Carthagehs dec2015

SAT, AP Testing Changes p. 8 Surratt earns 100th win p. 10 Girls’ soccer team changes p. 11

Winter Weather p. 6

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CONTENTS

10

Head football coach and athletic director Scott Surratt speaks to his varsity football team after the game against Chapel Hill on Nov. 6. Photo by Jennifer Aguirre

FEATURES: 4. LIIVING LIFE WITH ONE LUNG Student shares her experiences of medical struggles

8. TESTING CHANGES

10. IN IT TO WIN IT

Understanding new changes to the AP, ACT and SAT testing

Head Coach Scott Surratt reaches triple digit career wins in ninth year with Bulldogs

9. THE GIFT OF GIVING 5. THE NINE LIVES OF HUNTER LAGRONE

ON THE COVER Photo by Lexie Dawson

Sophomore recovers from auto vs. train accident

Students explain how they give back during the holidays

6. WEATHER WARNINGS How to prepare for this winter’s severe weather

MEDIA STAFF

STAFF WRITERS (cont’d) Lexie Dawson (Photo Editor)

Editors

Sarah Funderburk (Jr High Editor)

Annie Mahaffey Ashley Thompson

Kristi Price (Online Editor)

Tony Jeter (Business Manager) Kim Spradley

STAFF WRITERS

Hannah Villanueva

Jennifer Aguirre (Photo Editor)

Kassidy Weatherford

Macie Bogenschutz Atalia Cantu

Adviser: Jayme Quick

EDITORIAL POLICY

11. SOCCER CHANGE-UP Girls’ soccer team experiences changes 12. BULLDOG BULLETIN School and extracurricular events scheduled for January

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.

Living Life with One Lung Senior shares experience of medical struggles Senior Macy Isbell has encountered the challenges and trials that come with living with only one lung.

exercise.

“My lung has definitely controlled my lifestyle when it comes to

“I only have one lung because it was invaded by a rare form

exercising,” Isbell said. “Of course I can’t run or do rigorous physical

of fungus when I was only four years old,” Isbell said. “My body

activities like a normal teenager, but I am still a member of the

couldn’t defend itself because my immune system was completely

auxiliary line and I march every Friday night with the band during

shut down by the chemotherapy I was undergoing to treat my Acute

football season.”

Myeloid Leukemia.”

According to www.slate.com, people that live with one lung are

Studies show that living with one lung and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very possible. There are an average of 400,000 Americans living with one lung today.

more likely to be exposed to illnesses like pneumonia, but Isbell has successfully maintained a positive outlook on these disadvantages.

“My lung has affected my lifestyle in both positive and negative

“I don’t remember life before I had one of my lungs removed

ways,” Isbell said. “Although there are more downsides than benefits,

so it didn’t affect my lifestyle,” Isbell said. “I was very lucky to have

“ol’ lefty” has become an awesome joke to share with my friends.

a successful surgery and I am very grateful to be living an average

They have even named my car the “lungmobile”. I think my attitude

teenage life, besides the fact that I can’t exercise like everyone else.”

towards the whole situation has made things easier for me over the

People that live with one lung are limited when it comes to

years. I like to think I was blessed to come out of surgery healthy and

physical activities, though it does not completely prohibit them from

alive and I have no reason to be negative.”

Story by Hannah Villanueva

Having Health Concerns “I broke my foot in the fifth grade in my gymnastics class. My teacher thought I had just busted a blood vessel, so my parents made me go to school the next day and walk on it. Then, I had to go to ballet class that night and dance on my broken foot - it really hurt.”

-Madison Smith, 10 Photo by Tony Jeter

“I have scoliosis and had to wear a back brace for two years. I just got it off this past summer. It’s a lot easier now because when I had the back brace, it affected what I could wear. Now, I don’t have to worry about how my clothes look and fit.”

