Dec2013

bering Remem dison Ma Collin & -page 4

Studen t tweets -page 7-

s earn Bulldog l title Regiona 2 -page 1

Respe schoo cting l prope rty -page 14-

photo by brittany villanueva

page 2

december 2013

The Carthaginian Presents...

4 Student Life 8 Health & Society 12 Sports 14Opinion 16Photo Essay

2013-14 Carthaginian Staff

Superintendent:

Dr. Glenn Hambrick

Principal:

Otis Amy

The Carthaginian is produced by members of the journalism department of Carthage High School and published by Greater Dallas Press in Dallas, Texas. This publication is the original work of the students. No part of the newspaper may be reproduced without written permission from the publication office. It is the policy of the newspaper to encourage readers to submit story ideas, items of interest, illustrations and letters to the editor for publication. The staff reserves the right to edit libelous or inappropriate material. Comments and views expressed in The Carthaginian are those of the staff and individual writers, and do not necessarily coincide with the beliefs or opinions of other students, faculty members or the administration of CISD. If you have any questions or concerns, 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.

Staff Writer: Jennifer Aguirre Staff Writer: Blanca Sigala

Adviser:

Jayme Quick

Editor: Carlie Smith

Staff Writer: Caitlin Wills Staff Writer: Kaitlyn Sapalaran

page 3

december 2013

BULLDOG BULLETIN December

10: 9th/JV/Varsity Lady Dawg Basketball vs Center 13: 9th/JV/Varsity Lady Dawg Basketball @ Huntington; 9th/ JV/Varsity Bulldog Basketball @ Henderson 13-14: Area VI FFA Greenhand Camp/Timberline Camp 15 - TSA 50th Anniversary Celebration 16: Christmas Choir Concert, 6:30 pm 17: Bulldog and Lady Dawg Basketball vs Jasper 19: Second Annual Ugly Sweater Day; C-Hall Christmas Luncheon 26: Varsity Bulldog and Lady Dawg Basketball @ Rusk Tournament 27: Varsity Bulldog and Lady Dawg Basketball @ Rusk Tournament 28: Varsity Bulldog and Lady Dawg Basketball @ Rusk Tournament 30: JV/Varsity Bulldog Basketball vs Tenaha

January

3: Bulldog and Lady Dawg Basketball @ Central 4: FFA Area & State Officer Testing; UIL Debate Invitational @ Pine Tree 7: Bulldog and Lady Dawg Basketball vs Hudson 10: Bulldog and Lady Dawg Basketball @ Diboll

11: UIL Academic Invitational @ Pine Tree; UIL Prose/ Poetry Invitational @ Hamshire-Fannett; TMEA Area Choir Try-outs @ Robert E. Lee 14: Longview District FFA Officer Testing & Longview District FFA Convention Bulldog and Lady Dawg Basketball @ Center 17: End of 3rd Six Weeks 17-19: Winter Extravaganza Variety Show 18: UIL Academic Invitational @ Whitehouse 25: UIL Academic Invitational @ Lindale 31-1: UIL Choir Solo & Ensemble @ Whitehouse

February

4: Lady Dawg basketball vs. Diboll (Senior Night); Bulldog basketball vs. Diboll 4-7: Fort Worth Stock Show 5: C-X Debate District Competition @ SFA 7: Bulldog basketball vs. Center (senior night) 8: UIL Academic Invitational @ Hallsville 11: Bulldog basketball @ Huntington 11-14: San Antonio Livestock Show 17-19: Cheerleaders’ Clinic (for 2014-15 tryouts) 21: Cheerleader Try-outs 22: UIL Academic Invitational @ Center 24: Area VI FFA Convention @ Mt. Pleasant HS 26-28: Panola County Jr. Livestock Show/Panola County Expo

KEN TURNER PHARMACY Your Carthage Bulldog One-Stop Gift Shop!

Free gift wrap with purchase!

(903) 693-7106 109 E. Panola Carthage, TX

PanolaNationalBank.com Download our free apps for mobile banking

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5:30, Sat. 8-2 Bill Steptoe

Steptoe’s Jewelry professional jewelers 105 E. Panola • Carthage, TX 75633 • 903-693-5322

Serving the Financial Needs of East Texas

page 4 student life

december 2013

Panola College adds CNA program to dual-credit opportunities

by Caitlin Wills A dual-credit program to earn certification as a certified nurse’s aide will begin Jan. 18 at Panola College.

“We have the opportunity to send our students to Panola for the certified nurse’s aide program due to having an instructor available to us,” counselor Paula Carter said.

“From the enthusiasm with which students have registered, I think that the program will go very well.”

The requirements for this course include: students must be 17 or older, have good attendance and discipline records and have overall good study habits.

“Our school was offered the opportunity and Mr. Amy, Dr. Porter and Dr. Hambrick were happy to have this chance offered to our students,” Carter said. “We hope that this will be the first of many classes to come.”

