MAY / 2019
the
paw print
MY DSHS STUDENT MEDIA - DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX - VOLUME 1 - ISSUE 7
Leaving your mark Photos by Camryn Horst
“Paw Print” letters from your editors
Giselle Galletti
As many of y’all know, I’m actually a transfer student, my house is zoned for James Bowie High School in Austin but my parents felt that Dripping Springs would be a better fit and a superior education. To be completely honest, there have been many times during the past four years when, in the moment, I had wished I had chosen to go to Bowie instead. But when looking back over all of it now, I don’t feel that same way. It’s been a rollercoaster for sure, and of course, I could look back on it and ask “what if” but there’s no point in that. I am so incredibly thankful for the people I’ve met and the opportunities that have been made available to me through both this high school and its community. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Dripping Springs is an incredibly rigorous and competitive school and a lot of times that has meant me sacrificing just about everything else to maintain the GPA and class rank that I wanted, something I know a lot of us have had to do. But thankfully, I’ve had numerous teachers that have been willing to work with me the best that they can. I couldn’t have made it through the past month with this stupid concussion, much less the last four years without any of them. Honorable mentions: Ms. Stamp, thank you for willingly trusting me with more responsibility than I think anyone ever should and for being a safe place to go to no matter what the issue was. Mr. Lemonds, thank you for being the brightest part of my day, whether it’s through self-deprecating humor, poorly timed jokes, or weird ways of showing that you’re proud of me, and for putting up with my complete lack of a filter. Mrs. Tiller, thank you for always having an open door, and for telling it like it is. Mrs. Watts, you are a joy to be around and will always hold a place in my heart, regardless of how many really gross fish related items you’ve made me clean. Coach Wahlers, we’re not exactly best friends or anything, but you’re the single most patient person I’ve ever met and I’d like to thank you for that. I’d also like to thank Ms. Van Every because that lovely lady knows absolutely everything about everyone, and still makes you feel like the most important person in the world when you talk to her (my mom would like to add that she loves you). As far as friends go, I am beyond grateful for the ones who have stuck around through me being a complete B word for the first three years of high school and even still now sometimes. There are no words to express how much love I have in my heart for y’all, and how thankful I am for all the hugs, laughs, tears, and memories. And to the rest of the senior class/ school, sorry for putting y’all through that, hope we’re cool, or not, it’s okay either way. But yeah, I am very happy with where I have ended up at the end of this whole four-year deal. College is going to be a blast hopefully, go Coogs, and I feel at least a little prepared for what lies ahead because of the people I am lucky enough to call my friends and family. It’s been really cool getting to watch the rest of the senior class figure out who they are as people and where they stand in the world, and the few instances where I got to be a part of that process have been even cooler. Thank you for welcoming me into this school/community, for reading this paper, and for helping me start to figure out who I am. I have a lot of faith in the idea that we’re all going to end up exactly where we’re supposed to be. Bye, have fun! Giselle Galletti
TWITTER @MYDSHSNEWS
Photo by Cady Russell
Cover design by Camryn
Horst
Camryn Horst
As senior year is coming to an end, my feelings towards leaving a legacy are changing. I’m realizing how impactful my four years here at Dripping have been, although I know most seniors won’t admit this. I’ve learned the value of education, the importance of appreciation, and also valued the relationships I’ve built with my outstanding teachers. Through the senior events and portfolio practices, my classes coming to a close, and my search for apartment decor and college roommates, I hope that I never forget the memories that have surrounded this place. My hope is that students younger than me can read this and be reminded to cherish this time, as it truly has flown by. Make the most of it. Embrace change. To the teachers who have supported me and inspired me, thank you. In the process of picking my major, my teachers played a crucial part. As someone going into the education field, it has been amazing to witness the passion present in this school. To Mrs. Shepherd, thank you for always listening to me when I needed it, and for never failing to be there for me. Through freshman biology to being your student aide, watching you do what you love is incredible. To Mrs. Vannoy, thank you for making one of the most difficult classes I’ve ever taken enjoyable. To Ms. Casanova, thank you for always making me laugh, for increasing my love for writing, and for being a friend. To Ms. Stamp, thank you for everything, and for allowing me this opportunity to voice my opinions, be a leader, learn more about writing, business, marketing, design, and more. Thank you for trusting us with the paper and this role. To Mr. Bixby, thank you for making me laugh, for teaching something I truly am interested in, and for sharing your love for cats with us. To Mrs. Whitacre, thank you for being so joyous, always, and for having our best interests in mind. Lastly, to Ms. Worm, who encouraged me, believed in me, and has taught me so much more than just what I learned in class. Thank you for pushing me to be my best writer and person, for always making me leave your class happier than when I entered it, and for checking in on me when I wouldn’t expect it. To my other teachers, thank you all. I have loved every teacher I’ve had at Dripping, because each one has been unique, strong, quirky, and encouraging. To my friends that have been by my side, thank you, as well. These four years have been filled with so much laughter, tears of happiness and stress, amazing memories, and friendships that I hope will stay with me forever. While we are all going our seperate ways, I hope all of you cherish the memories made here as much as I do. To all of the community of Dripping Springs, I have truly enjoyed growing up here. When I moved to Dripping, I was nervous and hesitant, but the people and ambiance of our little town is something special. To the school, thank you for pushing us to work for our education. While there are times I pulled all-nighters to study for an exam, or worked hours on end on an essay, I truly believe that this was all to prepare us for this next chapter of our lives, which I hope none of us take for granted. As I was able to travel to Kenya this past summer, I truly gained an appreciation for education, and have found my passion. Senior portfolio has been an amazing opportunity for me to realize that every step I’ve taken and every obstacle I’ve faced has led me here, about to graduate and make my mark on the world. To the staff and writers that have made this paper possible, you all are incredible. To my fellow seniors, let’s do this! Don’t forget though, that your “paw print” will always be here. So much love, Camryn Horst, the girl who loves pink
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my dshs student media - dripping springs, tx - volume 1 - issue 7
MAY, 2019 THEPAWPRINT
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NEWS
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Winter Guard Brings Home
Bronze Jade Berry News Editor
Following their first place success in State competitions, on Wednesday April 3 the DSHS color guard boarded a plane headed to Ohio to compete in the 2019 Color Guard World Championships. The group performed in Scholastic Open Class prelims and semifinals on April 4 and 5 respectively before they were placed in the third place position as they headed into their finals performance. “Before getting on the floor [for finals] I was already almost crying because of Mr. Duffy’s pep talk and then they were like ‘Dripping Springs in World Finals’ and I was like woah,” said senior and lieutenant Mary Smith. “I was pretty much crying before and after and during. There was a lot of crying.” After their finals performance all of the Open Class color guards gathered for retreat where the Dripping Springs Varsity guard was announced in third place out fifty competitors with a score of 96.1. “This was my first year on Varsity and only my
Above The Varsity receives third place trophy at World Championships in the University of Dayton Arena.
