The Paw Print - May 2021

May 2021 Volume III Issue VII

Dripping Springs High School, School, Dripping Springs, Springs, TX 78620

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The Paw Print A Year To

Remember....

Something to Look Forward to 2 You Need To Track Your Music 3 2020-2021 Memories 8 News 2 Entertainment 3 Features 4 Editorials 5 Sports 6,7 Student Life 8 The Paw Print’s core purpose is to serve the students and staff of Dripping Springs High School, as well as the surrounding community, with the most meaningful news and content regarding our school’s culture and the student body that influences it. From students, to students.

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May 2021

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News

Something to Look Forward to DSHS and returning to normalcy Alec Stuart News Editor

In the final months of the school year, the nationwide vaccination rate has skyrocketed. Within the next few months, the US is expected to have a surplus of vaccines, many more than what’s needed for the population.

This increase in vaccines begs the question: how has this affected the local community, more specifically our school?

“I am very encouraged that we have options for vaccination,” Principal Angela Gamez said, “and that this opens the doors for a return to a more normal world in the near future.”

Vaccines are definitely a critical part of the plan to slowly and safely reopen schools nationwide. While the current minimum age to be vaccinated is 16, this number could be lowered pretty quickly. However, this depends on the continuation of the rapid vaccination rate nationwide.

“I am hopeful that this will lead to a more normal school year next year,” Gamez said, “not just for our district but for all districts in the state and nation.”

The district currently has begun plans to prepare a COVID-19 progression board, which will guide the district’s path forward out of the pandemic. This is accompanied by the increasing number of teachers and other staff who have been vaccinated.

“Right now, the district has put together a COVID-19 preparedness team of parents, staff members, nurses, medical professionals, and the county epidemiologist to provide guidance for moving forward based on survey data and COVID-19 related numbers,” Gamez said. “This will assist our superintendent in making informed decisions for safety protocols moving forward.”

While the district has only one on campus vaccination site for now (Sycamore Springs), they have consistently communicated with local medical facilities in order to get teachers and other staff vaccinated.

“The district Human Resources office has been instrumental in alerting staff of vaccination opportunities and organizing local vaccination opportunities for staff and community members,” Gamez said.

The district also uses a lot of guidance from higher authorities, such as the state government’s education agency.

More Vaccination Photos from Our Own

“TEA sets the standards for school districts,” Gamez said.

“Sometimes TEA will give decision-making authority to districts on certain things.

Overall, the district’s plans to move forward are complicated by issues, such as how will remote students reintegrate. However, the district as a whole is confident in exiting the pandemic. “[I’m] always optimistic,” Gamez said.

Teachers Jennifer Riddlebarger and Katherine Eyberg show their vaccine certificates. Riddlebarger went to nearby DS Ranch Park for her vaccine whereas Eyberg traveled to San Antonio.

AP Exam Dates Mallory Neff Staff Writer US Government and Politics (PAPER) May 3 @ 8:00 am Human Geography (PAPER) May 4 @ 12:00 pm English Literature and Composition (English IV) (PAPER) May 5 @ 8:00 am US History (PAPER) May 6 @ 8:00 am Computer Science A (PAPER) May 6 @ 12:00 pm World History (PAPER) May 10 @ 8:00 am Macroeconomics (PAPER) May 10 @ 12:00 pm Spanish Language and Culture (PAPER) May 11 @ 8:00 am Psychology (PAPER) May 11 @ 12:00 pm English Language and Composition (English III) (PAPER) May 12 @ 8:00 am Biology (PAPER) May 14 @ 8:00 am Environmental Science (PAPER) May 14 @ 12:00 pm English Literature and Composition (English IV) (DIGITAL) May 18 @ 11:00 am Macroeconomics (DIGITAL) May 19 @ 3:00 pm Computer Science A (DIGITAL) May 18 @ 3:00 pm

US History (DIGITAL) May 19 @ 11:00 am World History (DIGITAL); US Government and Politics (DIGITAL) May 20 @ 11:00 am

Physics 2 (DIGITAL); Statistics (DIGITAL) June 10 @ 3:00 pm *AP Art and Design May 20 (see Mr. Bates for time)

Psychology (DIGITAL) May 20 @ 3:00 pm Spanish Literature and Culture (PAPER); Music Theory (PAPER); German Language and Culture (PAPER) May 21 @ 12:00 pm Calculus AB (PAPER); Calculus BC (PAPER) May 24 @ 8:00 am Physics 1 (PAPER) May 24 @ 12:00 pm

In order of appearance: Aaron Stancik, Cady Russell, Davy Holmes, Jessica Stamp.

Chemistry (PAPER) May 25 @ 8:00 am

And finally, what you have all been waiting for, the 2021 Yearbook and Meraki covers!

Physics 2 (PAPER); Statistics (PAPER) May 25 @ 12:00 pm English Language and Composition (English III) (DIGITAL) May 26 @ 11:00 am Biology (DIGITAL) May 27 @ 11:00 am Environmental Science (DIGITAL) May 27 @ 3:00 pm Human Geography (DIGITAL) May 28 @ 11:00 am Calculus AB (DIGITAL); Calculus BC (DIGITAL) June 9 @ 11:00 am Physics 1 (DIGITAL) June 9 @ 3:00 pm Chemistry (DIGITAL) June 10 @ 11:00 am

Jerri Ybarra’s AP Human Geography class. Photos by Makayla Marley.

