December Issue Zone

Central High School 9450 Ray White Rd. Keller, TX 76244

December 17, 2010

Centraljournalism.com

Volume 8 Issue 4

Families celebrate differences this holiday season Everyone comes from a different family and every family has something that makes them unique. How is your family different?

page 6

News

Central High School Zone Newspaper

Senior participates in TCU art exhibit Sam Meadows Staff Writer Alyssa Wildridge, senior, was recently featured in the prestigious Texas Christian University art exhibit. The exhibit was held throughout the month of November at the J.M. Moudy Art Building at the University Gallery and a reception was held on November 18. Each AP art teacher from the surrounding areas was asked to submit one student’s piece for the exhibit.

“I have been drawing since I was very little,” said Wildridge.

Wildridge is taking AP drawing at Central and has been taking art classes since her freshman year.

“I just do what I want to do," said Wildridge. "I can’t really explain it, I just enjoy drawing, so I do."

Wildridge takes inspiration from her surroundings when she creates a piece of art, commonly using family and friends as subjects.

“My art piece was a picture of my grandmother reading a book in a library,” said Wildridge. “My grandmother is my inspiration and I decided to draw her in an environment that I can always imagine her in.”

Wildridge’s piece shows great details and even though the piece is drawn and not painted you can still see the concentration of the lady reading a book.

Wildridge has no plan on stopping when it comes to art. She plans on taking her craft with her when she goes to college.

“I want to go to the University of North Texas because they have a great art program," said Wildridge. "I plan to major in art, but I don’t want to be a generic artist."

According to Ashley Long’s online campus announcement, “The show is open to all AP students in the Tarrant County Area.”

Wildridge was the only student from Central’s AP Art classes who was chosen to participate.

“I only chose one of my AP students,” said Mrs. Denise Massie, art teacher. “Alyssa’s [Wildridge] technical skills and her artwork are incredible and Alyssa is an amazing student.”

Wildridge was one of two students chosen from Keller ISD, though many other School Districts had students represented.

“I saw between twenty and thirty other art pieces at the exhibit,” said Wildridge.

Wildridge was one of 28 students from around Tarrant County who were chosen to participate in TCU’s exhibit. A reception was held on November 18 to honor all of the students who participated.

“I didn’t make first, second, or third place, but it doesn’t matter to me," said Wildridge.

"Going to the exhibit shows the level that I need to be at in my art work."

For Wildridge being able to participate in the exhibit was not just about winning any awards or recognition.

“Just being apart of the exhibit was a great

Volume 8 Issue 4 Page 2 experience and it has given me more motivation to continue drawing,” said Wildridge.

Wildridge’s teacher Mrs. Massie has helped inspire Alyssa to enter the exhibit.

“I definitely want to participate in another exhibit one day,” said Wildridge.

Participating in the exhibits will help in college by lending Wildridge with experience and knowledge of what her drawing will need to incorporate and the level that they will need to be at.

“I am really proud and excited for Alyssa [Wildridge], that she got to participate in this exhibit,” said friend Victoria Hitz, senior. ”Her art work is really amazing and she is an inspiration for me to continue to reach for my goals and dreams.”

Hitz has known Wildridge for many years and has seen her artwork and drawings the whole time.

Club cheerleaders tumble into competition

Katie Homans Staff Writer Cassidy Loftin, sophomore, can offer sound advice when it comes to cheerleading: “When all else fails, shimmy,” says Loftin. This is one of the many things you’ll hear at Altitude Cheer and Tumble, a club chearleading gym.

Although students from Central participate in events affiliated with Altitude, it is independent of the school. Five days a week you can see all the cheerleaders flipping and jumping in their

orange and blue work out clothes.

To try out, you need to meet the tumbling requirements for the level that you are trying out for. Each level gets more and more complicated. The teams compete about six or seven times each season.

“Everyone is a team and we help each other out,” says Cassidy Loftin, sophomore.

“It’s an actual family and not just a hobby that we all have,” said Kaki Simmons, freshman Each team practices twice a week for about four hours, to work the routine to perfection.

[The best] part about being a cheerleader here

is the practices that led up to the competitions.

“Before we go on stage I feel like I’m going to pee my pants or throw up, or both, but it’s truly exciting,” chuckles Loftin.

This year the six teams at the gym are competing a total of six times. This gym has been here for four years. The coaching staff is made up of a choreographer, a head coach, and assistant coaches.

Most of the cheerleaders seem to [enjoy] their practice. “I like the coaches when they’re in a good mood and when the team is doing very well,” said Simmons.

This is a family program and they all push each other to a new level and feel the need to help everyone on the team. The competitions are what they work up to from the practices twice a week. These competitions are against some of the best teams around Texas. es and thirty seconds. Most cheerleaders that come off the floor afterwards are tired and numb from the routines.

The tryouts each year are around April or May. Visit the gym for more information.

petitive," said McNulty. "Depending on the instrument, you can have up to 100-200 kids auditioning for specific spots. Usually, about eight or nine people are selected for the region band... [which] is like an all star band thats represent all the different schools."

If students are the top players on their instrument in the region, they have the opportunity to advance to the area auditions, which are held every January in Abilene.

"There's several regions around us," said Brandon Gleitz, junior. "Area is where the top couple people from [each] region compete and try to make state, which is incredibly hard."

This year, 13 students advanced from region level to the area level. Gleitz, a euphonium player, made second chair among the other euphoniums and will now compete on a broader level. Although he wants to state, Gleitz remains cautiously optimistic.

"I highly doubt I'll make it," said Gleitz.

Although Gleitz might sound hard on himself, according to McNulty, this isn't so.

"[State is] the ultimate level," said McNulty. "Basically, under one percent of the students that play that instrument [comprise state band].

So if you make state, you are under one percent of the kids that can do that."

McNulty is, nevertheless, proud of his students.

"It's already a pretty big honor to make area," said McNulty.

Other students remain more cavalier about area auditions. “[Making it] wasn’t really the whole goal,” said Daniel Marion, senior. “It’s just [a way] to get a performance in.”

Marion made first in the trombone room.

He agrees that it would be “nice” to make it to state, but he remains grounded in his esteem for his musical abilities. For Marion, it’s more about the chance to play his instrument.

“It’s [just] another audition,” said Marion.

Students strive for the best they can do.

Sometimes, though, younger players aren't up to the challenge of competing against more

seasoned musicians. Because of that reason, the freshmen region band was created. "[Freshman band] is a little easier," said Stephanie Eubank, freshmen. "The music cuts are smaller and it's only freshmen.... You only compete against freshmen, but there are more schools. There were some from schools I've never heard of."

Eubank, saxophonist, made 24 place at the regular region audition. Although she rank in top 50 percent, it was not good enough to make to the region band. Like other freshmen who did not make region, Eubank was automatically enrolled in the freshmen region audition, which took place the subsequent Monday. Eubank made second place at the audition, behind other Central saxophonist, Brady Almond.

Both the freshman and regular region band will be held next month in Denton. To find out more information, visit kellercentralband.org.

Students compete, advance in region band audition Aliza Etkind Editor-in-Chief On Dec. 6, 66 students from Central auditioned for the region band. After many months of practicing, 43 percent of the students who auditioned made the band.