-Addison Pope, 10 Photo by Tony Jeter

“I’ve never had any broken bones or serious illnesses. But I got the flu last year and had to miss a week of school and soccer. ” -Junior Salazar, 9 Photo by Tony Jeter

The Nine Lives of Hunter LaGrone Sophomore continues to recover from train accident This is not the first life-threatening accident that this teenage boy has had. He has long been known as the “nine life” child by his family and friends.

Sophomore Hunter LaGrone was in a life-threatening automobile accident on Oct. 19 when a train struck the truck he was driving. LaGrone was driving down South Shelby after school that day.

As he approached the crossing, the sun temporarily blinded LaGrone, which caused him to not be able to stop in time to avoid the train tracks. The impact of the wreck instantly threw LaGrone into the bed of his truck, which was pushed off the road. Following the accident, LaGrone was transported to ETMC Tyler by helicopter.

“I was coming up on the railroad track and the sun was in my eyes,” LaGrone said. “I never saw the crossing rails until it was too late.”

Denny’s in Carthage held a fundraiser to support LaGrone on his road to recovery. The restaurant donated 10 percent of all sales on Nov. 12 between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. to LaGrone in an effort to show their support.

“There’s really no way to express how grateful our family is for everything that has been done for us,” LaGrone’s sister, 2015 CHS graduate Ashley Metcalf said. “It’s such a blessing living in a small town.

When something tragic happens to someone, everyone pulls together to show their love and support.”

Hunter’s close family and friends also held a benefit trail ride and auction for him on Nov. 21 in Deadwood. Also, local store Wings & Whitetails sponsored a raffle for him to raise funds for his medical expenses.

“After Hunter’s accident many people in the community wanted to do something to help out the family,” family friend junior Grace Harris said. “One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly to the family to lighten the burden of expenses.”

It has been a lengthy recovery for LaGrone as he suffered from several different injuries. Throughout his month in the hospital, LaGrone underwent a total of nine surgeries.

“I have a broken femur, tibula, crushed ankle, two fractured hands, a missing tooth and numerous cuts and scratches,” LaGrone said.

“Mostly all of the surgeries were on my leg and then they cut my hand open to get some glass and paint chips out.”

Unfortunately, this wasn’t LaGrone’s first life-threatening accident.

At four years old, LaGrone unknowingly drank a bottle of lighter fluid. At nine years old, he tripped on a .22 Cricket, and it fired, leaving him with two entry wounds and two exit wounds and four bullet holes in his body.

“Throughout his 16 years he has [also] had many broken arms between major accidents,” Metcalf said. “I’m sure this won’t be our last accident with him but we are so blessed to still have him.”

Though he still has frequent appointments in Tyler for continued treatment, LaGrone was finally able to return home from ETMC Tyler on Nov.17 and is still recovering from the accident that almost cost him his life.

“It’s been hard going from doing whatever you wanted to needing someone every second of the day,” LaGrone said. “But I’m thankful to still be alive and that nothing more happened than what did.”

Story by Macie Bogenschutz Photo courtesy of Ashley Metcalf

Weather Advisory

Rainy, cold winter predicted for East Texas The Weather Channel Professional Division announced that the winter of December 2015 until February 2016 in the south will be colder than regularly expected.

“I feel that this cold weather is going to be a tough one compared to the past ones because with colder weather there are more dangers,” senior Cole Donald said.

According to the Weather Channel, these weather conditions are mainly due to El Niño and also due to the strong blocking of the weather pattern over the Atlantic Ocean that began last summer.

“I’m hoping for a lot more snow this year,” senior Colby Davis said, “I don’t want it to be 80 degrees in December like it was last year.”

The northern half of the United States will experience above average heat conditions, while the southern half will experience wetter and colder weather. According to the Weather Channel, the current forecast is for the winter to be colder than the El Niño winters of 1982-83 and 1997-98.

modified for a warm and safe environment.

