January 2020 Issue

It’s a Wonderful Life at
West Broward
Life and Arts • Page 16
the
West Broward High School
LYNX
Marching Band Floats to Victory
as Grand Champions
News • Page 2
VOL. 12 NO.2 500 NW 209th AVENUE, PEMBROKE PINES, FL 33029 JAN 2020
West Broward wakes up with WB in the AM
WAKE UP WITH WBTV: TV 4/5 junior Sophia
Moro informs Bobcats on the day’s weather.
WB in the AM is split into sections consisting
of news, sports, weather and entertainment
segments made by the staff themselves for
every morning broadcast. Photo by Gillian
Stewart
CAMERA READY: (From left to right) TV 2/ 3 sophomores Genesis Ibarra, Ethan Cates, Andrea
Guzman, and assistant principal Wendolynn Mola as they get organized for the B-day show for
WB in the AM. Before school starts, the crew takes 45 minutes to an hour to prepare for each live
show that goes on during 1st/5th period. Photo by Gillian Stewart
Gillian Stewart
Life and Arts Editor
The lights shine on, the cameramen
mark their spots, the crew put
on their smiles and it is time for the
morning show. West Broward’s TV
program (WBTV) show has had
an extensive list of projects that
have been produced in and outside
the classroom. From commercials
to short films, WBTV has never
stopped entertaining the Bobcat
community. For 12 years and still
going, the students of TV production
have brought a great addition
to the school’s morning routine with
the production and broadcasting of
WB in the AM.
WB in the AM is West Broward’s
award-winning morning show put
on by the TV production classes.
The 10-minute show is a nice way
for the Bobcats to begin their day.
Since 2008, previous and current TV
students have dedicated their time
and talents to producing a reliable
and entertaining broadcast for West
Broward High School from Monday
to Friday for the entire school year.
“The morning show takes a lot of
preparation. We have to find stories
that are engaging to the school and
create new ways of making the show
different each day,” TV president Sophie
Reis said. “The crew finds their
own topics for each show. It’s their
responsibility to create news packages
that they’re proud of to broadcast
to school. The topics usually come
from videos they made in class, but
it ranges from sports to weather to a
special student.”
Continued on Page 7
BEHIND THE SCENES: Junior Kela Bueno is
being interviewed by junior Kayla Dayan on
WB in the AM. As a participant in the Super
Bowl LIV Pepsi Halftime Show, Bueno was
brought on to discuss her experience in the
high energy performance. Photo by Brandon
Vasquez

2
JANUARY 2020 • EDITOR PAULA COLON
Marching band floats to victory as grand champions
Natalie Maronas
Copy Editor
Worn-out tennis shoes were eroded with
holes from the hot concrete. Hours of practice
were the catalyst for the band’s hard
work and dedication to blossom. The attentiveness
of the instructors and performers
were what contributed to the marching
band having their most successful year yet.
Even with a band size barely qualifying
for the 5A category, the West Broward
Performance Ensemble had made massive
strides this season as they accomplished
major wins against long-time competitors
and earned their first ever win at the Florida
Marching Band State Championships. Their
show “Lost in the Fog” marked an important
moment in the marching band’s history.
“This has been the hardest working
band we’ve had so far,” said band director
Dean Calmer. “Since everyone on board
is great, it made the band want to work
harder to reach the bar asked of them.”
The production’s theme was centered
around the classic 1964 film Mary Poppins.
The music varied between the typical
marching band style and swing in their
covers and original composition for the
score, focusing on the bombastic sound
of the brass and giving spotlight to soloists
during the third act. Choreography
was a major aspect of the show as many
of the visual and guard instructors contributed
to having performers do a variety of
moves on the football field. The ensemble
even had an umbrella dance backed by Rihanna’s
“Umbrella” for their fourth act.
“When we design shows, we have the
idea of anything goes and don’t say no
to anything,” said assistant band director
Bill Muter. “Someone mentioned
the Mary Poppins idea and we liked
it, so we decided to stick with it but
make it more interesting and modern.”
UP HIGH: During their fourth act, the ensemble coats the football fi eld in
pink as they end off their fl owing umbrella dance. With intense rehearsals
and practices contributing to them perfecting their varied, bombastic
production, the band was able to net their fi rst ever win at FMBC
States. Photo by Andrew Rumpfeldt
A TILT AND A BOW: During the second part of their production, the saxophones of West Broward’s Performance
Ensemble play the main melody of the band’s score as they form their shapes and act out their choreography.
The ensemble’s attentiveness to detail in their composition and visuals alongside the Color Guard’s precise
movements led them win as champions at FMBC States. Photo by Natalie Maronas
Planning for the production and practice
through the school’s football games
paid off with their marching competitions.
Their first competition at Boca Raton High
on Sept. 28 marked a noticeable moment
for the group as they placed .2 points
away from competitor Park Vista High.
Afterwards, minor competitions at John
I. Leonard High on Oct. 12 and Hialeah
High on Oct. 19 had them net first place
against other 5A groups. However, for the
first time in five years, the ensemble was
able to beat rival Stoneman Douglas High
in the 5A category by .7 points at Park
Vista High on Nov. 2. The rush of invincibility
permeated within the band as states
approached, but there was still a tinge of
fear for how the final show would play out.
“Many were nervous, but I felt confident,”
said senior and brass captain Gabriel Martin.
“I don’t think we’ve ever beat Stoneman
like that, so doing that gave us motivation
in preparation for the performance.”
The big day arrived on Nov. 23 as the
band traveled to Ovideo High to compete
for semi-finals. With only seven 5A
bands present and five advancing to finals,
the group was sure that they would
make it for their final performance at the
Daytona Beach Stadium. The fear they
had became prominent as they got second
with 92.1 points and Stoneman in first
with 92.8. With one last chance to give it
their all, the ensemble earned their first 5A
champion title with 92.25 points overall.
“I don’t think we’ve
ever beat Stoneman like
that, so doing that gave
us motivation in preparation
for the performance.”
-Gabriel Martin
“This is the most talented band that we’ve
ever had and the culture change from freshman
year to now is so big,” Martin said. “It’s
cool to see all of the members’ growth.”
The endless practices and the teamwork
of the students helped give a show
like no other. As a light shower fell on
all of the performance groups waiting for
results on the field after finals, West Broward
opened their pink umbrellas up and
made themselves known to everyone.
“West Broward is known for having
sass and confidence in their production,”
said visual captain head Josh Brenneis.
“But as an ensemble we’re just growing
in maturity and skill every year.”

news
JANUARY 2020 • EDITOR PAULA COLON 3
Marksmanship team upholds their national first place title
Paula Colon
Editor-in-Chief
Marksmanship has been commonly
misconceived as precision shooting by
military personnel, yet many fail to recognize
that the Olympic shooting sport
has been incorporated into local communities.
Across the nation, Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs
have initiated the opportunity for high
school students to develop precision, focus
and discipline through marksmanship.
The West Broward High School
AJROTC program has acquired the first
place spot in the Orian National Air Rifle
League after winning eight matches
in a row as part of the league’s distinguished
division. With their 8-0 record,
they became both first place overall in the
league and first place within their ‘Army
JROTC’ conference as well.
“I am very proud of my team, we work
very hard and those who show dedication
reap the rewards when it comes to competitions
like these,” said Marksmanship
coach Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Merkel.
Air rifle team members shoot 10 shots
from three different shooting positions:
PERFECT AIM: (Left to right) Juniors Edward Gispert, Audrey White, Andrea
Aylwin and seniors Donald Marchione and Danielle Sardarsingh
practice target shooting in the prone position at their range. The marksmen
are required to practice a minimum of two days a week to assure
the best competition results for National League matches. Photo by
Paula Colon
prone, standing and kneeling with each shot
being worth a maximum of 10 points. The
athlete’s total is the sum of points for the 30
shots, while the team’s total score is the sum
of the team’s four best individual scores.
“We are consistent in the way that we
improve and get better so it’s no surprise
to me how well we are doing,”
said Junior Co-captain Andrea Aylwin.
West Broward’s Marksmanship team
won eight matches in total within the
eight-week regular season, and competed
against schools including Joliet West
AJROTC from Illinois and Henderson
County AJROTC from North Carolina.
“It’s basically like a virtual match so
we all shoot our targets and then scan and
send to the Orion Scoring system,” said
senior Captain Nistula Seshadri. “They
use the National Standard Three-Position
Air Rifle Rules to score us.”
The Marksmanship team made it to the
national league’s conference title game on
Dec. 6 and competed against the second
highest ranked team in it’s conference,
Clarkrange High School. The Bobcats
acquired 2,081 points while Clarkrange
High School acquired 2,063 points.
“We always want to continue improving
and keep it in our minds not
to become complacent. Another team
could swoop in if we get overconfident
and start slacking,” Merkel said.
From September to November, the
Marksmanship team also competes on
the local level against other JROTC programs
in the county. The County Championship
will be held at Coral Glades
High School where they hold the title of
five-time consecutive county champions.
The Marksmanship state competition
will be held on Apr. 25 at Island
Coast High School in Cape Coral Florida.
Last year, the team placed third
overall in the state, so the team is hoping
to come back with a first place win.
“I know we will continue being county
and national champions,” Aylwin said. “We
approach these competitions with confidence
and we set our minds on winning,
and in the end, they are well deserved.”
West Broward Raiders dominate at statewide competition
GAME FACE: (Left to right) Juniors Crystal Giron, Camilla Alvarez, Isabelle
Rouse, Jasmin Limas and senior Katie De Los Rios participate in the tire
flip event. Last year, the female team placed second at states, but became
first place champions in 2019. Photo by Jasmeen Fajardo
Paula Colon
Editor-in-Chief
West Broward’s Junior Reserve Officer
Training Corps (JROTC) Raiders
are known as hardworking, mentally
and physically strong individuals
with a work ethic that drives them further
and further with every competitive
season. As a unit, they are recognized
widely as past and present champions.
On Nov. 16, the Raider team participated
in the 2019 Florida State Raider Championships
on the Flaming arrows scout reservation
in Lakeland, FL. The team participated
in the tire flip, obstacle course, 5k
run, rope bridge, and litter carry events.
The female team placed first overall, the
male team placed second overall, and the
mixed team placed third overall in the state.
“I knew that we were training hard and
that the Raiders were doing everything
possible to become state champions,”
said senior male team commander Anthony
Diaz-Cobo. “At states, the competition
is extremely different compared
to here, but I think we made the program
proud and brought home a huge win.”
The county competition prior to the state
competition was held at West Broward,
with the team placing third overall behind
the Hollywood Hills High School Entrepreneur
and Leadership Military Academy
(ELMA) and Everglades High School.
“We can’t help the cards life has dealt
you but you better find a way to win,” said
Raider coach and First Sergeant Ernest
Sosa. “We apply that to what happened
at counties, we were mistreated at counties
but we pulled through in the end.”
At the 2018 state championships, the
male team placed first in the state, while
the females placed second and the mixed
team did not place. The results shifted
for all three teams in 2019 when the female
team placed first, while the male
team placed second. The mixed team
placed third, making it the first year all
three teams have placed in the top three.
“Never once did I doubt my females.
I knew we were strong, both mentally
and physically. But what allowed
me to know we were going to win that
state championship was the bond we
shared and how unbreakable it actually
was,” said senior female team commander
Katie De Los Rios. “We did it all
for each other in the end of everything.”

