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ePathfinder Staff

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[wow_title text=”Recent Stories”]

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• Sailing The WatersDecember 4, 2024
  Moana goes on a new adventure Waves crash, sand blows, and Moana has officially returned for a long-awaited sequel to her first film. Directed by Dana Leodoux Miller, David Derrick Jr., and Jason Hand, Moana was released on November 27, 2024. They are following the events of the first film from November 23, 2016. With the same casting, Auli’i Cravalho as Moana, Dwayne Johnson as Maui, Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui, Nicole Scherzinger as Sina, and Alan Tudyk as Hei Hei, it is exciting to hear their voices again.  As known, Moana Waialiki is the princess of Motunui and the daughter of a Chief. She is a Polynesian teenager who in the events of the first film, embarks on a daring mission to save her people and restore the world’s relationship with the creation goddess, Te Fiti with the help of her demi-god best friend, Maui. Moana 2 is significantly different, as after Moana succeeds in her mission and reunites with her family, she goes on a new adventure alongside a group of companions. This movie also introduces Simea, Moana’s little sister. As Moana goes through new adventures, she also welcomes new conflicts. Unlike the first film, this plot introduces Moana to a bigger mystery to solve and this time, she is not alone. People from her village, Loto (Rose Matafeo), Moni (Hualalai Chung), and Kele (David Fane) help Moana on this mission to find and reconnect the people of the sea. These new characters give the film a new look since the first movie.  “It’s a nice follow up story and it goes more in depth into showing Moana’s ancestry and the natural courage that has been passed down to her, I think the culture that is portrayed in this film are slowly getting smaller, but even though they are getting smaller, they are also getting stronger, ” said DBHS senior Julianah Pit. Moana’s people follow cultural practices shown in the films, embracing the Polynesian heritage and history. Members of the same culture who watched the movie feel appreciated and noticed. Moana holds a strong and resilient character while also being vulnerable and empathetic.  Director David Derrick Jr. Said, “She has a little sister now, so things have changed for Moana, but her goal is still the same. She’s looking for connection.” The character development of the people in this film is impressive. In the first film, Moana opened her people to the sea after staying behind it, now she is finding and uniting other islands to who they are meant to be. This film achieved a big success and competed with Wicked since they were both released in the same week. Written by Janna Margar Pit | Graphic Designed by Janna Margar Pit Published December 5, 2024 | ePathfinder | Entertainment
•  Ordinary To ExtraordinaryNovember 6, 2024
  Transformers rise up A science fiction action movie called “Transformers One” a reboot of the transformer franchise is the first animated Transformers film in over 40 years. Based on Hasbro’s Transformers toy line and released in theaters, September 20, 2024. Directed by Josh Cooley, the movie features several voice actors, with the main ones being Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime, Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron, Jon Hamm as Sentinel Prime, Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee, Scarlett Johansson as Elita Vanessa, and Liguori as Airachnid. This movie tells the origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron. The plot follows Orion Pax and D16/Megatron as friends and their work lives. As the story progresses, we are introduced to more characters like Bumble Bee and Elita One, as well as their jobs. The movie is set in CyberTron, the home of the Transformers. The sentient robots are powered by a substance called Energon and have transformation cogs that allow them to change into vehicles. However, some of them don’t have transformation cogs. This leads the main characters to fight for their freedom and their world, but one of them takes it too far. “Watching Transformers has always been fun for me, so this was a great opportunity to be able to watch an animated version,” said DBHS freshman Kiara-Ordonez Diaz. Transformers one is a perfect movie for a young audience, as well as an older audience. The Transformers movies have always been iconic in their history dating back to the 1980’s when the Transformers toy line was welcomed.  