The Pony Express, Vol. III, Issue 03 (Dec. 2019)

The Pony Express Center Hill High School, 13250 Kirk Road, Olive Branch MS 38654

December 2019 Volume 3, Issue 3

Ask the Mustangs: What does Christmas mean to you?

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rom Santa and elves to reindeer and presents, Christmas is the most joyful time of the year.

Although it isn’t celebrated by everyone, it is a huge holiday and there are many points of view about it. Here’s what a few Mustangs had to say about the holiday.

“Christmas is a time of sharing and loving, when you’re supposed to give to people. It’s also a great time to take a break and have fun until the new year.”

Devin Wright Junior

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“Since I’m not a very religious person, when we celebrate Christmas it’s all about family getting together and being in each other’s company. So really, that’s what Christmas means to me.”

Ada Vu Junior

“To me, Christmas means happiness, and it is a time to celebrate what we have and give back to our community.”

Wyatt Edwards Senior De

“Christmas means having joy and giving to loved ones or strangers, and families get together to eat and have family time.”

Malcolm Jackson Junior

“Christmas means everything to me because I love celebrating God’s birthday, going to church and also giving and receiving gifts.

Also it shows loving and caring, and it’s one of my favorite holidays. I love going to church and celebrating.”

Tylia Johnson Freshman “Christmas is a time of joy and love. All of your family gathers together to spend time and share their joy throughout the year. Also, we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus’s birth.”

Molly Painter Senior

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“Christmas is the day we celebrate a forgotten birth and the three wise men who gave their possessions in honor of the birth, and we get gifts and give gifts in remembrance.”

Jacob Pierson Sophomore Ja

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“Christmas is a meaningful thing to me. It brings happiness and families together.

Christmas is also important to the kids.

They enjoy it and it’ll forever be stuck in their childhood memories. Getting presents at Christmas is really better than getting things on a regular day to be honest. Don’t forget about the milk and cookies. Whew, child! I love Christmas!”

Samone Berry Senior li Ty

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“Christmas is all about celebrating Jesus and spending quality time with friends and family. Plus I love waking up early to see what Santa Claus gave me.”

Emily Weinberg Sophomore

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By Le’ Undria Austin Staff Writer

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“Personally I don’t really care about presents. I just value the time I get to bond with my family members. The atmosphere during Christmas is amazing, and one thing you can’t forget is that this was the day the Lord was born. That thought fascinates me when I think about it.”

Bryan Mendoza Senior

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“Many would say it’s a time to be with family. However, I look forward to the food.”

Gavin Tatum Freshman

Graphic created by Matthew Collins

www.chhsponyexpress.com

BE IN THE KNOW AT THE HILL

Thursday, Dec. 12 - School play, The Great Gatsby, PAC @ 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 13 - School play, The Great Gatsby, PAC @ 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14 - School play, The Great Gatsby, PAC @ 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14 - ACT Monday, Dec. 16 - Basketball VG vs.

KIPP Collegiate, VB vs. East Tuesday, Dec. 17 - Soccer vs. Lake Cormorant Wednesday, Dec. 18 - 2nd and 3rd block exams

Thursday, Dec. 19 - 1st and 4th block exams Friday, Dec. 20 - Makeup exams (with approval) Friday, Dec. 20 - Basketball JVB/VG/ VB @ Ridgeway

Friday, Dec. 20 - Soccer @ Oxford

Saturday, Dec. 21 - Soccer @ Tupelo Monday, Dec. 23 - Hanukkah Tuesday, Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve Wednesday, Dec. 25 - Christmas Day Thursday, Dec. 26 - Kwanzaa Tuesday, Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve Wednesday, Jan. 1 - New Year’s Day Thursday, Jan. 2 - Teachers return Monday, Jan. 6 - Students return Jan. 13-17 - Winterfest Week Monday, Jan. 20 - Martin Luther King.

Jr. holiday Saturday, Jan. 25 - MIA colorguard competition Saturday, Jan. 25 - Select Women

Photo by Ashia Eubanks Guard Jourdan Smith (15) grabs the rebound during practice. The Lady Mustangs will play KIPP Collegiate Dec. 16. See more winter sports stories and photos on pages 4-5.

winter retreat

for February ACT

Friday, Jan. 10 - Registration deadline

Saturday, Feb. 8 - ACT

Monday, Feb. 17 - President’s Day holiday (tentative make-up day)

‘The Great Gatsby’

Drama Department to stage F. Scott Fitzgerald classic B

By Ana Le Staff Writer

eginning Dec. 12, the Drama Department will take to the stage in their production of “The Great Gatsby.” With Logan Vandevender as Jay Gatsby, Caleb Jenkins as Nick Carraway, and Kaitlyn Moody as Daisy Buchanan, spirits are running high.