The 2021 Meraki literary magazine will be included with the yearbook purchase and in delivery. It is also available on Balfour.com for $15 per copy separately.

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Entertainment

What is Going Down Tia Davison Entertainment Editor This Summer in Austin

Tell Me Something Good Scholarship Edition Tia Davison Entertainment Editor

Tuesdays In The Flowers- Trough 5/11/21 at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Wildflower center in Austin is staying open late every Tuesday this spring! The socially distant evenings will offer lots of space for picnics and feature live music from local musicians, local art, and some of Austin’s famous food trucks! For more information, go to Wildflower.org.

Photo By: Pixabay

Cady RussellAcademic Scholarship Daemen College

Photo By: Pixabay

Photo By: Pixabay Logan Stankard (left)Academic Scholarship UMHB, Cheer Scholarship

Get your Climb on-

If you are into some limestone, take a trip to the Barton Creek Greenbelt Gus Fruh, which offers a famed Urban Assault limestone rock wall that’s a favorite of climbers and a swimming hole. Reimers Ranch Park offers 300 highly technical sport climbing routes on highly limestone cliff walls, many of the routes have fixed cable draws, bolts, and anchors removes in place so that climbers can access popular routes with protection.

The Rookie Triathlon- On 5/2/21 at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park

Charles Hunt- Athletic Scholarship to Virginia Military Institute Joe Roberts- Athletic Scholarship to University of Dallas

Photo By: Pixabay

Ian Stinson- Earned a military scholarship

A triathlon tailored to the sports rookies and veterans, the course will be a 300-meter swim, 11.2-mile bike, and a 2-mile run to the finish.

The event will also include food and drink to celebrate the finishers. For more information, go to Therookietri.com.

Madyson Torres- Academic scholarship to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Brennan Frickel- Scholarship to University of Houston Cameron O’Banan- Scholarship to Texas

Photo By: Pixabay

Enjoy some Camping-

Emma Long Metropolitan Park is located along Lake Austin’s edges; it features some beautiful waterside campsites, swimming, boating spots for picnics, and grilling and hike and bike trails. The Metropolitan park is one of the rare places where campers can set up inside the city limits. The McKinney Falls State Park is a 726-acre park that offers 81 camping sites with electricity and water, many miles of trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds.

Photo By: Pixabay

The Cine Las Americas International Film Festival- On 6/9/21 to 9/13/21 at Various Locations

This film festival gives a stage to contemporary films and videos made about indigenous groups of the Americas created in North, Central, South America, the Iberian Peninsula, and the Caribbean. For more information, go to www.cinelasamericas. org.

Photo By: Pixabay

Take a Hike-

The Pedernales Falls State Park offers a landscape of the local Texas hill country and limestone cliffs. Hop on the Juniper Ridge Trail, which takes you through a mesquite forest and leads to the park’s main attraction, the Pedernales Falls. If you are looking for some mountain biking, visit the Violet Crown Trail, which offers gnarly in-town mountain biking, with some steep slopes and rocky surfaces. If you are into paved trials, take a look at the Southern Walnut Creek Trail, a part of the city’s Walnut Creek Trail System, designed for bikers and pedestrians.

Reece Dunn- Scholarship to the East Texas Baptist University Ryan KimballScholarship to Hendrix Photo By: Charlie Clarno College Makayla BantonNHS Scholarship, and Academic for University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Gabriel Ybarra- Merit scholarship to Jacobs School of Music within Indiana University Coleman Chapman- Athletic Scholarship to Black Hills State University Carter King- Academic Scholarship to Dordt University Hunter Pierpoint- Athletic scholarship to Saginaw Valley State University.

CJ Neffendorf (right) - Football Booster Photo By: Riordan Tiller Scholarship Music Notes By: Pixabay

You Need To Track Abby Tredway Your Music Staff Writer In September 2019, my friend showed me an app called Last.FM that tracks your music for you. It will give you a leader board of your top artists, albums, and tracks that you can separate from all-time to just that day. On top of that, Last.FM will also give you weekly listening reports that give a more in-depth analysis of how you listened to music that week. To use it, you connect the app with your streaming service, whether that be Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud, etc. Last.FM tracks music in terms of scrobbles, which is basically just a stream. To scrobble a song, you just have to listen to it all the way through for it to count.

I honestly didn’t even use Last.FM that much in the first year I had it. I kind of forgot about it and would put my scrobbles in once every month or two, and I barely even checked the statistics. Looking back, my music taste wasn’t that varied either; it was a lot of the same artists/albums throughout those months. Then, around November, I discovered one of my favorite things about Last.FM - the website version. On the website, you have an actual profile where you can follow people, get music recommendations, and have a much more in-depth review of your scrobbles. I find that the website version is much more fun to

look at, and I love the feature of being able to follow people. With this, you can post comments on their profiles, see your music compatibility, and some of their statistics will show up on your weekly listening reports.

I found that after using Last.FM, not only did my music taste evolve, but I also became a lot more interested in music all around. Four months into 2021, I am over halfway to beating my scrobbles from last year. It previously was a rare occurrence for me to get 1000 scrobbles a month, but this year I have had around 3000 scrobbles for each month!

In conclusion, if you consider yourself as someone interested in music, getting an app to track your music is essential. Or, if you find yourself wanting to get more into music, getting Last.FM is a great way to start! Not only will it get you more interested in your own music, but it will also expand your music taste to genres you wouldn’t have listened to before.

