The Rider Vol 5 Issue 2 by Legacy High School Journalism

Mansfield Legacy High School 1263 N. Main Street Mansfield, TX 76063 (817) 299-1100

The Rider

therideronline.com May 2012 Vol. 5 Issue 2

The Student Newspaper of Legacy High School: Covering Bronco Nation

News Briefs

Senior Art Show By JEssica JoNEs staff WritEr

On May 5, senior advanced art students hosted an art show at Hue Gallery in downtown Mansfield. “I like it because all the other art shows are contests and the students’ work is mixed. This one gives seniors an opportunity to shine,” art teacher David Mason said. The show ranged from sculpture to photography and digital art. Students were allowed to enter up to five pieces, and fill out a form that guaranteed at least one piece would make it in. No awards were given at the show, which Mr. Mason explained was an experience, not a competition. “It’s to kind of give them an idea of how it is to have their own show, or a group show in an actual gallery to showcase their projects,” Mr. Mason said.

Yearbooks

Yearbooks are here! If you bring a pack of underwear for the Mansﬁeld Clothes Closet, you can pick up your book May 21. Twitter followers can pick theirs up May 22. Student body pick-ups are from May 23-25. The last books will be given out May 29-30.

Final Exams May 25

A-Day Review

May 29

A-Day Final Exam

May 30

B-Day Review

May 31

B-Day Final Exam

Textbooks to iPads

All high school students in Mansfield ISD could possibly receive iPads if the proposal passes on May 22. If passed, the iPads will arrive in early September and will be passed out the first three weeks of school. “I think generally the feedback has been positive,” Associate Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability Dr. J Vaszauskas said. “We have a great board, and they really care about kids. I think they’re generally on board but we’ll see.” The iPads would allow students to have Internet access throughout the day and would keep teachers from having to compete for computer lab time.

Board to vote on proposal to issue tablets diNi Wyatt in replace of textbooks By staff WritEr

Students would receive their textbooks on the iPads which would allow them to have updated material. “Everything that our students can do with an iPad is exciting to me,” Dr. Vaszauskas said. “[They provide] the opportunity for you to personalize your own learning. You’re going to find the way that you learn.” The consequences of damaging or losing an iPad would be the same as if it were a textbook. The district will look into insurance options for students and parents to purchase. They will also have tracking devices and MISD etched on the back of them, so if a device is lost or stolen it can be

found easily. “What we hope will happen is that our students will understand what a gift it is and will take advantage of it,” Dr. Vaszauskas said. The iPads will be funded with the money the district uses to buy textbooks, computers, and other technology. On the iPads some textbooks will cost $14.99 and others would be free. “We think it’s going to make for better relationships between the teacher and students. We think it’s going to make a better learning environment, and we’re

hopeful that it passes,” Dr. Vaszauskas said. If the proposal passes, the school board will in cr ease the number of wireless points in the buildings and place a filter that prohibits students from accessing unacceptable websites. “At some point in time you have to trust your students to make the right decisions,” Dr. Vaszauskas said. “What I hope is that we are able to provide these devices for our students and they have a wonderful

“At some point in time you have to trust your students to make the right decisions.” -Dr.Vaszauskas

learning experience.” Academic Associate Principal Mrs. Christine Englert does not think the iPads will be a distraction to the students. Mrs. Englert’s only concern with students getting iPads is the possibility of them getting stolen. “I think it’s a great idea, but then the other side to that is are they going to take care of them and are we going to see huge expenses in getting them serviced,” Mrs. Englert said. Junior Reed Stewart doesn’t like the idea of students getting iPads. “I feel as if it is a bad idea because iPads are less durable than textbooks would be but I see the appeal,” Stewart said.

Summer Security Update

Building to receive new systems to improve student safety

By oliVia BEauprE staff WritEr With money from last year’s bond, MISD will install new security systems in all schools during the summer. Legacy will receive about 80 cameras to install inside and outside of the school, and a new keyless entry system will also be installed. “The biggest goal is to give everyone a good education and to ensure the safety of our students and faculty,” Principal Des Stewart said.

Graduation Tickets

Seniors receive limited number of tickets NEWS

PAGE 3

The installation of the system will take place this summer. Teams will place cameras in common areas such as hallways, entrances, the cafeteria and outside the campus. Thus, preventing or catching anyone doing prohibited activities “I think more cameras would be more beneficial to the school because there will be less destruction,” math teacher Julie Gross said. Keyless entry will require the use of an

electronic card in which the key carrier will swipe it to enter the building. Every member of the staff will receive keyless cards, but some will have more or less restrictions than others. If a card is lost or misplaced a call to the district will turn the keycard off to prevent any misuse. “Keyless would be great because I don’t have a master key, and I am not able to leave the campus then come back and unlock the door to

come back inside. I have to wait outside of the door until someone can come and open it for me,” Mrs. Gross said. Although some teachers and administrators are looking forward to the new security system, some students do not feel as optimistic. “I think students won’t like the idea of new security because they will feel like their privacy is being taken away,” sophomore Kaitlin Nelson said. Administration and

campus police officers will have access to any video footage recorded by the cameras. The privacy of students and faculty will remain protected because cameras are not allowed in bathrooms or private areas. “We have a great group of kids at Legacy and there is no doubt in my mind that business will continue as usual,” Mr. Stewart said.

Varsity Baseball Under the Knife Studies show

Faces Defeat in Playoffs

increase in teenage plastic Baseball team ends surgery patients streak in first round of playoffs SPORTS CENTER PAGES 8-9

PAGE 6

Page 2

Staff Members Move to Lake Ridge

By Nick failor BusiNEss MaNaGEr

The new Center for Performing Arts (CPA) located behind Frontier High School will hold graduation for all high schools in Mansfield. Legacy’s graduation ceremony begins at 3 p.m. June 2. Because of the shrink in size from the Potter’s House, the former venue, to the CPA, nine tickets for seating and three parking tickets were given to seniors May 11. There will be a ticket pool on May 22 where seniors can line up at 6:30 a.m. All tickets will be divided evenly among the students in line so everyone that shows up gets an even amount. MISD has used the ticket system before for previous graduations, not making this a first time scenario. “It’s not preferable, but it’s also not unique to use tickets,” former principal David Wright said. Another change to this year’s ceremony, graduating seniors will sit on stage with board members and other Legacy staff members rather than in the audience. Recently appointed principal Des Stewart will conduct the graduation ceremony, hand out diplomas and shake the graduates’ hands. Mr. Wright will also be on stage shaking hands and giving a small message. “I’m looking forward to being there and shaking every graduate’s hand,” Wright said. “I’m very glad to have this opportunity.” Having a building that MISD can use for graduations allows more control for the district because dates and times can be set to their own accord while also being able to control the number of people who arrive for any event if needed. Any tickets not used can be returned to Mrs. Christene Englert’s office. “What thrills me is that it’s ours,” Mrs. Englert said. “It’s our building.”

CPA Facts

the fine arts center is three levels. the building covers 156,000 sq ft. about 5500 people can be seated off stage, 500 on stage. the total cost of the building was nearly $40 million. the classes of 2012 are the ﬁrst to graduate at the Fine Arts center.

Mr. Austin teaches during his eighth block class. Mr. Austin won Legacy’s teacher of the year in 2008, but now plans to teach at Lake Ridge.

By aMaNda GraNato assistaNt Editor For five years Brandon Austin has walked the halls of Legacy, making funny faces, decrying his hatred of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and helping shape the school’s culture from the ground up. Next year, however, Mr. Austin will move along with 25 other teachers and administrators to staff Lake Ridge High School and, he hopes, to contribute to a new school’s culture. “I had so much fun opening Legacy that I thought ‘Wow, how many times do you get the opportunity to open a new school?’,” Mr. Austin, who volunteered to move to the

raE WallacE photo

New Graduation Venue Limits Tickets, Parking

News

May 2012

new campus, said. “And with the growth slowing down this is probably my only opportunity to do it again.” Despite his enthusiasm Mr. Austin says he’ll miss being a Bronco. “I’m very sad because I’ve enjoyed [being at Legacy] an awful lot,” Mr. Austin said. “It was my favorite place I’ve ever worked, but I’m excited because this new opportunity is like a blank canvas ready to be painted.” Mr. Austin looks forward to the unique experience of giving a bit of himself to a new school. “To have a culture that is unshaped and untouched and you get to contribute a little to that, that’s good stuff right there,” Mr. Austin said. On April 5 Principal Des

Teachers, administrators open new high school

Stewart announced to the faculty and staff that Assistant Principal Dwayne Tampkins was one of the APs slated to move to Lake Ridge. Like Mr. Austin, Mr. Tampkins looks forward to fostering a new environment at the school. “Change is not always a bad thing; a lot of the time it’s really a good thing,” Mr. Tampkins said. “I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my life and having the opportunity to shape the culture [of Lake Ridge] from the ground up. I’m very excited about forging new relationships and establishing a positive relationship with new community members.” Assistant Superintendent Karen Wentworth believes the transfer of established administrators like Mr. Tampkins will help Dr. Sean Scott, Lake Ridge’s principal, create a smooth transition for the students. “Mr. Tampkins will be a familiar face for many of the Lake Ridge students,” Ms. Wentworth said. “His experience as a seasoned high school administrator will be a bonus, especially in this opening year.” According to Ms. Wentworth, approximately 77 teachers will be moved district-wide, 25 of which will come from Legacy. Many of those who will move volunteered to go to Lake Ridge; however, the district-initiated transfers at the high school level have yet to be processed, and the teachers moving have yet to be notified. “We realize that the uncertainty of potential moves has created anxiety among faculty members,” Ms. Wentworth said. “Certainly, the Legacy High School community will be different next year and a sense of

loss will be felt as students and teachers adjust to reductions. Nevertheless, reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive.” Mr. Tampkins has mixed emotions about the move. “It’s bittersweet, to sum it up in one word,” Mr. Tampkins said. “Bitter because I have established many meaningful relationships here. I enjoy the staff and the family atmosphere we have here. I’ve grown accustomed to that. I’m definitely going to miss the Bronco nation.” Another familiar face around campus, Academic Associate Principal Christine Englert, will also leave Legacy, but not for another high school. Mrs. Englert will move to an as-yet-unknown elementary school campus. “It’s going to be a good thing for me,” Mrs. Englert said. “I’m looking forward to it, and my family is happy about it, too.” Mrs. Englert’s main motivation for making the switch was her two granddaughters, a 2-yearold and a 4-month-old who live in Little Rock. Her new position will allow her more time to spend with her family. However, she will have to adapt to the new environment. “I’ve never dealt with elementary kids besides my granddaughters,” Mrs. Englert said. “I’m going down there to learn how it works and hopefully I will like it.” Like Mr. Austin and Mr. Tampkins, Mrs. Englert says she will miss Legacy. “It makes me very sad to leave,” Mrs. Englert said. “It was emotional to say it out loud when we announced it, but it’s a new start.”

McGuinness Wins District Secondary Teacher of the Year

By carsoN rahriG pErsoNalitiEs Editor

Every school year a teacher on the campus receives the honor of being named Teacher of the Year. Teachers nominate their fellow coworkers, and the three teachers who receive the most nominations are placed on the ballot. Then the faculty votes again and the teacher who receives the most votes becomes Teacher of the Year. The three teachers on the ballot for the 2011-12 school year were Stephanie Bonneau, Stephanie Shackelford and the winner Catherine McGuinness.