The class will be from 7:45 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. for classroom days and 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for clinicals. Clinical hourss will be spent at

two local nursing homes where students will be helping with the patients. Students will receive a total of 112 hours of training.

“I think the best part of these classes will be going to clinicals, because I really enjoy working with others,” junior Alley Radcliff said. “These will really help me see what I’ll have to do in the future.”

Ultimately, only ten students will be able to participate in the program due to state requirements, so counselors had to choose from the people who signed up.

“I really appreciate the school giving us this chance to take this course,” senior La‘Asia Ewins said. “It’s giving us students a great opportunity to start our adult life off the right way.”

With this program, students will be able to earn their CNA certification during high school. The certification can be used to get jobs at hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities. This course can also

help them on their way to obtaining a higher nursing degree such as LVN or RN. “Going through the training can help a students decide if nursing is a career he or she might want to pursue,” Carter said.

“The certification can lead to a job or be a stepping stone toward another area of a health care career.”

There will be a test at the end of the course composed of two different parts: a skills test and a written exam. The skills part will be 30 minutes long and students must pass four of the five skills they are tested over. The written exam will be 70 questions and students will have two hours to complete it.

“In the long run, the test will show how much I have learned, but I think it will be a little difficult,” Radcliff said. “Overall, I believe that the CNA program will help me [get] closer to where I want to be.”

Students mourn the loss of two classmates

by Carlie Smith

Junior Madison Niemtschk and sophomore Collin Williams. Courtesy photos

Students, teachers and administrators continue to mourn the loss of two CHS students. Seventeen-year-old sophomore student Collin Devon Williams, and 18-year-old junior Madison Rambin Niemtschk were involved in a fatal car accident late Nov. 5.

The accident happened just before 9:00 p.m. on FM 123 in Panola County. Reports from the Texas Department of Public Safety state that a 2007 Dodge pickup truck, driven by Williams, hydroplaned on the slippery road and left the roadway, striking a tree. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene, and Niemtschk, his passenger, passed away Nov. 6 at a Shreveport hospital.

“When I received the news about Collin passing away I was numb,” senior Seth Ward said. “I didn’t believe it at all. There was just no way. I didn’t start going to our class [Collin and I] had together until the week after the accident happened. I now sit in his chair because I never want to see it empty but I know he’s in there with us

every day.”

While Williams was in his second year at CHS, Niemtschk transferred from Garrison ISD just two weeks before the accident.

“I wish I would’ve gotten to know Madi a little more,” Ward said. “I’ve been around her plenty while hanging out with Collin. I knew she was a good person and pretty cool from what Collin would tell me; I wish I could say that for myself but all I know about her is from Collin. It’s pretty tough knowing that he isn’t going to be here anymore but I love him and I know he is enjoying it up there.”

Students arrived at school on Nov. 6 and were shocked to learn the news that they had lost two of their fellow classmates.

Students knew when they heard the news that their lives would never be the same.

“When I recived the news about Collin and Madison I didnt believe it at first,” senior Nick Buell said. “As the day went on, it finally hit me. Seeing [everyone’s] faces and how sad everyone was, was one of the most difficult parts.”

Williams had a love for working with his hands. He had been enrolled in Jolene Davis’ welding classes, and was known for helping his father with their landscaping business. As a sophomore, Williams was enrolled in Theater 1, where he helped build sets for the drama department.

“Collin helped build the Little Shop of Horror set,” theater teacher Kimberley Funderburk said. “I first met Collin on the first day of school. He was in my eighth period Theater 1 class. From day one,

Collin was willing to help out no matter what the task was. One day I was thinking out loud to remind myself to get a prop.

Collin said, ‘I have that. I will go get it and see you before rehearsal.’ Sure enough, Collin showed up and I got to mark that item of my “to get” list. In just the few weeks I had the privilege to know Collin, I learned that he was always wanting to help not just me but anyone that might need an extra hand.”

To honor the memory of Williams and Niemtschk, seniors Ethan VonZynda and Chase Lee took donations and made remembrance decals for vehicles.

Students and faculty also raised money for the families of Williams and Niemtschk, and donated books to Libby Elementary in Niemtschk’s memory.

“Collin [was] not only one of my best friends, he was my neighbor,” VonZynda said.

“He would do anything for anyone, that was just who he was, always had a smile on his face. When I found out he passed away, it felt like a chunk was taken out of me. Chase [and I] left school that day and we got to thinking that we could make some memory stickers for him. If we charged a little more [than they cost], we could give the money to his family to help out. Before we knew it, tons of people wanted them. I think because of Collin and Madison, it brought not only their close friends even closer, but it also brought the whole community together as well.”

student life page 5

december 2013 Holiday Plans for Clubs

By Caitlin Wills

Band On Dec 2, band marched in the Carthage Community Christmas Parade. Junior high bands will perform in their Christmas concert on Dec. 10.

Art Club Advanced art students have painted windows at many community businesses. They will soon begin their usual decorations on A-Hall.

