Volume 79 Issue 1
201 E. Tomlinson Longview, TX
HOCO PAGE 11
REMAKES , PAGE 16
@LHSLongView
Friday 10.09.2015
.com
VISIT US ON
@lobo_now
FOLLOW US ON
A Global Disappearance Students puzzled after program splits genius.com / THE LONG-VIEW
pages 8-9
PAGE 2
Friday, 10.09.2015
New Softball Building
INSIDE the
VIEW
Daniel Bally news editor
NEWS 2
5 OPINIONS FEATURE 7
8 SPOTLIGHT LIFESTYLE 12
13 SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT
15
The softball fields are currently being renovated due to past and recent requests from the softball team and a postponing of the construction due to various changes. There is also a new building which will serve as a ticket booth and concession stand. “Our field was old and out of date. [The constructions crew is] closing in the dugouts, and they are encasing them in concrete,” Softball coach Talesha Roberts said. “They are adding more stands for the fans, we are getting a press box, and they are also remodeling our outdoor batting cages.” The renovations were due to have been completed at the end of September, unless postponed due to weather issues or other problems. “I’m very excited [about the renovation]. I think it’s good for our program and I think it will maybe help attract some players who are in the school who didn’t sign up before,” Roberts said. “It’s good for our fans because it is better seating and they get bathrooms out there, so it’s better for everyone.”
d the World n u Aro United StatesHurricane Joaquin made landfall on October 5, a turn of events not unlike that of Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
United States- On October 1, Chris Harper Mercer opened fire at Umpqua Community College, killing ten. Mercer allegedly targeted Christians.
Syria- Russian areospace forces carried out airstrikes against ISIS on October 1 in support of Bashar al-Assad’s government; some of the strikes, however, have hit Western-supported rebel groups.
Information gathered from cnn.com
Brochures • Flyers Business Cards • Postcards Website Design •Vehicle Wraps
ORDER ONLINE @
RELIDY.COM 903-759-4440 Longview, TX F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
PAGE 3
Friday, 10.09.2015 Sam Recendiz/Kim Peralta staff writers
Talent Show
THE LONG-VIEW THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
201 E. Tomlinson Pkwy Longview, TX 75605 Volume 7 Issue 1 Adviser
Dancing Diva Junior Lauren Benjamin poses during a dance duet.
Sasha Cantu
Editor-in-Chief
Estrella Gonzales
Editorial Staff
Crazy Junior Hannah Palmer siezes first place and the prize of $100.
Daniel Bally - News Editor James Babbitt - Sports Editor Victoria Weaver - Entertainment Abby Jester - Opinions Editor Emily Araiza - Feature Editor
Staff Writers
Alyssa Shobert Sam Recendiz Kim Perlata Yosef ibitayo
Couple Scene Senior Amber Worley and Junior Cody MacDonald assist in a dance skit.
Chandelier Sophomore Stephanie Guck wins second place and prize of $50.
You’re Gonna Love Her Heather Cisco sings for the audience while the votes are being cast.
Come Home To Me Senior Shay Massey and Junior Hunter Masten place third, winning $25, and are awarded the audience choice award.
Dynamic Duo Seniors Trevor O’Connor and Uwa Ihionkhan perform a dance while hosting the show.
Boat Buyer Calvin Hanzik borrows a guitar and serenades the crowd.
The Weight is gone The freshmen of 2015-16 are the beginning of a new era. No longer will GPAs sky rocket after taking a weighted class or two, because the school has done away with the weighted system. This change will have no effect on sophomores, juniors, or seniors who were grandfathered into the weighted program when they started their freshman year. However, this
For more information, contact The Long-View Adviser Sasha Cantu at (903) 663-7181, or email at scantu@lisd.org.
Letters to the Editor
Beginning this year for the new freshmen, electives will no longer play a part in GPA. Emily Araiza feature editor
The Long-View is printed by Champion Printing. The LongView is a free publication distributed each month during the school year. The opinions expressed in The Long-View are those of The Long-View staff and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of LISD administration or staff. The LongView welcomes comments on school related issues. Names will be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit letters before publication. The Long-View is self-supported by advertising sales sold by newspaper students. Ads in The Long-View are $6 per column inch, with discounts for large ads.
year’s freshmen will only have their core classes weighted. For example, if a freshman were to take Art History, or IED, it would have the same effect on their GPA as if they were taking Study Hall or Journalism. In short, it doesn’t matter what electives students take anymore. From the Freshmen of this year onward, students will be able to pick classes based on their interests, not their GPA.
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
The Long-View encourages you to submit us letters. It should be no more than 300 words. Include your full name and email or phone number (email and phone number will not be published). We reserve the right to edit for space, spelling, grammar, and libelous statements. Send your letters by email to scantu@ lisd.org or mail them to The Long-View, 201 E. Tomlinson Pkwy, Longview, TX 75605.
