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ADMINISTRATION
WELKER APPOINTED PRINCIPAL
Welker replaces
Núñez
By JOSHUA MALINA
Editorial Editor
New absence policy:
fact or fiction?
By DALIA SABBAGH
and ALAN TARRAB
Assistant Photo Editor
& Copy Editor
TAKING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY BY STORM
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 1 Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School SUMMER 2005
Dr. Matthew Welker was
appointed principal following the
promotion of former principal,
George Núñez, to Superintendent
of Region 3.
Both Welker and Núñez were
directly appointed, as part of a
county-wide reorganization by
Superintendent Rudy Crew.
“Often times, particularly at
the high school level [and above],
the appointments are direct,”
Núñez said. “You go with people
that have proven themselves.”
While there is no specific
criteria for becoming principal, in
retrospect, Welker seemed a likely
candidate. He had already more
than five years of experience as
TURN TO FORMER AP, 2
ABSENCE POLICY
A rumor about a new absence
policy, stating excused
absences may lower your
grades, has been dispelled by
Principal Dr. Matthew Welker.
At the beginning of the
year, some teachers claimed
that if an admit verifies a student’s
excused absence, the
student is still not guaranteed
credit for missed class participation
grades.
“Teachers have said that
they can reduce make up
work grades for excused absences
to a C,” junior Ron
Barhai said.
Some students feared that giv-
PHOTO BY KATIA PHILLIPPEAUX
Principal Matthew Welker answers questions during a press conference August 17. Welker said he
looks forward to working with the newspaper staff throughout the year and discussed at length his educational
philosophy and plans for the school.
“Teachers have said that they can
reduce make up work grades for
excused absences to a C.”
Ron Barhai
ing teachers the power to lower
make-up work grades can cause
biased decisions.
“It’s completely unfair,”
junior Joanne Niego said. “If
your absence is excused by
the rules there’s no reason why
someone else should decide
whether or not you get the grade
you deserve.”
Although teachers and
students claim to have heard
about a new policy, Welker
denied making any changes
to it. “Students who have excused
absences are entitled to
make up all work missed,” he
said.
Welker hopes to curtail
“frivolous absenteeism” but,
“if you’re in magnet and
you’re engaged in a performance
and that performance
takes you away from one or
more of your classes, then
you should not, nor do I condone,
you being penalized
for that absence” The same
applies to athletes.
“My philosophy is to
encourage participation. I’m
not about punishing people,”
Welker said.
HURRICANE KATRINA
By ALAN TARRAB
Copy Editor
Hurricane Katrina made
landfall along the Dade-Broward
county line Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.
The storm prompted school
board officials to suspend classes
Thursday, Friday and Monday,
giving students an unexpected
five-day weekend.
Katrina intensified into a
hurricane only two hours before
landfall by feeding off the warm
water in the Gulf Stream. It
reached land with 80 mile-per-hour
sustained winds, thus a “category
one” on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
As the hurricane moved
southwest across the peninsula, the
eye passed over Krop, providing
an eerie calm for two hours. Senior
Oren Shahar said, “The eye was
really weird. It wasn’t the calm
before the storm, but the calm in
the middle of the storm. It was
kinda cool actually.”
The eye is the hurricane’s lowpressure
center of circulation.
The real Welker:
salsa dancing
sushi lover
By LOGAN JAFFE
and ELLEN KRUK
Spread Editors
Do not be deceived by the
deep, unflinching voice that
chimes in over the P.A. system
every morning. Though this
voice bears authority, new
principal Matthew Welker is a
salsa-dancing, sushi-eating, hiphop-listening,
Vin Diesel fan.
“Welcome to Monday,” one
may hear when strolling into first
block. This uplifting spirit comes
from Welker’s belief in characterbuilding
quotes and anecdotes,
which he started two years ago
as principal of Nautilus Middle
School.
However, Welker’s character
-building started in his sixth grade
TURN TO WELKER, 11
Katrina takes Miami-Dade
county by storm
Warm air rises to feed the
rest of the storm. The strongest
winds are in the eye wall, moving
counterclockwise around the eye.
The most intense flooding
occurred in South Dade. According
to FPL, 720,000 customers lost
power in Miami-Dade County.
All Miami-Dade Schools
remained closed Monday due to
schools without power and traffic
lights out of order
Closures disrupted the oddeven
block schedule. Students
missed two even days but only one
odd day.
The school is a hurricane
shelter, but was closed.
Evacuations were not ordered due
to the storm’s relative weakness
and because forecasters originally
expected it to make landfall in
northern Broward.
As if the hurricane wasn’t
enough, lightning struck the school
at 2:08 p.m on Aug. 30, stopping
all clocks in that position and
disabling the public announcement
system.
VENDING
NEW ATHLETIC WHILE YOU ALUMNI RETURNS PEP BAND: A NEW
MACHINE WARS
DIRECTOR
WERE OUT
AS VETERAN
ADDITION
editorial, pages 4, 5, 6 sports, pages 14, 15 spread, pages 8, 9 feature, page 11, 12, 13 entertainment, pages 7, 10

NEWS
PAGE TWO THE LIGHTNING STRIKE SUMMER 2005
ADMINISTRATION
Former AP returns as principal
FORMER AP,
from FRONT PAGE
an assistant principal here (from
the school’s opening in 1998 to
mid-2003), and was recognized,
in one of those years, as Assistant
Principal of the Year for both the
county and state. Also, Welker
served as principal of Nautilus
Middle School for the past two
SCHOOL BOARD
THE DAY THE LIGHTNING STRUCK
PHOTO BY KATIA PHILLIPPEAUX
Security guard Alex Belizaire rushes students to class with his megaphone
and air horn while the school’s bell system and clocks remain broken Aug.
31. According to Assistant Principal Roger Miret, Lightning struck building two on
Aug. 30, frying the annoucement system.
Miami-Dade School Board
shortens summers for FCAT
By REBECCA STELLA
Staff Writer
This year, Miami-Dade
County schools resumed classes
a week earlier than the previous
year. Students are disappointed
with their shorter summers and
an earlier return to school.
The school year was altered
because “it’s more in line with
the rest of the state,” Assistant
Principal Dawn Baglos said. “It
also has something to do with
testing.”
The school board pulled
back the school year in order to
give schools more time to work
on state mandated tests.
years.
“Someone
o b v i o u s l y
felt that he
had the right
qualifications
WELKER to be
successful,”
said Melanie Megias, District
Director, Administrative
Staffing.
Besides Welker and
“We get an additional week
to work on things such as FCAT
[which is] needed to graduate,”
Baglos said.
The earlier-starting school
year does have its advantages.
“A pro is that we have more
time to help students with
FCAT,” Principal Matthew
Welker said. “Also, this year
was delegated by having the
end of the semester before
winter break.”
But students feel the earlier
starting school year and schedule
is a hassle. “I think that it’s very
inconvenient because it’s much
hotter; we don’t have as much
time to relax,” junior Jessica
Núñez, numerous other county
employees were affected by
the reorganization. Three other
senior high school principals
were promoted to either region
center superintendents or
directors.
“It improves morale when
people know they have the
ability to move up in the system,”
School Board Member Martin
Karp said.
Levis said.
“A con to the earlier return
to school is that it is terribly
hot this time of year,” Welker
agreed.
“I didn’t like the fact that our
summer was cut short because
students need more time to study
for FCAT; we need our longer
summers back,” junior Daniela
Ferro said.
Some students question
if classes will resume even
earlier next year. “It will
either be a week earlier or the
same,” Baglos said. The 2006-
2007 school year calendar
has not yet been released to
students.
With a promotion, however,
there is added responsibility.
“I have 54 schools I’m
responsible for,” said Núñez,
whose region includes Northwest
Miami, Doral, Sweetwater and
part of Hialeah.
For Welker, his new
assignment will be different
from that at Nautilus.
“High school moves a lot
faster than a middle school,” he
By LINDSEY YOUNG
Assistant Business Manager
New assistant principal,
Roger Miret
made Krop
history over
the summer
as the first
a s s i s t a n t
p r i n c i p a l
to mow the
lawn.
MIRET
When the custodial staff
was on vacation, Miret did not
wait for their return; instead he
mowed the lawn himself in the
July heat.
“In 22 years of working in
Miami-Dade public schools I
have never seen an assistant
principal cut grass,” Athletic
Director Lori Nelson said.
“I just did it, I didn’t think
about it. I just did what needed
said.
But, according to him, his
previous experience at Krop
should help. As an assistant
principal, he helped hire many of
the teachers who still work here.
“Being part of the team that
brought this facility to reality
gave me an insight about the
operational components of
the building, its strengths, its
weaknesses,” he said.
ADMINISTRATION
New AP mows lawn
CLUBS
The Best Buddies club has
long suffered from communication
problems and anonymity.
The club, dedicated to create
friendships between students with
intellectual disabilities and those
without, wants to leave those
problems in the past.
“I didn’t join the club until
my junior year solely based on
the fact that I didn’t even know it
existed,” current president, senior
Heather Marcello, said.
After attending the
international Best Buddies
leadership conference at Indiana
University in June, Marcello
hopes to utilize her training to
reach more students with and
without disabilities.
The four-day conference
taught Marcello how to conduct
productive meetings, plan group
outings and make efficient
“Buddy” matches.
“I got involved in Best
Buddies club because I have
heard nasty remarks aimed at the
students at Krop with intellectual
disabilities,” Marcello said.
“I want to change their
to be done. I was glad to help,”
Miret said. Principal Matthew
Welker agreed: “He just jumped
right in, no questions asked.”
Miret and Welker also worked
to improve student hygiene: new
urinals in the boy’s bathroom,
a new program to install hand
sanitizers as well as newer,
cleaner vending machines to
combat student illnesses.
“I have noticed a greater
sense of cleanliness,” Welker
said.
Before coming to Krop, Miret
worked as an assistant principal
at John F. Kennedy Middle
School, where he also oversaw
the custodial staff.
However, the students at
J.F.K. are very different from the
students at Krop: “Here, they are
very mature and independent,”
Miret said. “I have really enjoyed
working with them so far.”
Best Buddies seeks
new members, friends
By NINA BARRACLOUGH
News Editor
attitudes and show everyone that
just because someone is different
doesn’t mean they can’t be a good
friend.”
Marcello’s buddy Jackie
Rodriguez graduated last year.
“Jackie and I got along very
well because she loved reading,
particularly the Harry Potter
series. I learned many things from
her and I hope she learned from
me.”
Although joining Best Buddies
can be a rewarding experience, it
takes effort to maintain contact,
especially when these students are
isolated from the rest of the school
population for most of the day.
The peer buddy must talk or
write to their buddy twice a week
and meet outside of school twice
a month.
In the spirit of friendship and
fun, Marcello plans activities
that include barbeques, costume
parties, bowling and an annual
trip to Disney World.
To become a Best Buddy,
members must fill out an
application, take a buddy-match
survey and be interviewed by the
program manager and officers.
Best Buddies meets in room 1-
131 and dues are ten dollars.