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May 2021

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Features A Year For Achievements This last year has been absolutely bizarre in so many ways. It’s been slow and behind, and for some people, it’s been a struggle. It’s important though that through our struggles we find something that we can give ourselves credit for, no matter the size of what the achievement is - just that little sense of self worth during a time like this can go a long way.

“For me personally, I am proud that during these hard times and confusion, that my community and family and friends have been able to keep their heads up and stay strong mentally, physically, and emotionally,” sophomore Owen Racis. “I like to see that others and myself have made it through and are now back to learning.”

Focusing on those little achievements and being able to see past the bad and be proud of yourself is not only a great ‘habit’ to have, but also really good for your mental health.

“Growing as a person and being happy with myself [is my achievement],” sophomore Abby Tredway said.

Being proud of yourself no matter the circumstance can be hard in the society we live in today. A lot of people get weighed down by others’ expectations and, for some people, it’s hard to look past that and be individualistic and see your own self worth. Asking the question, “What am I proud of?” and having an answer or finding one is such a great start.

“I’m proud of myself for trying out things that scare me,” sophomore Jenna Gordillo said.

“I’d say [I’m proud of] everyone’s adaptability with all

the unprecedented events, like, people are so adaptable it’s kind of crazy if you think about it,” junior Providence Daniel said.

COVID-19 really put a stop to a ton of people’s lives, and when it comes to trying to jump back on track and maintain a semi normal life, being able to appreciate even the littlest of achievements is a great way to keep up a positive mindset during a time like now.

“I am really proud of the theatre department this year,” junior Arwen Kubicek said. “This year has been a very weird year with COVID and our department has somehow done an amazing job. We have been able to produce many shows that were live streamed, plus create an amazing performance of ‘Woyzeck’ and win multiple competitions in UIL. Our directors are amazing, and I am very thankful that they are all so passionate about theatre.”

“I am proud of our UIL show and how I have grown more responsible as an actor and student,” junior Daniel Hearne said. “[I’m proud of] winning the state title in broadcast journalism for YAG, getting my letterman, winning a full ride scholarship, getting accepted to college, being featured on NPR,” senior Cady Russell said.

The end of the school year is approaching quickly, and some will be off on a new journey while others still have some work to do, but if you haven’t already, try to ask yourself what you’re proud of this year.

What have YOU achieved this year?

How to Prepare for Summer Healthy Spring Snack Ideas Spring: the time of rebirth, renewal, and awakening.

The weather sits just right and the warmth of the sun gently touches the skin of so many. Trees begin to blossom as flowers bloom from the earth and various living things become birthed into creation. Students finish off the span of the school year with challenging tests as they prepare for the months of summer to come. These same teens today focus on their school lives so frequently that they become plagued with forgetting about their physical health and preparing their bodies for the summer. By eating healthy, teens can put their bodies first and achieve the looks for summer that they always hoped for. Snacks remain as just the way to do this and eating healthy shouldn’t feel like a chore. Here lay a list of snacks that you can easily prepare at home to feel nourished and nutritious.

“My go to healthy snack remains a bowl of fruit, an acai bowl/smoothie or carrots and hummus,” junior Ashley Dunn said. “I love all of these options but it just depends on what I’m craving in the moment. If I wanted something light, I would go for a fruit bowl, and if I’m more hungry, I’d go for an Acai bowl.”

First, we’ll start off with the easiest by far and quickest bite to prepare: chickpea based cookie dough that you can dip either apples or pita chips in. First, gather your materials to make snack-portioned serving of dough which requires one can of garbanzo beans and wash the beans in water, a fourth of a cup of peanut butter, two tablespoons of vanilla, three tablespoons of any kind of flour, two tablespoons of maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and then add the ingredients into a blender. Next, grab any type of chocolate chips and add them to the mixture and serve!

“I think, using chickpeas as a substitute to make regular cookie dough poses as a great idea - something that I definitely want to try!” Dunn said.

Moving on, we’ll start with another great recipe: the garlic chicken spring roll, the perfect snack if you feel more hungry. You will need to make a list for the regular ingredients and a list for the garlic soy dip. To start off with the regular ingredients for the roll, gather two pounds of boneless chicken thighs, two tablespoons of vegetable oil, four cloves of minced garlic, two teaspoons of sesame oil, one tablespoon of soy sauce, one bunch of fresh basil, one head of lettuce, slices of carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, and last 12 pieces of rice paper. Moving forward, for the dry ingredients, take a fourth of a cup of soy sauce, one clove of minced garlic, one tablespoon of lime juice, a fourth of a teaspoon of sugar, and a fourth of a teaspoon of sesame oil. Then in a large bowl,

Sierra Trbovich Staff Writer

Sophia Portillo Features Editor

combine the chicken, vegetable oil, sesame oil, garlic and fish sauce or soy sauce and allow the mixture to marinade for about 20 minutes. Next, heat your frying pan on medium to high heat and cook the chicken until a nice crust forms. Slice the chicken in thin slices, about one fourth of an inch for rolling. For the dipping sauce, simply combine and mix your ingredients together. In a large bowl, add hot water and gently dip each rice paper wrapper for a few seconds till damp but don’t over soak the rice paper. Next, start to add your fillings. On the one third of a section of the rice paper wrapper closest to you, start layering your fillings of lettuce, herbs, chicken and vegetables. Start rolling the wrapper over the fillings away from you, tucking and rolling the wrapper with your fingers, making sure all the fillings remain right and round within the rice paper wrapper. Lastly, serve with your dipping and enjoy.

