The Rider
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Mansfield Legacy High School 1263 North Main Street Mansfield,TX 76063 817-299-1100
March 13, 2009 Vol. 2 Issue 4
The Student Newspaper of Legacy High School: Covering Bronco Nation
April 6, 2009, Mansfield FFA will host their first Cinderfella boys’ fashion show. All schools will be participating, anyone male student may model, and the winner will receive a prize. Boys will dress up in girls’ attire and model in it. The show will start at 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost three dollars per person and voting costs a dollar. Proceeds will benefit Scottish Rite Hospital.
Wizard Of Oz
The Children’s Theatre class will perform The Wizard of Oz for elementary students, set to run the second week of May. The Wizard of Oz demands bright colorful costumes allowing Julie Roberts to wear a variety of clothing for the numerous characters she plays. “It’s a lot of fun because we get to entertain children in multiple costumes,” Julie Roberts said. During the following weeks, costumes and the set must be made. According to Kyle Page, completion of the production yields its rewards through the happiness of a child. “It’s always a relief to be finished with,” Page said, “but you miss the bonds you form, the show and the performance itself.”
Take Note Yearbooks
The yearbooks are completed! You will recieve your yearbook during the last week of May.
NEWS
Freshman dives to first in region
Diver, four swimmers reach state level competition BY COLE CHRISTENSEN Staff Write
Ian Haemker asked his mom to stop the car. He didn’t want to play football anymore. He just wanted to dive. As a freshman, Haemker qualified for the state swimming and diving competition, along with senior Alex Alstaetter, junior Jessica Carlton, freshman Morgan Ingle and freshman Danika Dunn, placing fourteenth out of sixteen. Though he didn’t take first, Haemker felt content in making the milestone of state his first year. “I think it’s pretty cool.” Haemker said. “I was hoping to win. I guess I did pretty good for a freshman.” At the district, regional and state competition, Haemker felt overwhelmed by the talent of the older competitors. “Watching all the older guys, they’re doing a lot of harder dives and I’m just like wow,” Haemker said. “One day I hope to get up there and have the same dives as them.” During the regional meet, the score board malfunctioned, leaving Denise Haemker, Ian’s mother, unable to see the rankings of the competition. Trying to keep track of the dives scores in her head, she knew Ian would end up in the top three. “I looked at Ian, and they announced him as the first place diver,” Mrs. Haemker said. “Ian just looked at me and had the biggest smile on
his face.” Leaving the regional competition, Haemker was overjoyed at the results. “He was very excited and thrilled,” Haemker’s father Steven Haemker said. “When he got to the car, he called both of his grandparents to let them know what he had just accomplished.” Haemker’s success came with the support of his friends and family. Remaining competitive with his older brother Craig Haemker led to his success in diving “We always push each other to do as hard as we can no matter what it is,” Senior Craig Haemker said. Despite Haemker’s accomplishment, Mrs. Haemker has not seen any difference in character or attitude. “I feel Ian has not changed,” Mrs. Haemker said. “Ian has always been the type of kid that lives his life one day at a time and never takes anything for granted.” Haemker plans to continue diving and succeed further in the future. “I’m hoping to go back to state these next three years and take first,” Haemker said. Haemker’s ambition doesn’t stop with high school or college diving. Future competitions require more effort, and Haemker plans to improve. “I think about going to the Olympics,” Haemker said, “but I know I have a lot to do before I get the chance to go to the Olympics.”
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
Cinderfella
DIVING IN- Freshman Ian Haemker prepares to dive into the pool. After a malfuntion of the scoreboard at the regional meet Ian was unsure of his standings during the meet.
Road block Drivers Education loses cars on grant from GMAC BY KYLE SIPE News Editor
A local GM dealership has asked Mansfield ISD to begin paying for vehicles loaned to them for the Drivers Education classes causing the classes to end. These vehicles were paid for through a grant from General Motors NO MORE LESSONS- Jacob Moore adjusts his mirror before driving. The drivers ed class was convenient for Corp. and because of students because of its price and location on campus. the slowing economy, JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
News Briefs
Painting Cows Art winner designs on cow
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FEATURE
the dealership that gives MISD the vehicles cannot afford to continue the grant. “It’s going to hurt [the students] economically because they have to pay a lot more at Sears and places like that,” Drivers Ed student Hunter Canedy said. Canedy believes because the school lost the program it is a bur-
Dealing with Death
Students learn to deal with loss of family members PAGE 6-7
den on students who can’t afford to take it elsewhere, or are unable to attend other driving schools. “[Drivers Ed] was right here, so I could walk to it right after school and when I was done just leave like a normal day,” Canedy said. MISD offered Drivers Ed to students for $265, compared to the
SPORTS
$360 at Sears and Austin Driving School. Drivers Ed instructor Taggart Williams emphasized the convenience and price of taking the class at school. “[Loosing the class] is very disappointing,” Mr. Williams said. “It would be a financial hardship on the instructors who depend on that income.”
Preping for playoffs Soccer finishes second in district PAGE 4
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News
The Rider
March 13, 2009
Romance in the air
Fund raiser offers matchmaking for students looking for love
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
BY NADLEY DOERGE Staff Writer
PERFECT MATCHTrevor and Kat were matched as best compatible for each other. They have been dating for four months.
Dance canceled after only 14 tickets sold BY SHILA FARAHANI Staff Writer
Legacy PTA intended to host their first Sadie Hawkins dance on Valentine’s Day, but they sold fourteen tickets in advance not enough to cover $100 to pay a D.J. Many students were willing to pay at the door, but PTA was unsure how many people would truly show up. PTA mother Evie Burch personally thought more kids would be interested because back in her day dances were considered fun. “Kids don’t know what they’re missing. It’s cheap entertainment, a reason to get dressed up and hold your boyfriend’s hand,” Burch said. Freshman Payne Kilbourn, begged to differ, he knew from the start the
dance was a destined disappointment. Payne felt no need to celebrate Valentine’s Day nonetheless to have a dance. “I’m not going to waste my time with someone who is going to dump me anyway. I think Valentine’s dance is a waste of time and money,” Kilbourn said. Sophomore Kara Jordan felt empowered as a female, to have a chance to ask the guy out, the dance was a great opportunity to spend with her date, Jacob Mireles and socialize with friends. “I think more people should have given it a chance, and they should have gotten more people to come and get excited about the dance,” Jordan said. PTA mom Katie Severe hopes to do another dance for students next year, and cover the $100 for the D.J. “Next time we will plan much better,” Severe said. Soda and other donations for the dance will be used for Every 15 minutes.
lationship definitely got a little splash of excitement when they found out they’re compatible in every way. “It adds a nice little touch to know that we’re perfect for each other,” Elvrom said. “But a computer thinks so too.” The results had no negative effect on their relationship, but they confirm the security of their affection for each other. “Kat is obviously number one in my heart,” Callarman said, “and also on my compatibility chart.”
After husband named superintendent, Morrison steps down from Legacy post
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
No Sadie Hawkins
Over six-hundred students submitted applications to eLegacy. All of them are looking for who they would be most combatable with within the school. The forms of potential matches were sent in to be compared to all of the other personality forms. Couple Kat Elvrom and Trevor Callarman have been dating for four months and when they got their results back Elvrom
was pleasantly surprised. “Of course I was surprised he was my most compatible,” junior Elvrom said. “But I was more surprised that he was on mine.” Although Elvrom was shocked to see her boyfriend as her number one, Callarman was not stunned. “I wasn’t surprised, because when I pick a girlfriend, I pick the very best,” junior Callarman said. “And my brain is pretty much a compatibility machine.” Trevor claims their re-
BY AARON SAKOWSKI Staff Writer
Next year Legacy approaches its capacity for students. Few classrooms will sit empty. In the next few years, the fifth high school will instruct thousands more students, and require even more teachers. Despite this, MISD must lose a teacher this year. Mrs. Morrison, who has taught in the district for three years, must leave at the end of this year. Her husband replaces Vernon Newsom as superintendent, and district procedures requires her resignation.