second year in guard, so I honestly didn’t have much to compare results to or know what to expect, but looking back on how the DSHS guard has done in the past I wasn’t expecting to get above fifth place,” said sophomore member Vivien Tooke. “However, after living through this season and seeing how much work we put into this show it absolutely made sense that we medaled, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.” This is the second time that a Dripping Springs guard has been to World Championships, with the first time being in 2016 when the group was in Scholastic A class. “I was excited but also really nervous because I knew that Dayton was a big deal, and I kind of felt the pressure of wanting to do a great job there and make it a memorable performance for everyone,” said senior and captain Mckayla Cothern. “It was just a lot of self-induced pressure to do a good job, but I was really excited because I didn’t think we would get the opportunity to go to Dayton… and then we did.”
On March 26 and 27, nearly 1,000 kids set off to do community service throughout surrounding areas in the first ever school-wide Service Day. “Principle Burns was the initial person who came up with the idea, and then I’m a part of the Student Advisor Committee,” sophomore Bella Rodriguez said. “He brought it to that committee and told us about it and then I kind of took off with the idea with the other two students, Ali McFadden and Maverick Walker.” Although this was a large event, only juniors and seniors were participating in the volunteering this year. “Next year our plans are to make it school wide, [however] we’re still a little bit iffy on if we want to include freshman or not,” Rodriguez said. “It’s just, you know, they’re coming from two different middle schools. But definitely including sophomores is a for sure next year.” A few examples of the places students volunteered at are Red Arena, Dripping Springs Ranch Park, and Westcave Preserve. “Our class went to and painted a house off of Creek Road and some of the kids in our class got to build a fence which they were super excited about,” junior Kiara Bobb said. “My job was to basically just hold the ladder, which is fine.” The planning of Service Day took a long time to put together and come up with all the logistics to minimize any incidents that might have happened. “There is a lot of different parts to making Service Day happen. We had to do t-shirts for everyone, coordinate Chick-fil-a lunch, and coordinating all the places, and then raising money to get all these things,” Rodriguez said. “Also transportation and logistics of what class period people should get out of and how we should group kids, so it had like five main components to it.”
Their show was entitled Wonderland and followed along the major themes of looking for things in the past that have long past and changed, though each of the performers were encouraged to find their own story in the music and connect with that. “This show was a whirlwind of heartbreak and love and loss and trust that really taught me that you have to dig deep into yourself to find the part of you that can not only perform the show, but really feel it as well,” Tooke said. “All in all this show was truly magic and will always hold a dear spot in my heart.”
Helping Hands Cady Russell
As Service Day got closer to happening, several students Staff Writer held a lot of anticipation as they were unsure how it would play out. “I thought we were actually going to go around, I felt like Service day was more like those people on the highways picking up trash,” junior Mariana Ramirez said. “I didn’t think it was going to be like actually picking up weeds and painting and all of that.” Service Day managed to go on without any incidents that would have made the day’s reputation go down the drain. “My expectations were high of it just because we had so much support, but at the same time I was ready for something to happen just being logistic.” Rodriguez said. Junior Andrew Spiegel also went around during Service Day to film a video to promote the event next year with Rodriguez, McFadden, and Walker. “Talking to the kids as we were going to different sites, we talked to the people who were overseeing the sites, and then talking to some of the students, I definitely think we achieved that goal, they were very happy.” Rodriguez said. The main goal of Service Day was to get students out in the community and foster a love for volunteering if they didn’t have a love for it already. “It was really nice to be able to go and do something that was really meaningful,” Bobb said. “That was something that these people really needed, that had a lasting impact.”
The Drive to Donate On April 2, the National Honor Society (NHS) hosted the Spring Blood Drive in the A gym in order to create a place with easy accessibility for people to donate blood. “The blood drive is very important because not only does it bring community awareness within the school but it is a wonderful opportunity to give back to people who need assistance,” senior Katie Bender, NHS vice president said. The blood drive is open to students as well as people of the community. “I want them to know that they’re safe to give blood and that how much of a difference they’re making. I know people who have needed liver transplants and it’s important to have blood for that,” senior Elizabeth Driggers, NHS treasurer said. Students have to be at least 16 years old to donate blood. However, 16 year old students must have parental permission in order to donate. “I donated blood a couple years ago. I was actually getting some tests done and then I chose to donate as well. It was kinda like a convenience thing but also I was like ‘Oh I can help someone else,’” Driggers said. Not everyone can donate blood, because you must be in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds in order for safe blood donation. “I think what’s important is being able to give to someone that you have no idea who it’s going to,” Driggers said, “This is one of those things, I mean it’s a really selfless project, you don’t get a lot out of it, maybe a couple of snacks.” NHS does not collect the blood, but they are in charge of making sure people know about the drive. “NHS is responsible for doing all the advertisement for the blood drive as well as the coordination, and then
Cady Russell
the set, helping with the set up, Staff Writer and then continuing helping with attendance and the logistic side of it,” Bender said. According to the American Red Cross, nearly 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day. “So many people are in need and there’s no reason not to,” senior Sofia Martinez said. Martinez is one of the students who donated blood. The NHS Blood Drive operates once in the fall and once in the spring and has been going on for seven years. “I feel that in the future the blood drive could definitely grow as we see the student population as well as Dripping Springs as a whole continue to get larger, and hopefully we can make it into a much bigger effort with more volunteers and more people giving,” Bender said. The Red Cross states that one donation can save up to three lives. “I hope that people are able to be more aware of the drive and be able to experience the impact that it has on their own,” Driggers said. “Seeing someone or knowing someone that needs blood and that inspiring them to give blood, or just seeing how how much blood we collect and be able to contribute to that as well.” The blood drive usually lasts most of the school day. However, blood donation centers are always open and looking for new donations. “The best thing about the drive is that it allows students to get involved with things that are greater than themselves,” Bender said.
