The Paw Print - December 2021

December 2021 Volume IV Issue III

Dripping Springs High School, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

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The Paw Print December 2021

Photo by: Ariela Barron, Brooklyn Hagblom, Will Taylor / Design by: Teagan Krewson

The Paw Print December 2021

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News Hannah Caddell Staff Writer

Tell Me Something Good Positive News About Our Community

Snowmageddon Part Two?

Climate Change May Predict Another Winter Storm

billions of years.

“Will we see more extreme weather in the future? Yes. Whether that means bigger storms, more tornadoes, longer droughts, or even bigger floods? Yes. We already see more severe and the snow started hitting Austin and Dripping Springs, [my parents] couldn’t come back because it was so dangerous.” junior Mia Perez said. “Me and my older brother were stuck at the house for another week by ourselves,” Perez said. Many people were without power, electricity, and even water for days. For the Perez family, another concern became food.

“We couldn’t get food, so we had to go to our preservatives cabinet, and we ate everything there,” Perez said. Junior student Wyatt Kelly recalls his mom finding a hummingbird face down in the snow. “She took it in; we took care of it for about a week,” Kelly said. Unfortunately, the hummingbird did not make it through the end of the freeze. For student Emilee Spridgen, working at HEB during the winter storm became a great story.

“The first day I showed up for work, there were no managers there, and the place was packed with people. Lines were going down each aisle.”

Spridgen said. HEB did its best to provide for the community during the freeze. “It was a really weird and stressful experience, especially since I was on the register. I have never seen HEB that packed.” Spridgen said.

For many students, the “Snowmaggedon” in February tells wild stories of an authentic example of climate change in our community. Predictions for this coming winter will become hard to anticipate, but one thing that remains to ring true, our Earth continues warming rapidly, thwarting the natural balance at which it operates. Because of this, the future of our weather remains unpredictable.

Students and teachers share their experiences of the winter storm this past February and uncover the truths of climate change and what that means for the future or Dripping Springs. The phrase “Climate Change” in our current world usually makes people think of global warming, which makes the idea of climate change causing the winter storm of 2021 seems ridiculous, but in reality, it proves yet another result of the unpredictability of our global weather patterns.

“The biggest misconception is that because it got really cold global warming isn’t happening,” AP Environmental Science Teacher, Erin Land said.

“Really [climate change] is just a change in weather patterns rather than just an overall increase in temperature,” Land said. What happened in February 2021 occurred as a symptom of climate change, not an event that disproves it. “Climate change causes changes in weather patterns in certain areas,” Land said. For Dripping Springs, this explains the peculiarity of the winter storm event concerning climate change and global warming. “[Global warming is the] increase in the overall average of our global temperatures,” Land said. “We can see that the temperature is actually increasing over time,” Land said. This causes a disturbance in the order of our global patterns. “The Earth normally operates at a balance, and it’s kind of been thrown out of balance,” Land said. It was causing things like lengthy freezes and abnormally warm autumns.

Predicting the change becomes the hard part. “Right now, we are seeing a warmer fall than we should be,” Land said. This inconsistency in our weather patterns further confirms the effects of climate change we experience every day. “[The] whole month of October we’ve been higher than average temperatures,” Land said. Land explained how difficult it could become to predict the future of our global and local climate due to the inconsistency of weather patterns. According to Land, we’ve never had this amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, and we’ve never had this high of global temperatures before. We’ve reached levels that have never existed on record in

Tia Davison Co- Editor In Chief

A compilation of heartwarming stories to bring happiness to your holiday season!

The Pound House The Pound House has successfully collected a little more than 70% of donations to make repairs to the museum.

Tiger Football Tiger football came out as undefeated for their regular season.

Girls Cross Country Season Varsity Cross Country girls place 3rd in the state. Seniors Kate Ginther (8th) and Karsten Bobb (10th) paced the Tigers with top-10 finishes.

Student Mia Perez shares a picture of her cat not enjoying the cold of the freeze.

Driskill Grand Lobby Tree Lighting On December first the Grand Lobby Tree Lighting will take place downtown Austin at the Driskill Hotel, the lighting will be accompanied by holiday music and caroling.

Mia Perez poses with her equally snowed-on dog during the winter storm.

Austin Music Video Festival On December first through fourth the Austin Music Video Festival will take place at Various Locations in Austin The Austin Music Video Fest will celebrate Austin’s music video heritage with screenings, prizes, functions, panels, and seminars around town and as well as in a virtual setting.

Luminations From December first to January thirtieth (with the exception of select dates) Luminations will take place at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. This event will include a walkway through an outdoor botanical oasis decorated with sparkling lights.

Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker” From December 4th through the 23rd Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker” will take place at the Center for the Performing Arts Ballet, the ballet production also includes music by the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

Tiger Band Takes 9th at State The Tiger Band placed 9th in the UIL State Marching Contest. The Band scored 58 points in the finals. DSHS was one of 12 bands that progressed to the finals after achieving seventh place out of 33 bands in the preliminary round on Monday.

