The Rider
Page 1
Mansfield Legacy High School 1263 North Main Street Mansfield,TX 76063 817-299-1100
December 19, 2008 Vol. 2 Issue 3
The Student Newspaper of Legacy High School: Covering Bronco Nation
News Briefs
HOSA contributes to future medical field
Senior Prom
Prom will be held on April 25 at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth. The theme is Cirque Du Soleil. Prom money was raised from Bronco Bazaar tickets and is also coming from future events such as the senior celebration dinner, student vs. staff Dodgeball match, and other fundraisers. “For undecided seniors, prom is one of the nights that are dedicated entirely to you,” Mrs. Schimming said. “It is the last social event that they can come together with their friends to make lasting memories. When you are an adult, you will still remember when you got all dressed up in the latest styles and partied like adults with your trendy music and fancy food,” Mrs. Schimming said.
BY COLE CHRISTENSEN Staff Writer
AcaDec at the Museum
Academic Decathlon visited the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth to explore Latin American art and culture. The Oct. 16 trip exposed the students to paintings and sculptures they will study for their competition. “We learned a lot about a different culture and had fun at the presentation,” senior Ryan Timmons said. “It was a cool experience. I hope the AcaDec does something like this in the future.”
Take Note Guitar Club
Guitar players of all skill levels are welcome to meetings after school in Mrs. Whiting’s room AJ115.
NEWS
see “HOSA” page 3
LAUREN SMITH PHOTO
Health Occupations Students of America encourages students to find interest in the medical profession. The Mansfield chapter meets once a month at the Ben Barber library. HOSA brings professionals in the medical field to give lectures to student in hopes of interesting them in various fields of medicine. It also acts as a social get together for students interested in medicine. “Anybody that’s a professional anything is usually a part of a professional organization,” health science teacher Bill Kaschub said. “It gives you opportunities for educa-
tion and networking with other people with similar interests.” Health science teacher Tracy Starr worked at Arlington Memorial Hospital for five years before teaching at Ben Barber. Teaching students about the medical profession gives him another way to contribute. “You’re the first one to spark their interest in medical professions,” Mr. Starr said. “It fills a void. All of us could be healthcare professionals with a better financial status.” According to Mr. Kaschub, HOSA gives more to students than just healthcare knowledge. “It’s all about profes
DISSECTING IN ANATOMY- Grant Kee dissects the group’s cat as they progress through the systems of the body. The newer cats are injected with red, yellow and blue dyes to show the veins and arteries.
Cats Out of The Bag
Anatomy specimens accidentally thrown away BY KYLE SIPE News Editor
After a couple hundred dollars and an expedited shipment of new cats from New York, Grant Kee had to rename his new cat to Coolcat.com, after the previous cats which were going to be used for dissection in his anatomy class disappeared. The class later learned the cats were mistaken for trash and hauled off to the dumpster over the weekend. “It happened right after Halloween, so I thought maybe someone took it as a joke and used the dead cats as props for their yard,” Grant Kee, anatomy student said. The newer cats, which cost $59 a piece, had to be shipped from New York, the only place that had cats available to be dissected
at the time. The new ones were triple injected with red, blue and yellow dyes to show the different systems of the body, and had no fur “I thought maybe or skin. “The new cats are supsomeone took posed to be organic but it as a joke and they smelled horrible,” Kee said. “I liked the old used the dead cats better.” cats as props for Anatomy teacher, Mrs. Fagan believed one of the their yard.” other science teachers had -Grant Kee taken and hidden the cats initially. “The science department has a tradition of playing jokes on each other,” Mrs. Fagan said. “I thought probably one of the other teachers had relocated them for me as a see “Cats” page 3
Luck of The Draw Casi Moss wins TCU art competition PAGE 4
FEATURE
Crash Course Car accident changes student’s perspective of driving safety PAGE 10-11
Economic decline causes college loan hardships BY COLE CHRISTENSEN Staff Writer
Alex Veale doesn’t understand the stock market, but he does know that the current economic worries will affect his college attendance. Families with poor credit or low income will not receive loans from struggling banks to pay for college. College tuition rises while
SPORTS
the money becomes scarce. “I don’t know how I’m going to pay for college,” senior Alex Veale said. “It wouldn’t be very realistic, but I used to consider joining the army to pay for college.” Federal grants from the government are less likely with the falling economy and tuition costs continue to rise. see “College” page 3
Diving In Swim team makes a splash in district PAGE 7
Page 2
News
The Rider
December 19, 2008
By No Means a Dead Language “I did expect it to be well attended,” Mr. Wright said, “but I didn’t expect it to do More Latin classes are as well as it’s doing.” projected for next year folMrs. Hayes, the teacher, lowing the studied Latin in unexpected college and taught p o p u l a r i t y “We had a Go-Fish it for a year. of the newly tournament where we “I think it’s easy introduced spoke only in Latin” because Latin is Latin I class. -Mrs. Hayes so logical,” Mrs. AdministraHayes said. “I love tors were eait, so I think it’s ger to see the class added to easy to teach.” the list of foreign languages According to Mr. Wright offered in MISD because and Mrs. Hayes, learning of the positive effect it can Latin can help with SAT have on SAT scores and scores. Ninety percent of grades in medical and Eng- English words with three lish classes. or more syllables have a Latin I, taught at Ben Latin root, so difficult voBarber, has an enrollment cabulary on the SAT usuof over 150 students in its ally has a basis in Latin. first year. More than any “There’s so many Latin of the Chinese, German or root words in our English Russian classes. An exten- words,” Mrs. Hayes said, “so sion to Latin IV is planned if you have a background in for the next few years. Latin, your English vocabBY AARON SAKOWSKI Staff Writer
ulary will increase.” Mr. Wright and the health occupation teachers at Ben Barber also believed a knowledge of Latin could help students who plan on entering the medical field. Medical terminology, which is based around combining various root words, is based on Latin roots. “They teach so much of this in the terminology,” Mr. Wright said. “It would help our students who are going through any kind of medical field to have this background.” Although the class includes students from all high school grade levels, the majority of the students are freshman. Freshman Kristi Kamesch chose Latin over other languages and plans to take it for all her language credits.
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
Latin classes spark interest and may have positive effect on SAT scores
STUDYING DURING LATIN -Junior Mia Peyton studies her vocabulary.Ninety percent of English words with more than three syllables have a Latin root .
“It’s the basis for all the romance languages and English, so I figured it would be easier to learn than all the other languages,” Kamesch said. “I’m really into the whole literature thing.” Students who stay with the course to Latin IV will have the opportunity of
reading literature by Roman authors. Students seeking to challenge their Latin skills before then can join the Latin Club at Ben Barber. “We do a lot of fun things. We had a Go-Fish tournament where we spoke only in Latin,” Mrs. Hayes said.
Latin’s success in its first year has given it a strong foundation for its future. It may be ancient, but it is by no means a dead language. “I love it,” Mrs. Hayes said. “I’m so happy to be teaching it, and I hope more students continue to sign up.”
Supply Store in Library Opens
After requests, library offers basic supplies for cost
following years. “It’s kind of a service to the students,” Pinkerton After receiving requests said. for a library store from stuAccording to Pinkerton, dents and teachers, librar- the supplies are set at a ian Pam Pinkerton decided reasonable price and make to open on. it easy for With apstudents proval from “Teachers will come to me and to get what principal Dasay ‘Hey I need three binders,’ they need vid Wright, because where else are they quickly. she used the “We’re going to find a binder for such not making library’s money to buy supa cheap price” a profit off plies such as of it. We’re -Mrs. Pinkerton spirals, glue selling it sticks, conpretty much struction paper and even what we buy it for,” she said, USB flash drives to get the “It’s more of a convenience library school store going, thing.” and plans to keep it for the The library store gets
BUYING A HIGHLIGHTER FOR CLASS-The student store offers supplies for cost making it convenient to both students and teachers.
BY GREGORY URIBE Editor In Chief
During lunch periods, APs will lock the cafeteria doors preventing students from entering and disturbing classes in the academic hallways. “The students haven’t responded positive,” Assistant Principal Mr. Contreras said. “but they’re very accepting.” According to Mr. Contreras, the new policy is meant to encourage students to re-
Anything But Ordinary Photography - On location shoots - Formal and informal poses - Creative formats
http://abophoto.dotphoto.com greggalansmith@att.net
Library Supplies
CD ($.60) Flash Drive 1 GB ($8.00) Spiral ($1.00) Folder ($.75) Binder ($1.00) Dividers ($.50) Notebook paper ($.01) Printed paper- white ($.01) Printed paper- color ($.05) Construction paper- 9x12 ($.15) Construction paper-12x18 ($.20) Poster board-white ($.50) Poster board-color ($.75) Pencil ($.10) Pen ($.25) High lighter ($.50) Index Card 3x5 ($.01) Index Card 4x6 ($.02) Battery AA or AAA ($.50) Glue stick ($.75) Ruler ($.25)
APs lock cafeteria doors to prevent students from disturbing academic classes
main in the cafeteria during their lunch periods. Before lunch rotations, the APs take turns unlocking and locking doors. “I think [the new policy] works perfectly fine,” Mr. Contreras said. “The kids responded very well in knowing to remember where to remain.” Although the policy is meant to deter students from leaving, there are some who have acceptable reasons
Your Senior Portrait Experts
about four to five students a day requesting poster boards and pencils. But it’s not just students buying supplies; it’s the teachers as well. “Teachers will come to me and say ‘Hey I need three binders,’ because where else are they going to find a binder for such a cheap price,” Pinkerton said. English teacher, Sherri Chambers, feels the library store will benefit the students and give them fast access to supplies. “I’m so glad they have it [library store], because when students forget their supplies, it’s right down the stairs,” Mrs. Chambers said.
for leaving. After straining the ligaments in his leg by jumping off a wall, Corbin Winkle was required to wear a cast and use crutches until his recovery. This hindrance made it necessary for Winkle to exit classes earlier to avoid being tardy for his next class or trampled in the hall. “It was stressful and I had never been on crutches before, so it was awkward,” Winkle said, “There are
definitely other courses they could take.” The requirements for leaving the cafeteria and the process that ensues were considered by Winkle to be unnecessary and time consuming. “I know they don’t want people roaming the halls,” Winkle said, “but it’s impeding everything else.” Despite complaints APs are more than willing to assist those who need to leave
for academic purposes. “It’s not like they’re boxed in the same LOCKING THE DOOR room all - Assistant Principal the time,” Mr.Trammell locks the door during Mr. Con- lunch to prevent treras said. students from “If they disturbing academic classrooms outside need to the cafeteria.The APs go some- take turns before where, they and after lunch to lock and unlock the know they doors. can come to us.”
Since 1907. Locally Owned. Nationally Known.
3100 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107 (817) 336-0584 www.LocallyOwned.org
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
LOCKED IN
BRITTNEY NICHOLS PHOTO
BY JAMILA OBIED Staff Writer
The Rider
Journalism receives $10,000 grant for podcasting lab, online newspaper
What's New •Local DECA branch growsDECA, an organization of both high school and college students who study business relations and marketing techniques, have grown to 81 members at the local branch located at Ben Barber. This is 41 more members than last year. “We have already accomplished one major goal of exceeding our membership numbers from last year,” E-Commerce II Teacher Melanie Stillings said. “Another goal is to compete at the National Level in Hollywood, CA.”
