November 2019 Volume II Issue II
Dripping Springs High School, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
mydshs.com
Pg. 6
Welcome to KAmp. 3 Fresh Off the Runway 3 More Than Players 6 News 2 Entertainment 3 Features 4 Opinion 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 community around it, with the most meaningful news and content regarding our school’s culture and the student body that influences it. From students, to students.
Fresh Off the Runway my_dshs_news
Students Flock to TikTok App A grandchild picks up an ancient piece of technology with a half bitten apple on the back, it belonged to their grandparents. The grandchild begins to scroll through dozens of videos . One has them singing a song about being “fresh off the runway,” while in another they look worried about “hitting or missing”. Someone wears chunky white Fila shoes and then a blonde lady sips a drink that smells like a “public restroom.”
Ethan Everman Staff Writer
mydshsnews mydshssports
Continued on Page 3
mydshssnaps
Photography: Tessa Stigler
Cover Design: Tessa Stigler
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The Paw Print November 2019
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News Dazzlers Adapt to Program Challenges
The Dazzler JV dance team performs at football games, pep rallies, and many more events during the year. Just like any team, it’s not perfect. “So far it has not been too bad, but it is definitely not what I expected,” freshman Elizabeth McDowell said. “I thought we were going to perform more and during football games. Not being able to perform that often, it makes me even more excited
Riley Rivas contributing Writer
when we do perform.” For a little longer than a month, the Dazzlers have been without a teacher. “It’s been good preparation and a good intro to drill team, but it’s been challenging not having a teacher, so it gets chaotic not knowing or having a plan on what we are doing,” freshman Lauren Caffrey said.
The Dazzlers lock pinkies during the team song, a tradition for football games. Photo by Riordan Tiller
Serenity Mural
The team is required to go to all the varsity games and only performs in three games during the season along with a few other performances during the year. “I wish there were more opportunities to do a technique and learn more
“I think it’s something the district as a whole and really honestly the country is seeing an increase in depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts in our youth, so I think we’re in a position where we don’t have any other choice but to do our part in addressing it.” - Principal Angela Gamez
Serenity Health-Care clubs project promotes student mental health Grey Patterson Staff Writer High school consists of a lot of studying, testing, homework, and extracurriculars; it has been proven that all these factors can affect a student’s mental health. “My club’s name is Serenity Self-Care Club, and we’re all about spreading awareness on mental health and selfcare and the importance of taking care of your mental health is just as
important as taking care of your physical health,” senior club leader Maddie Lewis said. The mural is going to be placed in the Tiger Paw, allowing for students to see the mural and be uplifted as they go to class. “I want to make it super colorful,” Lewis said. “There’s a ton of studies that say that a more colorful and decorated school increases GPA attendance and overall well being of students.” Mental health has
become a noticeable issue. According to the ACMH organization, on average, mental health affects one in every five students. In Dripping Springs, that would mean
Stand Up
Teenager Rallies Youth Against Climate Change Tia Davison contributing Writer
Teacher John Adams takes a stand at the Climate Strike hosted in September. Largely, students spoke in the courtyard. Photo by Diana Flores
Sixteen-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has started an international movement of school
students called, Fridays for Future, where every Friday a group of students leave class to participate in demonstrations to call to action to end further global warming and climate change. “I think it’s amazing how somebody around our age can coordinate this and has the courage to consistently do it through and through,” sophomore Eli Craddock said. “All in all, she’s generally a fantastic role model.” Thunberg sat in front of the Swedish parliament every school day for three weeks to protest against the lack of action on the climate crisis. “Personally, I think the climate strike is a great idea and something that is necessary to ensure that there’s a chance that we’re going to have a future to grow into,” Craddock said. “It’s really one of the only ways that people will listen and the only way we can gain national attention.”
combinations in class. I also wish we could perform during halftime at football games,” Dazzler Officer Kira Stankard said. “That way people will be more aware of who the Dazzlers are.” During class, the team will stretch, then go over their stand routines, pom dance, and sometimes practice jazz and contemporary competition dances. “I think that once we get our teacher back things will be a lot better,” freshman Emilee Spridgen said. “I’m so excited for what the rest of the year will hold.”
