October 2019 Volume II Issue I
Dripping Springs High School, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
mydshs.com
Survive the Fest Student Guide for All Things ACL
3
ACL FEST
LEAP Climate Strike 2 Poundtown Press 4 Tobacco Age Raised 5 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 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.
my_dshs_news
Junior Sarah Hallberg poses infront of stage at ACL Fest 2018. Photo by Sarah Hallberg.
mydshsnews mydshssports
Sardines or People? Ethan Everman Staff Writer
Just like a growing child needs more room to live, so does that of a growing town. The explosive growth of Dripping Springs proves greater inside the classroom, or in this case the high school. The staggering amount of students that enter the doors of the high school illustrates a major problem, space. Continued on page 5.
Cover Design: Tessa Stigler
mydshssnaps
2
The Paw Print October 2019
mydshs.com
News 2020 Vision Growth Causes Issues, New Plans on Campus
Grey Patterson Staff Writer The Future is now, and now is the future, for the future is a concept that is so close to the present but is not yet current. In other words, it is common knowledge that Dripping Springs is expanding, which will have effects on the Dripping Springs high school. “It’s probably going to be a challenge for all of us...and any time when you have an explosion, growth tends to change,”
Assistant Principal Amanda Silkett said. To put into context, the high school has a student population of 2,158, and over the next few years, the school’s population is expected to increase tremendously. “Maintaining one high school is really tough for a variety of reasons,” Silkett said. “There’s more expense, but there’s more
New building construction. Photo by Ana Smith
benefits to creating a second campus, but I also understand that DSHS has a very proud history and a lot of school spirit.” With all this growth in the school, DSHS is soon going to have to make some changes. For example, the recent parking situation at the high school is not necessarily ideal, but in the past, a student was the reason we now have
a B parking lot. “I think you got an administration that are, traditionally, really open to you guys interacting with them,” economics teacher Jason Wahlers said. Currently, in the economics course taught at the high school, students are generating creative ideas to benefit the school and its student population. “Basically, what we do is we take that whole economic way of thinking, which is basically making choices, and we just put it in a framework where you guys have an opportunity to look at systems in high school that can be improved,” Wahlers said. The results of this project brought up a few potential ideas that could change the school for the better; for example, senior Kevin Kelly and classmates promoted the idea of using the dirt lot from the DSYSA to aid with the parking situation. “It could be something as simple as you could email the principal or one of the assistant principals. I think it’s fairly simple,” Silkett said. “You Guys Have A Voice.”
take a
LEAP
Leaders for Environmental Awareness and Protection Club Organize Strike Evelyn Peterson News Editor LEAP stands for “Leaders of Environmental Awareness and Protection,” the program died after only a few years due to the lack of interest, however a group of students decided to bring it back to life and this time really make a statement. “LEAP’s mission is to encourage environmentalism and environmental action in students,” junior LEAP President Cadence Russell said, “because a lot of students feel like they are hopeless and can’t do anything about it but LEAP is hoping to get them to express themselves by participating in things like climate strikes or cleanups.” This club aims to bring students who are passionate about environmental awareness together as well as teach the students, who are unaware of the change in climate, about the change that needs to happen for their future. “I want to have life,” Russell said. “I am not going to get that if the world is continuously on fire or if there is famine everywhere. That seems like an apocalyptic movie, but it’s not.” Carbon emissions have raised one third the amount since the industrial revolution; the causes of this is partly due to natural causes like volcanic eruptions and other causes, but a big part is the man-made cause such as deforestation, land usage, and other bad practices. These are not the only dangerous causes of climate change plenty of other factors are included such as methane, greenhouse gases, and more.
“If we keep going the rate we are going, we are looking at mass extinction by 2050,” Russell said. “I don’t want to die by 2050, but by 2030 that’s the point when we hit the point of no return.” In the past years, climate strikes have been a regular thing, but there has only been a few that have made an impact. “We are trying to get more people involved raising awareness for all the climate change and really just educating people,” sophomore Ainsley Ballard said. LEAP is a club consisting of a lot of climate change believers that want to help and be a part of the solution instead of being a part of the cause. “LEAP is just a really cool opportunity for me, because I get to be with this big group that shares the same ideals that I have,” Ballard said. “I feel like we are really making a difference.” As climate change continues, natural disasters have increased or become more violent and recurring as well. “I care about what I see happening around the world,” senior Kiara Bobb said, “like the people who are losing their homes to bad weather that is being exaggerated by the crazy stuff that is going on.” This club opens up opportunities for students to do more than just sit back and watch climate change take over; it allows for students with the same interest to come together and make a difference. “Spread the word, tell people, educate people, do your research and see what climate change is doing,” Bobb urges. “This is a real issue, and we all need to do something about it.”
