Carthage hs issue 2

The road to college p. 6 Student learns Japanese p. 8 Holiday recipes p. 10

Marching to Success p. 5

649 West Panola Street Carthage, Tx 75633 Fax: (903)-693-3320 Phone: (903)-693-3624 carthagefurn@gmail.com www.carthagefurniture.com

THE POPCORN PLACE Flowers and gifts for all occasions

Owners: Mike and Phyllis Capps 1116 W. Panola 903-693-5421

FIRST STATE

BANK & TRUST COMPANY

11O West Panola (903) 693-6606 Voice Banking: (903) 693-9150 www.fsbcarthage.com Personalized Debit Cards, Mobile Banking, Online Banking, Bounce Protection

CONTENTS

05

Standing at attention, freshman tuba player Doug Miller focuses on the drum major during halftime at the game against Kilgore on Oct. 17. photo by Caitlin Wills

ON THE COVER

FEATURES: 4. SEMESTER SNAPSHOTS

5. MARCHING TO SUCCESS

ENTERTAINMENT:

Band earns top awards at marching competitions

10. HOLIDAY RECIPES Faculty and students share favorite foods

Steps to take for applying to college FINANCIAL FACTS How to find scholarship applications and financial aid Students discuss their

Adviser Jayme Quick Editor Caitlin Wills

Charitable activities of students

Rachel Strauss learns Japanese, other languages

7. BRAIN DRAIN

CARTHAGINIAN STAFF

12. THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE

8. LANGUAGE LEARNING

Campus activities during first semster

6. ROAD TO COLLEGE

The Battlin’ Bulldog Band, led by senior drum major Kate Sherman, marches their halftime show at Bulldog Stadium.

The band earned their way to the UIL 4A Area Marching competition, and finished as the second place band at the NAMMB competition. photo by Jennifer Aguirre

most difficult courses

Staff Writers Jennifer Aguirre Madison Green Ashley Thompson Kim Spradley Kaitlyn Sapalaran Publication Assistants Hunter Poindexter, Sports Editor Mika Hudman, Business Manager

11. BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT Students recall the best gift they’ve ever received MEMORABLE MOMENTS Recollections from students about holidays past

LIFESTYLE:

EDITORIAL POLICY

13. SLEEP DEPRIVATION Are you getting as much sleep as you need?

SPORTS: 14. PRESEASON PREVIEW A look at the soccer teams as their seasons begin 15. BASKETBALL Getting to know your varsity girls’ basketball team POWERLIFTING Player profiles

editor, and are not necessarily shared by the administration or staff of Carthage High School.

The Carthaginian is the official student newsmagazine of Carthage High School. All articles are student written.

This publication is the original work of the students and no part be reproduced without written permission from the publication office.

Views expressed are those of the individual student writers and

It is the policy of the staff to encourage readers to submit story

ideas, items of interest, and letters to the editor for the publiication.

The staff reserves the right to edit libelous or inapporpriate material.

If you have any questions or concenrs, or if you are interested in submitting information or a letter to the editor, please contact the journalism department at (903) 693-2552, ext. 1118.

SEMESTER SNAPSHOTS A look back at campus activities throughout the first semester 1. Junior Cole Donald speaks with a representative from Lamar University during the College Fair on Nov. 13. Pre-registered juniors and seniors had the opportunity to visit with area colleges and universities and get admissions information. photo by Sutton Travis 2. Escorted by senior James Marshall, senior Kamry Smith reacts with surprise as she is named Homecoming Queen. The Homecoming ceremony took place before the game against Henderson on Oct. 10. photo by Caitlin Wills 3. After the loss to El Campo in the second round of playoffs, Head Coach Scott Surratt speaks to the varsity Bulldogs. The 28-21 loss came after a successful turnaround mid-season by the young team. photo by Caitlin Wills 4. The girls’ cross-country team listens to Coach Art Horton speak after being awarded the District 4A-19 championship on Oct. 27. photo by Lexie Dawson 5. Seniors Haley Hanks and Hunter Poindexter perform as Elle Woods and Emmett Forrest in the fall theater production of “Legally Blonde.” photo by Bradley Holeman