Graphic by Jacob Pedersen
about 432 students have been affected by mental health issues. “I think it’s something the district as a whole, and
LEAP organized and took as tand for the climate on Sept.20 with hundreds of other students and schools nationwide. “I supported this 100%,” Craddock said, “because we should be able to promote activism and partake in things that matter to ourselves and society.” Thunberg decided to continue striking every Friday until the Swedish policies provided a safe pathway well under two-degrees Celsius “I think we should all be trying to fix it, but younger people specifically should partake in activism and do what they can to contribute
really honestly the country, is seeing an increase in depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts in our youth, so I think we’re in a position where we don’t have any other choice but to do our part in addressing it,” Principal Angela Gamez said. The mural has been approved by Gamez and the Serenity Club begins painting in the fall semester. “I think it would be cool to have anybody come in and help me,” Lewis said. “That’s a big thing. That’s a big goal for me is to make it
towards solving the problem,” Craddock said. “I don’t really think the burden of solving the climate crisis should fall into the youth, however, evidently, that’s what is happening and there isn’t anything we can do to stop it.” The hashtags #FridaysForFuture and #Climatestrike have spread and many students and adults began to protest all over the world. “Overall, I think that Fridays for future is a great thing that allows younger people to take part in changing the world”, Craddock said. “and who doesn’t want to be a part of that?”
something that everybody can work on. You don’t need to be artistic to work on this mural, and it’s just for a good cause which is mental health awareness.” “I think the more we can spread positive messages, whether it be physically in your face or what we say or how we behave,” Gamez said, “I think, all of those, as many messages like that as we can put out, the better.”
Q&A With Eliana Glenn What is your favorite part of HOSA? “All the opportunities you get as a student to experience the health professional community.” What is the most useful thing you have learned in HOSA? “How to work with others, but also promptness and being on top of things. HOSA requires dedication.” What field of medicine do you want to go into? “I really like pediatrics. I think it is really fun to work with kids because they are super sweet and fun. I just want to help kids.” What do you do at competitions? “They really vary for what event you’re doing. But typically you are doing a test or an event show based on skills.”
Evelyn Peterson News Editor
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The Paw Print November 2019
Entertainment Welcome to KAmp.
Meet the BROCKHAMPTON of Drip
Who’s Next Up
Maddie Lewis table. In perfect harmony, they all play off each other’s strengths and compensate for each other’s weaknesses. Locked in a Staff Writer “I think Draven is definitely the team leader,” Wilcox said. “He’s bedroom with Andrew Spiegel always got something new to show us and his knowledge of Still Woozy: one laptop, four music is crazy. I always feel like he’s got something new to teach Entertainment Editor friends and a The funky, alternative artist alias Still me. I think Dylan and Mason both add very distinct voices and Woozy is actually a solo artist named input to the group. Dylan is also very into stuff Sven Gamsky. The unique and fun sound recording booth set up in a closet, outside of music like videos and promo which Still Woozy is providing for their listeners is the boys of KAmp. have found something they is helpful. Mason is crazy versatile and doesn’t what seems to make students think this love doing. Allow me to introduce them properly. really seem out of place on any track.” artist is on the come-up. KAmp. is a rap group comprised of four seniors. As for their out of the box name. Aidan Willcox, Dylan Willms, Draven Stamper and Lil TJay: “Honestly, I wish I could give you some Mason Gamez. This rapper has caught the ears of intricate meaning but it honestly just looks “I think for me it started when we made a many students with his catchy verses cool,” Stamper said. “We were sick of our old joke diss track on our friend Kyle back before and unique beats. Building himself from name and someone said the word ‘Camp’ freshman year,” Willcox said. “People seemed SoundCloud to Columbia Records, Lil and we agreed on that.” to like that so much that we wanted to actually Tjay seems to be the rapper to watch out If you were wondering where you can find try to make serious music. From there, Draven for. the music of KAmp. its all out there on the web. started seriously getting into production and I “100% of all of our music [KAmp. think that’s what really started it.” Oliver Tree: or individual projects] can be found on KAmp. has a unique sound that can’t be put This abstract, and humor-oriented artist Soundcloud,” Willms said. “We also have into one specific genre. This is mainly because is coming out with fresh alternative ‘TERIYAKI’ on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple they have an encyclopedia of music knowledge music. With appeal to the meme gods Music, our upcoming album will also be on all in their heads. They take inspiration from artists of and alternative lovers, the students think 3 platforms.” all genres and strive to make something better. Oliver Tree will be on most everyone’s KAmp. is a young, eager rap group that “All of us have different styles with different radar very soon. is passionate about doing what they love. inspirations from various artists,” Willms said. The members of KAmp. and friends They have several songs and other projects on Omar Apollo: “But for me, on our upcoming album I’d say I pose on top of Austin Vaughn’s car. Soundcloud and are looking to branch to other This soulful and groovy hopeless got some inspiration from artists like the group Photo by Dylan Willms. platforms. Keep an eye out for this local rap romantic from Indiana puts a BROCKHAMPTON and maybe a little bit of group making big moves soon. CAN’T BE MAD IN psychedelic twist on R&B. And the JPEGMAFIA.” HEAVEN - releasing soon. students are on the lookout for his next Each member of the group brings a certain element to the drop. This