“If I am being honest, I’m actually really nervous,” said stage manager Zoe Durand, a sophomore. “This play is on a bigger scale than the one we had last year, but I’m really proud of our actors and all the people in our class, so I know it will all be worth it in the end.”

“The Great Gatsby” is a play based on the 1924 novel written

by F. Scott Fitzgerald about a rich and eccentric man by the name of Jay Gatsby. He falls in love with a girl named Daisy, despite her being married to another man. Jenkins, a sophomore, provided insight behind the process of putting on a show of this magnitude.

“First, the set designers made rough sketches on paper, and then they penciled it in on wood for the backgrounds,” he said. “We’ve also been doing run-throughs of the play to figure out where to move on stage for every scene. Then, we string ’em all together, with music playing in the background and certain sound effects for certain scenes.”

Freshman Charay Kounhavong plays the part of George Wilson and said how thankful he is to participate in this year’s play.

“Drama has helped me be more out there and helped my acting skills a lot,” Kounhavong said.

2 The Pony Express

Photo by Maya Taylor Madison Spivey, as Myrtle, and Jacob Money, as Tom Buchanan, argue in a scene during dress rehearsals for “The Great Gatsby.”

Looking on are Joseangel Esquivel, who portrays Chester McKee, and Caleb Jenkins, who plays Nick Carraway. Show dates and times are Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. Admission is $5.

“Also, I’ve made so many friends in there, and it’s a great time. I’ve made so many people happy too.

My favorite part of the play was just learning to be my character and also seeing how the lights and background art are put together to

make one cool play.”

Show dates and times are Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. Admission is $5.

Because this is a fundraiser, drama teacher and play director Emily Haven said no activity passes will be

accepted.

“I’m hoping the audience loves the play and appreciates all the effort we put into it,” said junior Joseangel Esquivel, who portrays photographer Chester McKee. “We started running through our

lines in September. We spent all of October getting props together and working on sets. Every day we’ve been focusing on the play and how to make it better and more suitable for the audience.”

Opinion Don’t ruin Santa for children

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hanksgiving is over, so now it’s time for the best time of the year… Christmas! Along with Christmas comes the debate: is Santa Claus real? Well, of course he is! Where else would all those presents come from? With what money? Exactly.

Santa brings so much joy to children’s houses on Christmas morning because of the excitement of “did Santa come?” Not only does he bring excitement on Christmas day, he

By Cassidy Bishop also brings Staff Writer excitement all through the month of December.

On Thanksgiving night, Santa’s elf, Elf on the Shelf, visits houses bringing crazy pranks for the kids. Telling a child that Santa isn’t real would not only ruin their Christmas but would also ruin the Santa Claus magic.

To this day, my mom still signs my Christmas presents with the name “Santa.” Even though she clearly knows Santa isn’t real, she still keeps the magic going, not only for herself, but for my little brother also. Caleb is 8 years old and still believes in the magic. If

Colorado as the only states with a law mandating the inclusion of LGBT history in public school curriculum. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation ensuring that state schools teach the roles and contributions of LGBT figures in American history.

It is absolutely necessary to implement the teaching

By Kymoria Mottley of LGBT Staff Writer history in K-12 curriculum.

It is not uncommon to study the history and contributions of other marginalized groups, such as black Americans, indigenous people, Hispanic people and women. In school, we cover the history of straight people every day. However, LGBT people are largely erased from our history lessons.

We live in a heteronormative society which influences some people to believe that LGBT people are taboo and vulgar.

Some people fail to realize that LGBT people are still people at the end of the day.

Co-editors Paige Brick and Nadia Sumlar

Business Manager Nada Herzallah Contributing Staff for Issue 3 Le’ Undria Austin, Cassidy Bishop, Lacey Buckley, Matthew Collins, Laine Crabb, Ashia Eubanks, Landis Henderson, Terran Hill, Max Lankford, Ana Le, Sarah Claire Miller, Kymoria Mottley, Maya Taylor, Trinity Waldrip, Katie Whitaker.