1 2

3

LP

4

Louisiana Pacific Corporation Carthage OSB

5

PanolaNationalBank.com Download our free apps for mobile banking 1510 W Panola Carthage, TX 75633 (903) 693-2335 Serving the financial needs of East Texas

Working Safely for our Future

Marching to Success

By Ashley Thompson

Far Left During a halftime performance, junior Molly Barlow plays the opening fanfare of “Hail to the Fleet.” photo by Caitlin Wills

Left Band director Nick Durham and drum major Kate Sherman accept the band’s trophy at the awards ceremony following the NAMMB competition. photo by Alexus Hardy Above The band marches past the junior high in the Christmas Parade on Dec. 1.photo by Sarah Funderburk

Hours of hard work and preparation combined UIL marching contest, which is the biggest contest with football game and pep rally performances led of the year for the band. The band’s performance at the Battlin’ Bulldog Band to another successful contest NAMMB is the culmination of the work put in since season. The band earned first division ratings at the July. Many students set personal goals to prepare them UIL Region 21 marching contest, where they advanced for NAMMB. to area. The band also finished second place overall at “The goals I prepared for myself included playing the NAAMB competition. as much as I could during the “Our first UIL contest did not go as “I [tried to] march as well performance and turning sharply well as planned,” senior drum major as I possibly could and I into our lines,” freshman band Kate Sherman said. “We made a 1, 2, turn sharper and conduct member Kelli Sandidge said.

1, but we redeemed ourselves at the The band finished second better,” Kate Sherman said.

Area competition and advanced to overall at the statewide “I also encouraged others to competition. The band’s success finals.”

The band’s long hours of practice do the best of their abilities.” at NAMMB helped to validate the and performances teach them lessons long practice times and hard work that help them both on and off the field. that each member had to contribute.

“I think we did well this year at band competitions,,” “It was really good to place so high at NAMMB,” junior Cole Donald said. “We definitely have many senior Bradley Holeman said. “We beat bands that things to bulid upon.” usually beat us, like Henderson. It was an awesome Friday night performances are a way to show way to end the season, especially for the seniors.” supporters what the band is made of and how much Below The marching band performs at halftime hard work they put in. during the Hallsville football game. photo by Caitlin Wills “While performing on Friday night, the band’s big Right Freshman french horn player Heather Pauley achievement is getting the audience off their feet in waits for the haltime performance to begin. photo the stands,” sophomore Jaime Gonzales said. “We love by Caitlin Wills getting the football audience hyped up for our next performance.”

On Nov. 1, the band performed at the NAMMB

Road to College A monthly guide for the admissions process

DECEMBER

JANUARY

Get prepared for college admissions and scholarship applications by preparing a list of the awards and accomplishments you have earned. List your community service activities, academic and athletic organizaitons and anything else you have done during high school.

Most scholarships open now. Start filling out applications through the school website (see below). You will want to apply for as many scholarships as you qualify for.

Scholarships can be based on ethnicity, income, grades, or not have any requirements at all -- just pay attention to whether or not you are eligible.

Ask at least three teachers who know you well to prepare letters of recommendation for you.

“I apply for sholarships because even if I end up getting an athletic scholarship, I can still use the aditional money for after my four year scholarship plan,” senior Kamry Smith said. “The scholarship money will also help keep money from coming out of my parents pocket.”

“I’ll look at their grades, not just for my class but across the board to make sure that they are consistent,” economics teacher Sherry Parker said. “Then, I’ll look at thier work habit; how many missing asignments to they have from me, or are they known for meeting their deadlines, are they known for completing their assignments. I also look at their test grades to see what type of person are they, do they study for tests or do they wing it, are they stable, are they reliable?”

Pay attention to your grades. Your class rank changes at the semester and again at the end of the school year. You will use your current GPA and class rank on any applications you complete now.

“Maintaining your grades in high school is of utmost importance when it comes to college admission,” guidance counselor Angie Musgrove said. “Each college has admission requirements that in some way use your high school GPA and class rank. In fact, most schools actually have a scale that requires a higher ACT score for students who have a lower GPA.

“Maintaining your grades in high school is of utmost importance when it comes to college admissions,” Musgrove said.

“As far as scholarships are concerned, scholarship committees look heavily at your academic success when deciding whether or not to award you scholarship money.

