Vol 13 Issue 6

And The Pendulum Swings In this issue...

Inside my own skin 7 Travel photo story 20

the

HAWK

Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville, Texas 78660 @thehawkonline thehawkonline.net Volume 9, Issue 6 March 4, 2016

2 Volume 9 , Issue 6 News

THE BIG PLAN

All three high schools, six middle schools, and the PACE campus will participate this year at the Big Event.

Ileana Perez Asst. Editor

March 11, 2016 will mark the 2nd annual Big Event, even better this year than last due to an increase in participation. The following shows what all will happen the day of, as well as other important information.

Durham School Services will donate school buses for the day, as well as bus drivers who will donate their time.

DURHAM SCHOOL SERVICES

STOP

There is predicted to be around 5,000 students and staff members participating in the Big Event.

Students will participate in community service such as; cleaning, sweeping, shoveling, gardening, spreading mulch, as well as some heavy labor.

Students will be taken to various jobsites such as Lake Pflugerville, parks and trails, neighborhood community centers, and other designated locations.

PFLUGERVILLE PARKS AND TRAILS

Food will be provided by Slovacek’s Sausage, as well as chips and water.

News March 4, 2016 3

Parking Precautions

Campus security impacts student safety Lindsey Robinson Staff Reporter

Administration walking through the campus parking lots should clearly see the blue outlined square in the lower right hand corner of each car. These are the school’s designated parking permits, allowing students and faculty to safely park their vehicles in the parking lots during the school day.

Over 300 students have a parking permit issued to them by the school’s campus security, Charles Gallegos. Despite many students owning parking permits, most don’t realize their purpose and pertinence in campus security.

Students must pay to receive a permit. This money is collected by

Accounting Assistant Deanna Essler, which is then repurposed for safety applications for the school.

“Parking permit and citation fee money goes to security supplies,” Essler said. “It’s what we use to purchase the parking permit stickers, and any supplies that Mr. Gallegos needs, such as paper to print forms. It is also used for general security purposes, like putting in new lights for a football game.”

Principal Daniel Garcia supports the permit arrangement and oversees the security in place helping to keep students safe. The idea of the parking permit system is to make

Hendrickson as safe as possible, evident by the daily parking lot inspections and the issuing of citations.

“Mr. Gallegos checks the parking lots pretty regularly, at least once in the morning and once in the afternoon,” Garcia said. “He gets in the golf cart and checks everyone’s parking permits and makes sure that there’s no one out there that’s not suppose to be.”

Although some find the precautions annoying, they are used to keep the school secure. By knowing where students are and if they are taking part in driving responsibly, campus security is able to proper-

About the Permit

ly monitor the school parking lots.

“There are so many staff and students and we need to keep track of who’s parking here. Parking permits are a way to keep track of who’s on campus and who’s authorized to be parking here,” Gallegos said. “It’s important to keep students safe because that’s who will be running the country eventually, and I would like to know that there are students that pay attention and follow the rules now, because that’s only going to carry on into their adult life.”

Staffer explains guidelines, violations Amanda Perez Staff Reporter

To get a parking permit, you will need to locate the sheet near the book room. The form will ask for the student’s name, school ID number, license plate number, make, model, and color of the car. Upon turning in this form, the student’s drivers license, proof of insurance and the $15 annual fee (cash or check will be accepted.) Return these items during permit and parking citation hours, which are 8:30am - 9am and during all lunches through the school week.

Violations of any safety, moving, and parking regulations will result in paid consequences.

The first offense will be $20.

The second offense will be another $20.

The third offense will get your vehicle immobilized. To get the boot removed an additional $20 will be owed, plus the parking permit that should be purchased.

All together it could cost up to $95. By choosing to park in a non-student area, there will be a charge of $10.

If the vehicle changes, the old sticker must be returned and there will be no charge. If your old sticker is not returned, a second permit will cost $10.

Location: The parking permit should be attached on the front windshield, inside the lower right hand corner. For motorcycles, it will be attached on the rear fender.

4 Volume 9 , Issue 6 News

Statewide debate tournament causes early release Holly Hambleton Staff Reporter

School will release at 1:30 p.m. on both March 10 and 11 for the hosting of the Texas Forensic Association state tournament, a competition for speech and debate students. With so much time needed, the competition will begin during school. The students still in class on Friday during the Big Event will be in the upstairs rooms of the school, while the people participating in their events will be downstairs.

“Myself and Mr. Agha have been planning it since August 2014,” speech and debate director Kirsten Nash said. “We finally got the green light

from the district April 2015. One of the biggest things is making sure the rooms are available and identified for the competition. We have to use every tiny bit of available space. There is an application process that weeds out if your building can hold the amount of people.”

Once approval was received from administration, meetings and plans were initiated. Decor, rooms, food, custodial services, technology and facilities are the host school’s responsibility. All preparations were made over the summer. The tourna-

ment’s concessions will contribute to Alex’s Lemonade Stand, the Backpack Friends and the Center for Child Protection.

“To a lot of people this seems insane, but it is a really good way to showcase what I consider to be a really awesome school to the rest of the state,” Nash said. “PfISD is a great place to work and Hendrickson is a great place to be. This is one way, that not only I can give my kids the advantage of having that home turf advantage, but also showcase our region and our school district.”

Dress code meeting addresses questions, concerns Virginia Gaffney Asst. Editor

Recent heavy enforcement of the dress code spurred an open forum student meeting on Feb. 25.

A panel of students met with assistant principal Zachary Kleypas to discuss Dress Code policy and the changes the

students hope to make in the coming spring season by petition appeal to the District School Board.

“Around this time of year, we start having warmer weather. And warmer weather lends itself to less clothing.”

Scholarship Opportunity

Travis County ESD No. 2 and FirstIn Pfoundation are accepting applications for a Public Service Scholarship for graduating high school seniors.

Please go to: www.pflugervillefire.org, select the Resources tab and click on Scholarship.

If you are interested in a career in Public Service and you meet the eligibility requirements, download, complete, and return the form in person or by mail to:

Travis County ESD No. 2 203 E. Pecan Street Pflugerville, Texas 78660

Submission deadline is April 22, 2016

Kleypas said. “So although it feels immediate, it is somewhat proactive. This time of year is always a good time to reinforce. We always try to reemphasize things at this time in the semester.”

Junior Macy Dammen voiced disappointment in the dress code’s reference to a “professional environment,” implying that professionals are nonexpressive.

“In an ideal world, I’d get eight hours of sleep. I’d have a job, working a few hours a day, and I have eight hours of school,” Dammen said. “But with these restrictions, I have no time to be a teenager. With these rules, I have no time for self expression.”

The current dress code states that distracting hair and revealing clothing have no place in schools, because it is unprofessional. Teachers interpret this as that high schools should enforce a college and career-standard dress code.

“I don’t think any sort of physical appearance should be a judgment on a person. I want a tattoo, but my mom tells me it would make it hard for me to be hired,” Dammen said. “Tattoos, colored hair, piercings, should not affect a judgment of a person, how professional they are, or what kind of integrity they have.”

With final notes, the meeting came to the ultimate conclusion that the change does not lie with the students, but with the district powers.

“The whole goal is to not put someone in ISS,” Kleypas said. “It’s to get them in compliance.”

HAWKS ofthe of the Month month Students:

Ryan is an outstanding student. Not only does he do all of his work and care about his grades across the board, but he also helps tutor atrisk students in his class.

Ryan Houston, 11th Grade Cramer shows up to every BPA meet.

She is proactive in being able to balance AP and PreAP classes while maintaining her position as a BPA officer.

She inspires others to be like her.

Grace Cramer, 10th Grade

Teacher: Lucas goes above and beyond with her students and has always been a great asset to the social studies department.

Sara Lucas, US History

Staff: Dimmitt is always nice and humble.

She consistently has a smile on her face and is completely genuine and amiable with everyone she interacts with.

Julie Dimmitt, Counselor Assistant

News March 4 , 201 6 5

accolades & BAND

AWARDS

GERMAN Fourteen German students competed at the regional German competition at UTSA. Sawyer Cowan, Autumn Long and David Nichols placed third in their Classical Ensemble, advancing them to state. In Poetry Reading Shannon Doty placed second and Ahad Shabbir and Samantha Zinni tied for fifth, advacing all three stu-

dents to state.

