the CATAMOUNT College Station High School • 4002 Victoria Ave. College Station, Texas 77845 • Vol. 4 No. 6 • Friday, May 13, 2016
WHAT’S INSIDE? 4
Opening of the local closet provides clothing and toiletries for students within the district. PAGE 4
9
your morning
jolt
Senior Matt Wilke works toward earning his private pilot’s license for a career in the Air Force. PAGE 9
16
Impact of caffeine on productivity proves controversial Three students share their experiences as owners of unique pets. PAGE 16 News
INDEX
Opinions Senior Issue
2-5 6-8 Insert
People
9-10
Sports
11-14
Entertainment
15
Etc.
16
Kalindi Desai and Alina Dhanani Assistant Editor and News Editor Wake up. Grab a mug. Make a cup of coffee. Get home. Drink a Red Bull. For many high school students, this seems to be a regular routine. While caffeine may be beneficial and crucial to life for some, it can also become addicting, leading to unhealthy habits. “I’ve been drinking soda basically all my life,” junior Abby Hopkins said. “A few years ago, I decided to start drinking coffee, and I found out that I liked it, so last Christmas my parents bought me a Keurig machine. I’ve [been drinking coffee] pretty much every day since.” With life in constant ups and downs for some, society’s
youth may find Hopkins’s predicament relatable. However, these circumstances can go to the extreme. “Caffeine is very addictive, and for people that typically start drinking coffee or soda, their body keeps getting used to a certain level of caffeine,” school nurse Lisa Sicilio said. “If their body doesn’t continuously reach it, then they tend to experience withdrawal effects like jitteriness or headaches.” To junior and Starbucks employee Michelle Schulien, this attraction to caffeine seems to stem from school pressure. “High schoolers probably are burning the candle so thin, so some may already be dependent on it,” Sicilio said. “There’s a lot of pressure and stress on high school students, and in order to cope with lack of sleep, they turn to caffeine.”
continued on page 3
2 News • The Catamount
Cougar NEWS
Friday, May 13, 2016
UIL Academics heads to state meet at end of May UIL Academics won the Region meet in Magnolia on April 23, finishing with 296 points. Advancing to state are freshman Stephanie Brown, sophomores Emelie Gulde, Richard Yu, juniors Danna Bader, Raaghav Bageshwar, Mark Cahill, Lucas Chollett, BJ Kim, Tony Li, Merusha Mukherjee, Hongsen Qin, Jason Tan, Eugene Tian, Ellen Wang, and seniors Lisa Liu and Lauren Spohn. The state meet will be in Austin May 23-25.
Choirs earn sweepstakes at region competition Of 12 choirs at region, the varsity, junior varsity, concert and chorale all earned sweepstakes for their performances on April 19. The choirs are evaluated on their vocal display of three songs in addition to their sight-reading skills.
FFA places at area to qualify for state After placing at region on April 16 at Texas A&M, FFA students advanced to state on April 29. Those who advanced to state are sophomore Suzanna Borchgardt, juniors Bradley Dorsett, Shannon Gaines, Suba Johnson, Kaytlyn Livingston, Courtney McGee, Dylan Schulze, Alyssa Roach, Lindsey Rogers and senior Kassidy McCabe.
French students triumph at Symposium At Texas French Symposium on April 1-2, freshman Taryn Hairston, sophomores Elizabeth Kellstedt, GC Lingan, Jonathan Masabni, Yiannis Pistikopoulos and juniors Danna Bader, Emily Brown, Lucas Chollett, Kathryn Cole, Matthew Smalley and Lydia Wagner placed in their individual or group events.
▲ At the annual Southside Music Festival on April 28 hosted by juniors in Student Council, sophomore Emma Krajicek sings song covers followed by original songs. The event included performances by both solo artists and groups and raised $243 for prom. PHOTO BY COURTNEY DUONG
Newspaper earns Bronze Star, individual awards The Interscholastic League Press Conference awarded the newspaper various accolades, including the state’s Bronze Star and Distinguished Merit rating for the staff. Seniors Rachel Grant, Lisa Liu, Alex Miller, Anna Solcher, juniors Alina Dhanani, AJ Jones, Amelia Kurk, and sophomore Cella Siegelman received individual state awards. Grant earned the overall Tops in Texas for Newspaper Headlines for students in class 1A to 6A.
Friday, May 13, 2016
The Catamount • News
3
Alternative choices to caffeine provide healthier options According to Sicilio, caffeine affects people in many ways, including increased energy and alertness, which can help with getting homework and projects done at late hours of the night, but can develop into a harmful regularity. “[Caffeine] became an addiction, and I began to crave it simply because it tasted good,” junior Kailey Goodie said. “The bad thing about depending on these drinks to keep us awake or energized is that they are detrimental to our health.” Adults may also turn to caffeine because of overall stressors at home and work. “I started regularly drinking caffeine probably after I had kids, and it’s been a slippery slope [since] that point,” math teacher Kathleen Shaw said. Psychology teacher Jessica Kouba said that short term uses of caffeine result in small boosts of energy at first, but will cause one to feel sluggish later. Sicilio agrees. “When you drink caffeine, your body may not be able to keep up with it, and you are going to crash and burn,” Sicilio said. Caffeine has also helped increase other health problems, such as weight gain, due to accompanying unhealthy ingredients that heighten one’s energy. “Caffeinated drinks such as soda or Red Bull are very high in calories and sugar that have contributed to the obesity rate, which has skyrocketed in the last
decade,” Goodie said. While caffeine is an easy way to get a boost of energy quickly, there are healthier ways to get the same results. “To boost alertness, one should get better sleep at night or participate in aerobic exercises,” Kouba said. Diet can also contribute to the amount of energy one receives. “I drink no less than five bottles of water a day and consume a mass amount of fruits and vegetables,” Goodie said. “Having a consistent healthy diet and plenty of water has left me far more energized throughout each and every day and has actually resulted in a less stressed, more happy me.” Similarly to Goodie, seeing the effects of caffeine often pushes some to reduce caffeine intake and turn to other substitutions. “I think it’s easier to gradually cut [caffeine] back, instead of just going cold turkey,” Shaw said. “I’ve gone cold turkey before, and it took a very long time to stop having headaches.” Caffeine may be necessary in busy times, but it can also be dangerous to health. Finding the right harmony is crucial. “[Caffeine] is kind of like rebooting your computer. It makes it work again in an orderly fashion, but you can also take too much,” Sicilio said. “You have to find that balance.”•
Amount of caffeine in popular drinks 163
milligrams
continued from page 1
80 27
Brewed Monster Dr Pepper Coffee Energy Drink Source: caffeineinformer.com
BIRCH HOUSE PRESS
Jarrad Mcleod ‘03 Owner jbm@thesleepstation.com www.thesleepstation.com Fax: 979-696-5214 1731 S. Texas Ave. College Station, TX 77845 979-696-1255
4
News • The Catamount
Friday, May 13, 2016