Choir Choir students performed at the First State Bank’s annual “Open House” on Nov. 22. They will also have their Christmas concert on Dec 16 at the high school.

Key Club Key Club is sponsoring Ugly Christmas Sweater Day on Dec. 19. They will host a Christmas get-together on Dec. 23. This will be at Briarcliff and the residents will be able to play games and have fun with the Key Club members.

Pros and cons of student jobs

By Jennifer Aguirre

PRO’S

•Saving Up for College: Student jobs are helpful when it comes up to saving up for college because even a little extra cash can help out during the year.

•Real-life experience: Once you graduate, you will already have some idea of how the real world is and be more prepared for a full-time job and/or college •Earning money on your own: Sure parents can help you with money at times but with a job, you can also work for things and earn them yourself.

CON’S •Grades: Students who work long hours may neglect their homework or fall behind in their classes.

•Time consuming: Jobs can take time away from your daily activities, especially if you’re in extracurricular activities that are after-school.

•Sleep: Working late-night jobs while attending school can affect your health and your grades.

Make sure you can find a healthy balance before getting a job.

In Loving Memory

Madison Niemtschk & Collin Williams

Always buckle up and please don’t text and drive!

page 6

student life

december 2013

Countdown to College MAKE SURE YOU.....

By Jennifer Aguirre

1st semester: -Meet with college admissions.

-Start asking for letters of recommendation.

-Take the SAT or ACT if necessary.

-Start working on application essays.

-Revisit your top school choices. Talk to people from these schools.

-Work on receiving scholarships.

-Obtain financial aid applications from the colleges you are looking at.

-Prepare your college applications.

-Gather all information and data you need for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

2nd semester: January -Submit your completed FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1.

February -Make sure your mid-year transcripts have been sent to the schools you applied for.

-Make Plans for AP exams or CollegeLevel Examination Program exams.

March -Look for your Student Aid Report in the mail. Make sure to go over the Expected Family Contribution with parents and family.

Highlight Along the Way! April -Look for acceptance letters and financial aid award letters in the mail.

Be sure to compare Financial aid Packages.

-Choose a school and send a deposit before the deadline.

-Make sure your application was complete at the financial aid office of your chosen school.

-Apply for loans if necessary.

May/June -Take AP examinations.

-Thank your teachers or whoever wrote you a letter of recommendation.

-Graduate high school!

Stress of school, jobs affects students

By Blanca Sigala

Stress affects people every day, especially students, when school is getting to closer to the end of the first semester.

Especially since finals are coming up soon. Students will have to do more studying in order to prepare for these exams.

“Since we don’t get exemptions this year, semester finals are really stressing me out,” senior Daniela Escobedo said.

“Especially knowing that I will have to take a final in Calculus.”

Some students try to be involved in other activities outside of school to get their mind off stress by doing activities that they like.

“I try to reduce my stress by doing things I like,” senior Phat Chung said. “Like working out and playing video games.”

Seniors are filled up with stress with meeting application deadlines and scholarship

deadlines. They are also worried about finishing high school.

“College applications are stressing me out,” Escobedo said. “Meeting deadlines and filling out so many applications is stressful.”

School itself is a stress especially all the work and projects. Stress is extra on students that have a job and are involved in other activities.

“Work, band, auxiliary, college, and school work sometimes overwhelms me,” senior Cheryl Cheshire said. “Even if I do stress out I still manage to do my work, work and be involved in all the activities I enjoy doing.”

Even though stress affects most student, a few try to stay calm even when they have a lot to do.

“I really don’t let stress bother me,” sophomore Marissa Garcia said. “I just go with the

flow.”

Taking advanced classes just adds on to the stress students have. Harder classes take more time especially to study for test and they are tougher course, which takes more time away from a student to be doing other activities.

“The difficulty of classes stresses me out,” junior Kristin McMullen said. “But I don’t let that stress me out too much.”

Christmas break is coming up which helps students stress levels go down for a while. It’s a time for them to relax and not really worry about school. For them to enjoy their break with family and friends.

“I’m so glad for Christmas break is almost here,” Cheshire said. “I will finally have some time to myself and not worry about school.”

student life page 7

december 2013

Technology addictions

By Carlie Smith

Technology addiction is a rising problem with teenagers, and teachers, parents and older adults are concerned that young adults may be becoming a tangled mess using too much technology through IPhones, laptops, cell phones, emails, text apps and other uses of the Internet.

“I feel that technology is important, but students need to also be well rounded,” geometry teacher Roberta Collinsworth said.

“What career a student chooses is going to require employees who are versatile, not one dimensional.”

The majority of the time, you will see teenagers with a cell phone clutched in their hands. Teenagers think it is an accessory to be equipped with everywhere they go.