Additionally, William Blazier advanced for Culture Test, after a second place finish. Other accolades include third place in Photography, fourth in Prose Reading, fifth in Reading Comprehension and fifth in Vocabulary Test.

A group of ten HHS saxophone players formed “Team Saxy and We Know It” for the Noah’s Wings 5k held at Pflugerville Lake. Members of the team went to middle school with Noah and ran in his honor.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD FCCLA At the MIT Club of South Texas Invitational tournament Marc Abdallah and Brinda Prasad placed first in Write it Do it, Vivian Huynh and Tera Le placed second in Dynamic Planet.

In addition, Joelle Abdallah’s and

Tera Le’s team placed third in Cell Biology, Aeslyn Kail and Vivian Huynh’s team placed third in Chemistry Lab and Mandi Palencia and Diarod Hinojosa placed third in Forensics.

DANCE

At the Regional STAR Event Competition in Corpus Chrisiti, FCCLA students competed for a chance at advancing to state in April.

Milady Blazier and Lindsey Kablaitis earned first place in Advocacy, KC Sam, Fatima Sheikhali and Morgan Mann earned first place in Environ-

SWIM

The girls 200 meter Medley Relay, the Boys 200 meter Medley Relay and 200 meter Freestyle all advanced to Regionals. Individually, junior Hannah Rowley advanced for 200 meter Free-

mental Ambassadors, advancing them to state. Additionally, Shelly Puente earned second place in Fashion Design and Vincent Akerdolu, Camarin St. Augustine and Kiara Bowers earned third place in Life Event Planning

style and 500 meter Freestyle. Aditionally, junior Jacob Overheim advanced for 200 meter IM and 500 Freestyle and junior Noah Moncada advanced for 100 meter Freestyle.

SPEECH & DEBATE The Silver Dancers competed at San Marcos High School in both individual and group events. In Super Sweepstakes the team earned Best in Class first place in Team Contemporary and Team Lyrical.

The Silver Dancers earned the Performance Award for their hip hop number and the Precision Award for their lyrical number.

The Silver Dancer officers earned Best in Class first place for Officer

Contemporary, Officer Jazz and Officer Lyrical.

Makaila Chipin earned first place in the soloist category and ninth/tenth grade solo winner. Haley Billasano, Holly Flores, Jordan Lamb and Brooke Seeker all earned division 1 ratings on their solos.

At the Vista Ridge Dance Championship, the Silver Dancers won Grand Champion Officers and Team.

The Hawk Speech & Debate team competed at Harvard University over President’s Day weekend. Hendrickson was the only team at the competition to advance two teams in the Double Octs round.

Robert Boley and Carlos Gregory broke to the Triple Octofinal Round in

Public Forum, a first for Hendrickson.

Additionally, Gregory was ranked 69th in overall individual speakers out of over 650 students.

At the Speech & Debate Association Regional Qualifying meet the team was awarded First Place Debate Sweepstakes and First Place Overall.

PAINTBALL The Hawk Paintball Team competed at the HPL 3-Man #1 on Feb. 14 in Cypress, TX. The Hawk Line 1 placed 8th and the Hawk Line 2 placed 9th.

Hawk Paintball player LD McCoy

and his team traveled to Oceanside, CA for the WCPPL Beach City Class national paintball event on Feb. 26. The team placed fourth overall after winning their bracket.

6 Volume 9 , Issue 6 Opinions

Dispute over Supreme Court exemplifies lack of cooperation in Washington Staff

Editorial

In George Washington’s Farewell Address, he warns America of the dangers of a political system based on parties because they “render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together.” Over two centuries later, it seems that his fears have come true. The handling of the death of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Antonin Scalia proves how party opposition leads to an obstruction of progress in America.

Scalia passed away of natural causes on a ranch in Marfa, Texas on the night of Jan. 12 or the early morning of Jan. 13. Scalia was a reliably conservative justice on an equally divided court: four liberals, four conservatives, and one moderate. His death sparked debate, as a liberal replacement could shift the court entirely and lead to long-lasting decisions in favor of Democrats.

Because Democratic President Barack Obama will purposefully pick a liberal or moderate candidate in order to sway the court, Republicans are calling for President Obama to not nominate a replacement for Scalia, and leave the decision to the next president who will take over on Feb 20, 2017. If Obama were to nominate a successor, the Republican-controlled Senate could refrain from approving his appointments, and force the decision onto the next president.

Republicans should compromise with President Obama and consider or approve an appointment.

Not only is it disrespectful to Justice Scalia’s legacy and beliefs to politicize his death, it is also against the intent of the Constitution and an obstacle to progress.

Scalia was the face of originalism- the belief that the Constitution should be interpreted with the writer’s intent in mind. As such, he would be the first to encourage a replacement on the bench. It is clearly stated in the Constitution that it is the president’s job to nominate a justice, and the Senate’s job to approve a qualified justice. There is nothing in the Constitution that says the president cannot nominate a justice in their final year, so the Republican argument is invalid. President Obama is the president until February of 2017, and just because it is his final

the HAWK

Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville, TX 78660 http://www.pfisd.net/HHS (512) 594-1100 Adviser: Kari Riemer Principal: Daniel Garcia www.thehawkonline.net

year in office does not mean that he should stop fulfilling his duties.

Many Republicans, including presidential candidates and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, have encouraged senators to reject any nomination of Obama’s, regardless of their qualifications. This attitude, based entirely on party opposition, is juvenile and selfish on the part of the Republicans; if they won’t approve any nominations, they should at least consider them. By refusing to appoint a replacement for Scalia, the productivity of the judicial branch will be greatly reduced, setting back progress.

The Republican senators should attempt to compromise with the Democrats rather than refusing to participate completely. It’s not only unprofessional, but a waste of time and money to stall the nomination of the justice for an entire year in the hopes of a Republican president.

In addition, President Obama’s prioritization of representing minorities in the judicial system means that his appointment would likely be a woman, person of color, or both. Currently, the court consists of four white men, one black man, two white women and a Hispanic woman. Only two religions, Roman Catholicism and Judaism, are represented in the court. A nomination by Obama could further diversify the court in terms of gender, race, and/or religion, representing more people, regardless of their political party.

By blocking President Obama’s appointments, the Republican senators may impede important historical advancements in the diversity of the Supreme Court.

Justice Scalia’s unique political views influenced a generation of lawyers and judges, and it is important to recognize his influence in politics rather than insensitively disputing how he is to be replaced. The Constitution is clear: it is the president’s job to nominate a replacement, and the senate’s job to evaluate and approve the best nominee for the job. Rather than standing in the way of progress for the sake of party rivalries, Republicans should attempt to compromise with President Obama in order to fill Scalia’s seat.

The Hawk, the official student newspaper of Hendrickson High School, is an open forum for the exchange of ideas and opinions.

Opinions expressed reflect the beliefs of the student author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the entire Hawk Staff, the Hawk Adviser, the Hendrickson Faculty and Staff, or the Principal.

Letters to the editor are welcomed, and may be dropped off in E102.

The Hawk is printed monthly at Granite Printing in Taylor, Texas. 1,500 copies are printed each run, and are distributed to the student body through Talon and newsstands throughout the building

Editorial Staff

hit or

POD good alternative to cafeteria With the short amount of time to eat in the morning, the POD provides a good option for something quick. The workers make sure the long lines keep moving so the wait time isn’t unbearable. Additionally, the music playing makes the experience fun and different than the cafeteria. The POD’s enjoyable atmosphere relieves the stress of finding food while also providing an alternative to the routine of the cafeteria. This addition to the school is on target.

Unclean behaviors affect everyone Seeing an increase in trash littering the cafeteria, puts unnecessary work on the custodians. Ever since the opening of the POD, trash has also made its way into the halls.

Not only do custodians have to clean up the cafeteria throughout the day, but the hallways too. With the trash appearing more often it puts a negative image on the school. The lack of student’s cleanliness is way off target.

Co-Editors: MarQuise Prince-Salone & Kylie Ruffino Copy Editor: Madi McVan Assistant Editors: Rion Ellis Alex Fulton Mikaela Kelarek

Ileana Perez Rumor Stojek

MISS

WWAAAAAAHH But I don’t want to meet any of the people nominated for the Supreme Court.

