VOL. 76 NO. 3 by The Long-View

V L

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL 201 East Tomlinson Parkway Longview, Texas 75605 www.lisd.org/long-view

Volume 76 No. 3 Friday, December 7 2012

The Long-View

10 CHEAP GIFT IDEAS, PAGE 4

NO-SHAVE NOVEMBER, PAGE 6

MORE HAIRSPRAY, PAGE 8

Life without Cristian Monreal Lauren Bally News Editor Seniors Cristian Monreal, Alex Aguirre, Eduardo “Lalo” Barron, and Armando Corona are late for soccer practice. Monreal and Aguirre hop in Corona’s truck bed, while Barron sits in the passenger seat. Corona speeds towards the school as fast as he can. “Cristian and I were just talking about how much fun we have,” Aguirre said. “And then the crash happened.” The truck ﬂips, ejecting Aguirre and Monreal from the bed. “I remember my friend told me what happened,” junior Alan Flores said. “I just thought it was some cruel joke. But then I went to the scene and realized he wasn’t kidding.” THE MEMORIAL Bouquets of ﬂowers, clumps of white candles, a smiling picture, a lone vuvuzela: these everyday objects sitting on parking space 86 hold meaning to those affected by Monreal’s passing. Raw cries pierce the air over the soft murmur of music

as students desperately wish for their friend to return to them. “The amount of people there just shows how loved he was and that he definitely will not be [forgotten],” junior Alan Flores said. “It’s definitely hit us hard. We lost one of our own.” Many friends of Monreal clung to memories they shared with him. “Those songs they played made me sentimental,” sophomore Daisy Rivas said. “I stood there for a pretty good time having flash backs of the funny times me and Cristian had. I won’t forget them.” THE FUNERAL The service was held at Rader Funeral Home on Nov. 10. Many friends came to pay their last respects. “The funeral was heartbreaking,” Aguirre said. “I was right there, right beside my best friend’s grave.” Barron misses his teammate and friend. “Everything is happening too [quickly]. I feel like he is still here,” Barron said. “It [hurt] seeing my best friend [be] buried. It was the hardest moment of my life.”

Jordan Houser / THE LONG-VIEW

Remembering Cristian Students gather to grieve over the loss of senior Cristian Monreal at his assigned parking spot Nov. 8.

The Remaining Three “I’m fit and back in soccer, but it’s not the same . I’ll never be over it, I do still think of him everyday.” -Eduardo “Lalo” Barron “I’m recovering and trying to return my life to normal. ” -Alex Aguirre “I’m doing a little better. It’s really tough. Cristian was one of my best friends.” -Armando Corona

Caffeine crazy

Students consume despite health concerns Wesley Harden Staff Writer

Meaghan McNamara / THE LONG-VIEW

Together in Baltimore Cast members Shawnee Cogswell, LeGrand Northcutt, Zachary Williams, Uniqua Richardson, and Brianna Seidel perform “Big, Blonde, and Beautiful.”

Hairspray holds School does musical Lauren Bally News Editor The curtain is closed and the stage is empty, save a bed propped upright. As the lights dim, a hush settles over the theater. Upbeat music plays, and a spotlight appears on peppy Tracy Turnblad, junior Brianna Seidel, singing “Good Morning Baltimore.” “Hairspray” has begun. Filled with bright costumes, classic 60’s dancing, and strong singing, this story of unity portrays a dreamer striving for integration between blacks and whites. Seidel, who played Tracy Turnblad, believes Hairspray was a huge success with audiences. “Everyone just worked so hard, and somehow it all came together,” Seidel said. “When opening night rolled around and there were no major

problems, I was so happy.” Hairspray was packed with colorful characters. Senior Uniqua Richardson played Motormouth Maybelle, a favorite with the audience. She received a standing ovation at the end of her song “I Know Where I’ve Been.” “[Doing Hairspray] was so fun,” Richardson said. “I really give it all to God because without Him it wouldn’t be possible.” A subplot of the musical involved the then-controversial interracial romance between Seaweed Stubbs, portrayed by senior Corey Comacho, and Penny Pingleton, portrayed by senior Shawnee Cogswell. Comacho was cast only two weeks before the final production. “[At] the first performance, I was nervous. It was my first show ever,” Comacho said. “I hate that I didn’t get into Theater sooner. I would do it over again for sure.” Want to see the cast dancing sixties moves? Check out page 8 for pictures!

Whether it is soda, coffee, or a Monster, caffeine is in a signiﬁcant portion of the drinks students consume. By the time Junior Robert Moreland goes to bed, he’s consumed 164 mg of caffeine, ﬁve times the daily average as stated by Webmd. “ I drink about four Dr. Pepper’s a day,” Moreland said. “ I’ve been drinking sodas for as long as I remember.” Caffeine can help

focus and keep people aware, but going too long without caffeine can lead to adverse side effects. “I go through withdrawal if I go to long without [caffeine]” Moreland says. “ I get headaches and get really tired.” USA Today reported 5 deaths in 2012 attributed to the popular energy drink 5-Hour Energy, showing caffeine can definitely be dangerous in high amounts. “I know caffeine can be bad for people, ” Moreland says. “But I need caffeine everyday.”

Jittery Tidbits • A Starbucks Grande coffee has four times the amount of caffeine as a Red Bull energy drink • Caffeine shares similar traits with hard drugs including the ability to cause addiction • Coffee is the second most widely used product in the world after oil • People who consume too much caffeine will suffer withdrawl symptoms if they’re suddenly cut off from cafﬁne

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The Long-View FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

A Brief View

Fanatics feast at fall food fest Hannah Kempkes Staff Writer Sophomore Caleb Hillard milled around the jam-packed breezeway Friday on Nov. 16 taking in the sights of his first Fall Food Fest. Students eager to be out of class were hanging out with their friends, stuffing their faces with a variety of foods offered by Longview’s many clubs and organizations. Though Hillard didn’t hoard a stockpile of sweets and other fare like some, he still had an enjoyable time, focusing on having fun with his group of friends. He was surprised the school was holding a Food Fest in autumn.