$15,000 budget shift
“I don’t think it’s actually a written rule, but it’s understood that family members of the superintendent don’t work in the district,” Morrison said. “I understand why they do it.” According to Mr. Wright, it is expected for the superintendent’s family to work in a separate district. “I would love to keep Mrs. Morrison. She’s a great teacher,” Mr. Wright said, “but it’s pretty standard practice.” Although it is difficult to find replacements for any teaching position, it is especially so for math and science teachers because of the dif-
STEPPING DOWN- Mrs. Morrison helps a student with his calculator in geometry. After her husband was named superintendent, district procedures required her resignation. She has taught in the district for the past three years.
ficulty of their subjects. Mrs. Morrison instructs both Pre-AP and regular Geometry. “It’s not easy to find replacements for math or science teachers, especially as it gets closer to summer.” Mr. Wright said. “But as long as I know early enough we’re probably okay.” Even though it cost her her job at this district, Morrison supports her husband’s success. “We knew it was going to happen,” Morrison said. “I think he feels kind of bad, but he knows it is the best thing to do.”
Lost textbooks force budget shifts to cover costs BY AARON SAKOWSKI Staff Writer
The administration was forced to cover $15,000 this year in textbooks. Not because of a failing economy, but because of hundreds of textbooks which were issued to students and never “In the end we always get it returned. With the price of each from the seniors since we book from $48 to don’t let them graduate if they $108, ranging the price of losing a owe the school money.” few adds up quickly. -Mr. Wright “Out of the budget that is all curriculum money,” Mr. Wright said. “That is paper, pens, dry erase markers, textbooks and workbooks. It is a pretty good chunk of the budget.” The larger problem, however, lies with students that leave the school district without ever turning their books back in. Once a student has moved out of the district, it is almost impossible to find them again. “We just try to get the money out of them. In the end we always get it from the seniors since we don’t let them graduate if they owe the school money. It’s just with students that leave the school or the district
where getting the money back is very difficult,” Mr. Wright said. According to Mr. Wright the more books are lost with class sets than with individually issued books. Students are more likely to forget about them, and there is no way to connect a student to a lost book. “I’m not a big fan of class sets. Typically when we use class sets we actually end up losing more books unless the teacher is greatly diligent,” Mr. Wright said. AP Mrs. Murphree, who is in charge of textbooks this year, believes both systems have pros and cons. “I think it’s kind of a catch 22 either way you go,” Murphree said. “Obviously a class set is less to keep up with, but you have to balance that with is that good for the student.” Instead of suffering another huge loss this year, administration has taken extra steps to avoid lost textbooks. Books are now registered electronically, and students now turn them in between semesters instead of just at the end of the year. “I think we have a much better handle on it this year. We’re putting some things in motion to make sure that we’re able to track and keep up with the books better,” Mr. Wright said.
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The Rider
•TAKS Morale In order to boost morale and excite students for the upcoming TAKS tests, each department will put on a show at a TAKS pep rally. The theme for the pep rally, which will be held on April 24th, is “Don’t Worry, TAKS Happens.” The pep rally committee asked each department to consider putting on a brief skit or other performance to help excite students. “We would like them to do whatever their creative minds can create and perform at the rally,” committee member Beth Morrison said. TAKS testing will occur the week of April 26.
Being There
Four Legacy students witness President Obama sworn in
BY COLE CHRISTENSEN Staff Writer
Three different distances. Three different faces in a sea of people. All for the same reason: change. Junior Jon’L Williams attended the Inauguration of Barack Obama on Jan 20 in Washington D.C. With tickets placing the Williams family too far back to see President Obama in person, they were content to watch the inauguration on the big screen monitors placed in the crowds. “It was a lot of people,” Williams said. “All of these people to see one president, all these people to see one African American man.” Further out, junior Melody Hill did not have tickets to the inauguration. Instead she waited along the fence lines, the borders of the Inauguration. Watching the presidential parade, Hill enjoyed the environment and mood of the crowd. “Everybody was nice to each other, it was weird,” Hill said. “Usually you
don’t talk to strangers but at the inauguration it had a really warm atmosphere.” Only 200 yards away, junior Kennedy Jones knew he was missing football practice, but the crowds of a single game paled in reflection to the crowds of the Inauguration. “It was organized chaos,” Jones said, “but everybody seemed pretty nice about it, everybody was in a good mood.” Seeing the first African American president take office brought elation to Williams. “I was excited,” Williams said. “I get to see history. I get to be a part of history.” Jones hopes future generations will appreciate this moment in history and him being a part of it. “It will be a great feeling to tell my children about seeing the first black president,” Jones said, “the same way my parents tell me about how they walked with Dr. King or how my dad did the million man march.”
Moo-ving art piece
Advanced art class paints cows for chance to win prize money, one advances BY IAN COOK Staff Writer
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
What's New •Going to New YorkMrs. Schimming’s Teen Leadership class departed for the Big Apple this morning. The 47 travelers plan to spend the next five days touring the city and aiding homeless. “It’s a new experience for me,” senior Lindsay Mondon said. “I’ve never been to New York, and I’ve never worked with the homeless.” The experience challenges students to get out of their social bubble and visit other parts of the country. That doesn’t mean they won’t have fun while doing so. “I’m really looking forward to seeing The Lion King,” senior Vivian Kobty said. “That’s the most exciting thing I think is going to happen on the trip.” Although the majority of the trip focuses on entertainment, the traveler’s primary purpose remains feeding the city’s homeless. “I want to help out the needy that don’t have what I have,” Kobty said. Compared to other class activities that bring students out of their comfort zones, this journey elevates the experience to a whole new level. “It’s not just about having leadership,” senior Taylor Mohler said. “It’s about being responsible and growing and it kind of readies you for the real world.”
http://obama.3cdn.net
Random Info
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COW ART- Abner Cabriales begins the initial sketch for his cow design. Mr. Mason required his advanced art students to enter in the competiton.
Senior Abner Cabriales flinched as stray paint splattered on his face. He quickly wiped the paint away and got back to his canvas. This time he would be more careful not to drip while he was painting the udder. Cabriales entered Lucerne The Art of Dairy Contest when Mr. Mason made it an assignment for all of his advanced art classes. Of 9,000 entrants from around the country, Lucerne chose Abner and 29 others as finalists. Lucerne announces the winner on April 30. “When I found out I had advanced, I was thrilled,”
Cabriales said. To enter, contestants sent in a two-dimensional sketch of their design concepts that had to be on a cow outline and incorporate a dairy product and musical elements for the theme of the competition, “The Taste of Moo-sic.” Finalists must paint their design on a sculpture of a cow. “I tried to visualize the feelings that people associate with music and put that in my design,” Cabriales said. In addition to the painted design, Abner is installing a working car stereo system in the cow. “[The design] is really clean and really graphic and I think that’s why it
got chosen,” Mr. Mason said. All final entrees are due on April 1. “Its time consuming but it’s definitely exciting” Cabriales said.