Graphic by Jacob Pedersen
Tessa Stigler Editor-in-Chief
New Legislation
1 2 3
House Bill 98 clears up some of the vagueness from previous revenge porn legislation in 2015. The prior legislation provides grounds to press charges if intimate or sexual photos or videos of you, that were previously understood as private, are shared of you without your consent. The argument to this was that the wording was too vague and could justify pressing charges on someone you reposting the images without knowing that there was no consent. In this legislation, in order to press charges, the plaintiff must have evidence that the images were reposted or shared with malicious intent. House Bill 19 provides resources to public schools to train their staff on mental health and substance use. This legislation allocates funding to pay professionals on mental health and substance use to train public school’s staff. This legislation does not implement a counselor or psychiatrist on campus. District participation is optional. Senate Bill 38 provides grounds to press charges in the event of some of the most common hazing practices. Practices include any type of physical brutality, sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, consumption of liquor or drug that has an unreasonable risk, or exposes an individual to ostracization or extreme mental stress shame or humiliation. A student commits an offense if they engage in hazing, solicits or aids hazing,
4 5
Senate Bill 21 prohibits the sale consumption and distribution of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 21. This legislation excludes military and offers no grace period for 18-20 year olds who could previously purchase and use these products. Senate Bill 1217 approves the design and sale of “Keep Austin Weird” license plates.
Would you get the new license plate?
No
Maybe
Yes
Based on a survey conducted with 50 students of all grades. Graphic by Tessa Stigler
mydshs.com
3
The Paw Print October 2019
Entertainment Who Do You Know Here?
Khalid at ACL 2018. Photo by Caroline Gamble
The Artists DSHS is Most Excited to See Maddie Lewis Staff Writer
ACL Fest is on its way! We took a poll to see who Dripping Springs High School is most excited to see. Narrowing it down to the top four: Tame Impala, Childish Gambino, Billie Eilish, and Lil Uzi Vert are the most popular artists on the lineup according to students. Coming from all different genres, backgrounds, and styles of music, here’s the inside scoop on these artists.
Tame Impala
MUSIC FEST
Graphic by Andrew Spiegel
Childish Gambino
Under stage name “Childish Gambino,” Donald Glover is an American actor, musician, and more. Gambino’s music falls under the umbrella of rap and soul. After receiving a Grammy for his R&B hit “RedBone,” Gambino told press that after his next project, he would be retiring from music. This announcement should encourage us to go see Gambino one last time at ACL Fest.
Two students at ACL 2018. Photo by Carmen Rodriguez
Billie Eilish
First Time?
Billie Eilish, a 17-year-old singer-songwriter, made her debut with her single “Ocean Eyes” in 2015. Eilish makes alternative music with a dark twist, which keeps her pretty voice intriguing to many audiences. Her debut EP, “Don’t Smile at Me” grew her fan base, and with her most recent album “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP WHERE DO WE GO,” she’s made herself a modern sensation. Billie Eilish is a must-see for ACL Fest 2019.
Lil Uzi Vert
This Philadelphia rapper got his start with “Lil Uzi Vert vs. The World” in 2016. Since his drop in 2017 with “Luv is Rage 2”, Uzi has been on many features with artists like Travis Scott, Juice WRLD, and Migos, and has also released two singles this year, “Sanguine Paradise” and “That’s a Rack.” Uzi is a 5’3” ball of energy, and with an album likely on the way, he’s a must-see for ACL Fest 2019.
Weekend 1 vs. Weekend 2
Pros and Cons of Each Weekend
Austin City Limits Music Festival is here. Pack a bag, put on some sunscreen and head on down to the beautiful Zilker Park. With over 130 bands, eight stages and 20 places to eat, there are a lot of choices to make. Obviously, the most important choice is made before you even step foot on festival grounds. The choice of which weekend of ACL to attend is by far the most critical choice you will make during the entire month of October. So, here are the pros and cons, why’s and why not’s, of each weekend. For the most part, weekend one has the same lineup as weekend two. With a few exceptions. The first and most notable is Cardi B. Cardi is only performing for weekend one of this year’s festival and whether you find this as a good thing or a bad thing, you have to take this factor into consideration. Cardi is the only headliner playing just weekend one, but if you are a fan of The Kooks or Oliver Tree, you should get a weekend one pass because they are also only playing weekend one. Now, besides the music, a big con for going to weekend one is the fact that we are back at school on Monday. Also, in a recent survey, a majority of students attend weekend two over one. With that being said, if you want to see more familiar faces, weekend two might be for you, and if you’d like to venture on your own, walk into weekend one. Weekend two is the choice of the majority of Tigers and here is why. The biggest reason weekend two has more students than weekend one is mainly because of the 3-day weekend. Let’s face it; after a long Friday through Sunday festival, the last thing you want to do is jump back into school the next day. Also, the fact that most everyone at DSHS attends weekend two, more people are inclined to go so they can see a friendly face at ACL or stay with their friends the whole time. Weekend two also has the large absence of Cardi B and an amazing presence of Robyn. Take that however you will. Whichever weekend you go, it’s almost a guaranteed good time. Going just one day or all weekend long, ACL is all about good music, good food, good friends and good times. No matter which weekend you go, please stay safe, stay hydrated, and have fun. I’ll see y’all there.