Cookie Guck / THE LONG-VIEW

A Smashing Cause Senior Drew Mack shatters the windshield of a car.

Car beatdown raises money for organization Claire Earnest Staff Writer Before the football game Nov. 9, students met in the senior parking lot to engage in a car beatdown. Seniors, including Jalen Johnson and Torean Sheppard, organized the event to celebrate Senior Night, and donated $400 profits to Feed the Children. “I’ve always been taught breaking glass was a bad thing,” senior class president Johnson said. “So it was great to take a sledge hammer to a window and go Hulk on it.”

“I liked all the food, and that we got out of class early.” -Cornelius Zachary, 10 “I really enjoyed all the school spirit.” -Chasie Blakely, 11 “I like how it brings the school together.” -Andrew Hodson, 12

Aliceson Edwards / THE LONG-VIEW

Eating in Fall Sophomore Jocelynn Rusk enjoys her burger at the fall food fest on Nov 16.

You only buy a yearbook once Attention all students thinking about purchasing a yearbook, pre-order prices for the 2012-2013 yearbooks will be $50 until Dec. 31, $55 until April, and $60 until all yearbooks are sold. Please see Mr. Berns in room 258 to order your 2012-2013 yearbooks.

Honor America night remembers veterans Lauren Bally News Editor Pre-performance jitters run through sophomore Rachel Crittenden as she clutches her baton. The springy turf of the Lobo Stadium football field supports her steps as she sharply executes every turn of the UIL contest drill. An annual tradition, Honor America night took place Saturday Nov. 10 to remember veterans. It featured the Viewettes, JROTC, and the middle school bands. “The performance is dedicated to all war veterans past, present, and future,” Crittenden said. “A lot of [performers] have family members come into town.” The night wrapped up with traditional fireworks. But as she relaxes on the field, Crittenden knows that her rest is only temporary. The Lobo Band will have a Christmas concert on Dec. 11 and were in the Longview Christmas parade on Dec. 6. “I am super excited for both events,” Crittenden said. “I thank Mr. Robinett for [pushing] us every day to try our hardest, give 110%, and be the very best we can be.”

Club Corner NHS and TSA help at thanksgiving food drive Lucia Lopez Staff Writer The National Honor Society and the Technology Student Association volunteered at the 28th annual Thanksgiving Food Drive on Nov. 19 over Thanksgiving break at the Maude Cobb activity center. NHS and TSA member junior Eric Ramos was among the throng of volunteers from all over Longview.

“It was a very rewarding experience,” Ramos said. “It is always a plus to help in the community.” Volunteers assisted in unloading canned foods, sorting them out, and then placing them in boxes to be distributed to families in need. Ramos was impressed to see all sorts of people volunteer. “I thought it was pretty cool to see the prison inmates help out at the food drive,” Ramos said. “It was nice to see them doing something to help. I definitely look forward to volunteering next year.”

Families Fed •Around 800 area families received boxes of food. •The 200 leftover boxes were donated to Longview Community Ministries, Salvation Army, Caring & Sharing and Newgate Mission. •Families with one to five people received one box; those with six or more received two food boxes. •The number of eligible families to receive food boxes had jumped this year by nearly 30 percent to just more than 1,200 which is the most ever.

Adam Holland / SPECIAL TO THE L ONG-VIEW

Directing Sounds of Honor Band Director Louise Robinett leads the band in the “Armed Forces Solute” during their performance in Honor America Nov. 10.

Branches of the Armed Forces Army- Main branch of the U.S. Armed Forces; oldest and largest branch Navy- In charge of naval warfare section; US Navy is largest in the world Coast Guard- military, multi-mission service; has maritime law enforcement and federal regulatory agency mission as part of its mission set Marine Corp.- Responsible for providing power projection from sea; use mobility of the US Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces Air Force- deals with aerial warfare; most recent branch of U.S. military; largest and most technologically advanced air force in the world

Semester Exam Schedule Thursday, December 13 9th period exam 3:05 - 4:05

Monday, December 17

Tuesday, December 18

1st period exam..........8:15 - 9:15

5th period exam..........8:15 - 9:15

2nd period exam ......9:20 - 10:20

6th period exam ......9:20 - 10:20

3rd period exam.........10:25 - 11:25

7th period exam.........10:25 - 11:25

4th period exam........11:30 - 12:30

8th period exam........11:30 - 12:30

Lunch...........................12:30 - 1:00

Early dismissal for students- 1:00

For teachers- 3:00

Calendar of Events

The Longview High School Orchestra and Choir will perform on the evening of Dec. 10 at First Methodist Church. Orchestra Director Joanie Russell puts the importance of this concert in perspective. “We are performing several choruses from Handel’s ‘Messi Joanie Russell ah,’” Russell said. “[‘Messiah is] a great piece of orchestral literature.” The concert will be free of charge and all seats will be given out on a first-come-firstserve basis.

“I didn’t know that, besides last year, we had a Food Fest every semester.” Hillard said. “And the fact that they would give us two times more Food Fests is frankly just absolutely amazing.” After meandering around for a bit, looking at the clubs’ tables stocked with various food items, and buying a couple cans of Dr. Pepper, Hillard escaped the cold autumn weather by going into the library to play Scrabble with some of his friends. “The only bad thing was they ran out of Chick-fil-A just as fast as last year. That [was] really depressing.” Hillard said. “All in all, it was pretty good. Food Fest was pretty... tasteful. Pun not intended.”