This film was supposed to be released on July 19, 2024, however it was initially delayed to September 13, before shifting a week later to avoid competition with Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice. The producers also said they would make a sequel if the movie did well. Transformers One had criticism, but it also had some praise. For example, some said that the computer-generated style of Transformers One was a problem, as it made the film feel both expensive and cheap. Others say the film’s animation made the characters look less authentic than their comic counterparts. Others say that making the characters resemble their comic counterparts made the story more authentic and enjoyable. But fans are saying that the biggest issue was the movie’s tone and that it was overly comedic and unnecessarily lighthearted. It has been confirmed that Transformers One will receive a sequel film as long as everything goes well with the first installment. Cooley has admitted, “I remember seeing the ‘86 movie at a friend’s birthday party, and I was a part of that generation that was affected by it. I’m too close to Transformers One.” Showing Cooley’s admiration and pride for the Transformers. Written by Oflande Desperez | Graphic Designed by Janna Margar Pit Published November 6, 2024 | ePathfinder | Entertainment

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[wow_title text=”Content by Janna Margar Pit”]

• The Summer I Turned Pretty 
  Love-triangle of the decade The teen love show, The Summer I Turned Pretty sparked every fan’s heart with a second season. The first season was released only a year ago which makes it even better. Originally being a trilogy book series by author Jenny Han, it is now a TV series giving its fans a fresh look at each character. Actress Lola Tung starred as the main character Isabelle “Belly” Conklin, a sweet teenage girl caught in between a dilemma with Jeremiah Fisher, played by Gavin Casalegno and Conrad Fisher, played by Christopher Briney. These characters make up the love triangle that builds throughout the show, and a group that constantly makes fans shuffle between all three sides. Considered a coming-of-age story, The Summer I Turned Pretty focuses on Belly, who holds a romantic connection between two teenage boys who happen to be brothers. It begins with a longing crush on her childhood best friend Conrad. All she’s known is her fixation on him but during her summer break in Cousins Beach, a series of events makes her question whether she likes Conrad, or his brother, Jeremiah. Without a doubt, this is more complicated than any other love triangle. It plays with the dynamics of love, friendship, family, and morals. The first season was released on June 17, 2022, and the second season was released on July 14, 2023. The book author, Jenny Han also contributed to producing and making an appearance in the show. This helped the director and other producers get a better understanding of what was supposed to happen because they had her insight. Since the newest season came out, many new fans have shown support with its concept. The series does an excellent job portraying the emotions of a teen girl stepping out of her comfort zone and into the experiences of being 16. It gives many other teenage viewers someone to relate with. “It made me so sad, but it was entertaining and that’s why I liked it. When it comes to Belly, I kind of relate to her because it was a little hard for me growing up, from being a kid to as I am now,” said Deerfield Beach High School sophomore Anisah Mohammad. The Summer I Turned Pretty does not just give an entertaining plot and an exciting love triangle but also shows a realistic situation of a summer vacation with family friends. Lately, it was announced on August 3, 2023, that a third season will officially be coming out eventually. Although the exact date is not clear, many fans and DBHS students alike are excited to see where the story is going to take this love triangle. Written by Janna Margar Pit | Graphic Designed by Janna Margar Pit Published September 22, 2023 | ePathfinder | Entertainment 
• Standing in the Spotlight
  The MTV Video Music Awards People were celebrating this year’s VMAs on September 12th, 2023. Many celebrities and artists surprised the masses with their talent and got the recognition they deserved. In 1984, MTV began the VMAs (Video Music Awards) to award and recognize talented individuals and move their rank up in the singing industry. Since then, the VMAs have entertained their audience and have given the winners something to motivate them to keep doing what they are doing. Looking back at older VMA celebrations, things have changed since the first VMAs were held. Iconic artists of each generation perform at the VMAs to give their guests something to look forward to besides the award-giving ceremony. In one of the earlier celebrations, bands like the Smashing Pumpkins, The Rolling Stones, and artists like Snoop Dogg performed and were unforgettable. In this year’s VMAs on September 12th, 2023, artists Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Karol G, and Demi Lovato performed on the stage with many songs and incredible talent. Even the K-pop or Korean Pop groups Stray Kids and TOMORROW X TOGETHER performed. These talented individuals should be proud of the recognition they are granted for being invited to the award show. Few people know the importance of giving awards to those who work hard. VMAs are influential to lots of celebrities and always aim to appreciate