“I love trying new recipes,” Dunn said. “I find myself eating a lot of the same things, so I love when I get to make something new.”

Pizza fruit crackers pose as another simple snack that you can make in minutes. The ingredients, incredibly simple, only require wasa crispbreads or graham crackers, one half of a cup of cream cheese or yogurt, three tablespoons of honey, strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and raspberries. Mix your honey and cream cheese or yogurt spreading an even amount onto each cracker. Then, chop the fruit into small pieces and top on the spread.

Serve immediately after.

“I would love to try the fruit pizza crackers or the chickpea cookie dough because I have wanted to make those for a very long time now and they sound delicious,” Dunn said. “I love raw cookie dough so I would find happiness among a healthier alternative.”

Last, we reach my personal favorite snack: chia seed pudding. In order to make this, take one can of coconut oil, two tablespoons of maple syrup, one half of a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and one half of a cup of chia seeds. Lastly, put the mixture in a mason jar and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. After it sits overnight, top it with any fruit you would like. Each of these snacks, super simple to make, can easily change your eating routine to help you look your best for summer.

“I would recommend to start slow and don’t change everything about your diet all at once,” Dunn said. “Don’t cut out anything from your diet that you enjoy and don’t restrict yourself. Adjusting what you eat and the way you eat takes time. I would try to get inspired by finding recipes you want to try and find healthy foods that you actually enjoy eating.”

Senior Send Off Students Wrap Up Final Year of High School

Growing Up In a Pandemic Gabriella Plasencia Staff Writer

Photos from pngimg.com and pngitem.com “It’ll never be as easy as it was during kindergarten nap time,” sophomore Brooklyn Rice said.

Growing up means figuring out how to simultaneously be a student, a friend, or even a student-athlete.

Generation Z, which operates primarily through the internet, is emerging into functional members of society.

“With a bunch of people online, you realized who would still call you and text you while doing online school,” junior Rachel Casey said. “And, some fade away because you’re not with them anymore.”

Friends who reach out more make a comparative difference than someone who feels obligated for convenience alone. Meanwhile, some friendships haven’t survived this year, only to intensify the anxiety and depression that grows from loneliness. Depending on a single relation to sustain a social life is bound to be detrimental. Hence, having a healthy network of people is so vital for social creatures.

“I made that mistake of isolating myself and only hanging with one friend all the time, but also you have to make the effort as well to be friends with someone,” Casey said.

“Don’t just put all of it on them or start slowly losing them, because you really don’t know how long they will be in your life.”

For emotionally conscious beings, ending a friendship is intricately perplexing as well as awkward. Some can be aware of what each person is gaining from a friendship, or not, leading to a cumbersome

situation. Empathetic personalities generally try to preserve a relationship; however, for most people, it is natural to shift and thus evolve. Leaving a past relationship and living in the present with purpose aligns with one’s personal development.

Receiving reality’s takeaways and adapting for a brighter future is the ultimate mission of a lifetime. For the ambitious type, compulsory goals, such as maintaining exemplary grades in school or improving a skill to a high standard, can be demanding yet rewarding.

“It’s hard to be a student-athlete with all these sports activities going on,” Casey said. “When I’m at a tournament, I still always try to get as much school work done as I can.

Even if it means doing it in the car on the way to my tournaments.”

The tiresome dedication and drive to reach academic success, while being a committed teammate, is one that assimilates discipline to go on despite challenges.

The chance of attending a university that considers applicants in sports is a prominent and unifying goal, yet, in turn, results in a burdening expectation on athletic students trying to maintain both academic and physical demands. Picturing an ideal path and figuring out one’s purpose in life is baffling, but finding resolution within the unknown can be just as productive.

“I just kind of think everything happens for a reason,” Rice said. “In five years, the things you do and struggle with now won’t matter in five years.”

Abby Hernandez Staff Writer

Colors of red, pink, orange, yellow and blue can be seen in the clear sky “I feel extremely excited to see what the future holds for me and my classmates, but as hundreds of students sit in chairs and take their place before the last I am sad to be leaving behind my teammates and friends,” senior Faith Daniels said. ceremony begins. Family members line the bleachers in the hot sun as they “I’ve sincerely enjoyed my time at DSHS and have made memories to last a lifetime.” keep their eyes glued on the stage in anticipation. Once it begins, loud While the seniors think about their last few weeks at DSHS, they also plan the next cheers and claps are heard as names are called one by one. Tears fall part of their lives whether it be college or something else. down faces as the seniors say their goodbyes to the memories and hello to “After high school, I plan to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology and study the future to come. aerospace engineering,” senior Drew Wilson said. “I would like to pursue a The 2020-2021 school year is about to come to an end and graduate degree and then see where my studies take me. Maybe I’ll work for graduation is just around the corner. It is going to take place May 28 SpaceX or start my own company. I’ll just have to wait and see. The end goal, in the Tiger Stadium. This will serve as the senior class’ last goodbye however, is to retire and live in a beach house on some tropical island with a to high school. Despite COVID-19, the school has put their best hammock and a few palm trees.” foot forward in creating a graduation for the senior class for a final However, as the seniors plan and get ready for the next chapter of their lives, sendoff. others have to say goodbye such as the teachers who watched them learn “[Graduation] is an important stepping stone with looking towards and grow as people. the future, while at the same time, commemorates and celebrates “I always miss my seniors,” math teacher Sara Freeman said. “These days, the accomplishments of each senior,” Principal Angela Gamez said. “It I can keep up with what they are doing through social media more than also gives seniors and families the chance to reflect back on all the positive I could in the past. It’s nice to see that they go on to college, graduate, experiences, as well as the trials and tribulations students have overcome are successful, get married, and have families. But, it always is a little sad to get to graduation day.” at graduation. But, it’s happy too, because they’ve reached an important As the planning for graduation takes place, seniors also wait in milestone in their lives.” anticipation and mixed emotions begin to come up as it is only a few short As classes come to an end and activities like senior portfolios, last games weeks away. of the season, collecting a cap and gown, and more take place, the senior “I am super excited about graduation,” senior Carter King said. “The time students reflect on their years throughout their time at DSHS. of graduation is such a bittersweet moment to share with all of your friends “High school has been insane,” senior Rachel Reeves (left) said. “I feel like and family because you get to reflect on all the past memories together while there are challenges you face in high school that really teach you a lot about also getting excited about what the future holds.” yourself and prepare you well for college. I am extremely blessed to have attended With there being only a few weeks left before the school year ends, students DSHS. I feel like it is such a safe space for anyone to be anyone.” take in that feeling of almost being done with a part of their lives. photo by Charlie Clarno

