at either the Lauderhill Gold Course Learning Center or the YMCA.
The center contains a full nine hole golf course. To volunteer, call Desmond Dogan at 954-343-9965.
The First Tee of Broward will be hosting the Charity Golf Classic on October 24 that the Weston Hills Country Club.
For 250 dollars, participants can play 18 holes and receive lunch, dinner, prizes and a gift.
Money raised will be used to support the First Tee of Broward and its programs. Registration starts at 11 a.m.
Douglas golf team partners Broward chapter First TeeMITCHELL FELDMANStaff Writer
Head of Desmond Dogan (left center) aids a younger girl in learning golf while promoting the new First Tee Partnership with the YMCA in Weston.
Photo by Alex Newman
Three foreign exchange students from Germany, Sweden, and Taiwan will study here for one and two semesters.
“This school is so different than my original school. In Germany, most schools are very small. Douglas is so big,” said sophomore Kathrin Camara. “There are so many people.”
At home in Germany, Kathrin has hobbies similar to many American teens; playing sports, such as soccer, and doing Zumba with her friends. She’s very happy that she has come here to study.
“I always wanted to come
Three foreign exchange students submerged in Douglas cultureELYSSA RONIKStaff Writer to America, meet new people,
learn a new language, and learn new customs,” Camara said.
Junior Ewa Mendez from Sweden feels similarly.
“Coming to the United States was a dream of mine. My friend, who is in Louisiana right now, told me about it [the foreign exchange student program], and it sounded interesting,” Mendez said.
Language and the difference in school rules forces Mendez to adapt.
“Sometimes it is difficult because I don’t understand some words, but besides that, American life seems fun,” Mendez said. “ In Sweden we
pretty much did what we wanted. Here, the rules are more strict. My homework must always be on turned in on time, and I must always take tests the day they are assigned.”
Senior David Wen attended school for 11 hours a day in Taiwan, four more than our school schedule.
“In Taiwan, I’m on the traditional dance team, so I practice, and then I go home. If I have time, or I’m home early, I like to play basketball, play on the computer and sleep. In America I don’t do all of these things, but I’m really enjoying my time here. It’s a nice, big school with lots of different people.”
Sophomore Kathrin Camara, in her geometry class taught by Zipora Lazarus,adapts to American school life compared to home in Germany
Photo by Elyssa Ronik
Lately, people have been lying down everywhere. They lie on cars, streets, balconies, the tops of doors, and even on roofs.
They are members of the planking community. Planking, which began as an internet fad, has spread like wildfire in the U.S. this year.
To plank means to lay down, stiff as a board, with arms to the side.
The goal is to lie in the most unusual place available, pose for a picture, and eventually uploaded it onto a social networking site.
Douglas’s own unofficial planking team started in guitar class as a joke, but escalated into something more.
“One kid in our guitar class started showing pictures of people planking, so during guitar we would sneak out and plank crazy places around school,” senior and Douglas planking team captain Max Spiegelman said.
“Matt Riback decided
to make the planking team Facebook page as a joke, but then people actually started liking it.”
Individuals wishing to become a member of the team must attend Douglas and post pictures of themselves planking somewhere unique, anywhere in the world.
“The craziest place I’ve planked was either on a mountainside or on a piano,” senior Catherine Klemke said.
Gary Clarkson and Christian Langdon invented planking as the “lying down game” in 2009 in Somerset, England. Although on their official website, lyingdowngame.net, there is not any information explaining why they started it, Langdon describes it as “hysterically relaxing.”
For those bored of planking, many new “memes,” concepts that spread swiftly via the Internet, have introduced themselves this year, such as “owling.”
Owling consists of publicly sitting statue-like in a crouched position, staring into space.
This stance resembles that of an owl and is gradually starting to show up in communities around the world.
“An elevator is the funniest place to owl. You crouch down and stare at someone,” sophomore Kierstin Webster said.
Kids as well as adults have fallen into the clutch of these social experiments. Klemke’s father, who came home from his job at Monarch High School, decided that he was going to show his daughter all of the places that she should owl.
Those who jump at the chance to experience new things may also enjoy “batmanning.”
“It’s like planking, but with a twist. A 90 degree twist to be exact. It’s where you use your feet to hook onto something above you, and you just hold yourself upside down,” Spiegelman said.
Websites such as Tumblr and Facebook promote these odd acts. Blogs and fanpages are open for submission of the wildest pictures conceivable.
SABRINA EISENBERGStaff Writer
Senior Michael Ross demonstrates his owling after school. Owling is the act of crouching down, motionless and staring into space.
Photo by Adar Livni
Internet trend moves offline and on campus
Photo by Roxanne Zech
October 2011 The Courier Feature Page 5
Sophomore Kailey Langer planks for the first time.
Students never ‘board’ of planking
Over the summer, Google released a new social networking site called Google Plus. A website with unique features, it’s an easy way to connect with specific groups of people.
Google Plus offers the option to share or secure user information with advertisers, as opposed to Facebook where personal information is somehow leaked through applications users “like.”
“It’s nothing like people expect it to be. It’s more than just social networking, it’s also a mail client, a calendar client, and a social website, but a
social website with much more control. Good control, too,” junior Zach Lee said.
The service was released on June 28, 2011.
In order to join Google Plus, users must receive an invite from somebody already using the site and they must have a public Google profile.
“My friend invited me via e-mail about two months ago. I like it, but Facebook is far better at the moment,” junior Adam Rein said.
“However, I believe in time it may eventually exceed Facebook.”
Students have mixed feelings about the new social networking site, though not
many people have heard of it. “It incorporates a variety of
Google’s previous services and expands on them with several new features such as Circles, Hangouts, and Stream,” senior Pratheek Nagaraj said.
Circles allow users to share specific information with certain groups of people. Hangouts let others know whose hanging out with whom. The Stream displays posts from other users.
Junior Gary Liu said he doesn’t think Google Plus will become much more popular since people have already grown attached to Facebook. He made an account, but still prefers Facebook.