Illustration by Mikaela Kelarek

Reporters

Kiarra Blankman Alyssa Ellinwood Virginia Gaffney Holly Hambleton Paul Le

Amanda Perez Chloe Pham Lindsey Robinson Gabby Sanchez

Winner of the ILPC Bronze Star, 2014 & 2015

And The Pendulum Swings In this issue...

Inside my own skin 7 Travel photo story 20

the

HAWK

Hendrickson High School 19201 Colorado Sand Drive Pflugerville, Texas 78660 @thehawkonline thehawkonline.net Volume 9, Issue 6 March 4, 2016

Design and Art by Kylie Ruffino

Inside My Own Skin

Opinions March 4,201 6

7

Sophomore reflects on racial identity Growing up Mexican in America can be confusing.

My problem can be easily Ileana Perez Asst. Editor explained through the forms we fill out at school before the annual PSAT. They make me fill out my name, address, religion, and ethnicity. But then it’s time for me to fill out the “race” portion and there are only 3 possible boxes that I could check. There’s white, black and American Indian. Because I don’t fit in with any other category my only choice is to check off “white.”

Even though the U.S census says I’m white, I don’t see myself as white.

Most of the time, I don’t really know what I am. In logical terms, I wouldn’t be considered Mexican because I wasn’t born in Mexico, I’d be considered a Mexican American.

So if I look at it like that, my mom isn’t Mexican either, because she was born and raised in California for most of her life, and if we continue to look at this in this sense, the only person in my family that is technically just Mexican would be my dad, who traveled to California when he was 18 so he could find a job and help the rest of his family find their way in America.

Like most Mexican American kids, Spanish was my first language. In school, I started out in ESL classes and quickly worked myself into a fully English speaking class. Eventually, my accent went away, but not

my Spanish as it was encouraged— no, mandatory at home because my dad never wanted us to forget it.

It wasn’t until high school that I started questioning my racial identity.

My freshman year I was enrolled in a Spanish Native class which allowed me to finish my Spanish credits twice as fast. The first day I walked in, I immediately knew that I didn’t belong. Many of these kids had lived in Mexico for parts of their lives. They could speak Spanish better than I could, and they had a richer culture than I did. All of this intimidated me because I wasn’t like these people. Later in the year they call me “white girl” or I would be brushed off as “not entirely Mexican.”

At first I thought that what they were saying was true because for some reason I let myself think that I could be

denied the right to call myself Mexican.

For a long time, I distanced myself from my heritage. I hated going to that class because I didn’t relate to anything that they were talking about. But once I took a step back, it caused me to think about one burning question: What made me different from everyone else? I have lighter skin than most Mexicans. I didn’t face as much discrimination as others. Once I finally answered that, I was able to acknowledge the fact that I am different, but it didn’t make me any more white or any less Mexican. So yes, I’m technically Mexican American, but it’s all about how I see myself, and no matter what I’ll always be Mexican.

Senior discusses ethnic background When people a s k about my family, I speak as a mixed race person. I tell people about the black influences coming from my dad and grandpa, and the white influences coming from my grandma that allow me to see the world as it is. When I talk about race issues, I’m black. I speak to create a positive impact; I speak as a survival tactic, but not for me specifically, but for those in our community who face a greater racial prejudice.

I grew up in apartments and rundown neighborhoods in Corpus Christi where there was gang related violence and other crimes that occured throughout the city. My mother grew up in that environment as well but experienced first hand abuse and oppression in the community and stuck through it with her family. My mother is also mixedrace but never experienced the white privilege people thought she should have. She and my aunt experienced

death threats in their first few years of high school and their friends dealt with arson attempts for being some of the few black people in their school.

Because of this we moved when I was about 7 years old to get out of the toxic community.

I first started struggling with being biracial in elementary school when everyone would split off into little cliques during recess. As kids tend to do, we separate by a common connection: race however I didn’t exactly have anyone to hang out with. Black kids didn’t accept me because I wasn’t dark enough and I couldn’t play with white kids because I wasn’t light enough.

My mother ended up raising me predominantly white, ignoring some of my black heritage as a survival tactic. I was taught to stay away from gangs, stay away from drugs, be careful around police, stay in school, and work towards a good education. In my mind these lessons turned into a kind of self-hatred towards being black. I dressed, talked, and acted differently when I moved to Pflugerville where my only black influences were the two kids in my first-grade class. It was like I never came from Corpus in the first place.

Insecurities about this new identity only came during summer break when I would travel back to Corpus to visit my dad and cousins. I was made fun of because I left my black culture in Corpus. It was the first time I was referred to as an Oreo; it was the first time I was directly called white. How? My skin is black, I grew up in the same neighborhoods as they did, I have a black family just like they do, and I have the same possibility of being racially profiled just like them.

I do not wish to complain about being mixed race and act like there’s such a burden that comes along with it. By being mixed race, I have the ability to flaunt my privilege. I can deny colorism, I’m favored compared to most people with dark skin, and I can alter my appearance without it being a sign of denying my heritage.

The struggle only comes from having to prove myself as a member of the black community. I side with them by nature and I side by them for ethical reasons.

I want to support the part of my family I’m most familiar with because they experience more difficulties due to their identity. I want to support them for my brother, sister, and cousins who will, in one way or another, deal with injustice through life.

8 Volume 9 , Issue 6 Features

Piecing Stories Together

Caron relays importance of running animation club Rumor Stojek Asst. Editor

Seeing the Signs ASL club promotes deaf cultural acceptance Alex Fulton Asst. Editor

Like most secondary languages students, whenever senior Sarah Fielding communicates she focuses on not messing up, but in her case, signing correctly.

Initially from Florida, Fielding learned American Sign Language (ASL) since her school in Florida offered it as a language credit. When she came to Hendrickson it was an instant disappointment when she heard that the school did not offer any kind of ASL program. Then the ASL Club was formed.

Led by Fielding and assisted by sophomore vice-president Jessica Stringer, the ASL Club teaches members how to use their hands to sign words associated with a different topic every week.

“It’s a different form of English, because you don’t talk, you sign,” Stringer said. “It allows you to communicate more with people who are in your country. In America you’re more likely to find someone that’s deaf, than you will French or German speaking.”

In addition to being taught the language, sometimes the club will bring guests to teach about their experiences. Fielding and Stringer hope that by bringing guests, members of the club will be able to see firsthand what it’s like to be deaf.

“Being deaf is different and sometimes people are scared to be around deaf people,” Stringer said. “They’ll get uncomfortable, when they’re just people. It teaches them to not be uncomfortable and to be more outgoing and talk to them.”

As an active participant in the deaf community, Fielding is responsible for recruiting deaf adults to share their experiences but for Fielding the ones that most impacted her weren’t the ones that came to the club. Back in Florida, one

of Fielding’s teachers had two deaf children and they occasionally visited.

“I would say the kids really touched my heart,” Fielding said. “Whenever they were down me and my sister would insult each other in sign language to make them laugh, since they are going through a really hard time in their life because they don’t really have support from their family.”

Fielding was impacted by her sister who had been learning the language for five years. Interested in learning ASL, Fielding’s sibling taught her basic vocabulary words, which eventually led to becoming more and more fluent with the language. With the club, Fielding hopes that she can create the same admiration her sister had on her years ago when she saw her signing.

“We have different activities coming up to show people what ASL is about,” Fielding said.

“We want to show them what deaf people go through and we hope that eventually we can get a deaf teacher. I would love if it became an official language credit, that’s our goal right now.”

Both Fielding’s and Stringer’s past has led them to become more accustomed to the deaf culture and the two hope that through the club’s teachings it’ll not only impact it’s members, but the school and beyond.

“I really enjoy learning about this whole culture that I didn’t even know about before,” Stringer said. “Being able to not necessarily be apart of the community, but know about it is really cool and that’s why I wanted to help continue it when I moved here. With it other people can learn about different cultures and may even be able to become apart of [ASL] in a bigger way.”

It’s quiet. Not an uncomfortable silence, but a familiar silence. Talk is light and limited mostly because everyone in the room is so focused on their computer screen. Each person working has a similar interest with each other, animation.