artists who deserve it. It is wonderful how the VMA Awards bring celebrities and artists together to celebrate each other’s talent. “It’s good to recognize artists because it appreciates their work and brings them out there more. The fact that it’s so many artists in one place and getting awards for everything makes it special,” said Deerfield Beach High School freshman Brianna Rivera. Although not all that participate in the VMA awards receive an award, the awards are given to the ones that deserve it the most and worked the hardest for it. It is a fan-voted award, so it all depends on an artist’s fan base to push them to the top. In this year’s VMAs, some of the most viral winners were Taylor Swift for all three video, artist, and song of the year. Ice Spice won Best New Artist, Maneskin won Best Rock, and many more artists won awards for their talented work. Not only do the VMAs recognize singers and artists, but also influence their music to give people what they want. The award show has done an incredible job of helping artists continue their careers. Annually, numerous people look forward to watching the VMAs celebrate big and small artists. Written by Janna Margar Pit | Graphic Designed by Janna Margar Pit  Published October 6, 2023 | ePathfinder | Entertainment 
• Slam Dunk
  Dribbling into this basketball season Returning to the court for the upcoming basketball season are the Deerfield Beach High Bucks. Starting the season, the girls’ basketball team has their first game on November 13th against the Cypress Bay Lightnings. The boys’ basketball team also has a game on November 13th against Somerset Keys Lions marking the first of a long list of competitions. The players are pumped as they enter this next period, and a lot has changed since the last. Different expectations are rising for this year; the boys’ and girls’ basketball players are preparing to reach them with a slam dunk. “My expectations are for it to be challenging and I hope to come out a district champion,” said DBHS senior Shanice Rebecca. “I’m excited for the journey and to see how I develop on and off the court.” The Deerfield Beach High basketball initiative provides many opportunities for talented players to achieve their goals. Basketball is also a great sport to help strengthen the minds of students when it comes to partnership and competition. Players build up this innate skill with techniques like defense and rebounding drills with their teammates by their side. As soon as the games start, players have to be ready mentally and physically. The school is confident that the teams will have more wins than losses and is looking forward to the games that have yet to come. The tickets to attend an upcoming or future games are available for purchase on GoFan. Written by Janna Margar Pit | Graphic Designed by Daniel Sasson  Published November 3, 2023 | ePathfinder | Sports 

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[wow_title text=”ePathfinder Stories”]

• The Hunter’s Heritage January 8, 2025
  Once you’re on his list…  A new Marvel movie hits theaters winter of 2024, in a spectacle predicted to capture the attention of Marvel fans worldwide. Kraven the Hunter is an interesting Marvel character that some fans are extremely excited to see. Many are waiting to see the rise of this villain, a main Spider-man enemy who even helped create the sinister six. The story follows Sergei Kravinoff, a Russian man turned vigilante. It begins with a terrible accident, which takes Sergei on a journey of self-exploration and leads him to question his past. Once he becomes Kraven the Hunter, he wants to prove himself by taking bounties from anyone on his list. The Hunter encounters trials and tribulations that he must conquer to prove himself and redeem his past actions. “I love origin stories with good close combat to back them up. The movie seems like it can be like Deadpool, and movies and Kraven is going to perform well,” said DBHS Junior Schlovalsky Moliere. With an impressive cast, the film shows Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the lead role, Kraven. Johnson is well known for his Adaptability in previous roles as he is expected to bring an intriguing twist to the character. Some supporting characters include Russel Crowe as Nikolai Kravinoff and Ariana DeBose as Calypso. These outstanding actors add a layer of insurance to the movie’s narrative. Crowe is known for his engaging Gladiator and DeBose for many awards including the Golden Globe Award. These roles show the film isn’t about the action but the exploration of Sergei’s real identity. The CGI and practical effects in “Kraven the Hunter” take an incredible mix of difficult stunts to perform. The film brings life to the world of Marvel in a stunning visual sequence. Johnson even insisted on training for the stunts of climbing and running up walls with his physicality. They try to stay close to the source material with CGI like Rhino, with the film offering well-choreographed sequences for audiences to enjoy   Written by Matthew Hernandez | Graphic Designed by Matthew Hernandez Published January 8, 2024 | ePathfinder | Entertainment