PAGE 4
Friday, 10.09.2015
Pep Squad Daniel Bally news editor
Pep Squad is a new club that supports the Lobos at home games for football and basketball. Pep Squad was reorganized and sponsored by Cheer Coach Heather Gee. Captains include squad leaders: Aaliyah Taylor, Brianna Hawkins, Soumya Donty and Uwa Ihionkhan as the head squad captain. “Pep Squad is ‘The cheerleaders in the stands’,” Ihoinkhan said. “We are there to support the football and basketball teams.We encourage school spirit, and we are there to have community service and that type of thing.” Pep Squad was formed
because there were not enough cheer squads to make it to basketball games for JV, Varsity girls and boys, and the football games. “[Pep Squad] has been something that Mr. Brewer asked to re-establish for basketball season, but the girls also wanted to participate during football season,” Gee said. “I think basketball season is going to be a tell tale sign of what all we do and it’s an exciting thing to be doing.” Students wanting to join must have good grades and have good standings with discipline. They must also complete an interview with Gee. “We are not exclusive no matter your gender, race, or sexual orientation, as long
WINNING SMILES Members of Pep Squad pose for picture while increasing school spirit at the Homecoming football game.
as there are no behavior or academic issues,” Ihionkhan said. “There is really that sense of community and acceptance, and school spirit which is something that is so important [to Pep Squad].” Pep Squad currently has 28 registered members and is willing to take in more to assist in raising school spirit at games.
Sasha Cantu// THE LONG-VIEW
“They are competing against Interact a little bit and the student section can sometimes be hard to cheer with,” Gee said. “But I see growth like with anything when you start new. It’s hard because people are scared of the challenges [involved]. It’s really the fear of the unknown.”
Assisting the Elderly
Hearts club established to help the elderly with arts and crafts be perfect for the community,” Wheeler said. “They are wonderful. I think they are When wanting a new way to looking for a need and trying give back to the community, to meet that need and both of Christopher Guck and Lucy them are just very determined Castillo developed a different to making an impact in the approach to return the favor. community around them.” That is when The Hearts Club The Hearts Club, short for was started, sponsored by Helping the Elderly through Mrs. Stacy Wheeler. Arts, will go once a month “It’s great. I think it’s a to a nursing home to do need not being met by other an activity that promotes groups, and so I believe it will cognitive skills with the Sam Recendiz/Kim Peralta staff writers
elderly. The nursing homes will vary from two or three in which they will visit. “It just gives a way for people to get community service hours and it’s a fun way to give back to the community and elderly people,” Guck said. “Once the group gets big enough, we will just have different groups and one will go one month and the other can go next month.” The Hearts Club is a great
way to get involved in our school and as well as get community service hours. Doors will be open for everyone and meetings will be at 7:45 on Mondays in room 120, Mrs. Wheeler’s class. “Because we just started this club, we do not have any idea on how many students will apply,” Castillo said. “In all, the club is open to whoever is enthusiastic about getting involved in the community.”
October
5 4-17 15 17 28 31 Beginning of 2nd 6 weeks
Books-A-Million hosting Book Drive for LHS library
Deadline to join Anchor Club
Books-A-Million Book Fair 1:00pm-4:00pm
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
End of Z Club collecting bras for Free the girls’ campaign
Halloween
PAGE 5
Friday, 10.09.2015
Confederate Flag Controversy Across the nation, people have demanded that the Confederate Flag come down.
Keep It Up! Abby Jester opinions editor
Take It Down!
I’m being honest when I say that I think the public demand to take down the Confederate Flag was unnecessary. Many people were being highly offended by it, even though it’s been around for over 130 YEARS, when, in my opinion, there really isn’t anything to be offended by. For starters, the flag was not initially a division of black and white; it was a division of the North and the South. If you’re offended because one side happened to have it better than the other, then that’s your offense burden to bear. What happened in the past is something that we as a present-day society cannot travel back in time and change. If you’re offended by the uneven balance of race among the population of the North versus the South today, that too cannot be fixed. While many people are viewing the Confederate Flag as a symbol of slavery and hate toward black people, it is actually the army of northern Virginia’s battle flag. It was a symbol in a war that was fought with both blacks and whites standing under that flag. If the flag represented racism and slavery, would some African-Americans volunteer to fight under it? It became that battle flag when it was rejected as the national flag. This flag significantly symbolizes the history of the South. It has nothing to do with the National Confederacy, as it was never a national flag, nor did it ever historically represent the Confederate States of America as a country. I feel there is nothing wrong with trying to keep the historic culture of the South alive. Besides, slavery was not just in the South, like so many people seem to think, it was worldwide. Dylann Roof murdered nine African-Americans in what became a fairly well-known Charleston church shooting. He was shown worldwide with a Confederate Flag, which people began relaying as a message of racism, but Roof also had an American Flag, which he burned. He doesn’t hate a race in particular. He hates America. I find it sad that people demanded the flag be taken down, because that’s exactly what he wanted. He wanted more conflict than what already existed, only to further divide us. We have to look at the bigger picture. Removing the flag comes across as the removal of the effort to accept the cultures and beliefs of others. Instead of trying to understand all points of view, we’ve removed the view. A black woman posted pictures and was recognized through some media when she was shown waving and defending the Confederate Flag. She discussed the fact that when she lived in North America, there was much segregation, but when she came to South America, she witnessed togetherness. This was before the Confederate Flag controversy. Sure, there are people with corrupted beliefs and attitudes, but those who are affected by them don’t have to be. Our country will never be equal and unified if we don’t see that it DOESN’T MATTER what race you are, we are all to blame for the problems our nation must face. No nation can be perfect, and no nation can undo what it once was. Besides, we are all slaves: slaves to money, to power, to desires, and even to people, whether it be a mother slave to her child’s dreams or a spouse slave to their significant other. The Confederate Flag is A PIECE OF MATERIAL. The only other things we know about it are things of the past, which shouldn’t be brought up if we are all trying to focus on the now and the future. I highly recommend going to Youtube.com and watching Patty Politics’ view on the Confederate Flag. Many viewpoints of mine were inspired by hers.