4
JANUARY 2020 • EDITOR PAULA COLON
FFEA hosts first rally as president chapter at West Broward
PLAYING AROUND: FFEA Trendsetter and junior Kiera Cerino with sophomore
Elizabeth Guerra interact with the baby bobcats during their ECE
class. ECE recently merged with FFEA and allowed for ECE students to
further progress their education interests. Photo by Paula Colon
Paula Colon
Editor-in-Chief
Tadhg Holder
Staff Writer
Many students choose to pursue their
career interests in education as early as
high school. Students are fostering their
passion for teaching through clubs and organizations
that center around education,
such as Early Childhood Education (ECE)
and Florida Future Educators of America
(FFEA). By doing this, students are forming
the ability to impact not just the rest of their
own lives but those of the next generation.
West Broward FFEA, advised by eightyear
club sponsor Michelle Wilson and
led by President and senior Matthew
Singh, hosted their first rally on Dec. 4.
The club, which incorporates ECE and
Trendsetters, planned and held the Winter
Rally at West Broward. With 13 schools,
the club organized a toy drive and games.
They also invited West Broward Principal
Brad Fatout, a previous FFEA member,
to serve as the guest speaker at the event.
“I am grateful for the opportunities we get
where we are able to interact with all these
students,” Singh said. “This year has been
a year of growth with incorporating ECE
and being the president chapter, so we’re
able to put on the best event for everyone.”
FFEA and Trendsetters at West Broward
centers around providing a forum
for students to become aware of career
opportunities in education by attending
local and state level FFEA conventions,
and even visiting local elementary
schools to work with young students.
“I love that we go to Panther Run after
school to work with the second and
third graders,” said senior FFEA member
Megan Audette. “I want to work with elementary
school kids when I’m older,
so I saw this as a perfect opportunity.”
This school year, FFEA at West Broward
has incorporated the ECE program
into their club. FFEA partnered with ECE
to bring more students interested in the
education field into their organization.
“These programs open many doors for our
students,” said ECE teacher Dawn Vasquez.
“They leave high school with real world
experience, state and national industry
certifications, career ready and most importantly
ready to be a difference maker.”
West Broward’s FFEA program has been
the county’s president chapter for two consecutive
years. As the president chapter,
they hold and lead meetings to plan for
not just rallies but for local and state conventions.
The chapter’s student president,
Matthew Singh, has been the county’s student
president for two consecutive years.
“As the county President, I have to attend
multiple meetings every year with
other officers and advisors where we discuss
what we’re going to do at our rallies
and any other events we hold,” Singh said.
FFEA attended the 6th Annual Future
Educators of America Regional Conference
on Nov. 22 at Florida International
University (FIU). They were given the
opportunity to participate in competitive
activities and career workshops.
“We placed second in both the ethical
dilemma competition and the essay
writing competition,” Audette said. “I
know the ECE students did well with
the poster competitions so it was nice to
see them doing good for their first year.”
The winter rally was Polar Express
themed, so members came in their pajamas,
and enjoyed a hot chocolate station,
with the goal of interacting and networking
with members from other chapters.
Additionally, the rally held a toy drive for
less fortunate children in Broward County.
“Heart Association is a program that helps
Broward County students that are displaced
and don’t have homes right now,” Wilson
said. “We help support the students in need
in Broward County. All 15 schools came
together. We collected over 100 toys.”
As for the future of FFEA, they will continue
working with ECE to bring in more club
members and ultimately create an impact
on the future of West Broward’s students.
“The goal really is to promote students
to become educators in the future, and to
give them exposure, whether it’s going to
the elementary school, we do every week,
so the kids tutor little kids, and they decide,
‘Oh, I love teaching,” Wilson said.
OUR PRINCIPAL: FFEA members pose with Principal Brad Fatout (center)
at their winter rally hosted at West Broward. Fatout was the president of
South Broward’s FFEA program as a high school student, and later became
West Broward’s Principal in 2018. Photo by Felicia Burgin

JANUARY 2020 • EDITOR PAULA COLON 5
Technology makes its way into West Broward’s teaching curriculum
Nathania Mullings
Staff Writer
The stress of losing papers is becoming obsolete.
Now, scanning and submitting your
work has become commonplace. With this
generation navigateing electronics early in
their lives, technology is the main educational
tool for both teachers and students.
However, some are concerned that it will
detract from the physical aspec of teaching
that has been successful for generations.
The assimilation between technology
and school is customary, but not
how students are affected by it. Technology
has impacted students’ education
as some take online classes or
join clubs that incorporate technology.
“I like having a physical textbook in
front of me because it’s personal,” said
sophomore Gracelyn Wilson. “This increase
is more harmful than beneficial.”
Many students are uncomfortable using
online textbooks because they feel it acts
as a hindrance to their education. However,
some students prefer online access.
“I think it’s easier to use since almost
everyone has some sort of electronic
at home,” said sophomore Emily Henao.
“The actual textbook takes up space
and you never know when you need it.”
There are many useful programs that
are both entertaining and educational
that technology provides. When students
were surveyed, Canvas, Quizlet and Kahoot!
were shown to be very useful.
“We use technology for access
to class activities,” said World
History teacher Lisa Schurmans.
When asked if online programs are the
main focus in the classroom, approximately
51.9 percent of students agreed on its
importance. Online classes are becoming a
recurring theme for students. Many say online
classes offer an opportunity to make up
credits, others will come to terms that the
lack of a physical classroom setting brings a
lack of personal connection from a teacher.
“Online classes are beneficial for
me because my schedule is full,”
said sophomore Victoria Rodriguez.
Implementing technology has opened
several doors. A club that was made
to introduce females into technology
fields is Girls Who Code. Creating
this club goes to show the usefulness
of technology in the workplace.
“Introducing courses with technology
pushes girls to participate in
the field.” said Programming teacher
and club sponsor Matthew Feiler.
Technology has influenced the students
and staff of West Broward both positively
and negatively. Its infinite domain of opportunity
is ever expanding and those interested
are excited for the future of technology.
“I know that students are benefiting from
using the internet for educational purposes
because they are already masters of using
it for things they enjoy,” said Schurmans.
Vaping continues to endanger student health in the Community
THE FACTS: 37.3 percent of 12th graders have
admitted to vaping in 2019 according to the
National Institution of Drug Abuse. Vaping has
been linked to many lung injuries, and in some
cases, death. Graphic by Sarah Perez
Paula Colon
Editor-in-Chief
Younger generations continue to seek out the highly addictive
nicotine concentrations that have been infused into
modern e-cigarette products. These vaporized aromas have
made an appearance in the home and school lives of a variety
of youth. As they fuel their addictions often and more
regularly, an outburst of lung injury correlated with vaping
in young adults has presented itself in the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are
investigating an outbreak of over 800 lung injury cases
and 12 deaths reported from a span of 46 states. They
have been associated with e-cigarette product use. 22% of
the patients affected by the disease are between the ages
of 18 and 22, creating concerns specifically in schools.
“It’s (vaping) not affecting our students well, in the
way that they are hiding negative behaviors. They are
missing class and then they fall behind so it’s an academic
issue,” said senior assistant principal Wendy Mola.
The Nicotine contained in vape products is a toxic
substance that can raise blood pressure and increase
heart rate as well as the likelihood of having a
heart attack. Vaping and secondhand vaping can cause
long term damage to the brain, heart, and lungs. It is
seen specifically in babies, teens, and young adults.
“Kids will just go to the bathroom or skip class just to
DECODING: Programming teacher Matthew Feiler watches over senior
Pranita Mishra as she uses a decoding simulator. Mishra is one of the
members of the Girls Who Code, a club where young women are encouraged
to learn programming skills. Photo by Nathania Mullings
vape. It has definitely taken a toll on the students day to day
lifestyle,” said senior Luis Bermudez. “It’s unhealthy and
scary, but it’s what our future generations may become.”
The Broward County School Discipline Matrix is
clear on the consequences for vaping or possession
of vape products on campuses. Consequences include
in-school suspension, confiscation, parent contact, referral
to substance abuse case manager, expulsion,
and ultimately consultation with law enforcement.
“As for vaping products with THC/oils on campus, a penalty
needs to be had when you are doing something that is illegal
by the state; the state has defined this as a felony,” Mola said.
West Broward has spread awareness regarding the dangers
of vaping through grade-level assemblies, posting
information on the school website, administrative announcements,
and monitoring bathroom patterns routinely.
“As much as we try positive understanding and ‘see something
say something,’ the bottom line is we’re working with
an adolescent community who’s going to make adolescent
decisions,” Mola said. “I can’t make you stop making bad
choices, but don’t make these choices on campus; if we
can model that we make value-based decisions, then this
isn’t something that has to get in our way to graduation.”