NEWS
SUMMER 2005 THE LIGHTNING STRIKE PAGE THREE
N E W S
BRIEFS
School board tightens
hold over e-mail,
gradebook
This year teacher’s grade books
and e-mail switched from an inschool,
server based system to an IP
system accessed from the internet,
directly connecting Krop to school
board headquarters in downtown
Miami. This shift changes teachers
email to [firstinitial][lastname]
@dadeschools.net and alters the
electronic grade book system.
Blanco plans new club
After working with international
students for over two decades,
foreign language chairperson
Phyllis Blanco is forming a club to
unite all nationalities. According
to Blanco, no specific GPA or
conduct grade is required; anyone
can join. Activities will include
guest speakers, food sampling,
festivals and music from different
cultures. Blanco hopes to form one
global community. Time and place
will be announced.
COMING SOON
Principal caps club,
science, magnet fees
Starbucks may get our bucks
By ERICA SEMEL
Staff Writer
In addition to the seven
Starbucks located in North Miami
and Aventura, the coffee giant may
move to Krop. Principal Matthew
Welker has been working on
bringing Starbucks to our school.
“Everyone is very excited about
the idea; it’s just a matter of talking
to Starbucks and getting their
approval on [it],” Welker said.
Junior Mani Probkevitz says
he is looking forward to the a.m.
brew. “I think in the morning it
would be a good idea to wake kids
up,” Probkevitz said.
NUTRITION
Welker says Starbucks would
be available in the mornings. “I
want to try and have a mobile
concession where Starbucks can
just roll up in the morning,” Welker
said.
“Starbucks at Krop in the
mornings would be so convenient,”
junior Meredith Brook said. “I
would love to be able to get coffee
in the morning right on campus
without having to go somewhere
else.”
Sophomore Adam Schwartz
agrees, “Starbucks coming to
Krop in the mornings would be
awesome. I can never stay awake
in my first class but a frappuccino
could probably help.”
Welker is working on making
Starbucks available sometime
during the first few months of
school.
Vending machines set to change
By NICOLE HORWITZ
Web Editor
Student nutrition and money
for athletics are Principal
Matthew Welker’s motives
behind overhauling the vending
machines.
According to a press release
by Miami-Dade County School
Aug .8, “The District’s strategic
goal to improve the health
of students [is] an important
component to ensure the
FIRE DRILLS
Following a routine fire drill
on Aug. 11, the air conditioners
shut off, causing students and
teachers alike to complain, as it
seems this pattern will continue.
Although the air conditioners
shut off for student safety in
case of a real fire, they are not
designed to stay off after students
have returned to class. “Air
conditioning, the gas and all the
alarms shut off, it’s an automatic
thing so the problem doesn’t get
worse,” head custodian Jesus
Diaz said.
If the air conditioning systems
stayed active during a fire it could
circulate smoke throughout the
school.
“We don’t have any people
to cover all these schools, so
it’s a problem, especially in the
summer,” Assistant principal
Roger Miret said.
Despite these reasons, those
who must deal with the heat
are unforgiving. “I’m not the
BATHROOMS
Urinals updated to
keep germs at bay
By RYAN SPRECHMAN
Managing Editor
New urinals in boys’
bathrooms have shocked males
with modern, environmentallyfriendly
technology: they are
flushless and waterless.
The urinals were installed
as part of a pilot application to
determine their “acceptance”
among students, Larry Roth, a
manager in Miami-Dade Public
Schools’ Energy Management
Department, said. The district
subcontracted both Falcon
Waterfree Technologies and
Uridan Non-Water System
to potentially replace current
urinals throughout the county.
The Falcon urinals are located
on the first and second floors’
north bathrooms. Uridan’s are
situated in the freestanding
bathroom across from the
auditorium.
“[They are] trying to make the
urinals consume less water,” said
Assistant Principal Roger Miret,
who is in charge of the physical
plant, including bathrooms.
According to Falcon’s
website, 40,000 gallons of water
are saved per urinal per year for
its urinals.
The lack of water surprised
students.
“I’m surprised…there’s no
water,” said freshman Jason
O’Neill. “I think it’s a little
messy.”
On the contrary, Falcon
claims that the urinals are cleaner
and more sanitary than traditional
flush urinals.
The company said that
PHOTO COURTESY OF FALCONWATERFREE.COM
New urinals in the boys’ bathroom are the same type as those
at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA (pictured). The modern
urinals do not require flushing or water.
Fire drills leave students and staff hot and bothered
By PALOMA PACHENIK
Staff Writer
ACTIVITIES
By DREW LERMAN
Editor-in-Chief
In a campaign to curtail
student costs, Principal Matthew
Welker capped club and lab fees
at five dollars.
“The genesis of my thinking
is based on a very simple
philosophy: This is a public
school. I think that in many
respects students are asked to
pay for things that I can pay for.
And when I can, I will,” Welker
said.
Some students and teachers
were worried that this fee cut
would sacrifice the quality and
integrity of these programs. Lab
classes such as AP 2-D art, which
had a semiannual fee as much as
$30 in previous years, seemed
especially vulnerable to this type
of loss.
As a result, Welker had
teachers of these programs submit
itemized lists which described
achievement of high academic
standards for all students.”
Assistant Principal Roger
Miret agrees because “a study
by the Department of Food and
Nutrition said that students who
eat healthier do better on the
FCAT.”
However, the addition of
more nutritious foods will not
take place until there is “a team
of students to get together and tell
me what they want [in the vending
machines]” Welker said.
the necessity of fees greater than
five dollars.
In cases which Welker
deemed necessary exceptions,
he allowed the previous fees to
remain. Such was the case with
AP 2-D Art.
“It holds us accountable,
which is a good thing,”
photography teacher Mirtha
Funcia said.
On the other hand, the science
department was able to function
with Welker’s new fee policy.
“As long as all the science
teachers encourage their students
to pay the lab fee and follow up with
obligation forms to students who
don’t pay, the science department
should have no problems with
supplies or equipment,” science
chairperson David Buncher said.
Welker assured the teachers
that if there is anything they need
to upgrade, he will provide the
money to purchase it, no questions
asked.
In addition to healthier options,
the “addition of more vending
machines in the gyms and locker
rooms to raise monies” are in the
plans Welker set since the funding
for athletics is not adequate.
The vending machines will no
longer be kept in the outside halls
by the stairways but inside the
cafeteria for lunchtime use only.
“Students buying food before and
after classes cause them to be late
to class and linger in the halls,”
Miret said.
zone mechanic or the head
custodian. But, I can tell you the
air conditioner is not working,”
history and economics teacher
Ellen Elias said.
All joking aside, some students
complained of feeling sick. Senior
Jessica Epstein said, “I’m getting
dizzy from the heat.”
Unfortunately, relief may
because of the small size of the
drain hole, debris is less likely
to cause blockages, a problem
schools have faced in the past.
Also, because there is no
flusher, bacteria transfer is
almost eliminated due to a lack
of contact. The lack of water
eradicates a potential breedingground
for bacteria that is present
with water-based urinals.
Another concern that students
have with the waterless urinals is
the smell. However, according
to Falcon’s website, “Urine is
essentially odorless. A ‘urine
odor’ is caused when urine reacts
with water to cause ammonia
oxide. No water means no
reaction.”
The University of Arizona
conducted a study on the sanitary
conditions of flush vs. waterless
urinals. “In my professional
opinion, I believe that the use of
Waterfree urinals would result
in a significant improvement
in public restroom hygene,”
Professor Charles P. Gerba, who
authored the study, said.
Some students question the
necessity of the new urinals.
“We need a day’s worth of
paper towels instead of new
urinals,” said senior Kevin Pan.
As of now, the county will
only make an assessment, which
will be in mid-December, on how
much students like the urinals.
The county will test the
urinals at three more undisclosed
schools, but Krop is the only one
so far.
According to Roth, the district
is “almost positive we’re going
to keep them in your school.”
take time; Principal Matthew
Welker explains that we are
“currently wrestling with some
rather serious problems with our
air conditioning plant. We have a
team of professionals working on
it right now. We are waiting for a
part that has to be manufactured
in another country, as odd as that
sounds.”

OPINION
PAGE FOUR THE LIGHTNING STRIKE SUMMER 2005
Return of Welker
promises progress
THE BOTTOM LINE: If he succeeds in his
initiatives, new principal Matthew Welker will serve
as a positive force in the life of the school.
The appointment of Dr.
Matthew Welker as our
new principal not only
brings a new face, but a new
administrative policy. While
former principal George Núñez
did a fi ne job of maintaining
Krop, Welker seems like the
spark needed to raise the school
to another level—to an A school,
a healthier school, an aesthetically
pleasing school or just a school
with a highly spirited student
body.
Because, although Krop
is recognized as one of the
best schools in Miami-Dade
County, better isn’t perfect; the
school could always use a little
maintenance. Welker recognizes
this, and has begun the tuning
process—proposing adjustments
in all areas of Krop life.
One of Welker’s primary
concerns is the building. With
close to 4000 students, and with
about 200 more enrolling each
year into a school designed for
2500, there is not nearly enough
space for students to develop.
Although he admits that there
will be no structural relief for
at least three years, when Krop
takes over the Kmart-converted
annex now used by Highland
Oaks Middle, Welker is looking
into possibilities for the future,
such as adding more buildings. In
the meantime, however, Welker
will see that the buildings are repainted
within the next year, a
process that he has sped up three
years.
Another area that Welker
will work on this school year is
food and nutrition. Now famous,
infamous among some Krop
students, for removing unhealthy
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Editorial Editor
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Business Manager
Copy Editor
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Adviser
THE BOARD
snacks and drinks during his
previous tenure as principal of
Nautilus Middle School, he plans
to institute a similar plan here.
However, instead of dictating this
arrangement, he will listen to the
views of a student committee to
create a more sensitive policy.
Also in regard to food, Welker is
working on bringing in multiple
vendors to school to serve
lunch, including such companies
as Starbucks. These plans, if
instituted, will be appreciated by
the student body.
Welker comes to Krop
with high credentials. As an
administrator, he was recognized
as Assistant Principal of the Year
by both the county and the state.
As a science teacher, he has over
10 years of experience. And as a
student himself, he has no fewer
than fi ve degrees.
And, apparently, his
connection with the students
seems like nothing we have seen
at this school. He can always be
seen walking around during lunch,
doling out his e-mail address
(mwelker@dadeschools.net) and
encouraging students to write to
him, but, most importantly, he
seems to make student concerns
his priority. He intends to meet
with student groups to understand
problems with school from their
perspective. Welker enjoys being
in contact with his student body
and claims that he will heed their
concerns.
Whether Welker will come
through on all of his hefty
promises and policies—that can
only be seen in the future. But
right now, he appears to be just
what this school needs to be
raised to the next level.
An unsigned editorial, representing the opinion of the paper, will
appear in this space each issue.
Drew Lerman
Ryan Sprechman
Joshua Malina
Nina Barraclough
Eryca Schiffman
Naomi Enzinna
Logan Jaffe
Ryan Bass
Jacob Nelson
Samantha Minski
Alan Tarrab
Katia Philippeaux
Nicole Horwitz
Marikay Sullivan
EDITORIAL POLICY
The Lightning Strike is a student newspaper published by the newspaper staff
of Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School: 1410 Countyline Road, Miami, FL
33179; (305) 652-6808 Ext. 238. Opinions expressed on the editorial page
do not refl ect the viewpoints or offi cial policies of the school. The Lightning
Strike welcomes readers’ opinions on all topics. Letters must be signed.
Please keep letters under 250 words and saved to disk if possible. Disks can
be retrieved from 2-233. The editors reserve the right to reject, edit and condense
letters. All letters should be turned in to room 2-233 or e-mailed to
MKHSjournalism@aol.com.
MATTHEW WELKER
Homecoming: A Principal’s Message
Each year high schools, colleges and
universities throughout this country celebrate
homecoming. It is a time punctuated by pep
rallies, football games and
fellowship. I recognize
that for many people,
homecoming is a time for
fun; however, the event has
a deeper meaning for me. I
believe that homecoming
is a time of refl ection and
renewal. Seven years ago, I had the pleasure
of being a member of the team that brought the
dream of a modern high school in an area that
was much like the wild frontier to reality for this
community. I watched as the land was cleared
and the walls were erected. I watched as the sod
was laid and the trees were planted. I remember
the days when the furniture arrived and teams
of people were deployed with the precision of a
military operation to ensure that everything was
inventoried and assigned a location. I remember
the day the doors opened and we welcomed
our children as if they were prodigal sons and
daughters.
Readers,
WELKER
This newspaper is yours. You can keep it.
You can write phone numbers on it, you can fold it
into a paper hat, you can cut it up and draw mean
pictures on articles you disagree with. Have a
ball.
And because The Lightning Strike does belong
to you, it makes sense that you should have a hand
in what goes in it. To allow for this, the editorial
page serves as an open forum. We’re trying to
deliver the truth here each month, and if you can
help us do so, we want to publish what you have
to say.
As the paper’s distribution continues with the
school year, you will be inevitably faced with an
article you disagree with. Maybe even one you
outright hate. Let us know. We can take it, and
both the school and the newspaper will benefi t
from your criticism.
On the same token, if you see something
that really hits home, let us know. A pat on the
back here and there can give us the courage and
motivation to keep it up.
I had the pleasure of working here as an
assistant principal for fi ve of the seven years.
My last year was remarkable for many reasons.
During that year, I had the honor of being
recognized as the district and state Assistant
Principal of the Year. I also had the privilege of
being appointed as principal of Nautilus Middle
School. Needless to say, I was very proud and yet,
at the same time, I was sad. I felt sad because I,
like the students and teachers, had grown to love
this high school and the people who gathered with
me each day to pursue one of the things I value
most—education.
So this year, I have the pleasure of celebrating
a homecoming of my own as I return as principal. I
am pleased that I have been given the opportunity
to return to a place where I truly feel comfortable
and appreciated. I believe that a school, like a
home, has a spirit. That spirit is created by the
people who come here to work and to learn. I
believe that spirit is renewed each year at
homecoming. Be proud of yourself and the school
you represent. It is you—the students, faculty and
staff—who represent the spirit of this school and I
am honored to be back among you.
The editorial page: an open forum
In the eight-year history of this publication,
only last year did we begin to receive a regular
infl ux of letters to the editor. As a school of over
3,800 students, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be
able to do the same again.
The Lightning Strike reaches your classroom
free of charge, and it can go two ways. We can
put out a mediocre monthly paper with few
readers and fewer opinions, published ultimately
for its own sake; or we can work together to put
out something really fantastic, something fresh
that captures our lives and the world around us in
a thoughtful and relevant way.
The paper is going to show up every month one
way or the other, so why not make it something
you care about? The offi cial editorial policy is
located to the left. Give it a read, and drop us a
line.
Thanks.
THE LIGHTNING STRIKE STAFF