Advisers Ginny Shikle and Michelle Jones

Illustration by Sarah Claire Miller

he was to find out, he would be devastated and it would ruin his whole Christmas.

Even though you may be older and have known Santa isn’t real

for years, I just ask you to keep this magic alive. Keep it going on for the sake of little children who still believe in Santa.

Overcome intolerance with education n Aug. 10, Illinois joined

The Pony Express student newspaper is a club that is supplemented by members of the Foundations of Journalism class at Center Hill High School.

Features Editor Kaitlin Moore

Opinion

OCalifornia, New Jersey and

The Pony Express

Kids have LGBT parents, family members and friends.

Many kids are a part of the LGBT community themselves.

This alone is a crucial reason to integrate LGBT history into lessons. Cis heterosexual children have so much representation.

They see others like them portrayed in history and have several positive role models to look up to. LGBT children deserve no different.

The adolescent years are crucial to development. Children are discovering their own identities and figuring out where they fit in society, which can be extremely difficult, even more so for LGBT children. Being taught positive LGBT figures in school gives these children a chance to see people like themselves reflected in history, enabling them to feel more comfortable with their sexuality and gender identity. When children see people similar to them who have achieved greatness, it makes them passionate. It increases their drive to learn and helps them realize that they can do great things as well.

Teaching LGBT history in schools will also help to increase tolerance among students. The history of marginalized groups in this country must be taught

and discussed to promote empathy and understanding.

LGBT students are targeted and harassed by bullies, usually being referred to with homophobic slurs and sometimes even being physically assualted. Studies show that LGBT youths are nearly three times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.

“Suicide is not caused because of their LGBT identity, but rather how the world reacts to their identity,” John Ayers, a researcher at the University of California said.

Ignorance fosters intolerance.

As a result, the best way to overcome intolerance is through education and mutual understanding. Children must be exposed to different viewpoints in order to develop empathy.

If heterosexual children are taught about the struggles and contributions of LGBT people in society, it is likely to lead to a significant decrease in the bullying and ostracization of LGBT children.

Chunks of history are being left untaught purely because they relate to LGBT people. Society needs to realize that LGBT history is history.

The mission of The Pony Express is to provide quality, thought-provoking student produced publications focused on the events and issues that affect the Center Hill High School community.

As student writers, we try to reflect the thoughts of our most important readers – the students of Center Hill.

Because of this, we attempt to approach many issues, some more controversial than others. The newspaper staff hopes to inform, to educate, to entertain and to question for the betterment of Center Hill, its students and faculty.

Editorial Policy The editorial section of The Pony Express, including editorial cartoons, serves as a forum for well-written, thoughtful, longer forms of expression.

Signed editorials represent the opinions of the author.

Unsigned editorials reflect the consensus of The Pony Express staff. Views printed herein are meant to be opinionated and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the student body, faculty, administration or school district.

Letters to the Editor Policy Readers are encouraged to voice their opinions in the Opinion section for the expression of varying viewpoints on relevant topics. The Pony Express will print as many letters as space allows.

Letters must include the author’s name, signature, and class or position relative to the letter. Typed or legible, hand-written letters are acceptable, but should not exceed 200 words. The Pony Express will edit all letters for accuracy, spelling and grammar. We reserve the right to refuse to print any letter. Submit questions, comments or letters to the editor to ponyexpresschhs@gmail.com or 13250 Kirk Road, Olive Branch, MS 38654.

Advertising Policy The Pony Express will not accept any advertising that deems to be: factually inaccurate; designed to mislead, deceive or defraud; containing malicious, vindictive or unsubstantiated attacks; offering goods and/or services illegal for teenagers to possess, buy or use; libelous; obscene; creating imminent danger or disruption to school. The Pony Express reserves the right to refuse any advertising, solicited or unsolicited.

Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views or endorsements of The Pony Express staff, student body, faculty, administration or school board. To advertise, contact Ginny Shikle at ginny.shikle@dcsms.org.

Member Organizations The Pony Express is a member of the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association.

Our publication was named Most Improved High School Newspaper by MSPA for 2017-2018, and in 2018-2019 The Pony Express was a finalist for Mississippi’s High School Newspaper of the Year.

The Pony Express 3

Winter Sports at Th

Juniors take spirit stick, but will they keep it?

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By Paige Brick Co-editor

n a stunning break from tradition at the winter sports pep rally Nov. 15, the senior class did not win the spirit stick.