Andrew Spiegel Entertainment Editor
Travis Scott’s Stage ACL 2018. Photo by Mallari O’Neal
A C L
This psychedelic, groovy band will have dancing in no time. With hits like, “The Less I Know the Better,” and “SKELETONS,” Tame Impala is surely a must-see. The “band” is actually a solo artist, Kevin Parker, a talented multi-instrumentalist from Sydney, Australia. The band provides the perfect music to embrace your inner hippie too, so go catch their set at ACL Fest.
Survival Tips from Festival Vets Maddie Lewis Staff Writer
“Bring a lot of water. Some things you have to tough out; just go in there with the mindset that you’ll be uncomfortable at times, but it’s worth it.” - senior Ben Bondurant, 5-year vet “Only mosh if you are committed. It’s a lot hotter than you think it will be, and it’s super intense. You’ll be standing for such a long time; if you don’t think your body can handle that, don’t go in the middle of a crowd” - junior Rachel Reeves, 4-year vet “Go into ACL with an openmindset. Things don’t always go as you expect at ACL, so just go with the flow.” - junior Logan Jenkins, 4-year vet “A vintage basketball jersey is the way to go, with some short shorts. Shoes you don’t care about, because they will get super dirty.” - sophomore Ryan Williamson, 4-year vet “You have to park super far away and, since it’s so hot out, the long walk to the festival can be rough.” - sophomore Layne Herrington, 5-year vet “Getting lost from your friends is a big issue. One of my good friends got separated from us last year and needed help in the heat. We eventually found her, but it’s easy to get lost in such a big festival.” - junior Logan Jenkins, 4-year vet “There’s not that many bathrooms at the festival, and it’s easy to get lost. There’s like 400,000 people at the festival and what seems like 20 porta potties, so that can be an issue.” - sophomore Ryan Williamson, 4-year vet
4
The Paw Print October 2019
mydshs.com
Opinion
Empty Solutions
Tobacco Age Raised to 21
Rigley Willis Sports Editor
Andrew Spiegal Entertainment Editor
Tessa Stigler Editor-in-Chief
If you were hoping to celebrate your 18th with a trip to a was once legal for them. The legislation passed in Senate Bill 21 hookah bar or smoke shop this year, think again. On Sept. 1, offers no grace period for individuals between ages 18-20 who Senate Bill 21 came into effect, which prohibits the purchase, are regular tobacco users. The exception of a grace period will possession, consumption and distribution of cigarettes, prove detrimental to these individuals health as they e-cigs and tobacco products statewide for individuals will be forced to quit and suffer through withdrawals under the age of 21, exempting military personnel. It if they wish to abide by the law. Senate Bill 21 should passed on a 7-0 vote in the Senate. be amended so that a grace period is provided The culture behind e-cigarette use amongst highbecause addiction is a disease and should be treated schoolers is that of high proportion. According to a as such. In addition this bill could have focused on report released in 2015, 1 in 6 high school students sending more money into tobacco use research and have used a vape in the last month. Nicknames for prevention studies, educating minors on the harsh the devices are shouted from the halls, and videos of realities of nicotine addiction instead of expecting Juul rips fill timelines and Snapchats of fellow students. that because this is now law minors will follow it. Simply put, it’s accepted part of a high-school In theory, smokers will just abide by the law and students’ world. Vaping was initially seen as the safe officially call it quits, however that’s not how the alternative to smoking in the mid-2000s, all until recent world works. Friends of these smokers aged 21 and reports of death related to lung illness that was likely up will now become “nicotine dealers” to anyone caused from vape use. What are we to do when under the legal age. With this in mind, why is the bill all of the “Gen Z” grouping and Millenials get lung being placed? All that is accomplished is that now cancer at 35? The fact of the matter is, high-schoolers people aged 18-20 will be illegally smoking on the have adopted vaping as something that’s cool and same terms they did before, in which they were legal. breaking this idea will take more than legislation. The level of withdrawal will keep everyone hooked. Since our parents and their parents before were in Vaping smoking and dipping will remain prevalent, high-school, teenagers broke the rules. Whether it was but now the haze of the law surrounding it has just staying out past curfew speeding down the highway grown thicker. A source of nicotine for people aged sneaking your parent’s alcohol or smoking cigarettes 18-20 was their right at one point, and now it is being in the bathroom. It’s been a facet of life for all teens, stripped away. The law will be broken, and the Senate regardless of timeline. has no one to blame except themselves. The minimum age regarding the purchase and With a vast majority of our student body already possession of tobacco products was shifted from 16 attached to their morning Juul hits, post work dip or to 18 in the late 80s, however high schools around occasional cigarette the new bill preventing these the world still found students using tobacco products. luxuries will likely not sit well with some Tigers. Most According to the Centers for Disease and Control, students use tobacco, and or, nicotine as a security individuals 12 to 20 make up for 11% of alcohol blanket now. Obviously, students will be mad about consumption in the United States despite the legal this. Going forward high school students will have to age to purchase or possess alcohol being 21. Among find someone older to buy things for them or update youth, 