Christmas On Mercer On Saturday, December fourth, from 10 am to 5 pm; an all-day celebration will occur in downtown dripping springs. This celebration will include arts and craft vendors, pictures with Santa, music, and more. When the evening begins, so will the tree lighting! For more information, go to the Christmas on mercer website.

Kailey Nutt Staff Writer

A Hidden Secret From the World

A Teacher at DSHS Confesses to Being Santa Claus Trapped in your home doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun in the snow! Photo By: Hannah Caddell

At Dripping Springs Highschool, a significant change has occurred. Instead of Señor Rodriguez being a regular Spanish teacher, he was, in fact, the one and only Santa Claus. Students don’t know how to feel about the celebrity as their teacher.

“He was just a regular teacher,” sophomore Elf McShelf said.

Students have a hard time processing Señor Claus being their teacher, some believe it is still a rumor with a lot of evidence, but many students have reported accounts of believing the Spanish teacher was, in fact, Santa Claus.

“The rumors are true; he fixed my bike with his magic,” senior Blake Reindeer said.

Reindeer describes watching Señor Claus fix his bike without touching it and persuades students to listen and believe the rumors that have changed his life forever.

“It’s true, every Christmas we fly from the North Pole to all of your houses,” One of Señor Claus’s reindeer, Rudolf, said.

Instead of enjoying his Christmas break, Señor Claus travels around the world while watching the hectic Northpole to get ready for all of the children and has to grade the students’ Spanish quizzes.

“What if my other teachers are hiding a big secret,” freshman Jack Frosty said.

Not everything is as it appearers on this page. Can you spot the fake article?

Check out the DSHS News Instagram on December 1st to find out!

Students wonder if other teachers have secrets like Señor Rodriguez, and this leads to the which to keep the paparazzi down.

“We have a celebrity in our school now; things which are changing,” Frosty said.

The school has already begun holiday cheer, especially after hearing that one of their teachers is among famous people.

“It’s crazy,” McShelf said, “To think he was just a regular teacher, and now he is the famous Santa Claus.”

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The Paw Print

December 2021

Entertainment

Holiday Bucket List

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Lydia Bradley Staff Writer

As finals creep toward us and the bustle of the holidays begin, it can be hard to find your footing. Based on student interviews and Pinterest, of course, I have compiled a list of fun winter activities to keep your spirits up!

Chrisłmas word scramble

1. Build a blanket fort. Add blankets and pillows inside to make it extra cozy! The perfect place to study for finals or watch Christmas movies. Do this with friends or take a night to yourself.

2. Wake up early and drink hot cocoa. Do this to get yourself ready for a day of studying!

Drink it outside and watch the sun come up. After that, prep yourself by going for a walk.

Bundle up in your favorite sweater! “My favorite part of winter is enjoying cold weather,” said junior, Lucas Kanapp.

1 ogsntcik 2 ilesnt 3 adceln 4 hawtre 5 dneierer 6 esitnpaoti 7 ggbeeranrdi 8 eimlostteo 9 taans 10 brceedme 11 lneo 12 fetrucika 13 njlieg 14 iokcsoe 15 spnteer 16 eeglds 17 tomraenn 18 ganle 19 pirafeelc 20 soclar

3.

Enjoy some Christmas lights. Bella Reyes, junior, looks forward to the trail of lights every year. As does Caroline Enloe, senior, who drives through neighborhoods with her family and lots of snacks! Santa's Ranch on I35 has a drive-through light show from November 5 to January 2. The perfect way to spend a Sunday night! You don’t have to leave your car and they sell seasonal drinks and snacks before you drive through.

4.

Write and send a letter. Get in touch with old friends or family. A nice handwritten letter can make their day!

5. Decorate a Christmas tree. Junior Makynna Hubbard enjoys decorating her Christmas tree every year. Decorate your own or choose one by the road for drivers to view as they pass.

Get in the Christmas spirit by joining in on this cute community tradition.

6. Try out a new seasonal recipe!

Christmas Food Traditions Around the World

Reagan Otten Entertainment Editor

December is essentially a “world” of holidays and is widely recognized around the globe as a time of celebration. Cultures and religions commemorate different holidays during the month of December-- each with their own traditions, rituals, and most importantly, food. One of the most common winter holidays around the world is Christmas, however, the meals and traditions vary from country to country. Nonetheless, no matter how Christmas is celebrated, food is a language that transcends borders and unites people together with the thought that even in diversity, everyone around the world has much in common.

First and foremost in the Mediterranean, a Christmas dinner in Greece is typically centered around roasted lamb or pork as the main dish. However, in northern regions, such as in the city of Kozani, yiaprakia (brined pork stuffed cabbage rolls) is the table centerpiece.

Regardless of region, on Christmas Eve it is a sacred tradition to make Christopsomo, which literally means “Christ’s Bread”. Christopsomo is a sweet bread filled with cloves, raisins, and cardamom, and it is often decorated with pieces of dough representative of a family.