“It is a great honor to have won, I was certainly not expecting it because there are a lot of teachers that I felt were very deserving of the honor,” McGuinness said. “It is so great to know that my hard work is getting noticed, but I never expected it.” As Teacher of the Year, McGuinness will give a speech at this year’s Teachers Choice Awards. “As teachers we are so used to speaking in front of people,” McGuinness said. “If you give me a room full of students I got it, but to have to speak in front of my peers is nerve wracking.” McGuinness says the Teacher of the Year winner should go the

“It is so great to know that my hard work is getting noticed, but I never expected it.” -Catherine McGuinness

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extra mile for the classroom and be very involved. “So many of the teachers on staff have been doing this for some many years, so I am still looking to them and what they are doing and stealing ideas from them,” McGuinness said. “Now I am having to tell them to listen to me, and I am very stressed about that.” Three secondary teachers were selected as finalist for the teacher of the year award. Mrs. McGuinness won. “I was super nervous,” McGuinness said. “I just wasn’t expecting it.” Mrs. McGuinness will compete in the Education Service Center Region XI Teacher of Year competition and could possibly compete for Texas Teacher of the Year.

News

May 2012

Page 3

Students Get Late Start

Summer School

Students have option to get ahead or make up credits during break

Eight period schedule changes school hours

raE WallacE photo

By MadisoN MoNdoN staff WritEr

Freshman Gunner Gilbreath works in class. Students have the option to take summer school June 11-28 or July 9-26.

By kyMBEr culluM NEWs Editor Registration for summer credit recovery and acceleration courses has started. Students looking to take summer classes should visit www.mansfieldisd.org to complete the registration requirements. “Some students have a lot of extra-curricular activities,” counselor Christy Longoria said. “It’s a good idea to take a summer class to free up some room in next year’s schedule and avoid conflict with activities.” Courses cost $150 per half credit. The subjects offered are also displayed on the MISD website. Sessions will be June 1128 and resume again on July 9-26 from 7:05 a.m. until 2 p.m for teacher taught courses and 8 a.m. to noon for virtual taught acceleration. Early registration must be done by May 17 and late registration will be at Summit High School Wed., June 6 and 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. “It’s great to see motivation and initiative in students, whether it be in their learning or the activities they’re involved in,” Mrs. Longoria said. “I love seeing students who are trying to get the most out of their years in high school. It shows big amounts of responsibility.” Students can access their virtual acceleration classes from any computer 24/7. As long as a satisfactory grade is kept throughout the course, students taking the class must only be present for the mid-term and final tests. If the student falls behind they must complete their virtual course at Summit High School. “Students who have a passion for learning are motivational,” Mrs. Longoria said. Along with credit acceleration, summer school can be used to recover credits students have failed or credits which were not offered at their previous school. “If a student fails, the grade appears on their transcript,” Mrs. Longoria said. “Credit recovery is beneficial because it prevents students from getting even further behind in their studies.” The number of courses a student can take has not been determined. “Students need to get caught up in their classes and recover the credit quickly,” Mrs. Longoria said. “Summer school would help achieve that without causing a schedule conflict.” Besides summer school credit recovery can be taken as a class taken during the school year. “Either option is good,” Mrs. Longoria said. “What’s important is that the student gets help and keeps up with their classification and courses.”

For the 2012-2013 school year, MISD has approved a new schedule, which will save the district money since their funds have been cut. The new schedule consist of eight blocks a day lasting 45 minutes each. The school day, will also start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. “It will take a little bit of getting used to,” counselor Dana Railsback said. “Overall I think it will work well and the students will like it.” For junior Taylor Lambert, the thought of school starting later does not excite her. “We are getting out later, so that means less time to do stuff after school,” Lambert said. “I will also have to stay later for color guard practice.” With teachers taking on more classes, the result will be a savings of $4 million. This also allows teachers to be moved to other schools such as Lake Ridge. “Now instead of teachers losing their jobs they can be transferred to other schools,” Railsback said. Ben Barber sessions now take up three blocks, and all TCC classes will be at Legacy. Extracurricular classes such as football, band and choir will only be one block instead of being double blocked. “Since all of those classes will have a class period a day they will

Next Yearʼs Schedule 1st Period 2nd Period 3rd Period 4th Period 5th Period A Lunch 5th Period B Lunch 6th Period C Lunch 6th Period 7th Period 8th Period

7:25-8:10 8:15-9:00 9:05-9:50 9:55-10:45 10:50-11:35 10:50-11:35 11:40-12:25 11:40-12:25 11:40-12:25 12:30-1:15 12:30-1:15 1:20-2:05 2:10-2:55

Club Briefs Environmental Club:

Battery Roundup By BrittaNy MussEr staff WritEr

have to put more time in before or after school.” Railsback said. Lambert believes the change could be beneficial or harmful to the extracurricular programs. “We are so used to the four block schedule,” Lambert said. “It will be tough to work in that time crunch, but it is just something that we will have to get used to.” Both students and parents have worried about the workload and instructional time students will receive in and out of class with the new schedule. “With shorter class periods, students will be able to focus throughout the class,” Railsback said. “Also I think teachers will keep mind that the students do have other classes, and since the lesson will be shorter so will the homework.”

Key Club collects donations for troops By aNGElica VasquEz staff WritEr Key Club sponsored a donation fund called Items for Soldiers where students brought necessary items for soldiers stationed overseas. The second block class who brought the most items won an ice cream party. English teacher Lauren Dill’s class won the contest, bringing a box full of items like wet wipes, cotton swabs, and cookies. Mrs. Dill’s brother-in-law was deployed in Afghanistan four times since 9/11, so she realized what these donations will mean to the soldiers.

“I’m proud of my students, for their willingness to help others,” Mrs. Dill said. “Seeing them caring about soldiers gives me joy.” Key club sent the items with letters students wrote to soldiers in a care package. “We just wanted to show support for troops that are stationed at other countries because they don’t get all things that they would normally get,” Key Club sponsor Shelley Burkett said. “We thought it was nice to send [the troops] things they would enjoy and show people do care.”

State Bound Four advance to UIL State Meet Four students advanced to the UIL State Academics meet May 21 through the 23. Junior Laura Baker for computer application, senior Jacob Weaver for debate, and juniors Brenda Moreno and Brescia Rodriguez for theatrical makeup design. “I was really shocked because there were two other girls on my team and they had both consistently scored higher,” Baker said. “I was surprised.” Baker will compete at the State competition on May 21. “I don’t think I’m going to place very high anyway,” Baker said. “I think it was a fluke that I was getting to state in the first place.” Moreno competes in the Theatrical Design State competition on May 23. Moreno entered the Makeup Design portion of the competition. In the makeup portion contestants design three different characters’

makeup for them and write a maximum of two pages about their design choices. “I just did it for fun, on a whim,” Moreno said. “It was really surprising. It came out of nowhere.” This year’s theme for Theatrical Design was A Midsummer Night’s Dream. For Makeup Design students entering the competition submitted three photos of characters they wanted to portray. Moreno chose Puck, Titania and Cobweb. “I didn’t even expect to make it there, so that’s a privilege all on it’s own,” Moreno said. Rodriguez will also compete in Theatrical Design State Competition for Makeup Design. The characters she chose were Puck, Titania and Moth. “It was really hard putting his [Puck’s] beard on,” Rodriguez said. “He was squirming.” Rodriguez looks forward to the competition to see what other people have done with

JROTC:

Award Ceremony By Nick failor BusiNEss MaNaGEr The ROTC awards ceremony was May 4, where special mentions were given out from several branches, including Special Forces units. In preporation for the upcoming school year, ROTC will continue to practice colorguard, physical training and drill teams over the summer. ROTC will also attend JCLC, a week long adventure camp, which mimics what basic training would be like, ﬁlled with obstacle courses and nights composed of barely any sleep.

Upcoming May:

21- Yearbook Distribution 25- A Day Exam Review 28- School Holiday 29- A Day Final Exams 30- B Day Exam Review 31- Last Day of School

June:

2- Graduation at 3 p.m. at the Fine Arts Center

Summer Reading MalEENa NaVarro photo

By diNi Wyatt staff WritEr

The Environmental Club will end the year with one ﬁnal battery roundup during the last week of school. Students can drop off any old batteries in the library and the math ofﬁce. Unless disposed of properly, batteries have a potential of leaking acid into the air and water, harming people and the environment. “Our focus is on community service as it impacts the environment, making the world a more eco-friendly place,” Mrs. Fagan said.

Senior Jacob Weaver will be one of 12 in the state competing at the LD Debate competition May 21 and 22 in Austin.

their make up. “I can’t wait to see what other people have done,” Rodriguez said. “Just so I know what I can do to get better.” Rodriguez also feels anxious about competing at state. “I’m nervous about not winning because I have really high

expectations,” Rodriguez said. Weaver will compete at the LD Debate state competition May 21 and 22. “I was pretty surprised actually since I beat the kid who I lost to in the preliminary round,” Weaver said. “It was pretty awesome.”

Pre-Ap English I:

the princess Bride by William Goldman

Pre-AP English II:

Ethan frome by Edith Wharton

AP English III:

in cold Blood by truman capote

AP English IV:

invisible Man by ralph Ellison

Page 4

Sports

May 2012

Senior Athlete Breaks National Record

Shelbi Vaughan qualiﬁes for summer Junior Olympic trials in discus

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Shelbi Vaughan, 12, prepares to throw the discus during the March 30 track meet. Her win here helped get her to state.

volleyball,” Vaughan said. Before her junior year, Vaughan attended Azle. She played volleyball and ran the 100-meter dash. At Legacy Vaughan joined track and ran and decided to take part in shot put and discus as she had done in junior high. “I started throwing in seventh grade, and I liked it,” Vaughan said. “The throwing coach made me [try], it took some training for me to get pretty good [at it].” As she joined track and began her training Coach Barry realized that he had yet another gifted athlete throwing for him. Senior Kayla Taylor throws discus and shot as well. Taylor made it to state 5-5A Championship along with Vaughan last year. Vaughan finished state winning double gold, beating her record in discus and shot put. In discus she threw 187 feet and 10 inches. In shot put she threw 50 feet and 1.25 inches. With two state champions, Coach Barry and his team are amazed at what they have seen in Vaughan. Junior Terrance Woodall has

“I’m always competing with myself and trying to beat my personal records.” -Shelbi Vaughan

thrown with Vaughan for two years now. “I never thought she would be this good. I figured she would be only above average, not above amazing,” Woodall said. “She’s a hard worker and she puts in the work.” Vaughan sees her track teammates six days of every week during track season. Seeing her teammates and coaches so often allows everybody to get to know each other better. “It is gratifying to watch a young lady mature and grow in her academic as well as athletic endeavors,” Barry said. “She puts in many hours which have proven that hard work does pay off.” Signing to The University of Texas A&M and having the potential to become a Junior Olympian six years in the making, Vaughan has the chance to do something not many girls her age can do. Vaughan is set to graduate in June and will continue training through the summer, possibly going to the Junior Olympics in Maryland, Va. and then to college. “It’s just something I love to do,” Vaughan said. “I had no idea a month ago I would be this good.”

L.D. Bell Defeats Varsity Baseball in First Round of Playoffs Unexpected loss ruins team’s run in post-season play; end in third place By kalE Ward staff WritEr For the past three years, baseball playoffs have been expected by head coach David Walden and assistant coach Brian Tickell. This season started out rough for the Broncos and their No. 1 starting pitcher Tejay Antone, with a 3-2 loss against Cedar Hill to start district. The Broncos ended the district season with a 11-4 record to clench the second seed position for UIL playoffs in the 5-5A district. “I expected nothing less than for us to go to playoffs this season,” Antone said. With eight seniors on the team this year all the juniors and sophomore call ups know what needs to be done: work hard and

give it their all for their senior teammates. “At the time it makes me sad, but I know that we did our best” Antone said. The Broncos played L.D. Bell in a best of five series. Bell had an overall record of 16-10-1, ending their season in third place behind Grapevine and the No. 1 seed in their district, Colleyville Heritage. “I expect us to work hard in every practice and every game,” Antone said. “And that’s exactly what we did.” Legacy went on to lose on May 4 during the Bi-District Baseball Championship. “We did our best against a team that proved to be better than us,” coach David Walden said. “There are always other years, but we tried our hardest.”