Animation club is where students get together to practice animation skills through programs like Flash and Blender to make original animations. They meet after school on Wednesdays till 5:30pm.

“It is mostly an individual thing, but every once in awhile we have a group project that kind of pulls everyone together,” club president Jordan Caron said. “All in all, we learn how to really work as a team and get whatever ani- “I think it’s mation we need to get done.” so cool that Caron began his love for animation after watching Disney’s film, Aladdin. you can He mainly was captivated by how the make your magic carpet would to make it look like creations it was actually flying, “I like to draw and I felt like something come to life was missing there was just something through anithat wasn’t there,” Caron aid. “I always mation” loved Disney as a kid and watching how they would hand draw each of the frames and how it would come together in this one big story. I think it’s so cool that you can make your creations come to life through animation.”

Caron brings what he learns in Audio Video Production such as the most visual pleasing shots, angles, and aesthetics to integrate into his animations. He plans on going into the video game industry, graphic design, and 3D modeling after high school. He wants to continue his passion for creating these animated stories throughout his life.

“I have the desire and ambition to want to do it,” Caron said. “I absolutely adore animating and animations in general. I think it’s a great thing to keep doing, especially because this is the career path I chose.”

In the club, animators learn the basics of the programs, Flash, Blender, and Photoshop so they have a steady foundation to stick their foot in. To join animation club contact club sponsor, Ms. Wells in C103 or talk to any member about participating.

“During our meetings, we mostly freeform,” Caron said.

“Freeform is what it sounds like. You get on the programs and you animate what you want to animate. You don’t really have that much that says you have to have this or you have to make this. You choose what you want to bring to life. It’s your animation and it’s your creativity.”

Features March 4, 201 6

The Voting Trail

9

Process outlined for upcoming presidential election MarQuise Prince-Salone Co-Editor

Election Calender Feb 1-June 14: State Primaries Each state decides its own primary date.

The Texas primary is on “Super Tuesday”: March 1.

2 1

Primary Election

An election where states chose which candidate from each party they want to see run against each other. The purpose is to narrow the amount of candidates as running mate periodically drop out of the race.

Caucuses

A meeting where citizen openly endorse their preferred candidate. Caucuses are mainly used for party members to select who they want as their candidate for a general election.

July 18-21: Republican Presidential Nominating Convention Delegates of the Republican Party choose their nominees for president and vice-president.

July 25-28: Democratic Presidential Nominating Convention Delegates of the Democratic Party choose their nominees for president and vice-president.

November 8: Election Day The day set aside for general election between the two primary candidates from opposing parties.

Voting eligibility (Texas) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Must be a citizen of the U.S. Must be a resident of the state.

Must be 18 years old by Election Day. Cannot be convicted of felony. If they are, the individual must have served full sen1. Register to vote tence or been pardoned.

2. Locate a voting May not have site been declared 3. Present a form of by a court as photo I.D. being mental4.

Fill out a ballot. ly incapable to vote.

How to Vote

Electoral College General Election

3

A grand election between two candidates, one from each party, for the position of president. Generally the campaign for this election lasts from the end of the primary election season in June until the general voting day in November.

4

Composed of 538 electors, the Electoral College officially elects the president and vice-president of the US. Citizen’s votes go towards whichever candidate they want their state elector to vote for rather than directly to the candidate. The candidate who receives majority of the electoral votes (270) wins the presidency.

Registration to Vote: deadline Oct. 11, 2016 In-person: Register to vote at a local or state voter office, department of motor vehicles, public assistance agency, or armed service recruitment agency.

Online: Go to www. votetexas.gov, click the tab, “Register to vote,” provide the necessary information and become registered.

Mail: Print out a Mail Voter Registration Form from www.eac.gov and mail it in.

Sources http://www.longdistancevoter.org/voter_registration_rules#.VrzRsNNVhHw https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote

10 Volume 9 , Issue 6 Features

And The Pendulum Swings

This year’s presidential election is the first current high school students can truly identify with, comprehend and participate in. While some may remember Obama’s election in 2008 and his reelection in 2012, the young minds may not have fully understood politics aside from what was said at home. But that’s not the only reason this election is revolutionary to the younger generation, or history in general. By aligning politics on a pendulum, the right identifying with conservative views and the left embodying liberal ideas, history shows a continual

fluctuation in the “national mood.” The cyclical theory describes the shift from public purpose, the transition phase, private interest, and back again.

Throughout Obama’s administration America has identifiably been on the left swing. What makes this election so interesting is that, potentially, this election could be the next transition phase.

There is a possibility to swing farther to the left, or make a fast swing to the radical right. This issue’s purpose is to provide information on top candidates, current opinions and various issues.

Kylie Ruffino Co-Editor

Life experiences shape views on immigration, politics Madi McVan Copy Editor

“I haven’t really heard his comments, der to help run the family restaurant. but I’ve seen him on social media, While her family follows Mexican and I think that it’s racist. The prob- politics instead of American, they are lem is that there are a lot of Hispanic still aware of the negative rhetoric people that can’t vote for him to not surrounding immigration, and hope be president.” for it to change.

Sophomore Yosebeth Melendez “I just hope it stops and it resolves echoes Tabarez’s opinions of Trump, itself, and ends peacefully,” Melendez and extends her opinion to the other said. “I feel like it’s going to be bad if presidential candidates.

Donald Trump wins. So hopefully ev“I feel like they think of us as poor erything just settles down.” people,” Melendez said. “They just think we’re janitors, or construc- *Pseudonym tion workers.

They don’t see us as high class, in a way. But I The following survey was given to seniors in feel like we government teacher Tom Lucas’s class. While not do most of the stuff for mandatory, the survey provides campus insight America. So I on political opinions to accurately measure the don’t under- student voting trends. stand why they have 1. If you could vote tomorrow, which top runthat type of ning presidential candidate would you vote view of us.”

Melendez’s for? parents migrated to America from Mexico 16 years ago, the year Melendez was born, in or-

Senior Voting Survey

11%

11%

11%

Other

Unkown

13%

Trump

18%

36%

Sanders

make it here.”

Stevens will not be 18 in time to vote, but still closely follows the presidential election.

“Honestly this whole election feels like a joke, but I would probably vote for Marco Rubio,” Stevens said. “Donald Trump is way too far right for me, and I don’t see myself voting for Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders.”

The rhetoric surrounding immigration in the upcoming election has caused a stir in the Mexican-American community as well, largely due to calls by Republican candidates to strengthen border security and reduce the number of immigrants entering the country.

Sophomore Gabriella Tabarez* was born in Mexico, came to the U.S. for a short period of time, returned to Mexico, then moved to America for high school. Tabarez lives with her grandparents, as her parents still live in her hometown.

Though Tabarez does not closely follow American politics, she is aware of one presidential candidate: Donald Trump. Trump has recently come under fire for his statements on immigration, especially his claim that the Mexican government is sending “rapists” and “criminals” to America.

“We see everything that is happening with Donald Trump, and of course we do not want him,” Tabarez said.

Cruz

When junior Dillon Stevens needs to decide how he feels about a current law or politician, his first instinct is always to think about how it will help his family.

Stevens generally views himself as a conservative Republican, but has some more liberal views on a few social issues. The majority of his opinions, including his opposition to gun control, stem from interactions with his family.

“There have been a few people in my family that who have been assaulted,” Stevens said. “They’ve told me that they felt like it would’ve gone very differently and they wouldn’t have been injured the way they were if they had a gun to protect them.”

Conversations with Hispanic relatives, some of whom are not in the U.S. legally, shifted his views on immigration away from some of the extreme views prevalent in the Republican Party.

“I feel like people may be taking the issues about illegal immigration a little too far,” Stevens said. “I think that it’s definitely a problem and I don’t enjoy the fact that there are illegal immigrants here in America, and I do think that they need to become legal citizens, but I definitely don’t agree with people like Donald Trump who are overly racist and overly harsh towards people who are just trying to

Clinton

Ileana Perez Asst. Editor

Features March

4, 201 6

11

Top candidates on top political issues

Advocates strong growth, fair growth and long-term growth through affordable college, equal pay and tax reforms. To do this, she hopes to invest in infrastructure for increasing good paying jobs.