Prize Totals
Grand Prize: $20,000 to the winner’s school $5,000 to the winner $5,000 to the winner’s teacher First Prize: $5,000 to the winner’s school $2,500 to the winner $2,500 to the winner’s teacher Honorable Mention: $1,000 to the winner $1,000 to the winner’s teacher
Marble Roller Coasters
Physics classes designs BY WILL RITCHIE Staff Writer Roller Coasters with the themes of Ferris Bueller, Disney Princesses, and the Death Star Trench Run would share nothing in common, if not for every one of the ideas coming to fruition in Mr. Davis’ PreAP Physics class. Testing the laws of motion, Davis requires his students to build a roller coaster using cardstock and marbles with a common theme tying the entire coaster together. A new option in the theme category calls for each coaster’s theme to come
from a movie. Mr. Davis tells his first block class about the project and its requirements. “So every group should be a movie,” Davis said as he points to one group, “But you guys have to be the Disney Princesses.” After giving brief instructions on what each cardstock roller coaster piece functions as in the final product, the class lets loose a flurry of ideas for the design, themes, and construction of their roller coasters. “Suppose we take a piece of cardboard and use it as a slope, or we could use magnets,” Junior Blake Burch
said to his roller coaster group. What started out as a simple design for a Star Wars themed coaster rapidly grew into a project that would need to be slimmed down according to one group member. “I thought you wanted to keep this simple,” Junior Ana Cardenas said. The day before the roller coasters final test run for a grade, groups scrambled to finish their coasters both in construction and theme. “For a while our theme was ugly,” Ana Cardenas said about the former Death Star coaster, “But I guess we’re changing it to
BRITTANY NICHOLS PHOTO
News Briefs
•Option for Saturday SchoolTAKS Saturdays began February 28. In addition to preparing students for the TAKS tests, these sessions may be used to make up absence failures instead of Saturday schools. A lunch of pizza will be provided after the first two-hour sessions, followed by another twohour session. The usual Saturday school fee will be waived if students stay for both sessions; in order to receive full credit for their absences, students must attend both sessions. Students may choose from science, history, and math tutorials.
News
March 13, 2009
TESTING THE COASTER- This year some of the themes the students chose for roller coaster’s design included Ferris Bueller, Jurassic Park, and Disney Princess.
robot.” As Mr. Davis prepares the class grading their coasters, he leaves them with a last piece of advice,
“And make sure it works before I get there,” Mr. Davis said, “Because for some reason when I get near them, they won’t.”
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Sports Briefs
TEXASRANGERS.com
•T.O. Axed The up and down roller coaster that has been the stay of Terrell Owens in Dallas ended Mar 5 when he was released by the team he had spent the last three seasons with. Owens brought dynamic ability on the field but turbulence in the locker room, even though he did register 38 touchdown caught with the boys. With Owens gone, Roy Williams, signed last year from the Detroit Lions will become the primary target for Tony Romo and the arial attack.
•Rangers Prep for ‘09 The Texas Rangers are preparing for their season opener on the road at the Anaheim Angels. The Rangers will then move to Kansas City for a three game set before returning home to open up the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington April 6 against the Cleveland Indians. The Rangers added Andrew Jones to their lineup and hope to develop young pitchers further.
The Rider
March 13, 2009
A fresh start at district title Broncos improving in sophomore season on the mound
PATRICK MADIGAN Sports Editor
Perfection through repetition. In sports, this phrase is used constantly. For the Legacy baseball team, the wisdom of this phrase is taking shape. Their black cleats kiss the grass of the diamond. When the team leaves the study hall in the math wing of the third floor, the players have exactly five minutes to make the trip three stories down and two hundred yards to the locker room. John Bimmerle makes it clear the focus level needed to have a better season than the last. “When you walk through that locker room door, it’s the first sign telling you that its time for practice.” For a few silent seconds, the frantic craziness of the trip down to ‘the room’ is muted, only to be disturbed once again when the team sprints from the lockers to the green gate opening to the field on the third base line. Perpetually, each member of the team tosses their gloves and their bats over the fence and begins their fence line, using
the wall they each hope to crank a home run over as guidance. They have done this before. The stretch begins. In six equal lines, the players stretch in unison, and Bimmerle makes his message clear. “We’re making changes,” he tells his players. “You’re making changes. It’s all for the better.” Those changes hopefully will bring the Broncos to the top of district 8-4A, a district headlined by Joshua, perennial baseball power, and Granbury. “We’re expecting success,” outfielder Jason Thompson said. “We’re all working really hard in the weight room and everyone’s seeing results so we’ve got boosted confidence.” “Last year was a tough district,” Pitcher Carlton Brown said. “[8-4A] is a little easier.” Last year’s district included teams such as Mansfield, Weatherford, Summit, and Paschal, who were among the tops of 4-5A. “I think it’s a good opportunity to start over,”
Upcoming District
3/17 Crowley Away 3/20 Stephenville LHS 3/24 Joshua Away 3?27 Everman LHS
CARLTON BROWN- follows through off the mound after delivering a pitch.
Bimmerle said. “We have as good of a chance as anyone. I like the chance to go out and hunt.” Aside from Thompson and Brown, three seniors will be returning after only losing two starters last year in Christian Kelly and Jordan Maldonato, and as many other Legacy teams have done, a tough pre-district schedule, headlined by Mansfield, Summit, Plano West, and Weatherford. The Broncos will also partake in the South
3/31 Granbury Away 4/3 Timberview LHS 4/7 Seguin Away 4/10 Crowley LHS 4/14 Stephenville Away 4/17 Joshua LHS
proper position in which to most effectively swing the bat, attempting to build strong fundamentals before the season starts. “I want you doing this 5000 times a night in the mirror,” Bimmerle tells his players. “And if you get to 5,000, do another 1,000 before you go to bed.”
Mens’ soccer finishes second to Midlothian, lose rematch Bronco’s wrap up district tonight, begin prep for post-season NICHOLS PHOTO
Upcoming
•MENS SOCCER @ SEGUIN
March 13 7:30 p.m. Seguin HS Arlington, Texas
•SOFTBALL vs TIMBERVIEW Tonight 5:30 p.m. Legacy HS Mansfield, TX
•BASEBALL @ FRISCO TOURNAMENT
LAUREN SMITH PHOTO
March 12-14 Dr Pepper Ballpark Frisco, TX
•BASEBALL @ CROWLEY March 17 7:00 p.m. Crowley HS Crowley, Texas
Grand Praire tournament and the Frisco tournament of champions. The Broncos open up the district schedule March 10 when they host Seguin high school, looking to capture the schools first baseball district championship. The preparation expected from the players by coach Bimmerle was displayed while doing a swing simulation at practice January 13 after the stretching. Members of the coaching staff demonstrated the
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
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DEFENDING THE FIELD- Jordan Rodriguez, 12, plays defence against Everman. BY PATRICK MADIGAN Sports Editor
Unsure of the team he was putting together, head soccer coach Aaron Cottrell walked into the locker room for the first time last year with many questions. With only one senior and many varsity athletes who had never lettered in soc-
cer, expectations for last year’s campaign ranged in many ways. Fifteen wins and a second place finish in district 5-4A later, Cottrell realized that the Broncos had officially arrived on the Texas high school soccer scene. “Last year we had only two returning lettermen, Cottrell said. “We’re still
young, but we have the experience.” After Zach Ziesmer graduated last year, the Broncos now have the luxury of carrying four seniors on the roster this season, two of which are starters. New faces also comprise the roster, highlighted by German foreign exchange Johannes Gloeckler who is enjoying
the chance to represent his high school on the soccer field. “In Germany you play harder, but it’s dirty,” Gloeckler said, “but here it’s more discrete. I get beat up a lot in games here because there’s a lot that the refs don’t see. Also in Germany, it’s all club soccer.” Gloeckler’s contributions to the team were felt in a 3-0 victory over Timberview Feb. 10 when he registered two goals. Legacy’s offensive output has been much more powerful than last year’s, as the Broncos have scored four goals (Azle), six goals twice (Arlington and Kennedale) and 3-0 shutouts twice (Everman and Timberview) Along with a powerful offense, a potent defense has also performed well this year lead by juniors Isaac Pile and Matt Munford. Through Feb. 17, the Broncos have held the opposition to one goal or less 15 out of 21 games so far. “We expect to make it to playoffs and win at least one playoff game,” Munford said. “Of course every team wants to make it to state but that’s really hard to do.” Gloeckler recognizes the value of Munford to the
team with his defense and leadership. “He’s the voice on the field,” Gloeckler said. “He tells people what to do and organizes the game.” A strong offensive and defensive effort will be needed if the Broncos hope to capture their first ever district championship in soccer. District 16-4A consisting of Legacy, Timberview, Arlington Seguin, Everman, Kennedale and Midlothian, has been dominated by Midlothian in the recent years, with Midlothian winning seven out of the last eight district championships while going 38-3 the last three years in district play. Midlothian squeaked by the Broncos the first time the team butted heads February 13 with the Panthers edging out a 2-1 victory in a game dominated by the Broncos. “We dominated the game but we just couldn’t finish,” Munford said. “I’m glad we get another shot at them.” “[This year] there’s more pressure and higher expectations,” Cottrell stated. “Last year every game we were the underdog and no one was gunning for us. This year everyone’s gunning for us.”