House it Going? Evelyn Peterson Staff Writer
The real estate business class recently took a field trip to visit open houses around town, and the class took this opportunity to show the students the world of real estate agents. “We went to a bunch of different house listings,” senior David Silva said. “We got to see all the different and neatly put together houses while being surrounded by a bunch of different brokers.” This trip was no walk in the park for the real estate students; they still had educated conversations on the real-estate topics and what it takes to become apart of that world. “We got to talk to all the real-estate agents and learn a little more about being apart of the realestate world,” he said. The real estate industry has a lot of benefits, such as it provides a sufficient salary as well as the option to have a flexible schedule. “There is a lot of money in the real-estate industry,” said Silva. This job is not all fun and games however; being able to see all the houses and talking your way into selling them all depend on the person. “It usually takes about a year to get your real estate license, but it really depends on how fast you go and how hard you work on it,” said Silva. The real-estate agency is a job that anyone at the age of 18 and older can get, however getting the license outside of school can be expensive and harder to do. “Being able to get my real-estate license this early and at a much more affordable price is just really awesome, it really helps me out,” Bobby Holt said.
MAY, 2019 THEPAWPRINT
LIFESTYLE & ARTS
Spiegel’s Little Corner Andrew Spiegel Staff Writer
What YOU Need to Know for “Endgame”
Questionably the most anticipated film of the year, “Avengers: Endgame”, is here. The final Avengers film to cap off the truly iconic series has arrived and both the new and old fan bases are ecstatic. With all the anticipation and hype around this film, chances are you are going to see it or have already. The Marvel universe has a lot of twists and turns and can be confusing, so here it is, everything you need to know and what you should expect before you see “Avengers: Endgame”. Let’s see, where do we begin? Previously in “Avengers: Infinity War” almost half of the superhero team was turned to dust by the infamous “Thanos snap”. Now, with only a few Avengers remaining this film is expected to entail the vengeance story of the remaining. The film won’t kick off with the action packed scenes we’ve seen before, but instead is rumored to start with the post apocalyptic wasteland the world has become post-Thanos snap. The film will likely start with our living heros adjusting to the new age Earth and hopefully we will see how the heck Tony Stark will get back to Earth. Viewers hope to see the beloved, fallen Avengers to be revived in the new film. There is no telling how, if at all, the Avengers will bring back the lost soldiers of the previous team. Now, let’s talk about what we know for a fact. The official trailer released and we got only a few
hints. But, we did get something. We know that Tony Stark is in fact still alive on the last planet we saw him on. We also know that Captain America will likely take the place of the leader of the team with the absence of Tony Stark. We also see a few fresh faces in the trailer. The much anticipated return of Hawkeye was revealed, but more importantly, the trailer revealed that we are finally going to officially add Capitan Marvel to the Avengers extensive roster. Another clue we got from the trailer is that the Avenger team is fully equipped with new, matching uniforms (or costumes if you prefer). With the trailer revealing the new uniforms we can infer that we are going to see a lot of new gadgets and technology in this film. Now, I’m not sure if you heard but if you plan on seeing Endgame it is suggested that you take the day off work. With a official run time that blows the previous Avengers films out of the water, “Endgame” pulls in at three hours and one minute. Because the Avengers’ last film left off on a defeat to the good guys, we can expect to see the same villain and maybe a few other bad guys. All said and done, this Avengers film is shaping up to be a lot more than a cheesy-action-comedy for the whole family. This film is going to be a testament to Marvel forever, and I look forward to watching it with all of you.