Cruz’s Simple Flat Tax advocates lowering the seven personal income tax rates into a single low rate of 10 percent, and introduce the REINS Act in order to limit and regulate the amount of cost-inducing regulations Congress can pass.

Hopes to construct the Rebuild America Act, which would improve national infrastructure and create millions of jobs, and introduce The Sanders Plan, which would make public university tuition free by taxing Wall Street.

His main focus is to discourage outsourcing and bring jobs back to America. Trump also outlines plans to reform taxes to provide tax relief for the middle class and eliminate loopholes available to the upper class.

While he doesn’t have a plan yet outlined, the common Republican stance is to repeal the Affordable Care act.

Wants to start over with health care reforms by creating the Medicare for All plan in order to stop Americans from choosing between high wages or health insurance, give coverage to all and help the middle-class save over $5000 a year on health care.

Yet to be disclosed.

Health Care

Hopes to continue to improve and defend the Affordable Care Act to slow the growth of co-pays, deductibles and prescription drug prices but also expanding its reach to rural Americans and ensuring quality care.

Immigration

Will fight for a comprehensive immigration reform, which will provide a full, and equal opportunity to citizenship, protect borders and national security, and bring millions of people into the formal economy.

Wants to enact a policy to create an easy program to citizenship, ensure respectful border security, end criminal injustice for immigrants and the “Constitution Free” zone at the border.

Hopes to build a wall across the southern border to defend against illegal immigrants coming from Mexico and have Mexico pay for it.

Economic Reforms

National Security

For More Information

Will strive to build a wall on the Mexican border to ensure national security, triple border patrol agents, develop a citizenship program that will evaluate one’s education, professional experience, ability to invest or create jobs, and other potential benefits.

Encourages the expansion of global anti-terrorism cooperation, maintaining a cutting edge military, enforce the nuclear agreement with Iran and defeat ISIS by helping build the Iraqi military, Afghanistan’s democracy and restoring Libya and Yemen.

While he hopes to create antiterrorist acts, his main focus is to rebuild the military by better utilizing the defense budget to build 12 new submarines and better train the military.

He wants to fund these projects through tax reforms.

Advocates strongly for the Iran Deal and says war should be the last result. He strongly encourages combatting recent foreign policy issues by making them a top priority, but changing the approach to encouraging diplomacy policies and promoting fair trade.

Plans to launch military attacks on ISIS, put troops down in Syria and encourage other countries to do the same.

https://www.hillaryclinton.com

https://www.tedcruz.org

https://www.berniesanders.com

https://www.donaldjtrump.com

12 Volume 9 , Issue 6 Features

A New Kind of Race 43%

Rubio

Rubio

14% 17%

Trump

Trump

Cruz

29% 26%

February 2016 poll Results 2016

Republican Candidates 44%

33% Sanders

65%

Sanders

54%

Clinton

Starting with the presidential race of 2008, when the camera is not on them matters more social media has offered a new way to learn than ever before; a new level of transparency about politics, beginning with websites like now exists due to the invasive nature of the InFacebook that update with the flick of a finger. ternet. In this presidential race candidates canSince then, social media websites have expand- not simply say their talking points and move on, ed, and many of them are getting in on the po- it becomes a part of their everyday rhetoric and litical action. Like Snapchat, featuring stories lives, and can easily be construed by others. from debates and rallies, and websites like Twit“Once you put it on social media it takes on ter, providing more news coverage in addition a life of its own,” Lucas said. “For a campaign, to basic social elements. it’s harder to control their message since there Not only has social media coverage expanded, is no privacy because every second can potenbut so have their viewers. Social media websites tially be video taped.” provide a platform for more people, especially Social media has not only changed the way younger generations, to become more involved people access news and messages, but the way and knowledgeable on political topics. A presi- that it is presented to them. Candidates can dential candidate’s speech can now be send out their message easier than ever belive streamed online and any standfore, and gauge how voters feel about out moments can be shared withit almost instantly. Large frontrunner in minutes. candidates like Hillary Clinton, Don“For a campaign, it’s “It has provided yet another ald Trump, and Bernie Sanders, way for candidates to spread use Facebook and Twitter to disharder to control their their message to a broader cuss their ideas and plans, while message since there is audience at a much faster seeing how people react to them, no privacy because every rate,” government teacher posting their messages multiple second can potentially be Thomas Aultman said. “This times a day. This platform for video taped.” reach means things will discussion can engage a larger change quickly throughout variety and amount of voters, and Tom Lucas each day leading up to Election increase the likelihood that someone Day.” will see it.

This differs greatly from how even “Your voters are constantly in touch, ten years ago people reached their daily and you have access to them 24/7, so that’s great news through platforms like television and from a candidate’s point of view that’s great,” newspaper. Now, information’s instantaneous, Lucas said. “We didn’t see that in the extreme and in the back of everyone’s pocket. the last go round, everybody’s got a phone However, a user’s level of knowledge in poli- that’s connected.” tics and world news depends on how they deSocial media has the ability to increase one’s cide to use their phones and the Internet. Since knowledge on subjects and allow more voices fewer young people watch the daily news on to be heard, but in reality it only makes a diftelevision one could either see everything that ference if those who educate themselves use it happens in the world or never see anything at and vote, not just in presidential elections, but all, due to our ability to choose what we watch, all other state and local elections. Anybody can listen to, and read. complain about his or her government on Face“While everybody has access, you have to book, but it does not do any good if they do not choose to see it,” economics and government take the steps to truly change the things they do teacher Tom Lucas said. “Call me cynical, but not like. social media has become a buffet; you can “It has definitely had an impact on younger choose what you want or totally ignore what generations thus far, the bottom line is people you don’t want.” still have to go and cast votes,” Aultman said.

Social media has also changed the way that “All of you readers 18 and over please vote or politicians carry themselves and behave. Even don’t complain.”

Cruz

Gabby Sanchez Staff Reporter

37%

Clinton

Social media leads to change in election campaigns, process

February 2016 poll Results 2016

Democratic Candidates

Super Tuesday Polls Madi McVan Copy Editor

The purpose of polls is to gauge the public opinion of events, issues and candidates. However, it is difficult to conduct polls in a way that will give perfectly accurate results due to biases, polling methods, and lastminute shifts in public opinion. Here are the predicted results of the Texas primary election, from the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, compared to the actual results of the primary.

Features March 4 , 2016

13

Blackademics Smith sisters discuss televised presentation over Juneteenth history Rumor Stojek Asst. Editor

picks the top thinkers and scholars to give presentations centered around education, performance, and youth empowerment. Mia and Jordan will be on a thirty to forty minute episode that will air in November for season four titled, ‘Youth Generating Knowledge’. For their 12-minute presentation, they chose to discuss the history of Juneteenth.

“Black history in general, especially Juneteenth is something that many people don’t know about because we don’t learn about it in schools anymore,” Jordan said. “Having this opportunity taught me that speaking in front of a live audience makes an impact a lot bigger because they are actually sitting there listening instead of watching it on television.”

Juneteenth, June 19, 1865 was the day all slaves in Texas found out they were free. For Blackademics, Mia and Jordan created a presentation on how and why it happened, how it should be celebrated, and how many people don’t know about the day or its importance.

“There was probably two people in the audience that knew what I was talking about and they were my parents which is sad,” Mia said. “I think it’s important that we pay more attention in our history not just that slaves were made free

by Lincoln, because it was more than just that. People should The sisters pose for a picture right before their performance. know what happened From left to right. Jordan Smith, Kelly Glover, Dr. Courtney and how we got here Robinson, Mia Smith because without that I

They walk on stage and look towards the diverse audience of different ages, ethnicities, and genders. Then the camera starts rolling and juniors Mia and Jordan Smith begin their presentation about Juneteenth. The day is not regularly recognized as a holiday in society. Schools continue classes. Businesses continue opening their doors. Workers continue working. Celebrations are minimal at best.

During Mia and Jordan’s speech the audience gradually begins to nod their heads along agreeing and listening to what they have to say. As it comes to an end the live audience erupts in applause. The camera stops filming.

The sisters just recorded an episode for a series on PBS called Blackademics, which is a show where PBS

wouldn’t be here.”

During the summer of 2015 Mia and Jordan participated in an activist camp run by one of their close friends, Dr. Courtney Robinson. Dr. Robinson was on season three of Blackademics and ended up nominating the Smith sisters based of their passionate ideas.