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May 2021

Editorials Goodbye High School Love, the seniors Samantha Moore Co-Editor-in-Chief Dripping Springs High School is about to become “old stomping grounds” for a lot of us. I can guarantee these past four years were not easy for any of us (students, teachers, and parents alike). On behalf of the class of 2021, The Class of COVID, let’s get to unpack these past four years together.

Despite the ups and downs that we all experienced throughout high school, it is hard to not feel nostalgic while looking back at a time before Tik Tok. With the rise of social media at an all-time high when we first stepped into high school, the trends were shifting at a very fast pace.

From what I recall from freshman year, it was all about Snapchat. Snap Maps had just been released and everyone was stalking each other. Arguably, it was the creepiest trend of the year…

Then, freshman year blended into the sophomore year and Dripping Springs got its very own Starbucks

at the same time that we were all getting our driver’s licenses. This made for a very broke and very caffeinated sophomore year, but at least we were getting all our work done. Without Starbucks, I’m not sure if any of us would have survived the AP English unit over East of Eden.

Before we knew it, we were juniors. May we always remember the parking crisis of 2019, when we had to be at school an hour early to get a somewhat decent parking spot. It wasn’t all bad though, at least we were all hitting our daily step goal walking to and from our cars.

Coinciding with the parking crisis was the rise of Tik Tok. Thinking back on it, the number of people filming Tik Toks as I was trying to walk to class bothered me, but now I know that app was one of the only things entertaining us during the first COVID lockdown. We will always remember leaving for Spring Break and not coming back the second half of our junior year.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.

Dream. Discover.”

—Mark Twain “Do not let making a living prevent you from making a life.”

—John Wooden

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May 2021 Volume III Issue VII

Now, we are seniors. It happened faster than we thought it would, and I bet most of our lives look a lot different than they did four years ago. Some of us went back to in-person school and some of us chose to stay remote, but somehow the majority of us managed to make the most of this crazy year. Now, we are thinking about Graduation. It’s like the finish line at the end of a 12-year race, and we are all about to cross it together.

Nobody can deny that our high school careers looked a little different than most, but we got through the hard times with the help of amazing teachers, parents, and friends. On behalf of the seniors, goodbye Dripping Springs High School and thank you for all we have learned inside and outside of the classroom.

Seniors Skylar O’Connell and Emily Pundt document the return to high school culture in the fall. Photo taken by Teagan Krewson

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

—C.S. Lewis “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.”

—Winston Churchill “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case, you fail by default.”

—J.K. Rowling

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Letters, guest columns, and all material submitted for publication must include the writer’s name and stay under 400 words. The Paw Print does not guarantee to print or online publish work submitted. The meaning of any submission will not be altered, however The Paw Print reserves the right to correct spelling, grammar and punctuation when necessary, as well as condense.

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Email submissions to dshsstudentmedia@dsisdconnect.com.

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Opinions expressed in editorials, columns, and letters are those of an individual and not The Paw Print, Dripping Springs High School, or its faculty.

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The Paw Print’s core purpose is to serve the students and staff of Dripping Springs High School, as well as the surrounding community, with the most meaningful news and content regarding our school’s culture and the student body that influences it. From students, to students.

Awards NSPA Best of Show 2020 ILPC 2018-2019 Honor CSPA 2019-2020 Second Place ASPA 2019-2020 First Place

Meet the Staff Co-Editor in Chief Sam Moore Co-Editor in Chief Evelyn Peterson Features Editor Sports Editor Sophia Portillo Cady Russell Online Editor Cady Russell News Editor Alec Stuart

Entertainment Editor Tia Davison Opinion Editor Sam Moore

Student Life Editor Evelyn Peterson Staff Writers Brooklyn Hagblom, Abby Hernandez, Mallory Neff, Gabriella Plasencia, Sierra Trbovich, Abby Tredway Byline Illustrator Advisor Cat Covatta Jessica Stamp The Paw Print is inserted inside the Century News, and distributed to racks next to the front office, CL&I, and the student media room. 2,000 copies are printed.