At this very moment, genocide is
occurring in Sudan. This may come
as a shock to many, but it’s been happening
for nearly three years. The media isn’t
shedding enough light
on it, leaving people
unawares.
Not only is the
media brushing aside
Sudan, however—our
own government is as
well. On September
9th, 2004, the United States
rightfully acknowledged that genocide
was occurring but has since failed to take
action.
Perhaps when Sudan can produce
“weapons of mass destructions” they will
be brought into the public eye. The attitude
President George Bush has seemed to take
on international affairs is “no weapons,
why bother?”
EDITORIALS
SUMMER 2005 THE LIGHTNING STRIKE PAGE FIVE
SUDAN
Overlooked: Genocide in Sudan
By SARA ASHEY
Staff Writer
MEDIA
wrong; what’s happening in Iraq is awful.
But the only way progress can be made
is through
a c t i o n .
T h e
U n i t e d
S t a t e s
and the
U n i t e d
N a t i o n s
m u s t
decree a
force to
p r o t e c t
civilians in Sudan. What is
happening there is atrocious. We, as a
nation, as citizens of the world, face
a simple choice; we must act now, or
witness another chapter of injustice added
to human history.
Do we really need public broadcasting?
By ALAN TARRAB
Copy Editor
During summer vacation, I was working
as a courier with no one to keep me
company except the
radio. Sometimes
I would listen to
private radio stations,
but I also listened to
NPR, National Public
Radio. As long as
it exists, I plan on
getting my tax money’s
ASHEY
TARRAB
worth, avoiding commercials wherever
possible.
NPR is a subdivision of CPB, the
Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a
government agency created in 1967 to
administer government subsidized media.
The federal government gives $100
million a year to public broadcasting while
taxing its competitors (the private news
Also, beside the genocide, for over
two decades now there has been a civil
war in Sudan. Christians in the south and
government-supported Arab Muslims
from the north, the Janjaweed, have
fought over religious differences. In their
wake, two million people have died.
N o w
t h e
Janjaweed
h a s
t a r g e t e d
civilians,
rounding
them up
and killing
them for
the color
of their
Do you know about what’s happening
in Sudan?
NO
YES
20%
skin, and where they live. Approximately
400,000 have died, and that number grows
every day.
But almost all current news coverage
has been based on the situation in Iraq
and the “war on terrorism.” Don’t get me
corporations pay corporate income tax).
Why is it necessary to subsidize one
specifi c radio station and TV channel while
taxing the others? Running newspapers,
radio stations, and television channels
is profi table. Consumers will pay to buy
newspapers and cable TV, and businesses
will advertise in all forms of media to
catch readers’ attention. Thus, in order
to survive (and make money) the media
need only keep readers interested through
accurate, objective reporting, interesting
feature writing and editorials that present
novel points of view. The customers are the
ultimate judge of what is or isn’t objective
or interesting.
Public broadcasting doesn’t answer to
the people directly. Instead it must please
the government. If the government gives
public broadcasting freedom, the staff is
unaccountable and may become biased, or
they may discuss topics that don’t interest
the public.
Now the Janjaweed has
targeted civilians, rounding
them up and killing them for
the color of their skin.
SUPREME COURT CARTOON BY DREW LERMAN
Supreme Court nominee unfi t for bench
By BENJAMIN HYMAN
Staff Writer
As Sandra Day O’Connor steps down
from the Supreme Court in June, and
Bush and a majority Republican Senate
choose her replacement, the nominee
will be confi rmed to offi ce without any
real opposition.
O’Connor represents the woman’s
vote along with Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
Needless to say, the fewer women on
the bench, the less pull women have in
topics like abortion. O’Connor has been
consistently pro-abortion and if Roe v.
Wade is called into question again with
a conservative in O’Connor’s place, we
may see the end of legalized abortion.
John Roberts, the nominee to replace
O’Connor, has a terrifi c track record as
an attorney. He attended Harvard Law,
served under William Rehnquist in the
early Regan years, and then Bush Sr.
He then returned to law fi rm Hogan &
Hartson as a partner and became the head
of the fi rm’s appellate practice, and soon
after became a D.C.
Circuit Judge in
2003.
Regardless of
his impressive
l e g a l
b a c k g r o u n d ,
I am not
impressed with
his stances on
key issues.
R o b e r t s ’ s
propositions
are unfair and
illogical. He
agrees with prayer
in federally funded
public schools, but
believes doctors
r e c e i v i n g
federal dollars
shouldn’t speak
to women about abortion.
John Roberts represents a very
80%
dangerous new trend in our culture
He represents the new wave of rash
conservatism. He represents how society
is once again tolerating intolerance.
The nomination of John Roberts
vividly illustrates the devolution
of our society into the dark ages.
The Supreme Court was
created to determine the
constitutionality of laws. John
Roberts’ own biases will prevent
him from doing his job as a justice.
His ideals clearly violate the tenet
of separation of church and state in
the constitution. How can a Justice
of the highest court in the country be
expected to protect the law of the
land when he himself violates
it?
A moderate bench is the
only answer. Justices should
represent the population at
large, not a small percentage
determined by the president
at the time of nomination.
Why is it necessary to
subsidize one specifi c radio
station and TV channel while
taxing the others?
If the government imposes strict
controls, the independence of the media is
jeopardized. Part of the role of the media
is to keep the government in check by
exposing corruption, ineffi ciency, and
abuse of power. A state-run media, as shown
by experience in totalitarian nations, is not
effective in its “watchdog” function.
Any attempt at imposing “objectivity”
can be perceived as imposing the current
administration’s point of view; and too
much freedom can lead to sloppy reporting.
Either way, we lose.
The best solution is simply to eliminate
public broadcasting, letting the private
media police itself. Any government
attempts to insert itself into the media
market is bound to fail.
MEDIA
The degradation of
information
A
democracy is only as strong
as its most ignorant citizen.
I base this on the idea that
people, with the information to do so,
will actively and responsibly pursue
the best interests of society.
As technology in communication
progresses, great strides are being
made in the business of information
acquisition—news gathering,
essentially. Leads are developed
quicker, facts are checked faster and
the time it takes this information to get
to the reader has been cut substantially.
Ironically, at a time of such
technological progress, the truth seems
less clearly defi ned than ever. And it’s
all the TV’s fault.
As readership of newspapers
declines across the country, Americans
are attempting, in increasing numbers,
to fi ll this gap with television news.
LOST IN TRANSLATION
If this were simply a change
of format, if it was just the news
packaged in a brighter, friendlier
design, there would be no problem.
But the conversion from print to
broadcast media is anything but
smooth. Detail and analysis usually
associated with newspapers are often
lost in the adaptation. Citizens relying
exclusively on TV news are left with
a cursory, fragmented understanding
of events and occurrences around the
world, clearly not enough to make a
thoughtful decision.
Ignorance is affecting our ability
to rule the nation in a responsible
manner. Ignorance of the effects of
government decisions. Ignorance
of world affairs and sentiment. For
every new consumer attracted to the
glowing, glittery appeal of TV news,
another potentially informed voter is
lost.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Such is the price of progress;
something is lost by gains in
technology. But it doesn’t have to
be. Steps can be taken to improve
broadcast media—to fi ll with value the
24 hours of news programming some
stations boast. The control of huge
news corporations can be restricted,
whose bland coverage of world events
offers little insight of the bigger
picture. Fresh competition can be
restored to the TV news arena.
On the other hand, the internet
and its new form of media—web
logs, online newspapers—promises to
take the place of print journalism in a
positive way. But not every American
reads their news online, let alone has
a computer in their home. It will be
some time before the internet eclipses
the popularity of TV.
The printed word is dying and
there may be no way to bring it back.
This is unfortunate. But when it goes,
it doesn’t have to commit the more
serious crime of taking the quality of
information with it.