“It kind of sucks, but it proves that the streak can end,” a disappointed David Duvall said after Assistant Principal Brenda Case broke a long-standing tradition and tossed the spirit stick to the juniors. “I have always experienced the seniors winning.”

Carson Ewing was excited about the juniors finally winning.

“I feel surprised about the outcome,” Ewing said. “Credit to Mrs. Case for actually picking the loudest class.”

The senior class, in protest,

crossed the gym to take the spirit stick back from the juniors.

“I feel like they needed a little bit of celebration too, but we took it back just to let them know it was ours,” Ewing said.

Even CHHS staff couldn’t believe what happened.

“I loved it,” coach Bruce Hall said. “I wish I could have taken pictures of the seniors’ faces.”

Science teacher Amber Smith said the Class of 2021 deserved to win.

“They were the loudest,” she said.

If they want the prized spirit stick back, the Class of 2020 will have to step up their game.

“I think we can win it back,” Duvall said.

Photo by Katie Whitaker Coach Gerry Adair, far left, introduces the bowling team at the winter sports pep rally Nov. 15.

As they slowly realized what was happening, members of the senior class had varying expressions of disbeli sports pep rally. Even the Mustang looks surprised. Science teacher Amber Smith said the Class of 2021 des

Q&A with head boys basketball coach Newton Mealer

By Laine Crabb Staff Writer Q: How has the team looked in the offseason and in the preseason tournaments?

A: We worked extremely hard this summer, we went 29-4. I’ve pushed this team harder mentally and physically than any other team I’ve had, because the opportunity to repeat is a difficult task.

Q: After the state championship, the team probably feels on top of the world, so how do you get them back to the basics?

A: We enjoyed winning the state championship, and we took some time to reflect on what it meant to be a champion. Our goal is to be the first DeSoto County team to repeat a championship. The guys have embraced that opportunity, and this summer is where we have really started with that. We had to say, “Last year is behind us, this is a new year.” We had three of our former players speak to our team at

Photo by Ashia Eubanks Coach Newton Mealer speaks to Kaeden Laws (24) and Decorian Peyton (1) during basketball practice. Mealer said Laws and Peyton both “have taken great leadership roles for our program.”

the first practice, which was Calvin Temple, Kevin Henry and Dan Ellington all talking about, “We gotta move forward, and we gotta prepare for a new season.”

Q: Have any players stood out to

Q&A with head girls basketball coach Emily Owens 4 The Pony Express

you as a new leader after having someone with the talent of Calvin leave?

A: Yeah, I think we have two. They both played last year and they both helped us win. Kaeden Laws has

By Ashia Eubanks Staff Writer Q: How has the team looked in the preseason/offseason?

A: I feel like everyone on the team has been working really hard. We’re getting better at little things and we’re paying much more attention to detail, which is going to help us in the long run.

They’ve conditioned really hard so they should be in better shape than they’ve

taken a big, big role being a vocal leader, and also Decorian Peyton.

He’s a guy that everyone on the team looks up to, and what he does we try to get behind. Both of them have taken great leadership roles for our program.

Q: You got named to coach the All Star team. What kind of honor is that to you?

A: It’s a big honor. First of all, it’s a team sport and I understand that.

Last year was great. I was named the USA Today Coach of the Year, I was named the MAC Coach of the Year, I just found out I was named the National Federation of High School Coach of the Year, and now I’m the North All Star Coach of the Year. A lot of that comes from being successful as a team, but personally for me it’s about my guys. Working as hard as I have over the course of my life to get to this point, I’m extremely happy that I was recognized by my peers as being one of the better coaches.

ever been in and everyone has a great positive outlook on what’s to come.

Q: Who do you expect to step up and be a good leader this year?

A: I’m expecting a lot from our seniors, Tieraney Bolton, Lauryn Leasure, TeAunna Williams and Jamiah Thomas.

I think they all are doing a great job being vocal, and leading by example and practice. I also think Candice Buford and Hope Mealer are doing a great job,

Dallis Bryant, junior, cheers on the Must teammates will attend the state competit

leading by example, showing what hard work is, and so I really expect those six who have varsity experience and who know what I expect, for them to lead the way for the younger, less experienced girls on the team.

Q: What’s your message to the team as you begin the season?