30% have drank some alcohol in the past 30 their fake IDs. But the question must be asked: is this days. This is because when teenagers want something, new bill really change anything? The answer to that they will most often do whatever it takes to get it. is no. This new bill might make it a little harder to get In Dripping Springs, it is silently understood that most products, but for a little amount of time. For every kids vape, smoke, or dip daily. This culture is supported prohibited product, students nationwide have found through social media, loose law enforcement, and a way to access it. The same will happen with this often parents purchasing tobacco products for their debacle. Students are just going to find a friend that’s children. When students get their vape or tobacco over the legal limit to supply him/her with the goods. product confiscated on campus, it isn’t uncommon for Nothing will change. the parent to come after hours to pick up their child’s Senate Bill 21 incorrectly assumes that individuals device and place it back in their hands. ages 18-20 are providing tobacco products to minors, Anxiety, irritability, hunger, restlessness, and and are being punished without accurate research difficulty concentrating are all symptoms of tobacco and evidence. In addition, this legislation will likely only withdrawal according to a study released in the ’90s. increase illegal distribution of tobacco products by Graphic by Tessa Stigler Once smoking is developed as a habit, it is on the alienating an addicted population of 18-20 year olds. same level as crack cocaine, in terms of going cold turkey. With Senate Bill 21 is a step forward in the direction of youth tobacco this new law, smokers aged 18-20 will be cut off from a source that prevention, but it is not near a solution.
Sardines or Peoples Implications of Overcrowding Campus
Q & A
Gracie Johnson Varsity Tennis
Sam Moore Opinion Editor
How does the stress of school impact your mood and happiness? “Well, I feel like stress in school is really overwhelming. A lot of the time, I’ll feel very overwhelmed and stressed out and a lot of times, actually sad.” How does the amount of schoolwork you have impact your life outside of school? “It keeps me from hanging out with my friends a lot. I’ve found that I barely even have time for work. I’m always doing schoolwork, in school, out of school, and whenever I have free time.” What kind of activities do you have outside of school? “I work at Whataburger, but other than that I play pretty competitive tennis and my schoolwork makes it very hard to keep up with tennis. I don’t ever have time for anything else.” Do you feel you are able to spend enough time with these things? Why or why not? “Not at all, I’m always super busy. I’ve even had my mom comment that I never spend time with her, and I never hang out with her. I’ve had my friends say the same.” What are some solutions you would propose? “Make more of an effort to assign less busy work, because a lot of the time busy work is what keeps me from getting my actual work done, or that’s what I’m up at 2 a.m. doing. “
Photo by Tyler Cave
Submit Your Art
The creative section of the newspaper growth and its pains. Dripping Springs in 2016 grew by 25.66%, can now be found at mydshs.com and on a massive increase in not only people but also the services Hallways can only be so the social medias listed below. Ethan Everman wide, classrooms so big, and that those people want or need. This growth as reflected in the Staff Writer community also reflects itself in the schooling that community the school is filling up quickly, Now Accepting: requires. If this growth doesn’t affect the high school now, it seemingly faster than the Short Stories building can handle. definitely will in the future, which, as it were, will not be that far off. Poems The administration decided to In the summer of Photography 2019, Dripping Springs decided try and curb the crowd density by Cartoons to begin construction on an constructing a new wing to the Short Films entirety of the school. By creating entirely new section on the Drawing school, to much dismay to this new part of the school, DSHS Paintings successfully adds room for 2500 the D lot parkers, as a way to Music curb student density. In truth, students, a nice rounding total to And anything else artistic you would like however, there lies a glaring our current 2150. This construction to share provides the necessary means problem with this solution; it will only raise school capacity to of room to teach such a massive population of students, yet like any 2,500 students, while currently 2,158 attend the high school. solution there lies problems with it. The space needed to facilitate the Now this may seem like an new construction equipment takes unjustifiable problem, yet with the town growing by one fifth its over half a parking lot, a major size every year, this problem will issue to the high schoolers that become major, quickly. park in such lot. Another issue spawning from the By continually disregarding Photo by Savannah Karas amount of people that reside in the problem at hand, the district may yet create a massive overcrowding issue synthesized the school, illustrates the idea that walking the halls could prove by the events happening now. dangerous. See mydshs.com for whole story The schools growth and its woes also illustrate the town’s
Contact Us
October 2019 Volume II Issue I
The Paw Print Letters
General Questions: dshsstudentmedia@dsisdconnect.com 512-858-3243
Advertising Inquiries: dshsadvertising@gmail.com
Teacher Pop. 135 Student Pop, 2,158
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 your work. 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 not supported by credible evidence. Email submissions to dshsstudentmedia@dsisdconnect.com.