"Region band is... an individual competition for high school students to compete at their instrument with other schools within our region," said Kevin McNulty, head band director.

Region auditions are held once a year. Students must play three etudes, which are college level pieces. The etudes for the year's auditions are announced in the summer, giving the students plenty of time to work up and practice their music.

To prepare the students for the audition, once a week master classes were held. During these classes, band directors offered constructive criticism to students and encouraged them on their instruments. "[Region band auditions are] very com-

News

Central High School Zone Newspaper

Volume 8 Issue 4 Page 3

Winter guard teams form, prepare for competition Amara Thomas Staff Writer It’s time for winter guard once again.

Try outs for this competitve dance/flag line were held on Nov. 29 and now it’s time for the season to begin.

“Practices are Mondays and Thursdays with JV in the morning and varsity in the afternoon," said Art Grossman, winter guard dierctor. "JV’s practice starts at 6:45 a.m. – 8 a.m. and varsity’s practice is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m."

Grossman is the head director of Central’s color guard and is prepared to make the winter guard team at Central the best team around so they will be ready to compete at nationals in Nashville.

“We’re going to Nashville, Tennessee which will be something new and exciting,” said Kristen Robinson, a sophomore on varsity.

“This is the first time we’re going to com-

pete at nationals,” said Grossman, but when they compete at nationals Grossman wants them to be 100 percent ready.

That’s why long practices are dedicated to making every routine perfect.

“I’m looking for the kids to push themselves to the fullest,” said Grossman. Practice is spent with an hour for exercise.

“We spend a lot of time exercising so the girls can develop leg muscles and abs,” said Grossman.

After an hour of exercise Grossman has the girls perform dance routines till their exhausted.

“In winter guard, 50 percent of it is made up of dance and body movement,” said Grossman.

Winter guard is a little bit similar to marching guard, but winter guard is in the winter. It takes place indoors on a gymnasium floor and a mix CD replaces the sound of the marching band. The winter guard team per-

forms a complex dance routine that includes twirling flags, rifles, swords and other equipment in front of a panel of judges, who will evaluate their dancing and equipment twirling.

This is what makes winter guard different from marching guard, even though they still fall under the same category, which is color guard. According to one member of the varsity team, the hardest part of color guard is the twirling and tossing of objects, including the flags and equipment.

“Color guard is basically is about having hand-and-eye coordination,” said Britiany Brown, a junior on varsity color guard.

“It takes a lot of time and practicing in the backyard,” said Grossman. But, according to Grossman, once the twirling and tossing is mastered you have to have dancing skills.

That’s why this stringent teacher focuses so much practice time on it.

“You also have to be very good at multitasking," said Brown. "You’re constantly

counting, spinning, smiling, looking at the front and moving all at the same time."

Tryouts for the marching guard are during the summer, and winter guard tryouts are in late November.

“Anyone can join the team," said Brown.

"We actually had our first guy since I have been at Central tryout this winter season. He made the JV team and is doing very well for just starting."

The color guard has also become extremely close.

“We see each other so much and have become a family,” said Robinson.

The girls and boys who make up the guard are excited for the new season.

“There is so much I am looking forward to this year," said Brown. “I know both of the teams will go far this season.”

Central High School Zone Newspaper

Opinion

A story of charity against all odds Aliza Etkind Editor-in-Chief A bitter cold swept through St. Louis on a morning in mid November. A gray cloud hung over the city, forcing those had homes inside their dwellings. The year was 1990.

My parents were in town with my infant sister visiting family when my dad received information that one of his dear friends from high school, Lisa, resided a mere two hour drive away in northern Missouri. Since the two had been such good friends in high school and my dad didn’t know when he’d have another opportunity to see her, by parents decided a trip to see her would be worth while. On a day not too long after Thanksgiving, the trio bundled up, climbed into their white mini van and made the 100 mile ascent for what they hoped would be a pleasant day of visiting.

By the time they arrived, my sister, Miranda, who was not much older than a year at the time, had fallen into a restless fit, kicking her small, chubby legs, anxious to romp around on the floor. Together, the small family left the refuge of their warm, heated car, braving the elements as they faced the old, sordid apartment building. They walked up two flights of stairs, ringing the doorbell when they found the appropriate brass number hanging haphazardly from a door with green, chipped paint.

"Hello!" a haggard looking woman greeted. She looked different than what my dad remembered. They had just celebrated their tenth year out of high school, yet Lisa looked as if she had spent decades on a battleground, her face deeply lined, her hands trembling slightly.

From the apartment, an acrid smell drifted out, strong in the cold air. Hesitating slightly, the three walked into the small dwelling.

It became immediately apparent the peculiar smell was not the only thing off. Dishes piled precariously high in the sink threatened to spill onto the grimy linoleum. Clothes hung off the couch, falling onto the floor where they sat in dirty piles.

One thing, though, stuck out to both my parents, especially my mom. Sitting in the middle of the living room in a playpen was a baby.

"Oh!" my mom squealed.

"How precious! How old is she?"

"A year, maybe a little more," Lisa replied with an offhand gesture. The woman plopped herself down in front of the television, ignoring the fact that her child had just been complimented.

My mom walked over to the child, gasping as she walked closer. Although she was the same age as my sister, the child was much smaller, her complexion pale and waxy. She had a blank expression on her face, laying down on her back, ignoring the few sparse toys that lay sprawled around her.

"She's very small," my mom commented over the sound of the TV, holding her own daughter close to her chest.

"Yeah, I think there's something wrong with her." Lisa seemed very cavalier about her daughter's unseemly condition.

My mom, though, assumed that it was a touchy topic and best left alone.

Trying to put her misgivings aside, she took a seat next to my dad opposite Lisa, trying to have a pleasant conversation.

After spending a couple of hours inside the squalid apartment, cold from an insufficient heat source, my parents decided that it was time to leave. They gathered my sister and their other belongings and, after a hurried goodbye, sought out the refuge of their mini van.

"No!" my mother sighed when she saw the car.

Both my mom and my dad stood in anger and confusion when they noticed that every one of their tires were flat. Upon closer inspection, a distinct slash mark could be made out. Their car was purposefully sabotaged.

This was a time before cell phones were a mainstream commodity. The closest phone (and ally) was Lisa’s in her apartment.

With very little other options, the family grudgingly trooped back upstairs, upset with the most recent turn of events.

"Back already?" Lisa asked when she saw them at the door.

She didn't seem very surprised when they relayed what had happened to their car.

"Can we use your phone?" my dad asked.

"Come on in." Lisa invited them back in. "It's getting late and I think it's supposed to snow later tonight. You can just stay here and we can figure this whole thing out in the morning."

"That's very kind," my dad replied, "but, really, we'd just like to use your phone, if you don't mind."

Within 15 minutes, my dad had arranged for a truck to come for the car and a cab for his family.

"Thanks for your hospitality," my mom said as they were about to leave again.

The cordiality that Lisa had so recently held began to dissolved.

"Why won't you just spend the night?" she demanded to know, indignant. "You can't possibly have the money to fix your car tonight. It's cold and late.

And you'll wind up in some dirty motel anyway!"