Traveling to the western end of Europe, the main course of Christmas dinner in Germany is typically roasted duck, goose, or rabbit. On the side, red cabbage, potato dumplings, and apple-sausage stuffing pair with the main dish. However, Germany’s most famous Christmas pastry is Christstollen, or Christmas Stollen, which is a long, flat sweet bread filled with nuts, spices, dried fruits, and candied citrus peels.

Just East of Germany, Poland families celebrate Christmas dinner with a twelve-course meal emblematic of the twelve Apostles. While the primary meal is typically carp, other dishes include mushroom-stuffed dumplings (uszka z grzybami), Red Borscht beet soup (Barszcz Czerwony), and pierogi (pierogi z kapust). Desserts are often centered around poppy seeds, which symbolize wealth, prosperity, and a bright future. Such desserts include the popular poppy seed roll (makowiec), a frosted yeast bread filled with a dense, bittersweet poppy seed paste (masa makowa).

In comparison to Europe, the Mesoamerican countries of Mexico and Costa Rica both feature tamales as the main dish. Tamales are a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa dough stuffed with various different fillings and steamed in a banana or corn leaf. The process of making tamales is typically a whole-day event in which entire families get involved. In Mexico, tamales are often paired with stews such as chicken pozole verde, fried dough fritters topped with sugar (buñuelos), and Mexican hot chocolate. In Costa Rica, baked pork legs are served alongside the tamales with a side of potatoes, rice, and salads.

In Southeast Asia, the Philippines celebrates one of the longest Christmas seasons. On the night of Christmas Eve, Filipinos have a grand Noche Buena feast centering around a roasted pig (lechón).

Other popular dishes include purple rice cakes steamed in bamboo tubes (puto bumbong), fresh spring rolls (lumpiang ubod), sweet coconut cream rice cakes (bibingka), and balls of cheese (queso de bola).

Answer key: stocking, tinsel, candle, wreath, reindeer, poinsettia, gingerbread, misteltoe, Santa, December, noel, fruitcake, jingle, cookies, present, sledge, ornament, angel, fireplace, carols

Lumpiang Ubod (Spring Rolls) INGREDIENTS: WRAPPERS:

3 eggs, beaten 2 tablespoons oil 1 cup cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon salt 11/2 cups water

FILLING:

3 tablespoons oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 medium onion, diced 2 cups heart of palm, cut into thin slices or 2 cups boiled bamboo shoots, cut into match-

Instructions:

sticks 8-ounces fresh shrimp, shelled, deveined and minced, about 1 cup 8-ounces boiled pork, cut into thin slices, about 1 cup 1 cup very thinly sliced green beans 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 15 lettuce leaves, washed

11/2 tablespoons soy sauce 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon cornstarch

SAUCE:

1/4 cup brown sugar 1 cup chicken stock or 1/2 teaspoon chicken stock granules mixed with 1 cup hot water

Mexican Bunuelos Isabel Eats INGREDIENTS: For the bunuelos: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup warm water 4 tablespoons oil, plus 2 or more cups for frying For the cinnamon sugar topping: 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Add all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.

Mix together until combined.

2. Add warm water and 4 tablespoons oil. Mix together with a spoon or your hands until the dough comes together.

3. Transfer the dough onto a clean working surface and knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

4. Roll the dough into a ball, place it in a bowl, cover with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

5. While the dough is resting, cover a large plate with paper towels, fill a large saute pan with 1 to 2 inches of frying oil and make the cinnamon sugar topping. Set aside.

6. Divide the dough into 8 separate pieces and roll each piece into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, use a floured rolling pin to roll out each ball into an 8 to 10-inch circle. (I recommend laying the rolled out dough onto a large kitchen towel in one single layer. Don’t stack the rolled out dough on top of each other or it may stick.)

7. Heat the frying oil to 350°F. Fry each dough circle for about 60 seconds, turning once, until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to prepared plate to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle heavily with cinnamon sugar topping.

For the cinnamon sugar topping: 1. Combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.

Christmas Playlist

WRAPPERS:

Whisk the eggs into the oil. Then add the cornstarch and salt, and whisk until well dissolved. Add the water to form a smooth batter.

Ladle about 3 tablespoons of the batter onto a heated skillet and tilt the skillet so the batter forms a thin, even layer. Cook for 1 minute, then flip the wrapper over and cook on the other side for another minute. Set the wrapper aside. Repeat to make 14 more wrappers or until the batter is used up.

FILLING: Heat the oil in a saucepan and stir-fry the garlic until golden brown, then add the onion and stir-fry until translucent. Add the heart of palm or bamboo shoots and cook over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the shrimp and pork, and cook until the shrimp turn pink. Add the green beans and simmer for 3 minutes.

Season with the salt and pepper and mix well. Remove from the heat and set aside.

SAUCE:

Combine all the sauce ingredients, except the peanuts, in a deep saucepan or wok over high heat.

Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Lay a wrapper on a flat surface. Place a lettuce leaf on the wrapper, so that part of the leaf extends beyond the edge of the Wrapper. Place 3 tablespoons of the filling at the edge of the wrapper, then fold one end in and roll it up.

The best songs of the holiday season, by your favorite artists, compiled into one big playlist. All of your favorite Christmas tunes are now at your fingertips. Follow the directions to scan the Spotify code and listen now!

How to scan: Open Spotify app Click “Search” Click the Camera Icon over the search bar Scan Code

By Hailey Jarvis , Photographer

Spotlight Playlist In this edition we are spotlighting the Polar Express movie soundtrack! The soundtrack includes songs like, “The Polar Express”, “Hot Chocolate”, “When Christmas Comes to Town”, and “Believe.”

Follow the directions to scan the Spotify code and listen now!

By Hailey Jarvis, Photographer

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The Paw Print December 2021

Opinion

Power of the Algorithm

In the age where digital technology proves an essential part of our lives, having to live without it has quite a literal meaning. With so much importance, the ones naturally spearheading the industry prove some of the biggest private entities in the world.

No matter the company- Facebook, Google or Twitter- they all specialize in the same field.

To elaborate, they all have dominating influence over the general public, through social media, but how do they make money? Through the countless posting and communication that happens on their platforms every day?

No. Let me introduce you to data mining and the art of persuasive technology.

Not too long ago, seminars occurred at Stanford University, chaired by their Persuasive Technology Lab professor B.J. Fogg. In them, the term “Captology” described the means of how computers can persuade individuals. To elaboratehow applications and devices literally change the way people think and act. Reflecting back on the introduction, this type of technology, deployed by social media platforms, influences the online activities of consumers with algorithms that subtly guide you to products, websites, videos, etc.

While the use of algorithms like these already exist, the purpose for their use continues to change.

Advertising and personal customization recently prove the primary reasons for

Data Mining and the Art of Persuasive Technology Alec Stuart Opinion Editor

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thema relatively benign motive in nature. However, with the sheer growth of big technology companies such as Facebook and Google, the potential to influence consumers for other uses has gone up exponentially.

The business of harvesting consumer data, proved one of the world’s most profitable, contains entry level software engineers that make a couple hundred grand on average per month. To build, the vast amount of data the companies have on the public and individuals proves astounding. Just one person can provide a huge sum of money with their information, and the public’s collective data imprint goes into effect for influence on a mass scale. With the kind of power companies have over the population, the danger of so much data lying in the hands of select entities remains more present than ever. What matters if they get at odds with say, the US, EU, or China?

In a 2020 survey by the Pew Research Center, over half of Americans said that more essential action needs to take place to regulate the big technology companies in this regard. And no, party politics have no relation to this. While social media and similar industries prove in no way inherently bad, their applications need careful consideration.

“You become the product, not what you look at.”

An Emotional Season

Mental health and Depression In The Fall Season Thomas Daugherty & Brooke Bousely Staff Writers

Indestructible Influence The Media Results In an Indestructible Influence For All Aspects of Brooke Bousley Staff Writer Human Life and Culture Ever since the beginning of time, the media has held a significant influence on our culture, and humanity as a whole. By definition, an opinion is a view or judgment formed about something, however it is not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. As observed throughout the history of human activity and behavior, our judgement can be easily swayed or influenced. Since media is such a colossal aspect of our everyday lives, it has a significant impact on our beliefs and feelings about issues, things, or even people. Media is a powerful tool that can have both a positive and negative impact on our culture and people as individuals.

At it’s best, the media can have a positive impact that can truly change the world for the better. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey struck the Houston area with devastating force, causing $125 billion dollars in damages displacing hundreds of thousands of Texas residents. The media had consistent coverage of the fundraising efforts of J.J. Watt, a star member of the Houston Texans football team, which ultimately led to the collection of $37 million dollars in relief donations which helped rebuild more than 1,183 homes. The strong focus of the media behind fundraising efforts to support the victims of Hurricane Harvey provided billions of dollars in relief funds to help the city of Houston, and it’s citizens, to recover from this disaster.

Media comes in many different forms in today’s world ranging from television and movies to the ever-changing world of social media. Across the different media platforms, we have seen the evolution of a more inclusive ecosystem where people of different racial groups, sexual orientations,

gender identities, demographic groups, religious backgrounds, and individuals who “march to the beat of their own drum” are provided with platforms where their voices can be heard. Even children’s shows that have tended to be very conservative in nature will now feature characters that are diverse in many ways which demonstrates how people with widely different beliefs and backgrounds can come together to create a better world for all.

While the media can have a very positive impact on the world, there is a dark side to media that can lead to division and anger among different groups of people in society.

With the growth of social media, there is a trend toward cyberbullying where individuals can use hurtful comments that can have a very negative impact on another person’s self-image and mental health. It is very easy for someone to anonymously attack another person on social media as there is no real risk of disciplinary action or blowback from their negative comments. Social media provides an outlet for cowardly people to attack others in real-time, which leads to a damaging effect on young people across the globe.