Alpha Gonzalez guest writer
For 54 years the Confederate Flag had been flown at the South Carolina state capitol, and it was about time that they took it down. For its supporters, the flag represents heritage and culture, but for all those who take offense, it represents slavery and hatred. To me, this widespread distaste is the very reason it should have been taken down. Although this battle flag holds great meaning for many people, there are other ways to display such pride and heritage. For example, one could fly the flag in their front yard or, as many people do here, on the vehicles they drive. Such self-expression is a right bestowed on them by the very documents that founded this country which, to me, that display of pride is 100% okay. However, when the flag is flown to represent a state, and many in that state do not identify with the flag, then the very meaning of self-expression is altered in an oppressive and offensive way. I believe that if a symbol, which is not required to be shown, is displayed in such a political fashion, and therefore offends the inhabitants of that state, then it should not be shown as a general representation. To me, the flag is a symbol of the Confederates in the battles of the Civil War, or as a symbol of “southern heritage pride”, and I do not hold such meaning as offensive. However, when supporters use it specifically to “hate”, then it becomes offensive to all gays, African Americans, and all other denominations of people persecuted for their skin color or beliefs. I have personally felt the offense that the flag carries when held by CERTAIN people, so I do not doubt that many others share the same opinion as me, for many have felt the hate, and many respect that the “haters” have a right to feel as they please. Yet, such emotion should not be allowed to be flown “in the face” of those opposed. This country was founded on the belief that all people have a right to believe and support whatever they please. This is why the United States of America is the most sought after country for political, religious, and social freedom. That foundation should never be tarnished by people who wish to use that freedom to “gloat” or hate. So let the supporters believe what they believe. Let the gays be proud. Let the African Americans feel safe and free. Let the Christians, Muslims, Jews, and all others believe what they wish to believe and personally express such beliefs. But do not let any group oppress and publicly offend another, for that contradicts all that WE fought for 243 years ago. No one should have to drive by their state capitol and feel hated. No one should have to feel like they don’t belong in their state. The suporters and the bearers of the Confederate Flag should express their beliefs in a more personal way. They will always be allowed to fly their flag in their homes and on their shirts, but they should never be allowed to force others to see the flag as a false representaion of their own beliefs and state identification. The Confederates have the right to associate with their flag, but they do not have the right to associate an entire state with it. The flag definitely should have been taken down, but that’s just what I believe.
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
PAGE 6
RaNt CoLuMn
Friday, 10.09.2015
Confederate Flag: Student Poll
Homecoming Court Star Gonzales Homecoming. The editor-in-chief annual mecca for alumnis across the nation to return home to their alma mater and celebrate the good old days in high school. Every school has their own traditions when it comes to festivities. Some schools have dances, parades, pep rallies, and football games. Typically the homecoming court consists of students who have contributed to the school. Voting and campaigns take place throughout the week as homecoming hopefuls rally up people to support them in the race. However, I have come to find that’s not the case for Longview High School. For the past three years, the homecoming court has been selected by the football team. I understand the reasoning where it seems simpler and we don’t have to hassle with girls not signing up for the court, but if the homecoming court is for the school, then why don’t we have a say in the decision making process? I find it odd that homecoming here is observed as nothing other than a football game. Now our football program is spectacular and have my full support, yet, I refuse to stand here and watch girls get their self esteems down because a group of teenage boys didn’t think they were pretty enough to be Homecoming queen. In my research, I actually found that some of the girls who were selected by the team for homecoming court didn’t find it very appreciative, for they had no interest in participating in that aspect. Also, some girls were actually very disappointed that they were unable to run for the crown. When asking where to sign up, those girls were turned away, for it was the football team’s decision. There is a common rule that I, as a journalist, have come to adopt: equal representation for everyone. When submitting a poll or getting quotes, we make sure everyone from every group is properly represented and no one gets left out. Seems to me that this isn’t the homecoming court, but the football court. All hail the Football Queen.
Design by James Babbitt 175 students polled
Polo Shirts Under Hoodies
Abby Jester opinions editor
Students express their opinions on the new dress code rule.