6
feature
JANUARY 2020 • EDITOR JADA INGLETON
West Broward’s competition cheer team strives for Regionals win
FINAL POSE: West Broward’s competition team perform at their Districts
competition, hosted at Dillard High School on Jan. 11. The Bobcats
placed first, which awared them access to Regionals in late January.
Photo courtesy of Michaela Freeman
Jada Ingleton
Feature and Opinion Editor
Izabella Perez
Staff Writer
Hundreds of competitors, supporters and
rivals’ eyes are glued to the performers’ every
movement as she strides through her
transitions and stunts. The sound of a boastful
cheer mix set to a usual 8-count routine
blare through nearby speakers, sparking the
room with energy. Much like any other activity,
competitive cheerleading can come
with its fair share of risks and peril. However,
it continues to offer cheerleaders the
opportunity to shine and strive for success.
West Broward’s competition team is surely
no different.
Going on their seventh year of competing,
the West Broward cheerleading competition
team has shown both promise and potential
in their time spent on the mats. Every year,
spring tryouts are held in preparation for
the busy and bustling season. While some
teams may get off-season time away, the
lady Bobcats spend most of their summer
and early in the school year preparing. They
are in prep mode bonding, conditioning, and
working up the strength and strategies needed
to hit the competitive scene.
“Most people might dread having to come
back to school throughout the summer, especially
if it means having to work out early
in the morning and get sore off it. But when
you’re doing it with a team, it really does
not seem as bad,” said senior team member
Michaela Freeman. “We know in advance
what competition season entails. All the
hard work and time put in from way back in
Aug. is only used to strengthen us individually
and as a group.”
Communication is key when going over
stunts and routines, especially during Sept.
through Apr. competition season. Helping
each other with warm-ups and stretches in
preparation for the stunts about to be done
is one of the crucial ways the team assists
each other. When going over routines, the
other cheerleaders watch the bases and flyers
in order to give feedback on what might
need to be fixed and how they can improve
aspects of the routine as a whole and individually.
“We try to keep each other motivated
every day, saying to give it your all,” said
sophomore flyer Victoria Vazquez. “Not just
for yourself, but for the whole team as well.
There’s always room for improvement.”
The Bobcats are constantly in game mode.
They use every practice and opportunity
possible to not only improve themselves,
but also inch their way closer towards an
accomplishing title. Aside from the opinions
and efforts from their own coaches, the
team also participates in mini-competitions,
nicknamed mini-comps, where they get a
chance to be evaluated based on their executing
performance.
“Mini-comps don’t necessarily give places
or ranks, but we do get a paper with feedback
on our performance: what we excelled
in, what we did wrong, things like that,”
Freeman said. “We try to do as many as
possible to get a leg up before the bigger
competitions to see what areas we need to
work in and how to make our routine overall
better.”
The competition cheer team is the only
team that competes; the junior varsity (JV)
and varsity teams only perform at games.
These three teams differ in the level of difficulty.
The competition team consists of
competing with a full routine with a variety
of different and advanced skills like elite
stunting, jumping and dancing. No matter
the fact that JV and varsity cheer teams do
not participate in competitions, they work
hard when cheering for the West Broward
boys football team.
“Competition team is different than sideline
cheer because you learn and perform
more advanced skills than what you would
do at a football game,” said sophomore
team member Cassie Aguiar. “You’re really
coming together as a team and working as a
whole to put your best performance out on
the mat.”
With years of growth, improvement and
experience, West Broward’s competitive
cheer team continues to expand their horizons
and offer their audience one electrifying
performance after another. From
tumbling mats to one man stunts, the team
identifies the strength and courage it takes to
compete and how a positive support system
can ease the workload and inspire greatness.
“We’re all very close on the team,”
Vazquez said. “I think having a solid bond
between the other cheerleaders helps a lot
when performing and practicing as you
know you have a whole team of people
that have your back and will support you
through your stunts.”
Due to their hard work and strive, the
cheerful Bobcats placed first at their Districts
competition on Jan. 11. The victorious
win awarded them a chance at competiting
for Regionals on the 24th. This achievement
can come with the potential and possibility
of a Nationals champions title.
Cheer is not in any way an easy sport. Just
like any other sport, it’s high stress and high
stakes, and it can be taxing on a competitior.
No matter the stakes the West Broward
cheerleaders always manage to strike gold.
“It’s so important to keep a positive attitude
when competing; not everything will
turn out how you want,” said Freeman. “We
have worked really hard pushing through
every obstacle and we get through it as a
team. Rest assured: we are ready to hit the
mat for Regionals.”
STURDY STRIDE: West Broward’s
competition team perform their
third competition at Nova High
School on Dec 3. The mini-competition
resulted in positive feedback
for the Bobcats and allowed the
team exposure prior to their Regionals
debut, which took place
the weekend of Dec 6. Photo by
Jada Ingleton

feature
JANUARY
2020 • EDITOR JADA INGLETON 7
WBTV in the AM brings news and entertainment to Bobcats
CAMERA READY: (From left to right) TV 2/ 3 sophomores Ethan Cates,
Andrea Guzman, Genesis Ibarra and TV 6/7 senior Sebastian Ibarra get
everything perfected for the B-day show for WB in the AM. The crew
takes 20 to 40 minutes to prepare for each live show that goes on during
1st/5th period. Photo by Gillian Stewart
Gillian Stewart
Life and Arts Editor
Continued from front page...
The production of WBTV’s morning
show begins days in advance to prepare
for WB in the AM. Each cast member has
approximately two days to find stories to
present. The crew talk to one another to
find out what is apart of the week’s episodes
and into each segment. Cast members
discuss the weekly events that take
place on campus or effect the Pembroke
Pines community. The show allows students
from each TV level to have a chance
to show their talents along with learning
ways to enhance their production skills
for future classes and future careers.
“The kids choose. TV 2 put on the show,
so as a TV 1 they learn all the basics, and
then they bring it into a real-life situation.
That’s why shows are not the best in the
beginning but gradually get better throughout
the year,” TV production teacher Vidal
Rivera said. “ We put live shows on everyday
so they have to get through the
terrible to get to the better. From there
on, they start refining it and defining it.”
For the next couple days leading up to the
show, students figure out which people go on
for the broadcast. The members of WBTV
get a chance to pick what they wish to be
with the “first come first serve” process.
“In the beginning of the week, we pick
who will be on air,” said sophomore Mackenzie
Rivero. “How our system works
is every 3 days, it’s a brand new crew.
So once the three shows are done, we
head back to the classroom then we have
a set of kids sign up for each position.”
Once the students of the week have their
positions assigned, each person is responsible
for finding stories. The process in creating
the episodes puts the student’sEach
person on the broadcast team is able to master
their English, writing and speech skills
during the production and taping of the
show. WB in the AM has encouraged the
students to enhance their abilities, which
can be beneficial during the school time.
“A lot of people look at our show don’t
understand that we incorporate everything
taught in other classes,” Rivera said. “We
incorporate all the research skills because
we have to make sure everything that we do
is the truth. We also work on troubleshooting
and cooperative skills to make sure
anything goes wrong especially having a
live show, you can’t just stop and restart.”
There are various factors needed in order
to create WB in the AM. The show
puts on different segments and intriguing
elements to keep the Bobcats interested.
The show takes approximately 15 students
each day to make an episode. Rotating
students each week, all levels of TV from
TV 1 to Tv 6/7 are able to learn what it
takes to make a successful broadcast, and
enhance their TV production abilities.
“To put on a successful morning show it
takes a good chunk of people to carry out
each position,” Vice president Chyanne
Li- Flores said. “Then we have people
for tech like making the intro, graphics,
flipping each scene and camera work.”
WBTV start the day of the show preparing
for the live broadcast. Prepping for
the show takes the crew about around 20
to 40 minutes to put on the perfect version
of WB in the AM. The students are
given autonomy when making sure the
equipment is positioned correctly, scripts
are clear to see through the monitors,
and different tasks on their checklists.
“Every morning we have to be in the
studio by 7,” said broadcast coordinator
Sebastian Ibarra. “Once everyone on
the crew comes, we try to get as many
run throughs as possible so the anchors
can get comfortable with the script, audio
can be leveled, etc. From prep to final
product, it takes closer to 40 minutes.”
By 7:40 am, WBTV is ready for their
broadcasting. They have five minutes before
the show goes on through each classroom
at 7:45. For that remaining time, the crew
go over any minimal tweaks they must fix,
and edit anything incorrect in the scripts.
WBTV find ways to incorporate the
West Broward family into their daily
broadcast. The crew bring on administration
like Principle Brad Fatout and Senior
Administrative Principle Wendolynn
Mola. Along with staff, WBTV shines
a light on young talents such as the district
winning volleyball team, marching
band and other bright skilled students
“I remember being a part of the morning
show my sophomore year and we didn’t
have a talk show segment,” Li-Flores said.
“The thought of even having a talk show
segment never crossed our minds. the other
day we brought in a band to perform live
instead of having a talk show segment.”
WBTV continues to strive in the journalism,
creating a morning show that
has captured the attention of all staff and
students in the Bobcat community. WB
in the AM has became a part of West
Broward’s morning routine allowing
students to start their day off with interesting
topics along with interesting segments.
The show has become a way to
show off the school’s talented Bobcats.
“There’s always something in store for
the morning show,” Reis said. Our priority
is making WB in the AM interesting
and finding new students to highlight
and special events at the school to show.”
CAMERA READY: Sophomore Maria Carreno presents the day’s news
segment on WB in The AM’s A-day broadcast. The award winning WBTV
students have incorporated various segments like news, sports, weather,
and talk shows to deliver a successful 10-minunte show to the West Broward
community. Photo by Gillian Stewart