As technology continues to advance, the forms of media will simultaneously continue to evolve, which will, inevitably, have both a positive and negative impact on our daily lives. We, as individuals, will need to rely more heavily on our own internal moral compasses to determine how we will allow the different forms of media to influence us. In kindergarten, we all learned to “treat others as you want to be treated” and that still sounds like a pretty good way for us to decide how best to respond to media influences.

It’s that time of year again, where the world seems to put on a mask of joyful celebrations and love, and people fall in and out of love! Seasonal Depression runs high, and love tends to fall short or fly high. That’s right, it’s Holiday season again.

Every year I find myself falling into some sort of a comatose, seeing so many people in happy relationships doing all those seasonal things together.

The trail of lights, getting coffee, just existing as a couple; it all gets put on blast during these few months leading up to the new year. And, while I’d love to take part, it isn’t just that easy. Don’t get me wrong, seeing people happy and in love makes me happy.. To an extent. It becomes bittersweet when you find yourself on the couch watching hallmark movies alone, knowing that you would be out doing something more fun if the season favored you that year. The holiday season is meant to be fun, and it is, trust me I always find myself staying busy throughout all of December, but there has always been something missing from it that I can’t but only pin it to being in a relationship. Throw seasonal depression into the mix and you’ve got a spell for disaster.

Now, this isn’t just something you have to sit through. I find myself spending the month with friends and family, which warms me a bit, and just talking to close friends about my true feelings of the season. I always find that I’m just another pool of emotions, that everyone else on earth sits in throughout the season, and quite frankly there might be some joy in that itself. It always comes down to one sentiment in situations like these, you’re never in it alone, and you can talk to people about how you feel, and that really is the only remedy. Unless you’re a witch! Just remember to keep your loved ones close, and just enjoy the weather, it’s nice out for once, y’all!

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The Paw Print December 2021

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Features

Freshmen Retreat

Julia Carter Photographer

The freshman retreat is a day where everyone in the freshman class spends the day on campus playing games and rotating through stations in their designated groups. It serves to help the freshman get to know each other after spending middle school separated into dripping springs middle school and sycamore springs middle school. They played games like duck duck goose, ninja, ships and sailors, as well as educational videos about safe driving.

Community Collaborations

Sophia Portillo Co-Editor In Chief Freshman play the game Ninja at the freshman retreat on the football field.

Freshman playing ships and sailors.

A Performance That Puts Shakespeare To Shame

Rebekah Johnson Staff Writer

The Meraki team hosts their first Open Mic Night Imagine a world where others embrace your individualism. Imagine a world where your words flow from your mouth like a beautiful symphony. Imagine a world where acceptance and love overpowers any other emotion. You have envisioned the student-led event, Open Mic Night. The legendary occasion celebrated its opening act for the 2021-2022 school year on October 14.

The creation of strong bonds appeared between students when performing pieces they put “blood, sweat, and tears into,” senior Michelle Miyamoto said. Fear does not exist when students go up to perform for the first time or the tenth time because they know the safety the stage provides. Open mic Night serves as a way for students to “get into the Creative Writing program,” senior Bryce Dye who discovered the program this way said. Similar to many other departments in the school such as band or theater, the creative writing family bonds over their uniqueness and uses it to further themselves in the world. Each additional student the department gets, ideas expand on the new personalities, resulting in a distinct impact on that year’s Meraki literary magazine and Open Mic Nights. The present Meraki team follows this legacy. Future Open Mic Nights allow for an “outlook into what the upcoming Meraki… is [going] to look like,” senior Kyra Levi describes. Open Mic Night shines a big and beautiful light on all those who attend and perform, and it all ends with a “thank you, and goodnight!”

Use the QR code to sign up to preform or attend Open Mic Night on Dec. 2, 5:30-7:30 pm in the DSHS Library

New Club Emerges

A tired, detached community feared collective effort. A pandemic broke the ties of compassion, trust, and kindness of each of the residents. Students searched all around, waited, and hoped for their next opportunity to volunteer again. Despite everything, one student became determined to turn around the isolation of the community.

“I was having a hard time finding volunteer opportunities,” freshman Caitlyn Dorsey said. “I wanted to be able to provide them for not just myself but others too.”

Though Dripping Springs has made its mark on the community by the vast number of activities and events that it hosts, there has been a clear lack of available volunteer opportunities. Especially since the height of COVID-19, service opportunities prove difficult to find. However, Dorsey proved a solution to making volunteer and service opportunities more accessible- she founded the Community Service Club.

“Our goal is to collect over two hundred socks and put a smile on

the kids’ faces,” Dorsey said.

The club had orchestrated a sock drive for an organization called Triumphant Warriors, which helps children with cancer. The event proved chaotic, yet rewarding.

While in the middle of pitching tents and passing out supplies, members of the club found joy in contributing to something greater than themselves. The club is on an upward trajectory, with new events and fundraisers organized every term with several accomplished many feats. Their next success even supplied human and material resources for a six-hour bike riding event to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Community Service Club now thrives in achieving its goal of providing community service opportunities to every student at Dripping Springs. Meetings are every other Thursday in room B208 after school.