idea of reaching stellar success on the platform shows itself well in different content creators. “No, [one of my tiktoks] really was a stupid idea that came into my head and I was like ‘this will be funny to my five followers’,” senior Brandon Amaya said. “I really didn’t think anything would come with it. At first, I thought it was really funny; because it was the stupidest video I have ever made. Then, I started freaking out because of all the attention it was getting. It’s kind of scary.” scene may describe a moment decades Ethan Everman This Reaching into the pot of fame can provide different people, different results. later but these videos show a reality we live in Whether one gains fans or a larger audience, there will be with TikTok. Staff Writer critics. The social networking app “I’ve also had people say, ‘Ew you do tiktok? That is so gross’ TikTok illustrates a video but then I see they are following me on there and I’m like, ‘Ok sharing platform that now has over a billion users worldwide and you’re a hypocrite, I see you’,” junior Eliza Jarrett said. “I can worth nearly $75 billion. TikTok constitutes, most notably, trends that see the type of person you are.” are usually based upon different songs, that often produce different Social media success impacts a lot, very quickly. With TikTok actions and text interactions specific to the trend. These videos have being the most downloaded non-game app on the Apple come to impact social media, whether through views or just sheer app store in the first quarter of 2018, one can get known and amount of these videos; because of this, one can not only achieve recognized extremely fast. fame, but search for it. “Know what you are signing up for. There isn’t one surefire “We were like, ‘We should learn the dance,’ and so we made a way to get TikTok famous,” Jarrett said. “You have to be TikTok and people just, they loved it,” senior Katie Haberman said. creative, have good lighting, good backgrounds. It has to be “We were just watching it one day and it was like ‘OK cool,’ it got Brandon Amaya makes a tiktok with good quality and also the ideas have to be original. It’s fun but up to 15,000 likes, ‘That’s awesome! That’s great!’ Then it stopped and a popular trend dubbed by some as it’s not easy.” then it just exploded again and we were just amazed, shocked, in
Fresh Off the Runway
How TikTok Fame Affects Local Teens
complete disbelief, best moment of my life.”
the e-boy eye roll. Photo by Teagan Krewson.
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Features Creative Return
Q&A
With Colton Carroll Writing Teacher Evolves Program Madeline Tredway Staff Writer
Katie Haberman Features Editor Where did you live before you moved to South Korea, and how long did you live there? ”I lived in northern Virginia, Washington D.C., around there in a place called Fairfax. I lived there for five years, but I moved around a lot before that.” What was your first impression of South Korea? ”There was a lot to get used to. There’s a lot of different things to see. I think it was a culture shock moment for me.” What is the coolest thing you brought back to America? ”A Buddhist head. Like, straight-up, like a rock of Buddha’s head. It’s like a statue.” What did you miss most when you were in South Korea? ”Probably just being able to go places with my friends, or just like Walmart. Just stupid small things that you wouldn’t think you’d miss, you miss.” How has living in another country changed your point of view? ”I think it shapes you a lot, to look at people from a very different way. You don’t know what kind of background they come from, you don’t know how many languages they speak, and you find out a lot of surprising things about people the more you get to know them.”
Q&A With ‘Tempest’ Cast
What she means by “fluid” is When Katy Eyberg that this school tries to implement stepped across the threshold of new policies and focus on different the high school for what must have things in an effort to recognize and been the thousandth time, she felt accommodate for the different that everything was the same. The learning patterns of individual walls were the same eggshell color students. Examples of this would as before, and there were many be the GT program as well as the teachers who clearly recognized recent switch to Canvas, both her and welcomed her return. But done in an effort to streamline the the moment she stepped inside classroom environment. that class, faced with 20-some “It’s an exciting thing to expectant students, she knew experience first-hand,” Eyberg that nothing was the same. said. Seven years ago, Although Eyberg was Eyberg taught English excited to come back and at Dripping Springs plans to implement new and spearheaded curriculum for her Creative the Creative Writing and English classes, Writing program. she still doubts herself and After spending her ability to make her sevenyears away, classroom her own, four of those especially when being outside the the former Creative U.S. in Thailand, Writing teacher, she experienced a Travis Crain, was so unique type of culture celebrated. shock. “I’m not going to “I sometimes don’t try to emulate him, understand what [my because I’m myself Eyberg speaks about students] are talking advances of Creative Writing and fundamentally program. about,” Eyberg said. different,” Eyberg said. As if being an adult Although she does and trying to relate have that slight doubt, Photo by Ramsey Hutton to children isn’t hard Eyberg is completely enough, Eyberg also and earnestly struggles to understand determined to make recent culture. However, Eyberg her mark on the high school; just feels that the change in culture as she appreciates the efforts of hasn’t affected the students that DSHS to create new opportunities much. for students, she hopes to have “[My old students and my new garnered enough experience in students] still talk and worry about Thailand to truly affect her students the same things,” Eyberg said. in a meaningful way. Eyberg feels that coming back to “I’ve gone to grad school, gone the high school after so long away to Thailand, and I’ve seen and isn’t such a drastic thing, though learned so much,” Eyberg said. and for that reason, she was excited “The one thing I want is to pass to come back. on anything I’ve learned to my “Dripping Springs is actually one students.” of the more fluid schools in the country,” Eyberg said.