“Dress code? More like stress code. It just really grinds my gears. Why would they take such a comfortable rule away from their loving student body? I know people exploited the rule, but polos under sweatshirts or hoodies? That’s just really uncomfortable for a lot of people.” -Michael Hanson, 11
“I think that administrators here tend to focus more on what we are wearing than what we are being taught. We come to school hoping to be prepared for the job we wish to pursue. Instead, we come and get dress coded. We are now focusing on what to wear instead of on important things like homework.” -Gaylen Lyons, 12
“I’m just glad I can wear my hoodie. In middle school, we weren’t allowed to wear hoodies. So, regardless of the new rule, I’m happy.” -Ainsley Polk, 9
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
“It’s stupid. Why does it matter if we have a polo on underneath a hoodie or not? No one can see if there’s a collar on a kid’s shirt anyways because the hood on the hoodie covers up their neck. Why can’t we all just be warm AND comfortable at the same time? Is that just too much to ask? I think not.” -Erin Mitchell, 11
“It sucks. If the school board wants us to get a good education, we should be comfortable in the environment we’re learning in so we’re focused on our work instead of tugging at our collars all class period like we do. It’s not fair we can’t just wear what we want to.” -Alyssa Jester, 10
PAGE 7 Friday, 10.09.2015
In Da Club
Sam Recendiz/Kim Peralta staff writers
Staff members list officers of various clubs around campus
JROTC
Battalion Commander: C/LTC Estrella Gonzales Battalion Command Sergeant Major - C/CSM Luciano Perez S-1 C/CPT Chaunah Leatch S-2 C/CPT Tyreick lewis S-3 C/CPT Hunter Masten S-4 C/CPT Daquiaveon Collins Alpha Company Commander - C/CPT Aurora Ruacho Bravo Company Commander - C/CPT Dylan Thigpen Charlie Company Commander - C/CPT Shaquincy Watts Delta Company Commander - C/CPT Shadarria Alexander Echo Company Commander - C/CPT Alphalia Gonzalez Foxtrot Company Commander - C/CPT Chaunah Leatch
Brown’s Voyage
READY SET TEACH
Co-Presidents-Ruby Brooks & Malakia Dixon Vice President-Aalayia Taylor Secretary-Autumn Gordon Treasurer-Anthony Moon Project Chair-Shannon Davis
theatre
President/Head Tech - Nathan Williams Treasurer - Alex Lammers Secretary - Ysidro Montano Historian - Abby Jester Parliamentarian - Michael Hanson
Student Council Sophomores
President-Alicia Tovar Vice President-Kamri Alexander Secretary-Celeste Nunes Treasurer-Suzanne Zeid Parliamentarian-Levi Grant
Juniors
President - Arjun Peddireddy Vice President - Aaron Brown Secretary - Roshni Edalur Treasurer - Rutvi Patel Parliamentarian - Daniel Bally
Seniors
President - Uwa Ihionkhan Vice President - Chelsey Templeton Secretary - Gaylen Lyons Treasurer - Trevor O’Connor Parliamentarian - Lauralee Jackson
Executive Class Officers President - Trevor O’Connor Vice President - Uwa Ihionkhan Secretary - Meredith Novy Treasurer - Gaylen Lyons Parliamentarian - Ben Monsour
Senior talks about his junior year spent at school in Bourg-en-Bresse, France Alyssa Shobert He steps onto the plane and staff writer suddenly realizes that he is leaving his hometown behind, his life behind, for something new; a brand new language, family, school, and country. Senior Elijah Brown arrived into a whole different world 10 hours later on September 5, 2014 to study for his junior year. Brown came to know about the foreign exchange program from another LHS student from Thailand. “I checked it out online just out of curiosity,” Brown said. “After talking with my parents about it, I signed up.” Bourg-en-Bresse, France, the small town in which Brown would be staying in for his third year in high school, is a beautiful town. “It was small and old, but really neat.” Brown said. “It was about half the size of Longview, but had an excellent bus system, beautiful architecture, and sidewalks everywhere.” School in France was much different than here at Longview High School. He explains that he appreciated how challenging the classes were compared to his classes here. “It’s more complicated and harder, but you learn a lot more,” Brown said. “Classes are more advanced and teachers are more dynamic.” He didn’t take any French classes before going to study abroad, and barely anybody spoke English. His schoolwork was completed in French, and his host family and friends only spoke the native language. Brown, having first hand experience, is willing to help students who struggle with their French class.
“If anyone needs a French tutor,” Brown said, “contact Mrs. Littleton and I’ll be happy to help.” Life in the small town of Bourg-en-Bresse is not as different as it might seem. Brown enjoyed hanging out with his friends after school, or going to get something to eat after a long school day, lasting until 5:30 PM every evening. “On weekends, my friends and I would go to Lyon by train,” Brown said, when talking about Lyon, the second largest city in the country. “[We’d] spend the day there just hanging out, visiting things, or shopping.” He also had multiple breaks throughout the day, including a long, one hour lunch break in which Brown pronounces the school food amazing. Bon appetit! Brown got back home exactly 10 months after his arrival, July 5, 2015. Although Brown was happy to be back home again, he said he wants to study abroad again. For his college years, he wants to go back to Europe to complete his education. “I’m planning on going to the University of Oslo in Norway,” Brown said. “It’s free to study for everyone.” If you are interested in studying abroad, information can be found at the American Field Service website, www.afsusa.org, the Youth For Understanding website, yfuusa.org, or Rotary www. rotary.org. All of these programs will guide you to explore a school year as a foreign exchange student. Whether you study in Latin America or halfway around the world in Australia, an adventure is always waiting.
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
AMERICAN PRIDE Senior Elijah Brown poses with an American flag during his year studying abroad in France. Photo provided by Elijah Brown
PAGE 8
Friday, 10.09.2015
A Global Disappearance Everett Brunson gives the facts about Global Estrella Gonzales editor-in-chief
WHAT WAS GLOBAL CREATED FOR?
It was made for all students who were interested in science, technology, engineering and math. The Global STEM Academy was the result of the district applying to Texas Education agency to start a recognized STEM school and the process is very rigorous and we had to meet certain standards to be able to establish the academy. It’s open to all students, they particularly wanted us to recruit females, minorities and first generation college goers to give them a leg up where they normally wouldn’t have it. That’s who it was for and why it was created.
how was global weighted?
Global classes carried a higher grade weight from regular classes. We delivered our curriculum differently, we did it through as much as possible project based learning, a lot of group work. The STEM students had less homework because they were working on their projects in class so it was a different approach than the traditional education process. We emphasized hands on learning and the fact that the teacher was more of a facilitator for learning with the students doing the actual leg work themselves, less lecture and more doing. So it was a different way of learning for them.
what is the aftermath?
is global no longer a program?