Google introduces social networkRACHEL EPSTEINStaff Writer
Seniors David Nassau (left) and Gary Wexler (right) continue to use the P90X system, even after compltion of the first 90-day cycle.
Photos by Adar Livni
Page 6 The Courier Feature October 2011
Society’s new workout sensation, the P90X system, integrates twelve muscle-pumping workouts, a detailed three-phase nutrition plan, personally designed supplement options, a fitness guide, a calendar to track progress, and online peer support.
The system claims to take bodies from “regular to ripped” in 90 days if the plan is followed. According to the founding company BeachBody, the effectiveness is due to an advanced training technique called muscle confusion, which accelerates results by constantly introducing new moves and routines so bodies never plateau, and users never get bored.
“The best thing about P90X is that it’s not like you’re doing the same thing over and over again. The workout is always fun and always different,” senior Madison Beggs said.
Beggs and her dad tried the workout and loved it, both having successful results. She used P90X for three weeks and lost five pounds and stopped because she was satisfied with her results, while her dad did the whole system and lost a total of 40 pounds and continues to work out with the videos.
“I completed the 90 days and I feel rejuvenated, healthy, and more confident than I’ve
been in a long time,” Beggs’s father, Keith, said.
The P90X deluxe package includes 12 workout videos, resistance bands, a chin-up bar, a recovery drink, and a 90-day money back guarantee for $239.70. The fitness guide outlines the program, and breaks down the exercises so that the trainee can see proper form. It also shows options so that the workout is personal to the trainee’s body.
“My mom purchased the videos and wanted me to do them with her, but I was hesitant at first because I didn’t think I’d be able to follow along with the video. But the guide is helpful and the videos actually explain it well, too,” sophomore Gabby Noud said. “Even though I don’t do them everyday, I look forward to working out with the videos.”
The nutrition plan, designed by fitness experts, is broken down into three components to boost physical and mental health. The first phase begins with a high-protein and low-carb diet, which forces the body to build muscles and burn fat simultaneously.
The second phase is aimed to boost energy and build stamina with a balanced intake of rich proteins and carbohydrates as well as low fat choices. Phase three, called the “athlete’s diet,” is based on the intake of complex carbohydrates, including lean proteins and low fat food.
This part of the nutrition plan is meant to maintain and strengthen one’s endurance.
“My dad and I found that if you follow the advice of the nutrition plan and do the workouts, there’s no way you don’t get ripped,” sophomore Tony Gallo said. “You’re not gaining weight and you’re defining muscle.”
Designed for all types of people, the system provides three different work out schedules depending on individual preference. The least intense is the “classic work out,” which includes three days of resistance types of work outs and three days of cardio/yoga.
The next intense is the “lean work out,” which includes two days of resistance and five days of cardio. The “doubles schedule” is the same as the classic, but during phase two it adds three days of cardio, and during phase three it adds four days of cardio.
P90X stresses the muscle confusion concept, asserting that if a person repeats the same work out, the muscles get used to it and just get bigger rather then the desired thinner and leaner look.
“P90X has been the best work out system I’ve tried yet. It helped me lose some weight and bulk up in all the right places,” senior Tyler Beach, who completed the system and continues to use the videos, said.
Senior Gary Wexler does pull-ups on a bar in his backyard. Wexler completed the 90-day P90X schedule and noticed significant strenghtening. He now does the program on a less-regular basis to maintain his results.
NATALIE HEIMStaff Writer
P90X revolutionizes TV work outsConfuse your muscles, improve your body
When students think of social networking, the last thing that comes to mind is interacting with teachers. However, Edmodo.com puts a new perspective on free social networking by allowing teachers and students to connect outside of the classroom.
“The website looks and feels very much like Facebook, and provides all the same basic features as a traditional website (i.e. posting homework, test schedule, handouts, etc.), but with one unique distinction,” math teacher Frank Krar said. “It is the only teacher website that I know of that integrates social networking.”
According to Edmodo, as of February 2011, over 1.5 million users worldwide had joined. The site has two goals: to create social media tools that help teachers engage students and to make sure that every school in the world has access to them.
Krar says he’s connected with at least a dozen other Douglas teachers through Edmodo.
“After hearing a few things about [Edmodo], I decided it was worth a look. I was already thinking about making a switch since teachers had been notified that our Teacherweb accounts would no longer be paid for starting next year,” math teacher Adam Greenhut said.
Parents can sign up in order to keep up with their child’s classes.
Entering a new school where everything is unfamiliar and confusing can be overwhelming. Seniors maneuver through the long hallways with ease, while freshmen roam the hallways like tourists in a foreign country.
As freshmen express their anxiety over beginning high school, seniors reflect on how they felt when they entered this new territory and how they feel now.
“At first it was hard to keep up with and understand the schedule rotation but now it
makes much more sense and is easy to follow,” freshman Brittany Himmel said.
Seniors still remember their fears upon first entering Douglas.
“The school was huge compared to middle school and every hallway looked the same. It didn’t help that the seniors were so big and scary,” senior Michael Ross said.
The interaction between freshmen and seniors is another very important reason why some freshmen feel nervous about entering high school. Some freshmen feel like the seniors tower over them and find it very intimidating.
“Since all of the schools are mixed together, I have the opportunity to meet a lot of new people,” freshman Jami Rubin said.
The media gives newcomers a different impression of what high school is like. After watching movies and television that paint a mental image of high school as a place where there are typical “mean girls” and jocks that bully students lower on the social ladder, students realize that movies do not necessarily portray high school accurately.
“I felt worried because after I watched Mean Girls, I thought that jocks would pick
on the ‘little people’ and that everyone would be mean to the freshmen,” freshman Kristel Marriott said.
Viewing movies misleads students into believing that everyone belongs to certain groups or cliques.
“Movies made me think that in high school, people would only be friends with people just like them: actors with actors, athletes with athletes, et cetera,” freshman Karen Garza said.
“But now I know that people who are very different can be good friends and ‘cliques’ aren’t as defined as movies make them seem,” Garza said.
YAELL LIVNIStaff Writer
“I was afraid of not knowing where to go and getting lost. I got lost and walked into the wrong classroom. I found my way halfway through the period.”