OTHER VIEWS
PAGE SIX THE LIGHTNING STRIKE SUMMER 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
New Orleans chaos could
have been prevented
George W. Bush is an optimistic
man, and it’s a good thing for
a president to be. But there’s
a difference between optimism and
irresponsible naivety. In his four and a
half years in offi ce, Bush has mastered the
latter.
Following Hurricane Katrina, which
Bush accurately classifi ed as “one of the
worst natural disasters in our nation’s
history,” he gave a speech enumerating the
many supplies which were being shipped to
New Orleans. He mentioned that citizens
could send over cash if they wanted to help
out, and closed with his winning smile,
promising that everything would work out
in the end.
His intentions, as usual, seemed
good. But in the real world, right around
elementary school graduation, good
intentions stop being enough. While Bush
no doubt feels remorse over the New
Orleans tragedy, perhaps it was something
he should have considered while he was
slashing the budgets for hurricane defense
projects.
With all his love for “preventative
measures” (read: “pre-emptive strike”),
maybe Bush could have chosen not to
ignore the local offi cials in Louisiana
who long fought for federal funding to
implement these hurricane defense plans.
The chaos we see now could have been
averted.
Hurricane Katrina was not a surprise,
and I’m not referring to the meteorological
forecasts a few days prior to the disaster. For
years, experts have warned of the potential
catastrophe that a category four or fi ve
hurricane could infl ict on the Gulf Coast.
This is not simply a matter of hindsight
fi nger pointing: the Bush administration
knew about the possibility of a hurricane
like this taking place and the results that
would inevitably follow. Instead of acting,
the administration cut programs essential
to prevention and relief.
Early this year, the Louisiana
congressional delegation urged Congress
to provide federal money for such an
instance. The White House opposed this.
Eventually, a deal granted Louisiana $540
million over four years. Coastal repair
work is now estimated at $14 billion, over
25 times what Congress granted.
The war in Iraq has also left Louisiana
National Guard units short of gear and
supplies. Now they are ill-equipped to
take on what is probably the most diffi cult
challenge they have ever faced. This, also,
is no big surprise: the overstretching of
National Guard Forces has been discussed
for months. Discussed, of course, but not
acted upon. Like having good intentions,
discussion is easy.
Now, regardless of the negligence
of the Bush administration, hundreds
of thousands in New Orleans are falling
victim to profi teering and public health
threats. Throwing around optimistic
phrases is not going to return order to the
city. Bush must construct a solid plan to
restore confi dence in gasoline availability
and take immediate action to ensure future
Editorial Excerpts
from high school newspapers around the country
FROM CORAL GABLES, FL:
In 1995, there dawned a new era…
The X-Stop era. Innumerable students
have suffered under the absurdly
restrictive X-Stop limitations that seem
to dominate almost every computer in
public schools... Now owned by the
8e6 company, the X-stop homepage
states that they prevent “threats and
distractions such as inappropriate Web
content, instant messaging (IM), peer-topeer
(P2P), spy ware and spam [which
supposedly] is improving productivity,
reducing liability and preserving network
resources.”
-Cassio Lucio
Highlights
Coral Gables Senior High School
FROM BLOOMSBURG, PA:
If you think you are unattractive,
only you can change how you feel. Sure,
compliments and makeup might help, but
the problem is on the inside rather than
on the surface. As teenagers, we focus
too much on physical appearance and
materialistic things. To most teenagers,
clothing, makeup and cars matter
more than a sense of humor or a caring
nature. That’s not how it should be. Our
generation has to stop being so shallow
and look beneath the surface at what
really matters, because that will stick
with us forever. Looks can change, but
the person on the inside stays the same. It
only builds upon itself.
-Jade Galfas
The Keystone Connection
Keystone National High School
FROM DALLAS, TX:
President George W. Bush’s No Child
Left behind Act was passed in 2001 to
improve America’s public education
system. The act states that by the 2005-
2006 school years all teachers must be
“highly qualifi ed.” The law is silent
however on how states should interpret
what is meant by highly qualifi ed, meaning
states have the fl exibility to lower the
barrier in order to attract people who may
not be willing to jump through the state’s
certifi cation hoops. Texas’s interpretation
of what “highly qualifi ed” means needs
to be reconsidered…Although President
Bush’s push for a better educational
system is greatly appreciated, the way
that Texas has defi ned “highly qualifi ed”
is not suffi cient for promoting the hiring
of teachers who are highly effective in
the classroom.
-The Hurricane Staff
The Hillcrest Hurricane
Hillcrest High School
COMPILED BY SANDRA CALDERALO
pro & con
School Food Reform
Products
high in fat
and sugar
contribute to
obesity
By ANDREW FULLER
Guest Writer
FULLER
Americans are dying, but not from
terrorism. Today, a disease supported
by our State Department of Education is
ravaging the health of Florida’s youngest.
According to the Third National Health
and Nutrition Survey, 11% of
children ages 6 through 17
are overweight.
The danger is real: obesity
plays a signifi cant role
in causing heart
disease, diabetes
and high blood
p r e s s u r e .
Students need
to be taught
that proper
consumption
of food plays
a pivotal role
in their quality
of life. Governor
Jeb Bush and
the Florida
State Legislature
have the
responsibility to
follow the leadership o f
other state governments, such as that
of Arkansas, to cut back on soft drinks
offered in all schools, while prohibiting
high in fat and sugar products from being
offered in elementary schools. In their
place, snack and vending machines could
be fi lled with milk, bottled water and
fresh juices.
Milk, with 12 grams of carbohydrates
per serving is far better than the 27 grams
offered in a half-liter bottle of regular
Coca-Cola. In protein content, milk still
wins, with 9 grams per serving compared
to none for Coca-Cola.
What would be the consequences of
not acting on this life and death issue?
How many young adults would perish in
the future with the arteries of a 75 yearold
at the age of 30? While this question
cannot be answered today, Governor
Bush and our state legislators need to act
now, so that this disturbing question will
never be answered.
Today’s opponents of school food
reform tell us that people have the right
to do what they wish, with no regard
towards the effects of their desires.
Libertarian argumentation such as this
is like a delightful recipe for grandma’s
homemade cookies. While people salivate
today for the right to do what they want,
acting carelessly and thoughtlessly will,
like those cookies, harm the public in
the long run. Many would like to duck
their heads in the sand and pretend not
to see an America in danger; but, while
ignorance may be easy, it is not the right
way to respond to a public health crisis.
PECHENIK
By PALOMA PECHENIK
Staff Writer
Vending
machines
provide
funding
for activites
Principal Matthew Welker has
proposed to replace the contents of the
school’s vending machines with healthier
alternatives. Currently, students frequent
these machines; the revenue received by
these visits is
e x t r e m e l y
benefi cial to
the school,
as it pays for
a multitude
of student
activities,
i n c l u d i n g
graduation
and senior
trips.
Stocking
the vending
m a c h i n e s
w i t h
h e a l t h i e r
c h o i c e s
w o u l d
undeniably
b e n e f i t
student health,
but would not be benefi cial to the
student body as a whole because it would
be under funded.
Also, eating junk food is not forced
on any student. The presence of junk
food does not imply that all students must
consume. But if a student craves them,
they should be able to purchase them.
Taking away a student’s freedom to eat
the foods that they want is not going to
reduce the amount of junk food they’re
eating; it will only reduce the amount
eaten in school.
And, even if all the foods in the
vending machines were replaced
with healthful alternatives, the senior
class and many clubs will still supply
chocolate bars and other sugary
candies.
Welker has said he will make his
decision based, at least partly, on
the input of a student commision. If
students wish for their candy to remain
within the vending machines they must
become a part of this conversation. The
students that speak up will inevitably
be the ones that get what they want.
Unfortunately, this commission will
likely be comprised only of students
who want to change the machines;
those content with them as they are will
probably believe they are in the majority
and see no need to get involved.
The addition of healthy foods would
likely increase the current income to the
vending machines, without the risk of
underfunding. The result of removing
all the current items, however, would
be catastrophic.

KROP CULTURE
SUMMER 2005 THE LIGHTNING STRIKE PAGE SEVEN
MUSIC ART
New band preps to pep
By KATIA PHILIPPEAUX
Photo Editor
After rushing into their band
locker rooms and changing into
shorts and t-shirts, students grab
their instruments, scatter into
the large band room and begin
playing out of sync, making loud,
cacophonous noise.
One of the three drum majors,
or band leaders, blows a whistle
to quiet the musicians. They’re
ready for band magnet teacher
Bringle Cidel’s instructions.
So begins a rehearsal for the
new pep band.
The pep band consists of
students who are in magnet band
courses like orchestra or jazz
band. However, any students can
join.
Cidel originally intended
to create a marching band, but
because many
students in
the music
m a g n e t
program that
live out of
area, Cidel
felt it
w o u l d
be too
m u c h
s t r a i n
f o r
them to
stay back and
practice for
long hours a
marching band
would require.
PHOTO BY KATIA PHILIPPEAUX
“Academically we want our
kids to excel,” Cidel said.
The difference between a
marching band and pep band is
that a marching band participates
in local parades and competitions,
whereas a pep band plays at pep
rallies and football games. Unlike
marching bands, the pep band
doesn’t have uniforms; however,
they will be seen wearing their
purple pep band t-shirts and black
Dickies pants.
After forty minutes into
practice, the pep band is divided
On those shimmering
Sunday mornings that move in
slow motion, I like to play Nick
Drake.
It’s a ritual of sorts; the
melancholia emanating from
the surround sound speakers
echoes the hushed aesthetic of
a fleeting ideal dawn. It’s not
always Nick Drake. Mojave 3 or
John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme
replicate the effect very well.
If you listen to music, you
have your own traditions. I’ve
seen you in your cars, idling at
traffic lights, snapping to face
your passenger with arms flailing
into their sections with their
section leaders outside of the
band room. The drums, the
loudest aspect of the pep band,
practice on the patio behind the
third building.
“Music is my
passion.”
Geoffrey Leleau
Most of the section leaders
have been playing instruments
since before they started high
school and share a serious
enthusiasm for music.
“Music is my passion,” said
trumpet section leader junior
Geoffrey Laleau, who has been
playing the trumpet for four
years.
Because the pep band
consists of a large amount of
people, behavior plays
an important role in
organization. Three
drum majors were
assigned positions
to keep order in the
group.
“ I n
the past
we’ve had
disciplinary
problems
with the
students in
band. We felt that
it was necessary to
have these positions
so that we could have
discipline in the pep
band,” said senior and David
Hosking, one of the pep band’s
drum majors.
At the end of practice, the
drum majors discuss with the
students how practice went and
what they need to work on.
Before leaving, lead drum
major Glenn Miller begins to
shout one of the chants he wrote:
“You know we don’t stop, because
we run Krop!”
The pep band repeats the
chant while moving left to right
with their instruments in hand.
and shrieking, “This is the part
where it goes … !”
I would tell you that I am not
much for singing in cars, but The
Righteous Brothers’ “Unchained
Melody” gets me every time.
W hen your
favorite jam
pops out at
you, it takes
over.
When you’ve tried for the
thousandth time to nail “Ah-ah-I
neeeeeeduh your love!” and your
failure underscores the beauty of
the notes the singer hits, you may
understand why the icons say
music is a way to communicate
with the unknown.
By SAMANTHA MINSKI
Business Manager
After dusting off the pencils,
paint brushes and cameras,
creativity has returned to Krop.
With the start of the school year,
the art magnet program has
begun molding its new students
into cultured artists.
“The art magnet has given
those students with talent the
ability to excel and has helped
them prepare for college,” said
magnet drawing and painting
teacher Ernesto Montes.
Despite the shortened
summer, the art magnet
program, which includes classes
in painting, drawing, ceramics
and photography, is prepared to
begin the year with its students.
Selecting these students,
however, was a challenging. To
enter the magnet program you
must first audition and be judged
by the magnet art teachers.
According to ceramics
teacher William Kidd, a portfolio
is required with representations
of a student’s creativity. They
are also required to sketch a still
life and create a drawing of their
own.
Once accepted into the
M u s i n g s o n m u s i c
STAR FOCUS: The Art Magnet
There is no study that
adequately explains the power
melody and rhythm hold over us.
When your favorite jam pops out
of the speakers, it takes over.
My four year old sings with the
radio now. His first attempts were
tuned shrieks and he gradually
worked his way to singing nursery
rhyme words over broadcast songs.
The day I noticed he was singing
verses and following meter stands
out, though. He was enlisting in a
noble tradition. Soon, there will
be loud sing-a-longs with Mom.
There will be a car packed with
teenagers screaming at the top of
their lungs.
Maybe, just maybe, there will
even be a duet on “Unchained
Melody.”
Whatever may come, the torch
has been passed.
PHOTOS BY KATIA PHILIPPEAUX AND DALIA SABBAGH, COLLAGE BY JACOB NELSON
program a student must maintain
a 2.0 grade point average in their
core classes and a 3.0 in their art
classes.
An average day in the magnet
art program is quite similar to an
academic class. Teachers create
a lesson plan, students are issued
directions and they begin their
assignments.
“My normal day would be
making a still-life drawing,
critiquing it and eventually
perfecting my work,” sophomore
Garret Whittles said. “We also
start a new assignment every
week and are given the chance to
experiment with different types of
art.”
The similarity between the
magnet program and other classes
ends there.
“Unlike other classes, the
formula these kids are plugging
in is their own and each students
ends with something different,”
photography teacher Mirtha
Funcia said.
The magnet students welcome
the challenge of balancing their
courses when given an outlet for
their creativity.
“School has become really
hard because I don’t have the time
for other classes like English that I
need help with, but it’s worth it
since I really like art,” Whittles
said.
Though magnet students
may struggle to manage their
schedules, which requires an
additional two periods a year,
some believe the art classes
actually help students improve
in other subject areas.
“The program helps students
with critical thinking and
encourages them to be diverse
and open minded,” Funcia said.
“It also helps them to become
more culturally and aesthetically
aware of their surroundings,”
The students enrolled in the
magnet are also made eligible for
scholarships such as the National
Foundation for Advancement in
the Arts, which grants full tuition
to deserving artists.
“The school in itself also has
benefited from the reputation of
excellence [the program] has
earned in the six years it’s been
running,” Montes said.
Senior art magnet student
Jericah Zabielinsky summed up
her experience in the program:
“This is my fourth year in
magnet photography and I love
it. It’s really time consuming
but it’s what I love to do.”
PHOTO BY RYAN SPRECHMAN
Senior Anfredo Lujan (left) recites the monologue “Degas C’est
Moi” at the Coffee House performance, held Sept. 1.
“Coffee house is a laid back show that provides students an
opportunity to perform in a relaxed atmosphere,” drama teacher Andrea
Kidd said.
These shows, held monthly in the Little Theater, host any students
who would like to perform anything on stage, including songs, dances
and monologues, as long as it is appropriate for school.
Any student is allowed to auditon. Tickets to the show cost $3. Next
month’s Coffee House will be themed for Hispanic Heritage month.

