Advice Column Page 4

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What Do Your

Social Media Habits Say About You?

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Students Need a Better Library Page 5

SPORTS

Page 3

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EDITORIAL

Homecoming Fit for Gods and Goddesses

FEATURES

NEWS

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Fast Break: Bears’ Basketball Bounces Back Page 7

Page 5

January 2016

Volume 1; Issue 2 News about students, faculty & staff at Mater Lakes Academy

Key Club Hosts Awareness Events By Frank Ponce Editor-in-Chief

Moreover, Key Club partnered with SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) in hosting an event where Natalie Bieule Rovirosa, a Paralympics gold medalist in discus throw and daughter to Principal Rene Rovirosa, told her story about drunk driving and decision making.

Key Club hosted an Epilepsy Awareness Seminar on Monday, November 23rd. The seminar included facts about the illness, such as about ten percent of Americans will have a seizure at one point in their lives. Coincidentally, Coach Juan Urbina, who attended the seminar, was able to help a student who suffered an attack later that week during class. In addition to the efforts in raising awareness, the Key Club Chapter of Mater Lakes collected donations from the student body and staff.

She was a passenger in a car accident as a teenager and she shared the valuable lessons she learned after losing her leg in the traumatic event.

Left: Key Club sponsor Zee Aleman at the Epilepsy Awareness Seminar.

Despite Rain, Full Moon is Successful By Priscilla Bermudez MLA held its annual Full Moon party on November 6th, and despite the heavy rain, in total clubs managed to raise $6,500. The party featured attractions such as a bungee trampoline, a dunk tank, inflatable obstacles, a rock wall, a photo booth and various food stations. The Key Club, class committees, French Club, National Honor Society and many more clubs set up booths to sell food and goodies. Everything from burgers, steak sandwiches, crepes, croissants, pizza, fries, and even s’mores were sold. Junior and National Honor Society member Felipe Gomez said, ―In my opinion, it is safe to say that Full Moon is the best Mater Lakes after-school event. Every year it never fails to bring joy and happiness to every student that attends. This year, NHS served sweet Hawaiian drinks and it was exciting to serve to the student body.‖ Senior Talisha Aparacio having fun at an obstacle course at the Full Moon Party. Photo by Natalie Saborio.

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Mater Lakes Academy 17300 NW 87th Ave. Miami, FL 33015 Rene Rovirosa, Principal Jackie Taylor, Paw Print Adviser www.mlapawprint.wordpress.com

Eighth Grader Wins Peace Poster Contest By Alexandra Suco Co Editor-in-Chief Veronica Ginzo, 8 grader at Mater Lakes, was awarded first prize for a Peace Poster Contest sponsored by the Lions Club on November 14 at Miami Dade College’s Doral Campus. th

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STAFF Editor-in-Chief Frank Ponce Assistant Editor-in-Chief Alexandra Suco News Editor Andres Fernandez Features Editor Roxanna Ayala Sports Editor Alejandro Cabrera Art Director Natalie Saborio Social Media Manager Garry Archbold Business Managers Yovany Boada Idayli Cabrera Advice Columnists Paola Ocampo Jesse Vera

EDITORIAL POLICY We welcome letters to the editor via e-mail. Letters may be edited for length or clarity and must refer to material published in The Paw Print. Please include your complete name and grade level. E-mail [email protected] or drop your letter off in Room 233.

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Ginzo received a cash prize of $500 at this district competition as well as the chance to advance to the state contest. Xierra Itayem, Ginzo’s art teacher, shares a few words of pride about her. ―Veronica has a very rare and special talent in

the arts. Her natural instinct with painting and drawing combined with her unique inclusion of a dreamcatcher in her piece gave me peace of mind that she would have no problem in the competition.‖ She added, ―This was her second time entering the competition, so she had a concept of what she had to do to win. I am extremely proud of her and her dedication to her craft, and couldn't be happier for her!‖

NHS Organizes Toy Drive By Dayana Mondejar Staff Writer

Toys were collected from November 1 through December 4 . On Monday, December 7 , 35 members of the clubs participating wrapped and personally delivered the toys to the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana. st

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Every year at the start of December, the Kiwanis Club of Littla Havana distributes more than 5,000 toys to children at daycare centers, elementary schools and migrant labor camps.