-Jasmyn Telefort, freshman
“I was worried that I would have no friends because I didn’t know anybody. I came in the middle of the year and expected to just do my work and not talk to anybody.”
-Alex Novell, sophomore
“Movies like Mean Girls made me scared out of my mind because I thought that I would get picked on because I was a freshman. I thought that you have to be ‘cool’ and have a high status. Now that I’m in high school I know how untrue that is and I love high school.”
-Tais Kraljeric, junior
Edmodo: Smarter than the typical social networkRACHEL EPSTEINStaff Writer
Hollywood wrongly depicts
What worried you most at the start of freshman year?
October 2011 The Courier Feature Page 7
“I was scared of not having friends in my classes or at lunch not having anyone to sit with because I didn’t want to sit all alone. Freshmen get picked on and I was afraid of drowning in the pool on the third floor.”
-Brandon Turner, senior
high school stereotypes
Page 8 The Courier Entertainment October 2011
authors, artists: action
Written word comes to life on big screen
People only had a choice of reading a book or seeing a movie generations ago. However, as the movie industry evolved, book-based movies are common in modern theaters.
People in the movie business understand the profits available when an already popular book premiers as a movie.
A successful book could mean high profits at the box office because it brings along an audience already familiar with the story, eager to see their favorite characters on the big screen.
From 1995 to 2011, based on research from the-numbers.com, 1,295 movies based on books were produced grossing nearly $41 billion. Book adaptations are the second most popular type of film
after films based on original screenplays.
Movies based on books have major successes, with several of the highest grossing films of all time originating from popular novels, according to a recent CNBC study.
“I believe that every movie is based on a book in one way or another because they all start as scripts,” English teacher Darren Levine said.
Made into a movie during the early 1960s, James Bond, written by Kingsley Amis, became popular in one of the first book-based movie decades. It introduced a new age of movie scripts and ideas.
As technology increased, the length and quality of movies did too, making them easier to produce, according to film producers.
Recently, popular movies based on books have been
Alice in Wonderland, How to Train Your Dragon, Letters to Juliet, The Social Network and Shutter Island, along with many others.
Thirty-six new movies based on books have come out in 2011 thus far.
Popular authors with movies created from their novels include Jodi Picoult, Nicolas Sparks and J.K. Rowling.
Harry Potter, written by J.K. Rowling, has continued for over ten years as one of the most popular books and movie series.
Worldwide box office ticket sales have averaged just under $1 billion per movie, according to the-numbers.com.
Enthusiasts around the world crowded in the theaters for the last movie of the series this past July with a record breaking opening weekend with ticket sales of $169.2 million.
“The movies are great but the books are even better,” sophomore and Harry Potter enthusiast Janine Sosna said, “Every part of the books and movies are exhilarating, and everything about the series is amazing.”
Cutting plots or main parts from the book may draw readers away from the movie.
“I prefer reading the book and then seeing the movie because in books you really get to know the characters and hear their thoughts and feelings,” freshman Carly Sadicario said.
“In a movie you don’t get the same details and mental pictures as you would when reading.”
As the worlds of movies and books transform, no matter which one comes first, both can stir audiences’ imaginations and offer hours of entertainment.
Since the first motion pictures were created in the 1830s, movies have evolved to include sounds, colors, and special effects to create another reality for viewers. Directors and writers have drawn inspiration from previously written works, and the film industry has made millions of dollars due to fans flocking to see their favorite characters come to life on the silver screen. Movies based on novels have taken over slots in the weekly box office reports, with some occupying the top slots for weeks after their release. The Help, by its fourth week, reached $122 million in ticket sales.
In recent years, concert movies have developed a following as they give musical artists’ fans a chance to see them without attending the actual show. Fans worldwide can experience the shows that they missed and see special backstage footage, making the artist more accessible. The popularity of a three-dimensional aspect to movies has led to the introduction of a fourth dimension – smell – to the cinema. In coming years, directors, writers, and producers will all make further strides to innovate the way that the population views the films.
RACHEL KAHNStaff Writer
Sources: Google Images Warner Borthers, Dimension Films, Paramount Pictures, and Columbia Pictures.
October 2011 The Courier Entertainment Page 9
Spy Kids introduces fourth dimension
Three – dimensional movies have largely advanced since they were first introduced in 1922 with The Power Of Love.
Movies such as Alice and Wonderland in 2010 and Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows this past summer display the vast improvements in cinematography since the first 3D movie.
With Spy Kids: All The Time In The World released in mid-August, movie theaters bring in the next generation of
movie viewing: 4D. The first 4D movie was
The Sensorium released in 1984, at Six Flags Power Plant, Baltimore MD.
Four-dimensional movies incorporate smell into the film. When purchasing a ticket, a small card referred to as an “Aromascope” card is included.
When a cue is given, a number appears on the screen while viewers smell the card in the location with the corresponding number.
According to the Deccan Chronicle, there are only 200,000 to 300,000 Aromascope cards given out
by film producers. Because the cards are so
costly and the feature is not provided in every theatre, the availability of 4D is limited.
Many films have tried to incorporate a sense of smell, such as Polyester in 1982 and Rugrats Go Wild in 2003, but very few films have attempted to market the feature.
Aromascope adds an entirely new dimension to the movie viewing experience.
With the latest 3D technology, and the re-introduction of Aromascope cinematography is evolving at a more rapid pace than ever before.
ROXANNE ZECHStaff Writer
Singers pop in concert moviesConcert movies have
undergone changes since their debut in the early 1980s. 3D technology and 50-foot IMAX screens now
replace the once simpler 2D display of these
innovative films. Over time, the faces on
the screens have changed as well.
Prior to 2008, no concert movies featured music artists who doubled as actors on TV.
O u t of the last five
released concert movies, three were products of the Walt Disney Company.
Those same three films earned spots in the top five grossing 3D concert movies of all time and focused on Disney Channel actors.
“It’s so cool to see the behind the scenes and setup of a concert I’ve actually been to. It’s a completely different experience,” freshman Evan Faust said.