Maddie Lewis Staff Writer Can you give me a quick and simple synopsis of the play itself? “A woman and her daughter, who are both living alone on an island. The woman is a sorceress, so she creates this storm out of revenge to shipwreck these people from her past. Eventually, her character learns forgiveness and you get to be a part of that journey.” - Austin Harper, 12 What genre would you say this play falls under? “A little bit of everything! You’ve got the romance, you’ve got the drama, you’ve got comedy, and you’ve got the sort of vengeful, Shakespeare feel.” - Caroline Sprague, 12 What all are you doing to prepare for this show? “When you’re working with Shakespeare specifically, you have to spend a lot of time on the words you’re saying, and finding the meaning in them, and figuring out how to accurately relay that to an audience.” - Austin Harper, 12 What is the biggest struggle in getting a production together? “For me, as the publicity manager, the biggest struggle would probably be trying to get the word out about the show not only in the school, but also outside of the school and into the community.” - Caroline Sprague, 12
Friday Night Sights
Spotlight on New Dance Ensemble Abby Hernandez Contributing Writer
The bright, beaming lights shine upon the football field as another ‘Friday Night Lights’ begins. The halftime performance groups make their way across the field as the crowd roars with excitement, but a new group, known as the Dance Ensemble, walks with them. DSHS recently added a new section of members to the band. The members of the group, or Dance Ensemble, are also a part of the JV dance team, the Dazzlers. The dance ensemble attends all football games to visually enhance the performance of the band and performs sections of choreography alongside the colorguard. “This venture has been a great addition to what we’re able to offer to the audience and the judges,” Derek Woods, band director, said. “It has been a very positive experience so far.” This new addition has not only affected competition and game audiences, but has given the dancers an opportunity to enhance their technique and memorization skills. “I feel like it’s helped me learn choreography better and faster because we have to learn it on Thursday or Friday,” freshman Riley Rivas said. “Then we’ll have to perform on Friday for football games.” Not only does the Dance Ensemble perform at games, they also travel to marching band competitions with the rest of the band and colorgaurd. At each contest, they must be prompt and ready to compete alongside the team as a whole.
“The whole team gets so nervous when they are calling out the teams that make finals, so we all hold pinkies and hope to make finals,” freshman Kyla Tipton said. “I love competitions though. They are so fun and you get to have a great bonding experience with your team.” While they’re not at football games and competitions, the Dance Ensemble works hard to perfect their choreography. This extra work has helped the team to improve upon their performances both physically and mentally. “I feel like this has made me a much better dancer because it has boosted my confidence and technique skills,” sophomore Ava Painovich said. Contrary to popular belief, the Dance Ensemble acts as a very separate entity from the colorguard. “It’s different from colorguard because we dance without the flags and colorguard is dancing with the flags,” freshman Emilee Spridgen said. “We have some flag parts and then we have some dancing parts as well.” Though they may act as completely separate, the Dance Ensemble and colorguard work together in order to create a cohesive team. The two groups have gotten to know each other over the past few weeks by working together to perfect choreography.
“I enjoy the people on the team [colorguard and dance], it’s given me a chance to get to know the dancers better and make new friends on color guard,” Painovich said. “The overall experience is also always new and exciting.”