8
JANUARY 2020 • EDITOR JADA INGLETON
feature
Project Broward: DECA hosts Precious Dreams Dreams Drive
PRECIOUS DREAMS PACKAGING: Juniors Javier Hurst and Barbara De
Leon Marin and seniors Emily Ensel and Ella Terran package items into
bags for the Precious Dreams Foundation. This is the first year that DECA
has donated to the foundation after one of the students presented the
idea. Photo by Kiera Cerino
Kiera Cerino
Staff Writer
As blankets, stuffed animals and story
books are packaged in drawstring bags
to be sent to the Precious Dreams Foundation,
Distributive Education Clubs of
America (DECA) students work to get the
bags ready for children who are homeless
or in foster care. Over 428,000 children
are in foster care in the United States and
the Precious Dreams foundation works to
ensure that every child can feel comfortable.
From Oct. 28 to Nov. 6, DECA collected
a number of items that were on the
Precious Dreams list. As juniors Arielle
Peralte, Samantha Soskin and Janine
Downs decided to bring the event to West
Broward for a community service project
for their competition, DECA decided to
participate and collect items as donations
for the project with the juniors as event
coordinators.
“We decided to do a community service
event project and I had heard about the
organization through my temple,” Soskin
said. “The donated items go to children in
foster care that may be dealing with anxiety
and depression who need comfort.”
Over 40 percent of those homeless are
under 18 and many of those children
worry about finding and securing a place
to sleep. The Precious Dreams Foundation
works to help children find comfort in
difficult times in their lives. The Precious
Dreams Foundation provides items to give
children that could possibly help and ease
their situation.
“I hope people gain an understanding of
the hardships that children in foster care
go through and the importance of the Precious
Dreams foundation,” Peralte said.
“The event supplies children in foster care
with items that are proven to help them
deal with stress in their difficult situation.”
Students who were involved in the
packaging of the items donated were able
to sort through the donations and put
them into drawstring bags provided by
the foundation. While some packaged the
bags, other students wrote positive notes
included in the bags to help the children
feel more positive and comforted. By
participating in these activities, students
were able to understand and see firsthand
how much community service can have an
impact on those receiving the assistance.
“This has changed the way I view
community service because before I never
really thought that it was something you
could do yourself, but now I see that it
is,” said junior DECA member Innocent
Wodzisz. “It has increased my interest
in other community service events and
the best part of being involved was being
able to do something to help people with
a group of my friends. I learned the value
of community service and how a group
of people can come together and make a
difference.”
Participating in this event was a way for
students to become more involved with a
foundation they might not have been able
to work with otherwise. The students were
able to have an understanding of how
community service can change the lives
of people around them. It provided an
opportunity for students to learn about the
foundation and see how their donations
affect the people receiving the bags.
“I learned more about what goes into
community service projects. It showed me
that it’s the little things that can mean a
lot to someone,” said sophomore DECA
member Max Baumgartner. “I think the
best part about being involved in this is
knowing we took part in helping foster
children adjust to their new homes and
further appreciating what we have, since
there are many people out there who
aren’t as fortunate as us.”
As the final blanket, stuffed animal and
storybook were packed into a drawstring
bag, preparation for the bags to be sent to
the Precious Dreams Foundation began.
The event coordinators collected the
finished bags and placed the notes inside.
DECA members then transported the
bags so they could be sent to the Precious
Dreams Foundation and the foster children
could receive them.
“We hope that we are able to donate
fully packaged comfort bags to Precious
Dreams and possibly a monogram donation
from a fundraiser in the near future to
help our cause grow even more,” Downs
said.
In the aftermath of the event, students
were able to see how their community
service and considerate efforts could help
others, ultimately showing how their actions
can have a positive impact on others.
This has also allowed students to become
more involved in more community service
opportunities.
“I decided to participate because I saw
my peers doing something good and it
drove me to help their great cause. In a
sense, it has added to my awareness that
there are good things around that I can
help with,” said junior DECA member
Javier Hurst. “I think the best part of
being involved was just the environment
of everyone coming together to do something
good. I learned that it is really easy
to make a difference in anyone’s life. You
just have to get involved.”

feature
JANUARY 2020 • EDITOR JADA INGLETON 9
Bobcats earn district and state recognition for creative abilities
Natalie Maronas
Copy Editor
Sarah Perez
Staff Writer
West Broward students are infamous
for their hard work and dedication. With
years of learning and experience put into
one passion, a lot of hard work and accomplishments
can come from it. For junior
Natalie Dillehay and senior Hayden
Miller, these achievements hold to be true.
From Nov. 2 to Nov. 9, Dillehay’s art
piece was submitted to the All-Star Exhibit
in the Broward County Museum. As a
result, she has been recognized as best in
the drawing category of the competition.
“I entered this contest to see how my art
fared against others,” Dillehay said. “Hearing
I won the drawing section of the competition
was validating and made me happy to
be creating art that people consider good.”
Dillehay has been creating art since she
was 11 years old. She enjoys the engendering
of stories. This medium of expression
prompted to be a stress reliever for Dillehay.
“When I was younger, drawing was
a way to bring characters from the
books I read to life,” Dillehay said.
Dillehay’s winning artwork is called
“Burnt Out.” The piece was inspired by
feeling unimaginative, which proved
to be a problem for Dillehay when she
started to fall behind in her artwork.
“I would constantly put work from
other classes before art because I didn’t
have the motivation to draw and it left
me feeling burnt out, which inspired the
title of this piece,” Dillehay said. “Every
time I tried starting a piece, I never
had the inspiration to follow through.
I would sit in front of a blank paper,
and that’s what this piece is showing.”
When an opportunity came to insert her
artwork into a contest, art teacher Elizabeth
Vanselow requested Dillehay to
enter her piece. Vanselow has become a
supporter of Dillehay’s art, pushing her to
enter contests and continue to produce art.
“You have to expose the art out of the
artist for the world to see,” Vanselow said.
“Art is shared by everyone and if you are a
serious artist you need to expose yourself.”
In the future, Dillehay plans on entering
contests at higher levels. She also plans to
attend a college of the arts, specifically the
California Institute of the Arts in hopes of
following the paths of prior cartoonists.
“I now understand the process of signing
up to competitions better, and it was
cool to see my art in a gallery with other
incredible pieces,” Dillehay said.
Alongside Dillehay, senior Hayden Miller
was awarded the honor of raising his
CREATIVITY AND COMPETITION: Junior Natalie Dillehay’s art piece, “Burnt
Out”, is inspired by the feeling of a lack of creativity. Dillehay went on to
win first place in the district-wide All-Star Exhibit competition. Photo courtesy
of Natalie Dillehay
A ONE AND TWO: Senior Hayden Miller starts off the jazz piece “Caravan”
as the brass section lightly plays. Extensive practice through the
school’s marching and jazz band made him ready to be chosen as the
drummer for the All State Jazz Band. Photo by Natalie Maronas
ranks into All State Jazz Band. Being the
only percussionist admitted, Miller made
a major step forward in his drumming
skills by making it into the All State Jazz
Band. Even among other musicians in
West Broward and across Florida, Miller’s
experience and practice made him
fitting to perform for the competitive
group at the Florida Music Education Association
Conference on Jan. 10 in Tampa.
“I wasn’t nervous going in or leaving the
audition,” Miller said. “I was very confident
because I felt I went into the audition
very prepared from the practice I put in.”
Miller has been playing for seven years
and currently serves as the West Broward
Performance Ensemble’s percussion captain.
Adept with the drumset from experience
in the school’s jazz band, he has built
familiarity with many styles of classic
swing and latin jazz. In turn, auditioning
for the All State band offered an opportunity
for him to broaden his musical horizons
with the experience he had gained.
“He’s always thinking about music. He
practices all the time and works with a
bunch of different groups, which makes him
fantastic,” said band director Dean Calmer.
With audition information and materials
sent out as early as May, Miller began his
rigorous practice over the summer. Having
to perform two swing etudes, a funk etude
and an improvised piece in front of judges
at the Florida Christian School, he practiced
an hour a day to ensure his spot in the
band. Despite his confidence, his rigor did
not cease even after being chosen as he now
works to learn the pieces at home for his
rehearsals two days before the conference.
“I felt very prepared for the audition
material because I had played through
it all summer long,” Miller said. “However,
it was a great deal of information
to learn so it was definitely a challenge.”
This recent success will also prove to
benefit Miller in the future as he aims to
continue percussion and musical performance
outside of high school. While both
students continue to pursue their passions
moving forward, they have shown that with
hard work and drive, anything is possible.
“Making it definitely boosted my confidence
in my abilities, but it also humbled
me,” Miller said. “There are still
very talented musicians waiting to take
my spot at any second, so I feel there
are always ways that any musician can
improve every aspect of their playing.”