The Law of Attraction Giselle Galletti Co-Editor-in-Chief You attract what you put out. I hear a lot of people, myself included, often complaining about the people or the environment around them. What we often forget is that in most cases, our own demeanor is the reason we’re around those people or that environment. There is a whole science behind what is called “The Law of Attraction” which has to do with the power of human thought, specifically in regards to the levels of vibrations we give off. The more positive your thoughts are, the higher your vibrations, and the more negative your thoughts are, the lower your vibrations. The universe then responds to these vibrations, giving you more of whatever frequency you’re putting out. This idea is similar to the religious practice of praying, which is essentially the manifestation of thought. At the end of Pre-AP Physics, the teacher will most likely sit the class down and explain quantum physics, or at least will attempt to. I say attempt because the entire scientific field is based around the idea that things don’t happen unless they are being observed or can change, specifically on the subatomic level, but also on a larger scale. How do you explain something that changes if you look at it? Or simply doesn’t exist? If you are not aware of something, then according to the way quantum physics work, that thing doesn’t exist within your reality. An easy way to explain it is how when you’re reading book and the character is about the die, but suddenly you have to get up and cook dinner, so you close the book and never get around to reading the rest of it. In your reality, the character in that book never died. That’s the same way every single thing in the universe works, or at least that’s what some people believe. How quantum physics ties into “The Law of Attraction” is specifically the act of observation, which shows that the simple act of observing something can create or alter reality, namely your reality. Without getting any deeper in the science side of things, though I would highly encourage doing your own research; no matter what you believe religiously or otherwise, there is the basic known fact that if you’re a grumpy person, you’ll probably end up around other grumpy people, and vice versa. If you’re not trying to better yourself in school or at work, then you’re going to end up with the people and in the situations that directly reflect that. No scientific evidence needed. >>>
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The Rundown on Jordan Peele
With a wrapped TV show, two films, and an Academy Award under his belt, Jordan Peele is absolutely dominating the film and television world right now. He now proudly wears the title of an Oscar Winner and an amazing filmmaker, both of those titles being well deserved. Jordan Peele started as a co-host of his and his friends’ comedy show. His show “Key & Peele” premiered on Comedy Central in late January of 2012. The show quickly became a leader in views for Comedy Central and has a grand total of 5 seasons and ran for 3 years. The show won two Primetime Emmys in its glory days and has stood the test of time on several streaming services such as Hulu. One year after the end of “Key & Peele” Jordan and Keegan-Michael Key (Co-host of “Key & Peele”) stuck together for their first trip to the big screen. Now, in between the close of their show and their first feature film, Key and Peele lent their iconic and unmistakable voices to films too small to mention. They had their sights set on something much higher. “Keanu”, was the duo’s first time writing for a feature film and with it the viewer got a full hour and a half length “Key & Peele” episode. “Keanu” was a box office hit, with 5 million dollars in gross revenue and a 77% on rotten tomatoes. 2017 was the big break out year for Jordan. He kicked off 2017 with a job writing for a very popular Netflix show “Big Mouth”. The show was good for Jordan but once again, he was looking for better things. Jordan took a small break from “Bigmouth” to do his first solo feature. Jordan wrote and directed the smash 2017 film, “Get Out”. The film became one of the best films of the year within opening weekend. Within the film, little traces of the old, funny Jordan could be found. Although he kept the humor in this modern day horror flick elegant and well timed. The film nearly scratched the roof when it hit 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film brought home a little over 176 million dollars in total gross and one big Academy Award. The winning of his first Academy Award (for best original screenplay) was what put Jordan in the eye of the filmmaking community. Jordan kept the 2017 ball rolling when he produced the Oscar winning film, “BlacKkKlansman”. Not being a writer on this film didn’t stop Jordan From being involved. He produced this film, meaning he oversaw all film production for this picture. “BlacKkKlansman” shows that just with the magic touch of Jordan, the Oscars flow in. Now we sit in 2019 with another, amazing Jordan Peele film. His second feature as a writer and director, “Us” was another home run. With this one releasing in March not all the statistics are in yet. But it currently sits with a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. This mystery/thriller is shaping up to keep the Peele legacy alive. With much more on the horizon for Jordan, like his revamp of the television series “The Twilight Zone” and his voice appearance on the new “Toy Story 4” movie, I’m sure we can expect nothing but hits from this man.
<<< If you aren’t thinking about that really awesome job you want someday, the car you want, the grade on that test that you want, or the type of people you want to be around, then how are you going to get any of those things? “The Law of Attraction” can be taken as fake it till you make it. If you want those specific type of people as friends, then you need to be purposefully putting out the same level of vibrations, until it becomes normal. Same goes for getting anything else that you want. You’re not going to get a Ferrari, if you’re still in the mindset, or putting out the vibrations, of a minivan. You’re observing the possibility, desired result, etc., and then changing what you’re putting out into the world, so as to eventually manifest it and alter your reality. Scientifically based or not, you have be aware of what you want, and where you stand in the universe in accordance to that thing. Or you’re never going to get there.
Prom Q & A with Ericka Lopez Q: What kind of dress did you get for prom? A: A long gown, I really love it. I’m so excited to be able to show it off. Q: What do you think of the theme, Great Gatsby? A: It’s not really my thing. But I’m not totally against it. Q: If you could choose the prom theme what would you choose, why? A: Music festival, for sure. I just love that kind of environment it makes me happy. Q: Heels, flats, or boots, why? A: Heels, I gotta love the glamour. Q: Best way of transportation for prom? A: Party bus!! Have a little party before the party. Q: What are you gonna do after prom? A: Honestly the night definitely doesn’t end after prom. I am for sure gonna go party some more with my friends. But not to hard.
Evelyn Peterson Staff Writer
MAY, 2019
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ThePAWPRINT
FEATURES
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Your new PrinciPAL
Mother’s Day: A Mom-mentous Occasion
w/ Angela Gamez Giselle Galletti
Co-Editor-in-Chief
As the 2018-19 school year comes to a close, so does principal’s Burns’s time here at DSHS. Burns has been here since 2012 serving students, teachers, and parents alike. Taking his place will be Assistant Principal Angela Gamez. Starting in the summer, Gamez will take on the role of principal and has already begun discussions to find out what the students need. “I am invested in this community, this is where I’m raising my children, so I have an invested interest in making sure that things that are happening here are good because I want them to be good for my kids,” Gamez said. “This has always kind of been the area that my husband and I wanted to end up in, and then we know Dripping Springs is great school system for our kids to be raised in. I have a six-yearold that goes to Dripping Springs Elementary and a four-year-old that will go there next year.” Having already been a part of the school for the past four years first as an instructional facilitator, and then for the past three years as an assistant principal, Gamez is excited about the change. “I am most excited about having a different relationship with a lot of different students,” Gamez said. “So right now I have my alpha and I’ve gotten to know a lot of students within my alpha, but I think this is an opportunity to get to meet more than that. We always joke that if you’re in here there’s a reason, but yeah it’ll be nice to see people in a different light. My door is always open, and we all always encourage kids to come talk to us about anything, not just when they’re in trouble.” Though a little fearful of not living up to people’s expectations, she has taken the opportunity in stride. “I was a little nervous in the beginning because whenever you have a new opportunity you’re always like ‘Can I do it? Should I do it? Is this the right thing for me? Is it the right thing for my family?’” Gamez said. “I think that family was the biggest issue because of how I’ve seen and we’ve seen with Mr. Burns and how much of a time commitment it is. So I was on the fence but then some people took it upon themselves to say ‘I think you should do this, I think you can do a good job’ so that’s what kind of pushed me over.”