Well it’s still a program it will always be a program for three more years. Mrs. Means and I are still here for the Global kids in regard to the Robotics program, the college visits and college tours, the guest speakers we’re going to be bringing, all of that held true. But one of the things that didn’t hold true, was we weren’t able to hold onto all of our Global teachers and it ended up with all of our Global students being dispersed into some to regular classes and some into AP.When I look at it, it’s this, yes we don’t have a Global teacher anymore but the infrastructure in regard to the things that we planned as Global students happened. When the graduate, they’re still going to graduate with a Global designation. That part doesn’t go away either. Everything changes and when you look at what is the best thing that we can do for all of our kids here, we’re comfortable with the decision.
Q&A with a global graduate Andrew Hodson graduated from Global High in 2013.
what did you do in the program? Well outside of normal day to day classes we had many field trips to nearby colleges and I was apart of the robotics team that went to nationals.
The district had an opportunity to apply to TEA to get an Early College Designation. Kids coming into the Early College program will graduate with 60 hours of college. With 2 years of college out of the way and it’s going to be tuition free to those kids.That is a huge thing for families who want their kids to go to college but are afraid they can’t afford it. This way those kids will get half of their college out of the way. When you look at that it’s a big picture item compared to what we’re not going to have with Global, I think it’s a fair exchange.
what about the myths surrounding global?
I wouldn’t consider learning disability for those kids, it would be learning differently. When you get into education and have to take education courses on how people learn, you will find that there are people who are called Kinesthetic Learners, meaning the more they touch it, the better off they are. For some Visual Learners, they have to see it. For Auditory learners, they have to hear it. So if you are a Visual Learner and you’re in a class where all the professor does is drone on and on and you’re hearing it but you’re not seeing anything, are you learning disadvantaged? Well you are, depending on how you look at it. If they’re delivering a lesson in a way you can’t understand and absorb, that makes you learning disadvantaged. But does that make it anything about your mental abilities?
were teaching methods in global different?
PAGE 9
Friday, 10.09.2015
T H In 2014, 43 percent of Global students graduated and went onto E college. Also, in 2014, Global recieved the F most scholarships ever since its start in 2008. A The anticipated Early College graduates of 2019 are expected to C graduate with a total of 4,080 hours. T S 46 percent of all kids in average Texas high schools graduate and go onto college.
Teaching methods were more relaxed in the what did global prepare you for? sense that you didn’t have to worry about homework One of the best things about Global is that and classes were just less stressful than normal classes we were all pretty close with our peers and teachers, in general. it really was like we were a family. It really brought people from different backgrounds to come together and be apart of something. As for preparing us for the real world I would say that we are just as prepared as any other graduate. F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
What have you done after high school?
Well I am basically a working class citizen now. I work a full time job and pay bills and taxes like everybody else. I will be going to college this coming semester for cyber security.
what’s taken you so long to go back to school?
To be honest lack of motivation. I know I should have already but I just haven’t [gone]. [It had nothing to do with Global] they took us on trips to many colleges and had meetings with every student.
PAGE 10
Friday, 10.09.2015
Living the Dream Eric Taylor pursues his dream of dance, paving the way for future male Viewettes Yosef Ibitayo staff writer
Emily Aguilar // THE LONG-VIEW
SMILE FOR THE CAMERA Seniors Kierra Batiste and Eric Taylor smile while dancing on the sidelines of the Lufkin game.
He moves in sync with the others, a smile on his face as the line shifts to their next pose. An anomaly on the field, he is a symbol of hope for the future of the Viewettes, a sign of things to come. Senior Eric Taylor has always liked to dance. After getting back into dance at Longview High School his sophomore year, he attempted trying out for the Viewettes in the spring of 2013, spurred on by his friends. “So then tryouts came,” Taylor said, “[and] I didn’t make it, so I was like, ‘Okay, this year, I’m gonna get into Viewette Prep the first semester and try out,’ and so, I did that, and I tried out, and I made it.” It was a milestone experience for Taylor, a desire to be a part of what he loves and to do better at it than the others who work with him. However, while Taylor’s achievement of getting into Viewettes is a reason for celebration on its own, it is not the first time something this momentous has happened at Longview High School. That honor belongs to Brian Smith, senior lieutenant for the 2004-2005 Viewettes. “Back when Jamie Eisenhuth was here,” Viewette Director Debbie McGowan said of Smith’s experience as a Viewette, “he [had] to dress in the athletic locker room, so he did get some jeering and commenting from that. When we went other places and he performed, sometimes people would shout for him in stadiums. Other than that, he was well accepted at school and at pep rallies.” Taylor has had to go through those same events.
Like Smith, he ignores the jeers, and considers those people immature. He views his differing requirements and responsibilities as a Viewette as a high priority. “Sometimes it’s hard for me to practice with [the other Viewettes], because I have different stuff to wear,” Taylor said. “So, when I practice, I gotta make sure I don’t hurt myself.” This “different stuff” consists of a male top and jazz pants during practice, as well as green pants and a green-edged overling during events. Despite the troubles that come with that necessity, Taylor works with the same level of commitment, or higher, to Viewettes as the girls. Director McGowan sees his unique position as a higher-level one than the girls. “This is my first male drill team member that I’ve ever had, and I think it’s exciting.” McGowan said. “I’m glad to see that there are more males interested in dance; dance as a whole does not have a lot of males [involved], and Eric wants to continue in dance.” These factors propel Taylor onto a pedestal from which everyone is watching him. Despite this constant attention, he sees his participation in Viewettes as having a positive effect on the future of the Viewettes, and recognizes that he is now an icon that other danceenthused students can look up to for years to come. “They’re only people in high school,” Taylor said, “but [I think] they’d be very proud of me, and [would say], ‘He’s so brave.’” Despite his setbacks and trials, Taylor has held his head high throughout, and is looking forward to greater success in the future. “I try to ignore all the people who laugh at me for doing stuff like this,” he said, “but I’m living the dream.”