“At the time it makes me sad, but I know that we did our best.” - Tejay Antone

taylor traMMEll photo

2012 Football

Senior Shelbi Vaughan enters the discus ring calm and ready. Vaughan prepares herself, wiping dust and dirt off of her discus, then sets the towel down and gets in her throwing stance. She bends down, holding her discus in her right hand, makes a violent 360-degree turn and heaves the discus as far as her body will allow it. “It’s exciting to do what I do; not too many 17-year-olds can say they’ve thrown that far and get this opportunity,” Vaughan said. Vaughan and Coach Edward Barry wait as the field workers measure her throw. Anticipating her measurement, the field workers acquire the number, 191 feet and 6 inches. Speechless at the announcement, Vaughan runs back to her coach and friends to spread the word she broke a national throwing record in girls’ discus. Every year Vaughan increases her distance by about 15 feet. “It’s awesome I always seem to get better,” Vaughan said. In 2011, Vaughan won the 5-5A State Championship in discus as well as making the USA Junior Olympics team in June. Taking third in her class, Vaughan made herself known among her competitors. All of which she achieved by throwing in the 175 feet range. With an increase of almost 20 feet, Vaughan qualified to make a run in the 2012 summer Junior Olympic trials. “I’m a little scared and nervous,” Vaughan said. “I’m kind of intimidated by the other competitors because they have probably done this more than once.” To qualify for the Junior Olympic trials, Vaughan had to throw 185 feet, which she surpassed by a 6 feet. “I’m always competing with myself and trying to beat my personal records,” Vaughan said. “I’m always getting better.” In this case it comes not only as a personal best, but also as a national best. Although Vaughan is dedicated to discus and shot put, she produces results, but she hasn’t been doing it for half of her life. She thinks things would have been different had she not transferred to Legacy. “If I hadn’t come to Legacy I would probably still be a sprinter or more focused on

BrENda MorENo photo

By MaXWEll allsup staff WritEr

The varsity baseball team celebrates after a win against the Waxahachie Indians on March 9, giving them their twelfth win.

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Sports

Softball Upset by Plano in Second Round of Playoffs

May 2012

Page 5

Recap of Future Competitors’ Season A look back at the 2011-2012 seasons of Legacy’s future competition in District 5-4A Region II

State ranked No. 6, Legacy loses to Plano during third game

Lancaster

The 2011-2012 Lancaster Tigers’ baseball team had a finishing record of 2-18. The mens’ basketball team finished with a record of 17-7 while their women’s basketball team had a record of 16-3. Football finished with a record of 9-3, softball had a record of 0-4 and volleyball ended 6-22. The women’s soccer team didn’t finish their season this past year.

adriance rhoades photo

Red Oak

The 2011-2012 Red Oak Hawks’ baseball finished with a record of 18-11. The softball team finished with 5-8. The men’s basketball team ended its season with a final record of 17-10, and the girls’ team ended up 6-20. The football team finished 4-6. The women’s soccer ended with a record of 7-0, and volleyball ended 29-10.

Waxahachie

The 2011-2012 Waxahachie Indians’ baseball team had a final record of 19-12, with their softball team ending with a record of 9-6. The men’s basketball team ended with a 5-24 record, and the women’s basketball team ended with a higher record of 20-9. The football team ended 9-3 this season, women’s soccer ended 2-1-3 and volleyball ended with a record of 42-5. The volleyball team made it to the semi-finals where it lost to Pearce High School.

Varsity softball celebrates after a win versus Midlothian High School on April 4, propelling them closer to a clench of a playoff spot.

By Nick Gross Sports Editor Senior Kelsey Miller knew this season was going to be good, but she didn’t know it was going to be this good. After playing the last regular season game on April 17, the Broncos moved on to play in the UIL playoffs with a record of 25-4. On May 1 the Broncos played the first round, seated in region one, of the 2012 Softball Conference 5A Championship. “It’s my senior year, so it means a lot to me.” Miller said. “It’s too bad that we weren’t able to get farther.” All the members had one goal in mind: to win the playoffs for the seniors. “I’m glad we made it that far,” junior Sam Rogers said. “It was a lot of fun to do it, and I hope we make it that far next year.” The Broncos played Grapevine High School in the first round and defeated them to move on to play Plano. “We played against two great teams,” coach Michelle Mayfield said. “We played them both as well as we played any other team.” The Broncos looked forward to competing in the playoffs again, and the seniors looked to end their high school career with a playoff trophy. “If we won it would have been nice,” Miller said. “We still had fun nonetheless.” After losing games two and three to Plano, Legacy was kicked out of the playoffs. “We gave it our all,” coach Mayfield said. “That’s all I asked of from my players.”

Softball District Awards

Ennis

Ennis High School’s baseball team ended with a 12-8 season. Boys’ baketball ended at 21-13 while the girls went for an 18-14 record. The Ennis Lions’ football team had a 3-7 record while the girls’ volleybal team had a 9-11 season record. The Lions’ soccer team ended with 1-5-1

Seguin

The Cougars’ varsity baseball team ended its season with a 6-13 record. The Seguin boys’ basketball team had a 28-6 record while the girls ended with 23-9. Seguin’s football team had a 4-6 season and the Cougars’ volleyball team ended at 17-1.

Summit

The Summit High Jaguars’ baseball team had a record of 15-14. The boys’ varsity basketball team ended 20-10 while the Jaguars women’s basketball team ended with a 37-3 season, winning the state 4A championships. The Summit football team finished its season at 10-2, making their playoff appearance.

Most Valuable Player: Senior Savannah Stech Pitcher of the Year: Sophomore Kendall Potts Defensive Most Valuable Player: Senior Taylor Watts Utility Player of the Year: Senior Baylee Gray 5-5A Coach of the Year: Michelle Mayfield

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Lake Ridge

With Lake Ridge High School opening up for the first time in August of 2012, some of the Legacy High School coaches chose to transfer over to staff the school. Coaches Scott Christensen and Billy Smith both made the decision to transfer to the new school.

121 W. Main St. Crowley, TX 76036 (817) 297-2228 11-9 Mon.-Sat. 11-3 Sun. We accept all major credit cards

Page 6

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Features

May 2012

Prom Queen Baylee Gray

8 a.m. - “I got up and got ready.” 10 a.m. - “I arrived in Grapevine for the softball game and started to warm up. We always have our team pow wow and talk about how we’re going to attempt to win.” Noon - “The game against Grapevine started.” 3 p.m. - “The game ended and I rode back home with my dad. I was really crunched on time but I didn’t really care about prom at that point because we lost.”

best all around

s e v i t a l r e p u s most h senior

ed t i r i t sp s o m

Haleigh Calhoun

umoro us

ly d n e fri t s mo

3:30 p.m. - “I arrived home and took a shower.”

5 p.m. - “My date arrived at my house and we started taking pictures.” 5:35 p.m.- “We arrived at junior Hannah Mutula’s house to take pictures. I loved seeing everyone dressed up.”

David E llis

is St. Trav

John

ria Victo

rider Hark

best dre ssed

nted e l a t t s o m

6:15 p.m. - “We all left for prom.”

Prom King

D.J. Herrera

7 p.m. - “I arrived at prom and the valet made fun of my mariachi suit.” 7:30 p.m. - “I wore the suit because what better way to celebrate Cinco De Mayo than wearing a mariachi suit.” 8 p.m. - “I was excited and sad when the senior video played because it made me realize how fast senior year went by. I was excited because I saw myself in a diaper. When they announced me as Prom King, I didn’t know anyone voted for me.” 8:30 p.m. - “I decided to crowd surf. I almost got dropped twice but I loved it. It was the most fun I’ve had in a while.” 9 p.m. - “I took pictures with my girlfriend in the photo booth.” 11:15 p.m. - “I headed home to change for after prom.” 12:30 a.m. - “At after prom I got an airbrush tattoo with two hearts and a ribbon and wrote mom on it.” 1 a.m. - 4 p.m. - “I went through the bounce houses, went into candy land and played twister with senior Haleigh Calhoun.”

Brittany Marks

tt Derek Sco

Marcus R obinson

stic most arti

ow Emma Sn

tic e l h t a most

Masters James Mc

doba Elena Chu

to succceed

Domingo Castillo

r Ritte Andy

port aven D t t Ma

best smi le

Hannah Glaze

mas Tho n i l Kay

ghan i Vau b l e h S

Brianna M cKuin

most likely

4:15 p.m. - “My sister started curling my hair while my mom was putting it up. I did my own make up.”

Connor Copeland

James Copeland

Behind the Scenes of Eternal Elegance The Music

Good: “I definitely enjoyed [the dance floor]. It was good to be around everyone and I danced to Starships by Nicki Minaj the most.”

Kevin Carlton, 12

Bad: “I know the DJ was just playing songs off his iPod so he wasn’t really a DJ. It wasn’t my type of music.”

Zach Cobb, 12

Neutral: “I thought every song was exactly the same and I wish that they had played country but overall I still really enjoyed the prom.”

Jacqueline Faller, 12

Alana Miller

Seniors share opinions about prom experience The Food

Good: “The meal was one of the best I have ever had, because I made a sandwich out of the chicken and rolls.”

Moe Leever, 12

The Video

Good: “Watching the senior video made me remember things that I had not thought about in a forever. It brought back really good memories.”

Rachel Romo, 12

Bad: “I would have enjoyed the video more if the theater department had been included.”

Mallorie Carney, 12

Features

May 2012

College Bound Senior Morgan Wood walks into school acutely aware that in less than two months she will be graduating. As she enters her first period class she becomes overwhelmed with anticipation and nervous excitement – the countdown has begun. “I’m super excited that graduation is so close,” Wood said. “It’s a nervous kind of excitement. I’m about to go to college and be a grown up.” Wood applied to Southern Methodist University, located in Dallas, and got accepted to SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts. “When I got my acceptance letter, I flipped out,” Wood said. “I

screamed and I called my friends, and they screamed for me, too.” Wood plans to major in Music Therapy which entails using music to help people with a variety of different medical issues to improve their speech, social skills, dexterity or a multitude of other things. “I want to go to SMU to study Music Therapy because I know it will challenge me and I’ll get to help people with music and do something I love,” Wood said. Along with SMU the United States Naval Academy regularly ranks on the Princeton Review’s 376 Best Colleges. Senior James McMasters was accepted to the

“When I got my acceptance letter, I ﬂipped out. I screamed and I called my friends, and they screamed for me, too.” -Morgan Wood, 12

Page 7

Seniors set to graduate By BrittaNy MussEr staff WritEr

Naval Academy in Feb. “I’m nervous but excited,” McMasters said. “I know it’s going to be really hard, but that’s the kind of challenge I want. ” Applying to the Naval Academy required not only an application to the Naval Academy itself, but an additional application to a member of Congress to receive a nomination. McMasters secured the nomination of Congressman Joe Barton. “It was a long process,” McMasters said. “It was months before I found out that I had received Joe Barton’s

nomination.” McMasters will spend four years at the Academy before enlisting in the Navy for at least five years. “I know I’ll come out of the Academy prepared,” McMasters said. “I’ll be ready to exceed and be successful.”