Supplying you with funds for academics is an investment in your future, and committees choose students they believe will work hard to make that investment worthwhile.”

Take or retake the ACT/SAT to get the highest score possible. If you’re going to a junior or community college, you’ll need to take the TSI. Start applying to colleges, if you haven’t already. Most have an early admission deadline and a ‘regular’ admission deadline. Check their website to find out what your school requires.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens at http://fafsa.ed.gov - you can start applying as soon as your parents file their income tax return.

Check with your college of choice for their “priority” deadline for scholarships and other financial aid. Apply as soon as possible.

FEBRUARY Most scholarship deadlines happen now. Don’t wait until the deadline date to submit your application - the earlier, the better.

Most colleges have their admission deadline this month. Be sure that you’ve submitted everything you need for your school - applicaton, letters of recommendation, test scores and transcripts.

MARCH-MAY Visit the colleges you are considering to help make a final decision.

Register and prepare for any AP exams, if you’ve taken AP classes.

Make your choice and accept the admission offer for your chosen school. You will need to mail off any housing deposits or tuition deposits that are required to hold your spot. Also accept any financial aid awards they have given you.

Be sure to let the other colleges know if you won’t be attending their school.

Submit transcript requests to counselors’ office to be sent to your school.

$

How to find Scholarship Applications

$

1.) Check the school website at www.carthageisd.org 2.) Click Carthage High School under the Our Schools tab 3.) Click Counselors Office/Scholarships 4.) Click on Scholarship links for information and instructions on how to apply.

5. Check back often for newly added applications.

Steps for applying to

BRAIN

drain

Students name their most difficult courses

by Kim Spradley

Haley Addington, 9 “The hardest class is probably Pre-AP biology with Ms. Reyes. You have to think more in depth about things and learn to study more.”

Emily Andrus, 10 “Mr. Rowe’s AP World History is hard because it’s a college level course. You have to study and really work for a good grade.”

Alex Rowe, 12 “The hardest class is calculus with Mr. Stan Davis.

It’s math, so you have to remember everything all the way back to Algebra 1, in order to answer even the most basic questions.”

Elyse Hanna, 11

Lexie Dawson, 11 “I have Mrs. Webster for Spanish 2 and it’s super hard. It’s a different language and Mrs. Webster pushes you harder to learn the language. She wants you to do good so you can be more proactive in life.

“The hardest class I have is AP English 3 with Mrs. Hudson, because there’s so much work you have to do outside of class. We have at least three pages of homework and each page takes about an hour to do.”

“When you learn another language, it opens up a world of possibilitles,� Strauss said. photo by Caitlin Wills

Language Learning

Senior Rachel Strauss learns Japanese to further opportunities

By Caitlin Wills

T

said. “After a while I stared thinking “Oh wow, this is cool. I want to keep doing this’.”

Strauss’ mother, who has her master’s degree in Enlish as a second language, was very influential in helping her make the decision to learn the language and making it part of her career path. “[My mom] teaches English along with science,” Strauss said. “I thought that was so cool and I have always loved language.

I saw her do it and I thought I should do the same thing as my mom.”

Japanese is not the first language that Strauss has taken an interest in. She has also studied the Italian, Chinese and Korean languages in the past.

“When you learn another language, it opens up worlds of possibilities,” Strauss said. “If you learn another language, you connect with more people and it makes the world seem like a much smaller place.

I’m not just saying this for Japanese; any language does this.”

photo by Caitlin Wills

he clock reads 8:50. There are five minutes left in class and most students are playing on their phones but one student pulls out a green Japanese study book. She writes the Japanese letters and practices saying the pronunciations in her head. With big dreams, she plans to go a long way with the Japanese language.

Senior Rachel Strauss has taught herself Japanese and plans to move to Japan after college to work as a translator or as an English teacher.

“If I know the language, I might be able to connect with the kids or whoever I’m working with on a more personal level,” Strauss said. “I can be a translator for who knows, [maybe] the Prime Minister.”

By studying language books, Strauss has taught herself Japanese over the past two years.

“My favorite part of learning [Japanese] is learning how the language goes along with the culture,” Strauss said. “I love the Japanese culture and language and it’s beautiful.”