As she shouted her harangue, she kept her eyes glued to my mom's diamond engagement ring.

"Thank you, but no," my mom said. “The person at the garage said that our car will be fixed in a couple of hours. We’ll be on the road before long.”

With that, the family left for

the final time.

Later, it was revealed that Lisa had asked her friends to slash the tires of my family's car. Her plans included keeping the trio overnight, stealing their things and ripping them off. Lisa wanted my mom's jewelry, the cash in my dad's wallet and anything else she could score.

Lisa had treated my family terribly. She was rude and apathetic, and caused my family hundreds of dollars in car repairs.

But my mom couldn't stop thinking about her and her baby.

As soon as she got home, my mom packaged up diapers, baby formula, baby food, clothes and anything else she thought a baby might need. She sent the box express mail, hoping her small gesture would change that child's life.

When my mom told me that story, 20 years after the fact, it moved me in the most peculiar way. It seemed to me the epitome of charity. Why was she being nice to a woman who treated her so terribly?

"I didn't do it for Lisa," my mom says today. "I did it for that baby."

There are many babies like Lisa's in this world. My mom happened to come across such a child in a purely coincidental way. She felt responsible for her and wanted to help.

We don't meet these children everyday. In fact, unless we are somehow invited into the homes in which they live, we might not ever see them. After Lisa received the care package, she sent a letter to my mom, thanking her. It was the wake up call she needed to start properly caring for her child.

There are many charities, especially around this time of the year, that cater specifically to children in need. Give to these organizations. Give what you can.

You can change a life; you can save a life.

Volume 8 Issue 4 Page 4

Looking for my perfect ending Shelby Yanicy Staff Writer As I sit through the movie with little plot line, I wonder why I’m wasting my time. Of course I know the answer, it’s for the cheesy ending. Either the kiss or wedding at the end is always worth watching the poorly developed characters do ridiculous things that later lead to their significant others. Is it pointless, redundant, and worthless? Yes, but I love it still.

Cheesy endings pretty much defined my prior expectations of high school. I had these ideas that I would live out the lame plots from teen movies, and that by graduation the music would play and I'd get my cheesy ending. But real life has little resemblance to movies, no matter how realistic they seem. For instance even after one obstacle is overcome, no matter how great, the credits don't roll, and life as we know it continues. The most real life/movie misconceptions that I've found, in order, follow.

1) The first guy to talk to you isn't always nice, or the one you marry, (in my case, he was just really creepy).

2) No matter how long you crush on him, you're never guaranteed he will like you back, (chances are, you're better off moving on if it's been a while).

3) Just because he's nice doesn't mean he's perfect, (if he is perfect, chances are he's taken).

Even though some of those falsehoods often found in movies I have single handedly misspoken, I still have this faith in them.

Like on prom night, I still have these fantasies about it all being perfect. That's right, movies have ruined me. Or have they? Because if I believed that I couldn't change my surroundings, I would be miserable. Like when creepy guys talk to me, if I didn't have the rough idea of what I want from movies, I would assume that it was a reality I'd have to live with. In movies the main man always shows the woman respect, and I want to be respected likewise.

Sure, that might mean I have the wait awhile, but at least I have an idea of what I'm looking for.

Central High School Zone Newspaper

Opinion

Volume 8 Issue 4 Page 5

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell unneeded rule Ashley Walker Staff Writer Don't ask, don't tell. Meaning: I won't ask you if you're gay, so don't tell me that you are.

According to adherents.com 4,300,00 people in the United States are GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender). If there are that many gay people in the United States, why shouldn't they be allowed to serve their country?

In 1933 a new policy was put into play saying gay men and lesbians in the military cannot be investigated or punished as long as they keep their sexual orientation to themselves. The policy has lead to the discharge of about 13,000 service members.

Is it right to deny people the right to fight for the ones they love just because they have a different sexual preference? Is it wrong for a guy to like a guy of a girl to like a girl? Of course not. Some may think so. Some say god did not make us that way. Imagine this: You meet someone new. You two become good friends and you respect them. Then you find out they are gay or lesbian. What is your take on that person now? Would you see any one of your friends differently if you found out that they are gay? Sure, maybe a little bit. But that shouldn't change your relationship.

I read that they are afraid, in the military, that if two gay guys are together, they would save each other first other than their fellow

comrades. Now, maybe that's true. I say if they are really dedicated to their job, fighting for their country, a soldier would try to save as many people as possible. Why does the government really not want gays in the military? I mean, they are losing out on thousands of good troops that could be fighting in Afghanistan right now. People that are suspected of being gay of lesbian are being investigated. Now, isn't that just wrong? Some will just tell you straight up. Couldn't they just ask instead of being investigated?

Bottom Line: The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' rule is pointless. I think it's kind of hard to hide that you're gay. Also, what's the difference between a gay guy and a straight one besides their

O’Brien brings antics to new network Katrina Rodriguez Staff Writer Conan O’Brien’s’ career started off on NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien in 1993 and for 16 years provided comedy amongst world and national affairs.

His switch to NBC’s The Tonight Show, which was previously hosted by Jay Leno, was short lived when Leno decided to take it back. The red haired talk show host ended his tenure at NBC and aired on TBS November 8, 2010. He is nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Talk Show Host, (along with other impressive nominee’s such as Oprah Winfrey) and has been

endorsing Chevrolet Cruzer with his newest online giveaway 20 pine tree air fresheners in 20 nights.

Since airing, it is clearly shown how much hype has been circling around the new show. The hilariously awkward commercials have gained the attention of new fans and have flagged down the fans that have been in arms with Conan since the beginning.

The talk show host is known for four things: his red hair, his freckles, his amusing resemblance to the female president of Finland and, of course, his big orange blimp. The new show includes several skits that talk about the latest news and gossip around the

world. This includes pieces that cover President Barrack Obama’s basketball skill and reasons why “you should not mess with Oprah.”

Conan, as always, finds a way to provide comical relief and interaction with his audience. He makes fun of himself without shame, and with the help of the Basic Cable Band and his announcer Andy Richter, comedy and smoothness is what Conan’s show is all about.

So far the new season of Conan it has lived up to the hype that it had gained in the months previous to it’s airing. His stage set; though somewhat corny and cheap, provides Conan with a great The Conan show with Conan

O’Brien has many fans, both old and new, talking about the comical skits and entertaining interviews that are familiar yet fresh. The talk show host Conan O’Brien, who signed a deal with TBS after months of negotiation early in the year, has taken flight with his new material. The room provided for creativity can be shown with his witty skits and laugh inducing interview questions for stars that vary from sitcom shows to top end athletes. Conan has taken nighttime television, and turned it into a highlight for night owls and talk show fanatics alike.

After a long wait, of Call Of Duty: Black Ops is finally here.

The game was released on Nov. 9.

I’ve played the game, and I love it.

Here’s the run down.

Black Ops is the seventh game out there for the Call Of Duty series and the sequel to World At War. The differences between the two latest games are that World At War is more modernized while Black Ops has different areas that you’re fighting in the game you fight using the character Mason, Hudson is going through his memories of the Cold

War and your playing them out like they happened. You fight through times and location.