“My family and I try our best to prepare for winter by checking our pipes for leaks and making sure our cars are prepared for worst case scenario weather,” senior Nolan Griffin said.

Personal precautions should also be made, such as receiving a flu shot and keeping a germ-free home. Warmer clothing is recommended in order to prevent any sicknesses that may be caused from the cold weather.

“Like any sport, you have to travel to other schools to play a game but I feel like it’s going to be dangerous if we travel during the winter when the roads are icy,” Senior, Alexis Miller stated. “Hopefully this winter the weather won’t be so bad that way we can travel safely to our games.”

Winter sports such as soccer and other outdoor sports such as softball, baseball, track, and tennis, will be experiencing the cold conditions and will need to prepare as well for games and trips.

“I really hope it isn’t as cold this winter as it is expected to be because I always get sick,” senior Kelsey Weidner said. “But, if it will be extremely cold, then I hope it snows.”

“The colder winter does not let me enjoy my activities such as soccer and track, because instead of focusing on the activity, my body is worried about how cold it feels,” senior Julissa DeJulian said.

Precautions can be made for your home and for your own heath, in order to be prepared for the conditions we will be up against.

Everyone should make sure to keep caution of the conditions Texas will face in this winter as sports, school, work, and other activities continue to take place.

“I’m going to prepare for it by stocking up on warm winter clothes,” Donald said. “And making sure I do everything I can to escape the risks of becoming sick in the cold weather to come.”

Extra sources of water are recommended to keep at home as the cold weather can freeze water pipes. Shelter for outdoor pets should be

“The weather will be very different than what it has been in the past so I hope everyone stays safe,” Weidner said. “But also have fun [if we get] those expected snow days.”

Story by Jennifer Aguirre

Winter Wardrobe Essentials

1

BOOTS

3

https://www. flickr.com/ photos/26779385@ N08/20311112665

2

SCARVES https://upload.wikimedia.org/ wikipedia/commons/a/a4/ Scarf_soft.jpg

Winter Fashion

“It keeps me warm and they’re cute and stylish,” junior Kennedy Hooper said. “So I feel warm and I also look good, not trying to be cocky or anything.”

VESTS

4

5

COAT

BOOT CUFFS AND LEGWARMERS https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3 254/3138439425_386edf51c 4_z.jpg?zz=1

“I feel like wearing winter clothes because I feel like in winter I’m able to show my personality,” sophomore Savanah Gwinn said.

“It gives me joy each day and I like fashion so I like to dress it up in the winter and I love my furry boots.”

Keep These in Your Car - Your car’s manual: in general it is important to have this on-hand in case

- First aid kit: for when medical care is needed

of an emergency

- Flashlight: important in case you are stranded in the dark

- Spare tire, jumper cables: for restarting/repairing your vehicle

- Energy bars, bottles of water: it’s a good idea to have food and water

- A business card for an auto-repair shop: for situations in which you

resources available for emergencies or even everyday situations

cannot address the problem yourself

- Flare/reflective triangle: an essential to alert other vehicles on the road

- Coat: for cold days or if your car will not start. It is important to keep

where you are so you are not hit while stranded in the dark

an emergency coat on-hand to maintain your body heat while waiting for

- Maps: the traditional paper kind will allow you to find where you are,

emergency personnel or a tow truck

even without cell service

What to do if....

Ice on road

----------------------------------> Gently apply the breaks, do not slam them.

---------------------------------->

Never pour hot water on the window shield, as this will crack the window. Instead, put on your car’s defrost mode or use an ice scraper to clear the window.

---------------------------------->

If hail is falling while you are driving, pull over and stop the car. Continuing on will only cause more damage to your car.

Flooded road

---------------------------------->

Do not drive through the flood. The average car can be swept off the road by only 12 inches of water. “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Driving in rain

----------------------------------> than the speed limit.

Ice on windshield Hail

Turn on dims, not brights, and drive slower

“My rain boots protect me from the rain because our parking lots flood quiet a bit,” senior Layne Wells said.