Pets of the Month Madeline Tredway Staff Writer
Thor Owner: Portia Schaeffer-Preston
Luna Owner: Annette Ashby
Bon-Bon Owner: Katie Haberman
Zuzu Owner: Madeline Tredway
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The Paw Print November 2019
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Opinion Blind Thanks
a problem. Indigenous people are often depicted as a redskinned person with a crowning feather headdress riding astride a horse while wearing artful war paint, like the NFL Washington Redskins’ team logo. However, the indigenous people present at the Ethan Everman first Thanksgiving wore nothing of the sort. We often see this story as a time when the Staff Writer indigenous people and pilgrims came together and help each other, but that “Every six story makes it seem as though seconds, a white the pilgrims weren’t helpless. woman on YouTube does a HERE’S SOME FACTS The natives helped far more native-inspired makeup look, than they are usually given ’ when it has nothing to do with credit for and, as a result, are native culture,” YouTuber JJ seen as less than because Smith said. of it. Without the indigenous Even though statistically this Americans eat about people, those pilgrims at may be inaccurate, the idea 26 million turkeys each Thanksgiving. Plymouth would have not resonates. Thanksgiving, at its been able to survive and core, is a holiday built around would have likely died out hunting and feasting as a through the hard northeastern family. The holiday exemplifies winters they were not the values of “unity” and Benjamin Franklin accustomed to. “fairness,” where the Pilgrims wanted the turkey to be There have already been and indigenous people played the national bird, not the eagle. major steps forward with Hays family. Yet, every year, this county making Columbus Day holiday is used as an excuse into Indigenous Peoples’ Day, to wear “native” costumes a recognition of the people and clothing or to forget the In 1953, Swanson had that suffered the most at the mistreatment that the natives so much extra turkey (260 tons) that a saleshands of colonialists. received at the hands of man told them they We must not forget that colonizers. should package it onto what we wear and how we By forgetting what colonizers aluminum trays with other sides. act about indigenous peoples did to indigenous people, have deep effects that may individuals can enjoy a level help perpetuate ideals that of ignorance surrounding disregard the rich cultures that Thanksgiving and what it truly The first Thanksgiving was held are present. So, the next time means. However, this only in the autumn of 1621, included you apply thick lines of war negates the years of abuse 50 pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Indians, and lasted three days. paint to represent indigenous and discrimination the Native people, think of how they Americans have received. are quite different and how Thanksgiving as a feast does Graphic by Ethan Everman this misrepresents the entire not pose a significant issue; reason we have Thanksgiving in it’s the stylized and often stereotypical the first place. images of indigenous people that illustrate
Problems with “Native-Inspiration”, Thanksgiving’s impact
Band-Aid Policies
School implements ineffective clear bag policy Cady Russell Online Editor
A States. In August, two shootings occurred permits. Texas is a “shall issue” state for gun new over less than 24 hours in Texas and permits, which means you have to meet policy Ohio, which left, in total, 31 dead. Since the basic requirements to get the permit was Sandy Hook, there have been 2,225 mass to carry. New laws were also just changed implemented in Tiger Stadium, shootings that have left 9,305 wounded that would allow open-carry of firearms requiring all bags in schools, churches, larger than 4.5’ x 6.5’ apartments, and to be clear for varsity disaster zones. Bandfootball games. Aid policies are not DSISD writes that the what need to be change was made enacted, but the gun to make students safety laws in Texas. and patrons safer. Of course, people This policy is an will argue that mass ineffective attempt shootings are not to prevent schoolfrom poor gun laws related shootings. but bullying and Principals and mental health issues, superintendents and clear bags are a should not have necessity to keep the to make these public safe. In reality, decisions that the United States has sacrifice the the highest rate of student’s and gun violence above community’s privacy any other developed to feel safe. It’s nation. Mental health not DSISD’s fault problems and bullying that they had to are not problems only implement a Bandin the United States, Aid-like policy; they but only in the United are only trying to States do we allow take some action people incapable toward the safety of of safely handling events like football a firearm to own a games. fireaarm. Football fans bring clear bags to game in accordance with new district safety policy. Clear bags Comprehensive Photo by Ramsey Hutton. won’t affect the probability laws, like universal background of school shootings. You checks, need to be put in could just as easily put a gun in another and 2,510 dead. place that protect the people. The clear container or a case that is not required to Policies like these are a roundabout bag policy DSISD has implemented be clear. way of doing nothing to combat gun is a response from the administration Clear bag policies are an example of violence. Approximately 1.2 million Texas attempting to keep the community safe the collective fear fostering in the United residents have concealed handgun when the legislation fails to do so.
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November 2019 Volume II Issue II
The Paw Print
Teacher Pop: 135 Student Pop: 2183
Letters
The Paw Print encourages the student body to submit letters to the editor. 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. Additionally, The Paw Print refuses to print criticism which is not constructive or unsupported by credible evidence. Email submissions to dshsstudentmedia@dsisdconnect.com.
Editorials, Columns, and Letters mydshssnaps
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my_dshs_news Dripping Springs High School, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Opinions expressed in editorials, columns, and letters are those of an individual and not The Paw Print, Dripping Springs High School, or its faculty.
For more information on The Paw Print and its policies visit mydshs.com The Paw Print is a member of the following organizations: CSPA, NSPA, ILPC, and ASPA.