While Gamez has plans for the coming school years, she isn’t Madeline Tredway looking to make Staff Writer aany drastic changes just yet. “I think we What do you plan to do for Mother’s Day? have something “We’re probably going to go out for lunch as a really special family and then go to Zilker Park. She really likes here so making Zilker Park & all the nature and everything.” massive changes isn’t in my plans, What’s the best piece of advice your mother but what is, is gave you? really digging “She always tells me that above all, I need to be deep into what personalized kind. If I can do anything in this world, be kind.” learning is,” Gamez said. How has your mother inspired you to become “It’s something who you are? that the district “My mom is a black female doctor and does talks a lot about, so well in her field. She does so well and I want but what does to succeed like her, so I am hardworking and that look like dedicated, just like her.” for our kids, for y’all here? And also looking at What makes your mom happy? the social needs “Just to see each one of her children doing well. of our students. Succeeding in our respective endeavors. We have a very What makes you proud of your mom?” high achieving, high demanding school that causes a lot of stress, but y’all are also teenagers and y’all should still experience childhood. There’s a balance there to be met. So I think that’s something else we need to look into.” The students have a lot to look forward to as Gamez begins her new role within the school, and one can tell just how passionate she is about the position she’s taken on. “I want to continue to allow y’all to have a voice, and what you want to have a voice in,” Gamez said. “And even more so than now, really let y’all be decision makers for the school and be a part of the important decisions that we make. A lot of times adults make decisions for you, but this is your education, so you should have a say in how the education is being done.”
Junior Hannah Pena Discusses the Upcoming Holiday
How are you and your mother the same & how are you different? “People say my mom and I have the same mannerisms. I’ve also learned how to be hardworking and dedicated from watching her. But she’s a lot more patient than me.” What is your biggest wish for your mom? “I hope my mom continues to succeed in her career like she’s doing now. I just hope she goes onward and upward. And, you know, most of all, I hope she’s happy.” Photo by Madeline Tredway
Book Review A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn Madeline Tredway Staff Writer The picture of Howard Zinn on the back of A People’s History of the United States is, at first glance, one of the ascetic. He’s looking at the camera and smiling subtly, so as to demonstrate an introspective (if self-conscious) air. He is, without doubt, a well-educated and worldly man, who has presumably written a book about the glory of our great United States. He has, upon appearances, written a book that aligns with the dastardly tales of Anglo-American championship our history textbooks spin; one that exists within the realm of comfortable confirmation. This is what welleducated people write about. Yet this is far from the truth. Instead of being crowned with grandeur, the book reveals our nation’s history as a congealed narrative of those lucky enough to be born in the 1% and the violence the rich and powerful are allowed to commit in the sanctity of daylight. This book, elegant in its syntax and ugly in its revelations, makes every one of your history textbooks seem criminally glossed over.
In fact, the criticisms of this book - of which there are many typically come from those who simply choose to deny that the injustices this book describes are real, often dubbing the book as “Zinn’s truth” rather than a true informative account. In reality, Zinn’s truth is the truth of America from the underrepresented viewpoints of the indigenous peoples caught in the antecedent of modern sex trafficking, the women after World War II who were silently ushered back to domestic lives after supporting themselves for months in factories, and the Africans jumping off ships going through the Middle Passage because certain death was a more palatable fate than being enslaved in grand old America. If there is one reason to read this book at some point in your life, it’s that this is the book that caused controversy by providing a viewpoint different than that of the norm.
Photo by Madeline Tredway
Jane Unger Catholic
See You in 40 Days!
Students remark on their yearly experiences with Lent
What did you decide to give up for this Lent? I decided to fast from chips because they’re something I have with my lunch everyday and it’s a conscious decision so I will always be reminded of what I’m giving up. What religious ties do you have with this holiday? Jane: I’m Catholic, I was born and raised.
What have you given up in the past? I have given up chocolate, because I was a child. Technically, you don’t have to fast until you’re fourteen according to the Catholic church, but I started fasting when I was like in fifth grade because my parents forced me to. And another thing, we can’t eat meat on Fridays. How has this been a challenge for you? I really love chips.
Katie Haberman Features Editor
Helena Bjeletich Orthodox Christian
What did you decide to give up for this Lent? In the Orthodox tradition, we fast how Jesus did, with no meat or dairy, and sometimes no wine and fish, but that doesn’t really affect me because I don’t like fish and I don’t drink wine because I’m underage. I’m kind of weak, so I decided that I’m gonna fast from dairy instead of meat and dairy because I am not good. What religious ties do you have with this holiday? I’m Orthodox Christian, I go to a Greek church but technically I was baptized as Serbian Orthodox but it’s all the same thing. What have you given up in the past? Helena: I started fasting in sixth grade, and every Wednesday and Friday, because Wednesday is the day of, like, holy - we don’t actually celebrate Ash Wednesday - but during Holy Week we having something called Holy Wednesday and we have a special sacrament of holy unction which is like holy oil, and it’s kind of like a basket. Then Friday, Holy Friday, is like the day Jesus died, so we fast on Wednesdays and Fridays, and we call it Holy Friday. How has this been a challenge for you? Most of the snacks I eat are like Goldfish and popcorn and ice cream, so I really have to cut down on my snacking.