“I like wearing winter clothes because you can layer and put on cute vests and coats,” junior Hannah Roberson said.

Testing Changes Testing Study Tips Where to Get Help: - For the SAT, Khan Academy and College Board have partnered to provide online test preparation programs and resources entirely free of charge.

- For the ACT, free online tests, the official ACT prep guide, sample test questions and test descriptions are available on the ACT Student website.

- For the AP tests, College Board has any study materials you may need including practice questions for any AP test you are taking.

How to be Succesful: - Carefully read the instructions on the cover of the test booklet.

- Manage your time wisely.

- Read the questions carefully.

- Avoid random guessing in the multiple choice section.

- Answer the easy questions first, and then go back to the difficult ones.

- The scores are based on how many you get correct, so answer every question.

- Recheck all of your work at the end if you have time.

The CollegeBoard has made changes to the AP, ACT and the SAT test. The modifications for the AP test were made because law-makers felt that a 3 was adequate enough to receive college credit. The revisions for the ACT/SAT were made because the tests had become far too disconnected from the work of our high schools and were not necessarily making college-ready students. Websites are available online if any students need help preparing for the new tests.

“Go to khanacademy.com, make a free account, and practice,” testing coordinator Tammy Alexander said. “Get help with things you don’t understand.

Bring a tablet to your teachers and ask for help with different questions. Learn to pace yourself after practicing untimed tests first.”

The AP test changed what used to be considered the passing score. Now, all state colleges are required to accept 3s on AP tests taken by students.

“The AP scores will be accepted by more Texas colleges,” calculus teacher Stan Davis said. “Used to, the University of Texas and Texas A&M didn’t grant credit for a 3 on the AP exam.”

The adjustment of scoring on the AP test will allow more students to get college credit for the class that they took the exam in. This means that students will not have to retake the class when they go to college in order to get credit for it.

“Making a 4 or 5 is not easy, but more students can get a 3,” Alexander said.

“We have lots of students who score 3s. Many more of our students will be rewarded for their work in the AP class and on their test.”

The new changes to the SAT test are the first since 2005, but College Board felt like they were needed. These revisions will come into effect on the SAT dated March 5, 2016.

“All vocabulary will be in context, embedded within reading passages,” said Alexander. “The grade level of the reading passage is 9th through 12th. The essay is about building an argument. Also, there is a new math section, Passport to Advanced Math, that will make up 28 percent of the math questions.”

The ACT and the SAT are two different tests. The set up to take either test is different, but what the exam actually quizzes you on is the same except the ACT has a science section that the SAT does not.

“I had my own daughter take both and see which one she did best on,” english teacher Kim Horton said. “Then, we concentrated on the one she scored better on.”

The new changes to the AP, ACT and SAT tests were done to benefit students more than anything else. Overall, these adjustments were made to allow students the success that they need in order to prosper in college.

Story by Ashley Thompson

The Gift of Giving Clubs, students adopt Christmas ‘angels’ As the holidays approach, stores begin to stock shelves full of food you’d want for the occasion. Stores start their sales. Parents buy gifts and hide them from their children.

“I enjoy helping as much as I can when it comes time to do the Angel Tree,” senior FCCLA member Kirsty Dodson said. “Many kids ask for basic

Others set up a tree with paper angels on them. For the ones that aren’t aware of what these trees are, they are for children and teenagers whose families cannot afford to buy Christmas gifts. The Angel Trees, as they are called, offer an opportunity for people in the community to help out and buy the gifts that the “angels” ask for. On these paper angels, there is a number (not a name), a few items the students wish for, clothing and shoe sizes, the student’s age and if they have siblings their numbers are listed at the bottom.

There are a few places in the community that have trees set up. One of these is Brookshire Brothers, located at 412 West Panola Street.