Students gauge ears to express individuality Throughout history ear piercings meant protection, royalty and loyalty to a tribe. They showed strength and importance and were more of a branding than an art form. Ear stretching or gauging meant different levels of position in a tribe. Now individuals, like junior Joe Warren and senior Jordan Albert, take a creative license with gauging reaching larger sizes and different plug styles. Many young people today enjoy gauging their ears and view it as a sign of social freedom. However, just as many employers don’t hire adolescents for these piercings.

“I don’t like that people judge you on them, but it’s what I like,” Albert said. The 20th century views gauging as almost an art form; a way to express one’s self. But this popular type of body modification sometimes proves an obstacle in getting a job. Although now considered a form of self-expression, many companies don’t hire people with gauges. Because of this, many people have moved toward getting rid of their gauges. This can happen by gradually sizing down in gauges, or taking out the jewelry altogether.

“I like them, they tickle my fancy, [but] it’s harder to get a job with them,” Warren said. Many places, like WalMart and Hot Topic, don’t mind their employees wearing gauges. Hollow gauges, called tunnels, cause a problem at almost every job, however lots of stores accept modest-sized gauges. Jordan Albert worked at Wal-Mart, where he said they let him keep his piercings, as long as he didn’t wear tunnels. “They don’t care about solid plugs,” Albert said. Despite some jobs have

“I don’t like that people judge you on them [gauges] but it’s what I like,” -Jordan Albert, 11

On the weekend of April 14 and 15, Legacy art students competed in the state wide art competition known as VASE. Junior Brenda Moreno won first in photography and senior Elena Chudoba won first in painting, and earning a $600 scholarship. Many others, such as sophomore Caitlin Parish, and junior Megan Rathbun were able to have their pieces presented in the competition.

Brenda Moreno Photo

Elena Chudoba Painting

Engauging In Taboo By MadisoN fouNtaiN staff WritEr

VASE Contestants

began to allow gauges, many employers at restaurants prefer no extreme piercings. KFC forbids the wearing of any gauges at all, including tunnels and plugs, but allows regular ear piercings. They view it as a distraction and hindrance when interacting with customers. “They think people will just look at your ears and not pay attention to what you’re saying,” Warren said. Regardless of what jobs available to them, people want to continue to stretch their ears. Gauges mean a lot to individuals who have them, and they claim to feel a sense of attachment to them. “They’re a statement as to who I am,” Albert said.

Elena Chudoba Painting

Alvin Horan Photo

Alvin Scott Drawing

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Caitlin Parish Photo

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Under the Knife Driving around frantically in 1995, senior Salvador Puentes’ father goes from hospital to hospital, searching for somebody who will tend to his son’s burns. After reaching the hospital in

Guadalupe, Mexico, the doctors inform him there is less than a 10 percent chance of survival. At the age of 1, Puentes’ house in Mexico caught fire with him inside. His father went into the fire with a wet blanket and saved him. With multiple surgeries already performed on Puentes, he says it’s just part of his life. “It is like I was born like this,” Puentes said. “I don’t know what it is like without my burns.” According to plasticsurgery. com, in 2011, 20,456 Americans had reconstructive plastic surgery for burns. With over 100 reconstructive surgeries performed, Puentes has undergone his most recent two this year, 2012. These surgeries involved working on his back and on his lips so his smile can be more prominent. “Whenever I got out of the hospital it felt pretty weird,” Puentes said. “It wasn’t painful. It just felt tight.” Not only does plastic surgery include cosmetic reconstruction, it also consist of medical performances too. Junior Kit Caudill had a surgery classified as cosmetic, but it was performed for medical reasons. “I had a really bad under bite,” Caudill said. “It affected my speech and how I ate. It just needed to be done.” Caudill underwent a craniofacial surgery called Le Fort 1. This surgery required surgeons to fracture the jaw bone, position it to fit correctly and then to align the patient’s teeth. It normally takes about six months to recover from this surgery. “I practically had to reteach myself how to eat,” Caudill said. “At first it was annoying, but I got use to it.” Caudill did not notice any

At the age of 1, senior Salvador Puentes’ house in Mexico caught ﬁre with him inside of it. His father went into the ﬁre with a wet blanket and saved him.

Top 5 Cosmetic Surgeries in 2011

In Depth

May 2012

Studies show increase in teenage plastic surgery patients By MadisoN MoNdoN, staff WritEr

changes in her facial features even though she underwent cosmetic surgery. Other people, like senior Lauren Hamilton, had plastic surgery to change their physical appearance. “I’ve always wanted a boob job since I was in seventh grade,” Hamilton said. “I was never really comfortable.” Approximately 223,000 plastic surgery operations were performed on patients age 18 or younger in 2003. About 39,000 of these surgeries involved breast augmentation and lifts, rhinoplasty, liposuction and tummy tucks. From 2002 to 2003, the number of teens 18 and younger who had a breast augmentation tripled. Studies show the majority of people who undergo plastic surgery do so in order to gain more confidence in their appearance. “It [the surgery] made me feel very independent,” Hamilton said. “I did it for myself instead of for other people.” Studies on ncbi.nlm.nih.gov show after having plastic surgery the patient’s confidence has increased and appearance and social burdens have lessened. Dr. Michael Thornton of Mansfield Cosmetic Surgery Center has noticed this difference in some of his patients. “Some women become disfigured after a pregnancy. If they’re healthy I don’t see why we can’t re-establish what they should look like after having a baby,” Dr. Thornton said. “After the surgery, they are so happy because they have this wonderful family and this wonderful figure.” Risk come along with the benefits of plastic surgery. Studies by implant manufacturers have revealed complications within the first three years of having a breast augmentation including infection, hematomas (where blood from the blood vessels

invade other tissue), and seromas (buildup of fluid in the tissue). According to ourbodiesourselves. com, other risk can include blood loss, major scars, chronic pain, pulmonary embolism and blood clots. “If somebody was to die in my hands even if by pure accident and I did anything and everything I could to prevent it,” Dr. Thornton said. “I would still be personally and professionally devastated.” In order to have plastic surgery, one must first schedule a consultation. During this consultation the surgeon sees if the patient qualifies both mentally and physically to have the surgery performed. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), a type of chronic mental illness where one can’t stop thinking about the flaws in their appearance, affects many patients who come in for consultations. Doctors refer to these patients as “red flags”. “I want to get a good patient who is healthy and is there for the right reasons,” Dr. Thornton said. “The patient also needs to have a realistic expectation for the results.” According to plasticsurgery. org breast augmentation ranked number one on the top five cosmetic surgical procedures in 2011 with about 307,000 women having the operation. The cost for a breast augmentation averages at about $3,337 according to CNBC. Senior Jaclyn Engel paid $5,750 for her procedure. “I wasn’t happy with what I had, so I decided to change it,” Engel said. “I feel a lot better now that I can actually fit into a bra.” Puentes has not let his burns prevent him from both playing soccer and the flute. “I have never stopped doing something because people thought I couldn’t do it,” Puentes said. “I can do anything.”

Average Cost of Popular Cosmetic Surgeries Breast Augementation = $3,351 Nose Reshaping= $4,306 Liposuction = $2,828 Eye Lift = $2,828 Face Lift = $6,321 [cnbc.com]

+4% from 2010

Breast Augementation 307,000

-3% from 2010

Nose Reshaping 244,000

+1% from 2010

Liposuction 205,000

-6% from 2010

Eyelid Surgery 196,000 Facelift 119,000

+5% from 2010

In Depth

May 2012

Summer Time Tan

Page 9

by Angelica Vasquez, Staff Writer

Melanoma rates increase among teens, adults Junior Carleigh Baker steps into a tanning bed not realizing every minute she tans in the tanning bed she increases her risk for one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer. Melanoma. Ever since the introduction of tanning beds in the 1970s, there has been a significant increase in melanoma, a malignant tumor of melanocytes, common among young women between 18 and 39. Sun damage and the ultraviolet (UV) light in tanning beds have been the leading causes of melanoma, the fastest growing cancer in America (Skin Care Foundation). “Melanoma is the most easily preventable cancer and we need a way to aware everyone, especially the younger generation on the dangers of tanning and sun exposure”, dermatologist Dr. Jeannin Hoang said. This summer junior Tony Nganga-Perry plans to work at Camp Thurman and become a camp counselor. A huge part of his job deals with being outside a lot the time, but Nganga-Perry plans to not wear sunscreen because he has never had sunburn. Having worked in the sun before for summer jobs, he became used to the sun. “[Because of my dark complexion] the sun doesn’t seem like it hurts me much that I never find the need for sunscreen,” Nganga-Perry said, “I think sunscreen helps for certain

1 2 3

people who are lighter, but for me I don’t see a point.” Melanocytes are cells, which produce melanin. Melanin controls the amount of (UV) radiation absorbed by the skin and gives humans their distinct skin color. The more melanin a person has the darker the skin tone. Many believe AfricanAmericans don’t get sunburned, however that statement is false. They may not show visible signs of skin damage, but they, like all people, can just as easily have sun damage. If found early, African Americans have a survival rate of 77 percent and for Caucasians it’s 91 percent. Asymmetrical freckles with or without discolorations may warrant a visit to the dermatologist. “My skin has never shown signs of damage that I needed to take precautions,” Nganga-Perry said. Perhaps the easiest and dangerous way for a person to get melanoma would be tanning. Baker has been tanning for a while, and because of her love to tan, Baker currently works at a tanning salon. “Whenever I first started the job, it felt way too hard for such little pay,” Baker said. Tanning can have a permanent damage on the skin, which leads

Over three million consumers regularly visit tanning salons for self-treatment of acne, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and to increase vitamin D levels.

Less than one-third of the youths of America practice proper sun protection, according to the CDC.

t o faster aging. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 10 minutes in the tanning bed equals 10 minutes in the Mediterranean summer sun. In addition, tanning also increases the risk of getting melanoma by 74 percent. “I tan because I really don’t like to be pale, and I feel like when people are bronze they are prettier,” Baker said. Spray tanning, considered a safe and healthy alternative, lasts about the same number of days as a regular tan. Although Baker has never tried a spray tan, she has never liked the outcome from seeing other customers. “I prefer a tanning bed to a spray tan because I feel like it makes you look more orange,” Baker said. According to Baker, she

sees many of regular customers who come daily ranging from age 16 to 56. In Texas, a child under 16 and a half year of age can not tan at all and teenagers under the age of 18 have to have parental consent. Some tanning salons, like the one Baker works at, has a policy where nobody can tan more than once a day. “If we didn’t have that policy, I honestly think some of the customers would tan at least two times a day,” Baker said. With all the facts linking tanning and melanoma one out of three teenagers continues to tan. “Having dealt with teenagers with melanoma, I don’t understand how people can tan knowing they are damaging their skin,” Dr. Hoang said, “Girls don’t have to tan to look beautiful.”

“Women who use tanning beds more than once a month are 55 percent more likely to develop malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.” -National Cancer Institute

ways to protect your skin this summer

sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen

The American Cancer Society recommends people to apply sunscreen of at least SPF 15 daily. When staying outside for long periods of time, reapply every one to two hours and try to find sunscreens that also blocks Ultra Violet A and B rays. Commonly missed spots include the scalp, back of neck and behind the knees.

wear a hat

Hats provide an easy and stylish way to protect yourself from the sun. It is recommend by the American Cancer Society to wear a two to three inch wide brimmed hat to protect your eyes, nose, neck, ears, forehead and scalp. When worn properly, hats can provide the ideal amount of shade to protect your skin from UV rays.

avoid peak hours

Between 10 am and 4 pm is when the UV rays from the sun are most harmful. The temperature and brightness of the sun have nothing to do with the UV intensity, but the angle of the rays do. Try to avoid long exposure to the sun during these hours by planning your outings either before or after these hours.

wear protective clothing

Numbers by the

Make sure to cover your skin whenever possible, but keep in mind when picking out clothes because not all clothing can provide the same benefits when it comes to protecting your skin. For example, a white T-shirt provides the same protection as a sunscreen with SPF 4. Try to avoid lighter colors and wear darker colors that reflect sunlight.