A Reflection Spanning Ten Years...
After an explosion at the Deepwater Horizon
oil rig on Apr. 20, 2010, the largest marine oil spill
occurred in the Gulf of Mexico. With a concrete core
fracturing and be unable to hold gas pressure, the gas
reacted with the chemicals and caused an explosion. 11
workers were killed and more were injured. Since there
was no barrier between the water and oil, approximately
60,000 barrels leaked into the water every day and more
than 1,300 miles of the Gulf Coast was covered in oil. This
caused the deaths of around 800,000 birds and 65,000 turtles.
President Barack Obama first ran for
president in 2008 with Senator Joe Biden as his
running mate. After winning the election, he ran
for the 2012 election as the unemployment was
high and the job approval rates were low. Obama
did not have to compete for his party’s nomination,
unlike previous presidents, while Mitt Romney won the
Republican nomination. Obama won with 51 percent of
the national popular vote and with 332 electoral votes in
comparison to Romney having 47 percent and 206 votes.
As officials from Flint, Michigan decided to
change the water supply to being supplied by the
Flint River to help save costs on Apr. 25, 2014, they
unknowingly introduced lead-poisoned water to the
city’s inhabitants. Shortly after the introduction of the
new water supply, residents noticed the water in their
houses had turned brown and E. coli and other bacteria was
found in the water. In 2015, the city decided to switch their
water supply back. However, the pipes were already damaged
and residents were provided with free water bottles and filters.
As candidates for the 2016 presidency
narrowed down, Donald Trump became a
frontrunner with his running mate Mike Pence.
Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton also led with
running mate Tim Kaine. Both candidates secured
their nominations and set a number of firsts for the
election, most notably Clinton being the first woman
nominee and Trump being the oldest president. Trump
won 304 electoral votes while receiving 46 percent of the
popular vote, with Clinton winning 227 votes and 48 percent.
On Feb. 14, 2018, Marjory Stoneman
Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. was
overcome with tragedy. As a gunman entered
one of the buildings, he killed 17 people and left
another 17 injured. In the weeks following,
student survivors organized the March for our Lives
event, which supported gun violence prevention.
Additionally in the aftermath, 69 gun control measures were
passed by state legislatures and the gunman was charged
with 17 counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder.
Written by Kiera Cerino
Designed by Natalie Maronas
Worldwide protests, political tensions, technological evolutions and a growth
of culture greatly embodies what comprised of the 2010s. Even though many
negative impacts stick in our minds to this day, the decade has also brought
many familiar, monumental events.
On July 8, 2011, the last space launch to occur from Kennedy
International Space station occurred. Plans were underway
for the station to evolve from a launch-only location to a
research facility for space development. Since shuttles
have launched from the station for the 30 years prior,
approximately a million people gathered to watch. Four
veteran astronauts boarded the shuttle to deliver the
supplies and parts to the space station for the STS-
135 mission. On July 21, the shuttle landed back at
Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Station for the final time.
On Dec. 5, 2013, Nelson Mandela passed away at age
95. Mandela spent his life participating in the civil rights
movement and organizing multiple strikes on activism
and political issues in South Africa. Mandela became
politically involved in 1944 when he joined the African
National Congress (ANC) and formed the ANC Youth
League. After participating in strikes, Mandela spent
three decades in prison. After he was released, he
was elected as South Africa’s first democratically
elected president, holding office from 1994 to 1999.
In June 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that states could not
stop same-sex couples from being married and are required
to acknowledge their union. This ruling was made in a 5-4
decision. It was brought by Jim Obergefell, who wanted to
challenge Ohio’s ban on same-sex marriage after he was
not allowed to be put on his husband’s death certificate.
Obergefell was also on the case with a dozen other
couples who challenged the bans in Michigan,
Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio. The legalization
ended the ban on same-sex marriage in 13 states.
Within the course of a month in 2017, three hurricanes
occurred in the United States. Hurricanes Maria, Irma and
Harvey caused damage in Puerto Rico, Florida and
Texas respectively, totaling approximately $265
billion in damage and around 5,000 deaths. Many
were left scrambling for supplies prior to the storms,
with many in need of intense aid afterwards and
fearing for future tropical disasters. With each
hurricane being a category 4 storm, the damage the
storms made affected the Southern United States.
In Feb. 2019, Hong Kong’s Security Bureau proposed
amendments that would allow extraditions, the removal
of a person accused or convicted of a crime, to countries.
Following this announcement, thousands protested the
bill. After constant protests occurred over the start
of 2019, police began to get involved as they fired
rubber bullets and tear gas into the crowds during the most
violent protests in June. After eight months, the bill
was withdrawn in October. Throughout the course of
the protests, approximately 3,000 people have been
injured and almost 7,000 people has been arrested.
A Look Back:
2011 - Death of Apple CEO
and Founder Steve Jobs
2012 - Release of Oculus Rift
and rise of Virtual Reality
gaming
2016 - Chicago Cubs win
World Series
2017 - Creation of Bitcoin
and rise of cryptocurrency
2019 - First image of black
hole captured
2018 - Royal wedding of
Prince Henry and Meghan
Markle

12 JANUARY 2020 • EDITOR JADA INGLETON
Letters To
The Editor
Letter to the Editor
The Lynx
500 NW 209th Ave
Pembroke Pines, FL 33029
Dear Editor:
I will be discussing the article, “The Little Mermaid Live Action Brings Great Controversy”
written by Jada Ingleton. The purpose of this letter is to provide feedback on the key points
and argumentation used in this article.
This article discusses the casting of Halle Bailey for the upcoming Disney remake movie:
“The Little Mermaid”. The controversy stems from the fact that Halle Bailey is a black
actress portraying a character originally depicted to be white in the animated film. The
article sides against the casting of Bailey and provides great points to support this position.
The author mentions a few counter arguments and provides fantastic rebuttals, which lead
into further argumentation. Most points were logical and the author had a strong disposition
throughout. However, the weakest point in the article was the rebuttal against the opinion of
the movie’s director, Rob Marshall, where his point is weakly disputed and the author
mentions the idea of interracial couples being encouraged as a result of Bailey’s casting,
which seemed unrelated to the main argument. There also should have been more
explanation of the story, including the fact that Disney will not be recasting despite this
controversy, and maybe input from Bailey herself. Overall, the article is a wonderful addition
to The Lynx, and despite being on a contentious topic, the author had a good reasoning.
West Broward will benefit as a whole with article such as this, which are not afraid to discuss
issues of race or even politics. Although there might be some disagreement, the community
would grow and learn more about topics usually not discussed, especially when articles are as
well-written as this.
Sincerely,
Nicolas Giovine
Letter to the Editor
The Lynx
500 NW 209th Ave
Pembroke Pines, FL 33029
Dear Editor:
In the October 2019 issue of The Lynx, an article titled “Amazon fires bring the heat on
global warming discussion” was written by Natalie Maronas. It was nicely written and brought
awareness to global warming. However, it could be improved by adding more ways the audience
can help conserve energy and showing how global warming is affecting other areas.
In the article, Natalie perfectly brought attention to this worldwide issue due to recent wildfires
by including the tragic wildfires in the Amazon and showing how global warming is affecting
the world. The rising water levels around Florida’s coastlines was also 100 percent suitable as
it included how it affects the audience personally. However, I believe another example should
be given regarding how global warming is affecting the world. Animals that live in colder
climates are susceptible to climate changes which may cause species like the polar bear to die
out. In addition, sea creatures are vulnerable to global warming even though they already live
in the water. As well, animals like the green sea turtle are sensitive to temperature changes and
could affect future baby green sea turtles. The article then goes on to state how the audience
as individuals can help contribute to slowing down global warming. Yet this topic was brief in
explaining how the audience can contribute. Recycling, less usage or turning off electronics,
driving less or carpooling and planting trees are options that aid our world by not releasing
thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide into the air.
Global warming is a growing danger in the world. It’s affecting the world that we and wildlife
live in. Simple improvements and changes in our lives can help slow this process down. The
question is: are people going to do it? That’s up to them. By spreading the word and stopping
the effects it’s having on us is what can be done. Recently, Australia wildfires struck out killing
animals and their habitats, like the koalas. Doing a further piece on the topic and reinstating the
issue’s seriousness with more ways the audience can help is a striking and great way to raise
awareness. Nevertheless, the article was fantastic and was well put together. She did a great job
talking about and explaining global warming and effects it’s caused people.
Sincerely,
Alyssa Cooper
Illustrated by Juliana
Giraldo

opinion
JANUARY
County decides to replace
Marksmanship with Robotics
2020 • EDITOR JADA INGLETON 13
Comic books lose relevance
as superheroes gain popularity
FOCUSED: Senior Danielle Sardarsingh practices shooting an air rifle at
the prone position in their practicing range. The Olympic sport promotes
gun safety in range firing activities as well as discipline and concentration.
wPhoto by Paula Colon
Paula Colon
Editor in Chief
Programs incorporated into our county’s
high schools typically serve the purpose of
enhancing our skills and abilities as well as
creating a fun and stimulating extracurricular
environment. Yet many times, the future
of certain programs is called into question.
The school board of Broward county’s
office of the superintendent released a statement
addressing the phasing out of JROTC
Air Soft/Marksmanship: “After thoughtful
discussion and input from our Stakeholders,
the district will phase out the Junior
Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (JROTC)
Air Soft/Marksmanship and introduce Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math
(STEM) activities, specifically Robotics.
The integration of STEM/Robotics into the
JROTC curriculum and extracurricular activities
will provide Broward County and
the Science, Engineering, Communications
and Math Enrichment (SECME) Olympics
‘Robotics’ Program a pathway for JROTC
instructors and students to compete in annual
competitions.”
Senior army instructor at West Broward
High School, Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth
Merkel, coaches the JROTC program’s first
palace marksmanship team.
“The way I see it is that they are shifting
away from marksmanship shooting sports
in Broward county following the tragedy
at Stoneman Douglas in 2018,” Merkel
said. “The individual who was arrested for
the shooting had at one time been a part of
the JROTC program and tried out for the
marksmanship team.”
Because of the mental state of the individual
involved in the shooting, there was
a movement for psychological evaluation
of all students who participate in JROTC
marksmanship activities, which is not the
case for any other extracurricular activity in
Broward county. Psychological evaluations
cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, an
expense the county is not willing to pay and
even less likely, the parents of students.
The disbandment of the Marksmanship
program will greatly impact not just the
functioning of the program, but the opportunities
which JROTC students are provided
for growth and development. Marksmanship
is widely known as an Olympic sport.
The sport stresses skills such as control, discipline,
precision, concentration and confidence
within its participants and improves
skills through competition.
The county argued that the introduction
of a Robotics program is designed to provide
more competitive opportunities in the
while developing skills promoted by a technological
workforce. Yet, the solution is not
to replace an already thriving program. If
the county’s motivation is truly to develop
future career interests through STEM, the
incorporation of a STEM program should
be additional to the other teams JROTC includes,
not a replacement of an already successful
extra curricular..
Joao Lucas Argenta
Staff Writer
As the superhero trend grows bigger year
after year, directors look for more stories to
incorporate in their movies. The majority of
the stories you see in the big screen comes
from the origin of most superheroes- comic
books. Unfortunately those origins have not
had the same importance as they used to.
When comic books first came out in 1933,
they were a huge game changer to the entertainment
industry. However, over the years
they have become less popular, even though
the superheroes have become more relevant.
With the increase in the popularity of superhero
movies, you would think that the
same would happen to comic books, but
even before the movies came about, comics
had already lost its relevance.
Comic books are the main reason superheroes
are what they are today. Without comics,
there would be no superheroes. Most of
today’s movies are based off comic book
stories that came out first. Big blockbusters
such as Captain America: Civil War, Avengers:
Ultimatum, and Justice League are only
a few examples of famous comic book stories
that were adapted to the big screen. Of
course there are changes to the stories, but
the base stays the same.
As a big superhero and comics enthusiast,
I love how superheroes have taken an
important role in the world of cinema, but
I still believe it is unfair and sad how comic
books are treated. Comics should receive
more attention from the public; comic books
are very enjoyable and have proven to be
profitable to its companies.
Now, it is understandable why the comic
book industry would focus more on its movies
than its comic books. The profit made
from the movies is far beyond the profit
made from comic book sales.
In 2014, Marvel Comics made $321.45
million dollars off comic books sales. In
the same year, Marvel studios released two
movies, making more than $500 million
dollars. With the creation of its cinematic
universe, which is delivered from comics,
Marvel Studios has dominated the movie
theatres worldwide.
However, DC Universe has struggled with
creating its own movie legacy. Since 2011,
they have put out seven movies, but only
made $5.28 billion dollars, making most of
its money from Batman. Their movies have
failed to hold the same impact as Marvel.
Comic books can be really intrguing and
pleasurable. and as a comic book lover, it
saddens me to see how people have forgotten
about the origins of the superhero movies
they love to watch nowadays. However,
the superhero legacy will keep growing with
the production of new movies based off its
original comics, and hopefully those movies
will spark a new hope that will cause comics
books to make the come back it deserves.