What Do You Like About Food Fest?

Orchestra and choir perform in concert Wesley Hardin Staff Writer

news

Orchestra Choir Concert

December Events

Band Christmas Concert

Yearbook Photo Retakes

Performance will be on Dec. 10 at First Methodist Church at 7 PM

Lobo Band will perform in the Mickey Melton Center Dec. 11 at 7 PM.

End of the World- Dec. 21 Christmas Day- Dec. 25 New Years- Dec. 31

Will continue until Monday Dec. 10.

opinions

The Long-View FRIDAY, December 7, 2012

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Staff Editorial

Sleep Deprivation Nightmares

As relentless piles of homework, demanding teachers, and endless extracurricular activities become the norm, the issue of sleep deprivation becomes more and more prominent. Although teenagers’ sleep habits of spiraling down during the week and then catching up during the weekend is accepted as necessary by some, the fact is that the damage this type of lifestyle can lead to far exceeds it’s benefits in the long run. Adolescents need more sleep than adults, but only a very small number of them recognize this as true; and an even smaller number pay it any attention. An average of only 8% of high school students get the recommended 8 ½ hours of sleep per night. 28% get less than six hours per night. This can lead to many negative health effects, including obesity, lower levels of growth hormones, slower brain development, and higher rates of anxiety disorders and depression. However, it’s not only the actual sleep they’re losing that is harmful to teenagers, it’s also their means of staying awake. Caffeine is often used to help teens stay awake at night to finish homework or text their friends, and again in the morning to stay awake for classessetting up a vicious cycle in which the body depends on caffeine to function. The problem is, long term caffeine over-dosage can cause fairly severe neurological and cardiovascular damage. For high school students, a certain amount of sleep deprivation is a fact of life; however, there are always things to be done to increase the amount of sleep we get. The simple acts of turning off cellphones, managing time wisely, and limiting caffeine consumption can make an incredible difference in the amount of sleep you get, your health, and your happiness.

Should smartphones be allowed in school?

Not your average gift

YES

What is the weirdest Christmas gift you’ve ever gotten?

“A tuxedo made for a cat.” - Chase Floyd, 10

“A dancing robot.” - Shayde Viator, 11

To all the Scrooges out there: please lighten up

Caroline Araiza

Opinions Editor

The absolute worst part of Christmas (although there’s not much that’s actually wrong with it), is the occasional Scrooges that make themselves known around this time of year. What’s most bothersome about these sorts of people is that they find it necessary to get hung up on all the little things that don’t really matter. It probably won’t really kill said Scrooges to hear just one more repetitive Christmas song, although to be fair you never do know. It’s a different category of Scrooges that become upset about the ‘Merry Christmas’ vs. ‘Happy Holidays’ issue. They proceed to rant and rave about the subject for several minutes, significantly increasing their blood pressure, which probably isn’t a good idea around the time of year where so many tempting treats are always around. However, the absolute worst case Scrooge scenario is the Scrooge family drama. It puts the past Scrooge scenarios to shame. When a bunch of Scrooges and all their individual pet peeves get together for the holidays, things can become quite nasty. This nastiness really isn’t the point of Christmas. It’s such a great time of year (and our second longest break from school, I might add), and shouldn’t be spoiled by this type of drama. So, if you identify with any of these types of Scrooges, I have a simple one-step rescue plan for you. First, ask yourself “Does it really matter?”, and then answer yourself “No”. Problem solved!

Corrections Corr editor In the story “A Letters lifetime of service”to in thethe November 2, 2012 ediections

tion of The Long-View, Assistant Principal Joaquin Guerrero’s name was misspelled. In the story “Singing a competitive note”, Jason McPherson’s name was misspelled. In the article “What would you do if you were the President of the United States”, Karla Portillo’s name was also misspelled. The story “Senior embarks on vegan journey” wrongly states that Allesia Scribner is a junior. Any corrections or clarifications should be directed to Longview High School Publications Adviser Kevin Berns at (903) 663-7181 or kberns@lisd.org.

Letters to the editor The editorial board of The Long-View encourages you to submit a letter. 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 kberns@lisd.org or mail them to The LongView, 201 E. Tomlinson Pkwy, Longview, TX 75605.