District offers clothing donation center for local families Grace Costenbader Assistant Editor Thinking of the many individuals and families in the College Station area who live in need of basic necessities like clothing, two inspired women put an idea into action that is nothing like the typical clothing donation center. Chrissy’s Closet, which will open in August, was an idea to gather gently used clothing to distribute to those in need in the College Station school district. Named after long-time CSISD educator Chrissy Hester, Chrissy’s Closet will provide clothing or toiletries to any student or staff member in the district. This organization is special to many because it is named after somebody who would never expect anything in return for her services to people all around the district, according to Instructional Technology Coordinator Shannon Long. “When we think about helping families and students in our district, and even employees really, the person that everybody brings to mind is Chrissy Hester,” Long said. “She is so beloved in this district.” Chrissy’s Closet will store freshly cleaned new or gently used clothing and
toiletries at College View High School, and every customer will be allowed five items per monthly visit. “I get all these families that come into my office [with needs], and it’s just
“it’s just a huge blessing in our district and for the families that I work with.” -Chrissy hester DIrector of student services a huge blessing in our district and for the families that I work with,” Director of Student Services Chrissy Hester said. Several businesses in the community have been supportive of the closet and their goals, and with their support came
extreme generosity. “The minute we ask for something, it seems like we get it, and then we get beyond that,” Long said. “We can’t talk about Chrissy’s Closet at this point without talking about Pride Cleaners. They not only have purchased all of the clothing racks for us, but they are also cleaning every piece of clothing that is donated, free of charge, and they said they are going to do that indefinitely, for as much clothing as we need.” The idea for Chrissy’s Closet came in the middle of a meeting between Long and Director of Instruction and Leadership Development Kelly Kovacs. “I was reading through a magazine for education, and one line in the middle of the article noted another district actually did something like this for their students in their district,” Kovacs said. One goal of Chrissy’s Closet’s is to provide items for whatever season of the year, including school events such as prom and homecoming dances. Donations are currently being accepted at each school as the closet prepares for its grand opening in August when families will be invited to shop for clothes and toiletries. •
How to help:
Ways to contribute to Chrissy’s Closet SHARE:
Share information with anyone who you think might be willing to help or donate.
BUY A SHIRT:
Purchase a shirt online for $12. $1.73 from each shirt will be donated to the closet.
DONATE:
Donate new or gently used clothing to your local CSISD school.
PURCHASE:
Buy items on a wish list which can be found at givetokids.csisd.org. Source: http://givetokids.csisd.org
Friday, May 13, 2016
The Catamount • News
5
7 on 7 football provides new outlet for offseason training Noe Canchola Assistant Editor This past summer, a selective group of freshman College Station football players competed in one of the largest 7on7 football tournaments in the state of Texas. Although the Cougar Elite 7on7 team had one of the greatest tournament finishes in recent history, it was the helmets the team used that gave Cougar Elite 7on7 notable prominence across Texas. The helmets, designed by Gamebreaker, are made of protective padding that is molded out of rubber foam and offer protection against impacts while still allowing a player to maintain their peripheral vision. However, the helmets are not required in most 7on7 touch football games. “There was a lot of pushback from the boys. At first they didn’t want to wear the helmets,” Cougar Elite 7on7 director Jacob Maxwell said. “The parent and coach response was overwhelming, but we finished the tournament with one of the most successful 7on7 seasons in recent history, and it has just brought a lot of prominence to our team.” Due to the team’s run in the state tournament this past summer, Cougar Elite 7on7 has brought notable publicity for the Gamebreaker helmets. As of January 2016, it is now mandatory for all teams competing in Primetime tournaments to wear the protective gear. 7on7 football is known for being offensive-oriented and a fast paced game. An average game is played with two 20-minute halves with no timeout and continuous clock.
Facial Acne
There are no kickoffs to begin the game, and the ball is placed at the 45-yard line with each team given three tries to advance the ball 15-yards. “I like it a lot, and I’ve been playing it for a long time,” freshman Spencer Maxwell said. “It’s just different because it’s very fast paced, and all you have to do is call a play. You don’t have to watch for signals or line up in different formations.” With rules about protecting the quarterback and emphasis on defensive players covering their targets, 7on7 football provides a unique opportunity for players to gain repetitions in the summer that help translate to the fall. “As a quarterback, it’s the best. I don’t have anyone running after me,” junior Ty Brock said. “It definitely helps my receivers, and I get in sync. A lot of our timing based routes get better during this time period. It really just helps us get a good connection going into the fall.” Texas is a home to many of the nation’s largest 7on7 tournaments, and with tournaments that large, many players often go head to head with the best players in the state, many even Division I recruits. “More than a hundred teams get into the tournament from all classifications,” junior Timarcus Davis said. “There you compete against the best players in the nation, and it helps us compete and get better.” Athletic Coordinator Steve Huff believes 7on7 football is the future in developing players to compete in the varsity level and help younger players adjust to football in the fall. “I think that the main thing that 7on7 does is that itgives a great opportunity to practice legally in the off-
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▲ Freshmen Ryan Stapp and Spencer Maxwell participate in goal line drills designed for press coverage defense. PHOTO BY NOE CANCHOLA season,” Huff said. “It truly helps guys who want to hone their skills and master their craft.” As Cougar Elite begins to enter their third year of existence, the main goal remains the same. “7on7 is exploding in the nation,” Jacob Maxwell said. “Our goal is to continue to push out into the Bryan area and the surrounding areas and develop this area to be known for 7on7 football.” •
6 Opinions • The Catamount
Friday, May 13, 2016