A: Our biggest thing is to stay positive and to work hard together. I think teams that play together can always achieve

mo per say like stro eac pos tha wha Q: I sea

he Hill

Photo by Paige Brick The boys soccer team stretches at a recent practice. As the season gets underway, players are confident they’ll make a deep run in the playoffs.

Boys soccer looks to make a run A

Photo by Katie Whitaker

ief, shock and anger when the junior class won the spirit stick at the winter served to win. “They were the loudest,” she said.

s the season gets under way, the boys soccer team is confident they’ll make a deep run in the playoffs.

“We have to take it one step at a time, first district, north half, then state,” said senior Diego Valenzuela, a left wing and center mid for the Mustangs.

Coach Blake Lashlee is assisting head coach Andrew Yeoman with the team this season.

“In the preseason we hit some bumps in the road, but now the boys are hitting strides that I didn’t think they would hit,” Lashlee said.

“We have an eagerness to get better each and every day, so it’s pleasing to see.”

Lashlee said seniors Jay Price and Ashton Taylor were named co-captains for their contributions to the team.

“They bring the tenacity, the drive, and they push everyone to be better,” Lashlee said.

Price is a center back for the

Mustangs. From the start of the season to now, “I feel it’s going to go good,” Price said. “We’ve had some struggles so far, but we have overcome a lot of them.”

One of the challenges was Taylor’s 2-week recovery from a sprained ankle, but Valenzuela said the team would make do.

“We’ll just need the next man to step up,” he said. “We’ve been working really hard and just trying to fight through any adversity we have to face.”

Communication key to girls soccer success

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Photo by Trinity Waldrip

tangs during the winter sports pep rally Nov. 15. Bryant and her tion in Jackson Dec. 14.

ore than those that are just out for rsonal gain. I made a shirt this year that ys strength in numbers because I feel e when we’re all together, we’re a lot onger than when we’re going against ch other. So my message is to just stay sitive to work hard and to remember at we’re all in this together, no matter at.”

Is there anything else to say about the ason?

By Terran Hill Staff Writer

A: I’m super excited about it. The girls are fun to be around, everyone seems to be getting along really well, like I said they are working hard, and I think everyone has a common goal to improve and succeed. A lot more wins and to really move on, build on what we started towards the end of last year. I think it should be a very successful year.

By Terran Hill Staff Writer

he girls soccer team is looking to build chemistry as the season begins.

“In the offseason we struggled to bond as a team and connect,” defender Bre Jimenez said. “Now we have found our strengths and our weaknesses and we will be focusing on that.”

Players organized a variety of activities to help.

“We’d go out to dinner, carve pumpkins (at Halloween), and just hang out with each other as a group to connect,” Jimenez said, adding that they also stayed “off of social media and our phones.”

As a senior captain, Jimenez said the bonding activities have helped.

“I feel like we’re a good team as long as we just try and communicate,” she said.

Her co-captain is senior Maggie Gaines, a midfielder.

“I feel like the team does a good job of listening to us as captains and respecting us,” Gaines said. “I think it is a very big team sport and it’s not really about individuals, but they do a very good job of listening to the upperclassmen.”

Gaines said the team has improved since the preseason.

“I think we really grew as a team,” she said. “Over the preseason we really didn’t play together or play well, and we didn’t bond. I just

Photo by Paige Brick Bre Jimenez, a defender for the Lady Mustangs, practices a passing drill. Jimenez is also one of the team’s senior co-captains.

“In the offseason we struggled to bond as a team and connect.

Now we have found our strengths and our weaknesses and we will ve focusing on that.”

Bre Jimenez think through the preseason and offseason we definitely got better as

a team.”

First-year head coach Ryan Worsham has also noticed improvement with his team.

“I think we’ve grown a lot especially since August,” he said.

“Preseason was really rough, so the girls are definitely in shape and they’ve definitely grown in the last few weeks tactically. Through our first few games we’ve grown a lot, so we’re really ready to get into district play and the meat of the season.”

The Pony Express 5

College Signings Northwest bound, Laila Armstrong almost didn’t play softball

Photo courtesy of Laila Armstrong

Photo by Cassidy Bishop

When Laila Armstrong was 8 years old, her father was supposed to sign her up for cheer. A coach saw how fast she could run and recommended she play T-ball instead.

With her family, coaches and administrators looking on, Laila Armstrong signed Nov. 11 to play softball at Northwest Mississippi Community College. An outfielder for the Lady Mustangs, Armstrong has played on the high school team since she was in the eighth grade.