“I do believe having a cell phone is an accessory just because we need to be able to get in contact with everyone,” junior Paige Lovelady said. “I think we may be a little bit addicted to them, but just because ever since our generation was young we have had a cell phone connected to us, whether it be playing Snake on our parent’s Nokia phone, or our first cell phone

We take it for granted, but we are so blessed to be a part of the family that is CHS. There’s no place more loving in times of heartache. @HuntPoindexter S.C.H.O.O.L= Seven Crappy Hours Of Our Lifes! @KassiteDenise Probably shoulda started taking the ACT last year... @CallieSmith_ Teachers call it cheating. We call it teamwork! @1238_Jimmy

that we were only allowed to call on, we have always been equipped with some form of technology.”

As the technology addictions are increasing, participation in outside activities are decreasing.

So therefore, student involvement is headed to a downfall.

“I believe the students that are addicted to technology are on a downfall with their involvement with school and their life outside of school,” senior Brianna Fuller said.

“A lot of technology can prevent teens from developing good social skills.”

Technology is very time consuming and many teenagers will even go through withdrawals without having their phones.

“A high percent of the teenage generation are always on their phone,” senior Trevor Cooper said.

“I think I am the type of person that can go without my phone for a while, but I have never had my phone taken away. Without having my phone I imagine myself feeling left out because other people would be playing games, texting or on the Internet, and I don’t know what I would do with my time while watching my peers be on their cell phones.”

Even though being addicted to

The difference between school and life? In School you’re taught a lesson and given a test. In Life you’re given a test which teaches a lesson. @Emily_E_Ward

Dawgs

By Carlie Smtih

weets

I have been sick all day. I hope I am better by tomorrow I would love to give a quiz. @PsquareParker

technology has its negative sides, it also has its positive sides. Teenagers have the capabilities to learn more about technology by using it in their everyday life.

“I strongly believe that technology is not holding teenagers back it is improving as the generations go,” senior Jackie Calderon said.

“The advanced technology has helped us throughout school and still has good things in store for us in the future. I will say most of our generations are addicted to our phones, but it is because we have so much more to learn about the new technology.”

It is not the technology itself that is addictive, but rather how the teens use it through specific application of their choice.

“The technology I use in my life are my IPad and my IPhone,” junior Marisah Ingram said. “I am addicted to them; I never go anywhere without one or the other.

The applications I am addicted to are Twitter and Instagram. I like them and use them because they allow me to stay connected with my friends through something else besides texting.”

CHS... Please be good to me! @_TGoree_ The only thing I need to turn up are my grades! @JillMclemore If teachers give me homework over the break, I am going to be so mad. @BlaineePaigeee

School attendance would go up by like 300% if we had swirly chairs or bean bags instead of ugly red chairs harder than a slab of concrete. @TiaraMarliseXO

page 8 health & society

How to Help the Community

By Jennifer Aguirre

december 2013 Many students would like to have community service hours for their college applications but have no idea where they can volunteer and help the community. Here are some ways you can volunteer and do community service.

1.Visit a nursing home. - There are several nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Carthage where you and your friends can visit and volunteer to help out senior citizens. You can also organize a dinner party with your friends for them. Some can help with food, others with games, and others for serving.

2.Volunteer Librarian. - Visit the public library or visit a school library where you can help organize books, help people who need to find a book, and be a second hand for the librarian.

3. Assistant. – You can help out in an office. Be a volunteer receptionist by filing or doing other tasks. Talk to an owner or manager of a company of insurance, dentist offices, etc. and ask how can you volunteer and help out.

4. Childcare. – If you’re someone who loves kids, this is something you can do! Visit a day care center, church or after school group and offer to help entertain the kids. Talk to the owners or others in charge and ask what they need help with.

Help out your community! Do it for yourself but mainly for the ones around you.

Tips for Making Money

By Blanca Sigala There are many ways students can make money on their own. Such as...

• Try “sitting” for your neighbors.

• Sell beauty products online.

• Sell used and unwanted clothes, shoes and other items on swap groups or exchange sites.

• Tutor students and charge by the hour.

• Sell homemade crafts.

• Get a job as a seasonal worker at a local store.

• Sell scrap metal.

december 2013

health & society

Holiday Recipes By: Caitlin Wills

Bacon Wrapped Green Beans

Cinderella Cake

• 2 cups of sugar • 4 eggs • 1 cup of vegetable oil • 2 cups of flour • 2 teaspoons of baking soda • 2 teaspoons of cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon of salt • 1-15 ounce can of pumpkin puree • 1 teaspoon of vanilla Beat sugar and eggs till well blended and light in color. Add oil, continuing to beat. Combine dry ingredients with egg mixture. Add pumpkin, mix well.

Pour into greased 9in. bundt pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes. Let stand in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto baking rack or platter and allow to cool completely. Frost with Coachmans icing.

Coachmans Icing

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened • 1/2 box powdered sugar, sifted • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1/2 coconuts, chopped (optional) In medium bowl, blend softened cream cheese and butter till smooth and creamy. Add vanilla. Then add powdered sugar until desired consistency is achieved. Frost and top with chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) before icing sets.