THE CAT’S EYE VIEW staff editorial Involvement leads to personal fulfillment in life With finals looming, many students look to their lazy summer with a smile. The idea of a time with no plans and little commitment is a relief to our knowledge-sore ears. However, we only have so many summers. After college, we lose those three months that could have been filled with so much activity. Right now, we can take that time to travel, learn new things, and volunteer at places that will help us grow. Summer is a time for relaxation and rest, but not for laziness. Lying on the couch watching Netflix and refreshing Instagram again and again are not fulfilling activites for many teens. Sure, you feel semi-proud when you finish that season, and might joke about how you sleep until two p.m., but that is nothing compared to what you have potential for. With the remaining summers slowly counting down, we need to make the last ones matter. Do something that you know will bring you joy. Go outside with a hammock and a milkshake, hang out with friends, go somewhere new, even if it’s a tiny Texas town no one has ever heard of. Make memories and not a dent in the couch cushion. Try to learn a new language or how to whistle with two fingers. Ten years from now you could be looking out an office window mid-July wondering why you spent your summers doing nothing. Don’t let that that future thought happen. Make these days count, and do something you won’t regret. We challenge everyone to push the limits this summer, find something you enjoy doing and become amazing. ●
2015-2016 Newspaper Staff Editor-in-Chief Lisa Liu Managing Editor Alex Miller Senior Editor Rachel Grant Executive Editor Amelia Kurk News Editor Alina Dhanani Opinions Editor Emelie Gulde Entertainment Editor Anna Solcher Features Editor AJ Jones Assistant Editors Noe Canchola, Kalindi Desai, Ethan Cohen, Grace Costenbader, Tiffany Ha, Ty’Asia Hubbard, Dru Peacock Graphic Artist Susan Nam Cartoonist Cella Siegelman Faculty Adviser Courtney Wellmann Assistant Adviser Teresa Laffin
Presidential assassination strikes interest Recently, I found myself curled up on the couch buried under an abundance of blankets in my family’s lake house after a long day of enjoying spring break, watching the new Hulu AJ Jones special, “11.22.63” created by Stephen King and about the assassination of President Kennedy. My interest in President Kennedy began approximately three years ago when I was introduced to the movie “JFK,” a film that follows the conspiracy trial prosecuted by attorney Jim Garrison. After watching, I began looking at evidence behind the beloved president’s assassination. Garrison investigated New Orleans businessman and alleged mafia member, Clay Shaw, and Jack Ruby, murderer of Lee Harvey Oswald and a known mafia member, as well as accusing the CIA and Lyndon Johnson of plotting the assassination and the Dallas Police Department, the Secret Service and Parkland hospital for assisting in the cover up after receiving tips from Jack Martin and David Ferrie.
Along wth my research on Garrison, I enjoyed reading books like “Letters to Jackie,” which is a letters to the first lady as the nation grieved. I also took interest in the book “We were There,” which is an account from Parkland doctors. Throughout the years my fascination has stayed strong and many experiences have even become emotional for me. While on a family vacation in Washington D.C., I vividly remember standing in front of the eternal flame at President Kennedy’s grave at Arlington Cemetery and crying for the fallen leader. I’ve visited the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas: I got to stand in the middle of Dealey Plaza where so many stood screaming and crying after the horror of September 22, 1963. And after all this time, I have accumulated many souvenirs that proudly hang on my wall to remind me of the Kennedy assassination. To be truthful, I’ll never know exactly what happened that day and in reality it might just have been Lee Harvey Oswald. However, the fascination and passion I have with the life and death of President Kennedy is worth learning all that I can about this historical event. •
View of the Pride: do you plan on using the summer for personal growth?
YES
“Yes, summer is great because you’re able to think about things.” -Hayley Nugent, sophomore “Yes, I want to focus on furthering my future by working with cattle.” -Lindsey Rogers, junior
NO
“No, I want to focus on rest.” -Alyssa Roach, junior “No, I plan to use my summer to retract into a hermit shell because I’ve grown enough personally.” -Haity Qin, senior
The Catamount Newspaper The newspaper is produced by the Advanced Journalism: Newspaper Production class at College Station High School, 4002 Victoria Ave., College Station, Texas, 77845. The opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not reflective of the administrators, faculty or staff of the College Station Independent School District. Submissions to the editors are welcomed but must be signed and should not exceed 300 words. The editor reserves the right to edit submissions in the interest of clarity and length or to not print a letter at all. Letters containing obscene or libelous material will not be considered. The Editorial Board consists of all staff. The newspaper is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) and a winner of their Bronze Star award in 2014, 2015 and 2016. College Station ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or handicap in providing education services. Glynn Walker, Director of Human Resources, 1812 Welsh, College Station, Texas 77840 (979-764-5412) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX. Catherine George, Director of Special Services, 1812 Welsh, Suite 120, College Station, Texas 77840 (979764-5433) has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination. requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
The Catamount • Opinions
Friday, May 13, 2016
Monotonous schedule leads nowhere I think the worst feeling is knowing the “could be” when you’re stuck in a seemingly endless static situation. The worst diseases aren’t terminal. They might be incurable, but they won’t kill you. Grace Repetition is an inCostenbader curable disease. It’s that constant cycle that revolves and revolves and won’t ever get to be powerful enough to throw you off course. Wake up, practice, school, homework, eat, sleep, repeat. It’s one of those dreams where you’re running as fast as you can but you’re going nowhere, and you wake up in a cold sweat because the thought of staying where you are is not going to kill you, but it still hurts. Not terminal, but still incurable. It’s the kind of sickness that grows the more you think about it. Things going wrong? Oh, don’t you worry! art by The thought of everything being the same forever is right there for you! I’ve been told that perspective can be a cure to this disease that I thought, was incurable. Or that positivity, no matter how cliche or stupid it may sound, can be the medicine for this sickness. However, sometimes when all
you can think about is the negative stuff, people shoving “solutions” in your face is not what you need. While facing this disease, I have learned that it is not something you can necessarily escape, but changing settings for a while can be cleansing. Thinking of the monotonous cycles of the days, weeks, months and years is comforting to some people because there is order and a schedule. On the other hand, the spontaneity of life is removed when nothing is left up to fate. For me, the order is nice but only to a certain extent. There has to be a goal to work toward or a light at the end of the tunnel or a reward for making it that far. There has to be something. The symptoms of this disease are troubling and extremely difficult to manage. Often times it makes you go crazy trying to find new Susan Nam moments because you’re just so desperate to see something new and exciting. It’s a dangerous place to be. Maybe it goes away eventually. But as we muddle through the same schedules and days and weeks and months and years, it’s going to be tough. Not terminal, but still incurable. •
??? QUESTION issue OF THE
How do you get your caffeine?