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By Cassidy Bishop Staff Writer

aila Armstrong, a newly signed athlete to Northwest Mississippi Community College, almost didn’t play softball.

When she was 8 years old, her dad was supposed to get a cheer application, but her mom was surprised when they came home with a T-ball form.

“When we got there, the coach saw how fast I could run and suggested we sign me up for T-ball instead, so that’s what my dad did without my mom knowing,” the outfielder said.

Life would have turned out differently for the 17-year-old if things hadn’t happened the way they did.

“I can’t imagine life without softball because that’s where I met all of my friends. I love it.”

Laila Armstrong “If I would have done cheer, I would have quit,” she said, adding that she enjoys how competitive and fast-paced softball is. “I can’t imagine life without softball because that’s where I met all of my friends. I love it.”

When she isn’t playing for the Mustangs, Armstrong plays travel ball with Easley Softball Club.

“Travel ball is not cheap,” said

Armstrong, who at her Nov. 11 signing thanked her parents, Tamara and Larcell Armstrong, as well as coaches Shaker Turner, Ashleigh Hicks and Lady Mustangs head coach Cole Harris.

“She has the greatest demeanor ever,” Harris said, calling Armstrong an example to her teammates. “Keep it up.”

Armstrong has been playing for the high school team since she was in the eighth grade.

“You have represented your family and Center Hill so well over the years,” Assistant Principal Brenda Case said.

“You’ve done great things.

We’re very proud of you.”

Photo by Cassidy Bishop Laila Armstrong laughs while looking at a scrapbook of her softball memories with Assistant Principal Brenda Case.

Photo by Cassidy Bishop

Photo by Landis Henderson

With his parents Michelle and Paul Williams looking on, Taylor Williams, Mississippi’s state champion in Class 1 100 Breaststroke and 200 IM, signed Nov. 19 with Arizona State University. He holds seven state individual championships and is on DeSoto County’s first All-County Swim Team.

Zakhia Taylor, a middle hitter for the Lady Mustangs, signed Nov. 8 to play volleyball at Itawamba Community College. “Playing college volleyball has always been a dream of mine,” said Taylor, who is pictured here with Coach Robbie Veazey, left, and her mother, June.

6 The Pony Express

Holmes helps dance team make hip hop history at The Hill H

By Max Lankford Staff Writer

ip hop routines at The Hill will never be the same, now that the dance team has a trick up their sleeve.

“Most teams at national level have at least one guy on their team,” sponsor Kerry Matthews said. “Having a guy makes us more competitive, and we stand out at a state level.”

Sophomore Mark Holmes is helping the dance team make history as its first ever boy dancer.

“Being the first boy on the dance team is a feeling that Mark Holmes I cannot bring myself to explain,” Holmes said. “In the moment, it’s just like another day, but when we perform, it’s like wow! I am really making history.”

Holmes, a strong safety and backup quarterback for the Mustangs, said he wanted to be on the dance team because he’s always moving.

“I dance 24/7 anywhere at any given time, at home, football, classrooms, lunch,” he said. “It just never stops.”

Encouraged by his mom, Holmes has been entertaining others with his dance moves for as long as he can remember.

“I used to go to the barber shop and get paid to dance, when I was around 8 or 9,” he said.

Since officially joining the dance team in mid-November – he had to wait until football season was over – Holmes has heard a few comments from classmates about being the only boy.

“People hassled me about being on the dance team,” he said. “Some were stereotypes, but most of them were things like ‘You can make a move on your teammates’ or ‘You just like doing dance so you can be close with all of them.’ But I paid it no mind. I know my purpose and why I’m there.”

As for the girls, Holmes said they have welcomed him.

“The girls on the team all reacted the same,” he said. “They were all excited that I was going to join, which made me 10 times more confident about actually following through with it.”

To senior Emma Freeze, Holmes is just another teammate.

“It doesn’t affect our attitudes or practices,” she said. “We treat him like just another team member.”

With or without Holmes, Freeze said the goal for competitions is “Wins. Point. Blank. Period.”

That’s also Matthews’ goal, which the 6-foot-2 Holmes can help with when it comes to hip hop’s stunts and tricks.

“Having strength and height is an advantage in hip hop,” Matthews said.

“I hope to win at state championships again, but I am super excited to take a unique routine to state. I hope to make national finals, because we are moving up to large varsity.”