Editorials, Columns, and Letters
mydshssnaps
mydshsnews mydshssports
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, and 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.
Awards ILPC 2018-2019 Honor CSPA 2018-2019 Second Place ASPA 2018-2019 First Place
mission statement
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 Samantha Moore Staff Writers Madeline Tredway, Ethan Everman, Maddie Lewis, Grey Patterson, Grant Williams Byline Artist Advisor Jacob Pedersen Jessica Stamp The Paw Print is inserted inside the Century News, and located next to the front office, CL&I, and the Student Media Room. 2,000 copies are printed.
5
The Paw Print October 2019
mydshs.com
Features Advanced Patience
New Sheriff in Town
AP Staff Shares Challenges
Principal Gamez’s Ideas and Impact So Far
Madeline Tredway Staff Writer “I think it was a little bit of imposter syndrome,” Sara-Jane Shepperd, English teacher, said, looking me squarely in the eye in spite of the weight of her words. That’s how her students know her; straightforward, dependable, almost motherly. So, to hear her doubts that she would succeed in her new phase of teaching was jarring, to say the least. And yet, it was a sentiment shared by many other AP teachers when they first began, even Angela Tennison, who’s been an AP teacher for 20 years, and Jason Wahlers, who’s always juggled an AP curriculum and coaching golf.
Angela Tennison, AP US History
Photos by Teagan Krewson
The reality is that students know next to nothing about the qualifications and pressures put on these teachers that have to act as stand-ins for professors. For them, the beast that is teaching is tenfold, but, as is evident from speaking with these individuals, so are the gifts. “I was [simply] told one day, more or less [that I’d be teaching AP],” Wahlers said. Wahlers learned very abruptly that he would have to balance teaching AP Macroeconomics and coaching golf. Despite student skepticism about coaches as AP teachers, Wahlers took extensive classes on economics in college and is dedicated to the subject as much as he is coaching. “I wouldn’t teach anything else,” Wahlers said. Similarly, Ms. Tennison enjoys AP U.S. History immensely, evidenced by the 20 years of teaching she has under her belt. “I like hearing students’ opinions on history,” Tennison said. For Tennison, all those
Ethan Everman Staff Writer
Sara-Jane Sheppard, AP Lit.
years of teaching never got dull, as her passion for both history and teaching overpowered any stress coming from the complicated curriculum. “I like to prepare kids for the next thing, because adulthood throws everything it has at you,” Tennison said. Tennison likes to push kids to take the AP test for college credit, because that is the biggest thing a student will get out of the class. Ms. Shepperd, however, has a different perspective. “I want to encourage students to get something more out of my class than just college credit,” Shepperd said. Shepperd’s is a unique case, as this is her first year teaching AP, and to the students whom she first taught Pre-AP. “It’s a special thing that I’m not sure I’m ready for,” Shepperd said. These three teachers, all from different walks of life, made it clear that teaching AP classes was as difficult for them as it was for the
Getting ready for the day’s events, walking into a hulking structure of stone and metal, promenading into an office piled with duty, each one clamoring for more attention and greater emphasis. Every decision provides a dozen outcomes, good or bad, and the stress remains intense as 2,000 different students await leadership and serving. By the start of the 20192020 school year, it was highly apparent new leadership had arrived at DSHS: the powerhouse Angela Gamez. She acts as the successor to the prior, much-loved principal, Joe Burns, and as soon as she came to the position, she enacted policies that sparked order and outrage alike. She showcases the ability and the drive needed to reform some of the school’s most lacking qualities, including the introduction of hall passes and the like; she promptly addressed the problems she felt most paramount. “It’s not what I expected,” Gamez said, laughing. “You think you go into something knowing what to expect, and then it never is what you think it is. Knowing all the different
responsibilities that come along with it, because I have been here, so I know a lot of the students, I know all the teachers, so it’s comfortable.” Gamez previously worked at the high school, having served as an assistant principal, which has helped her with this job.