THROWBACK Bryan Smith, the very first male Viewette, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS Taylor shows off his moves at the Lufkin dances in the stands in 2004. game August 28. Emily Aguilar // THE LONG-VIEW Longview High School 2004 Yearbook Emily Aguilar // THE LONG-VIEW F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
PAGE 11
Friday, 10.09.2015
HOCO the lobo Way
Crowns and mums and football, oh my!
On the Front Lines Lobo football players, cheerleaders, mascots, and the Viewettes stand in pre-game lineup.
Emily Araiza feature editor
Teen Royalty Senior Kierra Green receives her crown after being nominated as Homecoming Queen.
Football Sweetheart Freshman Alex Mack poses with Senior Jon Sorey and Senior Kodeh Loyd after being honored as Lobo Football Sweetheart.
Homecoming. The time when the school unites as one, alumni come back from around the world, and together we celebrate the biggest football game of the year. Homecoming is wrought with traditions, such as the electing the Homecoming Queen and Football Sweethear t. This year, senior Kierra Green won the royal crown, and f reshman Alex Mack siezed the hear ts of all when she won
Football Sweetheart. Another tradition of Homecoming here at LHS is the mums. Ever y year, girls show up to school tripping over the decorated pile of ribbons pinned to their shirts. Since mums are a tradition of the South, it’s no surprise that like most Southern traditions, mums are scientifically proven to be bigger in Texas. In short, Homecoming is a time when students, old and new, celebrate together and raise school spirit to and through the roof.
#WeDemBos Interact members Senior PJ De Jong, Junior Michael Goolsby, and Junior Jordan Masterson cheer at the football game.
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
All photos by Sasha Cantu// THE LONG-VIEW
PAGE 12
Friday, 10.09.2015
Fish The Beauty Underneath Tips Finding inner beauty in a world of plastic Estrella Gonzales editor-in-chief Freshmen. As a little freshman many years ago, I embarked on this crazy journey called high school which will unfortunately prepare me for the inevitable, adult life. I was a transfer student who had just moved from the suburbs of Rockwall life, so Longview High School was definitely a culture shock. Here I am, 4 years later, as a living testament that high school is not all that bad. Current freshmen, take these bits of wisdom from someone who has seen it all. #1. Get Involved Anytime you are in a new school, or returning, it’s always best to get involved. My freshman year I was very unathletic, and I still am. Anyways, the counselor tricked me into joining JROTC, which I surprisingly liked. The moral of the story is to get involved. It’s a way to make friends, participate in numerous activities, and it looks great on college applications as well. You don’t want to be the kid who goes straight home after school. #2. Guard Your Emotions I can’t even begin to tell you about seniors (boys especially). Be careful if you decide to date in high school. As a little freshman, my young heart was broken by a senior. Take this advice when it comes to your emotional health: nine out of ten times that boy doesn’t love you. Don’t do what I did or you will be in a two year relationship with a guy who refuses to end it. Remember freshmen, if he’s 18, he can go to jail. #3. Have Fun I’m not going to tell you that high school is the most fun you’re going to have in your life because I haven’t lived very long, but life is what you make it. You can make any unsettling situation a great one. At the end of the day it’s the decisions you make that get you where you are, so don’t screw it up.
Natural beauty. Where has it ask me, “Do I look pretty?” Of course, I tell her she does, and gone? So many girls are looking I mean it. She’s a gorgeous girl, but I think she’s gorgeous up to people like Kylie Jenner, a without makeup. Her mother once told me, in response to young girl who has completely overhearing the question, “If she loves makeup, that’s okay, remodeled herself. She’s had various implants, thigh but I don’t want her to grow up and think that she has to injections to add curves, and lip injections. Has she had more have it to feel beautiful.” I find it sad that a mother is worried than she lets on? Probably. about her precious daughter Will she get more? Most feeling naturally beautiful likely. She even claimed the when she grows older. My she’s “staying au natural at the cousin is only four. moment.” Is this really what What will it take for our natural beauty looks like? generation of girls, and the I’ve heard about young generations that follow, girls getting permanent to truly understand what makeup. Basically, they natural beauty is? Natural get applications of makeup beauty is not makeup products, such as eyeliner or body reconstructive and lipstick, tattooed onto surgeries. It is being able to their face. Later, do they look into a mirror after first have to apply more makeup waking up and saying to manually? Not necessarily, yourself, “Man, I look good.” but what is on their face It is not looking at your body isn’t organic. Most teenage and wishing there was more thegloss.com girls make it a goal to look or less to it, because what Kylie Jenner is a perfect example of modern beautiful, and it’s sad that it a girl doesn’t realize is that day beauty. The picture on the right shows now takes such extreme measures there is probably at least one 18 year old Jenner prior to her surgeries. for one to look appealing to girl every day that looks at many others and to herself. her and wishes she could be My cousin is obsessed with lipgloss and lipstick. When she her. Being naturally beautiful is about what’s on the inside, can, she always has a tube of some in her hand, constantly and what’s on the inside comes without the materialistic applying it every 5-10 minutes, and she’ll look up at me and outside things.
Abby Jester opinions editor
Will You Survive High School? 1. During class you usually...