The first map is Kino der Toten, it is the only map unlocked from default. You start out in a abandoned theater and it’s casted from the world maps Der Riese and Shi No Numa. The second maps name is “Five” and it’s unlocked by completing campaign on any difficulty; it takes place in the Pentagon and there are four players that you can kill and or immobilize: John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Robert McNamara and Fidel Castro. The last and final map in zombies is named Dead Ops Arcade. The

shooter style is different than the other maps, it’s more related to the Xbox Market Place downloadable games or the Play station Store.

“All of these maps/modes can be played in Solo, Two Player split Screen or Four Player Online Mode. The prestige and hardened editions of Call Of Duty: Black Ops also feature the four original Nazi Zombie maps from Call Of Duty: World at war upgraded with the Black Ops engine, new weapons, and other additions such as dive to prone,” states Playstation.com With great maps and settings, the leveling up features are the same as the last three.

Central Zone 9450 Ray White Rd. Keller, Texas 76244 Phone: 817-744-2100

The student newspaper of Central High School is published by the students in the Newspaper class of the Journalism department. The ideas expressed in this publication and on its opinion pages are soley those of the individuals providing them, and do not reflect the opinion of the advisor, faculty, administration, or the KISD board. Letters to the editor are welcome.

Students recieve one copy free. The Zone is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Corps (ILPC) and ASNE/KRT Campus Newspaper Service.

Advisor

Black Ops, finally here Alex McCauley Staff Writer

sexual preference? They both could be great fighters, but only one is being allowed to.

I say pass the bill to let them in. What's the harm? Sure, Some people will be mad saying it's not right, but they every right to serve just as much as a straight guy does. Ever heard of the Constitution? I'm pretty sure that it doesn't mention gays in it, but it is for all the people of America and gays are part of that. They have the same rights. Actually, they have all the exact same thinks except for having different tastes.

So will having gays and lesbians in the military really change the system all that much?

I think not. You decide.

There are a lot of recurring features in the COD game play.

Leveling up is still a huge part in the game play, weapons are unlocked through beating each levels.

The highest level you can get on COD: Black Ops is up to a level 50.

There is another mode is offered, Prestige Mode, there are 15 levels and instead of the normal 10 as seen as Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

With multiplayer includes team death match, domination and even headquarters until you completely level up.

Over all I believe that Call Of Duty: Black Ops was worth the wait.

Editor-in-Cheif

Natalie Brown

Ale Valeriano Aliza Etkind

Managing Editor

News/Opinion Editor

Ashtyn Gillie

Hayley Bupp

Sports Editor

Graphic Designer

Jackson Wallace

Brandon Nowell

Online Director Creative Director Christine Mounce

Cecillia Reyes

Photographers Staff Writers Cecillia Reyes Esteban Reyes

Feature/ Entertainment Editor Elba Orellana

Katie Homans Amara Thomas Alex McCauley Ashley Walker Kelli Cook Sam Meadows Katrina Rodriguez Shelby Yancey

Feature

Central High School Zone Newspaper

How is your family different?

Volume 8 Issue 4 Page 6

Students share stories about thier unique families

Aliza Etkind Editor-in-chief

Families: everyone has a different one.

Some have small ones; others have quite large ones. Sometimes, people in one family can look drastically different. Other times, children can live far away from away from siblings and even parents. Around the holidays, the differences in one’s family can stick out. During this time, families reunite for the first time all year. Large families stop fighting for a moment and truly recognize and appreciate one another. Other families, however, don’t celebrate anything; December is merely an excuse to skip school for two weeks and watch consecutive episodes of Family Guy. How ever you spend your winter break, you always can answer this one question: how is your family different?

Anna Parsons, senior, knows what it’s like to have a family so large she can hardly breathe.

With four sisters and two brothers, Christmas can only be described as “chaotic.”

On Christmas morning, the living room is so full of gifts that furniture must be moved.

The Christmas tree is obscured by the mountain of presents, red, gold and green wrapping everywhere to be seen. When her dad says go, the Parson children go for the gifts, everyone grabbing their presents at once. In only minutes, the presents are unsheathed, new toys shining beneath the Christmas lights.

Before the storm that is known as Christmas, the Parson family takes time to recognize each member of the family by drawing secret Santa’s.

“We draw names,” said Parsons. “All of our siblings names are in the bowl and we draw them out. We go buy [the person we choose] presents.

Then we open the presents on Christmas Eve.” Happy, content with the day, the Parson family gathers around for their holiday dinner at the end of the hectic day.

“We have a big, nice dining room table,” said Parsons. “We all sit at it and my mom gets out her china. Me and my oldest sister, we always make the desserts and cook.”

After spending a day cooking dinner and preparing for the big feast, they all sit around their table to give thanks before their meal.

“We always say things we’re thankful for, even on Christmas,” said Parsons.”

While Parsons has a huge, wonderful way to celebrate the holiday, some people don’t even celebrate Christmas.

For freshmen Gerald Jacobs, winter break is just a time to chill and enjoy his reprieve from school.

“I pretty much relax and sometimes go on vacation,” said Jacobs.”

Jacobs is Jewish. Sometimes, Chanukah falls during winter break, giving him an opportunity to travel for the holiday. This year, however, the Festival of Lights came early, leaving Jacobs at school and stuck at home during what could be a festive time of year.

Samiha Azam, senior, doesn’t celebrate Christmas either.

“I am Muslim,” said Azam.

Like Jacobs, winter break is just a time to relax, although Azam does have some longings when it comes to Christmas break.

“I wish I could be part of the whole Christmas festivities because it seems really fun,” said Azam. “But what can you do?”

Azam hasn’t considered celebrating the more nonreligious aspects of Christmas, like gift giving and hanging stockings because of her strong belief in her own religion.

“My parents are really religious, so they want to stick to their religion,” said Azam.

“They’re very conservative.”

Muslim holidays often fall during times when there are no breaks from school. According to Azam, this fact doesn’t pose a problem.

“We live in a nation where mostly everyone’s Christian, but we have our Islamic community where we celebrate our own things,” said Azam. “We don’t ever have to go to school [during holidays]. It’s our own little holiday that we celebrate.”

Azam lives in a family where everyone is the same religion and everyone practices one thing. Sometimes, though, one might believe a different thing. One might even look different than their mother or their father.

Tracey Ferguson, senior, knows what it’s like to have a family that might not look alike.

Her dad is white while her mother is from South Korea.

“They met in South Korea,” said Ferguson. “[My dad] had an option of declining the job offer, but he went anyway.”

For the first two years of her life, Ferguson

lived with her parents in South Korea. We her dad’s job brought her family to the United States, her mom came too, both mother and daughter becoming an immigrants to this country.

According to Ferguson, the fact that her parents come from different backgrounds isn’t a challenge. Both find a way to bring their cultures and traditions to the dinner table and the holiday season alike.

Ferguson can point out traits that she shares with both her mom and her dad. For Damone Nickerson, junior, however, he takes more after his dad than his mom. Like Ferguson, he’s of mixed heritage; his mom his of Mexican descent while his dad is black.

“I live with my mom and my stepdad,” said Nickerson. “My stepdad’s Mexican and French.