Submitted by Kim Horton

Apricot Delight

Dissolve in 2 cups of hot water : 1 large pkg. apricot gelatin Add : 1 1/2 cups cold water Cool.

Drain, reserving 1/2 cup juice: 1 can crushed pineapples Add: 1/2 cup chopped nuts 1 cup miniature marshmallows stir into gelatin. Pour into 13x9x2 inch pan. Chill until set.

Second Layer Combine: 1/2 cup pineapple juice 2 tbsps. butter 2 tbsps. flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg, beaten Cook over low heat until thickened. Allow to cool slightly.

Add: 1 pgk. softened cream cheese Beat well.

When pineapple-cheese mixture is cold, Whip: 1 pkg. whipped topping Fold into mixture. Spread over first layer.

Chill.

Submitted by Angela Webster

page 9

Ice Box Fruit Cakes Melt: 1lb. Marshmallows 1/4 lb. oleo 1 can Eagle brand milk

Pour over: candied cherries, pineapples, pecans and 2lbs. of graham crackers.

Mix very well in large bowl. Pack down in a bread loaf pan and then refrigerate.

Submitted by Schelice Reyes

Apple Dip

1 stick butter 1 box of light brown sugar 2 tablespoons of water 1 cup of light Karo syrup 1 can of Eagle brand milk 1 teaspoon of vanilla 6 to 10 green apples melt the butter, brown sugar and apples.Dip in the mix and then eat it!

Submitted by Ashleigh Edge

1 bag frozen green beans Brown suger 1 pkg thin-sliced bacon 1 bottle Catalina dressing

Heat oven 450 degrees, cut bacon strips in half.

Then, gather 3-4 green beans, lay the green beens on a 1/2 strip of bacon and roll them. Continue this until you’ve reached the desired amount of bacon-wrapped green beans. Line the green beans in a casserole dish. Place the green beans in the oven. After five minutes in the oven, sprinkle brown suger and catalina dressing over the green beans.

Place back in oven and cook until bacon is cooked.

Submitted by Sherry Parker

Tamales

Pork roast or chicken lots of anahem or Poblano green chili Clove garlic Onions Cilantro Just make up a meat mixture that suits you.

Spread thin layar of masa paste on corn husk, put big spoonful of meat mix on masa. Roll up.

Steam for 30 minutes.

Submitted by Jolene Davis

Sweet Potato Casserole

4 cup mashed sweet potatos 1 cup white sugar 2 eggs beaten 1/2 cup milk 1/2 tsp salt 1/3 cup butter, melted 1 tsp vanilla extract Topping: 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup butter, melted 1 cup chopped pecans In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, salt, 1/3 cup of butter and vanilla. Mix together and pour into a greased 13x9 inch baking dish.

To prepare the topping, combine the brown sugar, flour, 1/3 cup butter and pecans in a separate bowl. Mix together and crumble over sweet potato mixture.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes.

Submitted by Bailey Bullock

page10 health & society

december 2013

Winter Wardrobe

By Kaitlyn Sapalaran

I dressed like this because it was very cold outside today and this outfit keeps me warm.

The Uggs keep my feet all cozy and the headband keeps my head and ears warm.

I LOVE scarves, but they also aid in keeping me warm so I wore it. I threw the jacket in because it throws the outfit all together and it was too cold to not go without it.

-Nicole Holcomb, 11 I wore this today because I felt fierce and a cheetah is very fierce. I didn’t like how it was a little plain so I spiced it up with a turquoise scarf. I added my black leather boots because it was too cold to wear flats. -Mika Hudman, 11

Dear Santa Letters Dear Santa, I want a new four-wheeler, a new stereo system, a rip stick, and a basketball.

-James Ebarb Dear Santa, I would like a new kindle for Christmas.

-Obrei English Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is for everyone to get what they want and for everyone to be able to see their family.

For everyone to see the real meaning of Christmas. I want every little kid to still believe in Santa and get everything they want and for everyone to able to eat and have fun.

-Kaitlynn Earle

By Jennifer Aguirre

Easy Steps for Sparkly Ornaments!

You will need clear ornaments, clear floor wax, and glitter.

Step 1: Remove the stem of a clear ornament and add clear floor wax inside.

I wore this today because it was chilly outside and I didn’t just want to wear sweats and a hoodie. I also wanted to be fashionable yet comfortable.

These boots I think are stylish and perfect to wear for this kind of weather, I also put in the necklace to pull everything together. -Andrea Gates, 10

I love dressing in the fall because I love the change of weather, the cool air, and the layers of clothing are comforting. I also love wearing boots because they are comfortable! -Angela Webster, FAC

DIY Christmas Ornaments

Step 2: Swish the wax all around and pour back in into the bottle.

Step 3: Pour the different colors of glitter you want your ornament to be inside.

Step 4: Twirl the glitter all around the ornament and place the stem back on.

Dear Santa, I dont think I really want or need anything for Christmas, I just want to thank God for all I have, and what he has done for me.

-Joel Martel Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is world peace. Really with all the fighting from schools to overseas. For families to have their loved ones back.