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Sports “

Girls Soccer Wins State Clinch First Ever State Title Evelyn Peterson Co Editor-in-Chief Our girls varsity soccer team won their first ever state title on April 16, 2-1 against Wakeland. They had an incredible season with many of their games being a complete shutout. Taking a look back onto the girls season, it shows how far teamwork, hard work, determination, and having fun can get you.

“From the beginning of the season, seeing all the talent in the program, I knew we had the capability to compete for state,” varsity senior Sofia Picucci said. “We have such a strong and dedicated team. It’s really fun getting to be a part of such an amazing program and share this experience together.”

The seniors on the team have either worked up to varsity or have been on varsity since their freshman year. Amidst the crazy pandemic, they managed to push through and even make history with their first state title in girls soccer.

“I don’t even know how to feel right now.

We’ve worked two years for this, and I’m just so proud of our team and so thankful for all the underclassmen. They’ve put everything into winning this for our seniors,” senior Charleigh Phipps said.

All the players put their heart, soul, and sweat into their season, but of course none of this would be possible without the guidance of their coaches.

“I would like to thank the coaches for all the support and time they have given to the team,” Picucci said. “Coach Perrine was a new coach my freshman year and I think she has done an amazing job building this program. She has created a family atmosphere for the team that is always super supportive. Coach Harlow has also had a big part in this program. She has been my coach since 7th grade. She and Coach P make the perfect team and have made my high school soccer experience so worthwhile and amazing.

I also want to thank Coach Amrine for always pushing me further than I think I can go and being such a strong part of getting us ready for state.”

It was exhilarating.

It was hard work from everyone. I was just the one to finish it, and I love my team so much. It was an incredible game to play in.”

-Riley Sisson, 10, on scoring the first goal for the team.

The team celebrates after being awarded their medals. The game ended 2-1 over Wakeland. Photo by Cady Russell.

Senior Rylie Flores bites into her state medal and holds up a one. Flores was the starting center back for the team. Photo by Cady Russell.

Sophomore Caroline Dill celebrates winning Conference MVP with senior Charleigh Phipps. Dill played in the top club league DA in Portland last year.

Photo by Cady Russell.

Letter from the Editor

Players celebrate after freshman Taylor Hodsden scored the winning goal. The game ended 2-1. Photo

by Cady Russell.

Sticks Down, Goggles Off End of Season for Girls Lacrosse Mallory Neff Staff Writer The game of lacrosse has existed for almost a thousand years, and it still brings people together and inspires young people everywhere to work together and trust in one another. It is a creator of families and special, unbreakable bonds.

“The team dynamic was great,” sophomore Allee Rainey said. “Everyone had each other’s back and was so nice to everyone, and we all played like a team that had been playing together for years.”

This year’s freshmen has finally finished their first season of high school lacrosse.

They had been thrown into a season with unpredictable circumstances and situations ahead, but they persevered and made the most of their new team. They were great additions to the team and were adored by the second, third, and fourth-year players.

“My first year has been really fun,” freshman Grace Richardson said. “I learned a lot, made a lot of friends, and everyone has been so welcoming. It’s like I have a whole team of big sisters.”

The girls have spent so much time around each other, and consequently made so many memories over the years, and especially the last few months. The team dynamic, competition, and simply being able to run around, have made this time very memorable for each individual player.

Senior Evelyn Peterson battles for the ball.

Peterson has been playing lacrosse for years.

Photo by Max Levey.

Cady Russell Sports Editor Freshman Taylor Hodsden crosses the ball. Hodsden scored the winning goal. Photo by Cady Russell.

“My favorite thing about it all would have to be all the funny jokes we made and all the fun memories we had,” Rainey said. “Like team bonding dinner and just making up jokes during practice.”

Next year, the current freshman, sophomores, and juniors will continue their practices and strive to be even better than this year. They look forward to becoming more skilled athletes and lacrosse players with the help of their coaches and teammates.

“It’s a far goal, but I’d really like to see us make the playoffs,” Richardson said. “It’ll be tough and require hard work, but I think we can do it.”

The girls’ last game was against Westlake D2, which they won 12-2. It was very emotional, because it would be the seniors’ last game with their team. They had spent so many hours over the last four years playing the game of lacrosse and developing their skills as well as their character and their own person as a whole.

“Being on the team taught me to work hard and never give up,” senior Mckayley Clifford said. “My teammates helped me to push myself and to let go of the things that I’ve been stressing about. I’ve definitely grown a lot in the past four years through lacrosse.”

Well, it’s officially the last issue of the Paw Print for the 2020-2021 school year, and the last issue I will ever be on.

When I started high school four years ago, I never thought I would become the Sports Editor and Online Editor-inChief of the paper. In fact, I had no desire to write for the paper at all; I wanted to do photography. But a trick of the schedule, and I ended up in Intro to Journalism and fell in love with journalism.

My time on the paper has been incredibly special, and I am incredibly thankful for all the memories I’ve made.

Even though this year was rough and very different from what we’d expect, I think everyone can say they’re thankful for just getting a chance to do what we enjoy, and that goes for everyone, not just the paper.

I want to thank Ms. Stamp for putting up with me for four years, and being a constant pillar of support, from letting me microwave my lunch on countless occasions to writing endless letters of recommendation. I would also like to thank Tessa Stigler, Rigley Willis, and Andrew Spiegel, now all in college, for not only teaching me so much, but being my friend. You all changed my life for the better, and I am forever grateful for the chance to have been on staff with you, and see New York City together.