PAGE EIGHT THE LIGHTNING STRIKE SUMMER 2005
summertime...
A summer
in Israel
BY CAROL KERPEL
As I stood at the Western
wall that last night in Israel I felt
something indescribable.
I was positioned in the midst
of the old city of Jerusalem,
at the most sacred spot in
Jewish religious and national
consciousness.
Nearby, one hundred soldiers
formed a clump and danced
and sang joyful Israeli songs. I
understood the words “our peace
will come.” My entire youth
group embraced and admired the
surroundings.
Tears glided down my face as
I recalled every experience and
memory made in those last five
weeks of my summer vacation.
This summer was not my
first time in Israel, but it was an
experience that changed my life.
I went with twenty-two of my
closest friends, three counselors,
a tour guide, and a security
guard. Ironically, being in
Israel gave me a feeling of safety
I had never felt before.
I remembered terrorism in
Israel always on the U.S. news.
There was even a bomb set
off at a mall while I was in the
country.
and the
living’s
easy.
Krop: Out with the old, in with the new
By GABRIELA GONZALEZ
Staff Writer
Things changed over the summer.
Both freshmen and returning
students: be surprised.
The most obvious change is the
new administration. George Núñez,
now the Superintendent for Region
3, was replaced by the current principal,
Dr. Matthew Welker.
Errol Dreyfuss retired and Deborah
Hosey’s return to school is still
pending due to a personal leave of
absence. Roger Miret is a new assistant
principal.
Mandarin Chinese classes will
be offered after school as a seventh
period.
With the Student Government’s
influence, the lunch menu may
undergo alterations. The administration
and Student Government
Association promised an attempt
to bring vendors, like Taco Bell,
Whole Foods and Starbucks to
But Israel gave me a sensation
of home.
I felt comfortable knowing
that everyone around me was
raised with my same beliefs and
foundations of Judaism, almost
as if they were my brothers and
sisters.
The different streets in Israel
enhanced my political knowledge.
With the process of withdrawal
from the Gaza strip in progress, I
passed by riots and strikes often.
From observing the hatred
within these people , I decided
to inform myself in detail of
the reasons and effects for the
plan. I discovered that my own
political opinion about “my
land” is essential because
it helps me to form my
Jewish identity.
To be with my best
friends in Israel was an
experience itself. Together
we lived through the unique
Israeli culture. We ate typical
foods almost every day, partied
to Hebrew music, and shopped
for Israeli fashion.
The trip involved hikes and
other adventurous activities
in the outdoors. I learned to
appreciate nature’s beauty and all
the luxuries I have back at home.
I will never forget the
moments I shared with my friends
and the knowledge I gained this
summer of 2005.
The use of cell
phones, iPods and
CD players during
lunch is being
considered.
school, providing more options for
students.
“The frontiers are endless,” SGA
president Zachary Sandoval said.
Plans to use school ID’s as discount
cards at BP, Starbucks and
Abercrombie and Fitch are pending.
However, membership in the
PTSA will be required to acquire
this privilege.
Another change in Krop is
the water preserving urinals in the
boys’ bathrooms. These toilets are
not only an economically savvy
choice, but also environmentally
friendly.
In addition to minimizing
maintenance costs, the toilets pro-
mote hygiene because there is no
need to touch a handle to flush.
Sanitation stations, donated by
the Aventura Medical Center, will
be placed in every classroom.
This project is expected to reduce
absences by 25 percent.
The use of cell phones, iPods,
and CD players during lunch is being
considered by Welker, as long
as they are not taken out during
class. However, this will be a privilege
only granted to those who wear
ID’s and follow dress code.
As for SGA, the new board
includes President Zachary Sandoval,
Vice President Natalie Beigel,
Recording Secretaries Ellen Kruk
and Eric Kearns, Corresponding
Secretary Gabriela Gonzalez and
Treasurer Ryan Sprechman. Also,
the senators are for twelfth grade
Brooke Cantu, eleventh grade Eryca
Schiffman, tenth grade Jessica
Cohn-Kleinberg and ninth grade
Stephanie Lievano.
This summer I
toured Europe
with my two best
friends. We flew to
London, took the chunnel to Paris, enjoyed
Switzerland’s famous mountains and sun
bathed on Italy’s gorgeous beaches...
Located in the heart of Rome’s historic centre, the
Trevi Fountain depicts Neptune, the sea god, riding
a winged chariot driven by sea horses. Legend has
it that one’s return to Rome is garaunteed if a coin is
thrown in the fountain.
PHOTOS BY
SAMANTHA MINSKI
There are also five Chairpersons
on the executive board to keep
students involved. Genevieve Napolitano
heads SHAPE (Students
Helping Achieve Philanthropic Excellence),
Rita Sherman and Jakita
Delva head Student Ambassadors,
Charles Keita heads the Elections
Committee and Nicole Horwitz
heads the Spirit Committee.
These students hope to trigger
school spirit by improving the
homecoming dance and pep rallies.
They also plan to increase the student
attendance at sports games.
Beautification is another issue
on SGA’s agenda. They hope that
students will take more pride in
their school and enjoy the learning
environment.
Sandoval is determined to make
his promises a reality, and stated he
is well on his way.
These changes are expected to
be put into effect this year and improve
school conditions.
Touring Europe
Venice, Italy is linked by
over 150 canals, 400
bridges and ancient pavements.
The city was founded
over 1,500 years ago.
wit
Ca
sw
blu
Referre
overlook
the towe
Chrysler

SUMMER 2005 THE LIGHTNING STRIKE PAGE NINE
h Sam Minski!
pri’s gnottos give people the opportunity to climb or
im through a cave. Despite the cold water, the clear,
e color entices visitors to dive in and soak in the sun.
d to as Europe’s best symbol, Paris’s Eiffel Tower
s the entire city. Built in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel,
r remained the tallest monument until New York’s
building was built in 1930.
Rome’s colosseum, built 1,920 years ago, hosted hunts
and gladiator games, which became a major source of
entertainment. Today it provides a glimpse into the Roman
empire.
How to have a slammin’ school year
By ALANA SULTAN
Staff Writer
Most students are not ready
to make the adjustment from
summer to school. After two
months of summer, students
begin to realize the next ten
months will be hard work.
However, school can have
its benefi ts. There are several
ways to get involved at school
to attempt to make the year less
stressful.
Join clubs or sports teams.
This is not only a way to try
new things, but to meet other
While
you were
out
students. Being part of a team
is also a self esteem booster,
which could help get the year
started on the right foot.
Listen to announcements for
information on when the teams
and clubs meet at 2:25.
Students returning to school
with a negative attitude may
lead to an unsuccessful year.
The solution: starting school
with a positive attitude.
Try not to think most of the
things you learn are useless.
Teachers wouldn’t
teach them unless
they had a purpose.
QUOTABLE
NEW TEACHERS
“Don’t sweat the little stuff
and come with an open mind.
Be willing to give it a chance,”
Biology teacher Robert Frick
said.
Stay focused and make
school a high priority. Try to
maintain good time management.
Make time for all aspects of high
school life without being overworked
and stressed.
“High school is the time and
place to take things seriously,”
said English teacher Sandra
Fishkin.
Innovations surrounded us during the summer months.
Stores were fi lled with products that interested all types of
people. Album releases caught the attention of music fans,
while new books commanded the attention of avid readers.
And of course, the excitement for summer movies began
early with a surplus of high budget movies that did not
disappoint. Here is a list of summer novelties that resonate in
most people’s minds.
CDs
Black Eyed Peas:
Monkey Business
Bow Wow: Wanted
Coldplay: X & Y
The Spill Canvas:
One Fell Swoop
Faith Hill: Firefl ies
Missy Elliot: The Cookbook
Shakira: Fijacion Oral
Limbeck: Let Me Come Home
Fashion
Long Skirts
Necklaces with vibrant beads
Cowboy boots
Bohemian-style clothing
Books
Harry Potter and the Half
Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
Lifeguard by James Patterson
and Andrew Gross
The World is Flat by Thomas
L. Friedman
English: Nicole Golden,
Suzanne Gosch
Math: Dianne Coe, Lascelles
Osborne, Kurt Grant
Physical Education: Michael
Hatcher, Krista Latessa,
Brian Larsen
Movies
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
War of the Worlds
Fantastic Four
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Batman Begins
Social Studies: David Adelson
Science: Laura Funk
Spanish: Andrea Vasquez
Computer Science: Phillip Sheu
Video: Al Martinez
ESE: Roosevelt Rolle
COMPILED BY GABRIELA GONZALEZ