Guest Writer

AUSTIN DICKSON Guest Writer

In its few short years of existence, the smart Although many schools look down on the idea of students using smartphones in class phone has quickly established itself as an intebecause they fear smartphones may become gral part of school culture. When walking down a distraction or give students a fast and easy the hall, one often sees students listening to way to cheat on tests, smartphones can actu- music, texting, surfing the web, or playing their ally be extremely beneficial to both the stu- favorite game. I myself will be the first to admit dents and the school. that I enjoy all of those things. But is that really A major advantage students gain when us- what school is for? As far as I know, schools were ing a smartphone in class is the feature that originally built to teach students things that enables them to take digital notes on their they would need in life; they were not created phone. These notes are stored on their phone’s as a daycare system to watch over students bent flash memory and eliminate the student’s over their phones. I wouldn’t say this is necesneed to take any physical notes. This keeps sarily the teachers’ fault nor the students’, it is the student’s family from having to buy so the fault of the phones themselves. Who wants to sit around and learn many note-taking mateabout logarithms when rials like paper and penthere is an interesting and cils, and consequently, saves them quite a bit of ever changing twitter feed money. In addition to right at their fingertips? helping students, digiHow could Shakespeare’s tal notes can also aid verse ever compare to the teachers if they need to deep, introspective late 60% NECESSARY quickly give informanight facebook poetry? tion on a power-point We as students have only presentation or other a limited attention span, 38% LIMITED electronic document to and smart phones have a student, as the inforthe ability to consume ev2% BANNED mation can instantly be ery single bit of it. downloaded or shared There is, unfortunately 00 y2 l with the students’ another big drawback to e at im rox App having a smart phone. smartphones. Another unique benGoogle. Google has everyefit of students being thing that a student could allowed to use their smartphones at school ever possibly need. Ever. Need some Spanish is the smartphone’s ability to download edu- verb conjugations? Google’s got you. That nascational applications that can aid the student ty English book giving you a headache? Sparin completing their schoolwork. For instance, knotes is your best friend. Can’t quite rememalmost all smartphones have a dictionary ap- ber who won the battle of Tippecanoe? That’s plication that allows the user to quickly find okay! The answer is somewhere out there! The the meaning of whatever word entered into point is, you don’t have to use you phone for abthe search bar. This way, if the student in a solutely everything. It seems to contradict the language class such as Latin needs to find the point of school, learning. Perhaps new gradumeanings of a list of prefixes on a worksheet, ation tassels should be created for entirely new the student will likely be able to complete the degrees of excellence. Gold for texters going assignment in half the time it would take to over one hundred words per minute. Red given look the prefixes up in a standard, physical for the true champions of Angry Birds. The spedictionary, allowing the student to potentially cial rainbow tassel given to those who managed accomplish much more work than he would to get through English without reading a single have been able to without a smartphone. As a book. Don’t let your smart phone become your result, the many applications of smartphones brain! There are all sorts of interesting things have the potential to greatly quicken the edu- out there to learn once you look up from that cation of students. screen.

What YOU Think

pol led

“A gaming chair had been cut up with a chainsaw with a tag that said, “Merry Christmas it’s the best we got.” - Beau Reinhart, 9

ROBERT MORELAND

st ud en ts

“A bacon press.” - Sam Smead, 12

The Official Newspaper of Longview High School News Editor Lauren Bally Opinions Editor Caroline Araiza Features Editor Hannah Brown Entertainment Editor Preston Mitchell Sports Editor Zach Williams Photo Editor Meaghan McNamara Design Editor Andy Rash Staff Writers Laura Aciano Lucia Lopez Michelle Sanchez Wesley Hardin Claire Earnest Hannah Kempkes

THE LONG-VIEW Adviser Kevin Berns Editor in Chief Ashley Kempkes

201 E. Tomlinson Pkwy Longview, TX 75605 Vol. 76, No.3

The Long-View is printed by Champion Printing. The Long-View 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 Long-View 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. Advertisements in The Long-View are $6 per column inch, with discounts for large ads. For more information, contact The Long-View Adviser Kevin Berns at (903) 663-7181, or email at kberns@lisd.org.

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The Long-View FRIDAY, December 7, 2012

Meaghan McNamar a / THE L ONG-VIEW

Preparing for the Future Senior Maria Canchola practices how to dye hair on a mannequin during her cosmotology class

Cosmetology creates careers

Senior takes course, prepares for her future Caroline Araiza Opinions Editor A low buzz of chatter fills the light, spacious room. Everywhere there are girls standing over high white countertops studying manuals, styling the hair of mannequin, or sampling their new skills on one of their classmates. Senior Maria Canchola takes in everything she learns with wide eyes and determined, rapt attention. On “A” days, Maria spends approximately six and a half hours in cosmetology class. For the average student, six and a half hours of one class would make their head spin; but for Maria, these hours are preparing her for the rest of her life. It’s Maria Canchola’s dream

to open her own cosmetology business, and cosmetology teacher Glenda Ford’s class, which is one of the only classes that offer full licenses to students directly after high school, can help her achieve her goals. “I want to own my own business,” Maria said. “I knew when I started that this was what I wanted to do.” To Maria, cutting hair comes naturally. She started small, practicing on her dolls’ hair at home, and culminated her experience with a summer appointment as the hairdresser for a wedding. “This girl told me I could do her hair, and I did it and then a few months ago her family called me and they wanted me to do all their family’s hair for the wedding,” Maria said. “It inspired me; making people feel better, good about themselves, more positive.” Ford said that cosmetology takes a lot of artistic talent because customers are looking

for you to know what they need, and to be a good cosmetologist you have to have creative ideas on how to service them. “She has a knack for it,” Ford said. “Some of us are artistically inclined and some of us are not, so when I say knack, I mean having some type of a gift in creativity.” Ford also speaks well of Maria’s attitude as a student and prospective business owner. “Maria is totally involved,” Ford said. “She’s really really understanding the whole concept of cosmetology and how to apply it to her life as far as her goals are concerned.”

2 years 1500 total hours

logged of experience

feature

PAGE 5 feature The great German exchange The Long-View FRIDAY, December 7, 2012

Hannah Brown Features Editor

Simone Macklin / THE L ONG-VIEW

Foreign Tune Junior exchange student Beatrice Höppner plays her violin in Strings class

High school country comparison Germany - 12 classes - Grades 5-12 - Same classmates all day