Noteworthy •Student composes pieceThe symphonic band will perform, Hark How the Bells, a revised edition of Carol of the Bells composed sophomore Jorge Morales. This is the third piece written by Morales preceded by Carol of the Bell and Noble of the Sea. After hearing Morales’ Carol of the Bell being performed by the Worley Middle School band, Band Director Glen Fugett requested Morales make a piece for Legacy, resulting in Hark How the Bells “I’m pretty proud of myself and feel I’ve accomplished something,” Morales said. “Sometimes I feel I’m bragging, but then I think about it and realize not many people can do this.”
GRANT MONEY- Journalism adviser Leland Mallett receives a grant for nearly $10,000 to fund The Rider’s new podcasting lab for the upcoming online paper.
BY IAN COOK Staff Writer
Years of dreaming. Months of planning. Weeks of collaboration. Days of contemplation. Countless hours of searching for the right price. Minutes of emailing. Sec-
onds of doubt: all for a chance to stand out. Legacy Journalism received a grant on Nov. 19 of nearly $10,000 for a podcasting lab to improve the upcoming online newspaper. “[MISD] announced Timberview’s [grant] the
week before, so I was worried we weren’t going to get it,” journalism adviser Leland Mallett said. The convergent media class, which will be launched next year, will combine print, broadcast, and Internet to deliver news to students. “I just think we underutilize [visual] technology in education,” Photojournalism and future Broadcast teacher Jim Cockrell said. “This gives us a great opportunity in the way that people learn in the 21st century.” Nine journalism students are currently enrolled in E-commerce II to learn how to code and start the future news site, theriderlive.com.
“Coding is like when someone’s telling you about a project and it sounds easy, but you go and look at it and it’s the hardest thing ever,” future online editor Will Ritchie said. “Coding is that project that you get from the teacher that hates you.” The equipment bought by this grant will be available to other classes as well. “I think that when teachers see the power of this technology you will see a lot of them gravitating toward [teaching with technology],” Mr. Cockrell said. Professional journalism heavily incorporating the use of technology was the
reason for this grant in the first place. “I personally would like to see this model adopted for the district and for this to become a career pathway for students,” E-commerce teacher Melanie Stillings said. Timberview launched their website, thsoutlook. com, on Nov. 21 and Summit has plans in the works to launch one of their own. Ritchie hopes students from all over the district will visit theriderlive.com “I want the website to be where students from all of the Mansfield schools can find out what’s going on, and things that matter by reading stories and watching videos,” Ritchie said.
College loans unavailable continued from page 1
College tuition increased 5.6% between July 2007 and July 2008 according to BusinessWeek. The trends over the last five years predict the 2009 tuition fees to increase as well. Families have not prepared for the future. “As a nation we don’t save enough,” economics teacher Amy Deatherage said. “We don’t have a stash for rainy days.” As college draws nearer, Veale realizes the predicament for his future. A strong SAT score and the small savings his family saved will mean little in his pursuit for a career in criminology. Financial Advisor Magazine says that only 13% of high school senior families saved the estimated $100,000 required to pay for college. “My step-mom thinks
the money I have now is enough for college,” Veale said, “but it definitely is not. We get into arguments about how I’m going to pay for it.” The hardships of going to college force Veale to lower his standards in his college selection. The affordability of prestigious colleges exceeds Veale’s price range and weakens his chance for success. “So unless I either join the army or sell my body for experimentation,” Veale said, “there’s no way I can pay for college and not be in debt.” The average debt of college graduates mark at $20,000. The average salary of college graduates is $46,000. According to FinAid.org, a professional degree along with undergraduate college averages out at $93,134.
Veale feels bothered by the means a student must pay for college. “I don’t want to owe money to people that gave me an education,” Veale said. “It’s just not right. Knowledge shouldn’t have a price tag on it. Mrs. Deatherage believes they key to succeeding in these turbulent financial times lies in enjoying the sought after career. “Finding something you love and making it marketable will lead you to success,” Mrs. Deatherage said. “Being passionate about your work is important.” Despite the awareness of the increase in college tuition, Veale knows that hardship is inevitable. “I have to deal with it,” Veale said, “nothing is going to change. I’ll just have to tighten the belt and go through with it. I’m going to college no matter what.”
Cats replaced after throw away mishap continued from page 1
joke, but they swore they had no knowledge of it.” The cats were kept in separate clear plastic bags filled with formaldehyde to keep them from decomposing. Each bag was labeled with the cat’s name and placed inside of large trash can in the back of the classroom. “[The cats] weighed close to 60 or more pounds,” Mrs. Fagan said. Now they keep the felines locked inside the back prep room, labeled with a pink neon sign in Spanish and
English and scotch taped to the trash can to avoid being thrown away. Anatomy student Greg Green thinks these precautions will prevent any future problems. He had previously heard about the anatomy class just the year before he took it, but despite dissecting cats as being part of the curriculum, he decided to take it to further his knowledge in the medical field. He believes working with the cats will give him experience he needs to work as an anesthesiologist.
“What drew me to the class is that we got to learn about the systems and the body itself,” Green said. The cats will be used until the beginning of May, and the class will continue to dissect each system of the body. Although the class has replacements for each cat now, they still agree that they will miss their previous set. “We bonded with it a little,” Kee said. “We got to take it out of its juice bag and hold it for the first time.”
TAKING A PULSE-Students practice taking pulses and blood pressure in health science courses.HOSA allows these students to gain experience and the opportunity to network with professionals in the field.
Jasmine McMasters Photo
•Infinite campusInfinite Campus now emails parents about a failing grade teachers have entered into the grade book.
CARMEN LONDONO PHOTO
•Teen leadership takes a trip to New YorkMrs. Schimming along with 32 or more students from her Teen II class, and seniors from Teen I will take a trip to New York this February to help The Union Gospel Mission with feeding the homeless.
Random Info
Page 3
Video News
News Briefs
•NHS visits Mission ArlingtonMrs. Michelle Hurst sponsors the National Honor Society. The class did community service hours for the Mission Arlington on Dec. 13, and plans to continue doing service hours when the opportunities arise.
News
December 19, 2008
HOSA offers medical experience continued from page 1
sionalism,” Mr. Kaschub said, “not just teaching them skills but work ethics. That professionalism will help every part of their life, not just healthcare” Professionals of the medical field give lectures about their practice. Senior Patrick Huggins felt out of place at the first meeting. “I didn’t know what to expect,” Huggins said “but it’s a nice way of not having to go to a hospital to learn about the medical field.” Mr. Kaschub hopes his presence has influenced students to participate in HOSA. “He’s an interesting guy,” Huggins said, “even though people who wouldn’t be interested in the medical field, but because he’s so worldly, he can find something in the field to interest people.” According to Mr. Starr, there is a lack of healthcare professionals today, and he hopes HOSA will curb this problem. HOSA answers questions Huggins might about the medical career. “I know I want to major in medicine,” Huggins said, “but I hope HOSA will help me find out which practice of medicine.”
ARLINGTON PAVERS INC. *Concrete Interlocking Pavers* *Brick Pavers* *Modular Retaining Walls* P.O. Box 171025 Arlington, Texas 76063 817-477-4777
The Rider December 19, 2008 News Can You Hear Me Now Page 4
BY COLE CHRISTENSEN Staff Writer
Microphones and their counterpart speakers will be tested by the science and math department teachers in hopes of improving the productivity of students. The Mansfield school district will use Legacy High School as a test pilot for the REDCAT audio system from Lightspeed Technologies. The use of the system hopes to improve a teacher’s lesson by ensuring all students hear the lecture. Physics teacher John Davis believes the system has helped students hear his lectures better. “I think so far it’s good,” Mr. Davis said. “It’s easier
for someone to hear over the ambient classroom noises.” Some students receive less information from teachers because of seating location. “The jury is still out,” biology teacher Michelle Fagan said, “but I think it will help out the kids in the back of the room.” Reactions varies with the implication of the system. “Some like it some don’t,” Mr. Davis said. “Some are wierded out because they hear me in stereo now.” Despite the echo, the system can act as an amplifier for DVD’s and computers, allowing for teachers to avoid purchasing additional speakers for
visual presentations. Mr. Davis also uses the speaker to improve spirits in the classroom by attaching it to a talking Christmas tree that moves and blinks when he talks. “In all honesty I put up the Christmas tree just for fun,” Mr. Davis said. “I have to turn it off during class in order to avoid a guest lecturer.” Math and science teachers hope the use of the REDCAT audio system will improve the way students learn and increase the overall attention span of classes. “For teachers who normally talk pretty loud, you won’t see much of a difference,” Mrs. Fagan said. “I think the fact that we can use it for video will help.”
JACKIE KUENSTLER PHOTO
Math and science department receive mic grant, pilot new technology
LECTURING LOUDER-Mr.Davis lectures his class using the newly provided mics to enhance his audio output.Only the Math and Science departments recieved the microphones and speakers to test them out.
Luck of the Draw Moss’ drawing wins TCU art contest BY JACOB MOORE Staff Writer
Casi Moss’ ink drawing Poker face was selected as the grand prize winner in Texas Christian University’s recent “That’s So Cool” competition. The contest consisted entirely of works by AP art students across Tarrant County. Students submitted their pieces to their teachers and each teacher selected one piece. Mr. Mason chose senior Moss’ piece to represent Legacy. “When Mr. Mason told me it was being chosen, I
was really excited,” Moss said. “I’m just grateful to have been chosen.” The winner of the competition was declared on Nov. 14. “I was really surprised to have won,” Moss said. “There were a lot of really good paintings and sculptures.” Among Casi’s competitors were thirty-seven pieces representative of over forty schools. Media included paintings, sculptures, photography, and a few others. “It surprised me that there actually weren’t that many different media there,”
Moss said. “Winning was a big honor. I’d never won first in an art competition before.” Casi’s piece stood out from the others, largely because she chose to create the piece with an ink pen on a canvas of forty-five playing cards. “I just saw the cards and decided to use them really,” Moss said. “I guess the judges liked it because it was a little different.” Casi depicted her friend Molly Browder with a blank gaze, vintage glasses and a bit of drool hanging from her bottom lip.
“At first I was going to use a different picture, but Molly showed me that one of herself and I knew I had to use it,” Moss said. The piece took a week to complete, working on it off and on. Casi uses her art to express herself, but hopes for people to interpret her art on a piece-by-piece basis. “I want people to get some humor out of Poker face,” Moss said. Casi’s mother was a photographer as a teenager, so Casi and her twin sister Kenzie grew up around it. Casi picked up her first
POKER FACE-The drawing done by Casi Moss features her friend Molly Browder.Moss’ drawing was selected as the grand prize winner for TCU’s“That’s So Cool”competition.
camera and paintbrush as a sophomore. “I’ve always been intrigued by art,” Moss said. Kenzie helps inspire her; the two bounce ideas off of one another.
“We exchange ideas,” Kenzie Moss said, “but Casi excels more in art than I do.” After high school the two plan to attend college together and possibly major in the same field.