14
opinion
JANUARY 2020 • EDITOR JADA INGLETON
College application fees create unnecessary financial burden
APPLY YOURSELF: Senior Kione Forrest begins his application process
by looking up the undergraduate requirements for University of Miami
admissions. Forrest spent nearly $100 on applying to his top universities for
fall semester. Photo by Gillian Stewart
Jada Ingleton
Feature and Opinion Editor
As early as Oct. 1 until mid-spring, college
applications become prominent as deadlines
arrive, and it is time to start deciding where
to go and when to apply. Along with several
other aspects that go with the process,
one of the most consistent and expensive
is needing to pay an application fee to the
schools you are seeking to get into. Unless
offered a fee waiver by the school or some
sort of academic program, almost every college
comes with an application fee that can
range from $30 to as much as $70. Many
of the top, more prestigious schools will
charge an application fee of $75 or more.
On average, according to “College Enrollment
in October 2016”, approxiamately
69.7 percent of students who graduate from
high school enroll in a college or university
the following fall term, and many students
will apply to multiple colleges before being
accepted and deciding upon which one to go
to.
The obvious opinion coming from a student
and possibly even a parent perspective
is that application fees are beyond unnecessary.
Some students aim to apply to 7
or more schools, which allows the options
for target schools, reach schools and safety
schools. Regardless of the knowledge that
back up plans are vital, Guidance counselor
and college parent Michelle Bellamy believes
the choice of how much money we
spend on pre-acceptance criteria is a family
decision, and also one to not be taken lightly.
“College is costly. There’s a lot of money
that goes into just trying to get into college.
Students have to be very selective and cautious
about which and how many schools
they apply for,” Bellamy said. “You never
want to crush a kid’s dreams, but you have
to be realistic. With SAT’s, you should have
a max amount of times you will take it, and
when it comes to applications, you need to
pick your top schools and always have a
plan B.”
With the already thousands of dollars that
will eventually have to go to paying for tuition,
room and board and more, applicants
should not be forced to pay $30 or more
just to apply to a school without even the
guarantee of acceptance. Even community
colleges like Valencia and Broward College,
where the probability of getting accepted
are more likely than not, have a minimum
$35 application fee. The efforts of just trying
to get into college are costly, including
the money paid to take and retake entrance
exams which also play a role in the admissions
process.
One perspective of the need for college
app. fees is that the inclusion of a fee forces
students to take their future serious.
“If there were no fees levied, students
would just send out applications to every
school possible in the hopes of increasing
their odds. Having to pay a fee forces students
to put more thought into where they
want to apply,” said an anonymous representative
of College Raptor in an article on
the application fee requirements and why it
is necessary.
The staff and many other college admission
offices also argue that the money from
application fees go into paying the admissions
specialists, who spend a tremendous
amount of time every year researching applicants.
The admissions and assessment
process can be very long and critical, and
the people who are hired for this particular
task make their paycheck off the money
that scholars send when they apply for each
school.
“The counselors went to a meeting in September
with all the in-state schools and we
saw a map of all the departments and the
people who work on certain parts of the
application- they even had to hire additional
staff because of how high the demand
for college has become,” Bellamy said, in
support of the need for application fees. “I
agree that college is like a business. In order
to run a business, you have to bring in money.
Money for faculty, money for technology,
beautification- upgrades that will attract
students to the school. The colleges need
Advisor:
Gary Dolhon
STAFF BOX
this money to make their school thrive.”
Granted that finances are a major factor
in the overall look and capability of colleges,
certain application fees go above and
beyond. Students should still not have to
devote much, if any, money to just simply
applying to a college. The admissions offices
do need to be rewarded for the time
and effort they put into reviewing each applicant.
However, colleges should find other
resources to supply that money, such as
dedicating tuition amount or other fees.
The bigger picture is that an applicant, or
the applicant’s parent or guardian, is giving
money to essentially be rejected. Granted,
rejected or accepted, the review process still
took place. Regardless, most schools require
a down payment from a student once
they have accepted them and that money in
itself could go towards the admissions specialists
who reviewed any and all applications.
With the average tuition ranging from
$11,000 to as much as $41,000, surely some
of that money could be used as compensation
in the place of application fees.
College is already expensive as is. Without
the support or guarantee of a scholarship
or student loan, paying out of pocket to just
attend an institution can be costly and brutal.
If application fees are truly necessary,
the least that can be done is reducing the
amount to a price that will not run applicants
up near or over hundreds of dollars.
Editors: Paula Colon, Natalie Maronas, Jada Ingleton,
Gillian Stewart, Brandon Vasquez, Diego Perdomo
Staff Writers: Joao Lucas Argenta, Kiera Cerino, Tadhg Holder, Nathania
Mullings, Andrea Palmieri, Izabella Perez, Sarah Perez
PUBLICATION DISCLAIMER:
The Lynx is West Broward High School’s student newspaper. All
opinions are not necessarily those of the school. The Lynx is
requesting that students submit letters to the editor addressing
any appropriate subjects. The final draft of the letter should be no
longer than 300 words. All letters will undergo editing. Students
can submit letters to Mr. Dolhon in room 723.

life&arts
JANUARY
2020 • EDITOR GILLIAN STEWART 15
Choir prepares for their upcoming annual Candlelight show
TIMING IS EVERYTHING: Choir director Javier Diaz rehearses the choir
club’s timing in the chorus of “Joy to the World” for Disney’s Candlelight
Concert on Dec. 27 in Orlando, Fla. The club has participated in Candlelight
since being selected by Disney in 2014. Photo by Gillian Stewart
Gillian Stewart
Life and Arts Editor
Kiera Cerino
Staff Writer
For 12 years, West Broward has seen students
excel and rather shine in Choir. Singers
ranging from altos, sopranos, bass and
tenors have produced beautiful harmonies
that are presented to the school as well as
the Pembroke Pines community in each
event they perform. Choir, led by chorus
and music teacher Javier Diaz, are continuing
to show off their skills as they prepare
for Disney’s 61st Annual Candlelight Processional.
Candlelight is an event put on by Disney
where the story of Christmas is musically
told by a choir consisting of high school students,
adults and Disney’s Cast Choir. The
event is held Dec. 27 at Epcot Center in Orlando,
Fla. This year will be West Broward
choir’s fifth year participating in the show.
“Being apart of Candlelight is important
for all of us in the club,” said senior veteran
choir member Xavier Salazar. “Candlelight
brings so many people together like professional
singers, students and the audience
who came for a good experience. It gives us
a sense of pride for being a part of a selective
show that shows off the group’s talent.”
Throughout the first half of the school
year, the West Broward Choir has prepared
for the upcoming showcase. The club tries
to build their vocal skills through practices
along with local performances. Students
have dedicated their time and effort into
perfecting their singing to create a gracious,
effortless-sounding group comprised of a
diverse range of voices.
“We rehearse from late September until
December because the students have
the commitment to learn 14 songs and are
expected to read the music, know the music,
and then sing those songs by heart on
stage,” Diaz said. “I want students to have
the opportunity to perform in different venues
and develop their individual talents in
different scenarios.”
Choir has used many of their home-based
events to help rehearse their material. In
particular, Choir’s annual winter concert,
Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert on Dec. 19,
allows them to familiarize themselves with
Christmas songs like “Hallelujah” and “Joy
to the World” performed at Candlelight.
This concert is a way for novice and veteran
choir members to showcase their talents and
apply the skills they have gained throughout
the year.
“Our winter concert consists of all levels
of chorus from beginner to advanced,” said
senior club member Jose Oro. “We are going
to be on our A-game, but also be practicing
for Candlelight considering the songs
we sing in the auditorium will be the ones
we do in Orlando.”
Following their winter concert, the choir
had their final performance before Candlelight
at MargaritaVille on Dec. 22. They
sing songs performed at the Disney-based
concert such as “Rejoice with Exceeding
Great Joy” and “Silent Night” for the
restaurant customers during the annual Tree
Lighting event. The support from the audience
gave the choir members motivation to
perfect their craft as they finished preparation
for Candlelight in the coming days.
“It feels great to be part of such an amazing
group with extremely talented individuals,”
said junior Chorus Secretary Matthew
Cleveland. “Performing by myself is my
worst nightmare, but when I’m on stage
with the rest of the choir, I feel like I can do
anything.”
Performing at Candlelight gives choir
members an opportunity to advance their
performance skills. The Disney event, along
with other events held, allows the students
a chance to bond over their experience and
help each other become perfectly connected
in their singing at the concert.
“This is my first year going to Candlelight
and I’m really excited to perform with my
friends,” said junior club member Nicholas
Gabella. “I’ve only done small choir performances
so far, but everyone in choir has
been really welcoming to me and the other
new members.”
“ “Candlelight brings
so many people together
like professional
singers, students and the
audience who came for
a good experience.
-Xavier Salazar
Choir has impressed not only the Bobcat
community but also attracted a new set of
fans. From adults to children, the choir club
has had the opportunity to increase their
support with their involvement in Candlelight
every year since 2014 as audience
members return to watch the choir perform.
“We have beautiful music that we can
celebrate with the fans each year at the
concert,” Diaz said. “These kids are able
to show everyone the work they put their
heart and soul into. I love Disney’s concept
of bringing schools from different backgrounds
with diverse students in order to put
on a magical show for families.”
THE RIGHT NOTE: Choir director Javier Diaz conducts his advanced choir
during their Ugly Sweater Holiday Concert on Dec. 19 in the West Broward
auditorium. The concert followed numerous school-based performances
where the members sang Candlelight songs for the audience.
The club has been practicing for Candlelight since late August. Photo by
Kiera Cerino