United States - 9 classes - Grades 9-12 - Different classmates each class

Question & Answer

She’s travelled to France, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands. No big deal. However, this trip will be a bit different for her. This time, she’ll be gone for 10 months without the comfort of friends, family, and the familiar European atmosphere. Encouragement from her sister and friends led junior Beatrice Höppner to come to the U.S. as a foreign exchange student. Höppner will attend LHS for the entire school year, coming from a small city near Hanover, Germany. “My sister was [a foreign exchange student] in Canada a long time ago. My friends told me how great it is to be one and how much you learn,” Höppner said. “So I said, ‘Okay, I really

want to go to the U.S.’” Sophomore Kristen Ward and family are hosting Höppner during her time as an exchange student. “[Kristen Ward] is like my best friend now, and I love living with her,” Höppner said. “Her whole family is just so nice.” To Höppner, the main cultural difference between the U.S. and Germany is also one of the things she likes best about America: The amount of churchgoing. “When I tell my friends I go to church every Sunday now, they say ‘What? Why are you doing that?’” Höppner said. “I learned much about that and it kind of changed my point of view about God and church definitely.” In Germany, Höppner had 14 classes in a school of 1,500 students in grades five through twelve with all the same classmates. “You have your own

classroom and the teacher comes to your class in Germany,” Höppner said. “The first day here I was lost because the school is so big.” The classes Höppner is enrolled in include ASL I, English, Algebra II, U.S. History, Culinary Arts, Forensic Science, and Strings (playing the violin). “I like English because of the class the people in there - and I also like Strings and ASL,” Höppner said. “However, I have to repeat the 11th grade in Germany. Classes I take here don’t count there.” Höppner has found what her friends promised: an educational experience, through both school and everyday occurrences. You learn so much,” Höppner said. “You learn language, history, and culture; it’s just interesting. I learn something new every day here.”

Day of Dickerson

Mrs. Dickerson

What’s something that your students would be surprised to know about you? “I enjoy bodybuilding. I’ve begun that this year and I think that would surprise most students. I’m learning all I can about staying healthy and being fit.”

What are you craving right now? “[I am] craving a second cup of coffee right now.”

What do you think is the ideal age? “The ideal age is the age you are. Don’t ever let your age limit your options, choices, and decisions. If you want to gain wisdom, learn to do something new, become a better, more informed person, or make positive changes in your life, do it. Just be careful to allow others to do the same, regardless of their age.”

How old were you when you found out Santa wasn’t real? “SANTA’S NOT REAL?!”

What kind of student were you? “I was a middle-of-the-road kid. I participated in UIL, yearbook, journalism, Spanish club, and debate. I was very active in my school. I aced English and history, did well in science, and struggled in math. I know not everyone is as in love with my subject as I am. So those kids that really struggle--if their attitude and effort is where it should be-- they’ll do fine in my class.” DESIGNED BY Andy Rash

Meaghan McNamar a /THE L ONG-VIEW

Grammar Speaks English teacher Aprill Dickerson prepares her class for the activities for the day.

Global teacher shares life experiences and opinions Laura Aciano Staff Writer She arrives home after a long day, her voice tired from talking, her shoulders slightly slumped from her book bag. She takes a seat on the couch opposite her daughter, and grabs one of the three books on the coffee table in front of her. She begins to read and a soft furry cat weaves between her legs before finally settling next to her. Global English teacher Aprill Dickerson enjoys relaxing on an evening after work. However, during the day she spends time encouraging discussions among her students. “I teach because I love my students,” Dickerson said. “I enjoy watching their growth and development as students.” After spending a day filled with

talking and interacting with people, Dickerson spends most of her free time at the gym and with her daughter. “My daughter and I are very similar and being home with each other is very easy,” Dickerson said. “We enjoy that one-on-one time. We play with our pets. We read. We cook. We don’t watch a lot of TV.” Dickerson believes strongly in education, as she was an active member of school activities such as UIL, yearbook, journalism, Spanish club, and debate as a student. She is currently working on a Certified Strength and Conditional Specialist exam so that she can teach athletes. “I believe in letting my students know that they are capable of more than they think,” Dickerson said. “I believe I can learn a lot from my students, just as they can learn a lot from me.”

Junior raises money to aid Illinois family Laura Aciano Staff Writer Canoes packed with people make their way lazily about the lake. Fishing poles are thrown, each cast taking with it the stresses of life deep to the bottom of the waters. In the reflection of their crystal clear lake, a hard working family stands back and admires their own little piece of paradise, welcoming friends, family, and especially strangers. After the Midwest drought put them in a position to lose their land, senior Stephen Bradley took the initiative to raise around $1000 for the Kielsmeier family of Rockford, Illinois to help

them pay the taxes on their land for one more year. “I know them. I know how hard they work and I know that sometimes you do struggle and you just need someone to come beside you and just kind of lift you up,” Bradley said. “I took money from my pocket, basically, and I asked my parents to match me. So for what I gave, they [gave] too.” The money was given to wife Nancy Kielsmeier as a birthday present and she has not been told who or where the donation came from. However, daughter of the Kielsmeier’s, Peggy Tikson, knows of Stephen’s gift and hopes to let her parents know about it soon. “It’ll be sweet and she’ll be very touched. There [are] a lot of people

that want to help in life but not many put it to action. He saw the vision of [the Kielsmeier’s] and in turn wanted to ‘pay it forward’,” Tikson said. “For a teenager to give up hundreds of his own money and then work for several hundred more, [that’s] very very meaningful for our family.” The Tiksons thank Bradley for having the vision and tenacity to make a sacrifice he might not even benefit from, as he usually visits the lake only once a year. “I did what my heart felt was right and that was all I could really do,” Bradley said. “They do so much for so many people and they ask nothing in return. Just that by itself means that sometimes you have to give a little bit to the people who give everything.”

PJ Br adley/SPECIAL TO THE L ONG-VIEW

Fishing for a Change Senior Stephen Bradley relaxes at the lake he worked hard to save.