Academic Decathlon Team Chosen
Team prepares for larger competition next semester BY BRETT WALKER Staff Writer
Filing off the bus, Tyler sees familiar faces. Some of them intimidate him, and some boost his confidence. This practice tournament will show him what he needs to do to prepare for spring. Senior Tyler Williams scored a 2020, the highest cumulative grade of Legacy’s Academic Decathlon team at the Dec. 5 practice meet at Timberview. “I actually didn’t expect that. I thought I would have been struggling to make the team, not the top of the team,” Williams said. “That makes me feel pretty good about myself.” Ten of Legacy’s students went to the practice meet, participating in honors, scholastic, and varsity categories. The school won ten individual awards in seven different exams. “The kids did really well,” sponsor and teacher Brandon Austin said. “We learned a bunch about the different tests you take.” Now that the official team has been selected, AcaDec must prepare themselves for the real deal next semester. “We need to study the material more; we went in there
pretty cold,” Williams said. Only eight students could be allowed on the team, three for honor and varsity levels, along with two alternates. “All of us needed to be on the team,” Williams said. “It’s just unlucky for some.”
Waco Vintage Instruments BUY p SELL p TRADE
Largest selection of Invitations in the Metroplex Pandora Trollbeads Jewelry Children’s Clothing & Accessories Gifts for all Occasions
John Brinkmann & Jacque Atkins (817) 473-9144 1275 N. Main #104 Mansfield, TX 76063
6204 South Cooper Suite 114 Arlington 817-465-3687
The Rider
News
December 19, 2008
Page 5
Sing the stress away Choir participates in area competition Crowds began to gather in Summit’s cafeteria on Oct. 18, as the second round of area competition laid ahead. Everyone tried to spare their voices until the very last minute was upon them. Nerves were running on high while stressed out singers waited patiently to get checked in. Kyle Page, one of seven qualifiers from Legacy, awaited the announcement telling all competitors to register. “I was so proud and excited to see how far they would go.” Choir teacher Mrs. Owens said. After the tables were set up and everyone gathered, the word was called to begin lines to sign in. “The process was long enough,” Page said. “The lines were just un“It seemed like they had just necessary.” handed you your life on paper.” Once all the schools -Kyle Page were checked in, they were moved into the same room for their first and final practice before the solos came. “It stressed me out,” Page said. “I just wanted to go first after warm up and get it over with.” Immediately following the warm up, no one was allowed to sing, hum or even listen to music. This was so there would be no unfair advantage by getting any pitches to help anyone get a tune. “Receiving the clips I was to sing was the worst part of it all,” Page said. “It seemed like they had just handed you your life on paper.” With no electronics allowed, all the competitors were
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
BY AMBER STEINLE Staff Writer
GIVING IT THEIR BEST- Seven choir students participated in the area competion during October. Students were required to sing a solo piece to a panel of judges sitting behind a white sheet.
able to do was read over their parts or talk with other competitors. The singers were called back by groups and left waiting in the hall out side the judging room. “This was the worst because you could hear the one before you in the room and if they were good it made you feel bad.” Page said, “but if they were bad, you had your boost of confidence.” Entering the room, the only thing visible was a white
sheet hiding the judges and a single lady in the corner awaiting the okay to start the music. “The lady was really nice,” Page said. “She smiled and made me feel a little better.” Once the music had begun that was it. If a mess up occurred, the attempt to keep going and pray no one heard was all the hope the singers had. “I had tons of fun despite all the stress; and I can’t wait to see how it turns out,” Page said.
iBistro replaces Athena as library software BY BRETT WALKER Staff Writer
Library circulation software in MISD will do much more than tell students where books are located. Sirsi, the developers of the district’s new software, iBistro, have plans to integrate their online catalog with the library check-out system itself. Students will have the option to check their status with the library from their computers at home, as well as at school. “It’s going to be a really good system—good for students once completely functional,” Library Media
Specialist Pamela Pinkerton said. “Their library will be available to them even when school is closed.” This new technology cost the district over $90,000. Mansfield schools will pay an additional upkeep cost every year, but this situation is no different from the previous arrangement. “We don’t have all the features yet. It’s better than what we had,” Mrs. Pinkerton said. When searching iBistro’s catalog, it lists all schools using the software. This list allows students from Legacy to search all the libraries in the district for the book
EDD, not ADD BY PATRICK GRIFFIN Staff Writer
he/she is looking for. “It might encourage people to read, because it’s easier to find books,” sophomore Donovan Jensen said. Legacy’s library doesn’t have as many books as the other libraries in MISD, but as it grows, the perks of iBistro will become more prominent. “It’s a way to stretch money and resources. It saves them [students] time, they know what they want when they come in,” Mrs. Pinkerton said. Besides the lengthy web address, there is one distraction with the system:
IBISTRO- with the new library software, students will be able to browse over the entire selection of books within all the district’s schools.
its vulnerability to crashing. The system is serverbased, and therefore flexible, but it can stop working at any time because of a glitch or a simple disconnection.
“We had some problems, but [it’s] becoming more stable,” Mrs. Pinkerton said. The publishers of Athena, MISD’s old program, ceased supporting their
software. So, the district needed a new one. “We had to make the decision to go to a new system,” Mrs. Pinkerton said. “More and more are going online.”
Engineers in training design with mentors to develop product and submit to board of engineers
Michael Caho stares at the drafting program on his computer, pondering what he wants to make. The new class he is taking at Ben Barber enables him to create a product to solve a problem of his choice. “I’ve wanted to be an engineer since I was younger, and now I can try it out,” Caho says. “I rather find out how I like it now, then when I get out of college.” Engineering Design and Development is a new class geared toward teaching students the design process. The students in the class will work individually with an engineering mentor to develop a solution to an existing problem. At the completion of the course, students will
present the product to a board of engineers. “Most projects in high school come to a pre-determined conclusion,” EDD teacher Susan Patterson said. “The process in here is open ended; it’s open to all possibilities”. The class offers students the same thing as a college level research and development course. Several Engineers from Lockheed Martin, civil firms around the area and college professors from UT Arlington, Tarleton State University, and possibly the University of North Texas will all aid the students in their process in developing the product.
“The class allows students to use their creativity to develop solutions to problems they encounter in their everyday life,” Patterson says. EDD is part of a national program called PLTW. The program, developed in 1998, attempts to help develop skills vital to a successful career in engineering. In an EDD class in Sarasota, Florida a student developed a way to start her car with a phone call from her cell phone. The technology developed is now used by General Motors in their factory remote start option. “I hope I can make something that makes everyday things easier,” Caho says. “And can help my golf game.”
Page 6
Sports
The Rider
December 19, 2008
At the Top of the List Volleyball dominates all-district list
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
The Legacy Broncos Volleyball team’s season was ended in the third round of the Texas state playoffs by Aledo after an undefeated season in district. The individual accolades began pouring in Nov. 25 for the team that had so much success during the season. For the first time in school history, a Bronco athlete was named to an all-star team, in setter Bekah Dorsey. Dorsey had 109 kills leading the team with 1041 assists and 57 aces, and was third on the team with 256 digs. “I feel really honored because I'm the first one. I feel really privileged to know I have people backing me up,” Dorsey said. “I wouldn’t have gotten any-
STANDING ALONE-Sean Smith (right) is joined in the hall by Tejas teammate Colton Feazel (left). They both play in competitive club volleyball.
NET SETTER
Legacy’s Sean Smith proves volleyball not just girls’ sport BY PATRICK MADIGAN Sports Editor
During his time in school, senior Smith patrols the sidelines as a member of Bronco Brigade, provides the spirit in the pep rallies, just like any other student. Although seemingly normal, Smith has another side to him few at the school ever get to see. Standing 6’3 , Smith is hailed as the top ranked men’s volleyball prospect in the state, and is considered to be among the top 32 in the nation. The ranking was a surprise to Smith. “I saw it in a volleyball magazine,” Smith said. “I was really shocked because I didn’t know where they found me.” Volleyball has been a constant fixation all of Smith’s life, taking his abilities to the club level years ago with Panther City. This year, as a member of the Tejas 18’s North Texas High School Men’s Volleyball Club, opportunities and scholarships await, along with fellow Legacy students junior Trevor Callarman and senior Colton Feazell. The Tejas Club will play tournaments nation wide including one in Puerto Rico. Although Smith’s talents prove among the nation’s best, he craves the experience girls’ high school teams receive, even though according to Sean, the men play at a more competitive level. “One of my main goals would be to
play in front of a big crowd like the girls do, but I never get the opportunity,” Smith says. “Girls play on a lower net, they move a lot slower, and they’re game is in slow motion compared to guys.” Callarman, a middle and also the step brother of Smith, joins Smith as a veteran of men’s volleyball. “I love playing with Sean,” Callarman said. “I like that not many people play it. It’s a sport you can really excel in.” Callarman and Smith have also, on top of playing club, played for Green Hill private school in tournaments, a team considered one of the top teams in state by volleyball players and coaches. Although a scholarship opportunity looms for Callarman, Smith’s opportunities are opening up this season. “I’m being heavily recruited by Hawaii for men’s volleyball. I have a campus visit in January,” Smith said. Playing just men’s club sometimes proves insufficient for these two, so on top of Tejas, Smith and Callarman also practice with area high school teams such as Mansfield, Summit and Martin. So whether its playing, coaching or practicing Smith and Callarman quietly put on dominant performances in a sport that few know exist, but they are making very sure more people will come to know it shortly. “I hope to get a scholarship and make a good degree out of it,” Smith said.
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
BY PATRICK MADIGAN Sports Editor
SET APART-Bekah Dorsey, all state award winner, looks to serve to start the match.
where this season without the team and the coaches.” Paige Tabor was named district defensive player of the year, and Leslie Jackson along with Caitlyn Hudson were named to 8-4A first team all district. Megan Murray was named to second team and Hannah Wellskopf and Maria Turner
7 Things
You Should Know About the Hockey Team
According to KEVIN SCHEER
were honorable mention. “It’s something that they all deserve. It was something that was selected by the district coaches and the all state committee,” coach Jennifer Chandler said. “Definitely all of those players that have earned any kind of accolade, they have deserved.”
1. We Represent All of MISD. We’ve always
been composed of players from all four schools. A lot of them are Legacy kids (7) and Mansfield has the most (11).
2.
We Compete Against Everyone. We compete against most of the high schools in the metroplex. We can travel as far as Frisco or as close as Martin. During winter break we’re going to Minnesota to compete in a holiday tournament for the second year in a row.
3.
We’re Young. We set a school record for wins last year when I was the backup goalie. We graduated about half of the team. This year we only have three seniors. Zach Nuss, Patrick Madigan, and Cameron Varley.
4.
We’re Good. Even though we’re really young, we keep winning games. We’re tied for second in the state in the standings right now at 9-3. We beat Allen, the number one high school team in the state in a shoot out 4-3, thanks in large part to myself. Just kidding, but really...
5.
We Have To Pay For Everything. Usually one season is about 3,000 dollars, not including our equipment, sticks, or travel. We fund-raise a lot to save some extra cash.
6.
We Work Hard. We hate Mondays. Usually we do conditioning for an hour and then a physical practice. Mondays usually aren’t the best of times. Wednesdays are tough too. We play on Thursdays so a lot of our game preparation happens here.
7.
We Like To Mix it Up a Bit. I lit the leading scorer on our team on fire by mistake in the locker room. Putting tape over the blade of people’s skates is also a personal favorite. They come out of the locker room to take the ice, get a running start, then fall on their face.