“We had no idea what it was,” Mia said. “Honestly, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but throughout the whole presentation Jordan and I were bouncing off of each other and we weren’t doing it on purpose. We just thought the same.

It brought us closer because now we know what we both think about things that are important to us.”

When they found out they were chosen to speak, they were invited to a meet and greet with the producers then began the preparation for the speech, which took over three months of researching and drafting with different coaches.

“We go to a lot of black activist events, and we had already done a lot of things with Juneteenth like pageants to commemorate it and marches,” Jordan said. “So, we started by remember all those things and making a lot of phone calls to people about black history. Then we just had to put it all on paper and make it impactful and engaging.”

After their presentation Mia and Jordan have received many emails and business cards requesting them

to talk to different youth groups.

“I’m hoping students are going to watch it in November when it airs and be like, ‘These kids are talking about what they believe in so I should do the same’,” Mia said. “I want kids to reach out to whoever is in their community and figure out a way to let their voice be heard. You can›t sit and let other people say what you want to say.”

After the presentation, Mia and Jordan felt accomplished and relieved to get everything off their chests.

Their future goal is to encourage the school’s history teachers to play the video during class since teaching about Juneteenth isn’t in the curriculum.

“This experience made me felt important. For once people were actually listening to me. We said everything that need to be said in the most educated way that we could,” Jordan said. “These are the types of things we need to be learning in school. We need to unfold what has been buried by years of discontent.

It’s our history. Our culture. Our making. It’s cultural literacy. It’s not just history.”

14 Volume 9 , Issue 6 Feature

Photos provided by Hannah Malinowski

Dancing Dreams

Malinowski dedicates life to performance Lindsey Robinson Staff Reporter

Year after year attending the seasonal production of The Nutcracker, Hannah Malinowski spent her adolescence admiring the ballerinas and watching each “I just gleaming tutu leap across the want stage, all the while seeing herself in their slippers. She dreams to keep of performing on stage, this time dancing facing millions, as the crowd and docomes together to praise her in a standing ovation. ing what Malinowski has been in dance I love. I since the age of 3 and intends to continue with the art for the want to of her life. To make a career keep danc- rest out of her passion, Malinowski ing for as wants to attend Oklahoma City University, and to major in long as I dance performance. After recan.” ceiving a college education, she will either go to New York to hopefully perform on Broadway, or move to LA to be featured in music videos, movies, and TV shows.

“I just want to keep dancing and doing what I love,” Malinowski said. “I want to keep performing for as long as I can and then when I can’t anymore, I want to find a studio somewhere to choreograph and teach. I want to live my life with dance always being in it.”

In order to achieve this goal, Malinowski helped out with the annual musical, Urinetown and greatly enhanced her dancing skills along with improvements in singing, acting, and choreographing as well. In the production, Malinowski played Hope, and choreographed alongside junior Khali Sykes for all of the show’s dance numbers.

“I learned I’m not used to having non-dancers do my choreography, because I always work with people at my studio,” Malinowski said. “With Urinetown, I realized everyone is not at the same ability level and I learned how to fix something to look right for the entire group, sometimes having to morph my vision.”

Coupled with Urinetown, Malinowski is also the head drum major of the band. Due to the medical issues color guard director David Duffy had this year, he used Malinowski to portray his visual ideas for the show.

“Last year, Mr. Duffy had me improv in the beginning of the show, and then this year they had me do it again,” Malinowski said. “It was about finding neat ways that I could fit the show, myself, and the whole embodiment of our band program into these thirty seconds where I had my little feature.”

For inspiration for her future, Malinowski looks to Misty Copland, the first African American prima ballerina. When Misty Copland was 11, the theater she danced for, sent her a letter urging her to cease

dancing due to her body type. Instead of quitting, she defied the odds and is now a successful dancer.

Malinowski uses her as a role model not because of her dancing abilities, but because she overcame so much to “If you satisfy her hunger for dance.

“For me, my body isn’t built work hard to be as flexible as others peo- for someples, and I’ve been told that thing you holds me back as a dancer and that I’m not as good as other can alpeople,” Malinowski said. “But ways overto me that’s just another reason to keep going and prove them come any wrong.” obstacle Malinowski’s dream is to perthat is form in the broadway show Hamilton, where she wants to preventing show off her dancing talent in you from front of thousands of cheering audiences. Until then, she will reaching continue to improve to accom- your goal.” plish her dancing dreams.

“Hard work beats natural talent,” Malinowski said. “If you work hard for something you can always overcome any obstacle that is preventing you from reaching your goal. Those comments about my flexibility were the fuel that made me continue to dance, I used it as a push to make me get better.”

Entertainment March 4 , 2016

15

TV REBOOTS Staffers review recently revamped shows Fuller House

The hit 90’s sitcom Full House captivated quite an audience over the heartwarming antics of the Tanner children. The series originally aired from 1987 to 1995, but was brought back on Feb. 26th in a Netflix spinoff titled Fuller House. The reboot is complete with the same house, same characters, and same actors, however, there are some slight changes to the show, besides a twenty year gap in time. The most noted difference is Michelle Tanner, or the lack thereof.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, the twins who played Michelle, were unable to rejoin the cast. Additionally, Full House originally followed a plot centered around the care-taking of Michelle, Stephanie,

and DJ after the death of their mother. In Fuller House, the girls are grown up and come together to help DJ raise children of her own. The show should hold true to Full House and guarantees a blast of nostalgia for viewers.

When fans of Full House ask for blast of nostalgia, Fuller House responds, “You got it, dude.”

Reviews compiled by newspaper reporters, Lindsey Robinson, Paul Le, and Kiara Blankman.

Gilmore Girls The perfect mother-daughter duo will be back in a four part Netflix reboot giving all Gilmore Girls fans what they have been waiting for almost a decade. With the majority of the cast confirmed to return, filming started last month.

Unlike most Netflix series, the four new Gilmore Girls episodes will not be released all at once for binge watchers. Each of the 90-minute episodes will revolve around a season and be released in that way.

The X-Files The ongoing science fiction series X-Files has returned as a 6 episode of where the series left off back in 2002 with an eleventh season coming as well. The series follows FBI agents investigating extraordinary, and mind-bending cases also known as the “X Files”.

Though the government is not convinced of the phenomenal reports being true, conspiracy theorists Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and realist Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) team up to validate that the truth behind the cases it out there. The original series previously ended with 9 seasons back in 2002, 14 years later, the original Mulder and

Popular television programs reboot and lunched into new seasons with old and familiar characters.

Scully returns in season 10 to continue investigating the extraordinary cases to determine the truth while fighting supernatural forces and solving crime cases alongside of it all.

The first episode, Winter, deals with the death of the patriarch of the family, Richard Gilmore.

For most fans, this re-boot should answer the two most burning questions: did Luke and Lorelei end up together and who will win Rory’s heart in the end.

For most super fans, this reboot is much anticipated. For a generation of viewers who have missed this show, start binging now. You won’t be disappointed.

Shadowhunters Starting as a book written by Cassandra Clare, The Mortal Instruments was turned into a movie, but the series never continued.

Now it’s being rebooted into a show named, Shadowhunters that has exceeded people’s expectations far and beyond, because of the love triangle, the action, adventure, and conflict between the main charters. On Clary Fray’s 18th birthday, she finds that she comes from a long

line of Shadowhunters who hunt demons.

When a man that the whole shadow world is afraid of takes her mom, Clary is thrust into world filled with angels, demons, werewolves, warlocks, and fair folk. The reboot of the series ties in with the story line of the movie and the book, showing how a girl will do anything no matter

what the cost is to find her mom and destroy the one person she hates the most, in a magical world that nobody thinks exist.

16 Volume 9 , Issue 6 Entertainment

TRIBUTES TO FALLEN STARS

recent deaths of iconic celebrities inspire eulogies

glenn frey

Mikaela Kelarek Asst. Editor

Glenn Frey was born on November 6, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan. He was a founding member of the band the Eagles in which he sang and played guitar. Frey died January 18, 2016 due to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, pneumonia and ulcerative colitis at the age of 67.