These movies have also become large productions. While films like Madonna: Truth or Dare in 1991 focused on the concert and backstage, now concert movies take fans further into the tour.
The great successes, and failures, of recently released films may be linked to that very component.
“Instead of backstage hangouts with the cast, the movie intercut glitzy, on-stage performances with inspirational stories of teen fans who’ve been deeply affected by the show,” Entertainment Weekly
said regarding the latest concert movie Glee: The 3D Concert Movie.
For many moviegoers, the time taken away from actual musical performances does not appear to affect them.
Fans of Disney acts want nothing more than to see the daily lives of their favorite Disney Channel actors, singers, and songwriters incorporated into the films.
“I’ve seen the Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds concert movie probably over ten times,” sophomore Haley Fisher said. “I learned so many new things about Miley I never even knew before watching it. I thought I knew everything about her.”
Michael Jackson’s This Is It concert’s release in 2009, following his death, took in a total upwards of $73 million, bringing a face not associated with the Disney Company to the screen.
The success expanded to DVD sales as well, with the film becoming the top selling DVD in the United States in the
month of January 2010. While many concert films
seem to reel people in by the millions from the start, some do not.
The most recent concert movie, Glee: The 3D Concert Movie, flopped at the box office producing only $5.7 million it’s opening weekend.
“Honestly, I don’t like seeing concert movies at all,” junior Geovanna Sotello said. “They take away from the talent with 3D effects and background stories.”
This recent failure may indicate a decline in the genre’s popularity. It has happened once before.
The interest in concert movies picked back up in 2008 with the release of the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour, which made $65.1 million according to rottentomatoes.com.
It may just take a new genre, artist, or innovation to take on the 3D concert production and start the hype up again.
MEGAN ROBBStaff Writer
authors, artists: actionSince the first motion pictures were created in the 1830s, movies have evolved to include sounds, colors, and special effects to create another reality for viewers. Directors
and writers have drawn inspiration from previously written works, and the film industry has made millions of dollars due to fans flocking to see their favorite characters come to life on the silver screen. Movies based on novels have taken over slots in the weekly box office reports, with some occupying the top slots for weeks after their release. The Help, by its fourth week, reached $122 million in ticket sales.
In recent years, concert movies have developed a following as they give musical artists’ fans a chance to see them without attending the actual show. Fans worldwide can experience the shows that they missed and see special backstage footage, making the artist more accessible. The popularity of a three-dimensional aspect to movies has led to the introduction of a fourth dimension – smell – to the cinema. In coming years, directors, writers, and producers will all make further strides to innovate the way that the population views the films.
Sources: Google Images Warner Borthers, Dimension Films, Paramount Pictures, and Columbia Pictures. Grahic by Christina Sileo
Page 10 The Courier Entertainment October 2011
Aspiring Douglas artists talk about future, careers
Senior Jessica Zuckerbrod spent her summer attending a program for prospective students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), where she plans to study upon graduating.
“The fact that it is located in Chicago is both helpful and inspiring due to the city’s constantly stimulating energy which does not allow you to rest,” Zuckerbrod said. “You’re constantly considering innovative ways of expressing yourself when in that environment.”
Zuckerbrod’s goal
with her paintings is to alter contemporary social perceptions of art.
“In order to challenge the idea of art being a luxury, or something filled with futility, I want to sublimate my passion for the subject expressively and allow people to see why art is an integral part of society,” Zuckerbrod said.
Zuckerbrod’s plans for college study changed dramatically in recent years.
“My parents were more in favor of the academic plans I had initially conversed with them about, studying biopsychology,” Zuckerbrod
said. “They were thrilled to support my endeavors in the field of psychology, which isn’t to say they are not supportive of my artistic expression as well.”
This artistic expression, her current focus, received acclaim during group critiques at the SAIC summer program.
“People described my work as something that expresses intangible emotions,” said Zuckerbrod. “That is something I plan on doing on a larger scale when I fully immerse myself in the vitality of SAIC.”
Self Portrait of Jessica Zuckerbrod in acrylic.
Currently taking AP Studio Art, senior Sasha Gregg hopes to attend the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), one of America’s most prestigious fine arts colleges, next fall.
Her commitment to a career in art developed during her time spent taking art courses at Douglas.
“There’s a point when you know you enjoy something so much that it’s no longer work,” Gregg said. “When you finish a work of art, it makes you feel empowered, and ready to take on another challenge.”
Gregg believes RISD’s focus on experimentation will provide her with a wealth of such challenges.
“RISD has a very different outlook compared to other schools. It is more refined and avant-garde,” Gregg said.
While Gregg attempts to achieve refinement in her pastel work, she balances this with vibrant personality.
“I try not to be too uptight, and to keep a natural energy behind it,” Gregg said. “Other people see it as loose, yet confident, like it comes out
easily. At the same time, I try to have precision and accuracy.”
Gregg comes from a creative family that encouraged her to pursue artistic ambitions.
“Both of my parents went to art school, so they are knowledgeable and are always willing to help me,” Gregg said.
“During the summers, my mom used to take me to Young At Art and always plan projects for us. Doing that brought me into using the creative side of my mind.”
Self Portrait of Sasha Gregg in pastel.
Taking AP Studio Art: Drawing following success during her junior year in AP Studio Art: Design, senior Demi Natoli looks forward to applying to the Pratt Institute, a Brooklyn, New York based art college.
“Pratt’s curriculum is one of the most varied of any art school,” Natoli said. “It has one of the best architecture programs right by a great fine arts program and a top fashion school which designs for Urban Outfitters.”
Pratt’s campus also attract
Natoli’s attention.“The location is beautiful
and you get a real college campus feel being there,” Natoli said.
Her passion for art awoke during middle school.
“At the end of the 8th grade, I went to a tattoo convention and realized all of the possibilities of art,” Natoli said. “There’s a variety of ways to express yourself using art. It isn’t just painting or drawing.”
Natoli’s mother, having gone to art school herself, embraces Natoli’s commitment to the field.
“My parents are totally
AMEEN METTAWACopy Editor
accepting,” Natoli said. “They want me to do what makes me happy. If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life, and that is what they want for me.”