-Cole Donald Dear Santa, I want Norwegian chocolate, a new computer, a galaxy S4, 3000 followers on twitter and a lifetime supply of gum.

-Jake Cumbie Dear Santa, I would like an IPhone, a new computer, a new pair of cute shoes, a new purse, a North Face jacket, and I would like to have a perfect Christmas.

-Morgan Alexander

Dear Santa, This year for Christmas I would like to spend the holidays with my family. Hopefully I get to spend Christmas with my boyfriend as well, seeing him not very often since I moved to Carthage, which is 3 hours away from where I used to live.

I don’t ask for much but this is what I want.

-Adrien Hart Dear Santa, I would really like it if you could sprinkle some good luck dust so I can have the best senior year because I need the best year for every senior, but its not for me! At least so far, I would really like goodluck dust!

-Sonia Morales Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is a pony so I can ride it majestically to all of my classes.

-Nicholas Buell

sports page 11

december 2013

How do sports affect your life?

By Blanca Sigala

Sports have always been a major part of my life. Coming from a baseball family, there was no doubt that I would play softball. I can’t imagine where I would be without it. Playing a sport has taught me the importance of confidence, determination, dedication and work ethic. You can’s find that any where else. But not only has it taught me, it has given me the greatest friends I could ever hope for. Your team is your family. You push them, you push pat them and cheer when they push past you.

Junior Haley Grimsley

It plays an important part in my life, since I play on the JV football team, and throw disics in track and field.

Sophomore Hunter Hutto

Sports are my life, I play most sports for high school. I’m always outside throwing a ball or working. All I ever do is play sports with family and friends.

Freshman Colby Taylor

Fall Sports Wrap-Up

By Hunter Poindexter

Senior Tee Goree fights off an opponent in the Nov. 29 game vs. Silsbee. Goree and the Dawgs earned the Region 3 championship title with a 49-6 win. photo by Brittany Villanueva

The varsity football team earned the Region 3 Championship title over THanksgiving break with a strong victory over Silsbee in Beaumont.

“This is going to be a hardfought game [in quarterfinals],” senior Dillon Husar said. “I’m pumped for it. We’re working extremely hard to make sure that we get the ‘W’ this week.”

The Dawgs finished the regular season with a record of 12-1, going an undefeated 4-0 in district play to become District Champions.

“I’m proud of how we performed this season,” Husar said. “Each player contributed to the success of our team by giving tremendous amounts of effort.”

As well as the football team, both the cross country and varsity volleyball teams advanced past district play. Sophomore Julissa

DeJulian ran in the Region III cross country meet, and the Lady Dawgs volleyball team made it to the first round of playoffs.

“I was very excited for Julissa to get to compete at Regionals again,” junior Sutton Travis said. “Not only is she a naturally gifted runner, she is determined and dedicated. I was glad to see all her hard work pay off.”

The Varsity volleyball team won the Bi-District Championship and broke the school record with 32 wins in a single season. However, the Lady Dawgs fell short in the first round of playoffs, losing to West High School.

“I think this season we became closer than any team Carthage has had previously,” junior Morgan Davis said. “[Coach Barker] didn’t let up on us, and regardless of the adversities, the team stuck together. I’m very happy I got to be a part of this year’s varsity team.”

As the last remaining fall sports team for the 2013 season, the Bulldogs continue in their quest for a fourth state championship. The quarterfinals game will be played against West Orange-Stark at Beaumont ISD stadium on Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Trainer Profile

By Caitlin Wills

How long have you been a trainer?

I have been a trainer for two years now.

What do you plan to do after high school?

Go to college for athletic training.

What made you want to be a trainer?

I’m friends with all the football guys and I love football and this allowed me to be closer to all of it.

What’s the best part about being a trainer?

Being on the field with the players and being able to be back stage before the games and getting to watch the videos and hear the speech.

What’s your favorite memory from being a trainer?

One night Natalie, Kyla, Nicholle, and I were riding home on the offensive bus from one of the JV games. We started to laugh really hard and Coach Mac banned us from the offensive bus and we haven’t rode on their since.

What’s the most exciting thing thats ever happened?

During one of the practices, I got hit while I was on the sidelines.

-Hannah Taylor, 12

page12 ads

december 2013

FIRST STATE BANK & TRUST COMPANY

11O West Panola (903) 693-6606 Voice Banking (903) 693-9150 Personalized Debit Cards * Mobile Banking * Online Banking

www.fsbcarthage.com Serving our community for over 110 years.

december 2013

Teams begin basketball season

By Jennifer Aguirre

Junior Jakayla Jackson avoids her opponent at the Tenaha game on Nov. 16. District play for the girls begins Dec. 10 vs Center. photo

by Kristen Liedtke

The season has begun: the Bulldogs and Lady Dogs are busy fighting their way through the season to get that big “W” game per game. Players are practicing hard, dedicating themselves, and working as a team.