Photo by Ethan Everman
Photo by Katie Haberman
OPINION MAY, 2019 ThePAWPRINT
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Passionless Artists Pollute Music
What Senior Year Will Teach You
How Thoughtless Singles Dilute Today’s Streaming Services Streaming services like Spotify, Apple
Tessa Stigler Music, and SoundCloud are gaining Opinion Editor plays quicker than ever. In 2018,
streaming services produced an almost 50% rise in streams according to the 2018 Nielsen Music Report. Streaming services are online and on-demand sources for music. Services like Spotify and SoundCloud offer music to be streamed in exchange for ad plays shuffled between songs or memberships. Streaming services are gaining in popularity because of how much quicker and easier it is to post, market, make and listen to music in our online world. However, because of this, streaming services are cluttered with a range of meaningful to thoughtless music. Streaming services offer an important resource to connect with and share music. Because of these services, people today can connect and relate to a wider range of music due to the low cost of streaming compared to the purchase of a song or album. However, because of this simplicity, the rise in thoughtless music has become more apparent. The issue with these artists is that they don’t seem to care and it translates into their work. Artists like these post
thoughtless song after song, which clutters discover pages of some of these streaming services. So, instead of being recommended thought-through music, you get intentionless repeated phrases accompanied by low-effort production. Yes, these passionless artists are contributing to streaming communities, but in a tired way. If anything, they lower the reputation of authentic artists by cluttering the standard. Streaming services offer an influential platform to share music, however, because of this these services end up cluttered and overcrowded with forgetful music.
Hanna Gaither Staff Writer
1.Senior year needs to be your easiest year, course-load wise. If you take all AP classes, you will be absolutely out of effort by the second semester. 2. Take as many dual credit classes or community college classes as you can before so that you will be able to go into college a semester or a year ahead. 3. Senioritis is the most real thing and completely underestimated. It does not just mean that you will not care about things and start slacking off; it means that you will most likely be so mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted that you cannot put forth effort into practically anything.
Graphic by Tessa Stigler
Let’s Talk About this Period
4. Go to prom. You will regret missing out on typical high school activities, I can guarantee it.
Jami Holms Staff Writer
Women have made great strides from suffrage to equal no tampon tax, Texas can also make it work too. There pay. However, women still have their fair share of battles are alternative ways to earn money, even if it is raising ahead. A giant problem that still persists for women is the tax prices altogether until the state has enough money to stigma and the taxation of feminine hygiene products, like survive without it. pads and tampons. Although having a period is not a sickness, it is The tampon tax is the common name for the tax something that shares many symptoms as the common added to feminine hygiene products. As a woman, it cold. Achiness, exhaustion, headaches, and some people sucks having to spend money every month on feminine are even bedridden. According to Women’s Health hygiene that are considered “luxury products” Concern, 5% to 10% of women experience pain so severe that, in reality, either relieve pain or deal it disrupts their daily life. With these symptoms, it almost is with periods themselves. Women do not like being sick, but for a couple days each month. have the choice to opt out of their period The HuffPost broke it down and averaged that every month, therefore they should not with pain medication, birth control, and hygiene have to spend extra money to deal with products, a period will cost $18,171 in her lifetime. something that occurs naturally. Tampons alone will cost a woman around $1,773.33 For many people it is concerning that, during her lifetime. So, to reduce the cost, the least taking the sales tax off of tampons will lead that Texas could do is hear the bill to remove the to taking the sales tax off things such sales tax. as toothpaste, soap, clothes and Other than the shockingly large more. However, those products amount of money are luxury goods, whereas period women have to pay products are something women for their tampons, have to have. According what is even worse is to The DivaCup, a woman the secrecy and uses around 240 tampons stigma behind each year and around periods. “9,600” tampons in her Why is it that lifetime. By law, a luxury women whisper tax is something that is to a friend to ask for deemed non-essential a tampon, or hide or unneeded according it while taking to Investopedia. If a one out of their of women report person requires a product bag? Recently a multiple times each study from the being period-shamed month, doesn’t that make New York it essential? Typically, things Post, using 1,500 that are exempt from sales tax women stated that are things that help us, when forty-two percent of sick, return to being healthy. women have experienced according to globalcitizen.org Many people are worried period shaming. Even worse, 73 that, if the tampon tax is percent of women have hidden a pad removed, there will be a giant or tampon” from view on the way to shortage of tax money that will the bathroom. need to be made up somewhere else. Periods are something that naturally occurs, Although this is partially true, and is not something that should be frowned nine states have already upon. However, many feminine hygiene products exempted feminine advertise products that are “twice as discreet to hygiene products from carry” or something along those lines. Why is this their taxes. Ultimately, something we are worrying about? According the goal would be that to the New York Post, one in five women has women could spend experienced period shaming comments made their money elsewhere, by a male friend according to the New York Post. so they would still be However, it has to do with all genders and societal paying for taxed items. standards that have been made over time. In many places, The most concerning part of period shaming are sunscreen and when periods interfere with daily activities. Graphic by Tessa Stigler condoms don’t Around 40 percent of women have admitted have a tax. Please, help women understand to making up a false explanation as to why they call into why tampons are still being taxed if those products work sick or can’t make plans. Women should not have to scrape by without it. Many states are moving towards lie speak in hushed tones over periods.
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Lifestyle & the Arts
Camryn Horst ‘19 & Giselle Galletti ‘19 Sports Editor Rigley Willis ‘20
Features Editor Katie Haberman ‘20
Abby Michener and Riley Borneman embrace at prom 2018. Photo by Skylar O’Connell.
Morally, senior year will stretch you probably beyond your limits. You will be challenged in new ways, whether that be your friends and/or relationships struggling, or the toll that senioritis takes on your mental health. You will likely lose interest and grow out of the things that have taken your time during high school, simply because growth requires sacrifice. Maybe you will grow so close to your family that leaving in a few months scares you more than anything, or maybe tension will grow in your family and the thought of leaving in a few months feels like a relief. You will learn that there are more important things than grades and class ranks and test scores. There is a life to be lived outside of this high school bubble.