Natoli’s paintings are defined by their reawakening of the past.
“Even if something is old or not living, I try to bring it to life,” Natoli said. “Even if something doesn’t have a use anymore, it can still be full of life.”
Her work develops this theme through stylized depictions of subject matter traditionally considered morbid or grotesque.
Self portrait of Demi Natoli in pen and acrylic.
October 2011 The Courier Entertainment Page 11
To combat ignorance, teach civicsPolicymakers, educators, students and
parents constantly drone on about the dismal state of the American education system. Through President Obama’s Race to the Top program and other education initiatives, we have seen a new emphasis on science and math education so that America can “win the future.”
With the stakes of standardized testing rising and budgetary resources dwindling, civics education (the study of the rights and duties of citizenship) is often left behind. But how can we possibly expect to remain a global power, if our generation, the very people who soon must lead our country, know absolutely nothing about our world?
According to the Center for Civic Learning and Engagement, 70 percent of young people cannot name at least one member of the Presidential cabinet and only 34 percent know that the United States has a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
As US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan pointed out in his May 2011 speech on civics education, nearly two-thirds of Americans cannot name the three branches of government. Less than half of the American people can name a Supreme Court justice.
When Newsweek magazine asked 1,000 Americans to take the very same citizenship test this year that we expect all immigrants who aspire to become US citizens to pass, nearly 40 percent failed.
These atrociously low numbers have a strong correlation with the lack of civics education present in our schools. As civics education in America has been on a decline since the 1960s, most students’ parents today do not have an adequate knowledge of American government and politics to promote the engagement of their children in our democratic process.
The Center for Civics Education explains that up until the 1960s, high schools students took three courses in civics and government including courses solely devoted to “civics”
and “problems of democracy.” The only course that remains today in public schools is that of the far too vague American government, almost always taught in 12th grade, a year far too late to begin the essential process of creating a politically aware American public.
Civics education needs to start in elementary schools. If children understand their rights and responsibilities to the world at a young age, the principles of democratic government will become once again just as ingrained in the minds of students as the letters of the alphabet.
Today just a third of elementary school teachers report covering civics education related topics on a regular basis, far too few in a far too ignored area of the curriculum.
We need to take the social sciences seriously and understand that an ignorant America will result in dire consequences for our standing in the international community. We must understand the past so we do not make the same mistakes in our path to forge a better future. The National Assessment for Educational Progress’ recent survey finds that just 61 percent of high school seniors studied how laws were made and only 59 percent had ever studied the President and the cabinet.
Civics is a key aspect of a well-rounded education and less than one-third of American 4th, 8th and 12th graders are proficient in civics. The goal of public education is to create better citizens and teaching the trials and tribulations of government must move to the forefront of the American education debate. When I talk to my classmates, I am astonished by the rampant apathy and the utter lack of awareness about what goes on in our country and world.
Civics and current events, past and present, need to be discussed regularly in grades K-12. In high schools, we need a class solely devoted to civics education. We should not expect teachers to cover citizenship in one semester of American government. After all, today we see education as the path toward achieving the American dream, but how many of us actually know what the American dream is and where it comes from?
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The United States government today suggests different tactics to solve the debt and unemployment crisis. President Barack Obama suggests additional budget cuts, which also lower the unemployment rate. Are there any 100 percent successful actions able to fix this deep-pit of debt this country is in? Probably not, but there are ways to aid economic growth while lowering our debt. Budget cuts work, but only for a short period of time. The government cuts the salary of public sector jobs such as public school staff, or any work for the state. Instead of cutting these public sector jobs, the government should cut spending that will not educationally affect the future of the country. The idea of fiscal austerity, or lowering taxes, has the same effect of interest rates. Cuts made relative to GDP growth are plausible. President Obama suggests that austerity can boost growth, which has worked in the past with the UK’s economy. Lower taxes and higher lifetime earnings also encourages investment and spending. So what’s the solution? Actions need to be taken quick-ly; solutions need to be found rapidly. America cannot wait.
Over the past few months, I have watched all six of the Republican presidential debates in their totality, see-ing candidates come and go, political sparring between contenders, and various nuanced viewpoints on critical issues of present importance. All of these candidates are competing for the Re-publican nomination, with the ultimate goal of defeating President Obama in 2012. I find the lack of widespread interest in these debates disturbing, and believe whole-heartedly that to be an ware, competent citizen, one must stay up to date with entirety of a political sphere which they may choose to enter if they vote in 2012. One of these Republican candidates may be our next president, and a basic understanding of social issues and current events can be garnered during even a cur-sory view of the debates. Though I realize that it is still quite early in the political season, I would enjoy seeing an article on the debates in The Courier and on the upcom-ing primary election early next year. We are the next generation, and we need to be aware of the world around us and understand the totality of the political system, as well as its impacts both domestically and internationally.
Jeffrey Greenberg, junior
U.S. needs to tackle economic crisis now
Students should pay attention to Republican primaries
Caroline Chu, junior
Page 12 The Courier Editorial October 2011
Douglas students’knowledge of civics*
Students who can name our district’s congressman (Allen West)
Students who can name one of our state’s senators (Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson)
*Based on a poll of 70 students
12%Know
88%Do not know
19%Know
81%Do not know
ERICA TURRETEditor in Chief
Teen employment succumbs to adult economic woes
Nearly 25 percent of teens faced unemployment last summer, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Teen unemployment, although not widely addressed by politicians, is a problem that needs a solution.
Andrew Sum, head of the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University, even states that proportionally, more teens have lost their jobs recently than they did during the Great Depression.
Unemployment is one of the biggest issues in the US and with scores of adults losing jobs, the country rightfully deprioritizes teen unemployment in comparison to adult unemployment.
Teens must accept that the adult job loss takes priority. Adults have much higher and more dire expenses.
An Associated Press review stated that one fourth of the teens included in the $1.2 billion job program from Obama’s economic stimulus did not receive jobs due to adults wanting the same positions.
With the recession, adults are becoming more willing to take jobs that pay less, which used to be reserved for teens.