•  A New SemesterJanuary 7, 2025
  The transition from first to second semester  With the second quarter finally coming to an end, it will wrap up the first semester of the school year for Broward County Public Schools (BCPS). Although students are currently back in school, there is still the whole week of January 6th through January 9th which allows one last four-day week to get their grades up. That is, of course, only if teachers haven’t closed the grade books already. With Friday being a teacher planning day and all grades having to be locked in by this coming Thursday, it is imperative that students get all their second quarter work done and turned in so their new, updated GPA will be positively affected. Some students may not realize this, but if they fail one semester of certain classes, they may have to retake the course. To check these grades, they’re located on Focus which can be accessed through the Clever dashboard. This is also where midterm grades, graduation requirements and much more are located. “I think I did the best I could have,” says Deerfield Beach High School sophomore, Jose Lopez. “For next semester, I want to manage my time better to improve my grades.” There are also some class changes that go on between the first and second semesters. Some students that are trying to reach their graduation requirements will take one semester of one class and proceed to do a different class for the next semester. For example, U.S Government, physical education, personal finance, economics or certain electives. Those courses all only require half a credit which means its only necessary to take one semester of the class. The new semester arriving is a good chance for students and teachers alike to improve themselves and their work ethic. With the semester switch comes the new year which brings in resolutions that everyone can get the chance to achieve in this new pair of quarters. Written by Leila Rogers | Graphic Designed by Leila Rogers Published January 7, 2025 | ePathfinder | News
• Censorship Of Teenage Social’sJanuary 6, 2025
  New restrictions on teenage social media platforms  Its no douth that social media platforms have major effects on teenagers. And while they have some benefits, the threats are drastic. Young adults dominate social media. Studies show that millennials are the most active group on social media, while younger generations, like Gen Z, are reported to spend the most time on social media. More than half of teens between the ages of 13-17 were reported to use social media apps. Concerns have risen for both the government and parents on the importance of protecting teens from the negative aspects of social media. Of teens between the ages of 13-17, studies show 63% use TikTok, 60% are on Snapchat, 59% are on Instagram, and an overwhelming 93% of teens use YouTube. Many social media apps restrict access to users under the age of 13. In contrast, statistics reveal that approximately 47 percent of preteens, typically those aged 11 to 12, use TikTok, while 31 percent use Snapchat in the United States. These social platforms are tolerant of cyberbullying, Often displaying inappropriate content and allowing contact with strangers that can lead to consequences. These include hate Speech in comment sections, unintended explicit imagery, and sometimes resulting in the consequence of human trafficking, etc. Some steps have been implemented in an endeavor to prevent these consequences by censoring teens’  feeds. Many ongoing debates argue that censoring teens’ feeds restricts them from accessing important sensitive information. Meta recently implemented changes and introduced an Instagram teen account, which will provide more age-appropriate content. According to Meta, Teen Accounts will limit who can contact teens and the content they see, and Teens under 16 will need a parent’s permission to change any of the built-in protections. Many other companies as well including TikTok made changes to become more teen-friendly. DBHS student Marthe Eldine said, “It’s a good idea to censor teens’ feeds because there are some types of stuff that are popping up on their feeds that are only for adults, not kids.” Technology continues to advance at a rapid pace and with it new social platforms are created to meet the new needs and desires of people. And as teenagers continue to play an important role, it’s imperative to understand how social media affects teens and what precautions must be taken to keep the social world age-appropriate. Written by Widelandine Emilcar  | Graphic Designed by Widelandine Emilcar  Published Janaury 6, 2025 | ePathfinder | Feature
• Legend Versus Youtube Sensation January 3, 2025