6 feature Painting the paw path green The Long-View FRIDAY, December 7, 2012

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Lobo students volunteer time to redoing prints

Ashley Kempkes / THE L ONG-VIEW

Pawsitive Paints Junior Madsion Branch repaints the paw prints leading to the school on Monday, Nov. 19. The previous day juniors Cason Ellsworth, Michele Farren, and Ashley Kempkes also helped with this project in order to earn CAS hours for IB credit.

Michele Farren

Madison Branch

Cason Ellsworth

“It was fun. It was something to do for our school, [to give] back. I think a lot of people will enjoy it, especially for football season.”

“They were old, and faded. It was a lot of work because there were so many of them, but it was fun. I like art, so it was an enjoyable project.”

“I felt like I was doing something to improve our school. Every time I walked up the path, and [I thought], they need to be redone.”

Principal parenting Hannah Kempkes Staff Writer High-school: a place where teenagers can be free to hang out, be with friends and, occasionally, learn. However, circumstances are different with sophomore Halee Brewer, a volleyball, basketball, and softball player. She happens to be the daughter of head principal James Brewer. “There are ups and downs. Let’s say I need a paper signed or something; I can just walk over to wherever he is.” Halee said. “But then again,

it’s awkward as well because he’s going to always be there, watching me. So I feel a sense of everybody else is free to do whatever, and I can’t do my thing, my daddy’s standing right there.” Although they’re on the same campus, Halee and her father don’t intrude too much into each other’s business at LHS. “We barely even communicate at school.” Halee said. “It’s just like we see each other and we’re like ‘Hey, what’s up?’ and then we kinda like move on.” Halee affirms that she wouldn’t get better or worse treatment from her father if he ever had to

Scuba-Dillon

deal with her. “First of all, I’m not a troublemaker anyways,” Halee said. “He tells me that all the time ‘If you get in trouble, you’re just like every other student. You’ll go to ISS or you’ll go to Dade, whatever is necessary.’” Most of Halee’s friends have known her for a while, so there’s no discomfort in knowing her dad is a principal. “If they do treat me differently, they probably just now met me and are like ‘Okay, I can’t say this,’” Halee said. “But after they get to know me, they’re like ‘Oh, she’s just like everybody else.’”

Meaghan McNamar a /THE L ONG-VIEW

A Father’s Pride Principal James Brewer hugs his daughter, sophomore Halee Brewer, congratulating her on a job well done after the Lady Lobos basketball team beat Spring Hill Dec. 4

K acey Loe /THE L ONG-VIEW

Senior Roberto Mendez Junior Max Vega and math teacher Coach James Fernandez K acey Loe /THE L ONG-VIEW

Simone Macklin /THE L ONG-VIEW

No Shave November

Scuba Sharing Freshman Dillon Sparks shares his scuba-diving stories.

Ninth grader learns to dive in the deep blue and visits exotic locations Hannah Brown Features Editor Clear blue sky, hot grainy sand, and vast sparkling water. He takes a breath and slowly pushes himself into the crystal liquid. When fully submerged, he knows what he sees in the underwater wonderland is pure beauty unlike anything else. Freshman Dillon Sparks scuba dives and went while on vacation in Mexico during Thanksgiving Break. He enjoys it and gets to do it with his parents, the same people who got him involved in the activity. “My mom and dad have done it since they got married,” Sparks said. “When I was ten years old they put me into it in a dive school in Mexico. I learned controlling buoyancy and breathing calmly.” Sparks dives about every six months when he, his parents, and, sometimes, his brother go on vacation.

So far he has been diving at Lake Broken Bow in Oklahoma and in Cozumel, Mexico. “Palancar was my favorite because it had lots of coral and fish,” Sparks said. “I would like to go scuba-diving in Belize.” Among all the sea life in the ocean, Sparks likes sea turtles the best. He encounters them often while underwater. “One time, we saw a five foot long sea turtle with a head with a diameter of about six inches,” Sparks said. “I like them because of how big they get and how they follow you around and mess with you while you’re diving.” Sparks also enjoys making films with his best friend, especially music videos for entertainment. He hopes to combine his two favorite hobbies in the future as a career. “I would like to pursue scuba-diving,” Sparks said. “It’s really fun just seeing everything like all of the underwater caves and sea and ocean life.”

Simone Macklin/THE L ONG-VIEW

Journalism teacher Kevin Berns

K acey Loe /THE LONG-VIEW

Government and Economic teacher Coach Chad Hancock

November is a month where men abandon their clean-shaven faces and sport a rugged patch of hair on their jaws. LHS is no exception to the national November craze: Male teachers and students alike abandoned their razors and let their facial hair grow wild. As promised in our previous issue, the Long-View features the best of the beards seen on campus last month. Yearround wearers had no complaints, but a few beard newbies experienced itchiness from their new scruff. Nevertheless, Lobos wear them with style.

K acey Loe /THE Aliceson Edwards / L ONG-VIEW THE L ONG-VIEW

K acey Loe /THE LONG-VIEW

Senior Ben Woolley

Spanish teacher Hector Perez

Junior Tyler Romack

sports

The Long-View FRIDAY, December 7, 2012

PAGE

New coach, new era

With arrival of new coach Sarah McDaniel, the swim team springs off the board Hannah Brown Features Editor All eras must come to an end, and, after their conclusion, there is a promising and new beginning. After the departure of swim coach DC Ward, Sarah McDaniel became the newest addition to the Lobo Swim as the assistant coach at the start of the school year. “I went to school here,” McDaniel said. “The job opened and it was a good opportunity, and those don’t happen often.” As a student, McDaniel actually had Ward as her swim coach her senior year and gives him the credit for her receiving the job. “He was the one that told me about the job,” McDaniel said. “He’s pretty much the reason I got it.” McDaniel has been swimming for as long as she can remember. Her

grandparents owned a house at Lake Cherokee and she swam on the competitive team at Pinecrest as a third grader. She also holds the school record for the 200 and 400 Free Relays. “I like that swimming is an individual sport, but you still get to experience the team bonding,” McDaniel said. “I like the competition between teammates and people you don’t know.” She and Head Coach Daniel Gonzales plan to improve the performance of the swim team by increasing the rigor of practice and by practicing out of season. However, they still plan to have fun with activities such as frisbee and water polo. “There is one main thing about swimming: You can’t stop practicing out of season like with other sports like running,” McDaniel said. “You have to be in the water year-round.”