WOLY BOARD CO.
in the Arlington Highlands near Studio Movie Grill
WAKE • SKATE • APPAREL TEXT: WOLY To: 35350 Standard Text Rates Apply
& $AVE!
myspace.com/wolyboardco
wolyboardcompany.com
The Rider
Sports
December 19, 2008
Making a Splash
cowboyszone.com
Sports Briefs
Page 7
The swim team dives into season with high expectations PATRICK MADIGAN Sports Editor
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
•Putting the ‘Fun’ in Dysfunctional The Roller coaster season continued for the Dallas Cowboys, as the defeated the division leading New York Giants Sunday at Texas Stadium, 20-8. The win capped off what was undoubtedly the most dramatic of the season for the ‘boys. Despite denying the rumors, receiver Terrell was unhappy about his lack of touches in the previous loss on the road at the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now the count down is one for the remaining games at Texas Stadium, when the Cowboys take on the Ravens for what will be last regular season game ever at Texas Stadium.
dallasstars.com
GOING FOR A SWIM-Coach Briscoe hopes that strong individual performances will lead the team to a district title in ‘09
BY PATRICK MADIGAN Sports Editor
In new programs, there’s growth, and then there’s Legacy’s swim team. A second place finish in
•Stars say “so long” to Sean After finishing up his six game suspension handed down by the league, the Stars announced Sean Avery will not be rejoining the team, citing that he has too much to sort out in his personal life. Avery was suspended for making inappropriate comments about a member of the Calgary Flames’s girlfriend.
Quick Stats Upcoming Meets Carroll ( Jan. 3) Carroll ISD Aquatic Center Keller Invite ( Jan. 16-17) Keller ISD Nat. District 8-4A Meet (Feb. 3) Mansfield ISD Nat.
•Title Games Set
The final week of Texas High school football is set as Allen will take on FB Hightower in the division 1 5A championship game. Division 2 will see Katy take on Wylie. Defending state champion Katy will have a chance to repeat but defending cochampion Trinity will not, as they were defeated by Allen in the state semi-final. Class 4A will see Longview take on Lake Travis in Waco.
•BASKETBALL @ SUMMIT December 23 7:30 p.m. Summit HS Arlington, Texas
duced a number of talented freshman into the program that are immediately ready to compete, as Danika Dunn, Morgan Ingle, and Clarke Blenton all enter the program this year. Much of the credit for the readiness of the team for the upcoming season can be givento the off season program the Broncos and Coach Briscoe implemented after the swimming season last year, which begins in October and ends with the state meet. “There are things you have to learn when you start out in swimming,” Briscoe said. “It allowed them to learn that before competitive season. We came in ready to compete from day one, whereas last
year it took us a couple months to get ready.” The swim team had its first meet of the season at the Colony high school on Oct. 7. The boys team, which finished seventh in district last year, tied for first, matching the Colony with 113 points. The girls took the meet with a final overall score 121 to 100. “Team spirit is important because when your team is rooting for you, you do a lot better,” Alsteatter said. “It’s good to know you have people behind you.” One win will not satisfy the Bronco coaches or players this year however, as the expectations are on the rise with a team of new talent and a new attitude.
BY AMBER STEINLE Staff Writer
The whistle blows and the ball is tossed in the air like a piece of meat for two dogs to fight over. Junior Eddie Leal was beat out by the starting guard for Irving, by losing the ball on tip off. The Broncos responded by using a turn over to score the first basket of their first pre-district game, Tuesday Nov. 18 against Irving. “I’m not worried about losing my starting spot,” Leal said. “All I want to do is set and be a good example for the freshmen and sophomores that just came up.” The newcomers to the varsity team not only had
to beat out their competition during tryouts but also had to fight for playing time from the veterans. “I figured that if I wanted to play I’d have to play my game,” junior Kevin Barona said. Barona, and junior Nick Fitzer another new varsity player, did not get much playing time, but during practices he fought for the spotlight and accomplished his goal of playing more than the last 30 seconds of a game. “I was really nervous at first,” Fitzer said, “but the adrenaline made me play better.” Now their teamwork and determination has landed the team a winning record and a third place finish
JACKIE KUENSTLER PHOTO
Basketball looks to build on impressive first season
NICHOLS PHOTO
December 19 8 p.m. Waxahachie HS Waxahachie, TX
Even though Dawn loved Legacy, she still swam three years for Mansfield. Last year there was a big separation between people who had been there and people who haven’t been there before. This year [the team] is more cohesive.” Alsteatter, who expects to swim in college, has Junior J.D. Canclini to accompany her at the top of the team. Canclini began swimming club five years ago but never swam for Legacy because of other sports. “It’s hard waking up early for practice,” Canclini said. “Once you’re done with practice, it sets the mood for the day. It feels good being back in the water.” The Broncos also intro-
Pushing Forward
Upcoming
•BASKETBALL vs WAXAHACHIE
the district swim meet and swimmer earning a collegiate scholarship might be enough to satisfy Coach Briscoe, but there are even loftier goals for this year, and with good reason. “You never can predict exactly what can happen,” Briscoe said. “I would hope that the girls would win district. The boys should be in the top three.” After Dawn Richerson and diver Brandon Durrett graduated, a new leader had to emerge to lead the team. Senior Alex Alsteatter expects to lead the Broncos this year and should be the fastest swimmer among the group. I just go out there and swim my best,” Alsteatter said. “It’s like a new era.
LOOKING TO DISH- Senior Justin Walker hopes to push the ball up court against Irving Nov.18.
in their first tournament sponsored by The Fantasy of Lights. “Our team is close like a family,” junior Kevin Barona said, “and it feels great to be apart of a family.” Once the team became closer and more comfortable with each other and
how plays would run, the points began to add up in their favor. Putting their chemistry to the test, the Broncos hung tough with the national number one team, Duncanville, on December 15, loosing 68-46. The Broncos hope to ex-
tend their winning streak tonight while playing at Timberview, which is ranked tenth in the state, starting at 6:30 P.M. and continue winning during district play, which starts Jan. 3, and against Everman ranked twenty-third in the state.
Page 8
Sports
The Rider
December 19, 2008
SPORTS OPINION
A little culture never hurt: Germany’s Gloeckler plays US sports BY PATRICK MADIGAN Sports Editor
Legacy’s athletic program has proven their might. There are no sports that have not excelled in, so one might ask themselves, what can we possibly do to make Legacy better? Set up a basketball scrimmage with the Harlem Globetrotters? No. Have J.D. Canclini race Michael
Phelps mono y mono? No, but closer. Then the answer dawned on me. Legacy is so great, let us not be so satisfied just showing our might in the area. Be not satisfied in sharing the force of the Bronco gallop with the state or the country, but the world! Yes! Let those from around the world come to experience the domination in Bronco Nation. This
summer, dreams of global Bronco expansion were achieved with the migration of Johannes Gloeckler from Deutschland, or Germany as it is more commonly known here in the U.S of A. Upon getting off the plane, our own little symbol of global athletic domination noticed the one thing that most everyone is bound to notice, we have
a lot of trucks, especially coming from the land of the tiny Volkswagen. Immediately, Gloeckler became a part of American life, joining the football team, and no I mean football, not futbol, maybe a more expected choice for a German. Two-a-days and summer workouts followed. This was a great prospect, a German on the football team. This speaks
volumes of the system at Bronco nation also, saying that we can take anybody in the world, plug them into our system, and win ball games, even though Gloeckler was merely a kicker. Although that was the case until Gloeckler split the tacklers and took it to the house for six late in the season, to which the coaches realized, “this guy
is pretty fast.” It is that quickness that will take Johannes to another Bronco sport, soccer. As a member of the soccer class, Johannes hopes to be seen on the roster when the season begins in January. So with this added German flavor peppering himself amongst the rosters of the great in Bronco nation, worldwide domination is on the horizon. Maybe.
Stronger start for girls’ b-ball
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
BY AMBER STEINLE Staff Writer
SCRAPING FOR A LOOSE BALL-Sophomore Kyaris Johnson dives for a loose ball. The team looks to add hustle to their game and more Ws in the stats.
The girls’ basketball team struggled in their first year to say the least. Now, in their second year, the team looks to rebound-literally. One of the improvements of the team is the new found swagger when they take the court. “I just learned to walk on the court like I own it,” captain Ashley Watson said, “and then I really do.” Changes in attitude and strategies have been the main component in the turn around from last season. Now the girls are off to a winning start and a second place finish in their first tournament sponsored by Diamond Jarvis. Contributions came from all the girls to build their status. “We began playing like a team,” Terrica Franklin said, “and I can jump.” With all Franklin’s rebounds and Watson averaging 15 points a game, the team was able to have more attempts to win games. “I just try to push the team while encouraging them,” Watson said. “I try to give them the desire to go get it and win.” All efforts combined have helped alter the girls’ attitudes toward each other and how they view the way they play as a team. Leading by example is how Watson hopes to lead her team to a district win and an offer to attend Nebraska State College on a full ride basketball scholarship.
Kickin’ it up BY AMBER STEINLE Staff Writer
Kickoff began at 9 a.m. Sat. Dec. 6. Teams competed for one goal, to beat out all other 31 teams and win the T-shirt along with bragging rights. The number one goal for both teams was to recruit more teams to play so that more money could be raised for the softball and baseball programs. “We had a much better turn out this year than last,” varsity softball coach Michelle Mayfield said. Each team had to move their way up the bracket without a loss to reach the first place win. Senior and team captain Jake Edwards chose to gather Team Awe-
some, the team he won with last year and hoped to win again this year. Collectively team members chose to call themselves TAKS, Team Awesome Kickball Style. “We wanted to keep the tradition going with team awesome,” Edwards said. This decision, considering the five game winning streak to become tournament champions, was a creditable by using the kickball veterans. “I’m a beast at kickball,” senior and team player Patrick Griffin said, “so I didn’t think it would be hard to win.” Netted funds totaled $2,900 for the softball girls, which consisted of team costs and concessions.
LAUREN SMITH PHOTO
Edwards’ team wins kickball tournament
Players and coaches look on from the sidelines during the kickball tournament December 6.The event is held as a fund raiser for softball and baseball teams.
Raised money will go to help the girls’ program purchase a video camera, playback equipment, bats and field supplies. The baseball team netted funds equaling a little bit under $8,000. The boys
raised more money because they had more teams enter than the softball girls did and they held a silent auction as well. They plan to spend the money to purchase turf for the batting cages, team jackets and a
radar gun. Because the tournament is a fund raiser, team players will be able to recruit peers and people from the community, who are willing to pay their fair share of twenty dollars, to help out
the softball and baseball programs. “I will be back to play again next year even though I’ll be graduated,” Griffin said, “because we have to defend our championship.”