“We are always open to new people joining to improve our community and snacks are always available!” Dorsey said.

HOSA Halloween Showdown

Ella Revill Photographer

David Hernadez and Amelia Medina, dressed as police officers at the HOSA Opening Ceremony.

Anonymous Ghost at HOSA Ceremony watches the competitions.

Teresa Brod, Junior poses for a photo dressed as a fairy for the HOSA Opening ceremony.

Contact Us

General Questions: dshsstudentmedia@dsisdconnect.com 512-858-3243

Advertising Inquiries: dshsadvertising@gmail.com

December 2021 Volume IV Issue I

The Paw Print

Circulation: 500

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 my_dshs_news

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

Meet the Staff Co-Editor in Chief

Sophia Portillo Co-Editor in Chief Tia Davison Features Editor Sports Editor Gabby Plasencia Mallory Neff

Online Editor Dominc Bruini News Editor Tia Davison Creative Editor Sierra Trbovich

Entertainment Editor Reagan Otten Opinion Editor Alec Stuart Social Media Editor Gabi Molinar

Staff Writers Brooklyn Hagblom, Jakob Becker. Brooke Bousley, Rebekah Johnson, Hannah Caddell, Thomas Daugherty, Harley Hunt, Kailey Nutt, and Lydia Bradley.

Advisor Emily Purvis 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.

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The Paw Print December 2021

Creative

Meet Madison Dunham Sophomore Dunham talks everything Ballet

Inspired by her sister’s dance classes, Madison Dunham developed a love for dancing when she was 3.

An observer would say that Dunham dances in a strong, confident, graceful, and controlled manner as she glides across the stage. She plans to continue her journey with dance throughout her life.

Q A

Why do you like this style of dance?

I love classical ballet because of how beautiful it is and effortless it seems. It’s also intellectually, physically, and artistically challenging. Training in classical ballet requires the dancer to understand the use of the muscle, the alignment of the bones as well as understanding the connection between the mind and body. Additionally a dancer must learn to dance in time with the music, knowing where each part of their body is in space, often in relation to other dancers, while making the movements seem effortless and entertaining. I really enjoy becoming different types of characters and exploring how they move, their expressions and how they relate to the story line.

Q A

Q A

Q A Q A

Interview by: Brooklyn Hagblom Photos by: Ariela Barron, Brooklyn Hagblom, Will Taylor

Q A

Have you ever choreographed your own dances? Can you talk about the process?

Yes, I have been choreographing since I was 10 years old. My first piece was a classical original piece of choreography that was a solo I performed in our annual show “Art in Motion.” I’ve choreographed ballet, contemporary, modern, and jazz pieces, both solos and ensembles. And present these annually in our school performances.

My process involves starting with looking for music that inspires me. Then I consider who I am choreographing on. Next I decide what style of movement best suits my music and ideas. After that I improve to figure out what steps or types of movement I want to incorporate. Finally I set the movement, and figure out formations.

Where is your favorite place to dance/ where do you feel most creative?

I enjoy dancing on any stage or wherever I can find enough space.

In addition to our school productions I enjoy performing at Youth America Grand Prix and Universal Ballet Competition. I usually feel most creative or most inspired to create after watching other artists perform.

Who inspires you?

There are many inspiring dancers that I enjoy watching, such as Skyler Brandt, Catherine Hurlin, Stephen McRae, and Roberto Bolle. However I’ve also enjoyed learning from many different teachers and meeting other dancers from all over the world.

Q A

Do you have a favorite performance?

I’ve enjoyed many roles, but a few of my favorites are; dancing Mythra, the queen of the Willis, in Giselle, Dulcina, the ditzy stepsister, in Cinderella, and the comedic role of “Grandpa” in the Nutcracker. This year I am looking forward to performing the role of Sugarplum in ONE Academy of Dance’s annual production of “The Nutcracker.” We will be performing at St. Michael’s Catholic Academy on December 20th. I will also have several pieces of choreography and direction presented in this performance.

What are some challenges that come with ballet?

There are many challenges such as; wear and tear on the body, demanding hours of training, rehearsals, physical therapy, and conditioning/ cross training. Additionally training as a pre-professional ballerina is expensive. Aside from the cost of tuition for classes, summer intensives (7-8 weeks of the summer), physical therapy, leotards and tights, pointe shoes cost around $100 per pair. I usually have about 2-3 pair of pointe shoes at once and they usually don’t last more than 1.5-2 weeks.

Do you have any honorable mentions from dance?

I received the Artistry award from the Southwest Cecchetti Council of America in 2016 and in 2019 I received a full scholarship to the Cecchetti Council of America’s Summer Program. I have also been invited to professional company programs such as Colorado Ballet, Ballet West, Pennsylvania Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theater.

Chrisłmas Match Game The first person correctly matching the actors and their movies wins..