A few years ago, FCCLA sponsor and culinary arts teacher Laura Hall decided to start helping by gathering items that the angels wish for.

“It’s a great experience for me and the students,” Hall said. “The students and I almost always get everything our angels wish for.”

Many students, including the FCCLA members, are also involved with the

things like clothes or shoes and the older kids ask for small toys, perfume, or games.”

Many local churches contribute to the cause as well. First United Methodist Church sets up their own Angel Tree each year.

“The Angel Tree allows the church to be more involved with the community,” senior Bianca Ramirez said. “My favorite gift of all is being able to give children Christmas joy.”

There are always students that are willing to help whenever they can.

Brookshire Brothers sets up their tree every year to participate with others in the community. Even though many of the angels don’t get picked up, there are always a few lucky ones.“I see many people that will look at the tree but never take an angel,” Junior Hunter Burney said. “But there are a few that get taken and that makes me happy knowing they’ll get something they want for Christmas.”

Story by Kristi Price

Angel Trees.

The Most Special Gift

“The most special gift I’ve ever given was donating coats to a little girl’s family last year.”

“The most meaningful gift I’ve given is that my family and I donate to the Angel Tree every year at my church (FUMC).”

-Bailey Hinds, 11

-Kaylee Smith, 9

Photo by Kim Spradley

Photo by Annie Mahaffey “At dance, we have been collecting necessities such as shampoo, combs and toothpaste to put into bags to give to homeless people over the break.”

-Annie Mahaffey, 10 Photo by Tony Jeter

In It to Win It Head Coach Scott Surratt reaches triple digit career wins in ninth year with Bulldogs With the win over Palestine on Oct. 30, Coach Scott Surratt earned his 100th career win as head football coach. All of those wins have been during his nine years with the Bulldogs.

“It’s such a great achievement to win in nine years, but I didn’t win by myself,” Coach Scott Surratt said.

“I did it with the help of my coaches, players, and the fans.”

Surratt has led the Bulldogs to four state titles in the past six years, coaching hundreds of young athletes many of whom go on to play at the college level.

“He is one of the best coaches in the state,” senior quarterback Jarod Blissett said. “He has helped me learn how to play as as team member instead of an individual.

With the help of his coaching staff, Surratt has done

By the Numbers

4

State Championships

2007

Surratt’s first season as a Bulldog

10-30

the unthinkable in this small town with an .81 winning percenage.

“I’ve learned more from Surratt in the last nine years than I did the pervious 15 years,” Coach Mike Morgan said.

Surratt teaches each indivadual player what they need to know about being the best they can be that postion.

“He has taught me everything I need to know about being quaterback,” Blissett said.

As of press time on December 1 , the Bulldogs have qualitfied quater finals, with a hope of another state title.

“The main goal is to win one more championship, “Surratt said. “If that happens I’d like to win another.”

Story by Lexie Dawson

Date of 100th Win Consecutive Post-season Appearances

9

103-24 2008 Record as of Nov. 30

First football championship in school history

Soccer Change-Up Girls’ team starts season with new coach, new members Girls’ soccer is underway with the team preparing for their first district game on Feb.

rain and cold temperatures are common playing conditions.

9. The team has undergone many changes

“We wear leggings and long sleeve

this year with the addition of a JV team and

shirts

a new coach, Regina Spradley.

headbands or non-slip gloves,” varsity

under

our

uniform

as

well

“I really think the girls can go far

senior Jennifer Aguirre said. “We try to stay

this year,” Spradley said. “We have some

warm by doing high-knees or jog to keep

excellent talent and as long as we work as

our muscles warm.”

a team and don’t get down on ourselves or each other I anticipate a great year.”

Seniors on the team who have played all four years have had three different

A JV team was added to allow for the

coaches during their high school career,

large number of people who signed up this

which is uncommon. This means that they

year. There was a large interest among

often have to adjust to new coaching styles

the players for the addition of one and too

quickly.

many participants for only a varsity team.