By Jamila Obied Staff Writer
Tonie Contreras wakes up at 3:30 in the morning to prepare breakfast and lunch for her husband. After her husband leaves to work at about 4:30, Tonie goes back to bed for 30 minutes. She then gets back up, walks over to Kelsey’s room, and knocks on her door. “Time to get up!” Kelsey gets out of bed to take a shower and then she goes to wake her brother. Once they’re all ready, the Contreras family gather in their car, start arguing whether to get breakfast or not, and then go off to do their own thing once they arrive at Legacy. This is the average morning for the Contreras family. Tonie Contreras is the counselors’ secretary. Her son, Patrick Contreras, is an attendance clerk, and her daughter, Kelsey, is a
Sports
December 19, 2008
Page 9
Contreras trio lives, works, schools together for last 12 years
senior. Mrs. Contreras has been working at the same school that Patrick and Kelsey have attended ever since their first day of school. “We started together in Pre-K and we’ve been together up until this day,” Mrs. Contreras said. The Contreras’ don’t think going to Legacy together is as strange as everyone else makes it out to be. “A lot of people would think it’s weird [being together at the same school], but it’s actually not, because we’re such a close knit family,” Kelsey said. Being at the same school doesn’t really have an effect on the Contreras family. “I don’t see them much unless they come around,” Mrs. Contreras said, “but it’s been great because we all ride together.” Patrick started working here in the summer just helping out and then he found out he could be getting paid for what he was
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
FAMILY TIME
The Rider
AT HOME AND AT WORK- The Contreras have been working/attending the same school since Patrick was in Pre-k.
doing. “I was volunteering and I found out Mrs. Tarin got relocated, so I took her position,” he said. Patrick was an athletic trainer all four years when
mansfield LEGACY high school the arena 2009 vol. 2
again
again 305
he was in high school and now Kelsey has followed in his steps. Kelsey would see her brother as an athletic trainer in high school. She picked it up her freshman year and now she’s going to
pursue training in college. “I kind of saw everything from his point of view, but I wanted to experience it first hand,” Kelsey said. Kelsey will be the first one to move out of the Contre-
ras household once she goes off to college. It’s going to be hard on everyone. “I know she wants to be somebody and I know she’s ready for it, but I’m not,” Mrs. Contreras said.
FINAL DAY TO BUY A YEARBOOK IS TODAY
www.legacyjournalism.org
Page 10
In-Depth
The Rider
December 19, 2008
car crash
as
ch o
chaos
A Crash Course in Life
Leslie Walden’s near death experience changes her perspective o BY MICHELLE HEATH Features Editor
Leslie Walden never got a chance to change out of her softball uniform. Her clothes lay in the back seat, untouched. And they would remain untouched. While riding to a friend’s house after her softball game senior Leslie Walden was in a major car accident involving another vehicle and a Racetrack eighteen wheeler. The I-20 crash not only affected Leslie’s day, it changed her entire life. “A completely normal day can change into the worst day of your life,” Leslie said. “And we have no control over it, things happen, I guess for a reason.” The day started off with a softball game in Burleson. A Tiger victory. To celebrate the win, Leslie and her teammate Marie Brown went out to eat and hung out around Arlington before they began their journey to Crowley, where Leslie planned to spend the night. On the way to Marie’s house, Leslie took her seatbelt off to get something out of the back. When she got back up to the front, she told Marie she wasn’t going to put her seat belt back on since they were so close to her house. “No, just put your seat belt back on,” Marie told her. Leslie took her friend’s advice. The next moment, an eighteen wheeler slammed into
their car. It sent them flying into a brick wall on the side something she had never seen before in her life. of the highway. “I’ve gotten better, it’s just hard,” Leslie said. “Having The gas-carrying truck had crashed into a stalled car, someone die in your arms with their brain hanging out of causing it to jackknife. The other car was completely de- their head, it’s just not something you see every day.” molished. The ambulance arrived in about 25 minutes. To Leslie, Saved by her seat belt, Leslie ran across it felt like longer. the highway to see if there was anyone she When the ambulance got there, the paramedics put A completely could help. Leslie on a stretcher. A banged up head and glass stuck “Seat belts will save your life, I’m serious,” normal day can inside her skin appeared to be the worst of her probLeslie said. “If you fly out the window you turn into the lems, but there was more. They put a neck brace on her aren’t going to live, there is no way.” and the sirens whistled toward the hospital. worst day of When Leslie got to the other car, all feeling With minor injuries, Leslie was only in the hospital your life. went away. There was nothing going through for a couple of hours. Prior to the accident, Leslie had -Leslie Walden recovered from a recent knee surgery. After the crash, her mind. Shock. the doctor told Leslie if she damaged her knee again The shadows of the sky and the lightless she would be crippled. highway engulfed her. The mist of the rain made no dif- “The recovery process was terrible,” Leslie said, “but the ference, except to darken the mood. hardest thing about the accident was sleeping at night.” A woman grabbed her arm, “Help me. Help me,” she After the accident, Leslie turned away from her faith and said. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if he’s alive.” God. After losing so many people and seeing so much bad Leslie had no idea what she was talking about. Then she couldn’t understand why all of it was happening. the woman pointed to the ground. Lying before her was “At that period in time I couldn’t understand why He a man. Dead. His head had split open, showing Leslie would do something like that to innocent people that
Most Dangerous Intersections
• 360 and Broad after football games-
A mix of young drivers, a heavy cop presence and a mass exodus from MISD
skilled high school driver.
• Ben Barber after classes- A real life version of Frogger. Too many high school drivers navigating a parking lot wh without a minor fender bender at the home campus of the Fighting Pickles.
• Debbie Lane and 287 during rush hour- Too many drivers and not enough lanes. A long traffic light promotes the and cut across in front of you.
• 1187 Bus. 287 after Mary Jo Sheppard Elementary and Donna Shepard Intermediate get out- Two lanes merge to one,
what dangerous situation. Throw in two schools, some neighborhoods and a set of railroad tracks and you’ve g along 1187. Maybe it’s fate.
South Cooper
Calendar
Too many cars stopping too quickly makes Cooper feel like playing bumper cars. The mall and holiday shopping make the situation even worse.
The tiny, rundown road full of sharp twists and turns, for some reason, a favorite spot for speeding.
The Rider
In-Depth
December 19, 2008
Page 11
BY PATRICK GRIFFIN Staff Writer
Seth Collis wakes up from his usual afternoon nap and attempts to fix his disheveled hair. As he heads out the door to his now , multicolored Silverado, he grabs his keys off the carabineer on his belt loop. He puts the keys in the ignition and listens to the worn out starter trying to convince the engine to turn over. The beast under the hood sings back up to Bring Me the Horizon blaring throughout the cab. The ritual will be repeated during the rest of the night, but for money. “I would like to think of myself as the Transporter,” Collis says. Collis delivers pizza, subs and other Italian food staples for Nizza Pizza. Before his job as a delivery driver Collis had been in multiple wrecks. “I didn’t even know he had been in any wrecks,” boss
on driving safe didn’t do anything,” Leslie said. “Then I realized that He has a plan for everybody, and I guess that’s just what His plan was. Leslie lies awake in bed; she can’t shake the image from her mind. It will never leave her. She was never able to fully get over what she saw; what happened to her. She can’t remember exactly when it happened or how old she was. She just remembers that it happened and it helps her grow. “It’s made me a stronger person,” Leslie said. “It made me appreciate everyone in my life because they could be gone in just one second.” After her life being saved by one strap of leather, Leslie’s perspective on reality changed to one of caution. When she’s driving with her friends in the car, she makes sure they have on their seat belts. When it rains, she makes sure she doesn’t speed. “It’s not like a movie, it’s real, and it’s real life,” Leslie said. “In real life when you see someone die, you’re like okay maybe stuff like that really can happen. It’s crazy.”
D Stadium lead to a dangerous driving spot for even the highly
Hysen Lusshaj said. “But I guess it’s worked out for the best.” With the tires squealing, Collis steered his Silverado out of his friends’ neighborhood heading toward the Legacy Improv show. Hitting forty a few seconds later, he glanced between the glowing screen of his vibrating phone and the stoplight ahead. Seeing a green light, he answered the phone with one hand and navigated the turn with the other- into a new Silverado. “I’ve never been that scared,” Collis says. “All I thought about was how my dad was going to kill me.” Both drivers stepped out of their trucks to examine the damage, while an onlooker called the cops. Adding to his fear, Collis still had to confront the victim of his reckless driving. “He was Mr. Universe,” Collis says. “He was swoll. I thought he was going to break me in half. But he ended up being the nicest guy I ever ran into.” The victim didn’t yell. He wasn’t upset. He just asked if Collis was alright and got all of the insurance information. It was Collis’ first wreck, and he didn’t know what to do. It was his fault and his rates did go up. Despite his driving foul ups, Collis decided to apply for a job as a driver after talking to his friend Tyler Terhall, who was a delivery boy at the time. The two were sitting in court for a ticket they each had received SOMEONE NEEDS A PIZZA- Seth Collis, Nizza Pizza delivery boy, walks to his truck to deliver the first and Tyler asked him if he had the pizza of the night.Collis says his driving has improved since working money to pay the ticket. Since he didn’t, Tyler got him a job as a pizza delivery driver at Nizza Pizza. “I didn’t really want to work there because I didn’t think I should have been driving,” Collis said. “Plus I didn’t like some of the people there and getting off at ten.” Collis had just been in an accident the week before the court date, but has remained accident free since his acquisition of his delivery job. “It’s not about me, it’s about the pizza,” Collis says. “People don’t care why it’s late, even if its because of a crash.” Collis became a more careful and technical driver in order to make sure all the pizzas arrived unscathed. “Really, I just don’t want Hysen to kill me,” Collis says. “If I had an accident and splattered pizzas, I’d probably get a hit out for me.”
MICHELLE HEATH PHOTO
Pizza delivers safe outlook on driving
Driving Survey based on an online poll from legacyjournalism.org
hile trying to cross the street makes it difficult to escape school impatience of many drivers while plenty of cars try to squeeze in
, a high speed limit and constant flow of traffic provide for a somegot a recipe for disaster. But hey, there are plenty of collision shops
I-20 Everyone wants to get home, and quick. Multiple lanes to transverse your way across merging traffic may delay the trek home.
65.3% speed while driving 42.9 % go at least ten miles over the speed limit 85.7% always wear their seat belt 85.7% have received a driving citation 64.6% send text messages while driving 79.2% talk on the phone while driving 89.6% talk to friends in the car 68.8% eat while they drive 31.3% put on makeup when they drive 18.8% style their hair while driving 67.3% have experienced road rage
Page 12
Feature
The Rider
December 19, 2008
Fall Style
Stocking Stuffers For Her Godiva Chocolate- All girls love chocolate. It makes them feel like they’re in love. So boyfriends, chocolates usually are the best bet, especially Godiva Chocolate.
Different styles Fashion provide outlet spotlight for self-expression Olivia Hebert
Get her look at Forever 21: Off-white bow tie high heels-$26.00
BY NADLEY DOERGE Staff Writer
The array of colors pops out from Olivia Herbert’s closet when deciding what to wear in the morning. From the really old Hollister clothes way back in the closet, to a variety of classy chic clothing in the front, her closet has been through a lot in the last few years. “My style is an expression of who I am,” sophomore Olivia Hebert said, “So if I change, my style changes.” Hebert’s fashion changes like Texas weather. Some days she loves a specific jacket or shirt and then she will never wear it again. “After wearing an article of clothing,” Hebert said, “And I don’t get a good feel from it, I won’t wear it again.” Even though she loves some things at one point, everything has its departure from her collection of clothes. But something that will never leave her closet is her favorite pair of jeans that were passed down to her from a friend, Kat Elvrom. “A good pair of jeans just makes me feel right,” Hebert said. “I am so fortunate that Kat gave them to me.” When having a casual day she’ll put on her jeans. But on a day when she wants to look more Native American she busts out her Indian boots with tassels and her flowery brown dress. To complete the look, she’ll slip on her leather headband with feathers and she is ready to go. “I love my boots,” Hebert said. “I feel very indie and cool when I wear them.” Although Hebert’s closet is bursting with clothes, there are always more and more outfit possibilities. While her assortments of clothes will forever grow, there is still a whole universe of clothes she has yet to obtain. “I just want to travel the world and collect all of the unique styles from every country,” Hebert said.