  Recap of Tyson VS Paul   In a highly anticipated fight that was captivated all over the world, The YouTuber who turned professional boxer, Jake Paul, faced former undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on November 15, 2024. The fight streamed live on Netflix, attracted an astonishing 65 million viewers, marking a significant event in the sport of boxing. Originally set for July 20, 2024, the event was postponed due to Tyson suffering an ulcer flare-up. The fight was sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations, featuring eight rounds of two minutes each, with 14-ounce gloves and no headgear. Despite Tyson’s legendary status, the 58-year-old struggled to maintain his energy, allowing Paul, 31, to display his skills effectively. Tyson came into the 1st round quick and strong with his punches landing many good blows on Paul. In the second round, he still came off strong but a little less quick than in the first round. In the third through eighth rounds Tyson mostly didn’t fight, he pursued lightly and threw a couple of jabs but mostly kept his gloves up and blocked. Those last six rounds showed the age difference between the fighters. Paul won by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the bout 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73. As the final bell of the round rang, Paul bowed to Tyson, a gesture of respect that Tyson reciprocated, indicating he would not retire after the fight.   Criticism surrounded the fight due to the significant 31-year age difference, the largest in professional boxing history. Former UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland condemned the matchup, while fellow YouTuber KSI described it as “elderly abuse.” Adding to the drama, Netflix faced technical difficulties during the livestream, frustrating many viewers. Despite the controversies, Paul has put himself on the map with this win and is opening a new chapter for his future, while people in the boxing industry cannot help but ponder how this loss will affect Mike Tyson’s legacy and future. Written by Tyrone Taylor | Graphic Designed by  Tyrone Taylor Published January 8, 2025 | ePathfinder | Sports
• Digital DangersJanuary 2, 2025
  Are children protected online?  Recently, internet safety has been a big concern for parents. According to Common Sense Media, 42% of kids have a phone by age ten. The more children who obtain a phone, the more children there are on the internet. Some possible dangers children face online are cyberbullying, exposure to violent or adult content, and online predators. It is hard for parents to monitor their child’s online activity without invading their privacy.  Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. Cyberbullying can lead to severe emotional harm and even suicide. According to the city of Annapolis, about 58% of kids admit someone has said mean or hurtful things to them online, or even peer pressured them. Many social media apps like Snapchat have disappearing messages that open doors to cyberbullying, impulsive behavior, and predatory manipulation. Cyberbullying can ruin a child’s online reputation. A negative online reputation can affect college admissions, employment, and other areas of life.   “I have never been cyberbullied, but I have heard of a lot of people’s lives being ruined that way,” said sophomore student Shelsie Escarment.  Another hazard for children online is exposure to violent or adult content. Guardchild.com says that 70% of kids ages 8-18 have accidentally encountered online pornography, very often by entering an innocent search term while doing their homework. Not only are they exposed to adult content, but also jarring violence. Being exposed to harsh violence online at a young age can cause mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. When children see these things, it can cause aggression. Young kids are also exposed to harmful beauty standards, which result in further psychological issues. “I have a little sister, and I would not want her to be on social media because there are many dangerous people,” said sophomore student Jizel Jean. Since social media is such an integral part of society, children use it to shape their personalities and actions. The Child Crime Prevention and Safety Center in Los Angeles says that there are an estimated 500,000 online predators active each day. Online predators tend to look for online spaces that are popular with young people and try to gain the trust of a child over time. These online predators can convince children to send explicit photos of themselves and then blackmail them. Early stages of grooming are difficult for parents to detect until it is too late. Children who are groomed often end up with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and suicidal thoughts.   It is essential for parents to educate their children about the dangers of the internet and to establish clear rules for online behavior. Parents can take several precautions, such as enabling the child’s privacy settings, being cautious about sharing personal information, and regularly checking in on their child’s online activities. Teaching children about online safety and preventing potential issues are crucial responsibilities for all parents. Written by Camila Castro  | Graphic Designed by Camila Castro  Published January 2, 2025 | ePathfinder | Perspectives

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