At the end of October, the teams began making more time for practice to prepare for the season, which officially started in November.

“This year’s basketball team has grown together, we are a great team that is getting better each day as long as we stay in control and work

as a TEAM we will be just fine, ” junior Tara Traylor said.

The Lady Dawgs have been preparing by practicing every day of the week after school until five and Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:00 a.m. The boys practice as much as possible, despite having many players still practicing for football playoff games.

“This is my first year so I’m pretty new to it all but since the start of the season I’ve seen tremendous improvements among the whole team,” junior Anthony Chhor said.

The bulldogs wake up early in the morning ready to work; they have practice Monday through Wednesdays at 6:15 a.m.

“Practice is just as important as games,” junior Jack Mahaffey said.

“You have to practice hard and play hard.”

In order for a group to actually play together they must work well together as a team in order to make progress.

“Coaches are what hold a team together,” junior Jack Mahaffey said.

The coaches have pushed these

sports page 13

players to the max, which is improving each and every player to beyond their own expectations and limits.

“For Basketball everything is provided by the school: shoes, uniforms, workout clothes, food on away games, etc.” junior Allison Charles said.

Seasons come and breaks approach; howeverm these player do not rest. They train harder and harder because time cannot be wasted while other schools are practicing to get better.

“The way you work during practice is the way you would work during a game,” sophomore Yesica Ayala said.

Practices continued during Thanksgiving break and will continue through Christmas break as well.

Players will spend their days preparing with new strategies, skills, plays and hard work for every game.

“Hard work takes practices, with time and effort,” freshman Alexis Brooks said.

Sports Fans

By Carlie Smith Cadie Lawrence, 12 What is your fondest memory of watching a sports game? The seconds of the three state games we played

High School

What’s the one food that MUST be sold at a sports event to make you happy?

Popcorn is my all time favorite food to eat at a sports event.

Who is your favorite player to watch play on the field? Terian Goree You get a chance to play any sport with the Dawgs what game would it be and what position would you like to play?

I would play baseball and be the star pitcher.

What makes you want ot go to all the sports games played by the Dawgs? To be there and support the team, and to make sure my mom doesnt go too crazy

Emily Ward, 12

Who is your all-time favorite team? The LSU Tigers football team.

They won three National Championships in 1958, 2003, and 2007.

What’s your favorite sports memory of all time in college sports? When LSU played the Aggies at the AT&T Cotton Bowl January 7,2011. The score was 41-24.

Who do you think is the best player on the LSU football team? Zach Mettenberger

College

If a close friend was getting married on the day of a championship game that your team was playing in, would you go to the wedding or the game? Uhhh… The game.

They can schedule their wedding in time for me to go to both but I wouldn’t miss the game.

If for some reason LSU permanently dropped all athletic programs, would you root for another team, and if so, which team? My other team is the Oregon Ducks

Jay Roberson, 12 What is your joy of watching football? I love the excitement you get from it, the adrenaline and seeing great plays.

If a close friend decided to get married on the day of a championship game that your team was playing in, would you go to the wedding or the game? I love football, football is a big part of my life, but it isnt that important to me. Family always comes first.

You get a free trip to any sports Hall Of Fame, which do you choose? Baltimore Ravens If you could choose to go back in time to any point in your lifetime, and go to any games of your choosing, which game would you want to see in person? Packers versus Chiefs very first super bowl game.

NFL

Whats your favorite sports memory of all time in NFL sports? The Patriots.

Jay Roberson 12

page14 opinion

Respecting School Property

By Carlie Smith

Custodian Dennis Smith cleans up the journalism room after school. He is the after school hours custodian and cleans every day from 2 to 10:30 p.m. photo by Carlie Smith

As we grow older and wiser, we develop into young adults. We learn about our responsibility to respect other people’s property, and public property. We should take that into consideration and clean up after our selves and stop the continued vandalism of school property.

Especially with the new school renovations, it is unacceptable for trash to be left in the commons, hallways and other areas.

“As I am developing into my adult stages I have realized in my life that it is my responsibility to clean up after myself,” senior TyRon McMillan said.

“My parents and teachers always told me that if it is my trash that I should pick it up and throw it in the trash, and that’s what I do I respect the janitors.

I don’t want them cleaning up after me all the time, I want to take it into my own hands.”

Although some students don’t make a connection between respect for school property and personal consequences, the two have a strong connection. The school belongs to the students as much as it belongs to the staff, and when someone disrespects the property it is hurting all the others around them.

“School property and personal consequences are alike, you have to clean up after yourself at home just like you should at school,” senior Brianna Fuller said. “I hate seeing people disrespecting school property

december 2013

because I have to go to school every day and I would prefer to go to a clean school instead of one that has drawings on all the desks, and trash on the floor.”

Students may have a hard time understanding that school property doesn’t just clean itself. The damage that student’s cause may require money for repairs, and also someone going through hard labor to clean up the mess.

“I think students have a hard time understanding that school property doesn’t clean itself because it has something to do with how their raised,” junior Allison Charles said.