80%

1/3

In a survey performed by the ADA, more than 80 percent of people 25 and younger said they looked better with a tan. One out of every three teenagers say they tan because it makes them look healthy.

2.3 1

About 2.3 million teens visit a tanning salon at least once a year.

Around one million indoor tanners said their dermatologist referred them to tanning facilities.

75%

When you use a tanning bed before the age of 35, the risk of getting melanoma increases by 75 percent.

Even though Melanoma accounts for only 5 percent of skin cancer cases, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. It is also the most aggressive of the three major categories of skin cancer. Over the last three decades melanoma rates have increased. Out of 76,000 U.S. adults that will be diagnosed with melanoma this year, about 9,200 are expected to die from this cancer.

76,000 Out of all of the people who go to tanning salons, 70 percent are white females between the ages of 16 to 29 years old.

70%

In 2009, indoor tanning devices were shifted to the highest cancer risk category, “carcinogenic to humans,” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Sources: www.skincancer.org www.tanningtruth.com www.webmd.com www.fda.gov

Page 10

Our Views

May 2012

Experience, Foreign Policies Make Obama a Better Candidate By BrittaNy MussEr staff WritEr

With Mitt Romney about 300 votes away from officially clinching the GOP nomination, attentions have turned to his probable fight against Barack Obama in the upcoming presidential election. Although each candidate has both merits and faults, the experience and successes Obama has attained in his first term as president have better qualified him to maintain the position than the minimal experience Romney has obtained as a one term governor. As in any election, both campaign strategies will feature a large amount of credit claiming. With so much economic uncertainty, voters will fixate on the economic successes and failures of both candidates. According to the United States GDP Growth Rate study, during Obama’s first term as president the nation has experienced continuous economic growth since July 2009 [Trading Economics]. According to he United States Bureau of Labor

Statistics, the United States added two hundred thousand jobs and the unemployment rate dropped to 8.1 percent. April was the seventh consecutive month in which the United States created at least one hundred thousand jobs. The continued economic growth and the steady decline of the unemployment rate have come when most needed, and both are a credit to Obama’s ability to handle the nation’s economy. One of Romney’s greatest strengths in the upcoming elections is his past economic success while Governor of Massachusetts. When he took office, the state had a budget gap of almost $3 billion, which he was able to eliminate in his four years in office without raising the sales tax or the income tax. Although both candidates have had certain successes, Obama’s occurred on a national level. If Romney is elected president, his economic policies will vary greatly from those currently in place. A sudden change in economic policy is an unnecessary risk for an economy in an upward trend.

Obama has attained in his ﬁrst term as president have better qualiﬁed him for the position than the minimal experience Romney has obtained as a one term governor.

Comparing Candidates Barack Obama

Mitt Romney Party: Republican Experience: 4 years as governor Important Issues: Health Care reform The economy Smaller federal government

Incumbent Party: Democrat Experience: 6 years US Senate Important Issues: Health Care reform Pulling out of Afghanistan The economy

Passed ObamaCare

Passed Romneycare in Massachusetts (which Obamacare was based on)

Repealed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

Eliminated Massachusetts deficit while governor

Raised fuel economy standards Ended military mission in Iraq Constant Economic growth since July 2011

Saved the Salt Lake City Olympics

Job creation for Veterans Officially supports same-sex marriage Osama bin Laden killed

Inexperienced in foreign affairs Out of touch with middle class

Extreme deficit that continues to grow Unable to raise taxes on the wealthy

Strapped his dog to the top of his car during a road trip Inconsistent in policies

Economy’s growth is slow

In regards to foreign affairs, Obama is significantly more experienced. In Dec. 2011 Obama officially ended America’s occupation in Iraq, one that has cost 4,487 lives and lasted nine years. Along with pulling out of Iraq, Obama has created a timetable outlining the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan by 2014. His biggest foreign success was the death of Osama bin Laden. In May 2011, Obama ordered Seal Team Six to kill the very man who had eluded capture for nine years and had orchestrated the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Sept. 2001. Despite Romney’s

speeches on foreign affairs, Obama has a record that Romney can’t compete with. Although his term in office as Governor was relatively successful, Romney does not have the political experience needed to navigate the treacherous political and economic conditions currently faced by the United States. Turbulent foreign affairs and domestic issues regarding immigration laws and gay rights will accompany the uncertain economy as key issues the president will face during the next four years, and it is imperative they are handled by an experienced politician. America’s economy is

growing, American troops are coming home as The United States begins to pull out of the Middle East. Obama has had success in areas Romney has no experience in and has proven himself a worthy contender of Romney’s economic knowledge and skill. When America needed a strong leader, Obama showed himself beyond competent. Obama should be reelected as president to further American progress in all areas, be it economic or social development. leave us your thoughts at

therideronline.com

ACROSS

“One thing they don’t notice is that stuff takes time. If Romney was elected he’d stop everything Obama is trying to put in motion, and squash it.”

Party Lines

Kyle Rodney 9th

“I believe in a strong liberal government. I’m not a liberal, because I don’t think change is always the best thing, but I believe big government is a good thing.”

Shane Donovan 12th

“I’m not conservative but I have traditional values. It depends on who represents each party in government.”

Cynthia Garza 11th

Shifting Schedules Cause Problems The past two years, Ben Barber has had two new schedules with another to come for next year’s eight period day. Each new schedule has brought hectic rescheduling. Administrators could have avoided these perpetual nuisances if they tailored the schedule to fit the needs of the district’s schools when first introducing Ben Barber classes. S tu d en ts attending Ben Barber next year have no choice but to center all of their home-campus courses around their off-campus course, which prevents some students from taking classes previously worked into their schedule. And it leaves many elective teachers with fewer students. Overall the rescheduling harmed students’ ability to choose classes important to them. During the 2009-2010 school year, Ben Barber had four

standard one-and-a-half hour classes. The schedule underwent revisions to account for students from farther schools, notably Timberview, whose students arrived as late as 45 minutes into the class period. In an attempt to alleviate the transportation issues, administrators released a new schedule the following year. However, the solution to the problem soon became the problem itself. The two-and-a-half hour classes presented the following year seemed reasonable alternatives to the original design, except for the excessively long break in between sessions. During these hour long breaks, students could wait in The Cube or cafeteria, but for the most part, students wasted time listening to music, talking with friends, going off campus or coming back to home campuses and causing problems. Aside from the time dedicated to transportation and eating, the schedule left students

For the most part, students wasted time listening to music, talking with friends, going off campus or coming back to home campuses and causing problems.

“I’m a Republican because I believe in personal and financial responsibility, accountability for one’s actions and strengthening U.S. power.”

Reed Steward 11th

“I’m Republican mainly because of their religious standpoint. I like their viewpoints on gun control, abortion and gay marriage.”

Jason Lindly 11th

staff Editorial

to spend their hour doing what they pleased, when they should have spent it in class. More importantly, however, students then had to work their schedule around any Ben Barber courses they elected to take. Because every class lasted only a semester and took two standard class periods, students either had to take another Ben Barber course or singlesemester classes offered at their home campus. In the end students had to cut classes they originally planned on taking to fit in other classes they deemed more important, such as language or career-related classes, and often had to take unnecessary or unwanted classes to fill the remaining gaps in their schedule. This also meant many home campus teachers lost students, as their students had to choose Ben Barber courses instead. Administrators could easily have prevented the entire debacle

had they left the schedule alone or simply shifted transportation times. The current year’s schedule at first seemed a reasonable alternative, with two, threehour sessions each day and each course continuing to take up only a semester. It accommodates schools farther away and no longer has the excessive break period in-between classes. But while it resolved many of the problems caused by its predecessor, it left untouched many of the original problems dealing with Ben Barber’s schedule, namely the constriction of students’ ability to enroll in multiple electives at Ben Barber and their home campus. If administrators want to give every student the option to attend Ben Barber courses, they need to re-implement the

If administrators want to give every student the option to attend Ben Barber courses, they need to re-implement the schedule used in the beginning.

schedule used in the beginning. With that schedule students could choose any courses they wished to take, without the complications brought about by the new schedules. Allowing students from farther schools to leave early would significantly reduce the problem of late students - really the only concern with the original schedule - and by spreading the time across the passing period, the end of their home campus period and the beginning of their Ben Barber course time lost would be minimal. Students would again have the ability to choose the classes they want with fewer sacrifices. The decisions relating to Ben Barber and its turbulent past few years have all had their reasons, some good, some bad. The problems revolve around Ben Barber’s constantly changing schedule, which even now has run-off effects causing students and teachers problems. As the final solution, the schedule should revert back to its original form, where students didn’t have to make the sacrifices they do now.

Our Views

May 2012

Page 11

TheRider

Digital Textbooks a Positive Move By JohN hoaNG staff WritEr

For years the utilization of technology in education has become more prevalent in schools. Apple’s iPad will benefit both students and teachers tremendously by providing more resources for students, increasing test scores and boosting the overall efficiency of schools. The school board will make a decision on the proposition to issue high school students iPads for educational purposes on May 22. The iPad provides reliable educational resources for students. Over 20,000 educational applications run in circulation with 1.5 million iPads used in school systems. Calculators, textbooks and Internet networking will become available for all students. Tablets can create a more interactive environment between students and teachers. Applications from Apple’s app store can provide programs to help with core subjects and allow students to become creative in how they present their projects and information. Teachers can also record instructional videos which the students can view at home or before class. The accessibility of the Internet and computers will even out the playing field for students previously lacking the much needed resources at home. The new devices will enable students to personalize their learning experience and allow them to interact with their studies.

For instance if a student has trouble reading too many words on a page, they can rotate the page and resize the text. Tablets also enable students to highlight text and have it read to them. Many students learn interactively, and iPads will allow them to take an active role in learning, rather than listening to lectures. The technology can bring about a new type of learning experience to students and improve test results. Innovative technology can enhance the value of education and reinvigorate the atmosphere of the school environment. In an experiment conducted in Maine, 129 kindergarten students were taught with an iPad, while another 137 were taught using traditional methods. According to test results in literacy, students using the iPads performed better than the non-iPad users. Every student was tested before and after the iPad study to ensure accurate results. As technology advances and becomes more integrated in the workplace, students may need to become more familiar with technology and understand the basics. Being around technology and learning how to use it effectively will benefit them in the long run. Guidelines and rules will help gear students away from abusing their privilege of using the iPads. The advent of educational iPads could lead to potential misuse in the classroom. Distractions such as browsing the Internet, social networking

Innovative technology can enhance the value of education and reinvigorate the atmosphere of the school environment.