Daniel Bally news editor
a) Listen respectfully and take notes. c) Talk with your friends most of the class period.
b) Talk with your friend a bit and take a few notes. d) Take a glorious nap.
a) Sit with all of your friends and have a great time! c) Sit at a table with a ton of people you have never seen before.
b) Sit with some poeple who you talk to every now and then. d) Sit far away from everyone. Friends are overrated anyway.
2. Most of the time at lunch you... 3. When studying for a test you...
a) Meet with your friends at some restaurant for a study group. c) Just wing it and maybe you can get a B.
b) You scanned the study guide a few times. You’ll do fine. d) Remember that you are sick on the day of the test.
a) Go to a club meeting and do homework when you get home. c) Go shopping, etc. and do some homework if you feel like it.
b) Go straight home and work on your homework d) Go home and get on your computer/phone until 5 am.
4. After school ends you...
Answers: Mostly a: You’ll do great! You do a great job at balancing schoolwork and spending time with friends.
Mostly b: You’ll be fine. You may have a bit of trouble both hanging with friends and doing homework. Mostly c: You might not make it. You will probably have trouble with homework and some difficulty making friends. Brace yourself Mostly d: Best of luck. You’re probably going to die. Maybe you should consider homeschooling or something. F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
PAGE 13
Friday, 10.09.2015
Tennis team does the impossible Lobo Tennis Team defeats Texas High, who has been undefeated for 24 years Alyssa Shobert The Lobos and Tigers competed in their second district staff writer tennis match last month. The
Texarkana team has had an undefeated streak against all teams in their district for a shocking twenty-four years, that is, until Longview came in on September 1st and won by the skin of their teeth. “I feel proud of the kids for breaking that streak,” Head Coach Issac Anders said. “Twenty-four years is a long time.” In order to be the champion of a tennis match, the first team to ten wins is who claims the victory. This battle was a close one, the Lobos claiming the victory 10 wins to 9. “I knew,” Anders said, “it was going to be a great match.” All players are very proud of their win against Texas High, who has been so spot on with performances for many years. “It is a really good feeling [to beat Texarkana],” Senior Jalon Seastrunk said. “it’s like me beating Federer in the
US Open finals.” History was made at the Texas High vs. Longview match, as this was the first time for team tennis to beat a top ten ranked team. “Preseason they were ranked #9,” Anders said. “and we beat them.” The team wasn’t worried about the results of the match beforehand, because they would do their best no matter what. “Our coach makes it clear,” Senior Meredith Novy said. “The only thing we need #Winning Senior Olivia Macdonald and Freshman Zach Fasang shake to worry about when we’re playing is the match hands after their sweat and tears result in a win. we’re involved in.” Photo by Emily Aguilar// THE LONG-VIEW So far this season, the tennis team remains “We have intense practices everyday, always followed undefeated, and they plan to stay that way. by conditioning,” Novy said. “We travel to play weekend “I feel like we can accomplish anything and matches and sit for team talks that unite us as a team.” everything in this upcoming season,” Freshman Ejehi However the rest of the season plays out, Coach Ihionkhan said, “I feel that we can definitely take 1st in Anders and Coach Holland will be proud of the team. district and give state a run for their money.” “I think the character of the group of kids we The team trains hard to be prepared for area, and have,” Anders said, “will take us FAR!” later on in the season, the state competition.
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
PAGE 14
Friday, 10.09.2015
Hitting Like a Girl Varsity Football RESULTS:
(Win) Longview Lufkin
21 20
(Win) Longview John Tyler
31 14
(Loss) Longview C.E. Byrd.
15 22
(Win) Longview Pine Tree (Win) Longview GREENVILLE
61 06 51 00
DATES:
@Marshall
Oct. 9 (Away)
@Texas High
Oct. 16 (Home)
@Mt.Pleasant
Oct. 23 (Away)
@Sulphur Springs Oct. 30 (Home)
@Hallsville
Nov. 6 (Away)
James Babbitt sports editor
Female freshman is the first in Lobo history to play on the Lobo Football Team.