Holmes brings an edge to a wellrounded team, coached by Chrissy Rodefer, that’s already won 11 state championships in hip hop and pom and been in the Top 10 at Nationals for the past three years.

“The dance team was already beyond great without me, and I feel

Photo by Paige Brick Dance sponsor Kerry Matthews said having strength and height is an advantage in hip hop. At 6 feet 2 inches tall, Mark Holmes can easily lift his teammates, like Kennedi Evans as pictured here.

like I just add on to it,” Holmes said.

“I feel pretty confident about winning because of the way they built the foundation of the program. I think

with the dance team having me, we bring an extra spice that other teams can’t imagine having.”

They’ll find out soon. The dance

team competes at state Dec. 13 in Jackson.

Club Spotlight: Ultimate

Game offers flying disc fun

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By Landis Henderson Staff Writer

layed with a flying disc, Ultimate is a club sport offered at Center Hill High School.

“It’s a unique sport,” said Alyssa Fletcher, a junior who has played for two years.

Coached by Brian Hancock and Michelle Jones, Ultimate practices after school as needed.

“I like being able to have fun outside of school,” said first-year player Terran Hill, a sophomore.

Trey Stuard has played all four years of high school. Even though it’s a non-contact sport, Ultimate is “kind of like football,” he said.

“It’s a great activity to do,” Stuard said. “You can meet new people and build communication skills. I would recommend everyone interested to come and try it. It’s easy to learn.”

Stuard is also the senior captain for the Ultimate team.

“I love helping others learn the game and teaching them how to improve over time,” he said.

Photo by Landis Henderson Trey Stuard, far left, runs to catch the flying disc during Ultimate practice. Even though it’s a non-contact sport, Ultimate is “kind of like football,” he said.

Band wins bronze at state

State Champs

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Photo by Cassidy Bishop Center Hill defeated Long Beach 3-1 (25-21, 25-14, 20-25, 25-18) to claim the MHSAA Class 5A Volleyball State Championship in Jackson Oct. 26. The Mustangs were 15-16 overall this season and 4-1 in district play.

By Ashia Eubanks Staff Writer

he band had its best performance at state competition to date this year, winning bronze in Pearl.

“It’s our highest ranking in several years since Center Hill has been ranked 5A,” band director Jared Ross said. “It’s significant that it inspires the kids to work harder and they’re really proud of themselves.”

Ross said the band exceeded his expectations at the Nov. 2 contest, with 5A competitors including Ridgeland, South Jones, Saltillo, East Central, Columbus, Gautier, Picayune, Long Beach and Neshoba Central high schools.

“They performed very well and they worked hard all season long,” he said. “It wasn’t luck. They were prepared.”

Ross also said student leaders stepped up.

“Our drum majors were great,” he said. “The kids looked up to them and they did a really great job.

The section leaders did really well.”

Ava Hogan and Wyatt Edwards are this year’s drum majors.

“We worked pretty hard, from the beginning of the summer, up until the day of state,” Hogan said. “It took a lot of work and it took a long time. It paid off.”

The third-place finish was meaningful to Hogan.

“As a senior, it was our last one and it was a pretty good note to go off on,” she said. “For the classes behind us it’s about leaving a legacy for them to carry on.”

Chelsee Ayers, a senior on Color Guard, said life wouldn’t be the same without the friends she has made through band.

“Starting Center Hill I didn’t know anybody,” Ayers said. “Then I joined band and that’s how I got my whole circle.”

Now that marching season is over, Ross said it is time to transfer over to concert season, winter guard, winds and percussion.

“We don’t really have an off season, so we’re constantly learning,” he said.

The Pony Express 7

Illustration by Lacey Buckley

Ask the Mustangs: What’s your favorite Christmas movie?

By Le’ Undria Austin Staff Writer “I really love Elf because my cousin Parker, who died in 2015, played him in a school play and did amazing.”

Paris Johnson Sophomore Joseangel Esquivel Junior

8 The Pony Express

“This Christmas with Chris Brown, because it’s funny and a really good movie.”

“Home Alone, because it’s funny to me.

There are two grown men chasing a little boy and he sets the traps on them.”

Zalandrea Milan Senior

“My favorite Christmas movie is Elf. My family and I watch it a bunch of times over the holidays. It’s such a cute and funny movie.”

“Die Hard.

It’s a great Christmas movie for the whole family and it’s awesome.”

Makayla Leite Sophomore

Michael Ragsdale Senior