This problem is partly due to the under-valuing of the importance of teen employment.
According to the United Nations Commission for Social Development, youth employment helps teens transition to adulthood, while promoting social development and decreasing poverty.
Unemployment, on the other hand, increases teen susceptibility to drugs and crime. A job can teach kids responsibility and leadership.
Jobs give kids the opportunity to learn about employment.
In a low-pressure environment, teens can learn the basics of working, an increasingly valuable
commodity in today’s economy. Many careers require
previous experience, which can be gained in this manner. 25 percent of teens, however, do not have the opportunity to experience this, and therefore do not receive these benefits.
Teenagers also need jobs in order to afford necessary costs. Whether for buying a car, paying for gas, saving for
education or other expenses, some depend on the extra income gained from a job to help themselves and their families.
According to the Junior Achievement Organization, the amount of teens working to pay for college increased by nine percent in the past year.
These teens are dependent on their jobs in order to obtain educations, which is essential for the future of the U.S.
According to the Employment Policies Institute,
higher minimum wage discourages small businesses from hiring minimum wage workers, meaning teens.
Contrary to popular belief, a decrease in minimum wage would actually benefit teenagers in the job sector, allowing the businesses to afford more workers.
The government could also sponsor more programs
like Washington DC’s summer youth employment program, which gave 12,000 jobs to kids last summer.
Mostly, though, teens have to accept the fact that adults will always be prioritized when it comes to jobs.
Teens have to become creative when finding employment and work in ways that adults would not.
Our generation can become entrepreneurs by aiding people with new technology. We can teach our community how to use new electronic devices, set up Facebook and Twitter for new companies, or stick to proven teen jobs such as babysitting or mowing lawns.
To solve teen unemployment, teens might have to take matters into their own hands, devising innovative ways to make money in hard economic times.
MITCHELL FELDMANStaff Writer
Lauren Kandell & Erica Turret Editors in Chief
Liz MyersNews Editor
Adar Livni & Kim MoranFeature Editors
Christina SileoEntertainment Editor
Mitchell KaufmanEditorial Editor
Robbie KravecSports Editor
Lauren FriedlandAds Manager
Ameen MettawaCopy Editor
Sam BallFallon BirkeRyan BlitzerSabrina EisenbergRachel EpsteinMitchell FeldmanAmanda GainesLauren HalpertDaniel HarrisonNatalie Heim
The opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of the advisor, administration,or advertisers. The Courier welcomes letters to the editor which can be turned into Michelle Gideon in room 236 or online at douglascourier.com. These letters can be edited for content but these changes will not affect their meaning. The publication abides by the scholastic press and is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. If you would like to advertise please call (754) 322-2150.
Contact us at douglascourier.com
AMEEN METTAWACopy Editor
Concealed views lead to skewed education
Maintaining neutrality in a political or historical discussion inevitably presents difficulties. Believing that social sciences teachers, people so interested in those subjects to devote their college years and careers to them, can teach in an unbiased manner is naive. Yet Broward County School Board Deputy General Counsel Marylin Batista-McNamara has publicly stated that “teachers are required to teach about religion and politics fairly and objectively, neither promoting nor denigrating religious or political affiliations.” This policy is purely wishful thinking.
One does not pursue a career based on neutrality toward the subject matter, but due to passionate interest. In spite of this, Batista-McNamara, Deputy General Counsel for the School Board of Broward County, states in her presentation “Training On Current Legal Issues” for the 2011-2012 school year that “educators can easily guard against injecting personal beliefs by attributing information provided to its source [and providing] balance
in their presentations.” While good intentioned, such advice is not realistically applicable.
A study conducted by two Pennsylvania State University professors, “I Think My Professor Is a Democrat,” found that, while the majority of college professors do not state their political affiliation, 75 percent of students could guess their professor’s preference when surveyed.
Not only does this reveal the prevalence of biased teaching, but it also shows that a full quarter of students are being unknowingly influenced by their teacher’s undeclared views.
Specific sources of information, apart from a course’s text book, are hardly ever easily available in the classroom.
When students ask their teachers questions regarding some nuance of the material, they do not expect their teachers to postpone answering until after conducting the necessary research, but rather to immediately respond to the best of their abilities.
Teachers are regularly required to provide clarifications and explanations based on their own study, which skews inevitably toward their area of interest, which, in turn, skews
toward their personal views and beliefs.
The school board’s policy encourages teachers to feign neutrality in these situations which is detrimental to the education of their pupils because it presents skewed information in a factual context.
Teachers are not intentionally propagandizing their students, but they are
human, and their opinions are impossible to fully suppress.
The school board ought to recognize that bias comes with the social science territory, and policies of “guard[ing] against” it are fundamentally ineffectual due to its unconscious nature.
The only effectual and realistic method to counter bias is requiring that teachers in these fields state their
political views outright prior to beginning a course which deals with contentious issues. Students can thus keep in mind the potential prejudices of information presented by their teachers. Informed that their teachers are not absolutely infallible, students will be encouraged to research issues relevant to themselves on their own.
October 2011 The Courier Editorial Page 13
Youth employment helps teens transition to adulthood while promoting social development and decreasing poverty.
Teachers should make political opinions overt
Illustration by Phoebe Hughes
FOOTBALLContinued on Page 15
Page 14 The Courier Sports October 2011
According to senior quarterback offensive captain Kaden Culpepper, this year’s varsity football team displays commitment, which players agree may be the key to success this season.
“We’ve got better coaches, we’ve got players that actually want to work and we’re all dedicated to winning this season,” Culpepper said.
The football team spent the summer doing an aggressive weight lifting program and conditioning workouts.
“We probably did about
three times the conditioning as last year over the summer and during training camp,” senior defensive captain Peter Malcolm said.
According to players, a newfound sense of unity serves as a major asset to the team.
“I feel like we’re a lot closer, like everybody was out for themselves last year, but this year, we’ve come together as a family and a unit,” senior middle linebacker Nick Dellapi said.
The Eagles welcome several new coaches including head coach Rick Divita and defensive coach Chris Baldwin.