Blog: Continue Kony Movement It isn’t a common misconception that teenagers are oblivious to news and events currently streaming the headlines. One of the most propagandaladen videos the world has ever seen changes this status quo. This 29 minute, 56 second video pulls the attention of both the younger and older demographics all across the world. Jason Russell, the creator of the video, aims to point out the crimes of the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), Joseph Kony. Abducting children and forcing them to act as slaves or soldiers, Kony has torn through Northern Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic and South Sudan for the past 25 years. As the video streamed from every feed on my Facebook page, I quickly became intrigued as to what the big deal was. The video was very finely produced and directed (probably costing quite a bit of money) and attempted to relay the idea Joseph Kony was the worst war criminal on the planet. Now,

Editor-in-Chief Julianna Di Napoli

and gaming will tempt students to get off topic. Administrators can block certain applications or inappropriate websites by using filters. The district will also enforce penalties for those who damage or mistr eat their iPad. Students who abuse their privileges may have the device taken up and receive standard textbooks. In the event of a student losing their iPad, the administrators have tracking devices to ensure security of the items. If a device becomes damaged, the student will pay the district to buy a replacement. Students will need to become responsible for their actions if they expect to keep their iPad. Many students carry the burden of around three to four textbooks, which require updates every few years. Publishers have to go through the trouble of redistribution, and schools need to keep track of every book. The new device has the capacity to carry hundreds of digital textbooks and utilize information more concisely. Digital textbooks are paperless and updating the material will require a download with a fee. But iPads are more

Managing Editor Amanda Granato Features Editor Megan Henry News Editor Kymber Cullum Entertainment Editor Josh Perry Sports Editor Nick Gross Visual Editor Brenda Moreno expensive and harder to maintain than traditional textbooks. For a school preparing 2000 students, the estimated initial cost of iPads, including iBooks, falls around $1,720,000 , while the textbooks would cost about $900,000. The Mansfield ISD budget will become strained as it focuses more money on iPads as well as a smaller amount of textbooks. To compensate for this the district will reallocate most of the two million dollar textbook budget to buy iPads while also spending money on fewer textbooks. Students have the option of using textbooks; iPads are only an extra learning tool. Although there are several potential drawbacks with student issued iPads, the benefits outweigh the negatives. Overall the presence of iPads in the classroom will boost the efficiency of class and grant more options for students.

Being around technology and learning how to use it effectively will beneﬁt students in the long run.

By Nick failor BusiNEss MaNaGEr

being in the small percentage of teens that pay attention to what goes on in our world, I thought, “Well, if this were true, wouldn’t this have come out, you know, before his 25 years of being in this position?” While the cause as a whole serves as a great motivator for peace and prosperity for the African peoplethat whole continent has needed help for years- to proclaim Kony as the most dangerous war criminal in the world seems a little far fetched. Granted, these past few years have been great in extinguishing dictators and war criminals like Osama BinLaden and Muammar Gaddafi, there just tends to be one name that rises above all the living war criminals. Fighting for their independence since March 15, 2011, the people of Syria spend their days resisting President Bashar alAssad and his regime, resulting in over 100 deaths in a single day. Major world leaders see Bashar al-Assad as a problem and attempt to send humanitarian aid to the people to help ease the lack of food and water all throughout the country. European

Union foreign ministers met on May 23, 2011 and agreed to add President Assad and nine other officials to a list enacting travel bans and asset freezes. The general populace may see Joseph Kony as the worst war criminal, but as more bans are placed on Assad and Syria, the evidence seems to point away from Kony. The ploy to arrest Joseph Kony is the biggest movement our generation has ever seen, and is relatable to scenarios such as the Vietnam protests, in the sense of catching the population’s attention. Movements like these are what changes the way we move forward in the future. Bringing people together from all over the world for one cause is one of the biggest things people could do. No matter what culture a person is born into they can recognize the evils in the world and movements like this let everyone know that with enough people, they can change the world. To be a successful movement, don’t stop here. Find Kony, then bring down others like him, i.e. Bashar al-Assad.

read more staff blogs at therideronline.com

þFact or ¨Fiction

FICTION: The list of teachers leaving for Lake Ridge has not been announced.

FACT: Mr. Austin is, in fact, leaving. We’re sad too, don’t worry. However, we will continue to make fun of him in this publication.

Twitter: therideronline Web: www.therideronline.com YouTube: therideronline Facebook: facebook.com/legacyjournalism www.legacystudentmedia.com

Yay! Summer Break: After another year of toil and trouble, summer break has finally come back into sight. Think of it as an extended reward for putting up with finals, AP tests, TAKS and End of Course.

Nay! Rising Mercury: Along with the benefits of summer break comes the inevitable crushing heat. And with temperatures coming up into the 90s in mid-April, it certainly seems as if we’re in for a scorcher.

Nay! Saying Goodbye: With staff and administrators set to leave for Lake Ridge, Legacy must bid farewell to some of our favorite faces around campus. Though we are sad to see them leave, we wish them well in their ventures.

Yay!

AP Testing Over: This year’s hectic testing schedule has put a strain on most of us. AP testing wasn’t made any easier by squishing it so close to the End of Course testing days.

Yearbook Time: We’ve spent our year trapped in the journalism room making the awesome book you’ll receive March 22. The yearbook staff gave up their school year so you could remember yours forever.

Personalities Editor Carson Rahrig Business Manager Nick Failor LBTV Director Carson Ingle Staff Writers/Photographers Max Allsup Olivia Beaupre Maria Castillo Haleigh Calhoun Madison Davis Victoria Harkrider Andy Heuer John Hoang Zach Hutchison Jessica Jones Joe Kinler Madison Mondon Brittany Musser Mia Ortega Megan Rathbun Bree Rodriguez Rachel Slavik Travis St. John Angelica Vasquez Kale Ward Jesse Wright Dini Wyatt Advisers Leland Mallett Rachel Dearinger Principal Des Stewart The Rider is a student publication of the Legacy Student Media Department and is free to all students. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the administration of the Mansfield Independent School District. The Rider is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) and governed by all UIL guidelines. The Rider is also a member of TAJE, NSPA, CSPA and Quill & Scroll. Any complaints, comments or letters to the editor may be submitted to the below address. Ads are sold for $20 per column inch and are under the direction of the business manager. For advertising information, see our web page: www. legacystudentmedia.com The Rider is printed by the production staff of the Greater Dallas Press in Garland, Texas.

Letters to the Editor We welcome your letters about our publication and/or Legacy High School. To print your letter to the editor, email a copy to info@ therideronline.com. We reserve the right to alter the letter for space purposes and grammar issues. NSPA 2009, 2010, 2011: “All American Publication” Online Edition: 2010, 2011, 2012 CSPA Gold Crown 2012 NSPA Pacemaker

Legacy High School Student Media

1263 N. Main Street Mansfield, TX 76063 (817)299-1165 legacystudentmedia.com therideronline.com

Page 12

Entertainment

May 2012

“If I could, my summer would be spent somewhere else, not Texas. I’m thinking somewhere where the temperature for the summer doesn’t make it into the triple digits.”

WWW.iNfaMouskidd.coM

an awesome summer fall apart. Of course I love being burned by the leather every time I sit in my 134 degree fahrenheit car. And if I love that, then I absolutely adore the seat belt buckles that leave angry red marks wherever I accidentally touch them while trying to buckle up, safety first. And we can’t forget about the steering wheel that absorbs the power of the sun and unleashes it onto my poor, unsuspecting hands when I try to drive. If I could, my summer would be spent somewhere else, not Texas. I’m thinking somewhere where the temperature for the summer doesn’t make it into the triple digits. So, probably nowhere near Texas. I love Texas, but I also love not getting third degree burns when I go get the mail. Unfortunately, as much as I want my summer to consist of standing on beautiful sandy beach (not in Texas), with my toes in the sand, and the warm sun shining down on my face I know that my summer will be anything but. Especially considering the whole, can’t drive anywhere, car feels like it’s a ball of fire thing, and using my air conditioning would be like trying to put out a fire with a watering can. My plans for summer never work out; my idea of planning doesn’t ever get anything done. I plan to eventually make a plan and that creates a paradox of procrastination that never ends. Besides my stunning abilities at planning, I suffer from an extreme form of laziness that also feeds into my lack of planning. This ends up with my lazy self sitting on a couch with a bag of chips (and a few already empty bags) beside me watching movie after Netflix movie. After watching “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” four times in the span of one week, my brain will turn to mush. And while brain mush is a delicacy among cannibals and zombies, it doesn’t help much with actual thinking; thankfully I should be able to pass through my senior year without anyone noticing. Looking forward to next year.

By oliVia BEauprE staff WritEr

1. Inner Space Cavern

For $19.95 per adult and $11.95 per child, explore an ancient cavern that dates back to prehistoric times. The cavern is located in Georgetown- about a two hour drive southbound on Interstate 35. http://www.myinnerspacecavern.com/home.php

2. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum

Decipher the truth at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum in Grand Prairie. Decide whether you believe it or not for $17.99 per child and $27.99 per adult. Walk through the wonder-filled Ripley’s museum, the realistic wax museum, and the confusing mirror maze from open at 10 a.m. to close at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends. http://www.ripleys.com/grandprairie/

3. Joe Pool Lake

Take a day to relax and get back in tune with mother nature. There are tons of things you can do at the lake including swimming, fishing, camping, hiking and even bike riding. It costs $6 to get in for the day and an additional $5 to stay overnight. The park opens at 6 a.m. and closes to day users at 10 p.m. cityBuzz.coM

Texas summers make pools feel like boiling water, rubber tennis shoe soles melt to the pavement and shoulders turn bright red. And they make my car turn into a very large Hansel and Gretel style oven, heated by the essence of 16 suns and a habanero pepper(s). With that kind of heat in the forecast, my initial tentative plans for

Suggestions for spending time in funnest ways possible

4. Botanic Gardens

Smell the scent of flowers blooming and beautiful sights of large mysterious gardens at The Botanic Gardens located in Fort Worth for free. It’s a great place to have a picnic or hangout with friends and family in a great, relaxing environment. http://fwbg.org

5. San Antonio River Walk WWW.fishfrEakscichlids.coM

Summer Sarcasm

Top 10 Things to do During Summer

Shop until you drop and eat until you’re beat; spend the day at the San Antonio River Walk. Located around four hours away down I-35 South, it’s well worth the drive. It does not cost any money to go walk around, but you’re going to want to bring some money to spend. There are lots of restaurants with tasty food, shops with cool knick-knacks, and fun attractions to participate in.

6. Dallas World Aquarium

Become part of the rainforest and ocean at the Dallas World Aquarium for $12.95 per child and $20.95 per adult. Explore a new world and take the chance to get up close and personal to different animals, plants, fish and other types of creatures! http://www.dwazoo.com/

7. Fossil Rim iMaGEs.faNpop.coM

Megan Rathbun’s

Drive around an open wildlife reserve center located in Glen Rose, where you can feed and pet rescued wild animals such as zebras, buffaloes and giraffes. Experience the chance of a lifetime for only $20.95 for adults and $13.95 for children. http://www.fossilrim.org/index.php

8. Float the Brazos River

Drive down to San Marcos and take a nice cool cruise down the Brazos River. Tubes and canoes can range in price, but you don’t have to pay to go into the river. Bring some refreshing drinks and food to stay hydrated and don’t forget the sunscreen.

9. Hawaiian Falls Spend a careless day splashing around in the sun at Hawaiian

Falls for $19.99 per lil’ kahuna and $24.99 per big kahuna. Ride multiple cooling water rides or surf the waves in the wave pool; just don’t forget your sunscreen and towels. http://store.hfalls.com/store/default.aspx

lMfao is coming to the american airlines center in dallas on June 15 for the “sorry for party rocking tour.” tickets are on sale now and join two of therideronline.com staff members at the concert. We will be waiting for you.

altrapoiNt.coM

LMFAO: “Sorry for Party Rocking Tour”-

10. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History Indulge yourself in deep history and interesting science at the

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. You can go experience an Omni I-MAX movie, the planetarium, a documentary film and all exhibits for $23 per person. Have some fun at the museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days except for Sunday which is open at noon and closes at 5 p.m. http://www.fwmuseum.org/

Joe Kinler’s Reviews of the Year

Coldplay- Mylo Xyloto Sound/Style- 9 out of 10 Lyrics/Writing- 7 out of 10 Impression- 7 out of 10 Overall- 7.6 out of 10

Buckethead- Electric Sea

The Shins- Port of Morrow

Sound/Style- 9 out of 10 Lyrics/Writing- 9 out of 10 Impression- 7.5 out of 10 Overall- 8.5 out of 10

Sound/Style- 9 out of 10 Lyrics/Writing- 10 out of 10 Impression- 9 out of 10 Overall- 9.3 out of 10

Foster the People- Torches Sound/Style- 9 out of 10 Lyrics/Writing- 8 out of 10 Impression- 9 out of 10 Overall- 8.7 out of 10

Entertainment

May 2012

Page 13

Summer Jobs

Our Picks

“Vulnerable”The ﬁfth studio album released by the used.