The Human Condition
Hanna Gaither Staff Writer
Ignorance is the opposite of awareness, a driving force behind hatred. The inexcusable excuse for mistreatment. People communicate in countless different ways, verbally and non-verbally. Disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome may cause some people to be unable to communicate in the way that most people do: verbally. One of my sweetest friends is a 6-year-old boy with Down syndrome who is selectively verbal. Being selectively verbal, he communicates without words most of the time. I have seen some people express fear and confusion towards him when they see him acting differently than other kids. He functions a little bit differently, and he communicates a little bit differently. That is nothing to fear, and nothing to be confused about. Disabilities do not make anyone scary, they make someone human. Disabilities are a product of humanity and a product of genetics. Disabilities are not scary, weird, creepy or strange. They are not something that you need to pity. They are a part of someone’s story. Overall, the tampon tax is making women pay for being a woman. At the rate at which women use feminine hygiene products, they are having to put so much money towards a tax that does not make sense. Even more convincingly, if women are having to pay a large amount of money for something over their lifetime, they should be able to talk about it. Periods are natural and should be treated as such.
OPINION
MEET THE STAFF
Creative Editor Jade Howe ‘19
@myDSHSnews @myDSHSsports
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Opinion Editor Tessa Stigler ‘20
News Editor Jade Berry ‘19
Staff Writers Hanna Gaither, Jami Holms, Samantha Moore, Evelyn Peterson, Cady Russell, Andrew Spiegel, Collin Spires, Madeline Tredway, Mitchell Williams
The PawPrint welcomes reader viewpoints through letters to the editor and guest columns. Opinions expressed in PawPrint are not necessarily those of the Dripping Springs High School or Dripping Springs ISD administration.
EDITORIALS, COLUMNS, & LETTERS
Editorials express the opinion of the writers. Letters and columns are the opinions of an individual and not PawPrint
LETTERS
To submit a letter, email DSHSstudentmedia@dsisdconnect. com. Letters should be a maximum of 400 words. The letter is not guaranteed to be published.
MAY, 2019
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CREATIVE
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Lauren Sanders Q: What was the inspiration behind this poem? A: I was listening to “The Killing Moon” by Echo & The Bunnymen, and it had this very mysterious, brooding mood to it, so I just picked up on the storyline and tone of the song and put my own twist on it. Q: Why did you choose to submit it to a writing competition? A: For the $50. No, actually because I wanted to put my work out into the world and see if it was any good. Q: Will more of your work be in the Meraki? A: If they accept my work, yes. Q: Is this a style you normally leans towards? A: Yes. I tend to write kind of intense, philosophical pieces that are a bit word-y. Q: What was it like to read this on stage? A: A bit nerve-racking because I’m not incredibly comfortable with public speaking, but it was also really cool to be able to share my work with people.
ThePAWPRINT
The Dark Edges of Nature For every hero there is a pale knight, for each blazing star, a gentle light that reflects mystically, in limited sight. After every sun comes the black of night. It’s second nature, it’s what we’ve contained but never shown. Light is not all we’ve known, for there are dark edges to this human condition we call our own. Even the moon possesses a dark side-An abyss the sky was trained to hide. And in the silver rays that stream from that orb, like silent tears cried. night must be nature’s disorder. And so the stars, those ancient counterparts of our own heavy hearts, blaze knowingly in the midst of desolate black, visualizing the affliction that tears man apart. While darkness is predisposition, and innate complex, it reminds of the exquisiteness of innocence. Our virtue may be balanced by our defects... Our souls claimed by neither one way not the next. Just as the stars’ sheen screams amidst shadow’s sullen sight, might that glittering instrument, the human soul, not be that same beacon of light?
Check out the Meraki for more works like this!
THAT’S ALL FOLKS.
GOOD LUCK CLASS OF 2019 -JH
Comics by: Jade Howe
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MAY, 2019 ThePAWPRINT
The Drive
SPORTS
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Photo Credit to Marisa Tuzzi
Chris Cohen reflects on his competitive nature as he prepares for his senior season Mitchell Williams Staff Writer
After a long, hard day of running their heart out, the track team gets back on the bus to head home. With track being such a competitive atmosphere, it takes a lot of training and work to get to where you want to be and be able to maintain that level of performance. For Junior Chris Cohen, he has specific goals set that drive him to put in the work it requires. “When I run, I want to be the fastest and best I can possibly be. My goals for this season were to run a 4:50 mile and a 2:05 800m,” Cohen said. What did he need to do to get to where he wanted to be? Cohen said he had never worked harder than he did this year, and that the training almost never stops. “This year I did more mileage each week than I have done in the past in district, and it definitely was not easy. Whenever the season is not going, besides
two weeks off in between, I will be running six days a week throughout the year,” Cohen said. As for his perspective on this year’s team as a whole, he was very positive in his outlook. Cohen expressed that there is a tight bond that is shared by the track athletes. “This group will always be there for each other, and be there to pick you up when you fall,” Cohen said. Chris is driven by his will to be the best version of himself, and by doing so chooses to help his team. With the true grind of running, it is nearly impossible for the athletes not to grow close knit as a unit; this led to a special season in which the JV and varsity boys both took first in their district meet. The varsity girls also took first in district with the JV girls coming in second.