Coffee
energy drinks
55%
28%
Soda
17% 256 students surveyed
7
overheard
ing forward What are you look mmer? to most this su
“I am looking forward to hanging out with my friends, and no stress.” Brianna Jacques, freshman
“I am looking forward to the Virginia mission trip through Central Baptist.” Rebekah Rossman, sophomore
“I am looking forward to doing whatever I want and to being my own boss.” Zach Neal, junior
“I am looking forward to hanging out with my closest friends before I leave for college.” Matthew Franks, Senior
COUGAR UNVEILED by cella siegelman
8
Opinions • The Catamount
Friday, May 13, 2016
Invasion of privacy fosters unwanted consequences In today’s world many people are outraged over government monitoring of our phones and Internet activities. With Amelia Kurk these new technologies and methods of tackling problems, tools that used to only be available to law enforcement and government agencies are readily provided to parents in an attempt to monitor their kids. The purpose of utilizing these technologies should of course be to protect children and teenagers from the dangers of society. But there may be a much darker subtext to the effects this is causing. Technological advancements have led the way to software that monitors online and mobile activity, GPS tracking devices and home security cameras. While useful tools, they can leave a teenager’s home much less private than it used to be. According to New Republic writer Judith Shulevitz who covers governmen-
tal privacy intrusion, “when parents join the ranks of the spy masters, it sends the message that nothing and no one is to be trusted.” The dangerous truth from this statement may explain the psychological responses from many teenagers that face a lack of privacy.
“Trust will decrease, as will the potential for increased independence.” Without privacy in a teenager’s life, they may never fully understand the value of it. This absence of trust from a parent, added to the intrusions from a multitude of security cameras, may impede a child’s development of independence and deny them the chance to determine
a sense of self. Constant surveillance of one’s child also runs the risk of damaging the already fragile parent-child relationship. Actions taken by parents could control teenagers solely by a fear factor, diminishing the teenager’s desire to keep an open line of communication. The principle behind the lack of privacy should stand only for protection. It should not send confusing signals that contrast with the idea of freedom itself. Teenagers are aware they are being watched and will form opinions of the world around them accordingly. Invasion of privacy comes with a cost. Although it is ultimately up to parents to decide their parenting style, they should be aware of the common responses from teenagers. Trust will decrease, as will the potential for increased independence. With the substantial losses in privacy that we all face each day in our world, is it necessary to add to the problem through obsessive monitoring at home? •
Texas high school football reigns supreme nationally High school football and Friday Night Lights is a tradition shared by many, but no other state is as involved or as competitive as the Lone Star State. People in Texas flock to local high schools on Friday to watch Ethan Cohen their teams compete on the gridiron. The Friday Night Lights atmosphere at a Texas high school is unparalleled anywhere else in the country. Whether it is powerhouse schools, or the sheer number of recruits the state produces every year, it is no question to me that Texas high school football is the most dominant in the nation. From Westlake to Allen, Odessa-Permian to Katy, Southlake Carroll to Lake Travis, some of the best and most famous high school football programs are in Texas. These schools have been superior in the most competitive football state in the country. art by Allen HS had a 57-game winning streak, the second-longest in state history, until the Eagles were stunned by another historic Texas high school football team: Austin Westlake. A select few powerhouse teams from across the nation play exhibition games with teams from other states in the summer before the regular season begins, and Texas high schools are often selected to participate.
In football recruiting, “the big three” is a term referring to Texas, California and Florida, the three states that produce the highest amount of college football players. From 20082013, these three states produced 40-percent of Division-I FBS signees. Texas produced more than 15 percent out of this number. To put that into perspective, out of all 50 states, Texas alone produced close to one-fifth of all FBS college football players. This is a staggering statistic in regards to recruiting. One could make the argument that this is because of Texas’ massive population. However, California has a larger population, yet Texas still produces more Division-I recruits annually. Not only are college numbers impressive, but Texas has produced more than 2,000 NFL players, many of whom are currently stars in the Susan Nam league. Even with the west gaining a lot of attention from recruiters and on social media, it’s clear that nothing else even comes close to what is found in Texas high school football. Every season is a story, and something incredible happens in every game. The programs, traditions, and the Friday Night Lights atmosphere in Texas will always be second to none. Only three more months until the fun begins again. I am counting the days. •
Voices What superstitions do you believe in? “I believe in knocking on wood, because I think that it’s easy for me to jinx things.” Autumn Hardin, sophomore
“During marching season I wear the same headband under my hat for every performance.” Cait Gallaher, junior
“If my hand is itching, I rub it on wood because it means you are going to get money.” Andrea Love, sophomore “I always use calculator number eleven.” Bryan Bayliss, senior
“At my old school I would cover my face in glitter for every basketball game so we would win.” Brooke DiGiacomo, freshman
“I always have to tell people ‘I love you’ at the end of a conversation... in case they die.” Shawna Mizer, physics teacher
Friday, May 13, 2016
off to a flying start
The Catamount • People
9
Air Force aspirant pursues pilot's license to meet flight dreams Anna Solcher Entertainment Editor The values associated with the United States Air Force are integrity first, service before self and excellence in all they do. Senior Matt Wilke hopes to follow these values with his future career as a pilot for the U.S. Air Force. “Growing up, none of my family was military, but I just felt I was called to do that and serve the country that has given me so much, and be able to defend the people that I love,” Wilke said. Wilke was born and raised in College Station, Texas, to two supportive parents. His father, Eric, is an ambitious man who has made a career in the medical field and has many hobbies, including flying. Not long ago, Eric Wilke studied and tested to receive his private pilot’s license, and the family has one plane in which they fly short distances across Texas, which has inspired young Wilke in the art of flying. “I have wanted to fly my whole life, and since my dad got his private pilot’s license, I have just loved being in the back of planes and flying them,” Wilke said. Along with his dad, Wilke has been studying to receive his private pilot’s license. He has passed the written tests consisting of 10 four-hour portions and will need to take a mechanical test and pass a test flying with an instructor. “Every day of the summer I would go to coffee
shops and sit and listen to videos to prepare because the test is very extensive,” Wilke said. Wilke plans to attend Texas A&M and join the Corps of Cadets where he will study engineering and hopefully
"to be a well-known pilot, who is high in the rankings, and to maybe become a general one day, [that] would be great." -matt wilke senior receive a spot in the Air Force after graduation, where he plans to spend the next 25 years. “There is a lot of competition in college, and it’s going to be even more intense after, so just the ability to perform under stress is huge. I just need to practice and make sure I’m physically good to go for the Air Force,” Wilke said. Wilke has been preparing for his studies in engineering through the demanding courses he has taken in high school such as higher level math and physics classes.