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Art student Veronica Ginzo and her masterpiece.

Civics Students Meet Politician

The service club began this tradition in 1976. Since 2014, Mater Lakes Academy has supported the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana to make the Holiday season a special time for those in need. Additionally, this year National Social Studies Honor Society (NSSHS) and Science National Honor Society (SNHS) also participated.

After learning about Congressman John Lewis in civics class, a few of social studies teacher Steven Burgos’s students coincidently spotted the congressman while on a fieldtrip to the Miami Bookfair.

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NSSHS Hosts Third Annual Debate By Carolyn Pardilla Staff Writer The National Social Studies Honor Society Club (NSSHS) hosted its third political debate on December 9 in the high school cafeteria. The Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society chapter at Mater Lakes is sponsored by social studies teacher Ismael Gonzalez. Winners for the first topic included freshman Juliana Gallego and junior David

Godinez. Additionally, second topic winners were juniors Ana Otero and Samantha Hernandez. Senior Frank Garcia and sophomore Ashley Zuniga were the winners of the third topic, and the winners of the last topic were juniors Ana Otero and David Godinez. Students participating in the debate argue current and often controversial political topics.

The panel of judges was made up of Orlando Avellaneda (12th Grade Government and Economics teacher), Ayleen Charles (11th Grade United States History teacher) and Feleke Kassegn, a Florida State public defender. Students participating in the debate argue current and often controversial political topics. Any student can join the debate, so long as they are interested in the topics being discussed. This

year, the club debated the following topics: Should the minimum wage be raised? Should the U.S. invest in stronger border patrol? Should police officers be required to wear body cameras? Is the case of gay marriage a state or a federal issue?

Pictured from left are senior Frank Garcia, juniors David Godinez, Ana Otero, Samantha Hernandez, sophomore Ashley Zuniga and freshman Juliana Gallego.

"We hope to continue creating political awareness on national and world issues,‖ said Gonzalez.

Canned Food Drive Benefits Those in Need By Victoria Gayarre Staff Writer An estimated 2,000 cans were donated by Mater Lakes Academy to the Salvation Army in Hialeah this November. Senior Elizabeth Ruiz organized the collection of cans and all of the school’s clubs participated. Ruiz was the first to come up with this idea after noticing other schools in the area contributing to the less fortunate. Stating her motivations for the project, Ruiz told the Paw Print, ―I thought it would make a big difference. Even though a lot of people always do it and

it’s common to do canned food drives. I just thought that I would give back to the community with my school because the community is always giving back to us.‖ Although Ruiz will be graduating this year, she hopes that the school will continue to donate again next year and for years to come. She explained, ―It was an Inter Club Council (ICC) event, and hopefully clubs will do it again next year.‖ ICC meets monthly. A representative from each club attends and they discuss issues affecting all clubs and school wide events.

Homecoming Fit for Gods By Roxanna Ayala Features Editor The 2015 Mater Lakes Homecoming Dance took place on November 20th at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel, and this year’s theme was Greek Gods and Goddesses. Throughout the night, everyone had a great time as they talked and danced with their friends and dates. Seniors Alejandro Cabrera and Vanessa

Acebal were proud to win the titles of Homecoming King and Queen as they both went up to receive their crowns with bright smiles and cheers from their friends and the rest of the crowd.

served, accompanied by a dessert table filled with cookies, brownies, and fruits.

As the night progressed, more and more people continued to join the dance floor, dancing with enough energy to shake the floor! A pasta dinner was

It was yet another resoundingly successful homecoming dance.

As the dance was coming to an end, people started to leave looking exhausted from the fun.

From left: Seniors Frank Ponce, Christian Plasencia and Alejandro Cabrera, Homecoming King.