16
life&arts
JANUARY 2020 • EDITOR GILLIAN STEWART
It’s A Wonderful Life debuts as first production of the school year
GIVING UP: George Bailey (senior Noah Levin) is caught by the angel Clarence
(sophomore Rhema Hooper) when Bailey comtemplates jumping
off a bridge after Uncle Billy misplaces the bank deposit of Building and
Loans. It’s A Wonderful Life has become a holiday classic since its premiere
in 1946. Photo by Gillian Stewart
Gillian Stewart
Life and Arts Editor
Sarah Perez
Staff Writer
Festive lights dazzle the auditorium.
Christmas trees disseminate from the lobby
to the stage. The sound of Christmas carols
are heard soaring across the auditorium as
the cast of West Broward’s Drama performs
the first production of the year, It’s a Wonderful
Life.
It’s a Wonderful Life takes place during the
1940s in Bedford Falls, focusing on an overwhelmed
George Bailey. After a life of not
pursuing his dreams, Bailey contemplates
taking his own life. However, a guardian
angel named Clarence is sent down from
heaven to resurface Bailey’s happiness by
showing what life would be like without his
existence.
Throughout the production of the play,
there are musical elements woven into the
acts that wrap the bow on the holiday theme
of the performance. The play allowed students
to show their creatives sides with the
decorations.
“The audience will be able to see the dedication
of our cast and crew during our performance,”
said senior assistant stage manager
Riley Nieves. “They’ll get to see the
characters grow as well as set design that
aims to immerse you in a 1940s Christmas
setting.”
The play’s costuming and wardrobe adds
on to the holiday classic’s setting. The
crew’s use of clothing transports the audience
to the winter of 1945.
“It was fun to play around with the setup
of the play,” said sophomore Rhema Hooper.
“The costumes, the colors and the hairstyles
all really make the show.”
Throughout the play, the audience is shown
Bailey’s life from childhood to present day.
Bailey is shown as a man who gives to his
community no matter what. Senior Noah
Levin tastefully shows the loving friend and
family man he is. Levin also brings light to
the deeply confused and hurt side of George
Bailey through his acting. In the play, Bailey
views his life as an example of failure.
However, Bailey still comes off as a truly
kind person, which inherits the character’s
complex emotion.
“I was so happy to play George for It’s A
Wonderful Life,” Levin said. “I got to transform
into George and bring the character to
life to the audience, showing them George’s
life and struggles from childhood to adulthood.”
Another leading character, Clarence,
played by Hooper, provides a kind motherly
figure to Bailey that brings the heart-warming
aspect of the play to life. Clarence shows
the impact George has on the residents of
Bedford Falls when Bailey believes that his
life holds no value after Uncle Billy, played
by senior Anthony Mejias, mistakenly loses
$8,000 from the bank. The audience gets to
see Clarence’s witty remarks and the friendship
between the two leading characters
growing throughout each act.
“It’s a Wonderful Life connects to all ages.
Young people can connect with young people,”
said sophomore Sophia Perez. “People
really love the story of it, so it was amazing
to have such an impact on an audience of
adults.”
It’s a Wonderful Life has touched and inspired
many. The cast includes a variety of
age groups, appealing to all. The sets, costumes
and fantastic acting are prominent in
the first production of the year. In the future,
the drama program will be producing the
classic musical Anything Goes.
“The play was a great addition to the
holiday season,” said Drama teacher Amy
Nesmith. “It is just in time for the holiday
season. My students will bring light
to a holiday classic to adults along with a
younger audience.”
LOST: George Bailey (senior Noah Levin) is arguing with Uncle Billy (senior
Anthony Mejias), who lost $8,000 from the bank, coming to Bailey in a
state of panic. This scene is an example of the many hardships that Bailey
goes through the duration of his life. Photo by Sarah Perez
A SECOND CHANCE: After being shown the importance of his presence
in the townspeople’s lives, Bailey returns to his family and friends to
celebrate Christmas with the singing of the classic holiday song “Auld
Lang Syne.” A handful of students from Silver Trail Middle School performed
as younger characters in the play. Photo by Gillian Stewart

life&arts
JANUARY
Gillian Stewart
Life and Arts
There is a vast amount of leaders who
have shaped African-American culture.
People like Martin Luther King and Rosa
Parks were a voice for the black community
and fought for equality between whites and
blacks. However, the fight for freedom has
gone on for more than 100 years. Specifically,
a young African American woman in the
1800s, known to people as Harriet Tubman,
risked her life in order to help slaves gain
the freedom they long deserved. She has
been a symbolic figure for the black community
and American history. Finally, Tubman’s
life and work are being shown on the
big screen.
Born into slavery in the early 1800s, Araminta
Ross lived in Maryland as part of
nine siblings. Suffering from the separation
of her family and violence from her slave
owners, she eventually planned to escape to
the North with her brothers.
In 1849, Ross conducted a network
known as the Underground Railroad where
she guided more than 300 southern slaves
to the North and Canada. Ross, later selfnamed
Harriet Tubman, became one of the
most significant parts of African-American
history. Tubman’s story has been adapted
into literature, music and cinema for more
than a century. In 2019, Harriet Tubman’s
life, experiences and part in the freedom of
2020 • EDITOR GILLIAN STEWART 17
Harriet Tubman’s anticipated biopic debuts on the big screen
African-Americans are told in the newest
adaption, Harriet.
Directed by Kasi Lemmons, Harriet tells
the story of former slave turned abolitionist,
Araminta “Harriet Tubman” Ross. The film
depicts Tubman’s life from her enslaved
years escaping imprionsment to becoming a
powerful abolitionist.
The film swiftly introduces her as an enslaved
black woman living in Maryland
with her parents and siblings. Tubman is
eventually able to free herself from her
prisoned life to Pennsylvania borders. Once
free, she begins to embark on her journey
to save a surplus of families in the South
throughout her life.
Harriet Tubman is incredibly played by
Cynthia Ervio, known for her part in the
Broadway play The Color Purple as Celie.
Ervio gives a wonderful performance as
Tubman. She is able to show the brilliance
and power of the abolitionist. Delivering her
performance to show more of who Tubman
was, a resilient woman, rather than amplifying
the pain and humiliation of slavery in
the South.
Harriet came out Nov. 1 and gaining $36.1
million from the box office. The film is able
to show off the abolitionist’s shining spirit
and courageous efforts to free the lives of
many families captured by slavery in the
1800s. The film becomes a new way to
show the younger generation about a woman
who has been an example of a strong
black woman, and the abilities of the African-American
community.
Abrams concludes Star Wars saga with the Rise of Skywalker
Joao Lucas Argenta
Staff Writer
Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker; or should it be the
fall? As Disney released what is said to be the last film
of the new trilogy on Dec. 20, fans did not know what
to expect of the latest installment of the franchise. After
Star Wars: The Last Jedi disappointed many fans, and
with the return of director J.J. Abrams, some had hopes
that it would be better than the last one. Star Wars: The
Rise Of Skywalker to some is more of a rushed film.
The movie begins with Poe Dameron and Finn, played
by Oscar Isaac and John Boyega respectively, on a
mission while Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, is training at
the rebel base with Leia, played by the late Carrie Fisher.
The plot becomes understandable as it progresses. Rey is
the last Jedi and the rebellion’s last hope against the First
Order, which could be considered the Star Wars version
of an authoritarian army. However, the way she acts is
just the most frustrating thing about this movie, to fans at
least. Like many heroes before, Rey acts on pure impulse
and emotion, and it made the writers seem desperate to
make the fans sympathize with her character. Not only
that, but Rey acts in contrast to how she was portrayed in
Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last
Jedi.
Another thing that upset many fans was how the director
of episode VIII, Rian Johnson, changed the story. To
many fans of the saga, the events of episode VII made
it seem that the character, Finn, would become a Jedi.
However, the story was changed in the newest film. Rey
is made to be the final Jedi, which could be considered
the reason the storyline went downhill.
To critics that are not die hard Star Wars fans, the movie
has a good direction, there are plenty of good editing
shots where you could tell that Abrams knew what he
was doing cinematography-wise. However to many, the
story of the film is not up to par.
Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker, though negative
reviews surrounded the film, was a box office success,
making approximately $990 million in its’ first two
weeks worldwide. The film made history becoming the
12th highest grossing movie, making $177.4 million in
its’ opening weekend. The movie is the final episode of
the nine-episode series beginning 1977 with Star Wars: A
New Hope.