“Matt has chosen some of the more challenging classes. I think the workload has made him improve his study skills, and he is surrounded by other bright hard working students that help create a healthy competition,” Eric Wilke said. Insurmountable support has followed Wilke from his friends and his family who believe in his future career, which has encouraged him accomplish his goals. “Matt is one of the hardest working kids I know. He has clear goals and dreams for what he wants to accomplish in the future, which keeps him driven and level headed,” senior and friend Jett Huddleston said. Wilke’s plans for his career in the Air Force would be to become a bomber pilot and rise in the military ranks. “To be a well-known pilot, who is high in the rankings, and to maybe become a general one day, [that] would be great. I would want to be more focused on how far up I can go in the military ranking versus the pilot ranking,” Wilke said. Wilke has pushed himself in high school and outside of school and will continue to do so in his future career where he will serve his country and the people he loves. “I feel that it is important for my children to follow their beliefs and chase after goals, and I am proud that he has chosen a field of honor and service,” Eric Wilke said. •
PHOTO OF MATT WILKE BY ANNA SOLCHER
10
People • The Catamount
Friday, May 13, 2016
Upperclassman girls serve community as Symphony Belles Dru Peacock Assistant Editor Young women in their junior and senior years of high school are learning skills that can be applied to their daily lives and help them for years to come in the local Symphony Belles organization. “It’s really taught me how to grow up and be lady-like,” junior Natalie Alcala said. “Because of that [ushering and working orchestra events], I’m able to put myself out there more.” Along with collecting surveys, escorting patrons to their seats and tearing tickets at the Brazos Valley Orchestra event, the girls take self defense classes, learn how to correspond to professional e-mails and are taught proper etiquette. “I hope it enriches them,” S y m p h o n y Belles coordinator Leslie McGinnis said. “You’re exposed to things a lot of organizations don’t [normally] expose you to.” An example of these opportunities would be the etiquette luncheon held yearly. Compared to a cotillion, this particular seminar instructs the Symphony Belles on how to hold themselves in certain social situations. “It’s helpful because if you’re being interviewed or going to a nice dinner, you know which fork is which and how to eat,” junior Julia McGinnis said. A self-defense class is held annually because it tends to be one of the most popular and enjoyable ones. “My favorite thing we’ve done
is when we were able to take the self defense class,” Alcala said of the instructional seminar taught at Master Pak’s ATA Martial Arts. When ushering at events, dress code includes a simple black dress, heels and a sash that reads “Symphony Belles.” “I hope it shows them that there is a time to wear Nike shorts, a t-shirt and your hair in a ponytail,” Leslie McGinnis said, “but there is a time to look nice and wear a dress in order to look professional.” As the members complete their volunteer hours, they hope to impact the community by meeting new people and offering help. “It just shows that high school students are willing to take time out of their days and weeks to make a difference and greet people that they wouldn’t normally meet,” senior Madeline Dungan said. The year culminates with a presentation of senior Belles during a dinner with family and friends at Miramont Country Club. The banquet includes a formal dinner along with a father-daughter dance and an award ceremony for scholarships. “My favorite thing has been getting to know the girls and seeing the ones that rise above and do more,” Leslie McGinnis said. Overall, the goal for the Symphony Belles is mainly to push the girls out of their comfort zones to try new things. “It exposes you to something you’ve never heard about before,” Julia McGinnis said. “It’s a great way to broaden your horizons.” •
“It exposes you to something you’ve never heard about before.” -julia mcginnis junior
▲ Senior Madeline Dungan talks to AMCHS seniors Reagan McGinnis and Robin Ealy before the reception. Dungan has been a part of Symphony Belles for two years. PHOTO BY RACHEL GRANT
▲Senior Lauren Steines dances during the fatherdaughter dance at the banquet on April 29. PHOTO BY RACHEL GRANT
Friday, May 13, 2016
The Catamount • Sports
Catching Back up
11
Senior takes on outfield role after offseason surgery Alex Miller Managing Editor
PHOTO OF KYLE RICHARDSON BY ALEX MILLER
One pitch. A 91 mph fastball thrown by senior Kyle Richardson in a summer league game last June that would change-up the course of his baseball career. “I got called in to relieve, threw a few pitches and noticed I was throwing harder than I ever had before,” Richardson said. “Six or seven pitches into the first at bat, I threw one and it went up and away. I knew that something was wrong.” Richardson was pulled several pitches later after having a significant velocity drop and following a MRI, discovered he had torn his UCL, a common injury amongst pitchers, but one that would require the dreaded Tommy John surgery. Although the current success rate of Tommy John surgery is 90 percent, the operation would still be risky. In July, Richardson had his UCL reconstructed by taking his palmaris longus tendon from his left wrist and wrapping it in a figure eight through holes drilled into his humerous and ulna. Although his UCL would now be three times stronger, doctors told him he would have to wait 7-9 months before he could play baseball again, meaning his days playing for the Cougars were seemingly over. With the team losing seven starters from the previous year, Richardson and fellow senior Mathew Bennett were the only returning starters and had planned to be a dynamic duo on the diamond in their final season. With Richardson’s injury, their long awaited dream had been thrown a curveball. “Mathew took it hard when he figured out what happened,” Richardson said. “He knew that it would not be me and him like we had planned.” Committed to Texas A&M since his sophomore year, there was also slight discomfort in Richardson regarding his
