MyDSHSNews Sept. 2017

September/2017

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Welcome Back Tiger Nation...

Consider this your comprehensive guide to all things DSHS for the start of this school year!

Illustration by Jade Howe

Must Know:

Column: Rolling Block Page 2

Sports:

Profile: Senior QB leads team Page 6

Newbies:

Column: Freshman advice column Page 4

Must Know

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September, 2017

WANT TO VOICE YOUR OPINION? >> Visit myDSHS.com/category/contribute to submit your writing.

Schedule change introduces rolling block Tessa Stigler Staff Writer

The 2017-2018 DSHS school year schedule has changed since last year. Rolling Fridays will now be replacing flex Fridays.

“We realized that flex day Friday was not a success; we wanted to change that,” Principal Joe Burns said.

“A Day” will always be on Monday and Wednesday, and “B Day” will always be on Tuesday and Thursday.

“We had to match up with our dual enrollment program, so we needed to leave Monday through Thursday pretty much the same,” Burns said.

Fridays will be on a rolling block, which means that they will be alternating from “A Day” to “B Day” each week.

“Austin high schools in past years had some of the same problems, so they switched to rolling Fridays,” Burns said.

DSHS talked to administration in those Austin schools, and they gave back lots of positive feedback in favor of the model. “[Rolling block] seemed to be our next best option on what to do with that Friday,” Burns said.

September Calendar of Events

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COLUMN

Harvey Relief Efforts Jaxson Power-Thornton Editor in Chief

As we all know far too well, Hurricane Harvey has been devastating southeast Texas for more than a week now, making two landfalls and displacing hundreds of thousands.

Evacuating is no easy task, either. For many who were inadequately prepared, they lack simple neccessaties such as food, gas and shelter, as both gas prices and hotel prices have skyrocketed due to demand.

And for many who can’t afford it, their backs are against the wall.

Not to mention that many

lost everything. At the time of writing this article, more than 50% of Houston homes are at a high risk of flooding, over 85% of which lack flood insurance.

This type of devastation is almost unheard of, being dubbed the “500-year flood”. It calls all Texans to reach out and provide as much help as possible.

DSHS accepted donations in the form of: cash, box fans, work gloves, air mattresses, pillows, blankets, feminine and hygiene products, diapers, underwear and socks, trash bags, sanitation products, shovels, and more.

Welcoming New Teachers Skylar Daniel Staff Writer

Emma Sutton UT English 2/3 “I studied abroad three times in college.”

Jessica Chambers Health Science Technology “I’m a horseback rider, certified scuba diver, and a tennis player.”

Thomas Kane U.S./World History, Athletics “My celebrity crush is probably Heidi Klum.”

Stephanie Fazio English Language Arts “If I could be any ice cream flavor I’d be lavender honey.”

Josh Hill Business/Boys Soccer “If I could visit any time or place, I’d like to see my kids in the future.”

Rene Rodriguez Spanish 2

David Holmes Debate

“I really enjoy country music.”

“If I could be any color, I’d be cowboy blue.”

Feature

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September, 2017

KNOW OF AN EVENT WE SHOULD COVER? >> Visit myDSHS.com/category/contact to submit news tips.

“Why Should I Join a Club?”

Hey Underclassmen We’re Looking Out For You

Staff Writer

Feature Editor

Katie Haberman

Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a senior ready to graduate, choosing the right extracurriculars takes careful selection and enough knowledge to make those choices. Looking at a list of clubs, it’s hard to decipher what some of these groups stand for, let alone if your interests even lie with them. However, most clubs, if not all, wholeheartedly welcome any members willing to join.

“I was just looking at all the clubs this school offered because I just wanted to be more involved,” junior Samantha Wells said. “I thought that [rock climbing club] sounded like a super fun one, and that it would be a really great opportunity to join.” A fairly new addition to the DSHS club roster, the rock climbing club accepts students of all levels of experience and doubles as a great outdoor activity.

Acting as a more academically focused group, HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) is a medical field driven club that competes in UILesque events, puts on blood drives and food drives, and brings awareness to new medical advances while teaching students how to help in the real world. “You’re surrounded by a bunch of like-minded people and the competitions are super fun,” senior Liliana Reyes said.

“But, that’s not even a requirement; it can just be a fun morning meeting.”

“A lot of people think [dating violence] is just a joke, but it’s really not,” junior Sarah Khan said. “It’s a lot of people’s real lives.” The Dating Violence Awareness Board, a group set on raising awareness for the local women’s shelter, also puts on events like mock trials, and gives its members a feel for how the court works.

Of course, classic clubs like Thespian Society are in full swing too. It focuses on theatre and technical theatre, opens its doors to anyone willing to participate in fundraisers, explores Comedy Cabaret, the Texas Thespian Festival, and many more theatrical opportunities. “Honestly, I feel like a part of it is really to bring people together,” junior Natalie L’Amoreaux said, “and kind of keep us together as a family.”