I’m half Mexican, half black.”

Nickerson has three brothers. He and his oldest brother, who is 13, share the same father.

The two look alike. On the other hand, his two youngest brothers, ages 11 and three, have a different father than the two older boys and look drastically different. “[My two youngest brothers] look white, so it’s kind of weird,” said Nickerson.

Although being of mixed heritage is not a totally uncommon occurrence, Nickerson can empathize with many students when it comes to seeing his dad. His parents are divorced, leaving Nickerson hundreds of miles from his dad. “[My dad lives in] Denver, Colorado,” said Nickerson. “[I see him] mostly on holidays and during the summer. I always go with my dad during the summer and the on holidays every other year.”

This year, Nickerson was supposed to spend Christmas with his dad, but something came up.

Brandon Leslie, senior, understands Nickerson’s situation. His dad lives in Oklahoma and Leslie only gets to see him once every one or two months. Leslie won’t get to spend Christmas with his dad either.

“It used to be every other holiday [I’d see him],” said Leslie. “But now, I’m going to stay with my dad this weekend and then I’ll spend Christmas with my mom.

“It’s hard,” Leslie continued. “Trying to make one person happy while spending time the other person and making everyone feel like they have to share you.”

It hurts not being able to see his dad when

he’d like, but what pains him even more is that he hasn’t seen two of his younger siblings in years.

“I haven’t seen one of my brothers and sisters since they were four and five and that was four years ago,” said Leslie.

Now eight and nine, two of his siblings have almost grown up completely without their older brother. The reason for this is sort of complicated, but Leslie offers an explanation: “Well, I have three dads and two moms,” said Leslie. “I got my mom and my dad, who had me. And they and divorced. And then I had a dad and stepmom and a mom and stepdad. Then my mom and stepdad got divorced. And then my dad and stepmom got divorced. And so now I have a mom and stepdad and a dad and an ex stepmom .”

Basically, his dad married and had children after divorcing Leslie’s mom. After after two children with Leslie’s stepmother, the two divorced. Now the ex stepmom lives out of state with her children, which is why Leslie hardly gets to see them.

Lauren Juckniewitz, senior, understands Leslie when it comes to scarcely seeing a sibling, although for her, it is for a much different reason.

Since her older brother, who is now 26, joined the Marines, seeing him is a rare treat.

“I saw him this summer,” said Juckniewitz.

“It was for two weeks. He [had] just come home from Afghanistan.”

Before going to Afghanistan, Juckniewitz’s brother was first stationed in Iraq. He served there for four months. Now, her brother safe, back home on American soil. In spite of that fact, that doesn’t mean she gets to see him for the holidays.

“He’s in North Carolina,” said Juckniewitz.

“He’s stationed there...”

The Juckniewitz family will get to talk to him on the phone and send him presents, but will not get to have him physically present.

Throughout this cross-section of Central, one can just glimpse the differences one might have in his or her family. All of our families have their little idiosyncrasies, things that make them stand out from others. How is your family different?

Central High School Zone Newspaper

Feature

Volume 8 Issue 4 Page 7

Deployment Daycare

Editor shares experiences during sister’s tour in Iraq Alejandra Valeriano Editor-in-chief

This Christmas means a lot to me. Last year at this time, my sister wasn’t able to be at home with us, she had been deployed to Ballad, Iraq. Her leaving meant that I had to take on completlely new responsibilitiues, but I would gladly do anything for my sister.

Five months and 23 days, that’s how long my sister would be gone. Those numbers kept repeating in my mind as Randall and Isabel clung to my favorite pair of skinny jeans. His huge, crooked smile revealed all of his newly acquired teeth as Isabel’s tears ran down her face.

“Where is my mommy going?” Randall asked as his mom, dressed in boots and desert camouflage, drove off in a bus filled with other airmen signalling the beginning of this long journey.

I was never a little-kid person, mainly because I hated answering “why” every 10 seconds. I didn’t have an ounce of patience in my body and found it difficult to drop to Randall’s two-year-old level. All I could come up with was, “Um mommy is, uh, traveling across the ocean for a few months, to live in a place called Iraq….to help people.

I knew what was coming next, and sure enough Isabel also asked “why.” But I was done answering questions.

For the next five months and 23 days, Randall and Isabel lived with us, slept with us, ate with us, and trailed me everywhere I went. The summer was going to be long and the first semester of school was going to be different, but I knew this was just a part of the deal that comes with being a family.

“Please, [lease take care of my babies….I know you will,” my sister said as she stepped onto the bus to finish her deployment as quickly as possible. Of course I would. This was her most prized possession, and she was going to a war zone. I would do anything for her and taking care of her kids definitely fell into the anything category.

I cannot lie that during their stay, I grew weary of both of them. Randall was a heavy two-year-old boy and Isabel was awfully emotional. The first two months were the hardest. I didn’t want to surrender my teenager life. I enjoyed, hanging out with friends,finishing my homework in peace, and pretty much deciding to do things because I wanted to. Plus, I was running out of ways to answer the question “why” and was starting to sing Yo Gabba Gabba songs in my head. I kept my fingers crossed that the five months and 23 days would go by at hyper speed. I was tired of sharing my food, my time, and my space. What can I say, I

didn’t sign up for this, but she was family, if she needed help and I could provide it, I would.

During bedtime I would read them a book each, and as I tried reading Dr. Seuss tongue twisters Randall said “Tia Ale, you’re like my mommy,” followed by Isabel saying “yeah, you make

us mac and cheese and put us in time out.” I didn’t exactly know how making mac and cheese made me a mother figure, but apparently it did. At that moment it became clear that it wasn’t about me anymore. I had to fill the job of their mother as best I could.

All these kids had was my mother, Eric (my anti-kids brother) and me.

Then, a funny thing happened. I started enjoying Randall and Isabel’s company. It took a while to get there, but I came around. I was in charge of steering this kid in the right direction.

Their minds were like a sponges. Everything they saw me do, they did.They even accomplished making me feel like a kid again.

We spent most of our days playing at the park, eating popsicles on the curb and writing with chalk on the hot Texas pavement. On bad days they would sit in a corner with a pouty face or throw a tantrum because they didn’t want to nap.

I had become the kids role model. My maternal instincts slowly began kicking in, and I had slid into an imaginary world of their creation. I look forward each morning to Randall’s huge, crooked smile and Isabel’s sassiness. I couldn’t wait to be at a restaurant by the beach or become a vicious scary monster. And so, the days flew by, and I realized that it was about to be January.

God willing, my sister returned January 18, and this special time with the kids came to an end. My regular teenage life started up again, as if nothing had happend. No more waking up in the wee hours of the morning to pour Coco Pebbles into bowls, no more watching The Little Mermaid countless times or laying down for nap time. I had been replaced with my sister, which strangely enough, kind of bothered me a little. Don’t get me wrong, I was quite pleased of my newly aquired freedom, it just took some time to get used to. Now as I recall the days I spent with them, it became obvious that my family was a real family.

Everyone has their own abstract definition of family, but this situation helped me redefine mine. Out of love I cared for two kids that I unconditionally love now. I was there for my sister when she needed it and would ultimately do it again. My sacrifice was worth it because all we have is family and without them I don’t think I would be the Ale that I am.