White Damaris sweater Beaded leaf necklacetunic-$22.80 $6.80
fashion: From Victtoorian
Vivacious
Hobo Gloves- It’s getting cold. Even though it’s Texas, its still gets cold. They’re easy to get a hold of and very useful in the cold roaring wind. Victoria’s Secret PerfumeThey smell delicious, they’re cheap, and girls love them. It’s a safe choice all around. The only hard part is deciding which scrumptious sent fits the person you’re buying it for. Juicy Couture MonopolyObviously a Monopoly box won’t fit in a stocking, but it’s worth it. Monopoly usually comes in Lord of the Rings or Star Wars versions, but now it’s ready for the girls. 1920’s Bracelets- They can go with anything, they can be worn year round, and they’re bringing back the roaring twenties.
s a e d i t gif t
The Top Five
Wo r s
5.
Coiled Pearl Hoop Earrings-$4.80
3.
for stores you never go to- Oh great, I have fifty dollars to spend at TJ Max. Just what I wanted…eh.
A Diet BookWhat are you trying to say? I know its the holidays. C’mon!
1. The Classical Era style primarily consisted of short-waisted gowns 1920 and white flowing skirts.
1820
The Roaring 20’s was known for short flowy dresses and long pearl necklaces.
The dresses in the 60’s all focused on excentuating the waist and making an egg shaped silhouette
1990
1960
AH
4.
Concert tickets
Gift Cards
that are set on a day where you already have plans-
Pop Quiz hotshot; Death Cab for Cutie tickets. Mom’s Birthday. What do you do? What do you do?
2.
A “surprise pet”Haven’t you always wanted a chinchilla? You haven’t? Uh-oh…
C
uman hild- Hooray, a life to care and pay for! Geez.
The 2000’s have been full of different fashions, but lately a wave of classy clothing or old stlyes has come full circle.
Known as the “anti-fashion” decade, the 1990’s was full of miniskirts and the newly popular body piercings.
2008
The Rider
COLLEGE
STEP BY STEP
1
Keep grades up
A
+
Testing for the Future
Take classes for your college major
BY AMBER STEINLE Staff Writer
Dual Credit Classes
4
rep c
5
Take AP classes
7
lasse
6
s
Money is said to be the number one thing that holds back students from going to college. However this is not true. There are many sources to support higher education goals. Students will either say they do not have the money at the time and will attend later when they do have enough or that they will never be able to come up with enough money to attend. In response to these excuses Counselor Mendy Gregory came up with a solution. After the decision is made to attend college and the SAT or ACT is completed, applying for funding is the next step needing to be taken. Her new website is filled with many applications for college money in the form of scholarships. “It’s really easy all you have to do is fill it out and hope you will get it,” Shaquanna Hargrow said. Mrs. Gregory updates this website every two weeks to keep up with all the different grants. “I put so much effort into this so that students can
“Apply early, get applications in earlier for scholarships because it’s first come first serve,” Ms. Gregory said.
College Night
ob
8
sh
ad
ow i
J
12
make attempts at as many opportunities as they can,” Mrs. Gregory said. As the pamphlets come in e-mail, mail or even in fliers, Mrs. Gregory places them in the link. These applications reach out to mainly seniors. However few get passed around for grades 9 through 11 that get placed onto the link as well. “It is so easy,” Hargrow said. “You don’t have to spend hours searching. All you have to do is check the site and fill out what you apply for. It quick and easy.”
Contact admission’s office
15
14
ASK THE COUNSELOR
ng
Get involved with clubs
SAT p
Page 13
PREP
Building blocks for getting into the college you want, even in economic hard times
2
3
Feature
December 19, 2008
BY ALLEX OHLER Staff Writer
After taking the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) Brittney Ross wasn’t completely pleased with her score. Ross is going to take the ACT (American College Test) to see a better outcome. “I chose the SAT because it was the most common test, and I heard the ACT was harder,” Ross said. The test consists of vocabulary, math, english, reading and writing. The SAT is designed to test critical thinking and problem solving. The test also includes fill in the blank answers. “If you aren’t good at writing and reading then the SAT is confusing, but the SAT is great for people who have these skills,” Ross said. Guessing penalties are a part of the SAT. If you skip a question you do not get points deducted, but if you guess and get it wrong then
Ask questions early
“Students chose close colleges so they can stay at home,” Mr. Willams said.
9
Take SAT
and/or ACT
Laptop things Sheets/Linens needed for COLLEGE Planner/Calendar Extension Cords
Summer job
10
you get a forth off. Some people like this method of grading while others find it confusing. “Its better to not answer a question you don’t know then to guess and get it wrong,” Ross said. Preparing for testing can help students refresh on what they have learned all year. “I took an SAT course during the summer and I learned you can’t study for the test,” Ross said, “You can learn tricks and tips.” The amount of time required to take the test is thr. “I ran out of time and I didn’t even finish most of the sections,” Ross said,” Time runs very quickly when you’re testing.” Ross decided to take the ACT because she wants to be an architect. The ACT contains a science reasoning portion, english, grammar and a math with trigonometry. ACT doesn’t have a guessing penalty. “I know the ACT will
13
College classes in the summer
“Research the college you want to attend,” Ms. Railsback said.
12
better prepare me for my future,” Ross said. “I tried SAT and now I want to try ACT.” Ross wants to attend Texas Tech. She has three guidelines to prepare for all testing. “Stay optimistic, always try, and do what is best for you.” Ross said, “Each test is made for each different individual. Senior Brandon Zubriski has a different outlook on the college entry exams. He plans to take the SAT but hasn’t signed up for it. “I’m planning to sign up, but my brain doesn’t tell me to,” Zubriski said. “I’m just too lazy.” Zubriski doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life, but he does have a plan to help him figure it out. “I’m planning to go to Tarrant County College to get my basics and figure out what to major in and then transfer to a university,” Zubriski said. Thinking of the future is something Zubriski doesn’t like to do. He is not ready for what is ahead. “It’s so stressful when you think about the future, you freak out and ask yourself if you’re ready,” Zubriski said. “When people mention graduation I get really scared.” Zubriski learned a lesson for waiting too long and not taking action soon enough. “I would go back in time and start planning what I want to do my junior year and take my SAT,” Zubriski said.
College visits IVY LEAGUE COLLEGE Acceptance Rates 13.3% Research financial aid Brown Columbia 10%
11
Rolls of Quarters for Laundry Micro Fridge Posters/Decor from home Planner
Cornell 20.4% Darmouth 13.2% Harvard 7.1% Penn 16.4% Princeton 9.3 % Yale 8.3%
source: www.admissionsconsultants.com
Emergency kit Job Storage bins Headphones
Page 14
Entertainment
The Rider
December 19, 2008
What A Real Santa Would Have to Do:
Santa Claus is arguably the most recognizable and well-known character in Modern Civilization. For most of the twentieth century, children around the world have been captivated by the Santa mythos of elfmade toy delivery. But just how would one be able to execute something like that? What would it cost? How long would it take? Would it be possible? Setting up Shop- We all know that Santa’s workshop is in the North Pole, but somewhere that bar-
ren and secluded would be a very difficult place to set up a long term business. For one, the North Pole is a shifting land mass and that would no doubt complicate construction of a giant factory. And just how would Santa pay for the construction of a toy workshop? For the sake of brevity, we will assume that Santa is a Jay Gatsby type who has lucked into a vast amount of inheritance. But to go back to home base, while no country has sovereignty over the North
It’s unlikely that PETA would be big fans of Santa making eight tiny reindeer pull his sleigh filled with mllions of toys all around the world. Pole. (Although Canada has frequently called the diplomatic equivalent of “dibs”.) It can be assumed Santa would have to have some sort of clearance with the U.N. in order to get legal permission to construct large buildings and work sites on an entire continent. Unless of course, Santa decides to cut through all the legal and economical tape and just create a workshop on his own dime. This would be thoroughly punk rock.
The Toys, The Reindeer and More A Special Report by Nick Jimenez and Cole Christensen
Toy ManufacturingSanta has completed construction of his workshop (estimated cost, $200 million).Okay, let’s assume the elves are slaves and they are paid with free soup and haystack beds. That cuts employment costs down exponentially but leaves strange and costly factors that would be necessary in order to run such a massive operation. For one, almost all toys requested by children in the past three decades have been action figures, dolls, sports equipment or electronic equipment made by companies and manufacturers. Unless Santa wants to pay Sony, Mattel and Barbie millions of dollars for permission to purchase their products for delivering to children, Santa would have to resort having his slave elves recreate the toys and gifts they children request, reducing him to more whimsical version of the guy on the sidewalk- hawking radios and insisting that they have “Sony guts.” The Reindeer- Somehow, it seems unlikely that
PETA would be big fans tions. of Santa making eight tiny Let us say, for example, reindeer pull his sleigh the United States declares filled with millions of toys land war on Russia. Both all around the world. They countries have thousands would likely be very weary of children expecting toys of just how Santa was able from Santa. Would the govto make these creatures ernments of either country fly. Perhaps genetic experi- resent the fact that Santa mentation and enhance- is delivering gifts to the ment? If so, this would no children of their enemy? doubt put Santa’s whole Would they pressure Sanoperation under much ta into siding with them? scrutiny and Santa would controversy. likely decide to Toy DeliverySanta would have remain neutral, It’s here where but perhaps Mrs. to have some things get really has been sort of clearance Claus loopy. Just how quoted by a magwith the U.N. in azine saying she is Santa able to fly around the order to get legal sympathizes with world, in a single Russia. What permission to night no less, dewould this do for construct large business? Would livering toys to buildings and girls and boys? Santa suffer a culTaking different work sites on an tural backlash in time zones into entire continent. America? account, it beFinal Analycomes practically impos- sis- Santa Claus is magic, sible without the use of a thereby nullifying any arwarp drive and perhaps a guments. flux capacitor. But assum- However, pheraps it’s the ing, it somehow was possi- complete irrationality of ble to fly around the world Santa Claus that makes him in a single night, there are such a beloved figure in our all sorts of geographical society. What fun would it and political complica- be if it made sense?
Things that happened before G&R’s Chinese Democracy BY NICK JIMENEZ Entertainment Coordinator
nese Democracy continued its crawl to completion, we’ve gotten three of them, each one an Oscar-winning blockbuster.
Chinese Democracy, the new record by hard rock legends Guns N’ Roses, has been scheduled for release since 1993, making it one of the most long-awaited pieces of music in history. Here are some of the milestones that have been reached in the time it’s taken Chinese Democracy to hits stores on Nov. 23.
The Red Sox Won the World Series- The baseball team from Boston languished for nearly a century thanks to the Curse of the Bambino, but finally won the World Series in 2004. Heck, they even managed to win a second time before Axel Rose’s opus finally hit the masses.
