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12 Spotlight
Students
saving the
world one
computer at
a time
Connect the
Americans brings
together students and
technology
Coral Reef Sr. High
Fall 2010
ANGELA ZHOU
Guest Writer
B r e t t
Boren watched his mother prepare to toss
out old but still working computers. He
wanted to find an organization that recycled
them by sending them to other places in
need of technology. Most technology, if
not recycled properly, is harmful to the
environment and a waste of elements such
as lead and copper. When Brett couldn’t
find an organization, he and his friend,
Brian Tan, created their own.
Connect The Americas is a
n o n p r o f i t
organization
c o m p r i s e d
of dedicated
high school
s t u d e n t s
in Miami.
M e m b e r s
collect old
computers and computer parts and spend
hours fixing them so they can be reused.
The refurbished computers are then shipped
to schools in need of the technology, most
of which are located in Latin America
or the Caribbean. For example, during
the summer of 2010, CTA prepared for a
shipment of ten computers to be delivered
to a school in Haiti.
However, computers are not the
only thing CTA accepts. Current officers
Catherine Zaw and Angela Zhou say
“We’re open to any type of technology,
whether they are speakers, motherboards,
or laptops. We’ve even received cell
phones and cash registers before. We’re
confident there’s someone out there that
can appreciate it.”
Also, CTA needs large cardboard
boxes, tape, and materials when they ship
the computers. Donators can get community
service hours. If you would like to donate
or become a member, please email us at
connecttheamericas@gmail.com
Contestant breaks arm at rehearsal
Drummer works his way through Mr. Barracuda with one arm
CELINE KHOURI
Staff Writer
PHOTO CREDIT: CELINE KHOURI
Rafael Ribiero shows off his new cast after getting injured during
practice for Mr. Barracuda.
Every year there are more than
1,800 injuries that take place in schools
based on bone
injuries and
fractures. *
“They are among
the most common
o r t h o p e d i c
problems in the
United States.”
Coral Reef
High School
students seem to
always get hurt.
You will always
see a person on
crutches on any
given day. The
usual causes of
these accidents
would be sports
or a person’s
klutzy nature. To
be more precise, I
have heard many
people’s stories
about their
injuries, in which
many have said
their accidents
occurred due
to stubbing of
toes or fingers,
tripping, falling
out of trees, or
even because of
trampolines.
M r .
Barracuda is a
male pageant that takes every place year
based on a talent show that is hosted. The
winner of this contest, decided by a panel
of judges, represents the Coral Reef student
body. This person is judged based on talent,
personality and school spirit brought to the
stage.
It is not every day that a Coral
Reef student trying out for Mr. Barracuda
expects to get hurt while doing something
they have been doing for the longest time.
Rafael “Rafa” Ribeiro, a sophomore in IB,
fractured some bones in his left wrist and
arm while practicing for the introduction
of Mr. Barracuda pageant. His dance move
required his friends to throw him in the
air and for him to land it. However, they
did not support his back properly causing
him to be thrown in the air and fall back
down. “It all just happened super fast,”
said Rafael.
Mr. Lil Drummuh has been
drumming for six years now and takes part
of the group School of Rock. “It was the
worst pain I have ever felt,” said Rafael,
and said that everyone was shocked when
he fell into pain and wanted to make sure
he was alright.
Waiting in the hospital room,
Rafael and his parents were not expecting
the results to be so severe. “We were
shocked when the doctor came out and said
I broke my wrist and needed to wear a cast;
I didn’t expect that,” said Rafael.
This talented IB sophomore could not
play the drums when he first had his cast
on, due to the pain he felt.
However, because he is very
enthusiastic about Mr. Barracuda he
was able to perform in front of all his
classmates.
Congratulations to Mr. Barracuda!
James Hall, Mr. Dark Chocolate, won the crown of Mr. Barracuda 2010-2011
EMMA SINGER
Staff Writer
It’s hard to imagine an IB
student with a passion for acting, music
and dance. But he exists, and he has
finally been recognized for his talents.
James Hall, IB Senior, was crowned Mr.
Barracuda 2010-2011 on October 20,
2010.
“I was shocked that I won! But
it was definitely a happy surprise,” said
James.
James, aka Mr. Dark Chocolate,
had a huge fan base (of screaming IB
girls) cheering him on.
“I lost my voice cheering for
him! I brought a sign, but everyone was
so excited that it got ripped,” said Amore
Rodriguez, IB Senior.
James’ talent was a Michael
Jackson dance medly, with music cut by
Joseph Chakko, IB Senior. He used some
of Michael Jackson’s most popular songs
as well as some of the more obscure
ones.
“I loved the music! He did
an amazing job of capturing Michael
Jackson’s littlest movements as well as
his signature moves,” said Amore.
Other contestants, though
disappointed, were happy for James and
his success.
“He’s worked so hard, he
definitely deserved this. And let’s face
it; he did awesome!” said a group of his
former competitors.
That night, James’ Facebook was
spammed with hundreds of congratulatory
notes (mostly from admiring girls) and
requests for repeat performances. What
does James have to say to this?
“I love performing. I love
the stage. Maybe I’ll get the chance
to perform at our next pep rally!” said
James.
Now, what’s next for Mr.
Barracuda? Who knows? Maybe he’ll hit
Broadway, get an acting job, or something
different entirely. But what we do kn ow
for sure is that no matter what James Hall
does, he will succeed.
SUCCESS FAME GLORY
POPULARITY PUBLICITY MUSIC
ART CONCERTS GIGS MONEY
Want to promote your band in the newspaper?
Inexpensive ads are available to Coral Reef
Students. Contact Emma Singer
s2310@coralreef.dadeschools.net
Hey baby, I love you so much.
I want to be with you forever and ever and
ever and ever and ever and ever.
Be mine?
Insert your name here
Want to tell the girl of your dreams how you feel? Buy an ad in
the newspaper! Low rates available to Coral Reef Students.
Contact Emma Singer: s2310@coralreef.dadeschools.net