This year, I set out with the goal to feature a wide variety of school sports, and to feature sports that never get the recognition they deserve, and I’m proud to say that we achieved that. By this May issue, every sport the school has on schedule will have been featured (including lacrosse!). That is a feat I hope we continue to do in the future, as we have so many incredible athletes and programs that achieve high levels of success and deserve to be featured.

I want to end this letter with a little notion about me that few know of. I am disabled, specifically spatial motor dysgraphia, a writing disability. Quite ironic isn’t it. I do not mention this as an inspirational story about disabled people, but to reinvent your idea of what disability looks like. Elementary school Cady would have never thought one day she would be an editor on an award winning paper, but here I am.

It has been a wonderful journey to be on this staff, and the memories I have created here will always remain some of my most treasured memories.

Signing off, Cady Russell

7

The Paw Print May 2021

mydshs.com

Sports

Every Swing Counts

The team gathers during a break. There are 16 girls on the team. Photo by Max Levey.

Softball Soaks Up Season After Previous Year Cancellation

Sophomore Jordan Cox winds up to pitch during the April 13 game against Veterans Memorial. It was also Teacher Night. Photo by Max Levey.

Cady Russell Sports Editor Softball season starts mid-February, lasting until the end of That goal is to win the state championship. The team’s motto April in district play, with playoffs lasting potentially until June. is “28,” because the softball fields are 28 miles from where they That means practically the entire season was canceled last year play the state championship at UT. at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My personal goal for this season would really just be to enjoy “The season has been weird,” senior varsity player Jessica every moment and soak it up. And, really be grateful for my Schneider said. “We’ve definitely coaching staff and my teammates, because had some big changes with being a senior, knowing this is my last year COVID-19 and restrictions. We all playing softball, has been really difficult,” have team gator masks, which Schneider said. “So, I think it’s about being is cool. We don’t like the good in the moment and really finding something game handshakes at the end of to be happy about every single game and the game with the other team, appreciating the people that are around which is very different. We all line me.” up on the line, and wait and say, And, those moments have been coming ‘Good game’. But overall, like the this season, most notably when the team beat team, this season has been really New Braunfels Canyon, one of their biggest good.” rivals according to district standings.

While most sports were able “They had this giant student section that to get in a decent amount of was so loud, and our dugout was so much games, or even their entire louder, and we kind of kicked their butts; it was season, softball was left in the supposed to be a close game,” Schneider dust having played only a few said. “And, it ended up being like 6-1, which preseason tournaments and two was really, really cool. We were so high. district games in spring 2020.

Everyone was jumping around.”

“This season has been really It’s not just seniors who are soaking up eye-opening because, due to last every moment, underclassmen, having seen year, we now have knowledge the devastation last year, are learning to take of the uncertainty that comes every moment for what it is worth. with our current circumstances,” “This season feels amazing after losing sophomore Linan Scott said. last year’s season due to COVID-19,” Scott “Overall, despite the challenges said. “The circumstances of last year really imposed by COVID-19, this season opened up everyone’s eyes to the blessing Senior Jessica Schneider warms up before a has been extremely fun and of being able to play the sport we love, and I game. The team became district champs on exciting, and I look forward to believe that, as a team, we have realized the April 20. Photo by Ronnie Adair. every opportunity we have to be importance of not taking even the smallest together as a team.” things for granted.”

And, the team this year is closer than ever. Schneider said And, that attitude has become the team’s foundation, that it feels like one big family, and that she has never felt closer instilling a “no bad attitudes” rule. to the coaching staff.

“Last season, we ended only having played two district “We have a lot of young girls on the team that have games,” Schneider said. “And, so, this year at that mark, after acclimated very well and handle the pressure of being a we played two district games, it was just like, ‘No bad attitudes. freshman or sophomore in varsity really well,” Schneider said.

No, not being happy about anything.’ Like, people didn’t get “And, just, the whole team vibe and everybody meshing has just that. People had this taken away from them last year. So, I don’t worked super well, and I’m really excited to see where this one need to complain about the little things or be ungrateful for any goes.” of these moments. I think it’s really instilled a sense of, ‘We get to be here,’ not we have to be here.”

Playoff Updates Several Sports In District, Regionals, State Challenges Junior Alyson Brownson-Welch pins her opponent during a district match. Welch took first at regionals. Photo by Steven Lackey.

Cady Russell Sports Editor

“

We get to be here, not we have to be here.

-Jessica Schneider, 12

Senior Maddy Torres hits the ball during the game against Veterans Memorial on April 13. Torres committed to play softball at the collegiate level. Photo by Max Levey.

Wrestling

On April 10, wrestling took the district title in the 13-5A championship.

From the district meet alone, 12 boys, one alternate, and two girls qualified for regionals, with the boys clinching the title and the girls taking fourth with only two competing.

After regionals on April 17, several wrestlers headed to state. Alyson BrownsonWelch and Alec Rill placed first in the region. Taking second in their weight classes: Hagen Shipley, Cody Barron, Daniel Mayes, Luke Norton, Grant Clarno, and Christian Prehar. Jefferson Guerrero took third. Coach Kirksey was also awarded Region Coach of the Year.

State was held the weekend of April 24. Visit mydshs.com for results. *The May issue of the Paw Print went to print before state on April 23.