They put on their jerseys, lace up their softball room, has two lockers, and has her own cleats, pad up, and put on their helmets. restroom and showers. As they walk onto the field, they “I wear the same [clothes] as the boys, tackle, get hit, and sweat as much as just not a jock strap, obviously,” Mason everyone. No one can tell a difference said. “The only thing different is where between them and the other I change, which is the ladies softball players. But once they room. I’m not sure on how away take off their helmets, games will work, but last they see a big year I just came ready. I’m difference in #51, sure they will have a place Freshman Claudia for me to go this year.” Mason. She is Although some breaking the gender people do ridicule her, a barriers by being the lot of people support her first female football playing football, from her player in Longview teammates, to her coaches, High School history. to her parents. Football is a “My dad said he hopes male dominated sport I don’t get hurt and was due to the stereotype questioning if I should play, that it is too physical for but my mom is exactly like females. Mason does not me, so she was on board,” feel this way at all. She isn’t Mason said. “I grew up with afraid to get hurt. boys, so it will take a lot for “You can’t even me to get hurt.” realize a difference,” Head Mason is naturally a Freshman Coach Brad tomboy, and she likes to stand Faulkner said. “In a game, out in the crowd. She has {the team} doesn’t even never let anyone get her down, realize it’s a girl because [she or tell her that she can’t do has] the helmet on, and she what she wants. plays as hard as the guys.” “Be different and don’t let The only difference nobody stop you, even if people between Mason and try to [get you] down,” Mason the boys is how she said. “Go for what you want prepares for practice because at the end of the day, and the games. Mason the only judgement you have to Instagram// THE LONG-VIEW gets dressed in the worry about is Jesus.” F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
PAGE 15
Friday, 10.09.2015
nightmare collection
A book series that terrifies teens still today Victoria Weaver entertainment editor When I was a young girl the only place I loved more than Disneyland was the library. My nose was always stuck in a book and since Halloween is right around the corner, I figure it’s time to bust out my favorite collection of books EVER. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. This trilogy is a collection of short, terrifying, and sometimes even comedic stories packed into each book. The stories range from something that’ll just send a shiver up your spine to making you want to sleep with all the lights on. The writing is easy enough for a child to understand, but scary enough to make even an adult want to sleep with mom and dad. The books even include illustrations that still haunt me as a seventeen year old teenager. Some of my personal favorites are, “The Viper”, “The Babysitter”, and “Cold as Clay”, which all happen to come from the first installment of the series. Each terrorized me for different reasons, but I loved them nonetheless and read them so often that I’m able to recite them from memory to my little brother to this day. “The Viper” is probably the least horrific and even made me sigh in relief after originally
reading it. It’s about a man who inherits a house from his dead uncle. Shortly after moving in he gets a call late at night and a voice who claims to be the viper informs him he will be there in two hours. Calls continue to flood in as the viper gets closer and closer to the house. Finally, there’s a knock on the door and the viper has arrived. However, it turns out the man has an accent and is there to “vipe the vindows”. It was stories like that that made me bite nails with anxiety and then laugh in remission. Tales such as “Cold as Clay”, however, were a different story. This tragedy is about a farmer and his beautiful daughter who snubs all her suitors except for one, a poor man. When it becomes clear that the two are in love, the father sends his daughter away to live with her uncle to avoid them getting married. A year later, the poor man becomes a sailor and falls ill, dying shortly after. His friends are
convinced he dies from a broken heart and when the father learns of this, his guilt overwhelms him and he decides not to tell his daughter. Soon after, someone knocks on the uncle’s door and the girl answers, seeing her love on a pale white horse. He claims her father asked to see her and they ride off into the night. Halfway there she realizes her knight in shining armor is cold. Cold as clay. So, she ties her handkerchief around his head to prevent him getting sick. When they arrive at her home, she races up to the door and there her father is waiting, confused. He didn’t send for her. He breaks down at his daughter’s story and confesses her boyfriend is dead. When they dig up the body the next day, the handkerchief is still securely tied around his head, but the boy is sure enough dead. These books are a permanent part of my childhood and something I will always remember. Staying up late with my dad’s flashlight that I nicked from his toolbox and reading well into the late hours will always be a treasured memory and something I can only hope younger generations enjoy just as much as I did, though I think children nowadays would prefer an iPad and a good game of “Cut the Rope”. Nevertheless, these books should be celebrated as they were by kids so many years ago.
www.popsugar.com
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com
PAGE 16
Friday, 10.09.2015
old scares and new nightmares The classics versus the remakes Ahh, who doesn’t love a good chase scene between the innocent and a masked murderer with a chainsaw, invisible evil spirits making lights flicker and plates float, and dead souls possessing the bodies of the living? Oh, you don’t like being terrified and jumping out of your seat at every turn of a corner? Well, if you watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre from 1974, Poltergeist from 1982, and Evil Dead from 1981, you shouldn’t have any worries because, if you’re like me, you’ll laugh. These three movies have been remade, which was definitely a good thing. The 2013 Texas Chainsaw Massacre resembled the 1974 version with similar occurrences, such as a dead armadillo seen on the side of the road as a van of friends enter into Texas on a trip to visit a place in some relation to one of the friend’s family. On their way, they pick up a hitchhiker that ultimately signals the start of the series of unfortunate events in the movie. The friends snoop upon arrival to their destination, and basically everyone dies. Now, the 2013 almost felt like some sort of sequel because it used the 1974 movie incident to set up why this group of friends was going Abby Jester opinions editor
to Texas. Either way, the 1974 was filled with way too much screaming and at least one chase scene that lasted an unnecessary ten minutes. Personally, the middle child (2003 version) is my favorite above the oldest and newest... and all horror movies ever. Evil Dead from 2013 was far more realistic than it was in 1981, even though I greatly appreciated the use of all the blood in both movies. That’s one thing that impressed me about the 1981 version, but it still had its dumb moments, like when the targeted people would try to secure themselves inside their house, thinking they’d locked the evil out and saved themselves when LITERALLY ALL the windows had been broken. I was also thrilled with the fact that the endings weren’t exactly happy; the issue wasn’t resolved. I personally think horror movies should leave you mortified, not frightened and partially relieved. The remake of Poltergeist was created this year. It didn’t exactly scare me, but I truly respected what they did with it. I liked that the spirits were present but unseen in 1982, but I LOVED that when the little girl pressed her hands to the screen in 2015, hands pressed back. I also liked the two youngest children in the new one better than the original. The 1982 boy looked like a beaver and the little girl’s voice got annoying because it sounded the same throughout, even though I liked the way she said, “They’re here…” much better than in the remake. Overall, the best Poltergeist though is the rollercoaster. Kirk Douglas said, “People are always talking about the old days. They say that the old movies were better, that the old actors were so great. But I don’t think so. All I can say about the old days is that they have passed.” I couldn’t agree more. The classics are great and were probably scary at their time, but they just give me a good laugh. It’s the new ones that leave you having nightmares.
F I N D O U T M O R E AT O U R W E B S I T E a t www.lobonow.com