Gamez speaks about new policies.
“The weight of it [being principal], ultimately, it is on you, all the decisions, so it feels heavy, because you want to do a good job,” Gamez said. “A lot of the job is the same as an AP to a principal; it’s just the level of responsibility that grows.” Gamez has spearheaded many of the new changes around the campus and is very vocal when it comes to using hall passes.
“At the end of last year, I sent out a survey to all staff asking, ‘What would you like to see changed?’” Gamez said. “By and large, they felt like the traffic in the hallways was a safety concern, and they felt like kids need to be pushed into the classroom so that they are learning. The intent was to keep kids learning in the classroom.” DSHS acts as a very integral part of the Dripping Springs community. Frequent interaction occurs between the community and school, which Gamez addresses with fervor. “My whole life I knew I wanted to be of service to my community,” Gamez said. “Being a principal allows me to be more of service and to guide the direction of a school in a positive manner.” As a new principal, one strives to produce a legacy that not only affects their own reputation but that of the community around them. “I am very much a believer in distributed leadership,” Gamez said. “I want everybody on our campus to feel connected, and they can make decisions and have an impact. So, when I am gone, if I am here or not, everybody feels empowered to have a say in their education and have a say in how our school community works.”
Jason Wahlers, AP
student; Macroeconomics the mental strain during grading was difficult to get through, and the knowledge that they were teaching dedicated students was frightening at times. Regardless of it all, though, every single one of them made sure to champion the belief that they were better off having suffered through it all. “The thought that I get to teach such talented kids,” Shepperd said. “My heart is full.”
“Student Submit s Homework to Sink Instead of Teacher”
in d e d
Ad e n La ay” g nin Hallw r u T
“
ds d A S “DSH rade” G 13th Katie Haberman Features Editor
D anM n Begi ments” o t and Instru B S “DSH ing Own tur ufac
“Poo
The Pound Town Press: Who Wrote It?
Dripping Springs. A town that, to most, symbolizes Southern ideals of family, fun, and Texas pride through reputable news sources. But beneath the surface lies a new community, a community dedicated to the pursuit of satirical information made public via its own news source: The Pound Town Press. The Pound Town Press first surfaced in August 2019 with the article “Satirical News Site Emerges in Dripping Springs” that satirized the publication’s own existence. It’s clear that the website was written with humorous intent; however, the mystery lies within the author. After polling students from around the school, a few top guesses as to who the author is emerged: seniors Kearson Erwin and Madeline Tredway, junior Lila Robbins, and Jessica Stamp, journalism teacher. “It’s very honoring, that people would consider me to write such a, what’s the word for it,” Erwin said, “prestigious news source for people. It’s really an honor.” Other candidates had opposite reactions when labeled as the author. Junior Lila Robbins couldn’t even grace the accusation with a full answer, using only one word to convey her feelings. “Dishonored,” Robbins said in response to the charge. Though none of the interviewees confirms their involvement, each has a different background that might
A Look into the Conspiracies from Student and Staff
point toward their participation in writing for the website. Tredway, Robbins, and Stamp are each involved in either teaching or learning about journalism and/or creative writing; alongside this, Erwin, Robbins, and Tredway each believe in the movement to rename Dripping Springs ‘Pound Town,’ the titular inspiration for the Pound Town Press. “I bought a ‘Welcome to Pound Town’ shirt when it was going around,” Erwin said. “I feel as though it would be very humorous to be able to one day say that I grew up in Pound Town, Texas.” Since no candidate offered a confession, each person came forth with ideas on what they would include in their version of the website. A few topics included the anime
Photos by Ramsey Hutton
l Muc h Sma Expec ller Than ted”
club (Robbins) and the large amount of new teachers at DSHS (Tredway). “I would probably try to do more everyday life type of satire. To me, that’s the funnier things that people don’t notice,” Stamp said. “I hope that’s not what they’re doing because now I’m implicating myself.” A few respondents also came to their own conclusions about who they might implicate if given the chance. “I think it’s a sophomore or a junior,” Erwin said. “I don’t think it would be a senior. Whoever the original author is, if they would like me to help contribute, I would be more than willing to help.” Unfortunately enough, the author has yet to be discovered. If any information arises, please do not hesitate to contact the Paw Print. Until then, head over to @poundtownpress on Instagram to follow the source itself. “I think it is a very honorable, noble establishment and enterprise,” Tredway said. “And that’s what I want on the record.”