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Mrs. Charles’ Passion is Reflected in EOC Scores By Christian Martinez Staff Writer

good teachers in middle school and high school. Plus I like to see our story of how we Ayleen Charles is a U.S. History teacher at Ma- came from being a colony to a superpower.‖ ter Lakes Academy who has been teaching for the past four years. She has a real passion for her job, as evidenced from the 91.2% passing rate her students earned last year on their End of Course exam in American History. Here’s a closer look at how she shapes her students’ futures by teaching them the past. Before teaching at MLA, she worked for neurosurgeons at the University of Miami Medical School. She did this as a full time job while she was getting her degree in American History. She wanted to help pay for books and other essential items for school so that she wouldn't have to rely on her parents. Her job entitled working as an administrator for three neurosurgeons. After she was done studying she left to pursue a teaching career. Outside of school many teachers have hobbies that they enjoy participating in. Charles is no Charles explained that she loved the idea of working with young people and combining her different. ―I like anything that deals with histopassion for history. She also added, ―I blame a ry like visiting historical sites and museums. I lot of my obsession for American history on my also like collecting records on vinyl of artists like Frank Sinatra, the Rat Pack. I mean it’s grandfather and not to mention a lot of really

very democratic,‖ she says about her collection. ―I have everything from the Beatles to Jimmy Hendrix to Bob Marley.‖ Wilfrido Galvan, a senior, had this to say about Charles,― I actually really liked her class, which is weird since I usually hate my history class, but Charles was a really good teacher and is one of the main reasons I passed the EOC with a five. I liked her so much that I still go and visit her after school, almost all the time to joke around and just have fun. I think after I graduate she will be one of those teachers I come back and visit all the time just to reminisce about the old days.‖ Fellow social studies teacher Rene Medina had this to say about Charles. ―I love her. She is so funny to mess with and a joy to be around. She takes her job very seriously and manages to get great passing rate numbers on the EOC. Overall though, there are a lot of teachers in this school and they all do an amazing job, but I don't think a single one of them puts more effort and planning into their every day work like Ms.Charles does. She is an amazing asset to our Social Studies Department and we are extremely fortunate to have her as a teacher.‖

Senior is Model and Entrepreneur By Victoria Cosculluela Staff Writer

poise and elegance into her modeling hoping for a chance to represent our city’s beauty.

Mater Lakes’ Senior Vivien Aruwa is considered a rare gem in school for running a business, training for 2016 Miss Miami and attending school.

Despite her busy schedule, Aruwa still has time to volunteer at school events and wants to make her senior year a memorable one.

Hungarian/ Nigerian model Aruwa formally known as the founder and CEO of ―Vivien Aruwa’s Boutique‖ opened her store at the age of 17. Popular on both Instagram and Youtube, Aruwa sparked a fashion business with the use of some connections. Aruwa used her ambition for sales and trends to help other fashion seeking women dress in style for less. ―In my boutique, you won’t really find like things that are super trending now, so you can start your own trend.‖ Aside from Aruwa expanding her business, she is also running for 2016 Miss Miami. She is also enrolled in Mater Virtual Academy and spends the majority of her time at the gym training and perfecting her body for the auditions. Inspired by formal Miss Miami and Miss Bahamas Anastagia Pierre (winner of Miss Universe), Aruwa performs and applies Pierre’s

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Senior Vivien Aruwa has more than 13,000 followers on Instagram (@princessviv_).

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Advice Column By Paola Ocampo and Jesse Vera

I need help battling stress and anxiety. What can I do? Her: As a teenager, you must have a lot on your plate, especially school. Whatever you're stressing about, just remember things will get better with time. Pick up a book and read to calm down or maybe listen to music. Talk to your friends about what you're going through. You're never alone! Him: Stress sucks; there isn't another way to put it. And with the constant pressure of school, you find yourself feeling anxiety and stress often. Try thinking of something happy and always take time out of your day to breathe and relax. You can overcome anything! I just found out my best friend is gay. Everything is really awkward. I don't know what to talk about with him now. What should I do? Her: As a best friend you should always be there for him no matter what. Just because he likes boys doesn't mean you should treat him any different. I'm sure he's the same person he's always been, so don't make things awkward and keep the friendship going!

Him: In a situation like this, you shouldn't look at your best friend as a different person (he's still the same person under all that homosexuality, I promise lol). But being gay is just a small part of the whole person. Your friend is still your friend, nothing is really different. I'm having trouble finding a group of friends. I always see myself jumping from one person to another and they have their own groups. I don't have a specific group, but I want one. What should I do to include myself in the group that will include me as well? Her: Don't force yourself to hang out with a group of people who don't accept you. Think about who will be there for you at the end of the day when you need a shoulder to cry on and not those who don't appreciate you. Him: Having a solid group of friends seems ideal, but what's more important is to focus on quality not quantity.