All in the Family
Sports
March 13, 2009
Page 5
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
The Rider
Franklin family becoming LHS Legacy BY AMBER STEINLE - Staff Writer
Soccer moms typically drive a mini van and cart kids around to practices and games. Mrs. Debbie Johnson, a bus driver for MISD and mother of six, supports her children and their passion for basketball. “She hasn’t complained once, because she doesn’t mind running after us all the time.” oldest son Terry Franklin said. “She likes to see us happy and doing what we love to do.” Of her six children, four enjoy playing ball. The second oldest senior, Terry Franklin, along with the fourth oldest, sophomore Derry Franklin, played for the varsity boys’ team. Junior Terrica Franklin, the varsity girls’ team, and first grader Kerry Franklin, has the dream to play in the future. “It was a really big struggle to try and get them all to every event,” Mrs. Johnson said, “so I normally tried to get them into the same programs that went hand in hand. With them all three being on var-
sity, it was much easier because they were pretty much on the same schedule.” The YMCA sports program first introduced basketball to this family as the mother coached their teams, and although Terry loves basketball so much, he will attend Okalahoma University on a football scholarship. He has passed all he learned onto his brother during the oneon-one competitions with his brother. “Derry will become a better player than I ever was because he didn’t have to learn skills the hard way like I did,” Terry said. “I taught him everything he knows and with all my knowledge and everything he picks up along the way there is no doubt.” Debbie’s goal to attend every game each child plays in, will need much more travel time and gas once her oldest son, Terry, leaves for Oklahoma. “My kids are awesome,” Mrs. Johnson said. “Over the past three years many things came their way, but they always managed to overcome it.”
SHOOTING A FREE THROW- Legacy boys’ varsity basketball lost against timberview 46-50.
MISSED SHOTS Lack of free throws cost district
champs trip to state tournament BY AMBER STEINLE Staff Writer
With two previous defeats in district play, the Wolves cause the Broncos to suffer a third round playoff loss. The final score was Timberview 50, Legacy 46. A minimum of four points separated the two teams throughout all four quarters. Falling shots were scarce, but the de-
ciding factor was the free throws. Broncos shot five percent only making five out of 19. “It amazes me that they held the lead the whole game,” fan and player sibling Diego Barona said. “The team is way better than they played.” In the final 15 seconds, Timberview guards Cedric Ivory and Jordan Ross each scored two free
throws to clinch the lead, making it impossible for the Broncos to make a come back. However, starting point guard Justin Walker attempted by making two lay ups and two free throws in the last minute and a half of the game. “If we had made free throws we would have won,” senior Terry Franklin said. “That’s what stopped us.”
and winning 50-50 balls. “We want to show everyone in our 16-4A The Broncos’ girls’ var- district that even though sity soccer team begins we’re only a second year their everyday practice at school, we can play on precisely 1:30 p.m. after their level,” junior Erin a short study hall. The Larson says. girls have to get all of The girls are not disaptheir work out of the way pointed with their record so they can focus on the though, because they are two and a half hour prac- well aware of how comtice ahead of them, which petitive a district 16-4A has seemed to be needed is. But this factor doesn’t as well with necessarthe team ily affect being short “All the girls are very skilled the girls a few play- and talented in this sport, which m i n d s e t ers. greatmakes a great team if they all play on “We imness and prove every- as they are capable of.” to show all day,” Coach -Coach Wilson the schools Heather that don’t Wilson said. “The girls see the team as a threat have an excellent work that they’re wrong by a ethic and a positive atti- long shot. tude.” “I think the big thing To be improving their for us is just to be patient game, in practice, the and always work hard beteam of 19 girls is re- cause it’s not just going to quired to run until the come to us. We have to coach says stop, work on work hard to be winners, their defense and offense, and I think that’s one BY CALYN STEELMAN Staff Writer
of the things we really struggled with last year,” Larson said. The girls learned lessons from last year’s mistakes and they are focusing on the present and being successful now. Though last year was the first year most of the girls played together or interacted with each other in general, they all got to know each other a lot better which helped them to work together as a team even more. Coach Wilson agrees the girls all work together with the same goals in mind; success and playoffs. “All the girls are very skilled and talented, which makes a great team if they all play as they are capable of,” Wilson says. Although there are not many things the team needs to work on to improve as a team, the girls will always have improvements they can fix on their own, Ross said.
CARMEN LONDONO PHOTO
Broncos finish with Seguin tonight
CUTING INSIDE- Jessica Valdez, 12, gets the ball against Mansfield
“It can be frustrating when we feel that we did poorly in a game or that nothing went our way, but that’s our lack of mistakes,” Ross said, “so we work to fix them and
move on.” Larson, being one of the several captains, isn’t disappointed with her team at all though, and believes they can truly go far this year.
“We need to learn that it’s okay to lose, keep our heads up, and continue to be the successful team I know we can be,” Larson says.
Page 6
Feature
The Rider
March 13, 2009
Orphaned but not alone
Xavier Wilborn lives with aunt after death of his mother BY MICHELLE HEATH Features Editor
Xavier Wilborn’s mom never saw him ride his bike for the first time. She never saw him score his first touchdown. She never saw him take his first steps. Xavier Wilborn’s mom died when he was two months old. After the death of his mother, Wilborn, a Louisiana native, left his home to live in Arlington so he could receive more opportunities and a better education. “I wish she could have seen me play football. I wish she could have seen me ride my bike for the first time,” freshman Wilborn said. “Everything I do is for my mom.” When Wilborn went to school, his friends told him about all the things their parents could do, but he could never reply. He didn’t have a mom, his dad had left and he still didn’t know where they were or what had happened. “My aunt took me in, she’s sort like a mother figure to me,” Wilborn said. “She told me when I was about four or five and I didn’t really understand it then.” Although Wilborn had a large extended family, they decided at a meeting his aunt would be the one to obtain guardianship because of her residence and occupation as a teacher. “If he had remained in Louisiana after the death of his mother, he would probably have lived with his grandmother who would not have been able to provide some of the things that he has been exposed to,” Wilborn’s aunt Lula Daniel said. “His grandmother now lives with me, so he gets the benefit of her wisdom.” After her parents separated, Ms. Daniel lived with her aunt and honors her memory by giving back through Wilborn. She also wished to honor her sister by helping Wilborn become dedicated and focused. “Xavier is a wonderful young man who is a blessing to my life,” Ms. Daniel said. “She would have been so proud of his ability to accept criticism and not let it define who he is or what he wants to achieve for himself.” While Ms. Daniel puts long hours into her church, she sees Wilborn doing the same with his academics and extracurricular activities. “He is so very talented and has much to offer this world,” Wilborn’s aunt Lula Daniel said. “My prayer is that I don’t fail him because I believe he was born for greatness and the death of his mother was for a divine purpose.” With a smile and chubby cheeks like his mom’s, her legacy lives on in Wilborn’s appearance and personality. “He reminds me of his mother because once he sets his mind to achieving a goal he stays focused and works hard to achieve it,” Ms. Daniel said. “I am proud that he cares so much about his academics.” When Wilborn visits his family in Louisiana he also visits his mother, leaving flowers on her grave. “Now that I look back on it, I see she didn’t die in vain,” Wilborn said, “because her dying opened up doors for me.”