Dkeilen Lynch Varsity Basketball Player

Simone Macklin / THE LONG-VIEW

Breathing in Improvement Sophomore Taylor Witt swims the breaststroke during practice under the instruction of Coach Sarah McDaniel.

McDaniel hopes that the girls’ and boys’ teams will receive second at district competition in January. “We have a developing team,” McDaniel said. “We have mostly freshman, a few sophomores and juniors, and two seniors. They’re pretty good and they’re getting better.”

Claire Earnest Sports Writer Why is your nickname Tali? Well I had it when I was younger, growing up in football, and I’ve had it since. Would you rather watch a NBA or college basketball game? I watch college basketball because to me, it’s the next step from high school. It’s more recognized. Do you want to play basketball in college? Yes, I want to play. Meagan McNamara /THE LONG-VIEW

•Coach S. McDaniel set the 400 Free Relay record along with C. Bagley, Tennison, and C. Cregar •The 50 Free record holder is Ben Mack, father of current swimmer, Andrew Mack •The most records for one person is held by Leann Cathcart, who holds the 100 Free, 100 Breast, 50 Free, 200 IM, 200 Free, and the 200 Medley Relay along with C. Bagley, Dunnavant, and L. Bagley

Season salute Zach Williams Sports Editor The Lobos had seven turnovers, including three interceptions by the ill sophomore QB Dezmond Chumley, en route to a Regional SemiFinal 38-10 loss at the hands of Austin Westlake that ended their season. But three months ago, no one was sure that the Lobos would even get this far. With the loss of senior QB Bivins Carraway, the Lobos’ only Division 1 commit, their season looked like it might be in jeopardy. “I knew it would definitely change the way we did things, because of his experience at the quarterback position,” Head Coach John King said. “But I felt we were good enough on defense that we could stay in some ball games until our young quarterbacks to grew up.” Backed by their defense and 27 seniors the Lobos once again clawed their way past the second round of the playoffs. “We have had larger groups of seniors, but I don’t know if we’ve ever had a group of se-

Basketball:

Soccer

Dec. 6-8: Hardin Jefferson Tournament (VARS) Dec. 14: vs. Texas High Dec. 17: vs. John Tyler Dec.21: at Mesquite Horn Dec. 27: James Gamble Tournament (VARS) Jan. 2: vs. Rockwall Heath Jan. 5: at Robert E. Lee Jan. 8: vs. North Mesquite Jan. 11: at Rockwall Jan. 15: at Mesquite Jan. 25: at Rockwall Heath

Jan. 2: Alumni Scrimmage Jan. 5: All day Scrimmages Jan. 8: vs. Pine Tree Jan. 10-12: Forney Tournament Jan. 17-19: Lobos Invitational Jan. 24-26: Lufkin Tournamentp

Lobos:

Schedule

Current Swim Records

Lady Lobos: Dec. 6-8: at Wiley College Tournament (VARS) Dec. 11: at Mesquite Dec. 18: at White House Dec. 21: vs. Mesquite Horn Dec. 28-29: UT Tyler Tournament Jan. 2: at Rockwall Heath Jan. 5: vs. Robert E. Lee Jan. 8: at North Mesquite Jan. 11: vs. Rockwall Jan. 15: vs. Mesquite Jan 17-19: Lufkin Tournament Jan. 22: at Mesquite Horn Jan. 25: vs. Rockwall Heath

Lobos:

Lady Lobos:

Jan. 2: Alumni Scrimmage Jan. 5: at Lufkin Jan. 8: vs. Pine Tree (VARS)/ at Pine Tree (JV) Jan. 10-12: Mt. Pleasant Tournament Jan. 15: vs. Mabank Jan. 17-19: Lufkin Tournament Jan. 22: at Whitehouse Jan. 24-26: Lady Lobo Invitational

Swim:

Dec. 13: at Lufkin Dual Dec. 18: Mesquite Dual Jan 26: District Championships

Simone Macklin / THE LONG-VIEW

Prevailing SpiritsThe Interact Club cheers on the Lobos during the Semi-Final game against Austin Westlake.

niors who’ve had as much varsity experience as this group,” Coach King said. “We had eight kids who played as sophomores on the varsity team. They were tremendous leaders and competitors and they knew what it took to win a ball game.” Although the Lobos’ Quarterfinal streak has been snapped, it was done so in the wake of the illness of QB Dezmond Chumley and the injury of senior RB Tory White. “I knew we had a good nucleus of kids on this football team who played me some big time football,” Coach King said. “If we could retool some things and get back on track we’ll have a chance to be a playoff team and possibly play for a District title and who knows, when you get into the playoffs, strange things happen.”

How did the Lobo football team’s season shape up?