future playing for the Aggies. But after several conversations with the coaching staff, Richardson was assured complete support from them. “When we got the results from the MRI, I told Coach [Rob] Childress that I had torn my UCL,” Richardson said. “They were really supportive and said they were going to stay behind me, honor my scholarship and believed that I could come back from this.” Richardson then began his long recovery filled with lackluster exercises and several months of physical therapy sessions twice a week. “For the first two months you can’t do anything. You can’t run or even jog,” Richardson said. “You have to wait four months before you can finally start throwing. It was a very boring four months. All I wanted to do was get back and throw.” Richardson’s persistence in his therapy sessions sped up his rehabilitation, however, as he was cleared to play two weeks before the season-opening tournament, only six months removed from surgery. The difficulty of not being able to live the southpaw duties Richardson served his first three years soon caught up as the team used many arms while stumbling to a 6-6-2 record following tournament season. Richardson also struggled at the plate recording a .279 average in the first fourteen games. “I am used to being the guy on the mound,” Richardson said. “Usually when I hit bad in a game, I would think to myself that I can go back on the mound and I will be able to get through it, and now I have nowhere to go when I am hitting bad.” As the team moved into their district schedule, Richardson found peace at his solidified spot in right field, making sure that he contributed for the success of the team each game. “This year has really taught me about playing more for the team,”
Richardson said. “Before, if I was pitching well, I would be happy and I didn’t care about anything else. This year has taught me to bring everything that I have to the table for the team.” Richardson has since batted .315 and leads the team in fielding percentage with a 1.000 mark and 23 putouts on the season. The Cougars finished district play with an 11-3 record while capturing their fourth consecutive district championship. Ten months since his injury and nine from surgery, Richardson is cleared to pitch and has been throwing to live hitters in practice for two weeks now. However, he is holding back from making an appearance on the mound this season for the sake of his future. “I talked to my parents and coaches about it,” Richardson said. “We decided it is not worth it to risk the rest of my career with high school baseball.” With a self-limitation in place this season, Richardson will not pitch again in a game situation until next spring when he suits up for Texas A&M. The 20-month period between outings will be a difficult challenge for Richardson to overcome as he will have to learn to control and command his pitches again. “I am nervous because it has been ten months since I have pitched,” Richardson said. “I do not really know what to expect of myself because my arm is completely different now than it was before surgery.” For now, he will return to his spot in right field as the Cougars take on Magnolia in game two of the area round playoffs tonight. Richardson is keen on finishing his senior season strong despite doubt from many people who feel this team cannot live up to the achievements made from previous ones. “It has been rough hearing people say that we are not nearly as good of a team as we used to be,” Richardson said. “We have been trying to prove ourselves and make a statement.”●
12 Sports • The Catamount
Friday, May 13, 2016
Childhood sports heroes leave lasting legacies My eighteenth birthday last month marked the end of my childhood, and with that came the end of many things. As I reminisced on what I loved as a kid, one aspect stood
Alex Miller
out the most: sports. Memories of watching SportsCenter highlights daily ran through my mind along with the major storylines that took
place when I was a child. But as my childhood came to a close, so did the careers of three major athletes that headlined nightly ESPN segments when I was growing up. Derek Jeter, Peyton Manning and Kobe Bryant were the most influential athletes in their respective sports when I grew up. All three have now hung up their jerseys for good but not before going out with fairy tale endings in their final games as professional athletes. For Jeter, a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth to claim a 6-5 win over the Orioles in his final game in Yankee Stadium earned him a standing ovation from New Yorkers, some of whom paid upwards of $800 for a ticket to watch his final game. For Manning, a gritty win over the Panthers in Super Bowl 50 sent him off as a World Champion in his last game before putting up the pads. For Bryant, his fifth-highest career scoring game propelled the Lakers over the Jazz in his final game in purple and gold last April as he dropped 60 points, the league’s highest point total this season, while guiding his team from a 10-point deficit with 2:15 remaining, scoring 13 consecutive points in that span. Each of them showed that they could put on performances seen at the peaks of their careers despite being at the tail-ends of them. The accomplishments that Jeter, Manning and Bryant made have put them on a mere waiting-list for their sport’s Hall of Fame. A combined 58 seasons, 12 championships and 6 league MVP’s make this trio one of the greatest in sports history. On the field, they were the players teams could rely on to make the winning hit, pass or shot. Off the field, they were the faces for their organizations with Jeter and Bryant spending their entire careers, 20 years each, with the Yankees and Lakers and Manning spending 14 of his 18 years with the Colts. The playing days of my childhood sports heroes The Captain, The Sheriff and the Black Mamba have now ended. Each left their mark in their respective sport by revolutionizing professional sports and setting an example of what being dedicated to an organization looks like while also setting a standard of excellence for future athletes to follow. The door of my childhood has now closed along with the careers of Jeter, Manning and Bryant and the door of adulthood has now opened with a new and unknown story to write, much like the new athletes who will have to replace these eternal iconic figures.
▲ Senior Abby Reynolds signed her National Letter of Intent to continue her softball career at Weatherford College on May 5. PHOTO BY ALEX MILLER
Senior softball player finds love for the game Noe Canchola Assistant Editor In a sport where confidence and motivation are just as important as hitting or fielding a ball, many players often thrive under the presence of a leader to motivate them to be better. For the last four years, senior Abby Reynolds has made her presence known in the clubhouse as not just a good player, but a motivator and great teammate on and off the field. “The whole team loves Abby, and she’s one of our leaders,” head softball coach Brandy Gibson said. “She’s a vocal leader, and the whole team looks to her and trusts her to speak on their behalf, and they absolutely adore her.” Playing t-ball until she was seven years old, Reynolds then decided to play softball instead. When she began playing the sport competitively, Reynolds knew she was in love with the game. “I just really love softball and baseball in general,” Reynolds said. “I have been in love with softball since I was playing t-ball. My dad was always there to teach me how to play and always took me to Aggie baseball games, and that has just been a huge influence on my life.” However, when Reynolds began playing high school softball, she was dealt a curveball. During her freshman year, she tore her labrum, which she said was one of her toughest obstacles to overcome. The injury, her first major one, not only made Reynolds appreciate the sport she loved, but it also made Reynolds motivated to come back stronger and better.