A Second Chance: Mrs. Shacke BY MICHELLE HEATH Features Editor
PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION BY HANNAH OVERSTREET AND MICHELLE HEATH
A year ago, Stephanie Shackelford stepped outside of her classroom bawling. Her pregnancy wasn’t good; her baby wouldn’t make it. After trying to have a baby for five years, English teacher Mrs. Shackelford found out she was pregnant the day before her birthday in 2007. Six weeks later she got a phone call from her doctor: she had miscarried. “At first it was quite devastating,” Mrs. Shackelford said. “It tore me
tattoo memories
apart.” During second period, Mrs. Shackelford told her students she was waiting on an important phone call, and if her phone went off she would take it. When her phone rang, she went out into the hall and heard the nurse say, “It’s not a good pregnancy.” “She didn’t know how to tell me, ‘your baby’s not alive,’” Mrs. Shackelford said. “It kind of stinks on her part, but it was an awkward feeling.”
Some people remember loved ones through pictures. Some people keep mementos. Others choose to make their loved ones a part of themselves by printing their memories on their skin.
“I got the tattoo for my brother because he loved panda bears, they were his favorite animal,” senior Andrew Richards said.“I’m probably going to get another one of something else that he liked.”
“It says ‘God’s Will’ for my grandpa and my best friend because it shows His plan for the people in my life,” senior Leslie Walden said. “And the bird’s represent them flying off to heaven and their new life.”
Wh husban of his w felt, ev too. “I h I coul Shacke more her, as In or and suff to her fa “My
Feature Page 7 Green family suffers loss of mother, wife The Rider
After losing wife, Coach
March 13, 2009
s care of famil y, be comin g
ake t n e e Gr
BY GREGORY URIBE Editor-in-Chief
Robert Green finished the football season only to move on toward track. Stretching before a run, he knows his mother would be proud. On Friday, Oct. 19, 2000, Robin Green, devoted Girl Scout director and mother of two, died from congestive heart failure at the age of 39. Two weeks prior to her death, Robin checked in to a hospital with complaints about a chest pain. The monitor was unable to detect any abnormalities, resulting in Robin scheduling a future appointment. Friday nights for the Greens consisted of movies and McDonalds. With both their parents working during the week, Robert and his older brother Jimmie looked forward to the time spent with their parents. “She was very kind and loving,” Robert Green said. “She punished me with good intentions. I miss hanging out with her.”
According to Coach Green, the morning his wife died was cold like any other day in New York. Upon realizing her immobilization, Coach Green attempted to perform CPR on Robin before calling the paramedics. Their arrival, along with a local officer awoke Robert and Jimmie whose only question was, “Is mommy going to be all right?” The officer present denied them access to the room, evoking Coach Green to say, “I don’t want their last time to see their mother to be at the funeral.” With tears in their eyes, Robert reassured the family that “everything was going to be all right. Mommy is in heaven.” “I didn’t know how to be by myself,” Coach Green said. The funeral was run by the Girl Scouts in respect for Robin’s service to them. Coach Green decided to honor Robin’s wish of being cremated. “The whole year was like a blur,” Coach Green said. “I kind of just went through the emotions.”
elford pregnant after previous miscarriage
hen Mrs. Shackelford told her nd, he tried to be supportive wife and understand how she ven though he was hurting
had to recover faster, so that ld support my wife,” Jason elford said. “It was much emotional and physical for if someone was against her.” rder to get over her emotion pain ffering, Mrs. Shackelford resorted faith in God and prayer. y own belief is a lot of times
these things make us stronger,” Mrs. Shackelford said. “I really think God has a perfect plan for everyone.” After seeing specialist and two false pregnancy tests, Mrs. Shackelford found out she was pregnant again this past October. “When we found out she was pregnant again, we were cautiously hopeful and excited,” Mr. Shackelford said. Although the pregnancy excited them, the couple chose to keep it a secret until after the first trimester.
“I kept waiting for the whole bottom to drop out,” Mrs. Shackelford said, “I kept thinking it was too good to be true, that it couldn’t happen now.” Although the miscarriage was devastating, Mrs. Shackelford gained a better understanding of loss and why bad things happen to people. “I always believe that He is in control,” Mrs. Shackelford said, “and these things happen not as punishment but to make something else work out perfectly.”
a stronger parent The following weeks, Coach Green adapted to his new life without Robin while maintaining his relationship with his kids. “I wanted them to know I would always be there,” Coach Green said. Coping with the loss of a loved one was expressed differently by “Death is a celebration. It may be each family sudden and sad, but you must celebrate member. that they’re with God and at eternal According to rest.” -Robert Green Coach Green, Jimmie buried himself in his classroom and vented his frustration by attacking a bully who picked on him, cracking the boy’s tooth. Robert, who never cried publicly, was seen as the strongest in the family despite being the youngest. Adjusting to the absence of his wife required Coach Green to pick up duties that were not normally reserved for him. “I did so much before anyway,” Coach Green said, “but I hated cleaning. Especially dusting.” Robert, understanding the role his father took up, reflected on his change in disposition. “He was more loving and more stern,” Robert Green said. “He had to be both parents.” Coach Green married to Georgia who worked at the school where they previously taught. As a friend who was present during Robin’s death, both her relationship with the family was easily accepted. Although the time Robin spent with her family was short, she will always be missed and loved by those she left behind. “Death is a celebration,” Robert Green said. “It may be sudden and sad, but you must celebrate that they’re with God and at eternal rest.”
How to Deal
When death or loss happens, life tends to get put on hold as emotional pain is dealt with. The following tips provide a way to progress back into a more normal way of life.
Sleep- Energy is needed to deal with emotional swings and
Ask for Help/Talk about it- Bottling up pain and anxiety
hardships
does nothing but make the situation worse.
Stay healthy- Binge eating and sitting around causes
Express yourself- Picking up art, writing stories, or just
one to dwell on the bad
finding something to do will draw attention away from what’s going on in one’s life.
Page 8
Feature
The Rider
March 13, 2009
Comparing Apples to Apples Lesser known phenomena of equal value There are people in the halls everyone knows. Mr. Davis is recognized as Legacy’s manlier Ms. Frizzle. Mr. Austin gets so many accolades he has been blacklisted from The Rider. When homecoming king Jake Edwards walks around, he is bombarded with greetings. But there are many students and teachers who fly under the radar. They have their friends, their hobbies, their activities, but their recognition remains limited in scope. These apples coexist with the others, but are outshined for reasons unknown. Some apples have their worms, their destructors. Some apples are rosy, some apples are pale. Some apples sit, solitary, until they crinkle up from lack of attention.