Occupation suggestions to keep cash incoming By Victoria harkridEr puBlic rElatioNs dirEctor

Snow Cone Stand

You get the benefit of interacting with customers while working in a cool environment. Not only do you make minimum wage, but you also get tips. You get paid to be social and make people happy with the delicious creations you made.

Lifeguard

If you’re desperately wanting to get a tan and maintain it without having to take time out of your day just to lay in the sun, then why not people watch while you’re at it and occasionally save people? Of course you would have to take lifeguard courses at American Lifeguard Association in order to get a certificate. You only have to be 15 years old, learn CPR and be able to swim.

Fast Food

If you don’t mind learning the secrets as to why McDoubles

are only $1 and be constantly on the go and never have a dull moment, then working in the fast food industry is perfect for you. Although you’re in an air conditioned area, you may break a sweat from all the cooking and moving you’ll be doing.

Firework Stand

Although it’s only in July, people will be preparing for Fourth of July all summer long. You probably will only work a few months, but it’s a great way to avoid the awkward “two weeks notice” conversation with your boss.

Party Supply Store

There tends to be a lot more parties and birthday celebrations in the summer, so it would be wise to look at places that sell party supplies. Most of the time, these types of stores hire seasonally, so you won’t have to worry about keeping the job throughout the year and having to worry about balancing school, a social life and a job.

Summer is a time of friends, family and doing nothing. Apparently it is also a time for summer school, summer school homework ... and summer shenanigans. See what we did there, that’s called alliteration. See you are learning even now. I bet you have forgotten it by now. Anyway here is the flow chart, read it or else.

Even though it’s summer for teens, parents have to work during the day. Although it sounds awesome to us to be home alone, it may not sound too great to a 2-year-old child. Most of the time, parents don’t necessarily want to pay for fees at a daycare and would prefer a familiar face to watch their children. Ask locally, and you’ll find a job that is fun, develops a relationship with the family and has good hours.

Retail

Usually to pre-occupy your time in the summer, you would go to the mall and shop. Why not work at your favorite retail store and get a discount on clothes? Toward the end of the summer, back-to-school shopping extends to more than pencils and notebooks and retail will be in desperate need of extra workers.

Six Flags

While your friends are busy having fun waiting in lines for a 60 second ride, you get to make cash off of them. There are more jobs there than

just running a roller coaster. You could dress up as Daffy Duck, run games, be a server at a restaurant and more. The job possibilities are endless at Six Flags.

Get ahead in your future career by taking an internship. Be careful when researching, some internships do not pay. It’s a great way to have experience in a workforce you plan on being in. You also have the benefit of having more references when applying to jobs, especially if they are the same job field.

Voluntary? Yes

Your summer sucks. Visit therideronline.com to stave off boredom.

Blizzard Entertainment’s long awaited third installment to the diablo trilogy ﬁnally lands on the shelves.

With family? How we predict yours will go down

Yes!

With friends?

At the Rider Online we strongly advise against searching for haunted houses

Friends on vacation without you?

No...

RUN!

Well that seems like a smart plan ... NOT.

“Diablo 3”-

We apologize that you’re not going to have any fun.

Split up from friends Scooby-Doo style?

Sure!

“The Descendants”-

If you don’t want to get a job with long hours or coworkers and a maintained paycheck, then you could ask around your neighborhood. Look at lawns that need to be mowed and offer a low starting price.

Yes

the most recent album released by Bruce springteen.

Mowing Lawns

Wow. I bet you’ll regret that ...

“Wrecking Ball”-

George clooney’s most recent movie to be released on dVd and Blu-ray.

Vacation?

Yes

installment of the Mass Effect games to hit the shelves.

Internship

Visit therideronline.com to survive the ordeal

Summer

fourth movie in the Mission impossible series.

“Mass Effect 3”- the third

Summer school? No

“Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocal”- the

Baby Sitter

Run? Nah.

You have been captured by the ghosts. Visit therideronline.com for tips on how to escape their clutches.

Have you learned your lesson? Visit therderonline.com because we’re always right about these sort of things.

Yes!

No. Really. Please Don’t.

Okay, you asked for it ...

ATTACKED BY GHOST! boo...YA!

No.

Well now, don’t you feel silly? Visit therideronline.com to regain some IQ points.

Page 14

Entertainment

May 2012

Mists of Pandaria Review

The newest expansion for World of Warcraft adds more lore, zones and dungeons By MadisoN daVis aNd aNdy hEuEr staff WritErs turtle named Shen-zin Su, the After fighting toe-to-toe enigmatic Pandaren present with Deathwing, the World- themselves to the other mortal Breaker, the heroes of Azeroth races after an Alliance gunship return to their faction capital crashes onto their host. After cities to enjoy a fleeting peace. assisting in the recovery of ShenTensions between Horde and zin Su from a mortal wound, the Alliance eventually give birth to Pandaren agree to join the Horde a far worse enemy than any mere or Alliance, leaving behind their dragon: an impending war. As a Wandering Island home, and war between the factions grows possibly friends and family who closer, the tides of the uncharted choose to join the opposing oceans shift, wiping away the factions, behind forever. mists which shrouded an ancient land for over ten thousand years, before the world itself was With the advent of the sundered; a land named Pandaria. Pandaren, a new spiritual Vying for the resources of the champion has arisen: the monk. lost continent, the Alliance and A versatile class, the monk uses Horde come face-to-face with the mystical “chi” energy to heal the embodiment of their negativity wounds of allies, protect others and avarice. With the help of from oncoming dangers, and newfound allies, the mysterious, to ward off evils with vicious stoic Pandaren, the mortal heroes blows. Using their weapons of the world, seek the lost secrets only for finishing blows, monks of Pandaria, discovering if the masterfully smite enemies with mists have parted to reveal the energy-filled fists. The evasive world’s salvation of Azeroth’s Brewmasters utilize various ultimate demise. fortifying beverages to taunt foes away from their allies whilst avoiding and enduring blows. Wandering the ocean for Mistweavers, spiritual healers millennia on the back of a by convection, use intense focus,

New Class: Monk

New Race: Pandaren

spiritfilled statues and archaic remedies to mend wounded party members. The stalwart fighters, Wi n dwa l ke r s, move as swiftly as the element for which they’re named, delivering deadly strikes at vital points to defeat waves of enemies.

New Continent: Pandaria

Set apart from the Wandering Isle, the continent of Pandaria boasts dramatic new landscapes ranging from luscious forests and low-lying wastelands to high tundra and mountain peaks. All of these areas are infested with the Mogu, an ancient humanoid race who were the original owners of Pandaria, and the Sha, the physical manifestation of negative emotion.

New Talent System

To cull growing player distress about the cookie-cutter pattern of the current system, talents are

b e i ng revamped. With the new system, no players will have the exact same build or build intent for the same class. For instance, if two friends choose to make mages, their first talent choice may be different from the others, even if they pick the same specialization. Along with the new talent system, a new glyph system is being implemented in patch 5.0.1. The system will remove prime glyphs and add a slew of vanity glyphs, making the playing experience a tad bit more personal.

the Pandaren race. The Jade Forest, being the first zone on the continent of Pandaria, serves as an introduction into the expansion. Beyond The Jade Forest lies the Valley of the Four Winds, the Krasarang Wilds, the Kun-Lai Summit, the Townlong Steppes, the Dread Wastes and the Vale of Eternal Blossoms. By the time the player reaches level 90, they will be able to traverse the entirety of the new continent.

Dungeons and Raids

In addition to the 75 current zones, Mists of Pandaria includes eight brand new zones, each with unique Asian influences in both architecture and landscape. The Wandering Isle is the starting location for players who choose

At launch, Mists of Pandaria will feature five entirely new dungeons: Gate of the Setting Sun, Mogu’shan Palace, ShadoPan Monastery, Siege of Niuzao Temple and the Temple of the Jade Serpent. On top of those, Blizzard has announced revamped versions of two classic dungeons for the new expansion. The Scarlet Cathedral, formerly the Graveyard and Cathedral sections of the Scarlet Monastery complex, and the Scarlet Halls, formerly the Armory and Library wings, host new bosses and updated items and mechanics. In addition to the new dungeons being added, three new raid instances, the Mogu’shan Vaults, the Terrace of Endless Spring and the Heart of Fear, are being included, though no further information is available.

Dexter’s Laboratory

The Angry Beavers

Zones

Digression to Good Cartoons A look back at the animated TV shows ruling airwaves of the 90s and 00s By Josh pErry ENtErtaiNMENt Editor If you’ve ever flipped to Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network or Disney Channel, you’ve noticed things aren’t how they used to be. The old cartoon capitals of TV are now riddled with live action shows and awkward, disgusting cartoons. Some of the new ones are okay, but what happened to the fantastic shows of the 90s and early 00s? Here are a some of the best cartoons of our generation.

Courage the Cowardly Dog

Its airtime began in Nov. 1999. What made Courage the Cowardly Dog such an amazing show was the fact that every aspect of it was funny. The bad guys were humorous, the situations were unrealistic yet entertaining, and it had a perfect mix of creepy and funny that made the show well rounded. Unfortunately,

new episodes were no longer created after Nov. 2002, but reruns are still aired to this day.

Invader Zim

One of the more interesting shows of our time. It ran on Nickelodeon from March 2001 to Aug. 2006. Invader Zim was funny because it showed people how they really were — crazy. Adults were seen as insane creepy people and other kids were seen as awkward, disgusting little brats. The show was awesome mainly for the cameo sidekick, Girr. Girr was a hyperactive, completely bonkers little robot with hilarious punch lines and an odd obsession for tacos. He made the show what it was.

Ed, Edd, and Eddy

Three boys, the same generic name, all in the same cul-de-sac causing mischief with the other

neighborhood kids; the perfect show. It ran on Cartoon Network from Jan. 1999 to Nov. 2009, one of the networks longest running shows. The main characters always found themselves getting into trouble with the other kids, the parents that were hardly ever there, or the infamous Kanker girls that had a creepy, undying love for the three boys. This show was sure to make you laugh once at least every episode.

Broadcast on Cartoon Network from April 1996 to Nov. 2003, Dexter’s Laboratory was the story of a young boy genius with a lab constantly under attack by his mindlessly destructive older sister. The reason this show was great was the unrealistic precautions Dexter took to protect his lab, the horrible failures those precautions had and the hilarity of the misfortune that took place in the lab.

Codename: Kids Next Door

Rugrats

An epic war between kids and evil adults, exactly what any kid wished he could do. Cartoon network ran it from Dec. 2002 to Jan. 2008. It followed a squad of five kids who all had a number as a codename; for example, Numbah 1, Numbah 2, etc. The kids were fifth-graders and they were the coolest fifthgraders of their time, saving the world from evil adults both on earth and in space.