Tell us CHS: How is your family different?

“My mom is gay, and I’m gay… we’re really outgoing, and we care about others before we care about ourselves. We like to have fun.” –Billy Salmeron (11)

“They are really outgoing, and appreciate everything in life.”

–Nathan Berg (12)

“I think my family’s pretty laid back compared to most. I don’t have any real rules in my house.” – Paige Garner (12)

Feature

Central High School Zone Newspaper

Ricks Picks Bothered Rick Astley Contributing writer

Film: “Children Of Men” directed by Alfonso Cuaron (2006) Do you remember how dark and harrowing “Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban” was? That might have ben because Alfonso Cuaron directed it. But you won’t be able to truly comprehend just how disconcerting his style can be until you watch “Children Of Men,” a post-apocalyptic sci-fi film that takes place in a future, in which mankind is no longer capable of reproducing. People can’t make babies no mo’, basically. The future is depicted as a morose and depressing world, full of war and gloominess. Hope has been forgotten, along with the sound of children’s voices. Set in London circa 2027, no one’s been born for almost 20 years.

The film is hard to enjoy due to its harsh lack of happiness, but my favorite aspect of “Children Of Men” is the incredibly long takes. Cuaron was able to create this realistic atmosphere by making very few cuts in his scenes, giving it a real-time feel.

My favorite example of this is a car ride that starts out with a playful conversation, and ends with them being chased by marauders, all in one take! Although it makes the future look grim, the film is definitely enjoyable for the time being.

Music: “The Suburbs” by Arcade Fire

Although some claim that Arcade Fire’s new album “sounds like generic indie except a little more hyped up,” this is far from the truth. “The Suburbs” is the group’s third album, and it is nothing short of awesome. The album has old-time blues-y tales like the title track, “The Suburbs.” This song really captures that feeling of being an oppressed teen in the monotony of suburbia. And then the album totally takes a turn for the psychedelic with “Sprawl 2 (Mountains Beyond Mountains)” a mellow techno-ballad, which is a new for this band. I’m really glad this group is keeping up the good work. They should definitely stay away from trying to be funny on Saturday Night Live though.

Television: “Curb Your Enthusiasm” on WGN

Need I say anything more than the fact that this show is written by and stars Larry David, the same man responsible for writing “Seinfeld?” I didn’t think so. “Curb Your Enthusiasm” follows the real life of writer and comedian Larry David.

Being that he’s already a hilariously neurotic person, the awkward social dilemmas that he finds himself in are enough to make you double over with laughter. David brings attention to many tiny and somewhat insignificant problems with society that everyone secretly cares about, like whether or not it’s okay for a dry cleaners to “accidentally” give the wrong items away to people, or how long you should wait to break up with someone after their aunt has died, or whether or not it’s okay to say the N-word under certain contexts. The show is pretty raunchy since it was originally featured on HBO, and it’s almost a crime to force in to the basic cable censored mold. But even after all the cuts, the show still makes you laugh.

Alejandra Valeriano & Ashtyn Gillie Editor-in-Chief & Managing Editor

People who complain about Christmas music bother us. News flash, it’s Christmastime; therefore, Christmas music should be playing. We know that you’re just too cool to enjoy the holiday season, but please don’t ruin it for the rest of us.

BOTHERED. Visible extensions bother us. Why must people have fake hair? You should be happy with the hair your parents gave you.

But if you do feel the need to wear them, make sure they are not visible. Isn’t the point of extensions to make it look like real hair? BOTHERED. People hugging us without permission bother us. We do not enjoy being hugged by random people we don’t know, because that’s creepy. If you are unsure on whether or not to hug someone, assume that you shouldn’t. If you are sure, assume that you shouldn’t. BOTHERED. Your face jokes bother us. They are so stupid. Everyone has that friend that thinks they are the wittiest jokes imagin-

Volume 8 Issue 4 Page 8

able, but really, they’re ridiculous. It would be nice to have a conversation where we don’t hear “your face” after everything we say. BOTHERED. Compliments bother us. It’s nice that someone wants to make you feel good about yourself, but then you feel like you should compliment them back. What if there is nothing about them that you can compliment. We don’t want to be Regina George, but if you insist on complimenting us, it’s going to happen. BOTHERED. Wearing shorts in winter bothers us. Come on, people, it’s 30 degrees outside. Don’t tell us you’re not cold. You are. On that note, it also bothers us when people from up north say “it’s not even even cold,” well it is for us, so cover yourself up. Put some more clothes and stop acting like you’re super human.

BOTHERED. Pop quizzes bother us. If you want to measure what we know, then give us a test you don’t grade. Are they reallly neccessary? Don’t punish us for something we can’t even prepare for. BOTHERED.

Another face in the crowd Sam Meadows Staff Writer There are 2,700 students walking the halls at Central High School. Sometimes as you are going about your day walking down one of the many crowded halls trying to get to your next class, you end up feeling like just another face in the crowd.

Elise Hutchinson, senior, is one of those kids who are walking the halls. To make her not just ‘one of those faces’ you just need to get to know her.

“I would describe myself as facetious, stunningly gorgeous, awesome in general and exceedingly smart,” said Hutchinson.

Do not take Hutchinson’s responses as being conceited; it took a lot of pestering to get her to answer.

“I would describe Elise as weird, funny, a hoot, amazing and pretty,” said friend Jordan Porter, junior.

Everyone has a dream when he or she were little some are realistic and some are far fetched.

“When I was little I wanted to be a horse jockey,” said Hutchinson.

As we get older we tend to change what we want to do with our lives from a childish dream to an adult reality.

“Now I would like to be a marriage and family therapist to help others overcome their problems,” said Hutchinson.

Experiences affect our decision and what we decide to do with our futures.

“The weirdest experience that has ever happened to me was when I was home by myself and I thought that I was going to die because I thought that someone was inside the house with me,” said Hutchinson. “I ended up attacking my dad with a broom when he walked through the door.”

School also affects our life decisions. Some school experiences are good and some are bad but all impact our lives in some way.

“My most memorable school experience was when I ripped my elbow open on a nail in theater class the night before Halloween,” said Hutchinson. “I was in theater class and we were doing an activity and I tripped and fell on a nail that was conveniently sticking out of the ground. Luckily, I did not need any stitches and it only hurt for 15 minutes.”

Family vacations leave their own impacts on us from what we endure during them.

“The worst vacation I ever had was when my family and I got stranded in Purcell, Oklahoma on Christmas Eve. We ended up sleeping in a gym,” said Hutchinson.

Everyone has pet peeves, things that annoy him or her.

Some are generic things that annoy everyone while some are unique annoyances for each individual.

“I would have to say that Elise gets the most annoyed by people cussing at her or continuously cussing as they talk,” said friend Samantha Perry, senior. ”Also when people use their turn signals incorrectly.”

Entertainment

Central High School Zone Newspaper

Volume 8 Issue 4 Page 9

The Material creates sounds, songs that bind Hayley Bupp News/Opinions Editor “Music is the thread that binds us together,” said Colleen D’Agostino, lead singer of the SanDiego based band, The Material. This is the meaning behind their elusive band name, but this is also a statement that shows the true nature of this band.