138 14

tackles by seniors LB Demarkus Lathan, LB Torean Sheppard, and FS Corey Bartley touchdowns run by senior RB Tory White as well as thrown by sophomore QB Dezmond Chumley during the season

Lady Lobos dunk to the top Claire Earnest Sports Writer The girl’s varsity basketball team won 1st place at the Louisiana tournament on Nov. 29-Dec. 1. The win was a moral boost for the girls. “I’m very proud of their work ethic right now,” Keith Smith, girls head basketball coach, said. “That was just a big confidence build for us to win that tournament.” The team has been making great strides in order to improve from last year. With no seniors on the team, each player

has put in an effort for the betterment of the team. “A lot of freshmen and sophomores played varsity last year,” Smith said. “I think they are all taking a leadership role as a team.” Winning the tournament was a building block for the Lady Lobos. “We had a goal to place in a tournament, and we have a goal to get 18 wins, and make the playoffs,” Smith said. “Right now we have six wins.”

Although the team has improved greatly from last year, Coach Smith and the girls continue to work hard to keep it up. “I think throughout the course of the year, if they really want it, we will keep getting better,” Smith said. “You know district is going to be very hard, but hopefully we will be able to compete.” The team is driven not only by each players own want to succeed, but also tradition. This tournament is only the beginning for the Lady Lobos. “Winning is good,” Smith said. “Winning makes you feel better, and you want to keep it up.”

PAGE

The Long-View FRIDAY, December 7, 2012

ENTERTAINMENT

HAIRSPRAY 1 Edna and Wilbur Turnblad (Zach Williams

4 Seaweed (Corey Comancho) rescues Penny

(Shawnee Cogswell), igniting romance.

5 Edna unveils her new look. 6 Motormouth Maybelle (Uniqua Richardson) provides a wonderful musical number. 7 Due to protesting segregation, many of the

and LeGrand Northcutt) sing together.

2 Corny Collins (Blake Lovelace) and Amber Von Tussle (Simone Macklin) are on television.

3 Link Larkin (Austin Dickson) and Tracy

characters are thrown into jail.

Turnblad (Brianna Seidel) kiss.

E!’s Best Pop Songs of 2012 1. “Gangnam Style” - PSY 2. “Lost” - Frank Ocean 3. “Somebody That I Used to Know” - Gotye feat. Kimbra 4. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” - Taylor Swift 5. “Diamonds” - Rihanna

FilmDistrict

RED DAWN

Remake of 80’s war classic fails to be entertaining

The original “Red Dawn” is a product of its time in every sense of the phrase. Released in 1984, the classic film took America’s Cold War fears and created a fantasy in which a group of teenagers was caught up in World War III. The film followed these adolescents, known as the Wolverines, in their battle against the Soviets that occupied their town. While it’s certainly cheesy and dated, the film is still a whole lot of fun. Enter this year’s “Red Dawn,” which takes the story beats of its awesome predecessor and makes them fall flat on their faces miserably. STANDARD ACTIONER In what were some of the longest 90 minutes of my entire life, the new film is nothing but nonstop aphorisms and quick close-up action shots that fail to

be entertaining. In a timely effort, the film implausibly trades in the Soviet threat for North Koreans without fully explaining the logic of their nefariousness. Hampered by this updated plot, the result is an incredibly cliché actioner that bastardizes a classic with its uneven pacing and lack of a real climax. LAME PERFORMANCES It also doesn’t help that the new set of Wolverines is unbearable to watch. While Chris Hemsworth (Thor) is commendable in the lead role, most of the ensemble cast turns in one terrible performance after another and fails to incite genuine emotion in the midst of fatalities. The worst of the bunch is Josh Peck (Drake and Josh) as Hemsworth’s dimwitted brother, who plays his character with a wooden execution that splinters the cinematic experience at every moment he wastes. One of this year’s weakest blockbuster movies, “Red Dawn” is truly lame in every sense of the word. Make sure to skip it for your very best convenience.

RED DAWN:

Original

vs.

Remake

• The opposing forces are from the Soviet Union. • The original helped launch the careers of Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, and Jennifer Grey.

• The opposing forces are from North Korea. • It was made prior to “Thor” and “The Hunger Games,” so Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson will be fine.

• It is notable for being the first film to be rated PG-13.

• One of the film’s flaws is its PG13 violence, which is poorly edited.

Matt Sayles / CELEB VENUE

RED New Taylor Swift album

unforgettable, chart topping Meaghan McNamara Photo Editor Heartbreak is painted for us once again by six-time Grammy Awardwinning country pop star Taylor Swift in her new album “Red.” Not only did her album sell over 1.2 million copies within the first week, 16 of her concerts sold out within the first 5 minutes of sales; solidifying Swift as a powerhouse of modern popular music. Therefore, “Red” will be an unforgettable charttopper and is sure to mark Swift’s transition into adulthood. RELATABLE SONGS From fast pop tunes to slow romantic ballads, “Red” is nothing but relatable songs for everyone. In the hit “I Knew You Were Trouble” describing the all well-known story of dating the “bad boy,” Swift makes her stance as the vengeful ex-girlfriend who won’t be fooled again. In addition, “I Almost Do”

provides genuine feelings after a breakup of regrets and what-ifs. LOVE BALLADS Along with her unforgettable breakup songs comes Swift’s love ballads. Among these songs, the lively track “Holy Ground” is incredibly addictive while the poetic and lighthearted “Begin Again” brings power to the entire album. Furthermore, Swift steps up her game by bringing in featured singers like Ed Sheeran and Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol to accompany her sincere lyrics. MARVELOUS STORIES In conclusion, the chart-topping album “Red” is a great sophomore effort with marvelous stories in every song and an eclecticism in its music that will please everyone. Don’t let the troubles of Swift’s past relationships affect your decision to purchase “Red” because this marks the first time that we see Swift move out of her crazy girlfriend stage and emerge as a headstrong adult.