ENTERTAINMENT
PAGE TEN THE LIGHTNING STRIKE SUMMER 2005
ALBUM REVIEW
Missy Elliott’s Cookbook
plays the right ingredients
By ERIC ALVES
Staff Writer
Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott’s
latest album, “The Cookbook,” is
the perfect blend of ingredients to
satisfy any palate.
Your feast begins with a
savory appetizer, a slow paced
number named “Joy” featuring an
interlude by Mike Jones (Who?
Mike Jones!).
After whetting your appetite,
Missy serves a variety of dishes
to indulge your hunger. What
really stands out about each dish
is the innovative and soulful
presentation, and her ability to
keep you guessing about what’s
coming next.
On some songs, like
“Remember When”, you’ll fi nd
yourself being enraptured by her
velvety smooth voice, while other
songs are destined to be party
anthems, like the vibrant dance
jam “Lose Control.”
The Cookbook delivers a
The
DINING
Diner’s Club
A look at local dining with
Dr. Buncher
By DAVID BUNCHER
Guest Writer
No other subject starts a
fi ght in my classroom quite like
pizza delivery. Where to order
from? What to get on it? Thick
or thin? Cheap or expensive?
New York or Chicago?
Living
in Aventura
for
25 years,
I’ve tasted
many kinds
of pizza. I
have strong BUNCHER
feelings on
the topic.
I take my pizza seriously. You
should too.
Here are my grades for two
local places that deliver pizza.
Remember, I’m a tough grader.
Next issue: Subway or
Quizno’s?
The Excorsism
of Emily Rose
Laura Linney,
Tom Wilkinson
The Man
Samuel L. Jackson,
Eugene Levy
An Unfi nished Life
Jennifer Lopez,
Robert Redford
The Cookbook
delivers a
delicious mix of
classic Missy
Elliott.
delicious mix of classic Missy
Elliott. Fans who are familiar
with her old stuff will notice that
this album is missing one major
ingredient—the collaboration of
Timbaland on most of the tracks.
Although Timbaland helped
Missy more on previous albums,
Missy Elliott does a delectable
job of making up for his absence
with an extensive guest list,
which includes such distinguished
artists as Ciara, Mary J. Blige and
American-Idol winner Fantasia.
With so many years of
experience, it’s only appropriate
for Missy to be sharing her recipe
for the world to enjoy, and this
time, she has the recipe just right.
Papa John’s
C
B
B
A
B
B
C
B
D
B
C
Crust
Sauce
Cheese
Cost
Reliable Delivery
Too Greasy
Bari
Pizzeria
Quality of Toppings
Arrival Temperature
Other Food Available
Courtesy on Phone
Is It Really Pizza?
a+
A
A
b
A
b
A
B
A
B
A+
Just Like Heaven
Reese Whitherspoon,
Mark Ruffalo
Proof
Gwyneth Paltrow,
Anthony Hopkins
Everything is
Illuminated
Elijah Wood,
Eugene Hutz
CONCERT REVIEW
Warped Tour ‘05
By SARAH ASHEY
Staff Writer
Combine overpriced drinks,
screaming teenagers, loud music
and 103-degree weather, shake
once or twice and pour out a
Warped Tour.
Van’s Warped Tour, considered
the “tour that never dies” has been
going on for eleven years. It’s an
opportunity for less mainstream
rock bands to make themselves
heard. Warped has previously
hosted such famed bands as
Green Day, Rancid, Sum 41, The
Used and The Ataris.
This year’s day-long concert
featured over 120 rock bands
including The Offspring, Fall Out
Boy and The Transplants, a new
trio featuring renowned punk
band Rancid lead singer, Tim
Armstrong and former Blink-
182 drummer, Travis Barker. The
bands performed on eight stages
to an audience clad in studded
belts and band t-shirts.
Armed with three friends,
$50 and my worn out Converse
All Stars, I entered the Pompano
Beach Amphitheatre pumped.
Walking around the outdoor
concert, I spotted rows of band
merchandise booths and food
stands selling overpriced band
clothes and water bottles. In the
middle of the Amphitheatre lie
the two main stages reserved for
the better known bands playing
the tour.
Hawthorne Heights, an emo,
or emotional punk rock band,
opened up the concert. As soon
as they began, the audience, a sea
of teens in black clothing, began
jumping up and down singing
along with heartfelt expressions.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROLLINGSTONE.COM
Punk band The Offspring rocks out at this year’s Warped Tour.
The 11-year-old tour came to Pompano Beach Amphitheatre Aug. 6.
UPCOMING MOVIES
SEPT. 9 SEPT. 16 SEPT. 23 SEPT. 30
Flightplan
Jodie Foster,
Peter Sarsgaard
Oliver Twist
Barney Clark,
Ben Kingsley
Corpse Bride
Johnny Depp,
Helena Bonham Carter
As the band screamed through
a 30-minute set, a few metal
rockers complained about the
“whiney” music and threw water
and Gatorade bottles at each other,
beginning a bottle war which
lasted the rest of the performance
and left the concert fl oor covered
in drinks.
Hours later came the best
part of the concert, the emo band
Senses Fail’s performance. As
the band played, kids picked up
the bottles from the fl oor and
threw them on stage. When a
bottle hit the lead singer, Buddy
Nielsen, in the head, he joked it
off and continued playing. Senses
Fail’s set was fi lled with Nielsen’s
commanding voice and was
matched with an equally powerful
guitar and bass performance.
They sounded just as good live as
they do on their albums, which is
an unusual talent. The crowd was
enthusiastic and sang along with
the band’s lyrics.
The My Chemical Romance
performance, which followed
two sets after Senses Fail, was a
disappointment. The lead singer
Gerard Way, sounded out of breath
and was probably overheating
after donning his trademark black
jacket. The audience didn’t seem
to mind though, and continued to
scream along with him and knock
each other over.
I left my fi rst Warped experience
with two band shirts, one heck of a
sunburn and no money. But overall
it was worth it.
For those who missed the
show but like the music, The Vans
Warped Tour 2005 Compilation
is loaded with 50 songs for only
$7.99, and is available wherever
rock CDs are sold.
Capote
Philip Seymour
Hoffman,
Catherine Keener
Serenity
Nathan Fillion,
Gina Torres
Into the Blue
Paul Walker,
Jessica Alba
MUSIC
IN MY
OPINION
BY JACOB NELSON
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
North Miami’s
music scene gets
a lucky break
There’s a problem with
Miami’s music scene.
The hurricanes and the
heat seem to ward off nearby,
all-ages venues. In the past
the closest drive to see a rock
show by a prominent band
clocked in at 25 minutes from
Krop to the Metal Factory in
Ft. Lauderdale.
But it looks like we might
be getting a lucky break. The
Factory, which for years has
attracted local and national
acts alike, will be relocated to
Aventura.
The Factory has hosted
bands like Sugarcult, Taking
Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy and
Alkaline Trio. Two months
ago, the venue was replaced
by the new Tabu nightclub,
which features nightly DJing,
dancing, burlesque shows and
Ladies’ Nights. It’s also 21and-over,
so none of us are
allowed in (unless you have a
thick beard or a fake ID).
However, two to three
months from now the Factory
will be newly established
in a venue closer than any
of its kind has ever been,
according to the owner of the
new nightclub that bought the
Factory’s former property.
In addition to hosting many
popular rock, punk and indie
bands, the Factory is renowned
for allowing smaller, local
bands to play as well. And any
student who wishes to perform
will be able to much more
easily now that the venue will
be closer.
In the meantime, although
the new Tabu nightclub
won’t normally allow high
school students, they will be
having certain all-ages nights.
These events will include
Battles of the Bands, again
giving students the chance to
perform to an audience. Tabu’s
owner encourages interested
students to contact the club
for information about playing.
However, these all-ages nights
will not include any burlesque
shows.
Though it may be a long
next few months without the
Factory at hand, the pay off
will be worth it.
TABU NIGHTLIFE
(954) 566-6331
Venues to visit while you
wait:
CLUB REVOLUTION
(954) 727-0950
RESPECTABLE STREET
(561) 832-9999
THE CULTURE ROOM
(954) 564-1074

FEATURE
SUMMER 2005 THE LIGHTNING STRIKE PAGE ELEVEN
NEW PRINCIPAL FEATURE
Welker
the man
REAL WELKER,
from FRONT PAGE.
year. As an “unfocused” student,
one of his teachers pulled him
aside one day in class.
“He told me I was smart and
talented, but I wasn’t putting
those traits in the right places,”
Welker said. “That changed me.”
Welker learned from this
experience and used it to better
himself. Now, his role models
include students, teachers and
those “close to me, in touch with
who I am and what I do.”
And one may be surprised
about what, exactly, he does.
Welker enjoys J.D. Salinger’s
Catcher in the Rye, though he
fancies “chick books”, too.
Shakespeare and Faulkner
are among his favorite classic
authors, though he prefers murder
mysteries.
“If someone doesn’t die in the
first ten pages, I’m not interested,”
Welker said.
As for music, his taste
is eclectic. It ranges from
electronica to hip-hop to new
age. He speaks very highly of DJ
Tiesto and Black Violin, a group
that blends classical violin with
rap.
Sushi: He’s a fan.
“There is no such thing as
bad sushi, except for really bad
sushi,” Welker said.
He keeps his meat eating to
a minimum, though he does not
consider himself a vegetarian.
Legumes, carrots, cauliflower and
beans are among his favorite.
“If I had tomatoes and beans,
I’d be happy for the rest of my
COMPILED BY MALKA ABRAMOFF
life,” he said.
One may find the lean, 6foot-3-inch
figure on a Saturday
afternoon at Aventura Mall
shopping for Abercrombie and
Fitch and Juicy Couture, so as
to keep himself updated on what
today’s students are wearing.
However, Welker’s television
tastes may somewhat differ from
the general student population’s.
Instead of MTV’s reality shows,
he prefers to watch the History
Channel, Discovery Channel and
assorted law programs.
Welker mourns the passing of
Star Trek and considers himself
a futurist—he believes that one’s
personal fulfillment lies in the
future and not in the present or
past.
“I try to keep my head
elevated, so I see what’s ahead
of me,” he said.
But for now, Welker keeps
himself elevated with bungeejumping
stunts. He has also been
known to dress up as a pencil on
the FCAT testing day.
On a more serious note, his
choice philosophers include
Confucius and Goethe. In
general, he admires “thoughtful
people who sit down and really
try to resolve issues that are in the
mainstream of thoughts.” Welker
uses these men as inspiration
for himself, as he also enjoys
pondering vital issues.
“Hopefully, someday
somebody will read my quotes,”
he said
But right now, Welker
remains an insightful man. A man
of mystery. A Starbucks lover. A
dancer. And most of all, principal
of Krop.
Q:
A:
How do you feel about Principal Dr. Matthew Welker’s morning thoughts?
“People don’t care but personally
I think that he has
something to offer knowledge
wise.” Senior Alfredo Lujan
“I like it because it’s
so positive and gives
me inspiration.”
Junior Galit Tkacz
“It’s better than not having
anything. It makes me
think about what he says.
It’s cool.”
Junior Jean Paul Casanova
PHOTO BY KATIA PHILIPPEAUX
“It depends on what
day I feel like listening
to it.” Sophomore Araixa Ruiz
“His voice is so
monotone it makes
me sleep.” Junior Michael Cowgill
WHO IS
WELKER?
FUN FACTS
Nicknames: Matt,
Doc
Height: 6’ 3”
Weight: 147 lbs.
Welker was spotted
several times on campus
wearing Oakley
sunglasses, which
he likes because
“they’re cool!”
If Welker could take
one Krop elective, he
would choose journalism
because he
enjoys writing.
WELKER IN
HIGH SCHOOL
Welker attended Pace
High.
His prom theme was
The Next Step, and
the theme song was
“Stairway to Heaven”
by Led Zeppelin.
Despite his tall frame,
Welker did not play
sports in high school;
instead, he participated
in the science club.
COMPILED BY NAOMI ENZINNA
“I haven’t
heard it yet.”
Senior Rony Valencia