“It was just rough for me because it was my first injury ever,” Reynolds said. “My greatest achievement was overcoming the surgery and being able to throw harder than before.” Gibson recalls Reynolds vying for playing time after her injury and the determination she had to come back and play softball after her surgery. “When we first started our program we had only one team,” Gibson said. “She wasn’t really quite a starter because of her injury in the offseason, but now she has been a starter all three years.” Despite the setback from her injury, Reynolds solidified her role as a game changer and motivator the last three years because of her incredible work ethic and perseverance, which has brought the softball team success and a strong bond between each player. “The amount of improvements she has made since her freshman year until now has been incredible,” Gibson said. “Abby likes to know if she’s doing things wrong, and she constantly wants to improve and wants feedback on what she’s doing.” Looking back at her softball career at CSHS and looking forward to playing softball at Weatherford College, Reynolds recalls how she has changed over the years and how she looks to continue her main goal. “Softball has made me a tougher person, and it has really influenced how I view the world and has helped me overcome a lot of challenges,” Reynolds said. “My personal goal is to make the game better so that people behind me can keep playing. I just want to help people understand how great this game is.” ●
Friday, May 13, 2016
The Catamount • Sports
a knack for track
13
Senior track runner drives teammates through personal excellence Ty’Asia Hubbard Assistant Editor tride after stride, she held her head up high and exhaled each breath to steady herself. Focused on finishing the race, senior track runner Amra Nuhagic heard the bell prompting her to finish the 3200 meter race with a time of 11:57 at the area meet in Temple on April 22. “Sometimes I forget what lap I’m on. I feel like I’m on lap three, but I could be on lap six,” Nuhagic said. “On the last lap, they’ll ring the bell to tell the runners that there’s only one lap left.” During races like that, Nuhagic is motivated by the support of her teammates to do better. As for making the team more united, Nuhagic and other seniors work on forming a more unified track team for all grade levels. “All the seniors this year genuinely worked on including everyone,” Nuhagic said. “We’ve worked really hard on integrating it, so that it’s not segregated [by grade.]” Furthermore, head girls track coach Josh Munson explains this integration happened in part because of how Nuhagic leads the team as an individual. “Amra leads by example,
Since running is second nature for Nuhagic, she easily expresses her love for the sport. “I run because it’s a good stress reliever, and I really enjoy it. It gives you the opportunity to better yourself in something,” Nuhagic said. “It’s really satisfying when you get a [personal record] because you realize that that’s the best you’ve ever done.” Running has always been a fun activity for Nuhagic, but as an athlete she has also improved, according to Munson. “This isn’t something you usually hear from a coach, but Amra has only recently become an athlete,” Munson said. “Prior to that, she was someone who participated in athletics. She has come a long way in the last 15 months as a result of her commitment to excellence.” Growing more as an athlete has shaped Nuhagic in developing self confidence. “Amra’s biggest accomplishment has been in developing a belief in herself. Knowing that she can accomplish whatever she sets her mind to will carry her beyond the walls of this school,” Munson said. “I could not be more proud of the student-athlete she has become.” As for the future, Nuhagic will spend her freshman
by showing our younger girls the volume of work it takes to be successful,” Munson said. “She is also good at making others feel welcome and valued.” The inspiration to lead those on her team comes from the foundation of loving track.
year at Texas A&M University, where she hopes to participate in the cross country team as a walk-on. “Yes, I’m going as a walk on. I’m not recruited to run for them, but I’m still [going to be] on the team and get the perks,” Nuhagic said. ●
S
▲ Senior Amra Nuhagic practices her start on May 3. She has run distance track for 15 months and hopes to walk on at Texas A&M in the fall. PHOTO BY TY’ASIA HUBBARD
NuHaGic’s Personal REcords 3200 Meter Run 1600 Meter Run 800 Meter Run 400 Meter Run
11:52.05 5:32.00 2:33.57 1:12.04
UP AND RUNNING Junior track athlete chases personal, school records 14
Sports • The Catamount
Friday, May 13, 2016
Ethan Cohen Staff Reporter Junior Bryson Greenwood is determined to be successful. The track runner currently holds several school records and is chasing more, showing no sign of slowing down. Even though Greenwood has raced his final lap this track season, he has made many strides along the way to prepare for next year. “He’s become a smarter runner through experience,” head boys track coach Eddie Hancock said. Hancock said his 400 time is four seconds faster since his freshman year, a great improvement in this speedy event, which Greenwood broke at the regional meet in Huntsville with a time of 49.85. “The 400 is my favorite, but I do like the 200 as well because I feel I can go faster in that event,” Greenwood said. Hancock also noted that Greenwood is not in the school track period, so he makes up the workouts after school in the heat. This amount of practicing has more than paid off over the years. In addition to individually running the 400- and 200-meter runs, Greenwood also runs legs on the 4x400 and 4x200 relay. “I like the 4x4 because there’s more of a team aspect,” Greenwood said. Along with Jaelin Campbell, Brandon Henry and Braden Wellmann, Greenwood was a member of the 4x400 team that broke a school record with a time of 3:24.24 at the district meet at CSHS. Greenwood has also taken gold in the sprint medley, which consists of two
200’s, a 400 and an 800. Greenwood said that he prefers the team events because they can earn more points for victories compared to individual races. “My favorite part about track is winning, because why do something if you can’t win at it?” Greenwood said. The winning mindset Greenwood embodies was a major component to his success this season, especially during the final stretch as he qualified for area and region. Greenwood also won several open 400’s, 200’s and multiple 4x4 victories leading up to his postseason run. After a long spring full of tough practices and hard work, the track season has ended for Greenwood as his run came to a close at the Region III meet in Huntsville on April 30. Hancock said he remains hopeful for Greenwood to improve even more for his final season. “Placing at regionals capped off an incredible season for Greenwood,” Hancock said. “But there is still much more to come when he returns for his senior season.” In addition to Greenwood, several track athletes have contributed significantly to the season, helping the varsity group to win five meets and to earn district and area team titles. Senior Jon Bishop will compete for College Station at the state track meet this weekend in Austin at Mike A. Meyers Stadium at the University of Texas. Bishop will run the 1600-meter tonight at 9:45 p.m. and then will continue his running career next year at Texas A&M University. ●
▲Junior Bryson Greenwood runs the 4x400 relay at the Bastrop Relays on Feb. 27. The Cougars finished second in this event and first as a team at the meet. PHOTO PROVIDED BY COACH EDDIE HANCOCK
State Bound: SEnior Jon Bishop 3200 meter run at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 1600 meter run at 9:45 p.m. on Friday, May 13
Friday, May 13, 2016
Summer Brrreak
Fire and Ice Kalindi Desai Assistant Editor