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 ILPC 2018-2019 Honor CSPA 2018-2019 Second Place ASPA 2018-2019 First Place
Cady Q & Russell A
Sam Moore Opinion Editor
What drives your passion for climate change? “Knowing that I want a feasible future. I have this big dream of getting married, having kids, and having my own profession as a scientist. I don’t want to bring kids into a world with famine and drought. It all seems very apocalyptic, and honestly, with what the UN and IPCC have been seeing, the effects of climate change are devastating.” Do you think there is ignorance in Dripping Springs regarding this matter? “I think, Dripping Springs, we are in a very well-off area, not experiencing poverty. It’s easy to assume here that climate change doesn’t exist. People are already suffering and dying, but since this doesn’t affect them personally, they do not make an effort to educate themselves on it. This is not a war that’s going to be won in Europe; this is a global thing. In Texas, specifically, we are going to see more fires and more intense droughts.” What was the reaction like on community social media pages? “Next Door, which is mostly older folk, and I knew I would get responses. I just didn’t expect to get 150 responses and have it continue for a week afterward. People were upset that I was protesting climate change. Some tried to tell me climate change wasn’t real. I was called all sorts of names. I was called a Marxist, comrade, less than bright, and all sorts of things. It kind of spurred me on more.” Why do you think adults feel safe harassing a student on social media? “They love to preach that cyberbullying is bad, then turn around and do it to kids. They are adults, and they feel they have a level over kids. I think they feel threatened by what we want to accomplish. They have the safety net of social media. There is a really toxic community on social media that we don’t talk about, and that’s because it’s not kids. It’s the adults.” What do you think could be a solution to these unfortunate occurrences? “It starts with acknowledging the problem. Dripping Springs does not want to admit it has this problem. If we just start talking about social media behavior and started a conversation. Taking responsibility for the problem is the solution.”
Students join together, led by junior Cadence Russell, to protest climate change in a walk out on campus. Photo by Ramsey Hutton.
Meet the Staff Editor-in-Chief Tessa Stigler Sports Editor Rigley Willis
Features Editor Katie Haberman
Online Editor Cady Russell
Entertainment Editor Andrew Spiegel
News Editor Opinion Editor Evelyn Peterson Sam Moore Staff Writers Madeline Tredway, Ethan Everman, Maddie Lewis, Grey Patterson, Grant Williams Byline Illustrator Cat Covatta
Advisor 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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The Paw Print November 2019
Sports More Than Players Varsity volleyball players Mackenzie Murray and Avery Kalsu talk both volleyball and their friendship
Rigley Willis Sports Editor
Two top performers in the state of Texas, Mackenzie Murray and Avery Kalsu are atop the state in kills at 325 and 267, respectively. Throughout the years, Avery and Mackenzie have played both select and school volleyball together, and their friendship has grown along with that. Now, that it is each of their senior years the two star volleyball players reflect on the years they’ve spent together. Murray and Kalsu have been playing volleyball together for years now, and that will only help more come playoff time. “Ever since elementary school we’ve played together on our select team ‘AP Volleyball’, along with some other girls on the team, and I believe that having that chemistry and relationships between us is why we are so [successful],” Kalsu said. This friendship between Kalsu and Murray goes a long way “Ever since fourth grade we’ve been side-by-side,” Murray said, “whether it be sleepovers, tournaments, school, anything.” Volleyball may be the centerpiece of their friendship, but it extends out in many ways.
“I can rely on [Avery] for … anything, we just know each other so well, and we know what’s best for each other as well, and, in the end, that trust that we’ve built, is what helps us win games,” Murray said. The Tigers (as of October 24th) are 37-10 overall and 12-0 in district, with playoff time closing in. “This season has been great, we have a good record, and we feel [as if] we’re the hottest team in the state,” Kalsu said, “I just can’t wait for the playoffs to begin, and for the atmosphere that it brings.” Both Murray and Kalsu have committed to universities (Louisiana Tech University and Tulsa University, respectively). “Our main goal is to win state right now, but the future, for the both of us, looks bright, and I can’t wait for [Mackenzie] and I to see each other at the next stage,” Kalsu said. Realization struck the both of them that they would be going their separate ways, following this season. “It’s sad knowing that the end [of our season] is near, but because of volleyball, I’ve made a friend for life, regardless if we aren’t playing for the same team,” Murray said.