FEATURE
PAGE TWELVE THE LIGHTNING STRIKE SUMMER 2005
PARKING
Parking shortage drives
students to alternatives
By ERICA SEMEL
Staff Writer
The 319 spots in the parking
lot are never enough to match
the number of students with
cars.
On Monday, Aug. 15, the
remaining 160 parking spots
were distributed in a drawing,
leaving many students without
a spot. The shortage forces
students to look for other parking
options. Junior Daniela Loebl
currently parks in the gravel pit
and said if she does not receive a
spot she will “continue parking
in the gravel pit and walking
that ridiculously long walk.”
Several other students
currently use the gravel pit, as
well as the driveways of the
neighboring homes surrounding
our school.
Junior Joanne Niego owns
a car but does not yet drive to
school. “The only way I will
drive to school is if I receive
a spot. I refuse to park in the
gravel pit because I do not think
DRIVERS’ ED
Students without decals park in the gravel pit despite vandalism
during previous school years. This leaves their cars without protection
and owners with a long walk to and from the school.
it’s a good idea and I hate the
walk.”
All students like Niego can
hope for is additional spots, which
is only a slight possibility.
According to Dawn Baglos,
there is currently a fi ve-year plan
to build a new building to alleviate
the school’s overcrowding, which
may mean a new parking lot. The
PHOTO BY NAOMI ENZINNA
new building may be in the current
parking lot and a new lot may be
built beyond the building.
It is not known if the number
of spaces will increase if a new
parking lot is built.
For now, students without
a spot will either have to fi nd
alternative parking or leave their
cars at home.
Overpopulation puts brakes on drivers’ education
By INNA GRANOVSKAYA
Staff Writer
“Up only” stairs; “Down
only” stairs; “Walk to your
right.” These directions are the
administration’s effort to help
with hall crowding, the result of
school overpopulation.
Teachers have also been
affected. Drivers’ education
teacher Eric Phillips moved to the
English department, leaving only
Troy Parker to teach the course.
According to Assistant
Principal Roger Miret, the major
focus is to hire another drivers’ ed
teacher.
Hiring a teacher for this
course is not an easy task. “You
need to have a P.E. certifi cate
and a drivers’ ed endorsement,”
PHOTO BY KATIA PHILIPPEAUX
‘02 graduate Frantz Florville visits counselor Lisa LaMonica and
tells tales to school reporters of his experience in the army. He
plans to return to his station in Iraq in late October.
Beginning next issue, a current student’s story will
be featured monthly. The student will be selected
at random by opening a locator and pointing at
a name. Find out next month who was chosen.
Principal Matthew Welker said.
P.E. teachers applied for drivers’
ed but were rejected because
they did not have the drivers’ ed
endorsement.
The shortage of teachers has
forced students into P.E. classes,
such as basketball.
Sophomore Natalya Cohen
looks on the bright side: “At least
we’ll stay in shape this year.”
EVERYONE HAS A STORY
By DALIA SABBAGH
Staff Writer
A young man emerges from
an exhausting plane ride, having
spent nearly a year in Iraq. He
looks down and sees a child
looking up at him. “Thank you
for fi ghting for us,” the child said.
This is the feeling of a payoff for
Frantz Florville, a 2002 Krop
graduate.
Frantz enlisted into the U.S.
Army immediately after high
school. Enlisting was fi rst brought
to his attention when a recruiter
visited his English class.
“He recruited four other
people, but I was the only one that
stuck with it after high school,”
Frantz said.
Frantz’s missions included
work in Afghanistan, Korea,
Germany, Iraq, Kuwait, England,
Turkey, Qatar and Uzbekistan.
After weeks of training in South
Q: How do you feel
about where you park?
A: FROM THE STUDENT LOT
Drivers’ ed and health were
previously paired together;
however, administration is
focusing on health because it is a
mandatory course, and drivers’ ed
is an elective.
Many students were moved to
a different class; in this case P.E.
Welker feels that the students can
ask their families to teach them
how to drive a car, or they can
Carolina and Georgia, Florville
walked away with new skills.
“I jump out of planes,”
he said. “It’s a pretty grueling
process.” Florville trained to be a
paratrooper and fl ies black hawks,
a type of helicopter.
Stationed in Iraq, Florville has
been away since last November
and is returning there in late
October.
After four years in magnet
chorus, Frantz still hums those
tunes in Iraq. “It’s hard in the
military. Singing calms the
mood,” Florville said. “Besides,
the other guys get a kick out of it.
It helps the time go by.” Before
Iraq, he had been in Afghanistan
for a year, and “they were always
asking me to sing for them.”
Frantz remembers Deborah
Anderson and Wendy Abolsky as
the teachers that made the most
infl uence on his life. He kept up
good grades and participated in
“I feel privileged because
there’s so few parking spots,
and I don’t have to walk from
the gravel pit.” Junior Enbar Cohen
“[My spot] is really far
away, but it’s better than
parking in the gravel pit.”
Junior Jeremy Leech
A: FROM THE GRAVEL PIT
“Most people say that the gravel
pit is a dangerous place to park,
but I don’t have anything valuable
[in my car], so it doesn’t bother
me.” Senior Jolyse Stultz
“[Parking in the gravel pit]
sucks because of the walk. It’s
long, and after school it’s hot,
and sometimes it rains.”
Senior Elizabeth Carril
COMPILED BY NAOMI ENZINNA
take driving lessons at a local
Department of Motor Vehicles,
unlike health, which should be
taught by a teacher.
According to the head of
life management and drivers’
ed of MDCP, drivers’ ed is a
“luxury.” Because of graduation
requirements, providing health
is a priority since drivers’ ed is
an elective.
Florville fi ghts for freedom
500 role models (now 5000).
Before enlisting in the army
Frantz planned to go to FSU
to study music. His mom, who
feared him joining track in high
school, was “totally against”
joining the military. “She did not
want to sign that paper,” Frantz
said.
Frantz keeps in touch with his
friends and relatives through email
and letters.
“Emotionally, you learn to
shut down some things, but it’s
hard because you miss your
family and friends,” Frantz said.
“There’s no time for relationships,
so it gets pretty lonely.”
Overall, he admits it is a
rewarding experience. “As soon
as I come back it takes a while
to get back into that happy mood
of mine,” Frantz said. “But it’s a
good foot in the door. Not long
term, but a good foot in the door.
I’d do it again.”

COLLEGE CORNER
Northwestern University: A rock-solid college choice
NORTHWESTERN
FACT BOX
DEADLINES
Early decision: Nov. 1
Regular: Jan. 1
Cost to apply: $65
Percent admitted: 30
Financial aid: loans and
grants to 76 percent of
students
Tuition and fees:
$31,789 a year
‘The Rock’ can be
viewed at www.north
western.edu/wildcam/
rock.html. The image
is from a webcam installed
in University
Hall and is refreshed
every minute.
By LINDSEY YOUNG
Staff Writer
Most would think that
splattering paint on a college’s
memorial boulder is an act of
graffiti worthy of expulsion, but
at Northwestern University, it is
tradition.
For over a century, NU
students have taken an oath to
forsake sleep, the bathroom and
even their homework to guard a
paint-bespeckled rock in hopes of
coating it in the morning mist.
Once dawn sets, students
stop patrolling and add their own
colors to the already multicolored
rock.
“Every NU student has, at
some point or another, claimed
and painted ‘the rock.’ It’s a rite
of passage here,” ’05 NU alumni
Jordana Mishory said.
That tradition amplifies that
“Wildcat spirit,” especially for
the sports team.
“After our girls became
national champions in lacrosse,
COURTESY OF GROUPS.NORTHWESTERN.EDU
As part of tradition, these Northwestern University students are
painting the college rock. In 2002, they celebrated an event called
“The Watermelon Bust”, where students painted the rock like a watermelon.
‘the rock’ was plastered with
our school colors and ‘we’re
number one!’” Mishory said.
This spirit is evident throughout
campus, where students lounge
under sculptures and picnic by
the lake.
“Everybody hangs out with
FEATURE
SUMMER 2005 THE LIGHTNING STRIKE PAGE THIRTEEN
REMEMBERING FACULTY
Dreyfuss’ retirement makes a hole-in-Krop
By BENNY HYMAN
Staff Writer
Errol Dreyfuss always had
his eye on students, whether
pestering them to wear their I.D.
badges or cruising in his golf cart
with his flowing salt-and-pepper
hair dancing in the wind. He was
as well-known to students as
Shaq is to Miami.
Because Dreyfuss was so
well known, students can’t help
but notice his absence. He retired
after the 2004-2005 school year.
“He’s probably somewhere
in Scotland working on his golf
game,” said senior Eric Kaplan,
who has been on the golf team
since freshman year. Scotland is
where golf originated during the
16 th century.
“He’s not as cutthroat on the
course but he was still not easy to
deal with.” Kaplan said. In fact,
Kaplan admired Coach Dreyfuss
because he was stern.
“If the team’s results were
less than his expectations, we
would feel the heat. I appreciated
the way he pushed us to be
perfectionists. He took it too
far sometimes, even when we
performed well. He taught me
so much though so it was for the
best,” Kaplan said.
Opinions of Dreyfuss vary,
however. “If you can’t beat me,
don’t teach me,” senior Shane
Hodson, a golfer, said. “Dreyfuss
wasn’t bad, but he would make
a better assistant coach. I think
he lacked the general knowledge
of the game to be an effective
coach. His motivation to win was
not the problem—it was his lack
of resources to win that held us
back.”
Among other things, Dreyfuss
taught Hodson how to deal with
conflicting personalities. “He
busted my a-- when he saw me
in school. He expected more of
me as his student athlete.”
Dreyfuss wasn’t completely
stone-cold, however.
Senior Bruno Chiurliza said,
“People didn’t like Dreyfus
because he got them in trouble.
Everyone is going to say the
same thing about Mr. Aristide.”
Chiurliza had no personal
relationship with Dreyfuss;
however he did have a single
conflict with him.
In his sophomore year, SADD
members were gathered around
the year’s wrecked car with their
faces painted and their mouths
shut, not a word was uttered from
them that day as is tradition.
“I was bored, so I ran up and
I drop kicked the car and ran
PHOTO BY KATIA PHILIPPEAUX
Administrative Assistant Wallace Aristide instructs a student to
wear his I.D. After taking over Errol Dreyfuss’ former position and responsibilities,
he has assisted in keeping students in line.
away,” Chiurliza said. With that,
the entire club, faces painted,
went on a manhunt for Chiurliza.
They stopped their silence and
started their cursing.
“The black makeup was
especially frightening.” Chiurliza
had to change his shirt and hair
in order to avoid them. Security
caught him in class, and Chiurliza
had to answer to Dreyfuss.
“I was so scared of him
from hearsay, but Dreyfuss just
laughed it off and told me to
apologize to SADD. He’s really
not a bad guy at all.”
Even when Kaplan posted
Dreyfuss’ J-Date profile, which
was personal information not
intended for student eyes,
Dreyfuss remained unflustered.
“I didn’t admit it to him, but he
knew it was me,” Kaplan said.
Filling his shoes this year is
Administrative Assistant Wallace
Aristide; however, it appears he
will have a tough act to follow.
everybody; you know everyone
here,” ’01 Krop alumni and ’05
NU graduate Ashley Shapiro
said.
Even Chicago is second to
this intellectual base, whose
students prefer an evening in the
school theater to walking the city
streets.
“Students will go to the city
on the weekend, but you can’t
beat the campus; there is always
something fun going on,” Mishory
said.
For example, the film club
hosts a night once or twice a week
to show block-buster movies,
indie films or school-produced
documentaries.
Activities like these aren’t what
attracted NU students initially.
They came for an education. “It’s
not a party school at all,” Shapiro
said. “NU is definitely a learningcentered
school.”
“It’s kind of a nerdy school,”
’04 Krop Salutatorian and NU
sophomore Baylee Shapiro said.
Don’t cross off other schools,
however, if you can’t fair cold
weather. “Last January and
February, it was never warmer
than 20 degrees,” Ashley Shapiro
said.
So before shopping for paint
to show case your wildcat spirit,
remember to buy a decent coat.
ECOLOGY
Blooming beauty
PHOTO BY KATIA PHILIPPEAUX
Students help with greens
Science teacher Sue Green and her AP Environmental classes
help clean the pond area and butterfly garden. The two gardens,
left unattended during the summer, were rid of weeds and overgrown
plants during their class period on Sept. 1. More gardening is
needed; however, once these gardens are fully finished, Green and
her classes will only need to do minimal work for upkeep.