1. Christmas Vacation

A. Keira Knightley

2. Trading Places

B. James Stewart

3. Elf

C. Mara Wilson

4. The Polar Express

D. Tim Allen

5. The Muppet Christmas Carol

E. Bruce Willis

6. Bad Santa

F. Kate Winslet

7. Home Alone

G. Danny Elfman

8. Jingle All The Way

H. Jim Carrey

9. The Holiday

I. Will Ferrell

10. It’s A Wonderful Life

J. Tom Hanks

11. Meet Me In St. Louis

K. Beverly D’Angelo

12. How The Grinch Stole Christmas

L. Eddie Murphy

13. The Santa Clause

M. Nicholas Cage

14. Scrooged

N. Michael Caine

15. Miracle on 34th Street

O. Judy Garland

16. Die Hard

P. Peter Billingsley

17. The Nightmare Before Christmas

Q. Billy Bob Thornton

18. A Christmas Story

R. Arnold Schwarzenegger

19. Love Actually

S. Macaulay Culkin

20. The Family Man

T. Bill Murray

Reading Nook

Stay warm and cozy with a nice romance ~The Rules of Magic-by Alice Hoffman ~It Ends With Us-by Colleen Hoover ~My Policeman-by Bethan Roberts ~Dear Emmie Blue-by Lia Louis ~The Unhoneymooners-Christina Lauren ~The Fault in our Stars-John Green ~Love,Rosie-by Cecelia Ahern Books recommended by students Clipart from Pixabay

The Paw Print December 2021

7

Sports

Player Spotlight: Cade Brunson

Mallory Neff Sports Editor

Junior Cade Brunson is a Varsity basketball player and has been playing since he was five. He has grown to become one of the most hardworking and talented athletes on the team and he is always trying to improve.

Why do you play basketball?

“I play basketball because it’s something that I grew up around and something that I love to do. My dad played college basketball so he started off my love for the game.”

What is the hardest part?

“The hardest part is definitely working on new skills, especially when it’s so difficult to do; you start to get down on yourself. You’ve just gotta realize that with the right mindset you can basically master any move or shot or really anything you put your mind to.”

What are your favorite memories?

“Some of my favorite memories...Getting coached by my dad in 5th grade YMCA basketball. Seeing my name on the 7th grade A-team sheet. Summer tournaments in Duncanville with my friends on our travel team.”

What keeps you going?

brings you.”

What is your favorite part about basketball?

My favorite part about basketball is that no matter where you go, there’s usually always a basketball hoop somewhere nearby.

What are your goals for the season?

“A lot of people are looking at our team losing 9 seniors and don’t believe we’re gonna be successful. I want us to prove all those people wrong. As a team it’s definitely a goal to make a playoff run, but we’ve just got to take it game by game and get W’s. We’re also working extremely hard to be the best Defensive, hardest working, grittiest team in our district.”

How much have you improved mentally and physically since you started playing?

“I was never a standout at basketball until after the summer of my 8th grade year. I worked super hard that summer and also had a coach that pushed us extremely hard so my mental aspect improved tremendously as well. I’ve still got a lot of room for improvement but I still intend to keep working hard.”

“I was out for a little while with a back injury this preseason.

And what kept me going was encouragement from teammates, coaches, and friends. It’s hard to be able to look forward sometimes when something goes wrong but you just have to remember the joy that the game of basketball Junior Cade Brunson jumping to dunk the ball.

Photo from: Cade Brunson

Junior Cade Brunson dribbling on the offensive end during a game, and looking for an open pass or a shot. Photo from: Cade Brunson

Preparation Starts with Commitment

Jakob Becker Staff Writer

Working Out Alongside the Football Team Upon entering the field house, a wave of intensity and energy overcame me. It was at this point that I realized I was now in the weight room with about 50 sweaty football players, each with the intent to get stronger. Football is a sport just like any other when it comes to athleticism. An athlete who works out in the gym regularly may not realize how similar their workouts are when compared to our Tiger Football Team. I had the opportunity to interview Galen Zimmerman; the athletics director and Tiger Football head coach. He has coached for 25 years and had much to say about conditioning and strength training.

When asked how a person like myself (5’7’’ 117 Ibs) might want to workout like a football player or train to become a football player, Zimmerman explained that it takes a lot more than just working out, “Football is a collision sport and it’s a start-stop sport” involving a lot of leg strength and coordination to be able to stop abruptly and move with efficiency.”

This emphasizes how much of football is reliant on the ability to accelerate from a low position. For me, movement would be largely dependent on my ability to get around someone who’s bigger than me. Because there are so many different positions in football, performance depends on one’s physical capability and build.

For example, someone like myself would play a position that requires speed and coordination as opposed to a position that requires brute strength such as a lineman. You must also be able to handle a ten game season with a 16-20 week lifting program where they are working up to at least 90% of what their max was during the summer.

Football is a collision sport, and coaches have to be able to manage players’ safety.