“I personally am excited about having a

“Going through three different coaches is

really

hard,”

varsity

senior

Julissa

JV team,” varsity sophomore Payton Travis

Dejulian said. “I feel like right when our

said. “It gives the less experienced girls a

team

chance to play instead of ‘sit the bench.’”

everyone has a certain position that works

Before the season begins, both teams have

been

getting

ready

by

running,

undergoing strength training and doing skill-drills. The players spend one day in the weight room and two days running each week.

is

finally

working

together

and

for us as a whole, we get a new coach who sees something different and that results in people being assigned to a new spot.”

Despite the difficulties, the members of the team continue to train daily.

“Soccer

“With so many new players we have a

determination

is

mainly and

a

mental

game

of

toughness,”

lot to work on and learn,” Spradley said.

Travis said. “Your legs may be tired and

“The game works best if people work

your body will hurt, but none of that matters

together and communicate. I think this

because you know your team depends on

offers some very positive life lessons.”

you. My favorite part is knowing you have

During the season, the girls often have

a family.”

to adapt to inclement or difficult weather.

Since soccer season coincides with winter,

as

Story by Annie Mahaffey

Soccer Season at a Glance Jan. 4 Scrimmage at Marshall

Jan. 22 vs. Elysian Fields

Feb. 9 at Spring Hill

Feb. 26 vs. Spring Hill

Jan. 8 at Gladewater

Jan. 26 vs. Center

Feb. 12 at Tatum

March 1 vs. Tatum

Jan. 12 at Center

Feb. 16 at Kilgore

March 4 vs. Kilgore

Jan. 15 vs. Texarkana

Jan. 28-30 New Summerfield Tourn.

Feb. 19 at Waskom

March 8 vs. Waskom

Jan. 19 vs. Tenaha

Feb. 2 at Hudson

Feb. 23 at Henderson

March 18 vs. Henderson

BULLDOG BULLETIN

Cheerleaders pump up the crowd during the playoff game against Bridge City on Nov. 14. Photo by Tony Jeter

JANUARY 04 Classes resume

16

05

18

- OAP Auditions, 4 p.m.

- 9/JV/V Boys’ Bball vs White Oak, 5 p.m.

- JV/V Girls’ Bball at Joaquin, 5 p.m.

08

- 9th/JV Boys’ Bball at Waskom, 5 p.m.

- JV/V Girls’ Bball vs Henderson, 5 p.m.

09

- UIL Academics at Pine Tree - ATSSB Area Auditions - Choir TMEA Area Auditions

12

- FFA District Convention - 9th/JV/V Boys’ Basketball vs Kilgore, 5 p.m.

15 END OF SIX WEEKS - 9th/JV/V Boys’ Bball at Center, 5 p.m.

- JV/V Girls’ Bball at Center, 5 p.m.

- UIL Academics at Whitehouse - ATSSB Clinic/Concert

NO SCHOOL MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

26

- 9th/JV/V Boys’ Basketball at Henderson, 5 p.m.

- JV/V Girls’ Basketball at Henderson, 5 p.m.

29

- Choir UIL Solo & Ensemble

19 START OF SIX WEEKS

- 9th/JV/V Boys’ Basketball vs Rusk, 5 p.m.

- JV/V Girls’ Basketball vs Rusk, 5 p.m.

21 Blood Drive 22

- 9th/JV/V Boys’ Basketball at Tatum, 5 p.m.

- JV/V Girls’ Basketball at Tatum, 5 p.m.

The Bulldogs face off against the Gilmer Buckeyes in the Sept. 26 game held in Longview. Photo by Lexie Dawson

23

- UIL Academics at Lindale - SAT Test - UIL Prose & Poetry at Union Grove

Seniors Mackenzie Templeton and Victoria McDonald work on research in Schelice Reyes’ Macrobiology class. Photo by Lexie Dawson