More Than A Game Luke Ezell explains what he has learned following his golf season
From the driving range to the fresh cut grass of the golf course the tiger golf team continues to compete at a high level. Many of the players have set personal records and hope to continue that throughout the end of the season. Through ups and downs the Tiger golf team continues to get right back up on their feet and continue to compete against the opponents they are faced up against. “The season has been really well, we kind of started off rough, but in the second half of the season, we really started to get together as a team, shooting lower, and we just won district, so yeah, it’s pretty good,” freshman Luke Ezell said. The organization has created a great group of players, and all the players continue to grow closer together as the
Photo Credit to @DSHSGolf
season goes on. “I think at the beginning of the year, we all didn’t really know each other very well, so we didn’t talk that much, but our coach really brought us together more, and we started to have a lot more respect for each other, and that’s kind of helped along the way,” Ezell said. Sports can be a great way to learn life lessons, and with this golf team, the team continues to help each other improve as a player and as a person in general. “They’ve really made me, like I used to get really mad at myself all of the time, but I haven’t really done that anymore,” Ezell said. “The coach has really helped me with my mentality of myself, how I think on and off the golf course, and my team, they have been encouraging me Collin Spires all year.” Staff Writer
Is Baseball Still America’s Passtime?
Mitchell Williams Staff Writer
Super Boring
Rigley Willis Sports Editor
America’s Passtime
Between the start of the sport up until the end of the 20th century, baseball was considered to be the end of every avergae American’s hard day. Folks would gather around to see legends like Willy Mays, Loe Jouis, and both of the Griffeys. Nowadays, sports fans seem to be more in tune with sports like basketball and football. So, does the average American still see baseball as the creme of the crop for American entertainment? Mitchell Williams conducted a survey to view the results.
Losing A Little Interest
Photo by Evelyn Peterson
Reflecting On: Tennis
With the season coming to the end, the tennis team reflects on how the season has gone and what plans they have for the future. The Tigers had many athletes place in their district, including Tallulah Andrushko being named champion in the 25-5A district for singles. While talking to some of the tennis players, they explain how they felt the season has gone for them and some of the things they have learned from this season in general. “It’s been a good season. We’ve had some ups and downs of course like every season goes, but generally we’ve all learned a lot and we’ve gotten a lot better as players,” junior Gabe Mowen said. The Tigers continue to grow and improve year after year. The Tigers are always looking to reflect on the past and try to prepare for the future.“We’ve all definitely
Pictured above are the semifinalists at regionals, Will Gretzinger, Jeffrey Walker, Whitney Robbins, Talullah Andrushko, Karley Higgerson, Thane Johannsen, Henry Lovelace. Higgerson and Robbins have qualified for the state tennis tournament in girls doubles, as well as Johannsen and Lovelace in boys doubles.
Photo Credit to @ DSTigerTennis
Collin Spires Staff Writer
progressed. I feel like we’re getting a lot better coaching and learning a lot more about the game and how to play it,” Mowen said. With every team, it is important to keep a strong bond between all the players in order to have a successful season. “We get along good. We all really understand each other, and we know what we can and can’t say to each other, and we can all play with each other, and play against each other,” Mowen said. Each and every year, the Tigers set new standards for those who follow. Junior Owen Tuohy explains his hopes for the future seasons, “I hope to qualify for state as a team.”
MAY, 2019 ThePAWPRINT
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SPORTS
Girls Soccer Advances to State
The varsity girls soccer hot streak ended with a 4-0 loss to Mansfield Legacy in the state semi-final. After a thrilling run that culminated with defeating Alamo Heights in penalty kicks 4-2 to advance to the state tournament on April 13, the Tigers traveled to Georgetown for their first appearance in a decade. The Tigers struggled to get going in the first half, not registering a shot on goal for the period. The Broncos would take a lead into half time and the Tigers couldn’t overcome the deficit in the second half despite a flurry of offensive pressure. The Lady Tigers have been red hot since entering the playoffs, boasting a 5-0 record with wins over Alamo Heights High School, Gregory-Portland High School (tie 2-2, 4-2 PKs) in the regional semi-final, Boerne Champion High School (4-3) in the regional quarterfinals, Harlan High School (7-0), and Wagner High School (4-0). “After the regular season ended, we were extremely motivated to end our season on a good note,” senior Elizabeth Driggers said.
Rigley Willis Sports Editor
The dominant Mansfield Legacy Broncos (22-1-2) stood in their way and capitalized on their chances in the box as well as kept the late chances from the Tigers out of the net. “They are a really good team,” sophomore Sofia Picucci said. “They can attack in a million different ways. We needed to focus on containing their attack and taking care of possession.” The streak ended but with a showing in the 26-5A State Championship tournament that highlighted the grit that brought them to the final four. With district, area, and regional titles in hand, the Tigers fell one title short. While Manfield Legacy went on to face Highland Park in the final, the Tigers came home to celebrate a courageous journey that brought them to Georgetown. Jessica Carmichael and Zoe Flores were named to the state all-tournament team.
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6. 1. All 11 seniors line up after being walked out and introduced. Because of so many seniors, the varsity team had around 23 girls on it. photo by Cady Russell 2. Pushing up the field with her speed against Gregory-Portland in the regional semi-final, sophomore Sofia Picucci led the team in scoring with 31 goals on the year and four in the post-season. photo by Kristen Spiegel. 3. Senior Zoe Flores controls the ball in the midfield during the state semi-final against Mansfield Legacy. photo by Cady Russell 4. Senior Ziva Payer fights for the ball against Alamo Heights in the regional final. The Tigers tied the Mules before moving on after going 4-2 in penalty kicks. photo by Kristen Spiegel. 5. Looking up to serve the ball, junior Emma Jones breaks away from a Gregory-Portland player in the regional semi-final. photo by Kristen Spiegel. 6. Junior Caroline Luttrull pressures Alamo Heights in the midfield during the regional final in Corpus Christi. photo by Kristen Spiegel. 7. Senior Jane Atwood embraced sophomore Sofia Piccuci (15) tearfully during Senior Night. Atwood plays both defense and midfield for the team and is very well liked by everyone. photo by Cady Russell 8. After tearing her ACL the year before, senior Jessica Carmichael returned and helped win the regional title. photo by Kristen Spiegel.
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9. The varsity girls soccer team won the regional championship, finishing the year 22-5-3. photo by Kristen Spiegel.