Zimmerman says, “a lot of programs don’t maintain during the season, but we like to get stronger.” Our team is getting stronger in the weight room while other teams are not.

Football is like any other sport in the weight room in terms of building muscle and getting stronger, while other aspects, like specific training and the game remain different.

During the in-season most sports would have harder practices or workouts, but as I’ve observed, not to the extent that football does.

Football takes commitment, drive, and consistency. When asked about this, Zimmerman says that “you can’t just randomly go in and workout,” there’s gotta be a system.

You have to have your mindset on your goals and get better in a certain area. In terms of differences when compared to other sports, Zimmerman used the analogy that baseball players do a lot of resistance band work to build up their shoulders and gain the necessary flexibility. Football players workout their shoulders with the intent to bulk up and gain strength.

In the weightroom they go through a variety of exercises that have a shortened

Sports By Season

Fall, Winter, and Spring

Mallory Neff Sports Editor

As the year goes on, sports go in and out of season with many people not noticing. It is important to know when sports will start and end, so you can make sure to get a seat at one of their games before it’s over. Most sports are categorized, and played in the seasons, but some go year-round, like cheerleading and gymnastics.

Fall Football Volleyball Tennis Golf

Winter Basketball Soccer Wrestling

Spring Baseball Golf Lacrosse Softball Swimming Tennis Track and Field

amount of reps with an increase in weight, to focus on getting stronger. This is mainly because the in-season practices are already physically pushing players to their limits.

With the extensive winning streak they acquired this season, we have already seen the benefits that stem from in-season strength training. Challenging your body is so important, and working hard will allow you to go further, and see more success, as demonstrated by our Varsity Football Team.

“Football is a collision sport and it’s a start-stop sport involving a lot of leg strength and coordination to be able to stop abruptly and move with efficiency.”

Sophomore Nate Tyo, doing front-squats in the weight room on 11-11-21. Photo by: Jakob Becker

December Calendar

Mallory Neff Sports Editor

12/1 - Wrestling (A & G) vs. Lake Travis & SA Madison @ DSHS 12/2-4 - Girls Basketball (V) Georgetown Tourney 12/3 - Boys Basketball @ Hays 12/3 - Wrestling (JV) Rough Rider JV Tourney @ SA Roosevelt 12/4 - Wrestling (B) Rough Rider JV Tourney @ SA Roosevelt 12/3-4 - Swimming South Zone TISCA @ Josh Davis Nat SA, TX 12/3-4 - Wrestling (A & G) Maverick Stampede Tourney @ Morton Ranch 12/7 - Boys Basketball (9th, JV, V)@ Champion 12/7 - Girls Basketball vs. Canyon @ DSHS 12/9 - Wrestling (A & G) vs. Smithsonian Valley & Akins @ DSHS 12/9-11 - Boys Basketball (V) Pride of Texas Tourney @Tuloso-Midway HS 12/10 - Girls Basketball vs. Champion @ DSHS 12/10-11 - Swimming @ Georgetown Invite Prelims/Finals 12/10 - Wrestling (JV) Iron Tiger JV Tourney @ DSMS 12/11 - Wrestling (A, B, G) Iron Tiger Tourney @ DSHS 12/17 - Boys Basketball vs. Alamo Heights @ DSHS 12/17 - Girls Basketball @ Alamo Heights 12/17 - Swimming vs. Johnson @ Camp Moody 12/17-18 - Wrestling (V & G) Bring the Hammer Tourney @ Cabot, AR 12/21 - Boys Basketball @ Veterans Memorial 12/21 - Girls Basketball vs. Veterans Memorial @ DSHS 12/27-29 - Girls Basketball (V) Hays Tourney 12/31 - Boys Basketball (9th, JV, V) vs. Lehman @ DSHS 12/31 - Girls Basketball @ Lehman Note: Sports schedules are subject to change.

The Paw Print December 2021

8

Sports Gallery

mydshs.com

Sports

Sophomore Grace Richardson defends the ball during the girls lacrosse Texas Best Tournament on 11/13/21.

Photo by: Aaron Richardson

Basketball, Girl’s Lacrosse, Wrestling

Junior Harper Peterson runs the ball down the field, looking for a pass at the girls lacrosse Texas Best Tournament on 11/13/21.

Photo by: Aaron Richardson

Junior Jordan Cox looking to shoot during the Freshman Boys vs. Varsity Girls Basketball game on 11/2/21.

Photo by: Bea Furlow

Sophomore Deacon Ivey before the JV football game.

Photo by: David Jensen

Freshman Walter Bristol, and senior Evan Hicks practice their technique on 11/9/21.

Photo by: Brooklyn Sparks

The wrestling team getting ready for practice in the wrestling room on 11/9/21.

Photo by: Chase Bell

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Proud to support Dripping Springs HS Junior Makynna Hubbard looking for a pass at the Freshman Boys vs. Varsity Girls Basketball game on 11/2/21.

Photo by: Bea Furlow

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DSHS NEWS

Expires Expires: 12/31/21 1/31/22

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