SPORTS
PAGE FOURTEEN THE LIGHTNING STRIKE SUMMER 2005
BASEBALL
IN MY OPINION
RYAN BASS
SPORTS EDITOR
With New Coach
Comes Winning
Attitude
With the list of ineffective
coaches piled up on the
baseball team’s resume, the
“Curse of the Coaches” seems
to hang around the neck of
anyone who dares to take on
the job. Yet this season it seems
the high school baseball gods
have blessed us with a little bit
of luck.
The latest edition to Krop’s
baseball team, Coach Brian
Larson, has proven himself
promising. A seven-year
assistant coach at American
High School and a standout
baseball player at BCC and
LMU, brings experience and
a winning attitude, which is
desperately needed to get back
as one of the elite teams in the
6A conference.
“Nothing against previous
coaches, but we will take a total
180 degree turn. We will work
harder, practice harder, and
these players will be challenged
to do their best daily,” Larson
said.
Larson has already made
changes. He requires his players
to tuck in their shirts and have
a positive attitude. “If they are
committed to playing on this
team they should be able to
commit to doing something
as small as tucking a shirt in,”
Larson said.
Larson also hopes to
cultivate a strict and winning
image. “I want people to start
saying good things. I don’t want
our team to be referred to as the
‘Bad News Bears,’” he said.
Players are also looking
for change. “I expect Larson
to come in and bring a sense of
unity to help us win districts,”
junior infielder Geovanni Denis
said.
Junior Jeremy Leech also
has high expectations of Larson.
“He will unite us together
because he is a great coach and
is always thinking of ways to
improve the team,” Leech said,
who is returning after leaving for
Chaminade High last season.
Larson has his own set
of expectations. “Have high
academic standards, work as
hard as they can, be mentally
tough, committed, and have no
excuses. I am very strict and
demanding of my players,”
Larson said.
So with the dawning of the
Larson era at Krop will the
“curse of the coaches” finally
be ended or is the baseball team
in for another long season?
Only time will tell, but I have
a feeling this coach is the real
thing.
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Q & A with new Athletic
Director Lori Nelson
NELSON
Q: Why did you choose to
change your occupation from
CSI Instructor to Athletic
Director?
A: Professionally, this was the
next step in fulfilling my career
goals. It was either Athletic
Director or teacher. I have
already been a CSI Instructor,
business manager, assistant
athletic director, and a teacher.
It was time to move on to the
next level, which was Athletic
Director.
Q: What are the main
differences between the two
occupations?
A: You go from being an advisor
in a disciplinary role, like CSI, to
a role where you try to provide
the best athletic experience for the
student body and community, and
in doing so, have fun and enjoy
your job. At the end of the day,
they are both very different.
Q: Is one of the jobs more
enjoyable than the other?
A: No, because they are completely
different I enjoyed working
as the CSI Instructor and I
will miss it just as much as I will
enjoy this position.
Q: Are you happy with your
decision of changing your
position in the school?
A: Absolutely, I am having
a ball. It is a lot of work, but
I can’t wait to get to school
By ERYCA SCHIFFMAN
News Editor
Two months ago, when the homework ended and summer began, the softball
and baseball fields looked as if they were being swallowed up by a jungle of
weeds. Now, the weeds have disappeared and have been replaced by freshly cut
grass and bright new orange clay. With these changes, it is evident that the new
athletic director, Lori Nelson means business. She has already begun to improve
the athletic program and shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.
in the morning. It is very enjoyable
working with all the
coaches, staff and students.
Q: Do you think Jacquelyn
Torano, the new CSI Instructor,
will be able to fill your shoes in
your former position?
A: Definitely, Torano and I
have very similar opinions and
outlooks on things. She has the
type of personality to do a great
job in CSI. In my opinion, she is
very committed to the school and
student body.
Q: What are your goals as
Athletic Director?
A: My objective is to facilitate
the athletic program which seeks
the highest development of all
participants and which represents
the individual dignity of every
student-athlete and coach. I plan
to organize, direct and promote an
athletic program that is integral to
the total educational program. I
will also work hard to provide the
best athletic experience for our
student-athletes.
Q: How do your goals and
objectives differ from those
of Ron Rodriguez, the former
Athletic Director?
A: We have completely different
personalities, which will affect
our goals and objectives. As with
any change in leadership, various
changes will occur throughout the
program and I believe there is always
room for improvement.
Q: Why have you chosen to
crack down on uninsured
practicing over the summer?
A: I have chosen to do this
because it is a school board rule
as well as a Florida High School
Athletic Association rule to
practice with insurance. More
so than a rule, it is to protect the
student-athletes that participate
in our program.
Q: Do you feel pressured to
achieve the recognition from
the Miami Herald as the best
overall athletic program?
A: No, reason being we are
now in a different district so
our competition has changed.
Providing the best athletic
experiences is our primary goal.
Winning is just a bonus. We have
been very fortunate to be able
to accomplish the award in the
past and we will definitely try
to do it again. As long as we are
competitive with our opponents,
we have reached our goal.
Q: How do you think the
athletic teams will do this
year under your leadership?
A: Hopefully, we will be able
to reach the ultimate goal of
success. Success however, is
not always measured in wins
and loses. Our athletic program
has been extremely successful
for the past seven years and I
can only see it continuing to be
as, if not more successful in the
future.
Athletes of the Month
Swimming
Name: Shawn Amuial
Age: 17
Class: Senior
Weight: 162 lbs
Height: 5’11
Career Highlights:
Helped team go to states in 03-04
season
His 200 and 400 relays are school
records
Part of relay team that won
districts in 04-05 season
Football
Career Highlights:
Name: Steven O’ Hayon
Age: 15
Class: Sophomore
Weight: 180 lbs
Height: 5’9 1/2
Position: Quarterback
Led team to silver medal in the junior
olympics
Won NFL Flag Football
Championship
Played for Cooper City
Optimist League
VOLLEYBALL
Girls
volleyball
prepared
for season
PHOTO BY DALIA SABBAGH
Junior Maria Roman spikes
the ball during practice.
By CAROL KERPEL
and ALANA SULTAN
Staff Writers
Following an intense summer
of training and preparing, the girl’s
varsity volleyball team is set for a
new season.
“We practiced Monday through
Friday for three to four hours each
day this summer,” said sophomore
Moiserrat Lamarche, “This is my
second year on the team playing
libero [defensive specialist] and I
think we are prepared to take on all
of the other teams.”
Senior captain Annika Barnwell
is “psyched” for this year, although
she feels the team could be a little
more prepared. “We could have had
a better turn out at summer trainings,
but overall we are a strong team,”
said Barnwell.
Although two seniors left last
year, there are still players to keep
the team alive. Senior, Lennijo
Yarchin, one of the stronger players
on the team was injured last year
with a broken ankle, but she has
recovered and will play defense.
Stephanie Toledo, a freshman from
Brazil, commented on joining the
team: “I have played for four years
in Brazil and I’m very excited to be
part of the team as a hitter,” Toledo
said.
Another newcomer to the team
is junior Carolina Remos. “Although
this is my first year on the team I’ve
been practicing with them since
I was a freshman. Knowing how
the team plays and works together,
I’m expecting a long season,” said
Remos.
The team already has a strong
history for victories. The girls were
district champions for the past three
years. They have reached as far as
the second round of regional games.
The team is animated for the
start of the season, yet wants more
fan support from the student body.
“I want more people to come out to
the games to support us and give the
team inspiration,” said Barnwell,
“As captain I want to end this year
with a bang, leaving an impression
for years to come.”

O’Hayon transfers for football
SPORTS
SUMMER 2005 THE LIGHTNING STRIKE PAGE FIFTEEN
FOOTBALL
By EVAN BERGMANN
Staff Writer
With an NFL Flag Football
World Championship title under
his belt, sophomore varsity
quarterback Steven O’Hayon
moved here from Hillel to play
tackle football.
“There were many factors
in my decision to come here,”
O’Hayon said. “Krop has hard
competition, and I know I am
going to have to be at the top of
SWIMMING
Team aims
to keep
tradition
By NINA BARRACLOUGH
and LOGAN JAFFE
News & Spread Editors
Swim and water polo coach
Ann Gordon and assistant coach
Jason Meyers hope to meet their
four district titles again this year.
However, both coaches claim it
will take a dedicated effort from
the team and themselves.
Gordon, with 17 years of
experience, demands practice from
fi ve to six days a week, lasting two
to three hours. As many of her
swimmers and water polo players
participate in separate clubs, “they
can handle it,” she said.
“It is very diffi cult to be really
great at anything that you do
only two to three months a year,”
Gordon said. “It takes a much
greater commitment to succeed
at the level [to which] we have
grown accustomed.”
Along with vigorous practices,
teamwork is a key aspect of
success. Before meets and games,
the teams eat a “carb-loading,
psychologically stimulating dinner.”
This provides for intense
energy, as the teams’ preparation
physically and mentally is more
focused. This bond outside of
practice results in not only a winning
attitude, but genuine support
for each other.
As a coach, Gordon tries to keep
practices “fun and interesting.”
Though the athletes, she knows,
work very hard, she teaches that
“with hard work come rewards.”
These rewards are not always
material, but “a good feeling about
yourself.”
Respect is also a major factor
in coaching. Teaching the sport
itself falls short of a coach’s duties,
Gordon believes. An athlete must
respect “one’s self, one’s teammates,
one’s opponents, and one’s coaches.”
“We are coaches, disciplinarians,
instructors, mentors and friends. I am
always there for the athlete and they
know it,” she said. “But I think what
makes me a good coach is that I
love what I do and it is easy to be
good at something you love.”
my game everyday.”
Knowing the coaches was
another critical part of O’
Hayon’s decision. O’ Hayon
also has former fl ag football
teammates and knows many
of the other players as well.
“Knowing many players will
make coming here a comfortable
situation for me. Also, they can
help me learn the game faster,”
he said.
O’Hayon, who primarily
played fl ag football at Hillel,
GOLF
has previously experienced the
game of tackle football before he
stepped on to the Krop practice
fi eld. He played for the Cooper
City Optimist team.
“Playing in the optimist
league was an important
experience to help me understand
the tackle football game. It
gave me a sense of how fast and
different the game was from fl ag
football,” he said.
O’Hayon has set his goals
high. “I want to succeed in being
Science teacher
Montero takes
over golf team
By MALKA ABRAMOFF
Staff Writer
Science teacher and exprofessional
golf player,
Carlos Montero will take
control of the golf team,
replacing Mr. Dreyfuss
who retired as the previous
head coach.
Although he has never
c o a c h e d
g o l f ,
M o n t e r o
hopes “to
o v e r c o m e
t h i s
w e a k n e s s
with [his] MONTERO
knowledge
for the
sport.” He is passionate
about the game because
it “tests your clarity of
mind.” Moreover, he feels
that golf sets standards
for perfection. “If you
work hard enough, you
can achieve that,” said
Montero.
Although returning
golf player Shane Hodson
already has confidence
in the new instructor, he
knows “mistakes will be
made.”
Montero knows what it
takes to win. “I’m expecting
them to work to their best
ability and be passionate
about the game,” Montero
said.
The coach isn’t the only
change for the sport; there
will also be a girls’ team.
“Last year we didn’t have
that many participants for
the sport; however this
year, we have a group of
committed and enthusiastic
young ladies ready to hit
the [course]” explained
Montero.
Montero hopes to
share what he feels are the
“Last year we
didn’t have that
many [female]
participants for the
sport; however this
year, we have a
group of committed
and enthusiastic
young ladies ready
to hit the [course].”
Coach Carlos Montero
“wonders” of the game. But
in order to do so, he believes
that “it’s very important that
a golfer obtains patience
and assiduousness, meaning
working constantly.”
the best leader, teammate and
player I can be to help my team
the most, but I have a lot of work
to do before I can get anywhere
near the level I want to beat.”
O’Hayon’s strong work ethic
will prepare him for the long
season ahead. “With the way he
works, I can’t wait to see how
good he’s going to be,” junior
teammate Ben Heller said.
Changing Positions
Who’s out? Who’s in?
Athletic Director:
Baseball:
Golf:
Volleyball:
OUT IN
ARAGO
DREYFUSS
TORANO
Softball:
STEVEN O’HAYON
PHOTO BY DALIA SABBAGH
RODRIGUEZ
SCHIFFMAN
NELSON
LARSON
MONTERO
SCHIFFMAN
LATESSA

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