18
sports
JANUARY 2020 • EDITOR BRANDON VASQUEZ
Girls’ Soccer eyes district title after successful regular season
Brandon Vasquez
Sports Editor
Joao Lucas Argenta
Staff Writer
After finishing last season with a record
of 12-6-1, and making it to the district
semi-final, the West Broward boys’ soccer
team has looked forward to another good
After ruling the district for two consecutive
seasons in 2014 and 2015, the West
Broward Girls’ soccer team has had trouble
returning to the level of dominance the team
once coveted. Although in the past three
years the team has maintained a 38-13-2 record,
the Lady Bobcats have fallen short in
the district semifinal against a familiar foe
in Cypress Bay High School in 2017 and
2018. The team is now soul-searching for
what it will take to finally get over the hump
and reclaim their district dominance.
“I think we tend to get intimidated by Cypress
in the district semifinals, which causes
us to overthink the game,” said senior captain
Nicole Drapluk. “Cypress is a really
good team, but I believe if we just play our
game how we know, then we will be successful
if we face them again this year.”
The Lady Bobcats held a solid 12-6-1 record
last season under first-year head coach
Fred Wilde. The team’s success came in part
by their senior talent, which included attackers
Amber Saunders and Tatiana Shiber
who found the back of the net a combined
21 times in 2018.
The loss of Saunders and Shiber has forced
the young talent on the team to step up, giving
them opportunities to play big roles on
the team’s roster this year. Junior midfielder
Kayla Master has managed to make an immediate
impact on the team’s offense, as she
is responsible for 19 of the team’s 64 goals
this season.
“[Master] is a first year varsity player and
she has really made a difference in our midfield,”
said senior captain Jordan Scandizzo.
“She’s one of our captains and top goal scorer,
she is the perfect leader for the team.”
With the help of a solid young defensive
core, Master’s major contributions to the offense
have resulted in one of Lady Bobcats’
most successful regular seasons in school
history. West Broward currently holds a
10-4 record, while the team believes they
are playing their best ball as they head into
the postseason.
After suffering a 7-0 blowout against Cypress
Bay back in mid-November, the team
season under the command of second-year
head coach Juan Estepa. The Bobcats lost
eight players from last year’s lineup, including
seven seniors. West Broward now has
a predominantly senior starting lineup, but
haven’t found the ideal formation.
On the season opener, the Bobcats played
READY TO ATTACK: Junior midfielder Kayla Master dribbles through defenders
in the midfield, searching for a possible attack. The Lady Bobcats
went on to defeat Cooper City 2-1. Master and senior Jordan Scandizzo
each contributed to the win with a goal and assist. Photo by Joao Lucas
Argenta
has since redeemed themselves, going 9-2
following the loss. During that stretch, the
Lady Bobcats outscored their opponents 51-
8, including a 14-0 blowout against Miramar.
In that victory, West Broward assisted
10 times, which resulted in a hat trick from
Scandizzo.
With one game remaining on the season,
the Lady Bobcats are looking to enter the
against Taravella High away from home.
West Broward started the game with the lead,
with a goal scored by senior center back Roberto
Lopez. With one less player, after Lopez
got a red card, the Bobcats struggled defensively,
allowing Taravella to score. West
Broward lost the game 5-1. Following a loss
to Charter, the West Broward soccer team
had another challenge at home. Playing
it’s rival Cypress Bay, the Bobcats played
well in the first half, but found themselves
dominated after Cypress scored three times.
On the second, West Broward showed signs
of a comeback, with a goal scored by senior
midfielder Lucas Larocca. The Bobcats
conceded again after scoring, and lost the
game 4-1.
“It was a game we were all looking forward
to. They’re our rivals and we had confidence
that we could put up a good fight,”
Larocca said. “I’m happy I got to score, but
it’s unfortunate we could not leave with the
win.”
postseason with plenty of momentum. With
one of their best records in recent seasons,
the team believes this is the year to reclaim
their district dominance.
“I think it’s important to go into the postseason
with a lot of momentum,” Drapluk
said. “We’re playing some of our best ball
right now and it’s putting us in good position
to go far in the playoffs.”
Boys’ Soccer works to recreate winning ways in 2020
CHALLENGE: Senior striker Joao Gabriel Gatto jumps for the header off of
a Bobcat cornerkick. Despite an early 1-0 lead, West Broward went on to
lose to Coral Glades 3-1. Photo by Joao Lucas Argenta
After the loss to Cypress, the Bobcats
went on a drought, playing six games, tying
three and losing three. Away from home,
against Flanagan, with a goal from Larroca,
the Bobcats were able to achieve their
first win of the season, with a score of 1-0.
On the first two games of the new decade,
West Broward went on a two games losing
streak, losing to Miramar by 2-1, and Monarch
by 5-1. In both games, Larroca scored
again, being the team’s top scorer with four
goals. The Bobcats were able to bounce
back against Cooper City, playing their best
game of the season, West Broward scored
four goals, conceding once. With the goals
scored by senior striker João Gabriel Gatto
twice, sophomore left back Ethan Lee, and
senior midfielder Nicolas Oliva.
“There is still a lot left of the season, and
the boys are improving more and more
every game. I have confidence we will be
able to qualify for districts finals,” said head
coach Juan Estepa.

sports
JANUARY
2020 • EDITOR BRANDON VASQUEZ 19
Basketball looks to make playoff push after falling short last year
THE POINT: Sophomore point guard Noah Cosma takes the ball past halfcourt and scopes the court for a potential
play to run. The Bobcats managed to edge out a victory as they defeated Hollywood Hills at home 78-69.
Photo by Brandon Vasquez
Brandon Vasquez
Sports Editor
The West Broward boys’ basketball
team has been on an upward trajectory in
the past couple of seasons. After enduring
a school-worst 4-21 record in 2017-18, the
boys entered the 2018-19 season with a
younger, less experienced squad that managed
to produce nine more wins than the
previous season. Returning with predominantly
the same roster, this year’s squad
believes they now have the experience and
chemistry to take a step further into a deep
postseason run.
“We had a young team last year,” said
senior forward Bryan Raikes. “So I expected
for us to have growing pains. But
we actually got off to a solid start, and
showed a lot of maturity for a young team.
Now that the team has experience, I’m
excited to see what this year has to offer.”
The Bobcats’ 2019-20 campaign got off
to an impressive start. The team won three
of their first four games of the season after
edging out two tough home wins against
Nova and Stoneman Douglas, followed by
a thrilling 79-68 double-overtime victory
on the road against Coral Springs Charter.
The team was led by senior forward Brandon
Voltaire, who provided the team with
15 points and 8 rebounds.
“We had a good rhythm our first four
games,” Voltaire said. “We handled business
at home and then pulled off a close
one against Coral Springs. It felt good
getting off to a good start like that early.”
The Bobcats followed the stretch with
two consecutive losses, which was then
followed by a three-game winning streak
with victories against Hollywood Hills,
Flanagan, and Cooper City. However, the
winning streak was then followed by another
two-game losing streak, signifying
the team’s struggle to find consistency.
“It’s going to have to take a desire to
practice hard in order to find consistency,”
said head coach Michael Bentivegna. “A
desire to see in practice what you see in
the game against each other.”
West Broward recovered from the twogame
slump with a convincing victory
over the Inlet Grove Hurricanes at home.
The Hurricanes tested the Bobcats in the
first half, keeping the game in reach with
a score of 26-24 at halftime. Bobcats went
on to outscore Intel Grover 49-30 in the
second half to pull away with the 75-54
victory.
Unfortunately, after what seemed to be
a step in the right direction, the Bobcats
continued to struggle with consistency
amid the win over Intel Grove. West
Broward went on to lose four of their next
five games, including a last-second buzzer
beater to lose on the road against Cypress
Bay, and a loss to Coral Glades at home.
Despite a 16-point performance from senior
forward Nick Samuels, and 10 points
to go with 11 rebounds from Voltaire, the
Bobcats failed to overcome their 38-22
halftime deficit against the Jaguars en
route to a 64-52 defeat.
“At Cypress, we played hard, we played
aggressively, and we played with energy,”
Bentivegna said. “Against Coral Glades,
we had opportunities out there, and we let
them go. We missed a ton of free throws
that would’ve changed the game. We’ve
got to come with energy and competitiveness.
”
Currently sitting at 8-9 with three games
remaining on the season, the team’s goal
is to defeat their next three opponents to
position themselves at a potential playoff
run.
“They’ve got to come in and work
everyday and understand what they’ve got
to get done” Bentivegna said. “We need
to beat Everglades, which is probably our
most important district game, and finish
out the rest of the season. We should not
be beat by any of our next opponents.”
AND-1: Senior forward Nick Samuels drives to the basket in attempt to
convert the fastbreak layup and draw the foul. The victory over the Spartans
improved the Bobcats’ record to 4-3 on the season. Photo by Brandon
Vasquez

20
sports
JANUARY 2020 • EDITOR BRANDON VASQUEZ
Bobcat wrestling grapples to find success at the district level
Hall of Fame coach begins to provide promising future on the mat
TAKE DOWN: Sophomore Jonathan Enriquez pins down his opponent to
close out the match. West Broward went on to defeat the Mustangs in the
district dual, remaining victorious in their second consecutive meet. Photo
by Joao Lucas Argenta
GRAPPLING: Junior Kimari Rolle reaches for his opponents legs en route to
a takedown and ultimate victory. Rolle defeated his McArthur High School
opponent with a final second takedown to win 6-0. Photo by Brandon
Vasquez
Brandon Vasquez
Sports Editor
Joao Lucas Argenta
Staff Writer
After exceeding expectations on what was
supposed to be a rebuilding year and finishing
nearly perfectly last season, the 2019
West Broward wrestling team has found
themselves in the same circumstances they
were in a year ago. Despite the loss of multiple
seniors and the lack of a strong sense
in leadership which has been imperative to
their success in recent years, the team has
now looked to the addition of their freshman
wrestlers and Hall of Fame coach to provide
the program with a promising future.
During the offseason, the Bobcats acquired
2017 National Wrestling Hall of
Fame Inductee, Henry Jackson, to become
the new coach for the Bobcats. Jackson,
who formerly coached the wrestling program
at Chaminade-Madonna, was a twotime
All-Southern Conference qualifier at
the University of Florida.
“It’s amazing to have a coach with the
kind of credentials and experience that
Coach Henry has,” said senior captain Seth
Rivera. “He’s has been able to train us more
effectively by having us work on drills that
would help us individually do better during
our matches. He has us training in and out of
practice and works us really hard.”
The Bobcats are hoping that the experienced
leadership at the coaching position
will make up for the lack of experience on
the roster. Despite losing senior captain Ishmeal
Reyes last season, along with sophomores
Gabriel Reyes and Diego Peralta, the
team has been able to bring a new culture of
wrestling to the team, growing from a 10-
man roster to 20 in just one offseason.
While the team is still facing challenges
with a young group of wrestlers, senior
captains Roman Ameigeiras and Rivera are
hoping to reach the team’s goal for this year,
which is to send at least three wrestlers to
states, a major step up from previous years.
Rivera and Ameigeiras are already on
their way to completing this goal, as they
placed second and fourth, respectively, at
the John Lyzott tournament at McArthur
High School.
The Bobcats followed that competition
with another hard fought tournament at
Western, which led to the Bobcats defeating
nearly ever wrestler they faced. At this
tournament, freshman Kimari Rolle made it
to the semi-final and looks to ride that momentum
into their next county competition
on Jan. 31.
“While at the matches, I got to see a lot
of potential in the freshman, such as Charles
Kelper, Dathan Caso and Tyler Font. As for
the young guys, they are our crutch,” Ameigeiras
said. “We just have to spend this
year working hard to build them up to reach
their full potential for this year and throughout
the rest of their high school careers.”
Although the Bobcats are currently sitting
at a 2-5 record, the team believes they have
found the proper foundation for the program
due to their proven head coach and solid
freshmen core.
“We aren’t satisfied with the results of the
season yet,” Rivera said. “But we know that
this team has a lot of promise for the future.
We have tremendous potential from the new
freshmen who are being trained by a new
coach who knows all the ins and outs of
wrestling and can help us all become better
wrestlers.”