Students Need A Better Library By Yovany Boada Staff Writer As students of Mater Lakes Academy, we feel we should be able to use our library whenever needed. However, it doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes the library is closed for testing or there is a class in there using the computers. This is unfortunate because a library is supposed to provide us with an area to study, to complete an assignment, or to simply read a book in peace and silence.

Students need a place to be able to do all these things. The lunch room is crowded and too loud to concentrate before a big test or important presentation, and there is no other space where we can go study.

Senior Hazel Garcia added, ―The library is of poor use to us during the small hours they allow us to be there; it would be better if students were allowed to go during their free time.‖

―In my five years at Mater Lakes Academy, I have only been to the library because of mandatory things such as testing. I’ve never been able to go and check out a book myself because it's hardly ever open to students. I feel like the library should be more accessible to students,‖ said senior Andrea Ruiz.

School principal Rene Rovirosa said administration is aware of the issue and is making an effort to improve the situation for students in the near future. It’s good to hear our administration cares about what we think and will be taking action to address this problem. We would love to use the library to our full advantage.

What Social Media Habits Say About You By Jesse Vera Staff Writer In a world replete with people seeking validation on the internet, it’s no wonder social media dominates our generation. There are hundreds of social networks out there, each designed for a different purpose – from finding the best restaurants nearby to looking for a potential significant other. Truth be told, it’s easy to get caught up in social networks; it’s the quickest way to receive attention (whether it be a bunch of likes on your selfie or no likes at all). Here’s a quick guide to show you what your favorite social network says about you. Twitter: With the new ―Moments‖ tab, Twitter has become one of the fastest ways to hear about news around the world. People who are infatuated with Twitter are always itching to be in the loop – whether it be simply within their

ing a good time — all the time. If you find yourself on Snapchat for hours a day looking at peoInstagram: If you’re obsessed with Instagram, ple’s stories to make sure they’re not having fun you’re clearly infatuated with sharing your love without you, you have a serious fear of missing for photography… or you just need to make out. sure everyone saw how good you looked today. You most likely thrive on the amount of likes Social media allows us to express who we are in and comments you receive on photos, but it’s all various ways — from sharing a funny tweet to good, we’re all a bit guilty of that. earn some laughs from your friends, or posting a Facebook: Needless to say, Facebook stopped beautiful photo on Instagram to show your creabeing popular amongst younger people years tivity. In the end, we all just want to be a part of ago. For the most part, Facebook is for the something bigger than ourselves. slightly older demographic who believe their opinions matter, as if their status updates were leaving some sort of mark on the world (like my mother). It’s also a good way to keep in touch with old classmates or co-workers. group of friends or on a global scale.

Snapchat: If you’re obsessed with Snapchat, it’s pretty obvious that you seek social validation more than the average person. Avid Snapchat users need people to know that they’re hav-

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Discover the World During Spring Break By Daniela Reyes Staff Writer Mater Lakes Academy is offering a trip to Greece and Turkey this year that will be taking place during Spring Break, March 17th – March 26th. The cost of this trip per student is $2,897.00 and this includes, flight, travel transportation, breakfast, dinner, a cruise (with lunch included) and a personal tour guide. On land they will tour Athens and the Aegean, Delphi landmarks, Kusdasi, Rhodes and Crete. The chaperones for this trip are teachers America Manzano, Jessica Pulido, Khrislee Garcia and Michelle Abreu. Abreu says, ―The trip is for ten days. Traveling is always a wonderful learning experience without the books. Greece is actually a very costly location. Explorica Tours is able to provide convenience, safety and expert advice by experiencing Greece with an actual local.‖ When asked what she wanted to see, Abreu said ―Honestly, I can’t even decide, I’m just here for the food! Opa!‖

Art Department Producing Budding Artists By Frank Ponce Editor-in-Chief

standout artist, and was the runner up of the SchoolsIn Turkey Coloring Contest.

In recent years, the increasingly successful art department at Mater Lakes has produced quite a few contest winners.