While a member of the Eagles, Frey won six Grammys, five American Music Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He sang on tracks including

Mikaela Kelarek Asst. Editor

Daniel Gerson was born on August 1, 1966 in New York.

He studied at Cornell University before transferring to NYU to get his master’s in fine arts. After school, Gerson became a screenwriter for NBC shortly before becoming a writer for Pixar. He died February 6, 2016 at the age of 49 after battling brain cancer.

Gerson is most known for his work on writing the screenplays for Monsters, Inc., Monsters University and Big Hero 6, winning an Oscar for best-animated picture for Big Hero 6 and being nominated in the same category for Monsters,

DANIEL GERSON

Inc. He also contributed to other films such as Cars, Meet the Robinsons, Up and Inside Out. He also voice small rolls in his films, consisting of the janitors Smitty and Needleman in Monsters, Inc. and the desk sergeant in Big Hero 6. Gerson helped pioneer the technique of embedding life lessons into movies targeted toward children, such as the importance of friends and family and always doing what is right despite the challenges. By doing so, Gerson has helped create a generation with high moral values.

ALAN rICKMAN

Madi McVan Copy Editor

When considering the greatest movie villains of all time, there is no doubt that an Alan Rickman character will make the list. The British actor, born on Feb. 21, 1946 in West London, led a career in graphic design until he enrolled at the Royal Academy of Performing Arts at age 26. His breakthrough role was that of the villain Le Vicomte de Valmont in the play Les Liaisons Dangereuses, which earned him a Tony nomination and recognition, and launched his career on both the stage and the big screen. Rickman died

Rion Ellis Online Editor

Maurice White, the founding member of the R&B band, Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF), passed away in his sleep Feb. 4 of this year due to Parkinson’s disease, an ailment he was diagnosed with during the late 1980’s. White inspired young artists to believe in themselves and follow through on their ideas. He left a strong influence on music, including producing and mentoring popular artists beginning in the 1970’s.

White discovered his passion for music at the young age

“Take It Easy”, “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “New Kid in Town.” He was a part of one of the most successful bands in the 70s and the best-selling American band in the U.S. After the band dismembered in 1980, Frey began his solo career, releasing five records, two of which achieved gold status in the United States. Frey also performed songs for films such as Beverly Hills Cops, Ghostbusters 2 and Thelma and Louise.

on Jan. 14, 2016 of pancreatic cancer.

Rickman is best known by the older generations for his role as terrorist Hans Gruber in Die Hard (1988), but to the younger generations, Rickman is known for his iconic role as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter series. His depiction of Snape matched perfectly with the character in the books. Many of his former co-stars described Rickman as a thoughtful, kind man, unlike the iconic villains he played.

maurice white

of six watching Drum and Bugle Corps march in his hometown parades. The interest continued after high school when he moved from his hometown in Memphis, Tennessee to Chicago, Illinois. There, he studied music more formally.

Over three decades, EWF sold over 90 million albums worldwide. White’s encouraging and uplifting music influenced a variety of passionate R&B artists. His songs have touched many people, and he will be dearly missed.

Entertainment March 4 , 201 6 17

DAVID BOWIE

Gabby Sanchez Staff Reporter

The death of David Bowie on Jan. 10 sent shockwaves through the music world, with fans and other music artists lamenting his sudden death. As a music icon he inspired numerous other artists including Lorde, Madonna, and Paul McCartney, and helped shape the music world into what it is today, crossing over electronic and rock music, and solidifying genres like folk and glam rock. Lady Gaga, who performed a tribute to him at the Grammys, expressed her appreciation of his work and the influence on her own style and image. Bowie endured an 18 month long battle with cancer before his death at the age of 69.

Bowie was born in Brixton, a suburb of London, on Jan. 8, 1947. His music career began at the age of 13 when he learned how to play saxophone, and he later joined other smaller bands. However, his first hit as David Bowie was in 1969 with the single “Space Oddity.” For the next few decades he would stretch the limits on music and fashion, taking on personas like Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane, changing what it meant to be a performer.

In Bowie’s 50-year music career he released 27 studio albums and truly transformed music. His experimentation presented new ideas about music that had never been

Madi McVan Copy Editor

Literary icon Harper Lee died on Feb. 19 in her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama at the age of 89. Her novel To Kill a Mockingbird remained one of America’s most celebrated and widely-read books for decades, and is taught in high schools across the country. The character of Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird embodies the idea of “standing up for what you believe in,” and his daughter Scout lets readers experience the complexities of racial issues from the easyto-understand perspective of a child.

Lee was born on April 28, 1926 in Monroeville, the town that inspired her novels. To Kill a Mockingbird was released in 1960 to great critical reception and a Pulitzer Prize. The novel was adapted into a movie in 1962, increasing Lee’s fame but causing her to retract from the spotlight. Lee stayed out of the public eye and did not release another novel until 2015, when the manuscript of Go Set a Watchman, written in 1957, was discovered in a safe deposit box.

Go set a Watchman was the original draft of To Kill a Mockingbird, featuring Scout as a grown woman visiting her aging father in her hometown. Lee’s editor asked her to

heard before, and allowed many genres to gain acceptance and popularity. He left behind his own original ideas and presented music as a true art form, creating more freeform expression in lyric writing and dress. His work in the indie and pop genres serve as mold for artists to follow today.

Some of his greatest hit include “Changes,”“Heroes,” and “Life on Mars.” Throughout his career he worked with other music icons like Iggy Pop, Talking Heads, and Queen. He even starred in the Jim Henson children’s movie The Labyrinth (1986) where he played Jareth, the King of the Trolls.

Two days before his death, Bowie released his final album Blackstar. The album moved straight to number one in the U.S., his first number one on the U.S. music charts. Blackstar served as his final farewell, with many underlying themes about death and moving on. The secrecy of his condition led to shock and a sense of suddenness in his death in a world that was not quite ready for the Starman to leave.

In the wake of his death, SXSW employees changed Bowie St downtown to David Bowie St and Jerry’s Artarama held an art gallery in his honor.

hARPER LEE

rewrite the entire story to be from the perspective of Scout as a young girl; the result was To Kill a Mockingbird. The release of Go Set a Watchman drew criticism due to Lee’s failing health; many claimed that Lee was not mentally healthy enough to give permission to her lawyer to publish the book. In addition, the portrayal of Atticus in Go Set a Watchman revealed him to be more socially conservative than in To Kill a Mockingbird, changing readers’ opinions of the highly influential character.

Lee, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contribution to American literature, spent the majority of her life avoiding public attention. She donated much of her wealth anonymously to different charities. Lee’s novels influence readers to this day, as To Kill a Mockingbird is taught in many high school English curriculums.

The character of Atticus, despite his portrayal in Go Set a Watchman, inspires many lawyers to uphold moral standards. Although she only released two novels, Harper Lee changed American literature for good.

English teacher haley Honey

SOPHOMORE NABILA NADER

Librarian Claire Jones

“Harper Lee wrote To Kill a Mockingbird, one of my all time favorite novels. I feel that she was one of the greatest female authors in American literature and her critique of society will live on even after her passing.

Her death has affected the way that I will present her work and be more conscious of why she wrote and how she wrote.”

“Like anyone’s death it was impactful considering how he inspires people to be themselves and do what they want to do. People have so much history and such an emotional connection that it feels like part of them is gone. I wasn’t that big of a fan of him, but I can empathize with all the people that like David Bowie and it feels like part of them is gone.”

“(Lee) wrote a book that I read almost once a year and it’s a book that I started reading in middle school and it’s been such a big part of my life. I was sad but I also knew that it was coming soon. When I found out that she died I was sad, but I had sort of anticipated it. We put a little memorial up there on the counter for her.”

A.P. Clarissa alvarado “I feel like when we lose an artist like David Bowie, it reminds all artists of how he influenced them. For me there’s always going to be that fond memory of him and remembering my childhood and why I liked his music so much. When I think of artists that have passed away, like Bob Marley, he’s still alive to this day, he may not be alive but he’s here in spirit. It gets us to focus on how their passion impacts our lives in a positive way.”