“Satirical News Site Emerges in Dripping Springs”
6
mydshs.com The Paw Print
mydshs.com
Sports Volleyball Starts Strong Grant Williams Staff Writer
The Dripping Springs High School volleyball team is looking like a contender so far this year, starting with a record of 26-10 and an undefeated district record going into October. The team is led by senior Mackenzie Murray, who has 270 kills, and senior Avery Kalsu who has 205 kills as of September 18. The team is coached by Michael Kane who has been here since 2010 and has continuously brought success. The Tigers open October with McCallum High School and Northeast High School.
1
3
4
5
2 Photo Credit: (1) The varsity volleyball team prepares for their match while the National Anthem plays (Photo by Paige Miller). (2) Mackenzie Murray (left) celebrates with her teammate following a match win (Photo by Paige Miller). (3) Sophomore Annabelle Crowder awaits the serve against Canyon High School (Photo by Marina Placer). (4) The Tiger volleyball team celebrates a win against Canyon High School (Photo by Marina Placer). (5) Head Coach Michael Kane game-plans with his team in-between sets (Photo by Max Levey).
Trace Young Visits TCU Grant Williams Staff Writer
recently Q: You visited TCU.
How did that come about?
A:
“Well, they came to some of my games this summer, and they asked me a lot of questions about the program. They invited me to one of their recruiting camps so I went to that, and we’ll see what comes from that - partial offers or maybe even a full ride. They gave me tickets to a football game, and I liked the campus, but I’m probably going to see what else I get by the end of this year and then, I’ll decide.”
mydshs.com
Sports
Sophomore Sensation Quarterback Preston Alford starts the season off strong, looks towards district play as season progresses.
Rigley Willis Sports Editor
7
The Paw Print October 2019
September, a month full of school, and, for most, football. Friday night lights have returned to Dripping Springs. The atmosphere remains, but many aspects of the team have changed. A new quarterback, a new defense, and a new offensive coordinator, highlight just a few of the many changes the Dripping Springs football team has endured. Tanner Prewit, former quarterback for the Tigers, led the team last year due to his fantastic play and production. This year, the Tigers looked towards Zach Tjelmeland to fill the role Prewit left behind. Suddenly, due to a latissimus injury, Tjelmeland, along with trainers, announced that the 6’4” quarterback would miss the next six weeks. Throw in Preston Alford “The Sophomore Sensation.”
Through three games, Alford racked up 683 all-purpose yards, along with 10 touchdowns. His 101.8 quarterback rating is one of the best in the state for sophomore quarterbacks. Simply, Alford has been impressive through his first three varsity games and with district play on the horizon, Alford and the Tigers are just getting started. “I think we’ve came out pretty strong this year, so far, “ Alford said, “but every game matters in district play, and it’s time to really focus and get to work.” Work ethic is one of the big factors in Parker’s development as a player. Alford spent the summer training in preparation for varsity snaps. “Last summer, I was extremely motivated to get in shape, increase my agility, and become more consistent with my footwork,” Alford said, “I knew that if I wanted to make the jump to the next level, then I’d really have to improve those skills.” Due to his work ethic, Alford started the season on the wide-receiver carousel, as well as some snaps as safety. After Tjelmeland’s unfortunate injury, Parker was thrown in at quarterback. “We ran a little bit of a wildcat formation to start the Kerrville-Tivy game, but I dropped back to pass a couple times and got to throw down-field,” Alford said. That confidence was the boost that Alford, along with the coaching staff, needed to be comfortable and satisfied with Alford starting at quarterback. However, in the following week, in a game against Hays High School, Alford showed some growing pains. “Playing Hays was tough; they’re a really good football team, and I was struggling with reads and throws for most of the game,” Alford said. Following the loss, the Tigers looked to Canyon High School, as a redemption game, and Alford shined. He finished the game with 232 passing yards and two touchdowns, as well as 128 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in a 54-38 victory. Simply put, it was a breakout game. “Things came a lot more naturally against Canyon,” Alford said. “My teammates played great as well, blocked well, ran great routes, and just hustled for the whole game;
Preston Alford attempts to evade a Hays defender in their game on Sept. 7. Photo by Cayden Ivey
without them, I don’t have that stat-line.” Stat-stuffing isn’t a rare thing in the Alford house. Preston Alford’s older brother, Parker, plays on the University of Texas football team following a three-year varsity campaign at Dripping Springs High School. “My brother’s a great role-model,” Preston Alford said. “Growing up with a guy who was that successful in football really sparked a flame in me to be great as well.” Parker Alford’s commitment and dedication led to his opportunity to play for the University of Texas, and that inspired Preston as well. “Parker invested so much time into football; he was obsessed with being great, and seeing that, inspires me to go down that path as well,” Preston Alford said. In regards to the rest of the season, the Tigers will look ahead to big match-ups at LBJ Austin High School on Oct. 11, at home against Seguin on Oct. 25, and a road matchup against Northeast High School on Nov. 1. “There are a bunch of important games coming up against some really good teams,” Alford said. “We’ve talked about how much those games matter for us down the stretch, and we’ve just got to stay prepared and focused.” The 2019-2020 season has started off well for the Tigers so far. The defense has been stout, players like Cameron O’Banan and Ethan Hooks have recovered from their injuries, and a young play-maker in Preston Alford is leading the charge. “Everything’s coming together for this team,” Alford said. “I have a feeling that we’re going to get really hot at the right time, and from there, anything could happen.