The Japanese culture was first introduced to Strauss when a foreign exchange student lived with her and her family. The student lived with the family for six months.

“She told me all about where she lived and how life was like and taught me some of the language, but of course I was 10 and I really wasn’t that interested,” Strauss

Christmas Recipes Favorite feasts for holiday break

By Madi Green

“Heaven Bite s” Amber Atke rs

on, 10

1 can of cres

ent rolls

“Butter Milk Pie” 9 Bryton Bridges, 1 c of buttermilk 1 tsp of vanilla 1/4 tsp of nutmeg

tter 1/2 c of cup bu sugar ite wh of 1 1/2 c 3 tsp of fflour

9 in pie crust

3 eggs

1package of cheese Ham, or mea t to taste.

1. Roll chee se & ham in to cresent ro ll, put onto ba sheets. king 1package of

2. Bake at 40

0 degrees F

3. Let cool an

d enjoy

for 15 minut

es.

grees F.

en to 350 de

ix in the til smooth. M and sugar un r tte bu kle m wl, crea e shell. Sprin 2.In a large bo filling into pi ur Po . lla ni va ttermilk and fflour, eggs, bu eg. brown. until golden top with nutm minutes, or 60 r fo en ov e preheated 3.Bake in th 1.Preheat ov

“I make these treats with my mind set on the winter holidays, warm coming out of the oven, which is just right during the cold.”

use it’s so recipe beca hen it’s “I love this at m to e w ar w is d an tasty e.” cold outsid

Chocolate Pie Hope Krubee, 9

Chocolate C Kaitlynn Earl hip Cookies e, 10 2/3 cup shor

tening

2/3 cup butte

r

2 teaspoon s va 3 cups fflour

nilla

1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 (12 ounce) 1 cup brow package choc n sugar olate chips

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs 1. Cream sh ortening, bu tter and suga blend in eggs rs in large m and vanilla. ixing bowl; 2. Combine all ingredient s and mix w 3. Add choc ith butter un olate chips, til blended. put on baking 4. Bake at 37 sh ee t.

5 degrees fo r 7-10 minut es

d 1 cup water, divide lk a sweetened coco 2/3 cup mi r or 3 tablespoons un 2 tablespoons butte e rin rga ma 1/3 cup fflour 1 teaspoon vanilla purchased 1 cup sugar baked pie crust or h nc 9-i st, cru crumb 3 egg yolks t water double boiler over ho a of top in ur o ffl 1. Mix cocoa and a , just enough to make f of the cup of water and whisk in about hal

smooth paste.

ing yolks and add remain and the beaten egg ar sug the in nd Ble 2. r ture is thick; add butte over low until the mix water and milk. Cook and vanilla.

st. Top with whipped

cru 3. Pour into baked pie

cream or whipped

topping.

“I like this recipe, because it contains so much chocolate, which I love.”

“I love chocolate pie, simply because it’s chocolate, and who doesnt like chocolate?”

Best

Christmas Gift

Elida Villareal, 12

Nicholas Moore, 10

“My favorite Christmas gift was easily the metal letter “E” keychain my best friend made me. While in his welding class. He used the plasma cutter to cut out my initial. Although it was a simple gift, I know it came from the heart and I love it.”

“My favorite Christmas gift was a four-wheeler. I wanted it for about a year and I finally got one last year. When I found out I got it I went crazy, I started hollering and I took it outside to ride on it and I got pulled over because where I live you’re not supposed to ride four-wheelers there.”

Kelsey Chism, 9 “One of my favorite Christmas gift was when my mom bought me my first laptop. It’s my favorite because I wanted to be on the internet and my mom didn’t let me use hers and my phone didn’t have internet.”

James Marshall, 12 “My favorite Christmas gift was a mini motorcycle I got when I was 9 years old because I wanted one and I really never told my mom and she kind of surprised me. I walked outside and it was on the side of my house and it shocked me. It was a good gift.”

Kimberly Horton, FAC “I’ve had two Christmas gifts that were amazing, well I’ve had many that I loved, but there are two that stand out and they kind of go together.