Apple Revolution-In the time it took for Black President- Barrack Obama was Chinese Democracy to be released, Apple has elected on Nov. 4, 2008. revolutionized the music and technology industry with the iPod, iPod Mini, Nano, Lord of the Rings Movies- J.R.R. Tol- Touch and the iPhone. In fact, when Guns kien’s fantasy books had long been said N’ Roses first started recording Chinese Deto be un-filmable, despite numerous at- mocracy, MP3’s were in their infancy and the tempts over the decades. But while Chi- MP3 player hadn’t even been invented yet.
Innovative Custom Trimworks & Wood Matrix RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL MILLWORK FABRICATION • INTERIOR TRIMWORK • TURNKEY AND LABOR ONLY • STORE FRONTS • FIXTURES • OFFICES
Lucy’s Donut
•Concrete Interlocking Pavers •Brick Pavers •Modular Retaining walls
Coffee, Donuts, Sausage Rolls, Ham & Cheese
817-477-4777
640 West Debbie Lane #120 Mansfield
James Cawley Office 817-47-1583
Props to Bronco Theater
The Rider
“The characters were all really dull. -Angelique Foster
What’s the Big Deal?
BY NICK JIMENEZ Entertainment Coordinator
How can something be a pop culture phenomenon when half the population knows nothing about it? How can a movie sell out its advance-sale tickets faster than a U2 concert without capturing the all important male 13-35 demographic? How can a book series be “The next Harry Potter” when the combined sales of all four installments don’t amount to even the worst selling Potter book? The answer is romance and vampires. The Twilight book series is a four part love story about a teenage girl named Bella and her “passionate” love for the vampire Edward. When the book
Nick’s Niche
was high. Every casting decision was met with close and meticulous evaluation as to whether or not the actor met the readers’ mental image of their beloved characters. “When I saw who they had cast for Edward, I was greatly angered,” Williams said. “It was very different than the mental image I had of him. [In my mind] he was older looking. He doesn’t look strong enough.” For every person in love with the Twilight series, there is someone else who is just as adamant about their dislike for the series. “I usually like vampires” junior Bradley Walker, said. “but after reading a couple of chapters, it just didn’t hold my interest.” “The characters were all really dull,” said junior An-
He’s strange. He’s awkward. And he’s funny. So we gave him a column.
Page 15
It’s a teenage girl’s fantasy. It gives them hope. -Ashley Williams
twilight was published in October of 2005, it received mild reviews whose main complaint was that Bella’s overdependence on Edward was simplistic and antifeminist. Ironically, the book and its three sequels New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn attracted a rabid, fervent and mostly female audience. “It’s a teenage girl’s fantasy,” said junior Ashley Williams. “They want so see a girl get the perfect guy because it gives them hope.” “[The book’s] written really well” junior Bekah Dorsey said. “It’s a love story but with a lot of action and it’s really funny. It’s just a bunch of things jumbled together.” When a movie adaptation of Twilight was announced in late 2007, fan anticipation and criticism
Entertainment
December 19, 2008
For every person in
gelique Foster. opened at love with the Twilight film “There was no number one on series, there is contrast.” the Billboard someone else who What’s intercharts and in its is just as adamant esting about first week of reabout their dislike the Twilight lease was the top for the series. phenomenon is selling album on how it has atiTunes, besting tracted people who nor- the soundtrack for High mally would never pick up School Musical 3, which a book, let alone one that’s arguably shares the same over five hundred pages. core audience of Twilight. And to teachers, that’s The film adaptation made something to be pleased a killing in advance ticket about, even if the quality of sales, and won the top spot the book is questionable. at the weekend box of“Anything that gets teen- fice with $70 million. The age girls to willingly pick up quality of the film itself was a book and read should be questionable; even to the considered a good thing,” series’ most die hard fans. said AP English III teacher But with a film adaptation Stephanie Bonneau. of New Moon already in Regardless of your opin- production now that Twiion of the series, there’s no light’s blockbuster status is denying that Twilight has secured, perhaps this franbecome a nearly unstop- chise has moved beyond pable commercial force. something as small as fan The soundtrack for the satisfaction.
How to Talk to Girls
It has recently come to my attention that a nine-year-old boy named Alec Greven published a best-selling relationship advice book called “How to Talk to Girls.” For an aspiring writer, this makes me feel thoroughly worthless, even more so than when I learned Greven first started selling the book at his cafeteria for five dollars. Well, if a nine-year-old, spiky-headed white kid could do it, then why not a 17-year-old overweight Hispanic kid? Here are my tips on how to talk to a girl that you may have your eye on. Stare at Her- A good starting point is to incessantly stare or gander at your female of choice until they are forced to make some sort of vocal mention of or toward you. Possible examples of this could be “Stop looking at me” or “What?” Whatever she says, this is the perfect entry into what could be the first of many conversations. Hug Her- Whether or not they have requested a hug or even if the hug is not appropriate at the time, you should take every opportunity to embrace your female, so as to make your intentions known. If they try to squirm out of the hug, embrace them more tightly. Make Mix CDs for Her- Be sure to include a collection of vaguely romantic songs by artists your female probably has never heard of. This will create the illusion that you are hip and cultured. When the CD is complete, slip it into her locker or binder when she isn’t looking. Be sure the CD doesn’t have your name on it and cannot be traced back to you in any way. Throw rocks at her window- When you see her bedroom light turn on, run and hide behind a nearby bush. Then watch her as she looks out her window, wondering what that strange tapping sound was. If she is in a relationship, sabotage it- This could be anything from spreading rumors that he’s seeing another girl or making fake love notes from another girl and leaving them lying on the floor of a class that all three of you share. Be sure to stalk them for while, so when the relationship finally ends, you’ll be first one there to sweep her up in her time of emotional distress.
Twilight vs. Potter Harry Potter Series Book 1-120 million books sold worldwide Book 2- 77 million books sold worldwide Book 3- 61 million books sold worldwide Book 4- 66 million books Book 5- 55 million books Book 6- 65 million books Book 7- 44 million books
Twilight Entire series- 17 million books sold.
LIKE TO MAKE VIDEOS? Legacy Journalism is looking for you! Journalism is expanding! We need students with knowlege of video and video editing software. Next year Legacy will open a Broadcast Journalism class to make videos for our soonto-launch website. If you have knowledge of video or web design, come visit with Mr. Mallett or Mr. Cockrell about being a part of the award winning, cutting edge journalism team.
Texas Ready Cash 5 Mystic CT Mansfield, TX 76063 817-225-2274 texasreadycash@charterinternet.com
Editorial
Page 16
The Rider
December 19, 2008
TheRider
OUR OPINION
Memories last forever: Buy a Yearbook What do you think about buying yearbooks?
“To remember the good times and the bad times. Except not the bad times.” “So I could remember my sophomore year and compare it to my freshman.” “Because I want to be able to look back and reflect upon my experiences.” “Because I have my senior page and everyone knows yearbooks equal memories.”
Billy Sang, 9
Hayley Mumaw, 10
Callie Slavik, 11
Aubree Gallego, 12
Memories. School pride comes from memories. The yearbook celebrates memories. Seniors buy the yearbook for the memories, but more than just seniors contribute to school memories. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors should purchase yearbooks because they also contribute to the school body. The district winning tennis and cross country teams were not composed only of seniors. Sophomores and juniors won the spirit stick at the pep-rally as well. Thirty years from now, a student is going to relive their youth because of the memories from the yearbook. A yearbook acts as a conduit to remember the good days of high school. Those against buying a yearbook argue that it is too pricey or “that memories are lame.” Sixty-five dollars is a small price to pay for a year’s worth of memories. Simply saving a dollar or two over the past few weeks would have easily paid for the book and taught a valuable lesson about saving money. A student will pay $250 for an iPod and get three years of use out of it before it expires. A student will pay $100 for
Editor-in-Chief Gregory Uribe Managing Editor Will Ritchie News Editor Kyle Sipe Features Editor Michelle Heath Entertainment Coordinator Nicholas Jimenez Sports Editor Patrick Madigan Photo Editor Jasmine McMasters Business Manager Heather Bailey
a single pair of shoes. The yearbook will last longer at a cheaper value, making it a better investment. Others feel less inclined to purchase a yearbook based on size. The new yearbook delivers with 94 more pages, now the second largest MISD yearbook this year. More student profiles will show up as well (there’s a whole checklist of students needed to be covered in
the journalism room). There are around 400 seniors. The other 1900 students surely made an impact on the school somewhere this year. If only seniors went to lunch, the cafeteria would be different. Underclassmen make an impact. Not buying a yearbook says otherwise. With a bigger yearbook staff and last year’s book under their belt, the new
book will reach new levels of excellence because of past experience. A better yearbook means better memories. There isn’t a yearbook for your wedding. Nor your first born. Plainly, yearbooks will not always be around for momentous occasions. High school only happens once. Memories last longer with a yearbook. Buy it.
Staff Writers Ashley Canterbury Cole Christensen Ian Cook Nadley Doerge Patrick Griffin Alex Gustafson Russell Kirby Megan Lucero Mireya Martinez Jacob Moore Jamila Obied Allex Ohler Hannah Overstreet Aaron Sakowski Lacie Snider Rachel Stanley Amber Steinle Rosanne Trinh Brett Walker Adviser Leland Mallett Principal David Wright The Rider is the student pub-
lication of the Mansfield Legacy Journalism 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. legacyjournalism.org The Rider is printed by the production staff of the Greater Dallas Press in Garland, Texas.
One year later restrooms still disgusting I recall reading in The Rider last year an editorial pointing out these As the door opens same problems, it becomes apparent but nothing has parts of the ceiling are changed since its missing, broken utili- Will publication. In fact Ritchie, 11 ties abound, things are it seems to have scrawled or carved onto gotten worse. Where we the walls and there is a dis- had un-flushed toilets we tinct smell of old food and now have an overwhelmurine. No, the scene comes ing stench of urine, and the not from a recent horror trash in the bathrooms now movie but a men’s rest- seems like someone had a room on the second floor. temper tantrum involving
BY WILL RITCHIE Managing Editor
Fact or Fiction
FACT: The engineering class at Ben Barber does not count as a technology credit.
FICTION: LHS yearbook is the largest in MISD. MHS added pages recently. LHS= 336 pages MHS= 376pages
FACT: The Christmas tree originated from German customs, and spread around the world in the early 19th century.
FACT: Yearbook orders are due Today. Mr. Mallett submits final book count the first week of Jan.
fruit and milk. At the beginning of last month, I walked into a bathroom to find someone lost a fight with the mirror using an applesauce cup. Someone apparently threw the cup with such force that the applesauce was splattered all across the mirror. If this sounds like fun, maybe you should get out more or try playing videogames because according to Jack Thompson that’s where all of our violence comes from anyway so you might as well
Nay.
Locked Doors: We understand that the cafeteria is meant as a place for eating, but why are you locking the doors? Some people need to relieve themselves at the closest bathroom.
Yay!
express it there. But the trashiness and garbage in the bathrooms are not the only problem. Students have found how to pop off the lids of the sinks and disconnect the motion sensors. I would have assumed bad wiring caused the malfunction in the equipment had I not walked into a restroom and found the tops of the sinks popped off and the wires disconnected from the sensor. That’s just great, not only do we have to deal with
Yearbook Pages: More transportable school spirit in the form of a book. New yearbook includes more coverage, more pictures and more memories than ever. Buy one today in the journalism room.