The Dripping Springs Tigers’ home games throughout the month of October include match-ups on October 4 against McCallum High School and on October 25 against Seguin High School. For more on Dripping Springs football head to mydshssports.com or follow @mydshssports on Twitter.
Preston Alford throws deep to Cameron O’Banan midway through the third quarter against Hays. Photo by Cayden Ivey
Varsity athletes provide insight into their busy schedules
Grey Patterson Staff Writer
Wake up, eat breakfast, practice, shower, school, eat lunch, more practice, go home, do homework and study, shower, go to bed, *repeat*. This is the life that almost every student-athlete faces in their high school career. However, Dripping Springs athletes are held to what may be considered a higher standard much like band and, both academically and physically, as they have to deal with the immense pressure of being both successful in school and in their sport. “It’s pretty tough,” senior varsity basketball player Xavier Phillips said. “It makes me tired, so it makes me not want to homework sometimes, but I got to do it to stay playing basketball.” Most sports at Dripping Springs High School have an early morning practice before school and a practice that starts during school hours and then ends after school is finished for the day. “They don’t know how it feels like to wake up at like 5 or 6 every day just to go to weight room and then go to school practice and do it all again,” Phillips said. Practice is an everyday occurrence, with each one leading to a game; it can take a toll on student-athletes. “We are a lot busier, because we do have practice and games which makes us have to improve our time management and how we are able to spend our time because we don’t have as much free time as others,” Phillips said.
Being a student-athlete means that education comes first, which is why student is placed before athlete. If a student fails a 6-week period in school, then they are no longer eligible to compete in their sport. “If I’m not eligible to play, I feel like I’m letting the team down,” senior varsity football player Andre Perry said. The UIL organization requires all student athletes to make at least a 70 in every class to guarantee a student-athlete’s eligibility. “It definitely does make it more challenging, but the challenge is definitely bearable,” senior Avery Kalsu, four-year varsity volleyball player, said. “[We] can’t fail because I can practice my sport and teachers expect more out of athletes.” Although being a student-athlete at Dripping Springs requires a lot of commitment, they may practice every morning and afternoon throughout the week and often do extensive film review on the studentathletes’ own time. “Sometimes it can [be hard], but it’s fun getting up in the morning and being with all the guys and sometimes you’re tired but it’s worth it,” Perry said. Dripping Springs has a large community that supports the schools’ sports, creating a large fan base. “I love winning for the team and Dripping Springs High School,” Kalsu said. Being a student-athlete can be difficult, but the hard work and determination shows success both on and off the field. “It’s tough,” Phillips said, “but it makes you a better person.”
Xavier Phillips warms up for his staring varsity debut. Photo by Teagan Krewson
Life of a Dripping Springs Student-Athlete
2020 Sports Staff Grey Patterson Senior “Newspaper is a challenging and fun class. I really enjoy the process of interviewing and developing a story.” Grant Williams Junior “I am a huge follower of the sports world, and I especially love the journalism aspect of it. It was easy for me to sign up and become a writer. Visit @mydshssports on Twitter for more sports updates.
8
The Paw Print October 2019
Student Life A student moves the vase in order to marble the inside.
A student uses spray paint to marble her vase.
“Right now [my level 1 class is] getting ready to make homecoming garters. My advanced classes are actually making the flowers for the half time homecoming court.� - floral design teacher Christy Trussell
Ana Smith presents a homecoming mum made by floral design students.
Sophie Caillabet shows off her finished vase.
Floral Design student Emily Pundt works on marbling her bubble bowl vase.
A student makes sure her arrangement looks alive and perfect before finishing it.
Photography: Ramsey Hutton Spread Design: Tessa Stigler
mydshs.com