1. Avery Kalsu meets with her coach, Michael Kane, during a game. Photo by Paige Miller
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Making the USA Pool Senior Cailey England travels to IMG Academy to train for the U-18 Women’s National Team It’s 4 p.m. on a Tessa Stigler afternoon. Editor in Chief Monday You’ve been home
for about an hour, finished up some homework, and now you’re getting ready to take a nap before you have to leave for practice. Your phone rings next to you, buzzing on the sheets; your coach is calling. 14 years of hard work paid off. Senior Cailey England started playing soccer at age 3 on community teams in Washington state before moving to Dripping Springs. “My parents just kind of put us in everything and soccer was the one thing that I loved the most and I had the most fun at,” England said. In 3rd grade Cailey made the switch from community to club soccer, joining Houston Dynamo Soccer Club. “I would say [I took it seriously] from the very beginning,” England said, “I mean I had fun but I was one that always wanted to win. [Switching to Dynamo] wasn’t a hard decision because I so just wanted to play.” In 7th grade, Cailey transitioned to her current club, Lonestar Soccer Club. “I would say the biggest transition was going from Dynamo to Lonestar because the environment just grew so much,” England said. “There was a bigger platform for me to play on, more coaches looking at me.” From 6th grade to freshman year Cailey qualified for and participated in the Olympic Development Program (ODP). This program curates a pool of players of each age group for a National Team to select from when competing. “Lonestar was a lot more competitive for me and ODP was a lot more competitive,” England said. “Going to that was my first real taste of an environment of a lot of girls who want to win. That was when I was first like ‘oh my gosh, I want to be on that level’. ”[Lonestar] and the Olympic Development Program was where I really found my passion for soccer.” On a monday afternoon, Cailey got a call from her coach. “Only my mom was home,” England said. “I couldn’t even talk, I was in shock. I couldn’t believe I had done it. This was such a milestone in my soccer career, I jumped all over and I hugged my mom. I was so excited.” Cailey was invited to attended the U-18 Women’s National Team Identification Camp, and play alongside 38 other selected players. “[Making the National Pool] grew to be a distant dream and now that it’s actually happening, it doesn’t even feel real,” England said.
Cailey England, at 6 years old, rests on top of a soccer ball after a game. Photo by Laurisa England.
Cailey England shows off her heading skills to a friend. Photo by Tessa Stigler.
Cailey trained primarily as a midfielder at IMG Academy, a prestigious boarding school and sports training destination, for a little over a week. “The camp was the most intense thing I’ve been to in my entire life,” England said. “This is the best pool of players in the entire nation. The competition is the best, the environment is the best. You don’t just go to this camp to play soccer, you go there to learn soccer.” At camp Cailey met one on one with a midfield unit coach, analyzed clips from practices and games, created a highlight reel for herself, in addition to playing. “There was a lot of support staff,” England said. “People you can go to whether you’re injured, you need some help, have any problems at home, or you need to talk to someone. There’s always a coach and your teammates are there for you.” Cailey has been playing club soccer for 9 years, and with that comes sacrifice. She plays around 9 hours a week, on top of school and homework. “To be at this level you have to sacrifice so much,” England said. “You sacrifice time with your friends, your family. You sacrifice a lot of your social life and your personal life. You do your homework, and you sleep, and you eat, and you play soccer. But I wouldn’t give it up for anything.” Cailey has been able to attend one of four homecoming games, and spent three weeks at home this summer. “You really miss those experiences [with family]. As we’re seniors now, you come to realize you’re not going to be with your brother and sister anymore, you’re not going to be with your parents anymore. Sometimes it feels like all the time you were playing soccer you could’ve been with them. But they love and support me no matter
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2.Avery Kalsu and Mackenzie Murray laugh with eachother during a game. Photo by Paige Miller
what I do.” Cailey prides herself on maintaining high grades since middle school, ranking 4th of her class in October of her senior year. “In every minute of my spare time I’m studying, doing my homework,” England said. “I’m keeping up with my teachers and making sure they know what I’m doing, where I’m going, how important this is to me.” Cailey plans to attended The University of Oklahoma on a full scholarship in the fall, a school to which she has been verbally committed to since her sophomore year. “I love soccer but it’s not your whole life,” England said. “There will be a time when I won’t be able to play soccer, and all I’ll have left is what’s in my brain.” “You hit a lot of low points in club soccer,” England said. ”There was times I didn’t want to play, times I got in the car and said I wanted to quit. I’ve cried and I’ve cried and I’ve cried and I’ve cried. But, the joy of playing and going where you want to go is the best. I still can’t believe that I am where I am.”
Cailey England practices juggling at a local park on a day without practice. Photo by Tessa Stigler.
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The Paw Print November 2019
mydshs.com
Sports
2019 Fall Tennis Team Recap Grey Patterson Staff Writer Seventy-eight feet of green means something entirely different when it comes to this sport. Whether it’s doubles or singles tennis is swinging into action. The Tiger varsity tennis teams swept competition and won district undefeated, and looked to make a long postseason run. “I think we have a really strong team this year. We’re really emphasizing teamwork and working together,” junior Tallulah Andrushko, 3-year varsity member, said, “Our chant now includes ‘better together’ so I [believe] we’re going to be really strong this year.” Losing a lot of seniors from the past season, this year’s team involves a lot of class diversity, meaning the team is comprised of members from every class from freshman to senior. “This season, we have a lot of younger players who are stepping up and playing a position where they’re helping out the teams,” senior Jefferey Walker, 4-year varsity member, said, “whereas, the past few years it’s been mainly juniors and seniors on the team.”