Track

On April 14, track competed in the area meet, with many athletes moving onto regionals in San Antonio, held April 23-24. The boys team took second and the girls team took fourth, due to some unfortunate luck in the relays. Of the 28 who competed at area, 13 are moving on. Those athletes are: Aiden Cavender, pole vault; Coleman Chapman, 300m hurdles and 4x400 relay; Sophia Farris, 100m hurdles; Luke Ford, 4x400 relay; Kate Ginther, 800m; Maddie Livingston, 3200m and 1600m; Caleb Lopez, 3200m and 1600m; Cameron O’Banan, 200m and 4x400 relay; Boston Papp, 4x400 relay; Tyler Papp, 800m; Ava Williamson, high jump; Audrey Williamson, 300m hurdles. *Regionals will happen after this issue has been sent to the printer. Check @my_ dshs_news on Instagram and @mydshssports on Twitter for updates.

Tennis

On April 16, three tennis doubles teams placed in the district meet, and will be moving onto regionals. W. Robbins/H. Lovelace, MXD took first, C. Adcox/A. Johnson, BD took second, and T. Andrushko/L. Andrushko took third.

Regionals is April 27-28 and state is May 20-21. Check @my_dshs_news for updates.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT Junior Savannah Karas, Varsity Swimming Cady Russell Sports Editor Why do you swim?

“I swim because swimming brings me joy and a sense of calmness that I can carry over to the rest of my life. I’m very dedicated to the sport because of the aspect of a team, a swim family, and because I feel that swimming makes me a better person altogether.”

What do you hope to gain from swimming?

“I swim to gain true friendships and happiness in the journey. I do not hope to gain personal glory in my swimming, but to spread my joy to see others succeed from my encouragement and my success. ” What is your favorite part of swimming?

“My favorite part about swimming is being able to push myself past what I thought was possible. I always get a sense of achievement when I get pushed by my coaches, teammates, and parents to try my very best. ”

Senior Madi Marotz runs to first base in the game against Veterans Memorial. The Lady Tigers won 11-1. Photo by Max Levey.

What is the hardest part of swimming?

“The hardest ‘physical’ part about swimming is all the little technique changes that need to be made on your stroke and being able to listen to your coach and be able to apply their teaching to your swimming and make those adjustments.

The hardest ‘mental’ part about swimming is knowing that sometimes non-swimmers won’t ever understand the dedication it takes, the hard work it takes, and how demanding the sport is on the entire body.”

What is your favorite stroke and why?

“My stroke is butterfly. I love this stroke because it is the toughest of all the strokes. Being only 5’2”, there is much demand for power in legs and in the shoulders for this stroke that you can’t find in any other stroke in swimming.”

What is your favorite memory?

“My favorite memory in swimming was when I was in a swim-off for the last spot in finals of a high level meet that I qualified for. I was racing side by side another girl, and she was ahead of me in the race. Everyone in the stadium was watching us, and my mom was on the edge of her seat in the stands, because she saw that I might not beat her. But, the last length of the race, I pushed my limits and was able to beat her and get a personal record by 2 whole seconds!”

What is your biggest goal?

“My biggest goal in swimming is to achieve the Olympic trials time in my 100 butterfly event in the next few years.”

Karas swims butterfly at a home meet. Karas made the All-State team in two individual events, 200 free and 100 fly.

8

The Paw Print

May 2021

mydshs.com

Student Life Farewell 2020-2021 was a school year I will not soon forget. There were a plethora of ups and downs inside of school and our personal lives, and we’ve all faced major life changes. Putting out this paper amidst the pandemic was no easy feat, and I would not have been able to accomplish it without Evelyn Peterson as my co-editor-in-chief. Along with Evelyn, we had a lot of new faces this year rise to the challenge of being an editor, and it was truly amazing to see all of them succeed the way that they did. Tia Davison, Alec Stuart, Cadence Russell, and Sophia Portillo surpassed all expectations by stepping into a new editor position and creating a paper I had only dreamed of being a part of. Our staff writers, Gabby Plasencia, Sierra Trbovich, Abby Tredway, Mallory Neff, Abby Hernandez, and Brooklyn Hagblom, are some extremely talented writers and journalists as well. I am so excited to leave the Paw Print in the hands of such talented individuals. I know they will create something amazing. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read our paper!

- Editor-in-Chief Samantha Moore

Softball makes the most of Halloween by playing dress up. photo by Ariela Barron

2020-2021 Memories Senior John Yim shows off his new car during the start of the snow storm. photo provided by Martha Yim

Seniors Bry Peters and Gabrielle Poovala accept their royal position as homecoming queen and king. photo by Brooke Lengel

Students and family members start off the year with a color run. photo by Ariela Barron

Thank you and Goodbye This school year has been one for the books. We faced a major pandemic, a big election, and for many of us - our senior year. However, I am proud to say, that did not stop us from making the most out of it. I am so glad I was able to put together the paper this year, alongside my co-editor-in-chief Samantha Moore, as well as our editors: Tia Davison, Alec Stuart, Cadence Russell, and Sophia Portillo; and staff writers: Gabby Plasencia, Sierra Trbovich, Abby Tredway, Mallory Neff, Abby Hernandez, and Brooklyn Hagblom.

Most of them were thrown in editor positions with little experience, and, let me just say, they killed it. This paper would not have been made possible without these talented writers. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Paw Print. Thank you to all of those who took their time to read our paper!

- Editor-In-Chief Evelyn Peterson