18 Volume 9 , Issue 6 Sports

Hard-hitting questions

JV softball players recount experiences throughout season Alex Fulton Asst. Editor

JV softball players answer questions regarding their team, their inspiration and the sacrifices they have had to make. The following players are featured: Catcher Megan Munoz (sophomore), Pitcher, First Base and Outfielder Riley Zahradnik (sophomore), Outfielder, Second and Shortstop Hailey Flores (freshman), Pitcher and Outfielder Madison Rutherford (sophomore), Outfielder Mackenzi Haub (freshman) and Second, Shortshop and Outfielder Emily Paiz (sophomore)

Who’s your inspiration?

Megan: Eden Lopez, she’s a varsity softball player and she’s also a catcher. She’s really good and always has a good work ethic.

Riley: Definitely my cousin, she’s what got to me play. When I saw her play I always told myself that I wanted to be just like her.

Hailey: My dad loved sports and he wanted me to play a sport. I didn’t like any other sports, so baseball was the closest thing he liked to what I liked.

What is your favorite memory of the season?

Megan: Sometimes we have bonding events at Hawaiian Falls. We are able to get really close and it taught me that they’d always be there to back me up throughout the season.

Emily: I really liked meeting the freshman and laughing and having a good time together.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve had to overcome?

Riley: Last year, when we lost championships. It was a very close game, we were all crying and it was a hard day for all of us. Especially, for varsity, because they didn’t get to go to playoffs.

Hailey: Having time to keep up my grades with softball and finding the time to get better, instead of sitting at home.

Madison: What other people think of me as a player. When I’m hitting I’m afraid of what people will think if I strikeout.

What goes through your mind when you’re playing?

Hailey: I focus on what my job is and what I’m supposed to do.

Madison: Where to go if the ball comes to me. If I’m in outfield or if I’m pitching, what ball I’m going to throw next.

What motives you?

Megan: My coach really pushes me to the point where I just want to do better.

Hailey: My family and friends motivate me to work harder and do better.

Madison: My team, I just want to be the best I can be for them.

Emily: I motivate myself to do more than what I can do and I try to be better than everyone else.

Why did you decide to join softball?

Megan: I really loved it when I was younger and it was always there for me when I having a bad day.

Hailey: I played basketball, volleyball and track for a while, but I didn’t stick with them. I thought softball looked fun and I wanted to meet new people and get better at it.

Madison: I was four and my dad was like, “We should put her in baseball,” and I loved it so I just kept playing.

Describe the relationship you and your team have.

Riley: Whenever you spend four hours a day with each other you become really close.

Emily: We never really argue, we’re good with each other.

Mackenzi Haub Photo by: Victoia Hoang

What sacrifices have you had to make for softball?

Riley: I have to go in early everyday and stay late after school for softball. Sometimes I have to stay up late to work on homework.

Madison: It takes up a lot of time, because you are practicing so much. Especially when you’re on two teams.

Emily: I can’t go to parties sometimes, because I have to get up early the next morning for a tournament.

What were tryouts like for you?

Hailey: It was really scary, because I had never done softball in high school. I could tell that everyone was nervous about it, even the people that were on the team the year before.

Madison: Stressful. We had to get in a line to talk to the coaches about whether or not we were good.

Mackenzi: It was a bit nerve-wracking, but I was excited to find out who my teammates were going to be.

Emily: I was nervous, but I knew that at the end of the day whatever happened was going to happen for a reason.

Riley Zahradnik Photo by: Victoia Hoang

Megan Munoz Photo by: Victoia Hoang

Sports March

Sensational Season

4, 201 6

19

Varsity members speak about sporting experience Photos by Dolly Moon and Katelyn Pierce

Austin Leonard (12)

“I was up with two outs. I got the hit, we won the game, and it was the best feeling being congratulated by my teammates.”

Zachary Vargas (11) “I like baseball because it’s a game of failure. It’s really hard to succeed but when you do, it’s the best feeling ever.”

Charles Rajo (12) “Each game we play we get stronger as a unit and our brotherhood grows closer along with growth of skill.”

Walker Nunez (11)

“There’s up and downs but seeing your teammates climb out of the slumps, and being successful is a cool thing to see.”

Statesman of Soccer

Junior invests time in playing for Academy Chloe Pham Staff Reporter

In a blur of athletes, number 33 is visible through the crowd as he makes his way towards the goal. After a quick pass from his teammate, attacking midfielder Carlos Gregory takes the open shot and makes his first goal for the night, concluding a victory for the academy team four to zero.

In addition to being a full time debater and winning multiple awards for it, junior Carlos Gregory has been playing soccer for Lone Star since he was eleven years old and eventually transferred to the United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) when he was fourteen. The association was created to give the United States a competitive national team for the world

cup. By joining Academy, Gregory is given the opportunity to play with the best players as they are drafted into teams to compete with other groups around the country.

“I play because it’s competitive,” Gregory said. “The best part about playing for the Academy is that everyone wants to do well, everyone wants to succeed. Because its such a high level, in lower levels it sometimes seems like people don’t want to do as well as others so they wont want to try, but on the Academy you know that every time that you step on the pitch the other people will work for you and you will work for them. It’s a decision commitment and it’s something they have chosen.”

The amount of motivation and dedication devoted into academy reflects on the team’s achievement as each individual pulls their own weight as well as being able to work together cooperatively. In order to build on their success, the team is required to train four times a week focusing on different skill points whether it’d be conditioning day and strength day or tactics day. When it’s time for competition day, all of their hard work is poured out onto the field and held in the hands of their teammate.

“Competition is everything,” Gregory said. “It’s really ingrained in everything we do. We make everything that we can to gain even if its just doing sprints to see who can finish first. Before

games though, we all pray together and we also ask each other what we’re thankful for. And then we have this helmet that’s like a hard construction hat and basically whoever plays the best that game gets their name on it.

And then the person who has the most names on it by the end of the year, they get to keep the helmet.”

Throughout the years Gregory’s success has built up and allowed him to be the player he is today. But it didn’t just happen over night.

“You have to make sure you’re willing to work hard,” Gregory said, “Because if not there’s really no chance. Honestly anytime I’m not doing school or debate it’s soccer, or training, or running. It’s basically all of my other time.”

20 Volume 9 ,Issue 6 Last Look

Snow Bound

Theater and debate students recount their recent travels Holly Hambleton Staff Reporter

Boston

“We had ordered reservations for a really fancy dinner at this place called Legal Seafoods. It was super fancy, everything on the menu was $20 up.

The entire price was $725 and the food was so delicious. I took my leftovers because Nash said I should give them to a homeless person because I’m not gonna eat my leftovers. So I grabbed the leftovers of everyone’s meal. We were walking down the street and on the way to the subway there was a homeless woman and I said, “Hi would you like some seafood for dinner?” and she said something along the lines of, “Oh I would love that.”

She was so humble and nice. I was reminded of how rewarding helping people is and it honestly the highlight of my entire weekend.”-Ayu Sofyan (12)

“That was our last national tournament, so Christina [my partner] and I were having a hard time finding closure because we were like, “We lost again,” but the judges thought we were an already qualified team.

One of the judges thought we were one of the best high school policy debates [they’d] ever seen on this topic so that was really nice. Now we’re super motivated to qualify for nationals because it’s in Salt Lake City, Utah.

We’re also wanting to do really well at state to find closure from that really bad tournament but it’s just motivating us even more.” -Ayu Sofyan (12)

New York City “The second day we were there we were supposed to go to Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Our travel guide told us the ferry would be open as soon as we got there, so we could get on and go. But of course when we got there the ferry wasn’t open for another 30 or 45 minutes. It was freezing outside and none of us had adjusted to the cold yet. I couldn’t feel my toes they were completely frozen, and all of us were just done at that point. So Fisher was like, ‘Come on guys, we’re taking a field trip,’ so we walked around Trinity Church and we all went inside to get warm. It’s a really old place, that’s actually where Alexander Hamilton and Eliza were buried so that was super cool to see. We had to go inside and be quiet, while trying to warm up from the freezing weather. It was a really good experience, Trinity church was actually one of my favorite places to see. We got lucky because we weren’t supposed to do that but we ended up doing it instead.”-Erin Eckert (11)

“We all bonded a lot and we got to see some amazing Broadway shows.

I think all of us were just dumbfounded by the technical elements of the shows, the music elements, and the acting. All of us were just speechless about how amazing that stuff was.”

-Erin Eckert (11)