With just one listen, it is obvious how important music is to the members of this band; every note, every beat, every lyric is lovingly and carefully crafted before reaching the ears of listeners.

The Material expands to a total of five members; Colleen D’Agostino on vocals and keys, Jon Moreaux and Roi Elam on guitar, Jordan Meckley on bass, and Kevin Pintado on drums. But this lineup has not always been the same.

The Material began the seed of its creation when D’Agostino and Moreaux met in high school, and began playing music together. The two didn’t begin writing music for the band until several years later, when they lived in San Diego.

“I had moved from LA to San Diego to go to college and get my music degree,” D’Agostino said. “In 2006, Jon joined me in San Diego and we started writing for what would become The Material.”

Also, the band’s first drummer, Noah, helped create music with D’Agostino and Moreaux.

“We didn’t have any ideas about touring or releasing albums,” Moreaux said. “All we knew is that we shared a mutual passion for music.”

By 2007, the rest of the band had joined, although there has been a few lineup changes since.

Such as the change in drummer to Kevin Pintado.

But this setback didn’t stop the band from creating music. In 2007, the band released their first record, an EP entitled, Tomorrow. Then again, in 2009 they released their second EP, To Weather the Storm.

Though often labeled as “rock,” Colleen D’Agostino is not so sure what the genre of their music is.

“I know every band says this but I think we are unique,” she said. “We have a different blend of pop and rock with electronic and experimental overtones. We love big choruses and catchy melodies, but we like to mix it up with electronic elements and complicated harmonies,” D’Agostino said. “Intense” is another word she has heard to describe their music, which is an apt adjective that we both agree on.

Not only does The Material have the advantage of great backing music; but they also have impressive, relatable lyrics. These young musicians take inspiration from their high school careers, which helps teenage interest in their music.

“Even though I am out of school now,” D’Agostino said, “a lot of the ideas for songs come from lyric ideas or poems I had written back in school.”

D’Agostino also hopes that her influence

from high school experiences can contribute to a high school audience by helping “them get through a tough time.”

Most of all, she hopes that The Material’s music will “inspire young musicians that dream about being in a band [to] encourage them to chase their dreams!”

Possibly the greatest example of intenseness and lyricism can be found in the song, “No One Has to Know.” This song differs from the standard pop or rock song heard on the radio. Probably the best element of its variation from the norm can be found in its length. The song is a full six minutes of power and emotion, as it is filled with crunchy and edgy guitars that are mixed with fiery and passionate vocals.

“In a time where record labels and radio stations tell you that every song has to be three minutes and thirty seconds long, it is hard to let loose and write something that just flows,” D’Agostino said.

The song also has the easy to identify with quality, as the “lyrics are about betrayal,” she said, “which unfortunately a lot of us can relate to.”

Although this song is a crowd favorite, the table may soon turn to a different song, as The Material approaches a new milestone, with an upcoming release. This milestone will be released in January, as the band’s much anticipated and first full-length album, What We Are. One possible selection is Moreaux’s personal favorite from the new release, “Bird Without Wings.” Moureaux explained that this is his favorite, “mainly because of the lyric, ‘I know you could save me if I could learn to let go.”

The lyrics of this song were written by D’Agostino, and according to Moreaux is the, “idea of surrendering to something bigger than yourself and letting go of the things that don’t matter.

“When Co wrote those words, they struck me immediately,” Moreaux said.

Another favorite from the new album is the song, “Let You Down.”

“Truth be told, songwriting is always some kind of monster that needs to either be tamed or unleashed,” Moreaux said. “‘Let You Down’ was a song that needed to be unleashed.”

This song truly was unleashed, as the melody came to the band without warning. During the

writing of the song D’Agostino and Moreaux struggled to find the melody, and the two became upset.

“Frustration built, patience crumbled, and fingers were getting pointed,” Moreaux said. After the two ended the disappointing writing session, Colleen unexpectedly “belted out the melody: ‘I didn’t mean to LET YOU DOWN!’” This took the “frustration of writer’s block” and turned it into “fuel [for] our creative fire,” he said. It turned out that the “song became one of the strongest chorused on the new album.”

Although the studio version of this song has not been released yet, an acoustic performance version of this song can be found online. Not only is this an important step for the band, but it is also a change.

The album brings the “pop” element to a whole new level.

The songs on the album all began stripped down to courtesy of the Material just vocals and acoustic guitar. Moreaux and D’Agostino sat down “with and acoustic guitar, just [sang] until [they] came across the right melody,” she said.

Then, D’Agostino added, “we took [the melody] into the studio and everyone added onto it.”

This writing process doesn’t occur just anywhere. Half the album was written in Portland, Oregon, while the second half was in Los Angeles.

Portland was especially important as it provided inspiration.

“I have lived in California my whole life and wasn’t used to all the rain!” D’Agostino said.

Other inspirations for the new music was the split up of D’Agostino’s parents and the “hardships of trying to be a musician in this economy,” she said. “The songs are a message to never give up, despite the circumstances.”

The six months of work for What We Are, will hopefully soon payoff. The release in January will hold new experiences for the band and give eager fans the full-length album they have been waiting for.

“I am really proud of what we created with this new album,” D’Agostino said.

The Material’s accomplishments do not end with the release of their new album. Another huge stepping stone that the band has reached, is the power of media. A few years ago the band

competed in a competition called Dew Circuit Breakout on MTV. The show was featured on television and gave The Material the opportunity to fly to New York to perform for a large audience. This was the first time for the band to perform in New York.

“It was a crazy awesome experience to play on live TV in front of millions of people,” D’Agostino said. “Definitely a dream come true.”

Out of 4,000 bands, The Material ended up receiving second place.

The prize for first was a spot on the video game, Rock Band. However, during a follow up call with The Material, “MTV and Harmonix offered [the band] a spot on the game,” Moreaux said.

“Having a song on Rock Band has been one of the best things that has happened for our band,” he explained. The song has over 250,000 downloads which is impressive for a band, especially for an unsigned band.

This amount of downloads shows that The Material has a growing fan base, which is something that the Material is very grateful for.

“Our fans are just as much a part of The Material as we are,” D’Agostino said. “As an independent band, we owe everything to them.”

The importance of fans to the band, does not go unnoticed. The Material is very close to their fans and D’Agostino even said that The Material “[owes] everything to them.

“Knowing that they appreciate our efforts to stay close and meet them all really means a lot to us,” she said. Moreaux completely agrees.

“I like to think that The Material is a seed in soil and that every new fan is like a drop of water or a ray of sun that comes along and helps us grow in some way,” he said.

Another way D’Agostino is close to her fans is through her other means of creative work.

D’Agostino, in addition to being a musician, is a successful artist.

Fans and anyone else can buy custom paintings, artwork, and knittings from D’Agostino on her website, colleentm.tumblr.com.

“It is really cool to see that [the fans] are interested in more than just the music I make,” D’Agostino said. Most pieces are “centered around a particular lyric” of the band’s.

“It’s cool to see the song come to life on canvas,” she said.

Whether its through music or art or interaction with fans, The Material makes an impression that is hard to forget. They are creating a new type of music group. One that includes every supporter, every fan, every moment that can give inspiration.