“If their parents go cleaning behind them they don’t think they have to clean up after themselves. Also I think students take advantage of the custodians. They think it’s their job just to run around picking up after them so [the students] don’t care if they leave a mess.”

Disrespect of property and leaving litter around the school grounds can make the place seem cluttered. It also can be a safety threat. Other students can slip on and injure themselves.

“I think people shouldn’t be inconsiderate about others and their property,” sophomore Kelsey Weidner said. “People should be respectful and throw their trash away in the trash can instead of on the floor.”

Most of the school property has been vandalized in some way whether it be littering, drawing, or even distorting everything. A person vandalizing school property upsets staff members, students, and guests.

“I see a lot of people disrespecting the school property and I get so upset because it is not their house to destroy, there are other people who have to come to school here also,” junior Ashlynd Berns said. “I think that most people in the school are disrespectful to the janitors.

The janitors are supposed to rid the school of germs not to clean up your personal mess.”

Cheating/plagiarism

By Blanca Sigala

School can be stressful, especially studying for exams and doing projects. Some students stress themselves out too much, while others avoid that by not doing their work at school.

Cheating and plagiarism occur throughout schools and colleges all over the world. It has become more common nowadays. Some students see cheating as an alternative to studying. They see it as an easy way out of spending time studying. Students may cheat on homework, tests or class work.

Excuses have been made to why students cheat.

Someone’s excuse might be that they didn’t have time to study or something occurred which didn’t allow them study.

Other excuses might be that a student has too much to study one night. An alternative to this excuse would be for the student to manage their time and focus on studying for different tests.

Other students might steal or take work from the internet and turn it in as their own work when it’s not. They just cut and paste information online.

Students should stop making excuses and start acting responsibily. Cheating in any form is not acceptable and will not help you learn the information or get where you need to be, in school or in life.

Students should manage their time more effectively and do the work themselves.

page 15

december 2013

Favorite Holiday Tradition “For Thanksgiving, I always love to have all my family come to my house and eat a nice Thanksgiving dinner. It is always great to have my family over and catch up and stuff our faces with turkey.”

Molly Barlow, 10

Apple Vs. Android

By Caitlin Wills

We asked over 100 students about which phone brand did they like better: Apple or Android

“I like Apple better,” junior Breezy Salas said. “It is more standard. Things stay the same more than they do with Android.”

Apple 73%

“At christmas and Thanksgiving when our family meets together and everyone brings pot-luck and eats together.”

-David Johnson, 12 “My favorite holiday tradition is Christmas. When we open presents and sit around the giant bonfire and roast smores.”

-Kristen McMullen, 11 “Going hunting during Thanksgiving break with my family.”

-Dillon Cowan, 12

“I prefer Apple,” junior Collin Stockwell said. “Their products are just more dependable and easier to use.”

Android 27% “Androids have more styles of phones to choose from and I like that,” senior Gloria Arellano said. “They also seem less complicated.”

“I like androids better because you can do so much with them,” junior Destini Ortigo said. “It’s always a learning experience with them.”

Apple had the most votes with 73%.

So which phones do you prefer?

“During a big holiday we have a fest with my grandparents.”

-Cole Donald, 10

“Every Easter my mom's family gets together and has a crawfish boil.”

-Alex Rowe, 11

“Cooking with my mom because I spend time with her.”

-Tim Brown, 12

FOLLOW ‘The Pine Burr’ for all the latest updates!

The Pine Burr

@2014PineBurr

@ThePineBurr

page16 photo essay

Academic achievement Hands-on learning enhances retention 2

1 (Above) Juniors Haley Hanks and Will Stacy rehearse lines from the fall production, Little Shop of Horrors. Drama students will begin auditions for the UIL One-Act play next month. photo by Brittany Villanueva

3

5

1. Senior Rachael Wood prepares ingredients for chili in Laura Hall’s Restaurant Management class. The classes cook every Friday to show the skills they have learned through the week. photo by Caitlin Wills 2. Sophomores Molly Barlow and Macy Isbell create their ‘egg drop’ project in Michael Cason’s Physics class. The students had to build a crate so that an egg could be placed inside and dropped from 15 feet without breaking. photo by Jennifer Aguirre 3. Senior LaRose Ballard prepares equipment for Joanna Huckabee’s Video Technology class. The advanced classes film school events and the morning announcements. photo by Caitlin Wills 4. Freshman Ahna Stacy practices headline writing in Jayme Quick’s Journalism I class.

The students are given character limits to practice writing in a given amount of space. photo by Hunter Poindexter 5. Sophomore Kyla Kiper works with welding instructor Jolene Davis. Students in Davis’ class learn different styles of welding and can later take dual-credit classes to earn welding certification. photo by Caitlin Wills 6. Senior Lauren Thompson works on a project for Millie Wilkie’s Art 4 class.

The advanced art students do several independent projects to demonstrate their skills. photo by Brittany Villanueva

4

6