Ms. Hatley
Travis St. John BY MIREYA MARTINEZ Staff Writer
Her students love her. They love her energy and creativity. They love how much fun they have in her room and often leave her English class with a smile. No, it’s not Mrs. Shack. It’s Ms. Hatley. Ms. Hatley teaches AP World Studies, Pre-AP English II and Creative Writing. All in which she uses original antics to teach in. “I have absolutely no problem making a fool of myself,” Ms. Hatley said. “I’ve presented material via song, dance and standing on top of my desk.” The original and spontaneous curriculum keeps students interested in her class. “It’s wacky and goofy and you get to do a lot of things you don’t do in most other classes,” senior Justin Godwin said. “It’s really laid back and fun, and I enjoy the fact that it’s not like my other classes.” Ms. Hatley’s students appreciate her for her flexibility and fun. She frequently has her classes write out plays. “I love acting out the plays,” senior Heath Langehennig. “She makes it so that we have room to input our own ideas and put our creativity to use, and she has fun with us so it makes everything more enjoyable.” Teaching became Ms. Hatley’s passion after working at the fallout shelter of the UT Tower and realizing that she wasn’t suited for cubicle work. “It was a mind-numbing job of putting returned checks in numerical order,” Ms. Hatley said. “That experience taught me that monotonous work is not my thing. Teaching is different everyday. That’s why I love it.” Ms. Hatley enjoys her job so much that she endures despite facing frequent illness. Last year, she battled the flu, strep throat, and mono during the two months leading up to the AP World History test. “Last year I put my health on the line,” Mrs. Hatley said. “It was quite a sacrifice but it was all worth it when I received their test scores.”
BY LACIE SNIDER Staff Writer Aaron is known for his speed, skill, and many wins in cross country. Travis, Aaron’s younger brother, doesn’t follow in his older brother’s footsteps. Freshman Travis St. John doesn’t run his way to achieve his dreams. Instead he walks across the stage to live up to his hero, Superman. “I am the total opposite of my whole family; I’m like the odd ball,” Travis said. Travis plans to further his comedy and acting skills before he becomes a senior so he knows what he has in front of him. “I want to make people laugh and for people to know my name not because of my brother,” Super heroes are said to inspire kids, help them realize their dreams, and help them realize their love for being strong. “Superman is the person little kids would have posters on their walls because they idolized him,” Travis said. “I want that same thing, I want people to know idolize me.” Travis uses muscles, skills and drive to achieve his goal of attending his dream school for acting. “I plan on taking tons of acting classes, majoring in acting in college and minoring in English, so that one day I can direct also,” Travis said. His dream is to be on little kids’ walls as an inspiration, but he isn’t too young to still idolize his heroes. “Adam Sandler, Johnny Knoxville, Jim Carrey and Will Smith are the four guys who I think did an amazing job getting to where they wanted to be,” Travis said. Power lifting and acting make him feel complete, but he wouldn’t have any of it without God in his life. “Before I lift or go on stage I always pray,” Travis said. Travis finally found his passions in life and what he want to do and it makes him happy all at the same time. “Acting and power lifting take away the stress of the day and I’m happy doing them,” Travis said.
Gus Jalil BY JACOB MOORE Staff Writer Senior Abe Jalil dabbles in just about everything. His mellow guitar sounds fill America’s Best Coffee on open mic nights. He shoots footage for media tech, and his fun-loving, outgoing attitude makes him a favorite of many teachers. Meanwhile, his younger brother Gus airdrums in the background. Gus maintains a lower profile, spending most of his time at home, and has walked in his brother’s shadow for most of his high school career. “I’m just Abe’s little brother to most people,” Gus said. Despite his lack of recognition from the rest of the school, he is a favorite of the Fine Arts Department. Last year, Gus shined in his art classes, and this year is drawing attention for the personal touch on his photos. Department head and art teacher Dave Mason has taken notice of Gus’ conviction. “Gus’ dedication to his art is uncanny,” Mr. Mason said. Gus lets most of his creativity flow in the darkroom and on Photoshop. His experimental, bizarre style has earned him artistic recognition. “His images are not the normal point-and-click black and white photos,” Mr. Mason said. “Gus’ style is one that is fresh and contemporary.” Gus is currently developing a series of photos influenced by Surrealism, in the vein of Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte. Gus also takes Ceramics, where he sculpts his vision in clay. Still, his photography comprises most of his portfolio, and it is more personal to him. “His photographs create a personal dialogue with the viewer that ceramics cannot,” Mr. Mason said. To Gus, the most important part of art is the idea behind the piece, and conveying that idea to the viewer. “Whether it’s photography or ceramics, he is determined to create the image in his mind,” Mr. Mason said. “He finds a way to make it work.”
Other Comparisons iPhone vs. iPod Touch- First, you don’t
need both. If you’re happy with your phone keep it and get the Touch. If you have dropped calls and are looking to change to AT&T anyway, get the iphone. The only difference is the phone. Both rock.
Google vs. Yahoo- With Google stock at
$306.17 a share and Yahoo at $13.11, it’s quite obvious who is dominating the market. But Yahoo is widely available as a search engine on most smartphones, and offers many features Google lacks, among them personal ads and movie showtimes. Yahoo has more news and extra features - if you want them.
The Office vs. 30 RockDespite its numerous Emmys, witty trucker hats, and showrunner Sarah Palin - er, Tina Fey - 30 Rock will always be overshadowed by its big brother, The Office.
my
The Rider
Feature
March 13, 2009
Page 9
Although his parent’s help, Kojder exceeds expectations BY RUSSELL KIRBY Staff Writer
Mike’s parents have always held him to two standards, “do the right thing” and “do your best.” With help from his mom, he’s taken these words all the way to the top. A varsity tennis player, UIL math and science champ, and number one in his class, Sophomore Mike Kojder upholds many achievements. His mother, Ben Barber business teacher, Nancy “Some teenagers probably Mrs. Kojder, has wouldn’t want their mother s u p p o r te d around, but Mike pretty and helped laid-back and doesn’t him get to where he is. seem to mind it.” “It makes -Mrs. Kojder me feel good that some of the hard work I’ve done has payed off,” Mike said, “but I’ve got to keep working
because there’s some hard competition. I can’t take it for granted.” When he’s at Ben Barber, Mike doesn’t mind his mother and is often found in her room before school. “Some teenagers probably wouldn’t want their mother around,” Mrs. Kojder said, “but Mike is pretty laid-back and doesn’t seem to mind it.” His laid-back attitude contrasts to his hardworking reputation. According to Mike his last transcript’s weighted average is about 104. But he doesn’t spend all his time involved with school events. “We spend a lot of time doing our homework, watching sports and watching our favorite show The Office” Mrs. Kojder said. Mike also participates in varsity tennis tournaments.
“I like watching sports and he likes playing sports, so that works out pretty well,” Mrs. Kojder said “I try to make the most of his tennis matches.” Now Mike is more selfsufficient than ever before and doesn’t need his mom like he used to. Like most mothers Mrs. Kojder is always there to give him a hand. “I know what she teaches doesn’t really apply to what I do, but she helps when she can,” Mike said. Despite their close relationship, they say they wouldn’t mind if they could be closer. “He was kind of hoping that I would work at Legacy so he could store his tennis rackets in my room and get money from me when he needed something,” Mrs. Kojder said.
works here
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
Bookkeeper keeps track of more than just money
PASSING OUT SOME GREEN - Mrs.Knutson gives her son Kole money for lunch.
BY RACHEL STANLEY Staff Writer
What’s unique about having a mom that works here? Sarah Karowski
“I guess there’s the ups and downs to having your mom here at school. She’s there all the time and willing to embarrass you in front of your friends, but if you’re having a bad day she’s always there to give you a hug and help you out.”