The team finished district by defeating Lockhart in their last district tournament, winning 10-0, securing the district championship for the second year in a row. Moving onto bi-district, the team swept the competition and remained undefeated, but then the team fell short in their regionalquarterfinal, losing to Boerne Champion High School 10-9, ending the fall tennis season. “[It was not] the best way to lose but I think everyone did their best and worked really hard so it was a good season,” Walker said. Tennis plays in both the fall and spring, The fall season focuses more on competing as a team, while in the spring, the matches and player progression are more individually focused. “All I’ve ever known is being by myself,” sophomore Whitney Robbins, 2-year varsity player, said. “You don’t support anyone else that plays you, because you’re always playing against them, but it’s just the competitiveness [of it].” Tennis players practice after school in early October in preparation for the post-season. Photos by Nadia Saba.
Basketball is Back!
Predictions
Students announce their projections for the 2019 NBA Season Grant Williams Staff Writer
As the heat
goes out and the cold comes in, you can feel the anticipation for this year’s NBA season. With all the movement of players and trades, it is looking to be the start of a new era, because of the evolution from superteams to dynamic duos. “I’m excited to see how the dispersions of superstars plays out with no real super-teams,” sophomore William Pittman said.
This season’s rookie class is one of the best we’ve seen in a while with Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett from Duke, and Ja Morant from Murray State. They all have the potential to be the face of the NBA in the future. “I think this year’s rookie class is one of the most talented classes that there’s ever been,” senior Mitchell Williams said. “Obviously, every year, there’s a lot of talent, but this year, there is a lot of potential for stars.”
Swim Team Looks Forward Only Brooke Lengel Contributing Writer On October 5, both boys and girls swim won first place at Belton High, and it was their first away meet. “It was honestly a good experience. I got to meet a lot of new people from other schools and I got to see what a real competition looks like,” freshman Colin O’Connor said. O’Connor had raced in the 200-yard freestyle relay, the 100-yard backstroke, the 200 yard medley relay, and the 50-yard freestyle at this meet. “It was really fun and we had a lot of people there. It was cool to be a part of the A relay of the winning team,” freshman Gage Hembree said. The team had
competed against 6A schools, recently added competitors for the district. According to Rafe Vickery, the fact that they won the entire meet showed how the rest of their way season can look like, especially for district. “We are super proud of them,” Vickery said. Vickery explained how he’s very impressed by the performance on the new freshman swimmers and thinks that they are filling in spots that had become lost due to their seniors leaving last year. He explained that every year when new freshman come in they can either have a hit or miss with the freshmen. “It was kind of nerve wracking at first because this was the first meet I was going to swim 100 butterfly at. I’ve done
“With all the trades that went down during the offseason, I think the Los Angeles Clippers will have a breakout season. They were able to add stars Kawhi Leanard and Paul George, two of the best defensive players in the league, and I think Kawhi is probably the best overall player because of what he was able to do on the Raptors and leading them single-handedly to their first NBA finals win.” - sophomore Carter Lee “The Spurs will miss the playoffs for the first time in 22 years, because I think Chris Paul and Danilo Gallinari will beat out both the Kings and the Spurs for the final playoff spot.” - sophomore Johnathon Byrnes “I think the Nuggets will win the finals because they’re very deep and Nikola Jokic is one of the best centers in the league, and one of the few who can pass like a guard. They’re also getting rookie Michael Porter Jr. back from injury.” - freshman Nate Newman “L.A. has the best big man in the game in [Anthony Davis}; he’s a consistant double-double guy who can change the game in so many ways. They also have LeBron who we can all agree is the best player in the league right now. That being said, I got the Lakers winning the chip this year.” - senior Max Gonzales
it before but it was freshman year and I didn’t do too well,” junior Adali Gallardl said. Gallardl thinks that their practices definitely affect their performance. Sofie Perez also agrees with that; she was out with swimmers ear for a week and said it was really hard to get back in the groove of things after being out for so long. “It’s like a family.,” O’Connor said. “The upperclassmen honestly could not have been nicer; they’ve offered to take me to school sometimes, and they’ve been super supportive. They are always trying to encourage you to become better and faster. They really surprised us on how nice they’ve been.”
Grab coffee & spirit gear Open A & B Lunches & in the morning before school
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The Paw Print November 2019
mydshs.com
Student Life HOBO
JJ Guerrero
The Helping Our Brothers Out project is a non-profit started by junior JJ Guerrero that provides necessities for the homeless. Guerrero fills these bags with essential items and distributes them to the local homeless community.
Faith Baxter
CENTER OF THE PLATE a non-profit started by senior Faith Baxter that provides meat for underprivileged families in the community.
Katie Hogg
BOOKS FOR LOVE Literacy Outreach Volunteer Book Exchange is a non-profit started by sophomore Ramsey Hutton that provides books for kids in need. Hutton collected over 20,000 books for kids in need and hand packed them into boxes.
Photography: Ramsey Hutton Spread Design: Tessa Stigler