My brother got me a signed, autograph copy of Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mocking Bird’ and many years later he got me a copy of ‘Dandelion Wine’ that Ray Radbury had signed, that means they touched it and now I have touched them too. They were my favorite gifts because they are my two favorite books in the world and they are pretty rare signatures to get, especially Harper Lee because she is kind of anti-social and Radbury is deceased.”

Grace Baker, 10 “My favorite Christmas gift was a compound bow from my boyfriend, Collin. It was my favorite gift because I love to hunt. I’ve always wanted one and now Collin and I get to hunt together. When I found out that I was getting it I was so excited and I was freaking out.”

By Kaitlyn Sapalaran

Memorable Memories Recollections of holidays past

By Kaitlyn Sapalaran

Macy Isbell, 11 “When I was four I had AML Leukemia and so I was in the hospital for an entire year which meant Thanksgiving, Christmas and Halloween, everything was in the hospital, because I had to go to chemotherapy. The nurses gave me a mermaid that swam in the bathtub and then I remember that I wasn’t able to take a bath because I had all these lines and the first time I was able to take a bath the mermaid was like the best thing that ever happened to me, because it was one of those automatic ones so when I was able to be in the bathtub safely, it swam around me and it was the first thing that made me happy.”

Rebecca Harvey, 9 “Christmas 2011, I was told my mom had one more present for me and my siblings and I asked her “What are you pregnant,” and my mom said “Yeah, actually I am.”

A few months later we found out that she was having twins. And that was my favorite Christmas memory.”

Kaylin Stephens, 9

Haley Grimsley, 12

Angela Webster, FAC

“My Grandpa came down to visit from Arkansas and it was cold and it was all snowy and so he said ‘Man, it is really cold out here I’m going to be by the fireplace.’ So he slept by the fireplace on Christmas Eve. And I swear I thought he was going to burn up and so in the morning, he said he was cooking a fruitcake and I said, ‘Nobody eats fruitcake.’ And it was weird, and my Grandpa is crazy.”

“My favorite Christmas memory would probably be from last Christmas.

We went out to Dad’s grave and every grave had a wreath on it and it was early in the morning and the sunshine just lit the place up. It was gorgeous.

It kind of helped me know that he is well taken care of now.”

“When we lived in Colombia I had not seen my Grandmother for a long, long time and I remember when they came to visit us during Christmas and when we woke up Christmas morning there was a beautiful dress laid out that “Santa” had made but it was actually Granny that had made it and it was just beautiful and I wore until it was shreds.”

Students share their ways to give back to community during the holidays

> Alexus Hardy, 12

Emily Patton,11 “I give my clothes, toys, shoes and anything that I no longer want or need to places such as Goodwill or the homeless shelters. Also, when I see people on the street I give them money or what I have on me.”

>

>

“I volunteer with the Afterschool Youth Enrichment Program. I normally work with the older kids and help them with vocabulary, spelling and multiplication facts. I like it because it reminds me of the time when I was their age.”

Ashlyn Jenkins,10

Haley Hanks,12 “I went to Belize for a VBS study group with children at a church. I feel good knowing that those children learned about Jesus that week.”

“I give back to the community by giving back my old clothes that I do not want or do not fit. I feel good knowing other people will have something to wear some days.”

>

Emily Andrus,10 “I get an angel off the Angel Tree at First Methodist, to help a little kid during the holidays. When I give back, I feel happy knowing children have gifts for Christmas that morning.”

>

By Madi Green

“I donate toys to children who don’t have enough money to purchase either Christmas gifts or toys for the holidays. I feel really good about it and it makes me happy that I can give back to the community.”

Logan Malone,11 “I give cupcakes to the nursing home around the holidays. I also take ornaments to the nursing home around Christmas to let them decorate for their Christmas tree.”

>

Giving Back to the Community

Kailey Stephens,9

Alli Capps,10

>

“I donated money to the UNICEF this year around Halloween, I feel good knowing that I can make a difference in childrens life by just one dollar or two.”

KEN TURNER PHARMACY PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMIST DRUGS | SUNDRIES 109 E. PANOLA ST. CARTHAGE, TEXAS (903) 693-7106

Steptoe’s Professional Jewelers Bill Steptoe 105 E. Panola St. Carthage Square

Like our pictures?