Kathy Fishburn
“We don’t usually see each other during the day but it’s weird. My boyfriend was in her class and then we broke up. Now he won’t talk with me but still talks with her.”
Kris Gross
“Well, if you do something wrong she’ll immediately know. All the other teachers can tell her anything I do.”
Holly Purcell
“Probably the coolest thing about it is that everyone loves the third floor AP secretary. Everyone’s so surprised when they learn she’s my mom.”
Kole dreamed of his first day of high school. He just didn’t imagine himself walking into the building with his mom. Mrs. Sherry Knutson, the bookkeeper, and her sophoo r e I dislike how she knows m son Kole everything I do in school h a v e both at-Kole Knutson tended Legacy for two years. “I think in some way he enjoys me being here,” Mrs. Knutson said. “I am also sure in some way he hates that I work here.” Being the bookkeeper, Mrs. Knutson must obtain money for items such as cell phones from students.
“My friends dislike the way she makes them pay money for their cell phones,” Kole Knutson said. Another job of hers is to teach him responsibility. This means making him pay for getting his cell phone back. “Kole has had his phone taken up one time last year and he had to pay for it,” Mrs. Knutson said. “Of course, he borrowed the money from me.” Kole isn’t fond of how his mother is involved in school and his school work. “I dislike how she knows everything that I do in school,” Kole Knutson said. According to Kole there are some advantages of
having a parent on staff. Perks including asking for help when forgetting items, seeing his mom and having a nice lunch. “Everyone knows my mom and likes her,” Kole Knutson said. “I remember one time when about twelve people were eating with me and my mom.” As a mother, Mrs. Knutson reviews Kole’s grades. She communicates with his teachers and they all know the expectations of Kole as a student. She feels being on staff is a good way to keep her son out of trouble. “My son is not really a trouble maker,” Mrs. Knutson said, “but I think that it certainly helps I that am here to keep him out of future trouble.”
Page 10
Editorial
The Rider
March 13, 2009
TheRider
OUR OPINION
Assistant Principal’s presence unecessary Assistant Principals: the unnecessary last defenders for students during after school events. The administrative rule requires an AP to attend all extra-curricular activities in order to ensure safety. Granted, safety is an important issue, but it boggles down extra-curricular activities, and puts an unfair burden on AP’s. The rule should stop being enforced. One AP attending an extra-curricular event will not ensure safety. Depsite one AP armed with a cell phone, they are simply out numbered. Club sponsors, coaches, Smith Security, booster clubs and other organziations would be more effective. Smith Security patrols the school at night. Having them attend after school events allows the AP’s to go home and events to continue.
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
The most poignant example of this rule occurred when it led to the cancellation of the Mission Improvable show, even though both theater directors would have attended the show. The Improv team
What do
“If they’re not there, then people will act I about the AP likethinkhooliganes. the AP will present policy? bring order.”
you think
Rachel Romo, 9
hasn’t performed a show for two months which is almost as irritating as listening to dumb jokes on the StuCo morning show. (We still love you Mrs. Purcell and StuCo.) The performance’s safety does
“I think the policy is fair, but it doesn’t really need an AP, just a teacher.”
Kaitlin James, 10
not change with an additional lone ranger wielding a walkie-talkie. The administrative rule serves no purpose and continues to boggle down activities. If faculty and staff want to ensure school safety,
“As long as a teacher is supervising there shouldn’t be a problem.”
Michele Stricklin, 11
Staff Writers Ashley Canterbury Cole Christensen Ian Cook Nadley Doerge Alex Gustafson Russell Kirby Megan Lucero Mireya Martinez Jacob Moore Jamila Obied Allex Ohler Hannah Overstreet Aaron Sakowski Lacie Snider Rachel Stanley Amber Steinle Calyn Steelman Rosanne Trinh Brett Walker
install security cameras or force Smith Security to defend the parking lot during shows and events. Forcing an AP to attend these events are an inconvenience to AP’s, audience member’s and performer’s schedules.
“It’s unnecessary. What could an AP do to stop something that is already going to happen?”
Alex Yarnell, 12
Adviser Leland Mallett Principal David Wright
Temporary IDs not enough BY BRETT WALKER Staff Writer
The 7:15 bell rings and everyone takes a seat. The teacher tells the class to take out their ID’s, and bags ruffle. She proceeds through the rows checking necks for lanyards and torsos for badges. “No ID today?” she says to one of them, pulling a yellow temporary sticker from a brown envelope. At the beginning of the second semester, the ID policy changed. ID’s must be worn around the neck, and instead of being written up for forgetting their badges, students are now is-
sued identification stickers for the day. The new policy is good in theory and should be taken further. Barcode scanners could be placed in the lunch lines. Instead of having to punch in their number, students would just scan their ID’s. This system would help to prevent people from using others’ ID-numbers, and speed up lunch lines. Many students choose not to eat at school because the lines stay filled until lunch ends. Although a more expensive option, time-clock-like devices could be installed in classrooms. Students would scan their ID’s when they entered and exited a
class, eliminating the need to spend time taking roll. The system could also easily keep track of tardies and absences. More people buying lunch from the school would keep kids on campus and accounted for. Freeing up class-time with a clock-in system would help students accomplish more at school, and the system would get rid of the hassle that accompanies keeping track of tardies. The administration should make this investment because of the benefits it would produce, and because those barcodes on students’ ID’s will finally be put to good use.
The Rider is the student publication 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.
Homeless: In an attempt to SNAP THOUGHTS understand the lifestyle of those who are homeless, Teen Leadership II built a series of shelters out of cardboard boxes and spent the night outside of Legacy. Although we applaud their efforts, we regret the struggle Mrs. Schimming faced when taking the students cell phones away.
Fact or Fiction
FACT: The doors on the second floor landing are always locked during lunch. Stop trying to open them.
FICTION: Mission: Improvable performed another excellent show in February.
FACT: The Rider Online will be available for public viewing next month and will include videos and podcasts.
FICTION: A theft at a school basketball game created the new rule which requires an AP to be present at after school activities. It’s not a new rule.
Nay. Water Fountain Pranks: Turning around the fountain heads is not amusing. Nothing is more annoying than getting your clothes soaked because one person thinks it’s funny.
Yay! Boys’ Basketball: for winning Legacy our fifth district title this year. They may have missed a few free throws, but we betcha everyone is talking about us and next year’s team.
Nay! Announcements: Kudos to playing great songs like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air on the announcements. But interrupting them for the actual announcements? Not cool at all.
Yay! Legacy Legends: With American Idol jamming the airwaves, it’s nice to see people like Sophie Smith and Allie Caldwell sing for fun and not to make a controversial television show.
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. Influenza: Sure half the class gone means less distractions, but having to make up all the missed assignments can hinder any chance of catching up in time for a test.