Fire and Ice is a small shack located in Bryan off of 29th street that serves snow cones and coffee. I ordered at the walk up counter and was quickly greeted. I chose a small pineapple snow cone that was only $1.25. The smallest size available was still pretty big in my opinion. My order came out within a minute since there wasn’t a line in front of me. There were tables and chairs under a covered area to sit and enjoy my shaved ice, as well as popular music playing through the speakers. Overall, it was a lively place to enjoy a cold treat on a hot day with friends or family. Although I’ve never been a huge fan of snowcones, I liked that they had an extremely wide selection of flavors to choose from,
sno Monkey Tiffany Ha Assistant Editor
Honestly, snow cones are not the most appealing snack to me, but on one hot afternoon, the frozen treat was calling my name. Located near Austin Driving School and across the street from Bryan High School, Sno Monkey sells Hawaiian shaved ice in a variety of flavors and toppings. The employees’ uniforms, consisted of an old fashioned ice cream parlor hat, white apron and bow tie, and the setting of a white and turquoise mobile trailer parked with an antique-looking truck gives the establishment a fun, retro atmosphere. This location offers both a drive-through window and walk-up window for ordering. However, there are no tables or chairs to sit down. Sno Monkey offers three different
including the classic fruity flavors but also new creative flavors such as cookie dough, wedding cake and pickle juice. Fire & Ice also offers sweet cream orice cream to be included with any snowcone for an additional price. They will even blend the snow cone with ice cream to make a shake. The “Fire” part of Fire & Ice comes from the fact that you can also buy a variety of coffees at the shop. All in all, I think that Fire and Ice offers a reasonably priced product that can be enjoyed by many, and I will be making more stops there in the near future with friends and family. •
sizes with prices ranging from $2 to $4. I ordered a small cotton candy and orange but it was still fairly large, so I got more bang for my buck. The cotton candy and orange tasted how most artificial fruit usually tastes, but the syrup was not too sweet like most snow cones. The snow cones are served in pastel colored cups that extend at the top to catch melting ice and include a straw with the spoon to drink the syrup water. The texture of their snow cones are not too mushy or firm. There is usually only one employee working at a time due to the small location, but the service is still quick and friendly and lines are not too long. Although inconveniently closed on Monday and Tuesday, Sno Monkey is an unexpectedly nice and cute place to grab a swift, refreshing snow cone with friends. •
The Catamount • Entertainment
15
Staff reviews icy treats for summertime heat
JJ’s snowcones
Emelie Gulde Opinions Editor At JJ’s Snowcones, picking my flavor I wanted was the hardest part. There is coffee, cinnamon, and green apple. I decided to pick one of their sugar free flavors, because I figured it would be either impressive or gross. I was impressed! It was definitely one of the best snow cones I have ever had. It was similar to the taste of the real fruit juice slushies at Sonic, with a lighter taste that did not make me feel gross after. In addition
Dru Peacock Assistant Editor Driving into the parking lot, Bahama Bucks radiated the sense of a beach. When I entered the door, I waited in the short line, and I scanned the menu posted in bright colors on the back wall. When it was my turn to order, I told the polite cashier that I wanted a Birthday Cake snow cone with cream. The snow cone cost $3.49 and the extra cream was $0.59. When my order was called about five minutes later, I hopped up to grab my snow cone and a mountain of light blue ice and sprinkles with a small umbrella tucked in the side was presented to me. A temperature sensitive spoon was propped against the ice, and I carried the snow cone back to my table with excitement. As expected from the re-
to just snow cones, they have creamy things too. I felt like the location was pretty isolated, but then again I don’t often travel to Bryan. The snow cone was amazing, but with so many other great places closer, I felt like the drive wasn’t worth it. Nothing on the menu was above $3, so that was really nice, but still the drive from my house to the location must have been twice that. Overall, I liked the small town vibe, and the Texas-style kindness of the people working there. They do have something that the bigger chains don’t, and that is personality and character. •
Bahama Buck’s freshing atmosphere, the snow cone was delightful. The ice was shaved to extreme smoothness and felt like cream instead of ice. The syrup was sweet, but not over-the-top. The sprinkles, however, were what really made the dessert shine. Layered throughout the cone, the blue and green sugar created a breakup in the texture and gave a complex flavor to the overall taste. The patio outside was a small shaded porch with tables and chairs and looked like the perfect place to lounge during the summer. With a final scrape at the bottom of the styrofoam cup, I finished and threw the trash away. Walking back out to the humid parking lot, I left the cool air of Bahama Bucks and thought about the next time I would be able to come back to tackle another mountain of snow. •
16
Etc. • The Catamount
Friday, May 13, 2016
Unusual pets brighten lives of welcoming owners Llama Lisa Liu Editor-in-Chief When senior Emmanuel Hall’s family first bought a llama, it was on a whim. “My mom pretty much just wanted llamas, [so] one day she came home with one,” Hall said, “and then she just got a couple more.” These days, they have five. Hall’s favorite llama is a purebred named Columbus, who, according to him, is the nicest one. The others have their own unique personalities as well. “There’s this other llama that we named
Zenzari. She’s a mother, so she can get pretty protective, and she likes to eat,” Hall said. “Whenever we feed them, we kind of have to corral them into their specific places or else she’ll just eat everything.” Hall said that even though he didn’t understand the llamas at first, he grew to like them. “It was kind of weird because they sometimes just stand there. They don’t really do anything,” Hall said. “But as time went on, I was like, ‘These are pretty cool.’ They’re really big animals, but they have really good personalities to them.” ●
PHOTO BY LISA LIU
Bearded Dragon
PHOTO BY RACHEL GRANT
Sophomore Nathan Grant’s unusual pet is called Toto, but he’s not a dog—he’s a bearded dragon. Named for the spiked scales on their throats that resemble beards, these lizards can grow up to two feet long. Grant bought Toto from a pet store two years ago after seeing a bearded dragon at a convention at Texas A&M. “People think it’s going to bite you, but it’s more of the environment it was in,” Grant said. “I’ve been holding it since it was little, so it’s not going to bite me. It’s not the big, scary
thing that people think it is.” Even the spikes on bearded dragons’ sides are rubbery and don’t hurt. Grant can also put Toto on his shirt, and Toto will hang there without having to be held up. Grant usually feeds Toto live mealworms, gives him water every day and cleans his cage. After two years together, Grant said that the best part of taking care of Toto is learning from the responsibility. ●
Donkey The solution to overgrown grass on your land, if you’re from sophomore Erin Blume’s family, is to get a donkey. “A spoiled donkey,” Blume said. “More than a pet, really.” Trixie, the four-year-old donkey that the family has raised since she was only three months old, does more than handle the grass problem. She also enjoys pasta and oatmeal cookies and chasing the family’s goats around the yard. Blume said that she even acts like an alarm system, making noise when people drive by the
property. “It’s like [donkeys] have a sense,” she said. “They can just tell if something’s wrong, start making noise and tell everybody that something’s not right at our house.” Although Trixie is “sassy” and likes to buck, especially around horses, what most people believe about donkeys isn’t necessarily true. “They can be friendly. They’re not all stubborn,” Blume said. “I mean, she’s definitely stubborn, but not in a way that’s harmful to anybody.” •
PHOTO BY LISA LIU