To purchase photos from school events, visit: carthagehsjournalism. smugmug.com

Sleep Shortage

Teens’ busy schedules lead to lack of sleep, other effects

By Ashley Thompson

A recent study showed that teenagers need at least 8 and a half hours of sleep each night to function best. Also, the analysis revealed that most teenagers do not get enough sleep- reporting on 15 percent of students sleeping 8 and a half hours on school nights.

“I get about seven hours of sleep most night,” junior Shaniqua Mack said. “It usually depends on what keeps me up at night. On some nights I get home late, so I end up going to sleep later than usual. I spend a lot of time on my phone at night, rather than trying to get some sleep.”

Teenagers tend to have irregular sleep patterns during the school week, which can affect the activities that the students do during the day. Futhermore, they

usually have reasons relating to electronics as to why they stay up late.

“I could try to make some spare time to get my homework done.” freshman Addison Pope said. “I could turn my phone and my TV off when I go to bed.”

Receiving few hours of sleep each night affects a student work ethnic. Managing the time throughout the day is a way to receive more hours of sleep.

“With few hours of sleep I am really irritable and lethargic throughout the day,” junior Parris Kruebbe said. “Time managemnt is an issue at home because I usually procrastinate quite a bit.”

Do you get enough sleep?

Parris Kruebbe, 11

“On average I get around 5-6 hours of sleep each night. On the rare occasion that I sleep for several hours, I usually never keep up that pattern.”

“I get about 7 hours of sleep most nights. I most likely could improve how many hours of sleep I get by spending less time on my phone.”

Sarah Walker, 10

“I get about 7-8 hours of sleep at night. Getting more sleep could help me be alert and would probably help my grades improve because I have the energy to learn.”

While having to juggle so many activities and responsibilities, teens often neglect their sleep needs.

Illustration by Chris Ware/

10 Tips for Healthy Sleep 1. Go to bed and get up at the same time, even on weekends.

2. Avoid naps, especially in the afternoon.

3. Exercise daily.

4. Maintain a nighttime routine and avoid stressful situations before bedtime.

5. Keep your bedroom cool and free of noises and distractions. Use ear plugs or white noise if needed.

6. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.

7. Stay away from bright lights in the evening and have a source of bright light in the mornings.

8. Avoid heavy meals at night.

9. Spend the last hour before bedtime doing a relaxing activity, such as reading. Avoid phones, TVs and other electronics.

10. If you can’t sleep, go to another room until you feel tired.

Information compiled from research by the National Sleep Foundation

Shaniqua Mack, 11

Addison Pope, 9

“I get about 6-7 hours of sleep at night. I have activities after school that end late and I always have homework to do, so that is the main reason why I do not get enough sleep.”

Lexington Herald-Leader, from MCTCampus.com

8:30

recommended school start time for teenagers

11:00

earliest time most teens can fall asleep, based on biological sleep rhythms

9.5

hours of sleep needed by 12-18 year olds

87

percent of teens don’t get enough sleep

PRESEASON PREVIEW: SOCCER The girls’ soccer team’s first scrimmage will be on Jan. 6 in Marshall and the boys’ soccer team’s first scrimmage will be on Jan. 8 in New Summerfield.

Cloninger has been the boys’ soccer coach for five years.

“I feel that the season will turn out great this year,” senior Dalila Perez said. “We have some hard working players that work well as a team.”

“Honestly Coach Swaim is one of the most precious men I know,” junior Bianca Ramirez said. “He’s really good with connecting with us and making us feel good about ourselves. All around, Coach Swaim is a great coach, mentor, and friend.”

The soccer season will start in January. The teams have already began to practice.

Both the boys’ and the girls’ teams have many freshmen and very few upper classmen.

“As a whole, the team works really hard during off season,” girls’ soccer coach Dustin Swaim said. “I hope it continues when our ladies have to face some adversity during the season.”

“We have a lot of young players that I believe will get into a pretty good team down the road,” Cloninger said, “and a lot of freshman talent that will compete for starting positions.”

The games for the teams will have games on Tuesdays and Fridays, and practice on the other days.

Perez in the only senior that the girls’ team will lose at the end of the year.

