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