Review: The Avengers Marvel’s toughest superheroes ﬁght on the big screen

By Victoria harkridEr puBlic rElatioNs dirEctor film gave fans more than what was expected. Not only is Hawk “The Avengers” takes Eye added into the The Avengers place after each of the with Black Widow, they’re given heroes stories have been their own scenes showcasing told. At the end of each what each hero does best which Avenger movie, S.H.I.E.L.D. greatly contributes the movies agent Nick Fury recruits the astonishing plot. heroes to become part of a For a super hero who took S.H.I.E.L.D. project known as a 70 year break from Earth, The Avengers. Once Loki enters Captain America plays the role Earth’s realm, Nick Fury of a captain at war perfectly. He gathers The Avengers to commands each hero to fight the fight against him and his mysterious alien race perfectly forces. coordinating with their powers. The highly anticipated Tony Stark takes a different route

Norbert and Daggett were on the air from April 1997 to Nov. 2001. The two beavers perfectly contrasted each other with Norbert being the laid back and sarcastic one and Daggett being over-the-top and crazy. The beavers found themselves in a ton of trouble in every episode, always for a humorous reason and usually because of Daggett. Without the characters like they were, this show wouldn’t have been as great as it was.

The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy

Nickelodeon aired the show from Aug. 1991 to June 2004. Rugrats was about a group of four toddlers that could never stay in their playpen. Tommy, Chucky, Phil and Lil get into tons of mischief around the house using their imagination. Even though it outdates our generation, Rugrats was probably the best show of our time, sprouting two movies, a cross over movie and a spin-off TV show.

A show about a boy and a girl, Billy and Mandy, who find a way to own the Grim Reaper. It aired on Cartoon Network from Aug. 2001 to Nov. 2007. Billy’s character and the adventures the trio went on are what made the show great. The places they went and things they did were always hilarious and Billy found a way to make everything funny.

with his character towards the end of the movie that surprises all viewers. Bruce Banner, although he starts out being used for his brains, he ends out using his muscle to rescue the world from destruction and is quite useful. Thor, evidently, is important when regarding his brother. He first tries to convince his brother to return home back where he belongs and to stop dwelling within Earth’s realm, but obviously it doesn’t work out. We get to see Black Widow’s ability to manipulate and trick enemies into giving her information, this gives the watchers a more dynamic view on her character since we haven’t seen much of her until this movie. We get to see more Hawk Eye’s power and it’s very impressive and adds to the awe factor of the movie.

When the characters first fight together, the movie introduces the shockingly good team work the heroes have with each other as well as new fighting moves. The heroes don’t get along when they first meet but while they overcome their difficulties, they realize they’re all equally powerful. During the climax, the movie presents new perspectives making the movie more dynamic. In other action movies, when a car blows up or an explosion occurs around it, the camera’s focus would be on the car flipping or exploding. In The Avengers, the perspective is viewed inside the car while it is being flipped. This allows viewers to feel more like they’re actually in the movie, adding to the RealD effect.

Entertainment

May 2012

Review: Sniper Elite V2

Page 15

In Theatres “Think like a Man”- a

505 Games unites with Rebellion to remake WWII stealth shooter By Josh pErry ENtErtaiNMENt Editor 505 Games and Rebellion released “Sniper Elite V2” May 2, remake of the 2005 game “Sniper Elite”. The game rewinds to 1945, the end of World War II, during the Red Army invasion of Berlin, Germany. It is a third-person shooter focusing on the element of stealth warfare. The story follows protagonist Karl Fairburne as he tracks down German scientists in reference to Operation Paperclip and Operation Overcast, the United States plan to recruit Nazi scientists in the aftermath of the Second World War. Fairburne has many WWII weapons at his disposal for the missions he faces including the Springfield and Gewher 43 rifles, Welrod and Colt pistols, MP 40 and Thompson machine

guns and many others. Because the game focuses on being stealthy, which it pulls off very well, the player has to choose carefully the actions they take. One of the things the player has is a pair of binoculars to survey the area they are about to enter which comes in handy to pick out enemy snipers and figure out which is the best shot to take first. Other stealth devices the player can use are land mines, to take enemies by surprise that go to check on fallen comrades, and trip wires, to cover doorways to prevent the enemies from flanking. Stealth is difficult to achieve in the game which is one of the many challenges that make the game great. Enemies are intelligent and can find you with ease, loud noises will attract enemies so taking a shot with weapons that aren’t silenced will cause fire fights and enemy snipers

“I’ve been looking for something new and exciting that offers a great challenge and that is exactly what Sniper Elite V2 is.” -Josh Perry

will give away the player’s position if given the chance. Some missions feature loud sounds like bombs going off or machinery moving that are loud enough to muffle shots so timing also becomes a factor of stealth. Another unique feature of the game is realistic bullet ballistics. Depending on the level of difficulty, the player will have to factor in gravity, wind speed and the player’s position in relation to the target to make a shot that hits. The game rewards good shots with a killcam that follows the bullet to the target it will impact, slowing down the game. If the shot is a nice, clean vital shot, the killcam will x-ray the body showing the damage the bullet does internally as it passes through. The single player aspect of the game is nearly flawless. The multiplayer option features everything that single player does but with a few more options to play. Three game modes plus cooperative play make up the multiplayer

aspect of the game. These game modes are Kill Tally, surviving wave after wave of incoming enemies, Bombing Run, a daring dash to plant the bomb while the teammate picks off enemies, and Overwatch, one player tags enemies while the other one takes them out. The multiplayer is not player vs. player though, only two players against A.I. opponents. There are two things about coop play that are frustrating. The first is that players are not allowed to advance too far in front of one another, potentially eliminating sniper positions. The second being if one player takes a shot that x-rays, it takes over the other player and makes him watch, potentially messing up a shot. “Sniper Elite V2” is a must play. There is a high replay value allowing the player to get creative with the shots they take each time around and play again to go through and find all the collectables. The multiplayer never gets old because it offers a great experience to play with friends.

Sneak Peek: Guild Wars 2

ArenaNet opens beta for upcoming sequel to 2005’s fantasy MMO Guild Wars By JoE kiNlEr staff WritEr The upcoming MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online Game) Guild Wars 2 recently created buzz on the Internet with the release of its first open beta weekend event. Featuring game content up to level 30, including a dungeon, Player vs. Player (PvP) content and plenty of personal story and quests, the weekend beta proved a nice insight into Guild Wars 2’s potential. The event allowed players to have five different characters on one account, choose from all eight of the professions and three of the five races the finished game will include. After choosing a race and a profession, the player may choose to customize his character’s physical aspects as well as elements of its personality. Upon completing character creation and customization, the game moves into a personalized intro scene about the character and its story. Starting the game in such a manner makes immersion into the game very easy from then on, for the aspects of the characters will affect its personal story later. Early on, the story feels a bit boring; however, the story builds up in its weight as events escalate and draw a bigger picture. Enjoyment does not hinge on the story since players have the choice to participate in dynamic events from the beginning of the game. Dynamic events create a new form of questing which engages the player with

their constant ‘motion’. One moment the player may choose to walk through a swamp, when portals to the underworld open around it. The next moment players find themselves fighting a shadow behemoth to stop the underworld’s siege. The enemies in the game have diversity and generate interest. The player must pay attention while playing or risk death since most foes can kill them in a few short hits. This kind of variation in gameplay makes the game a much more enticing experience. The PvP content in the beta event engages the player and provides a fun way to pit characters against each other. In PvP all characters are scaled up to level 80 and given access to all of their class’s skills. Everyone becomes divided into two teams, on which they will capture and defend points on the map from other players. In PvP combat the professions all have balance, with none having any true advantage over the other. By winning in a PvP match one can earn glory, a currency used to buy different looking gear at certain vendors. The PvP system in Guild Wars 2 feels polished and cohesive, and anyone who enjoys competitive online play can easily enjoy PvP in

Guild Wars 2. Each profession has unique mechanics, features and weapons giving each class a mixture of melee, range and areaof-effect attacks. The weapon types, accompanied by their own unique set of five skills, provide for combat customization. Dual wielding some weapons will combine their skills and include a new skill which changes depending on the two weapons. In addition to those five initial skills, each class has five additional skill slots to fill with support skills. The sixth skill slot of every profession will contain a healing skill with a small time restriction to balance the gameplay. The tenth skill slot will contain a powerful elite skill to give the player a nice advantage. Underneath the game’s combat lies a trait system providing each character with passive bonuses and powers to allow more specialization to a play style. Guild Wars 2’s skill and trait system allows plenty of room for customization while preventing it from being overwhelming. The gear encountered in the game provides stat points, which

“The best part is that if you want, you can play it as a single player RPG, granted it would be a little difﬁcult, or you can play it as an MMO and have fun with friends.” -Joe Kinler

“Call Me Maybe”- Carly Rae Jepsen:

canadian idol third place winner carly rae Jepsen released the new single “call Me Maybe” from her new album to release this fall titled Curiosity. this will be the second album released by Jepsen. the new single features a catchy beat, fun and entertaining lyrics and a lot of anticipation for the new album.

comedy about girls who ﬁgure out all the guy’s moves starring kevin heart.

“Dark Shadows”-

Johnny depp plays a vampire who tries to restore his family back to it’s former glory after he is resurrected.

“The Dictator”-

a foreign dictator played by sacha Baron cohen comes to america with some humorous results.

“The Avengers”-

Marvel’s most epic heroes team up to ﬁght off an alien invasion. starring chris Evans.

“Five-Year Engagement”-

a comedy starring Jason segel about an engaged couple that have issues getting married.

Upcoming Movies Chernobyl Diaries- the

ﬁght for survival against the unknown begins May 25.

help improve the character further. If a player comes across unusable gear, it can be salvaged for materials usable in crafting. Crafting in Guild Wars 2 breaks down into 8 disciplines, some of them specializing in crafting weapons, others armor, gems and so on. If players find themselves unable to acquire useful gear they can use the game’s crafting system to assist them. Vendors in certain areas can also provide players with basic gear, so finding equipment will remain hassle free. Overall Guild Wars 2’s beta event ended up feeling very satisfying. The gameplay involved players in the quests and story, the questing system felt more fluid and easy and a healthy amount of variety existed in almost every aspect of the game. As a result leveling up seems like less of a chore and the game becomes more about the experience. Guild Wars 2 and its development team have taken positive steps toward a remarkable game and, with work, might create the next breakthrough.

“Shooting Star” EP- Owl City:

adam young returns with the Ep Shooting Star. the Ep features four completely new tracks that will be on the new album releasing this summer. amongst the tracks, young teams up with Blink-182 vocalist Mark hoppus. the Ep shows a lot of promise for the new album.

Prometheus-

discover the origin of mankind’s existence on Earth June 8.

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted- the

animals make another attempt to go home June 8.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunterthe president goes on the most dangerous hunt June 22.

The Amazing Spider-man-

the rebooted web-slinger faces a challenging new foe July 3.

The Dark Knight Rises-

Batman faces his deadliest enemy yet in the ﬁnal installment July 20.

Page 16

2012Photo In Photos Essay

May 2012

BrENda MorENo photo

BrENda MorENo photo BrENda MorENo photo

Mia ortEGa photo

2012 in Photos

BrENda MorENo photo

1) The varsity softball team is cheered on after winning 5-3 against Plano at game one in a bestof-three series. 2) Theater performs a free dress rehearsal of this year’s UIL One Act play, Little Women, to the public. 3) The Silver Spurs perform their spring dance recital to display their routines from recent competitions, give their seniors a farewell, and to introduce next year’s team. 4) Senior Clayton Chenault trains for upcoming tournaments at the Southern Oaks Golf Course in Burleson. 5) Senior Marvin Ester keeps the ball away from an opponent before he passes it on to a teammate. 6) Sophomore Ty Lewellyn performs his song for Legacy Legends. He later won ﬁrst place. 7) After being crowned Prom King, senior D.J Herrera crowd-surfs during Prom. 8) Senior J.P. Canclini swims at the district swim meet. The boys’ swim team later won ﬁrst place.

BrENda MorENo photo