Yay! Holiday Season: Thanksgiving, New Years and Generic Winter Holiday all in only two months. The economy may put a damper on celebrations, but it’s the thought that counts, right?
trash and food but now we have unsanitary conditions because we can’t wash our hands. Think about that the next time someone tries to give you a high-five or shake your hand. I understand if they’re mad or think it’s funny. But if a thirst for destruction needs to be quenched, destroy something that belongs to you. While the ‘cool’ thing might involve trashing the bathrooms, we all have to live with whatever it looks and smells like.
Nay! Bad Grade Emails: Parents can already check our grades if they choose. Just fix Infinite Campus’ user interface issues and make it easier. The e-mails just encourage everyone to use it even less.
Letters to the Editor We welcome your comments, suggestions, praises or concerns about our publication and/ or Legacy High School. In order to print your letter to the editor, e-mail a copy to editor@ legacyjournalism.org. The Rider reserves the right to alter the letter for space purposes and grammar issues.
Nay. Alvin’s Pledge: Alvin and the Chipmunks’ patriotism is questionable after their rendition of the pledge. We think they should stick to Christmas songs.
Legacy High School Journalism Dept. 1263 North Main Street Mansfield, TX 76063 817-299-1229 legacyjournalism.org
The Rider ID Policy effectiveness varies from school to school and teacher to teacher ID tags. They now hang from the neck or shirtsleeve of every student. The old ID policy only required that you carry your ID with you at all times. Now it must be showing above the waist and between the shoulders. Legacy attempts to set the standard for to-the-letter rule enforcement in MISD, but I don’t believe the new policy has achieved its intended goal. Re-introduced to cut down on students traveling off-campus or between campuses and to make the campus a safer place overall, the policy is a hassle for students and teachers alike. From my experience the policy does nothing to
stop someone from travAs for the safety eling off-campus. First concerns, there is block every A-day I travel little a small piece to Mansfield High School of plastic bearing for biology. With my Leg- your name could acy High School ID hang- do to prevent ing from my Legacy High vandalism, theft, fighting, School lanyard in front of or being where you’re not my Legacy High School supposed to be. Anyone shirt, I would think caught that my presence d o i ng in Mansfield High h o s e There is little difference tthings School would garon in effectiveness between c a m p u s ner at least some wearing the I.D. on a suspicion. At least a will be second-look by the lanyard and keeping it in identified APs, or a stop in the by the your wallet. hallway to explain police or -Aaron Sakowski why a student from by their another school is peers, dethere. But no, after feating over twelve weeks of walk- the purpose for having to ing by at least one MHS wear the IDs in the first AP every A-day, I have not place. once been pulled-over and Teachers must also take questioned. At Legacy I more time out of class durhave had my ID checked ing attendance to check almost every day. each student for IDs. A
process already lengthened by the woes of Infinite Campus. It is understandable that Legacy and other MISD schools would want all of their students easily identifiable for after-school or off-campus activities, but for day-to-day use during class there is little difference in effectiveness between wearing the ID on a lanyard and keeping it in your wallet. The school board needs to revert the policy to that of last year. Until then, we’ll just have to live with the things hanging from our necks, getting caught in doors, and gaining us a Dhall every now and then.
Change We Don’t Believe In Bookkeeper no longer allowed to offer change policy. Put into effect after money from Mansfield High School went missing. The new policy Until recently, when states that a school students needed cannot have “petty change for their dolchange” on its premlars they would have ises. head to Ms. Sherry One alternative, as Knutson’s window, Ms. Knutson offers, the bookeeper. Russell is to buy something Now their requests Kirby, 10 from one of the cafare being denied, giveteria lines in hopes that ing them few other options. the change you receive is Students and teachers need what’s desired. an alternative method of This solution is a weak one obtaining change. and barely resolves anyIt is not that our bookthing. With hit and miss alkeeper is too busy or internatives , students need a convenienced by students more reliable choice. One visiting her during lunch, it of the most practical fixes now has become a district BY RUSSELL KIRBY Staff Writer
to this problem is a change machine. Although a change machine is relatively costly, the profits made by the seemingly nominal fee plus the money taken from vending machine will add up to pay back its expenses very quickly. Just take a look at how fast the snack machines sell out. Students have an addiction to convenience and a percent of them buy their lunches from them daily. All in all, having the convenience of receiving change for our big bills would be beneficial to both students and teachers. The
Page 17
I Want to Believe
Some Consistency Please BY AARON SAKOWSKI Staff Writer
Editorial
December 19, 2008
overall affect would not only be positive, but also a benefit to the students mood. Being punished for errors made at Mansfield High School is uncalled for. Administrators either need to revise policy and give the benefit of the doubt to other schools or provide the funding for an alternative method of getting change.
BY BRETT WALKER Staff Writer
From ancient Egyptian wall carvings, to the Roswell incident, to recent sightings over the northern hemisphere. People have reported seeing extra-terrestrials all over the world, all throughout history. Oh, they were just exaggerations of the god-like pharaohs. Oh, that was just a weather balloon and confused witnesses. Oh, those were just odd refractions of light. I mean, aliens could not possibly exist, or the general public would be aware of them by now, right? Those were all just coincidences, right? No one could really know if aliens exist, right? If they did, all that would be top-secret, covered-upby-the-government, ‘only the crazies believe it’ kind of information. It just could not be real. Over 70 years ago Robert Wilson a London doctor, put a toy submarine in a lake, snapped a blurry and underexposed photo, and called it Loch Ness Monster. Fifty years ago, George Stock of New Jersey, threw a hat into the air, snapped a blurry and underexposed photo, and called it a UFO. On his deathbed, Robert Wilson, admitted to having faked his photo, but George Stock never made such a claim—publicly at least. When a self-acclaimed ‘research’ team goes to look for evidence proving the existence of such beings, what do we find? In the case of the Loch Ness Monster, some of this evidence is quite daunting; however, what evidence we find when studying aliens, is questionable at best, or maybe ‘insufficient for making a conclusion.’ Only last May, footage of what is supposedly an extra-terrestrial peeping through a window was shown at a press conference in Denver. The film’s creator, Stan Romanek, says that it was recorded five years earlier in Nebraska. You might ask, “How did he know to film that spot, that night?” You might say: “It’s a fake; it was planned.” I’d ask in turn, “How were bystanders able to film two planes crashing into the twin towers?” That wasn’t faked, that wasn’t planned. I’m not saying the footage had to be real. I’m saying it could have been. They say our eyes see what we want them to see. But do everyone else’s?
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
Making the Unhealthy Decision
Children’s Theater: Bringing happiness to a child is something SNAP THOUGHTS we applaud the theater department for. Their well executed use of puppets to entertain elementary students is something we hope they will continue to do in the following years. However, we question their need to have Hunter Canedy dress the part of a woman for their show. If you thought A Midsummer Night’s Dream was the first time he wore a dress, you were mistaken. It was the puppet show. But then again, maybe we’re mistaken.
Universal health care plan places strain on hospitals
National Health Care Spending
BY COLE CHRISTENSEN Staff Writer
• Health care spending is 4.3 times the amount spent on national defense.
care along with a $700 billion bailout for the Pretty talk. Petty housing intalk. A universal dustry. Tack health care system on $2.6 trilsounds like a magic Cole lion cost from cure-all but the facts Christensen, 12 health care leave a wound on the and $500 billion from the American people. If 300 million people Iraq War, the end result is suddenly received full a moth fluttering out of an health care coverage, I empty wallet. The projected average cost can’t help but ask, who will of health care coverage by pay for it? The taxpayer or the doc- major companies for 2008 is $8,676 per employee. If tor? In a decaying economy, small businesses must pay taxpayers should not pay this coverage or face hefty for other people’s health fines, the business owner
• In 2007, health care spending in the United States reached $2.3 trillion, and was projected to reach $3 trillion in 2011. Health care spending is projected to reach $4.2 trillion by 2016.
• Although nearly 47 million Americans are uninsured, the United States spends more on health care than other industrialized nations, and those countries provide health insurance to all their citizens.
will fire employees in order to stay afloat. Simply put, the government and economy cannot support the costly system. So the doctors and hospitals must carry the burden. After four years of basic college and up to four years of medical school, along with the costs of college, malpractice insurance and other basic funds, besides
the years of internship, the waking up at three in the morning to assist a patient, and the burdens of working to the level of general practitioner, a doctor must now give their hard work and time to people that made poor decisions in balancing their checkbook. Or we could do away with the idea of universal health care.
The Rider
Page 18
December 19, 2008
School School of of Rock Rock
The Back Page
(top left) Mr.Mason plays the drums in front of a live audience. (top right) Chris Carlile playing bass. (center left) The Robert Donahue Band pumping up the crowd. (center right) Robert Donahue leading the band as main singer. (bottom) One of the large audiences RDB has performed in front of. ( far bottom right) The album cover of Songs of the Texas Highway.
Mr. Mason performs country/rock live in The Robert Donahue Band BY GREGORY URIBE Editor-in-Chief
Dave Mason is ready to rock as he listens to the murmur from the crowd. He waits to begin. The lights flash on. As a member of The Robert Donahue Band, Mr. Mason plays the drums alongside lead singer Robert Donahue, who also works for a printing company that makes shirts for Legacy, bass player Chris Carlile, the Special Education Department Head at Timberview, and sales representative Wyatt Norman on the guitar. Performing together for a year and a half has allowed the band to earn recongnition and win competitions such as the Mansfield Pecan Festi-
val’s Battle of the Bands in 2007. “It was something to do for fun,” Mr. Mason said. “It’s not fun to just have the instruments and have no one to play with.” According to Mason, working with friends reduces the conflict which may arise during the production of an album or during a performance in front of a live audience. “We’re like brothers. We get along, but we get on each others nerves,” Mr. Mason said. “Then 20 minutes later we’re the best of friends.” Mr. Mason says the popularity of RDB spread by word of mouth and allowed them to open shows for famous country artists such as Jack Ingram and
the Randy Rogers Band. The pressure of playing in bigger shows did not affect the overall performance of the band. “We want to look good, so they look good,” Mr. Mason said. “Once you get going it’s like playing for 50 people.” With rising reputation came the privileges of a well renowned band. “It was cool because we were fixing to play a show and we heard our song on the radio,” Mr. Mason said. Before a performance, the members of RDB were preparing for the show when they heard their song, Live Till I Die on the radio station 106.9 The Ranch. The delight Mr. Mason felt was apparent to his wife whom he immediately called
upon hearing the song. The excitement showed by Mr. Mason and RDB is also generated by their audience. Senior Brittany Ross experienced a RDB performance at the Game Day she worked at. “They played amazing,” Ross said. “They get really into it and it makes me laugh.” Being able to connect with their audience pushes the members to continue doing what they love to do.
“It makes you feel like a rock star when they sing your song back to you,” Mr. Mason said. “Except I’m not making millions of dollars.” Despite the joy from making music with his friends, Mr. Mason considers himself the realist in the band. He does not see himself progressing with the band onto something bigger. “If you can guarantee me my salary with benefits, I’d think about keeping on do-
ing this,” Mr. Mason said. “If not, I’m happy with teaching.”