“We have a coach that
inspires us, and he has us well conditioned, so we’ll be ready for the fourth quarter of the game,” senior middle linebacker Brandon Jackson said.
Keeping players hydrated during long outdoor practices and games has always been a priority for the Eagles, but this year, players are asked to drink back any water weight they may have lost following team activities.
“The trainer weighs us before we start our practice
Sophomore running back Davian Dailey stiff-arms a defender in a game against Western on September 16th. After 5 games, the Eagles have a 1-4 record, most recently losing to Deerfield 21-0 on September 30th.
Photo courtesy of Bob Kaufman
VICTORIA MALCOLMStaff Writer
Football team displays unity
NFL rule changes cause controversy
CommentaryMATT WALZERStaff Writer
After resolving the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the NFL late this summer, the minds of fans, coaches and players were on one thing: getting back on the field. The new CBA contains rule changes that took place at the start of the 2011 preseason. Just like the NFL offseason, these rule changes come with controversy, starting with the kickoff.
The most significant change is that kickoffs now take place at the thirty-five yard line instead of the thirty, as they had since 1994. This has diminished the frequency of kickoff returns dramatically. According to STATS LLC, as of the end of week 1 of the 2011 season 49 percent of kickoffs (79 of 162) were touchbacks. This is a dramatic increase when compared to week 1 of last season, when only 18 percent of kickoffs (24 of 137) were touchbacks at the end of week one in 2010.
The league made the
change in order to improve player safety by increasing the number of touchbacks on kick returns and avoiding hard-nosed collisions. However, this rule change has a negative effect, particularly on some of the most exciting players in the league, kick and punt returners.
“It’s an injustice to the game and the men who have made their living covering kickoffs and sacrificing their bodies to have [had] their jobs made obsolete,” former Tennessee Titans safety Nickey wrote in an e-mail to the Tennessean, a newspaper in Nashville.
According to Nickey, the rule change was a factor in the Titans decision to cut him, after eight seasons with the team.
“Businessmen, lawyers, and insurance companies are turning football into flag football and preventing men like me from feeding my family,” Nickey said.
This rule change not only affects kickoff returners and coaches but also entire special teams units.
“Now [that] you’re kicking through the uprights every time and there are touchbacks, what is the value of the cover guys?” Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said in an interview with ESPN.
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Cribbs would like to see the method behind the league’s madness.
New coach, experienced players fuel run at success
NFL RULE CHANGESContinued on Page 16
After winning its 2nd straight district title, the boys’ golf team enters this season with momentum and confidence.
“Last year was a big year for us because we beat a couple of private schools, which really gave us a sense that we could compete with those guys,” 4th year head coach Darren Levine said.
Senior Brandon Smith, who has golfed
since he was two, averaged a score of 38 per nine holes last year.
“As the years have gone on we’ve been able to come together and have made golf more of a team sport,” Smith said. “I think we’ve matured a lot, and we’re going to reach our true potential by making it to the state championship.”
ROBBIE KRAVECSports Editor
Senior Tyler Gentilella drives the ball during practice. Last year, Gentilella averaged a score of 37 per nine holes, the best of any returning player.
Photo by Lauren Kandell
One of the team’s rivals, Cypress Bay, changed regions this past summer and will not face the Eagles during district or regional playoffs.
“By not having Cypress Bay in our region, we are losing one of our rivals who have kept us from going to states,” Smith said. “On a different note, I don’t think the team this year would have had trouble getting past regionals even with Cypress Bay.”
Senior Tyler Gentilella averaged a score of 37, the lowest per nine holes last year of any returning player.
According to Gentilella, not only does the team have a chance to win states, but he hopes to win individually as well.
Seniors power boys’ golf teamEagles work toward 3rd consecutive district title
BOYS’ GOLFContinued on Page 16
October 2011 The Courier Sports Page 15
Kuhl provides leadership, versatility for girls’ volleyball
Junior setter Kirsten Kuhl begins the Douglas volleyball season with the title of first team All-County outside hitter.
According to sunsentinel.com, last year Kuhl had 144 kills, 64 digs, 80 assists, and 27 blocks, helping lead Douglas to the class 6A state tournament.
Since her freshman year, Kuhl has played on the varsity team filling every position on the court except libero.
“The biggest challenge for me has been switching positions,” Kuhl said. “Setting is the hardest because you not only have to play the game with your body, but also your mind.”
According to Kuhl, playing setter requires leadership, comparable to the quarterback of a football team. The setter runs the court and must know where everyone stands at all times. The quality of the hit over the net depends on how well the setter places the ball.
“Kirsten has the right demeanor and understanding of the game to be a very smart and effective setter,” head coach Dean Barbosa said.
Junior outside hitter Lauren Strode has been on the same team as Kuhl since middle school.
Their families travel together for Douglas tournaments as well as for their travel team, Club Florida.
“Communication is a big key in volleyball because you have to tell other people where to go so they’re ready to hit the ball,” Strode said. “She has really good hands. She knows where to put the ball.”
According to Barbosa, six foot tall Kuhl is fast for her size and has a perfect mentality of leadership for the sport.
“She instructs and encourages at the same time, kind of like a coach on the court,” Barbosa said.
Kuhl plans on playing volleyball in college on a scholarship, and already has attracted interest from the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.
“She’s fearless and plays with passion and excitement,” Barbosa said. “She leaves a big impact on any team she’s on.”
Junior setter Kirsten Kuhl sets the ball during a match against Piper. The Lady Eagles won three sets to none: 25-4, 25-8, and 25-13. The next girls’ volleyball game will take place on October 10th against West Broward in Pembroke Pines.
Photo by Fallon Birke
FOOTBALLContinued from Page 14
FALLON BIRKEStaff Writer
Young girls’ cross country team increases practice load
Senior co-captain Jessica Thompson runs at a BCAA meet on September 20. She placed 3rd overall.
Photo by Fallon Birke
With new players on the team, including 14 sophomores, the girls’ cross country team is training hard to make it to states for the first time in three years.