Legacy High School Journalism Dept. 1263 North Main Street Mansfield, TX 76063 817-299-1229 legacyjournalism.org
The Rider
Gotta Wear‘Em All! BY NICK JIMENEZ Entertainment Coordinator
It’s the quintessential teenage thought process: when the people in charge force young people to wear something uniformic or lame, they will eventually find a way to dismantle it, customize it and make it their own. This year, students decided to take the I.D. policy and make lemonade- by decorating the I.D. s worn around their necks with Pokemon cards. “We were all just hanging out in A.P. art class” said senior Katelyn Zalitores, one of the forerunners of the trend. “We were talking about Pokemon and
Entertainment
March 13, 2009
Page 11
Trading cards make comeback as I.D. acsessory
someone said to Sam Lockett that he looked like Psyduck, and he could mimic the Psyduck noise perfectly. So the next day he had a Psyduck card in his I.D. I guess that’s where it started.” Since then, dozens of students have begun decorating their I.D.’s with their favorite Pokemon cards.
wearing them, but it’s no big deal.” Recently, the fad has grown beyond Pokemon and now includes wearing YuGi-Oh, Digimon or even planatry cards. “I have these cards with facts about planets in the solar system that “This year, students decided to take the lemon of an I.D. policy and I put on my for a make lemonade- by decorating the I.D. The Pokemon I.D. while,” said I.D. s worn around their necks with P h y s i c s fad has yet to reach the heights of the kid backpack teacher Mr. Pokemon cards. “ phenomenon, but it’s still Davis. gotten bigger than Zali“I know tores ever imagined. more about planets than I do about Poke“I have no idea why it’s mon, so I didn’t feel weird wearing it.” caught on” she said. “It’s a little Trading cards were bought in bulk durweird when I see people that I don’t know ing our childhoods, so it makes sense that
the fad has caught on; it’s cheap, easy and best of all nostalgic. At a time in our lives when are eyes are earnestly fixed towards the future, its nice to have a little token of simpler times. A time when our most pressing concern was catching ‘em all.
Poke’facts • The Pokemon video game series has sold 186 million copies in North America alone. • There are over 40 types of Pokemon trading card sets available for purchase.
Two for the Price of One
Nick’s Niche
He’s strange. He’s awkward. And he’s funny. So we gave him a column.
Psyduck and Me
I don’t like to think of myself as a follower. When a new trend pops up among my teenage brethren, I prefer to just avoid it until it dies away. It’s just a safer route. But a couple of weeks ago, when friends of mine began walking around Pokemon trading cards inside of their I.D.’s, swinging from their necks on lanyards, I couldn’t help but think “That’s pretty cool…” Now, I was big into Pokemon back in the day. I watched the cartoon; I played the video games; I even forced my mom to take me to go see the first three movies in theatres. (A mother’s love knows no bounds) And yes, I collected the cards. But I hadn’t seen them since I moved to Texas, in 2001. For all I knew my parents had sold at a garage sale without me knowing. But after a little digging through the attic, I found the white binder with the big sticker of Blastoise on it underneath some Christmas decoration and a box full of my old action figures. The next step was choosing which, among my dozens of cards, would be the one I would put on my I.D. Which Pokemon best represented me? Rattata; Too aggressive. Dragonite; too noble. I didn’t know what I was looking for, Psyduck was the dude no one only that when I found it, something inside of me would click. I imagine this expected to do anything....I was what Harry Potter felt like as he browsed Olivander’s, searching for the could relate wand that was made just for him. (After typing that last sentence, it has dawned on me that this column may actually make me look more pathetic than the one -Nick Jimenez where I suggested hiding in the bushes outside of the house of a girl you like.) Then, just as I was about to settle for Polywhirl, I came upon a card I don’t actually remember getting. The Pokemon was Psyduck, a creature known for his constant state of confusion thanks to his never-ending headache. He was a neurotic wreck. In the cartoon, Psyduck would wander around, useless and disoriented; a total malcontent. That is until the nefarious Team Rocket would threaten the show’s heroes and Psyduck’s headache wpouldclear and the creature would unleash a barrage od psyhic energy, obilietating everything in his path. He was the dude no one expected to do anything until he did a whole lot of something. I really related to the pudgy yellow beast looking up at me. I felt like somehow, should we ever cross paths; he and I would have a lot in common. So I slipped the trading card into the plastic slip also containing my press pass. (Fittingly, in my press pass photo, I’m wearing a yellow shirt.) But this wasn’t a normal Psyduck card. This was “Misty’s Psyduck.” Now, at first I just chose the card becuase the picture looked cooler than a regular Psyduck card. But the more I thought about it, the more it seemed to fit even more. I’ve always considered myself to be a helpful romantic. I always seem to be on the short end on It makes sense that the card I chose to represent me was not only a goofy, chubby duck, but a goofy chubby duck that is at the service of a girl who kind of sort of wants him to wander off into the forest and die. So the next time you’re watching Pokemon and see good ol’ Psyduck waddling across your TV screen, think of me...and smile. or shake your head in shame and empathy. Whatever works. (Nick Jimenez can be seen wearing the “Misy’s Psyduck” card to this very day. Upon the discovery of Sam Lockett also wore a Psyduck card, he felt 23% less creative and orignal.)
BY NADLEY DOERGE Staff Writer
A young Argentinean child steps into the first pair of shoes he has ever owned. These shoes were given to him for free, from people like Cameron Duke, Sophie Smith, Patrick Donovan or anyone wearing a pair of TOMS shoes. “Everyone needs shoes,” Patrick Donovan said. The TOMS shoes organization was started by Blake Mycoskie in 2006. For every shoe that is bought from TOMS another shoe is donated to a child in need. “I love to help out people,” Sophie Smith said. “And it’s a very unusual program.” A team of TOMS interns go to various places like Argentina or South Africa, to give unfortunate kids a pair of new shoes. Even though a shoe seems like
a small thing to provide, it can change and a life. “It hugely affects them. They play soccer over there, they need shoes to play soccer,” Duke said. “[Argentineans] work a lot harder than most Americans and they need shoes for that too.” As an organization that has helped more than sixty-thousand children without shoes, TOMS also produces footwear which has never been seen before in the United States. “They’re very simple,” Smith said. “They don’t distract from what I’m wearing.” Not only is the appearance of the shoe is pleasing to Duke, the initiative behind buying the shoe makes him feel like a person making a difference. “They look good,” Duke said. “And it feels good to do something right.”
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The Rider
Page 12
March 13, 2009
The Back Page
The Legend Continues
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
Sophie Smith wins Legacy Legends, Earns $100, will return next year
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JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
compared with last year. “The attendance of Legacy Legend was up by 75% than last year,” Mrs. Owens said. Mrs. Owens thought it was cool that the family and friends of the contestants had signs out in the audience and she was proud of how the show turned out. “I was pleased with the action of the audience., Mrs. Owens said, “The performance of every student and overall the student production.”
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
Making her way onstage, Sophie walks to the microphone while the spotlight moves along with her. Although she was nervous at first, she regained confidence and was ready to perform. Junior Sophie Smith preformed the original piece, “Rose in the Desert” by Matt Morris from their band Hands for Bad Habits. She competed against 10 other students in Legacy Legends and won the reward of $100 and a first place trophy. “I was really excited, and didn’t expect [to win],” Smith said. There are two things Smith does to prepare for a performance: prayer and practice. She has per-
formed “Rose in the Desert” several times at coffee houses to practice and have fun, which made her more confident. “This song was my favorite to perform, but I still get nervous all the time,” Smith said. The song is based on a person telling someone else they are beautiful, even when they don’t believe it. “Music is a big part of my life,” Smith said. “I want to major in Musical Theatre.” Choir teacher Mrs. Owens was backstage keeping the contestants calm. “The kids ran this whole show, we were pleased it went through smoothly,” Owens said. “The audience made this fun.” Mrs. Owens was proud to see the great improvement of this year’s show,
JASMINE MCMASTERS PHOTO
BY ROSANNE TRINH Staff Writer
JACKIE KUENSTLER PHOTO
(top left) Sean Borth handing runner up Molly Mayfield an envelope of $50. (left) Last year’s winner Kristen Wheeler performs for the audience. (bottom left) Sean Borth takes a picture with Allie Caldwell and other performers. (top right) Sophie Smith is handed the plaque that will now bear her name as a Legacy Legend winner. (right) Imani Amous sings for a excited crowd. (bottom right) Runner up Molly Mayfield performs for the audience with an outstretched arm.