This newfound success is nothing new to the already flourishing art department. In recent years they’ve received more recognition, as well as funding for the school. Gazing into the future, the established mentors (teachers Mack Jackson, who was nominated last year for Teacher of the Year, Alejandro Rodriguez and newcomer Xierra Itayem) see nothing but success for the arts at Mater Lakes.

Among these standout artists are Orange Bowl Creative Art Contest winners: Shamyl Khan (7th Grade, 2nd Place), Daniella Cicirello (10th Grade, 3rd Place), and Juan Correa (12th Grade, runner up). Sabrina Hernandez, 8th Grade, is also a

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You By Tiffany Carrazana Staff Writer Movies: a sequence of consecutive pictures of objects photographed in motion by a specially designed camera and thrown on a screen by a projector in such rapid succession as to give the illusion of natural movement. Even though the definition of a movie is a bit complicated, they still entertain us and luckily for you, multiple experts have created a list of the blockbusters that are coming out during this school year!

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Above is eighth grader Sabrina Hernandez’s winning entry in the SchoolsIn Turkey Coloring Contest. Jackson is the student’s current art teacher.

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Boys’ Soccer: Kicking it into Gear By Alejandro Cabrera Sports Editor

hosted this season at Ransom Everglades.

A shaky start to the 2015-16 season has not defined the fate of the hard working Boys’ Varsity Soccer team.

With a new coaching staff, the team has not played to their full potential; coming short against Mast Academy, Ransom Everglades and With the season nearing its end, time is running Somerset Academy. out for the team to fi―Our new coach, Gusta- nally put their name on vo Madrid, is a very the map. With hard tough trainer. He has a work and dedication vision in his head that from all the players, he wants to recreate on there is no doubt that the field. Although our the team has the potenformer coach, Thiago tial to be successful in Oliveira, had a style of the district tournaplay that was suitable ment. for the team, we must stay disciplined and put

For the past three seasons, the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team has had an unlucky playoff run falling short in the quarter-finals in the 2013-14 season and the semifinals in the 2014-15 season. With improvement each year, the Bears have set their goal: compete in the District Championship,

Coach Madrid’s experience into perspective,‖ stated senior striker Franco ―Tango‖ Marcocia, when asked about his opinion on the new coach.

Girls’ Soccer: Going for the Goal By Melanie Rodriguez Staff Writer The Mater Lakes Lady Bears’ Soccer team is aiming to make sure that last season’s efforts didn’t end in vain. At the end of an inspiring 2014-15 campaign by the Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team, the Lady Bears were defeated by Ransom Everglades in district finals last season. The Lady Bears have begun this season with a bang. They own a district record of five wins and one loss. The hard work and dedication has clearly

paid off due to the magnificent set of skills showcased in previous games. Coaches Alexandra Morazan and Oscar Prieto have dedicated their time and energy to prepare this group of athletes for success this season. Having made it past the quarter finals and to the championship game for the first time in this program’s history in the 2014-15 season, the team will not accept defeat this time around. ―We want to make sure we win districts. Since we actually have seniors on our team this year, we want to make it memorable, so we are working hard to get that champion-

ship,‖ stated senior captain Gabriela Avila after being questioned on this season’s expectations. This will be achievable with the team’s positive attitude and respectful play style they bring to the table. With this year’s playoff tournament being hosted at Ransom Everglades, the tension in the atmosphere will be intense as expected. With a guaranteed playoffs seed, the girls will fight for a final spot for the second consecutive season, hoping they will make it on top this time around.

Boys’ Basketball Team Bounces Back By Frank Ponce Editor-in-Chief After a rough start to the season, the Mater Lakes Boys Basketball Team has gained momentum, and are currently riding a four game winning streak. The Bears, who began the season 0-4, have destroyed their past four opponents. The most meaningful victories had to be the ones within the district,

which came Saturday, December 5th, against Monsignor Edward Pace and Friday, December 11th against Booker T. Washington. The Bears were able to maintain control throughout both games, with exceptional guard play and all around scoring doing the trick.