“The tough challenges I have faced in soccer are teams who have better ball control than me and can outrun me,” junior Ethan Rymel said. “I can overcome it by working hard with my teammates and by getting conditioned.”

“I really can’t believe that it’s my last year playing soccer in high school,” Perez said. “It hasn’t hit me much yet but I know that when the day comes to say goodbye it won’t be easy for me.”

Swaim has been the girl soccer coach for two years and Chris

You know you’re a soccer player if.....

“If ... you wear the skinny style sweatpants.” -Marissa Garcia, 11

“If... you discover a new bruise on your person EVERY. DAY.” -Bianca Ramirez, 11

“If... you have a short temper, or if you have a soccer ball in your backseat.”

-Cassie Tinkle, 10

“If... you understand that you are not the best, but you are willing to keep working at it.” -Ethan Rymel, 11

“If... you laugh when people complain about running, because you can run and keep the ball at your feet.” -Obrei English, 10

“If ... you try and catch falling objects with your feet and you can’t catch anything with your hands..” -Payton Travis, 11

Lady Dawgs return for district play

by Kim Spradley

T

he Lady Dawg basketball team will begin district play Jan. 9 against the Henderson Lions. Their pre-season began with a scrimmage on Nov. 1, against Elysian Fields.

This year there are seven seniors, which is five more than last year. The large group of have grown as a team after playing together for many years. However, having such a close group sometimes leads to conflict among the players.

“This year we have a lot of seniors, so that’s more challenging,” senior Kristyn Brooks said. “Everybody wants to tell everybody what to do.”

With so many seniors, the underclassmen playing on varsity are left trying to play and stand out, while still balancing the fact that this year is the last year for the seniors to shine in high school.

“I feel like I have more responsibility [this year] than last year because I was a freshman,” sophomore Faith Landreneaux said. “I didn’t want to really overpower the older classmen, but now I need to step up.”

With the seniors that have played together for a long time, they hope it will work in their favor and the team feels that they will make it farther this season than last year. With so many returning players, the team feels it will be easier to bond as a team early in the season.

“With last year’s seniors gone, I don’t think it has affected the team [as much as it usually does],” Brooks said. “I think that this year will be better than last year.”

Lifting the Competition Powerlifters discuss their upcoming season Juston Clough, 12 Why do you do powerlifting?

“To get stronger.”

Johnathon Brown, 12 What is the hardest part about powerlifting?

“Probably putting the uniforms on.”

Keillin Shelton, 10 Does powerlifting help you in other sports?

“It gets me ready for football, so I can compete with bigger guys.”

Cheston Malone, 10 What goal do you hope to achieve this year?

“To set a higher max on all three of the lifts.”

Senior Brianna Gwinn performs to the school song with the cheerleaders at the El Campo playoff game. photo by Caitlin Wills

BULLDOG BULLETIN

JANUARY 05 Classes resume 06 Boys basketball at White Oak, 5pm

08 JV/Varsity boys

basketball vs Waskom, 5pm

10 UIL Academic

Invitational meet at Van

13 Longview District FFA

Convention at Kilgore College; Boys basketball vs White Oak, 5 pm

16 End of 3rd six weeks; End of 1st semester; JV/V girls and 9/JV/V boys basketball vs Center, 5 pm

19 MLK Holiday;

No School

20 4th six weeks begins;

Girls and boys basketball at Rusk, 5 pm

4 Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (Steer Show)

21 FFA: Ft. Worth Stock

5 Ft. Worth Stock Show &

22 Boys and girls

6 Ft. Worth Stock Show &

Show and Rodeo (heifers)

basketball vs Tatum, 5 pm

Rodeo (Steer Show)

Rodeo (Steer Show) Home Game Girls/Boys Basketball vs Rusk

27 Boys/girls basketball vs Henderson

7 Home Game JV Softball vs Chapel Hill scrimmage

31 Choir: UIL Vocal

Solo/Ensemble contest

Home Game Varsity softball vs Alumni scrimmage

FEBUARY Worth Stock Show and Rodeo 3 Ft.(steer show) JV/ Varsity softball scrimmage @ Palestine JV/V Girls; 9/JV/V Boys Basketball @ Center

Juniors Paul Cook and Molly Barlow study to work for AP English. photo by Bradley Holman