Giselle Galletti

High school is a huge game of trial and error.

With every school year comes new responsibilities and things to experience, some more difficult or embarrassing than others. Fortunately, there are upperclassmen who’ve already gone through it.

Their lives have been filled with late nights, lots of stress, and some of their all-time favorite moments. A lot can happen in four years, and they’ve learned how to get the most out of their time here. After all, high school lasts much longer than just the six hours spent inside the school walls during the day.

There are quite a few misconceptions heard coming out of the mouths of the underclassmen, and even the older students. One being that it isn’t cool to show school spirit. “[Don’t] be afraid to show school spirit,” junior Emery Dunn, class president in her sophomore year, said. “It’s more fun when everyone gets involved during games and spirit week.”

Another misconception would be that grades don’t start mattering until junior year; this being the time when colleges start to notice students.

“Don’t be lazy during your freshman [and sophomore] year, because it will heavily influence your GPA throughout high school,” junior Ty Kaatz, varsity football player, said.

Your teachers are here to help you succeed, granted some more than others, but use them to your advantage. Along with that, there is a multitude of resources available throughout the school, the internet, and your peers to help you figure out almost any predicament.

“Help your teachers out and get on their good sides, don’t stop in the hallways, and wait till halfway through lunch to get food if the line is too long; you have time,” senior Collin Miller, AV Tech enthusiast, said.

Maintaining your grades along with a social life is hard. We all know that, but it doesn’t have

to be as stressful as some make it out to be.

“Going through high school isn’t about popularity, so if you waste your time trying to be popular, you might regret it because even if you’re not popular in high school, it can still be fun,” junior Emily Kotrola, JV volleyball player, said.

“TV shows make high school out to be a lot scarier than it actually is,” junior Sina Middleton, retired JV golfer, said.

The seniors have been doing this for almost four years now. That’s about 720 days at school plus extracurriculars. If they can do it, you can too.

“Do every piece of extra credit you can get your hands on,” senior Meagan Shepperd, varsity cheerleader, said.

“Don’t procrastinate, ever,” senior Hana Blackman, varsity cheerleader, said.

“Power through high school with everything you’ve got because it will be over in a second, and ask the seniors where things are if you’re lost because they love it,” senior Julie De Luna said.

“My best advice is to get yourself plugged in, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone,” senior Lizzie Beggs, varsity cheerleader, said. “Your high school years are ones you’ll remember forever, not because of the school work but because of the memories you make during those four years. So, yes, make sure your grades are top priority, but don’t forget that you’re supposed to be having fun, and plugging into DSHS as much as possible can easily make your high school experience much more enjoyable.”

Make friends, make the grades, make some memories, and it’s okay to make mistakes.

“Put yourself out there, and don’t be afraid of being seen,” junior James Arn, debate competitor, said. “Make sure you try to express yourself, and do whatever makes you happy. Live out your passions. It’s only high school.”

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What’s New on the Club Scene Grayson Ruiz and Dallas Johnson Staff Editors

Seniors Dallas Johnson and Veronica Lopez at ROAR freshman orientation the week before the shool year began.

Fashion Club What it’s about: Fashion Club celebrates everyone’s personal style and encourages expression in a fashion setting.

High school is a h u g e game of trial a n d e r r o r.

President Grayson Ruiz: “I’m so excited to start this club up again and bring it to the school.

Fashion is such an important part of our daily lives.

We are not encouraging everyone to dress well all the time, however; we are encouaging self expression through fashion and for the people in our club to dress in the ways they feel comfortable.

We hope to bring insightful clothing ideas to the Dripping Springs community and the high school as a whole, and we hope to sponsor a coat drive later in the year. We want this club to be a tight knit group, because that way, we are all really getting to know each other on a personal level, and we can confidently make decisions about the future of the club.”

Wi t h every school y e a r comes n e w

Students meet after school for the Young Women’s Club in the spring. The club began last fall and grew throughout the school year.

Young Women’s Club What it’s about: Young Women’s celebrates the power and leadership that women have all around DSHS and the world.

President Gwyneth Pietrzyk: “This club aspires to change what feminism means to the Dripping Springs community; we describe it as gender equality.

Although this club does promote feminist ideas, our biggest goal is to inspire confidence and independece in the women and in men who live in or near Dripping Springs.

We want to empower students to graduate high school with a good head on their shoulders and equip them with the tools needed to be successful in their lives.

I see this club as being a catalyst for empowering individuals to be the best version of themselves.

This year, we will have a potential fundraiseer and ‘coffee talks’ that can range from topic discussions about self love to guest speakers.”

The Rock Climbing club poses together in front of one of their practice walls.

Rock Climbing What it’s about: Rock Climbing allows students to climb or boulder at climbing gyms or outdoors.

Ben Turbow, along with previous broadcast students Bryce Goman and Cara Pelland, record inside the school’s radio station.