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Big Expectations for Wrestling Season The Mater Lakes Bears’ Wrestling team is entering the season with high hopes. With former high school and collegiate wrestling superstar Brandon Neifeld at the helm, each wrestler has high expectations of themselves. This is a testament to the high intensity training sessions and assertive coaching tactics employed by Neifeld, who is also a science teacher at MLA. Among the ever growing wrestling program, the top returning wrestlers include: Austin Henriquez (senior, 138 lbs.), Joseph Tucker (senior, 145 lbs.) and state qualifier Andres Chao (senior, 160 lbs.), Cole Schwartzberg (sophomore, 202 lbs.) and Nestor Nunez (freshman, 152 lbs.) The Bears’ Wrestling team competed in the Somerset Duals Tournament and finished with a record of six wins and two losses placing fourth out of 17 teams this past weekend. Right: Sophomore Cole Schwartzberg.

Upstart Swimming Team Goes to States By Frank Ponce Editor-in-Chief

competitions, but MLA is not your usual high school.

With Veteran U.S.A. Swimming Coach Pedro Mesa, Mater Lakes MLA has not only splashed onto the swimming scene, but has risen to the top and its Swim Team made a trip to State Championships.

Alongside cross country, swimming is a sport that is relatively new to the school, entering only its sophomore year. Throughout the campaign, the Bears have proved that legacy is not the only deciding factor in success. Under Mesa’s leadership, Mater Lakes was privileged enough to send four qualified athletes to the State Championships.

The Pinch-A-Penny Florida High School Swimming and Diving State Championships took place on Saturday, November 7th at Sailfish Splashpark Aquatic Athletics Center in Stuart, FL. MLA participants included Gabriela Fernandez (9th grade), Brandon Moran (9th grade), Kevin Porto (10th grade), and Ervin Marin (11th grade). At the high school level, football, baseball or basketball dominate the athletic scene. Rarely do other sports have the opportunity to seize the spotlight or reach state level

The Bears' new found success has not come easily, but the determination of the team as a whole is a testament to just how hard Mesa and his athletes work. Having been affiliated with U.S.A. Swimming for ten years, the connection between Mesa and creating a swimming team at a developing high school was immediate.

Boys’ Basketball Team Bounces Back continued from page 7 Much of the reasoning behind their early struggles was the integration of an extremely young core (with only three seniors on the team), and being able to use this untapped potential to their advantage.

"All it took was one meeting with the school's assistant sports director, Cesar Temes, and I was hooked," says Mesa. Further than the exponential success on the award podium, Mesa knows that his impact is much broader than swimming. "Being a member of this team, your contribution is not only based on swimming. We pride ourselves on teamwork, strategy and discipline." Mesa elaborates, "I always try to make them feel confident in themselves, and make them work hard because I know the payoff is worth the effort." At such a high level of competition, the stakes are intensified beyond belief. Despite the nerve-wrecking pressure on the shoulders of Mater Lakes' State Finalist Swimmers, it is important to remember that the journey can mean more than the destination.

Among the athletes who took the journey to State Championships was sophomore Kevin Porto. Porto is no rookie to competitive swimming. Swimming since the age of nine, he’s become accustomed to blowing the competition out of the water, and if his rigorous training is any indication, this will continue to be the case for years to come.

At the reigns for Mater Lakes is veteran coach Juan Urbina, who has employed the underdog role for the Bears perfectly. ―Everybody doubts us but us,‖ explains Urbina, ―when push comes to shove, we’re the only ones who are on the court, proving the worth of this team. The moment we count ourselves out, we lost.‖

Alongside a personal trainer, Porto has practice at 5 AM before school three times a week, as well as daily afternoon training Monday through Saturday. As one of his team’s youngest and most successful swimmers, Porto sees his berth in the State Championship as an opportunity to gauge himself— not only for the competition this year, but for his future adversaries as well.

Under the battle tested wing of Urbina are star guards Jurik Morales and Cyrus Largie, who never fail to electrify the crowd with jaw dropping plays. Against Booker T. Washington, the backcourt duo combined for 49 points, and have led the team in scoring throughout the season.

Many hopeful athletes entered, hearts and minds teeming with anticipation. Very few, however, earned the title of Florida High School State Swimming Champion.

With that being said, the Bears have a long way between them and elongated success, but this streak has allowed the light at the end of the tunnel to shine through momentarily.

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