The team last made it to states three years ago in 2008, but they did not place. The head coach, Steve Kalos is assisted by two other coaches, Gineth Yibrin and Robert Decarlo.
Gineth Yibrin, mother of Gabbi Yibrin, a sophomore on the team, helps out the girls by giving pointers on how to run longer and faster. Decarlo, a teacher at Douglas and a former runner on the cross country team, helps out the team by leading core workouts.
The girls’ team consists of 28 girls: 8 freshmen, 14 sophomores, 1 junior, and 5 seniors. Senior Jessica Thomson, as captain has bigger responsibilities than most runners and has to look out for everyone while practicing and participating at meets.
“We have a strong line of new freshman and sophomores, so its really important for us to build a new bench,” Thomson said. “When the seniors on the team and I leave next year, we are working to have a strong team, even with out us.”
The Lady Eagles run 10 miles in most practices, when they are not doing certain training techniques, like speed work. Last year however, they only ran 8 miles in practice. According to Kalos, the additional miles help them with their endurance and with setting a perfect pace for themselves for upcoming meets.
“With a new coach and Jessica as our captain we’ll definitely go far this year. Our team’s made up of a variety of ages, but we’re strong,” sophomore Brooke Arnold said.
Senior Paige Leal has the fastest 5k time at 20 minutes and 5 seconds.
“Our team is a family; we all support each other, help each other, and look out for one another, always.” Leal said.
Kalos looks out for all the runners to make sure they stay healthy during practice and perform to the best of their abilities.
“The girl’s team looks decent this year, they might have a shot at making it to states, not as high a shot as the boys do, but if they work hard enough, it’s a possibility.” Kalos said.
SAM BALLStaff Writer
go,” Fitzgerald said. “I want to build a great program and complete year in and year out for championships.”
To reach this goal, Fitzgerald plans to change the mindset of the focus on leadership and a team-oriented attitude.
“Champions don’t take days off, bottom line,” Fitzgerald said.
According to senior starting second baseman Chris Pannell, Fitzgerald positively contributes to the team.
“He has us training harder than we ever have and he pushes us to our limits to get us to be the best possible person we can be,” Pannell said. “He has taught us to not only worry about baseball but to focus mainly on school and most of all give back to the community.”
Rick DiVita, who has coached in both Miami Dade and Broward for a total of 24 years, 18 as a head coach, will direct the varsity football team.
Twelve new varsity sport head coaches were hired this year. According to Mitch Kaufman, Athletic Director, resignations accounted for the majority of the switches, and he hired the majority of new coaches based on job and previous experience qualifications.
“We hope we’ll continue the success we’ve had over the years and that the new coaches will continue to build off of that success,” Kaufman said.
Todd Fitzgerald, with 16 years of experience and 10 as head coach at American Heritage, will lead the baseball team.
“I had an opportunity to be closer to home, being in Coral Springs for over 30 years, and the strong program here at Douglas was too good an opportunity to let
“We need to win, and I believe that we will surprise a few people in our first year,” DiVita said.
According to senior linebacker, tight end and fullback Peter Malcolm, DiVita connects very with the team.
“I think we will have a much better season this year and it will be much more fun to watch for the crowd because of the new offense and defense that DiVita has instilled,” Malcolm said.
Other new varsity coaches for the upcoming year include Tony Decarlo for girls’ cross country, Gus Turner for girls’ golf, Melissa Prochilo for cheerleading, Larry Moore for girls’ basketball, Kenneth Gendason for wrestling, Robert Bryant for boys’ tennis, Randy Webb has switched from boys’ to girls’ tennis, Justin Boruch for boys’ track and field. Both boys’ and girls’ lacrosse coaches are undecided.
School hires ten new varsity head coaches
SARAH PONCZEKStaff Writer
day, and then after the practice, he weighs us again.
This shows us how much water we should be drinking, depending on each pound that you lose,” senior outside linebacker Ty Vassil said.
According to Divita, even though the team has a positive attitude going into the season, it will encounter many challenges.
“The only thing that is going to tell whether or not we are any better is time,” Divita said.
“It’s not going to be a walk in the park any night for us. We’ll have to work hard every week and we’ll have to give 100 percent every game, not make mistakes and not turn the ball over.”
After finishing with three wins and seven losses last year, the players want to build the team a better reputation.
“I view it as a redemption year,” Malcolm said. “ As a person who has been in this program four years now, we should have been a lot better last year. This team has the potential to do great things.”
Resignations account for management changes
Page 16 The Courier Sports October 2011
NFL RULE CHANGESContinued from Page 14
“ We have yet to see any proof that says most injuries occur on kickoffs and kickoff returns. I only see the lack of oppurtunity that will occur because of that rule,” Cribbs said during an interview with
the NFL Network.Player safety is obviously
the most important factor on the field, but there is a fine line between safe and overprotective. When the NFL made this rule offical back in the spring, players and coaches agreed that they crossed that line.
“Every day during the summer I’ve been on the golf course,” Gentilella said. “A lot of the kids on the team have been doing the same thing, practicing their short game, long game, putting, driving, and chipping.”
Smith and Gentilella stress the team aspect of golf with older, more experienced players instructing and leading by example on the course.
“As a leader, I plan to conduct myself with proper etiquette and tell the younger
BOYS’ GOLFContinued from Page 15
kids how I’ve gotten through all the problems [with my mental game] I faced my freshman and sophomore years,” Smith said.
In order to reach the state finals, the Eagles will have to place as a top three team at regionals.
An individual whose team does not qualify for states can advance past regionals by posting a top three score in the 18-hole tournament.
“They were little kids, and now they’ve grown into themselves and their golf game has grown with them,” Levine said. “They’re adults playing this game.”
According to Levine, this season will be a disappointment if the team does not advance to states.
“These kids have risen in their ranks, and the private schools have now taken note of public schools like us,” Levine said. “Private schools aren’t the only powerhouses anymore.”
Through October 4th, Tyler Gentilela has the team’s lowest average through nine holes, a 36.
The Eagles will participate in the Mavericks Invitational Tournament on Tuesday, October 11th at Archbishop McCarthy High School.