Podcasting What it’s about: The club gives students a chance to produce and edit their own podcasts on topics of their choosing.

President Danner Hutchison: “We usually climb at a place called Crux (which is downtown).

We get a group discount, and then afterwards we eat Torchy’s.

It’s so much fun, and it’s pretty easy to get the hang of.

I think it’s a great club for our school, because it’s a great way for pretty much anybody to stay active.

You’re conquering your fears too.

We are growing the sport of climbing in Dripping, educating people on belay technique, and providing a safe past time.

Our plan is to do some outdoor trips, and we recently got a teacher sponsor who is certified to teach climbing.”

President Ben Turbow: “In podcasting, I hope to have people that are not afraid to edit material.

I really want this to be kind of an extension of the broadcast class and program we have going on already, because I feel like not a lot of people know that there is a broadcasting class, and since it’s only offered fourth period on A days, it can give kids another chance to take it and meet to learn about podcasting as well as the time and means to create content.

I think this would be a great chance to display how DSHS students can create content and how we can talk about things.

I want to offer a platform that portrays a different perspective on various topics.”

Sports

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KNOW A STORY WE SHOULD COVER? >> Visit www.myDSHS.com/category/contact to submit story ideas.

September Sports Schedule Camryn Horst Staff Writer

7th: JV Football vs. Vista Ridge 8th: Varsity Football @ Vista Ridge 9th: Varsity Tennis vs. Medina Valley; CC @ St. Andrews 12th: Volleyball vs. Marble Falls 15th: Varsity Football @ Hays; Volleyball vs. Medina Valley 18th: Varsity Tennis vs. Marble Falls 22nd: Volleyball vs. Kerrville Tivy; Varsity Football vs.

Kerrville Tivy 23rd: CC @ Islander Splash 26th: Varsity Tennis vs. Lake Travis 29th: Varsity Football @ Seguin 30th: CC @ Marble Falls Invite

Season Previews Football Rigley Willis Staff Writer

Dripping Springs football has returned and is hopeful that they will have a great start as they faced Bastrop in the season opener held at Tiger Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. “This season is going to be great. We all trust each other and play for each other,” senior quarterback Trevor Greenman said. The Tigers pride themselves on many things but one adjective repeatedly stands out: “Our work ethic is unbelievable,” Greenman said. “We all pushed ourselves so hard this offseason, and we’re ready to play with anybody.” @DSFBTPD

Senior Trevor Greenman Photo by Adair Photography

Volleyball Camryn Horst Sports Editor

The Tiger volleyball team, 15-13, has participated in multiple tournaments so far and is not failing to stay busy. “This year, we are actually doing better in our preseason record-wise, than last year, so hopefully we will go even further,” senior Darby Stowers said. “This season, we’re focused on getting better every practice and game in order to get where we want to be, which is in state at Garland, Texas,” senior Hayley Waggle said. @DSTigerVBall Senior Ava Pritchard. Photo by Hunter Gentry

September, 2017

MYDSHSNEWS

Season Previews

Varsity Cross Country Rigley Willis Staff Writer

The Dripping Springs cross country team recently competed in a meet hosted by Dripping Springs High School as a way to test themselves for the upcoming season after the girls placed 14th in state this past year. “Last season, our kids fought all year,” Coach Travis Crain said.

“It’s pretty special. You don’t go state 3 years in a row without some great kids.” After their eventful season last year, the Tigers are looking to run deep into state yet again. “We have the tools to compete again this year, and under [the leadership of] Coach Crain and Coach Parks, we’ll be contenders for sure,” senior Grant O’Neil said. @dshs_xc Junior Carson Aguilar. Photo by Natalie Thompson

Varsity Team Tennis Camryn Horst Sports Editor

The Tiger tennis players’ excitement is building as the season is passing. According to junior Colbe De Leon, the tournaments have already begun and are proving to be successful for the team. Senior Jayci Goldsmith said the team’s goal this year is to try and make it to state in the fall. “We have a great team this year.

We all get along really well,” Goldsmith said.

She added that team events takes place in the fall and individual matches begin in the spring. @DSTigerTennis Senior Captain Shanle Longmire-Monford.

Photo by Alexis Hunt

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#Follow these teams on Twitter @DSHS_Wrestling @DSHSBB2 @DSHoops @dsgirlsbb @DSHSsball @dshsgolf @dshs_boyssoccer @DSWomensSoccer @DS_Track

Online

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September, 2017

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Meet the Staff Editor-in-Chief Jaxson Thornton ‘18

Features Editor Giselle Galletti ‘19

Online Editor Clara Comparan ‘18

Sports Editor Camryn Horst ‘19

Creative Editor Dallas Johnson ‘18

Opinion & Lifestyle Editor Grayson Ruiz ‘18

News & Entertainment Editor Jade Berry ‘19

Staff Writers Katie Haberman, Tessa Stigler, Skylar Daniel, Rigley Willis

Cover Artist Jade Howe ‘19

Opinion

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