“Our music threads through a community of friends, fans and music supporters,” D’Agostino said. “Together we make up The Material.”

Check out the full interviews with Colleen D’Agostino and Jon Moreaux online at centraljournalism.com.

Sports

Central HighSchool School Zone Zone Newspaper Central High Newspaper

Volume 8 Issue 4 Page 10

Get the ball rolling; Central kicks off soccer season Amara Thomas Staff Writer

The soccer season has begun and the team is “stoked for the new season,” according to Brandon Abraham, junior on boy’s varsity. Tryouts were held on Nov. 30 and just a few weeks later, the season is in full throttle. With practices on Mondays – Fridays, 4-5:30 pm Central’s soccer program plans to have excellent performance in pre-season and district which is right around the corner.

Both the boy’s and girl’s soccer programs have experienced changes this season, with new coaches and players. The Lady Chargers have a new head coach and a new assistant coach.

The new head coach, who is taking the place of former head coach Melisa Forgery, is Ray Martinez.

Martinez became the head coach last spring, after Forgery resigned, but Martinez is not completely new to the soccer program.

He was the boy’s soccer team’s assistant coach last year. Coach Stephanie Speaks will also be joining the program as an assistant coach for the girl’s team and Coach Eric Benjamin will be

joining the program as an assistant coach for the boy’s team.

“I’m excited for the new season, because I will get to watch and coach the sport I love,” said Coach Benjamin. Along with new coaches the program is excited for its new freshmen.

“From what I’ve seen the new freshmen work very well together, the compilations of their skills come together quite well,” said Abraham.

This will be the first time there will be a team designed just for freshman boys. Even though the soccer program has gained a lot of new players, they also lost a lot seniors. “We’re going to have to work a lot harder, since we lost a ton of really good seniors,” said Emile Accaoui, sophomore on varsity.

They have been working hard, according to their coaches. “The girls have been working very hard. We have been working on fitness and and weight training to make them more physical on field,” said Coach Martinez. Long practices spent working on transitioning, making space, and working as a team. As well as continu-

ous hours in the weight room, this all has been done to make sure Central’s soccer teams go undefeated.

“The girls’ pre-season will start with the alumni game on January 8,”said Coach Martinez. The Alumni Game for the girls and boys teams will take place on January 8th. Varsity girls vs. the Alumni at 2 p.m. and the boys varsity vs. the alumni at 4 p.m. at the Central Chargers Stadium.

These games are designed to have graduated Central soccer players come back and play against the current soccer players. The boy’s soccer teams have a game prior to the Alumni game at the Central Chargers Stadium on January 4th. Varsity plays Timber Creek at 7:30, to start off the pre-season.

After pre-season, district games began with the soccer chargers playing against their number one rival Keller at the Keller ISD stadium. The games begin at 6 p.m. for girls and 7:30 p.m. for boys on Feb. 1. The Central soccer players are known for being excellent at the game, but also

for the teammates being so close.

“We’re all like a big family. Everyone is so close and we’re always there for each other,” said Katelyn Watterson, sophomore on girls JVB. “The thing I love most about the soccer program is the friends I’ve made, we’re like a family,” said Elile Martinez, senior on boys’s varsity. Beside making friends, the soccer program has encouraged players to plan a future in college soccer.

“My plans for soccer are to play in college,” said Reed Spivey, freshman on boy’s JVB freshman team. Others feel the same and as if the Central’s soccer program has prepared them.

“The soccer program has prepared for a future college soccer. They taught me work ethics and taught me the skills necessary to achieve any goal,” said Elie Martinez.

With determined players and coaches, the Central Soccer Program are striving to make it to playoffs this year so,“come out and support our chargers,” said Coach Martinez.

Sports

Central HighSchool School Zone Zone Newspaper Central High Newspaper

Volume 8 Issue 4 Page 11

Wrapping up NFL 2010 season; playoffs on the way Jackson Wallace Sports Columnist

The playoffs, history in the making, are where greatness is born and where legends leave their mark on the NFL forever. Often, in the postseason, we see great teams continue to dominate the playoffs, and we see teams crumble with high expectations from their home city. We see teams with seemingly desolate futures; hold the Lombardi trophy on a chilly February night. But this post season, this playoff series, this race to Dallas, is much much different than anything we as an audience have seen in recent memory.

The 2010-2011 NFL season has brought about many surprises and many disappointments. For example, the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta is off to its best year in Franchise history, starting off the year 10-2 and a top the NFC. Led by 3rd year Quarterback Matt Ryan now known as “Matty Ice”.

Ryan got this nickname through his teammates because of his cool poise in the pocket in tough situations such as 4th quarter comebacks, 6 so far this year, count them 6 4th quarter comebacks for “ Matty Ice” this year. All I have to say about him is that Atlanta made a good pick in the draft 3 years ago in Matt Ryan.

On the low end of the totem pole is the Indianapolis Colts, 6-6 through 13 weeks in the NFL season? Who would have thought that #18 in the blue and white would ever have a .500 team this deep in the season? I’m sure not one of them, the 2010 season sure has had a very different Peyton Manning than in years past. Last year he had a total of 16 interceptions, this year he has 15 with 4 games remaining. The bad thing is that 4 of those picks this year have been “ pick sixes “. Some people blame Manning’s bad play on the countless injuries that the Colts have suffered, losing receivers Austin Collie, Anthony Gonzales and of course All-Pro Safety Bob Sanders.

Whatever the problem is, it needs to be fixed fast if the

Indianapolis Colts have any shot of punching the ticket to the postseason.

It is surprising at how many teams who were in the playoffs last year are not in the 2010-2011 playoffs. The Minnesota Vikings went into the season with very high expectations and a Hall of Fame quarterback next to a superstar running back

Photo courtesy of www,googleimages.com and a pro-bowl stocked defense. This spells out Superbowl hype. The pieces of the puzzle were all there, the stage was set, yet a total opposite turnout for the Vikings. Favre says he was healthy, but come on it’s Favre who in my opinion has gone from superstar quarterback to “old geezer” who just needs to mow the lawn, take back a cold one and call it a day. Overall, a 5-7 start isn’t the best way to take home a championship.

As for the Dallas Cowboys, this was the year, this was

their time, this was there moment. In short, they blew it. A 1-7 start under Head Coach Wade Phillips is not the best way to kickoff a Superbowl season. Obviously there had to be a change somewhere. So Jerry Jones decided to get his chest hair out of his zipper and switch coaches. And in comes Jason Garrett, former backup quarterback to Hall of Famer Troy Aikman and until recently offensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. However, since being named the interim Head Coach Garrett is 3-1 and the Cowboys are playing some of their best football. For once I think Cowboy fans have something to cheer about this year.

Around the NFL, teams continue to surprise and yet continue to disappoint. The fired up Bengals at the beginning of the season are now at the bottom of the AFC North at 2-10. The Texans are creeping in the AFC South at 5-7, the Chargers are tied for third at 6-6 and Denver who started 6-0 last year are now a disappointing 3-9 with a firing of Head Coach Josh Mcdaniels. Philadelphia is led by returning quarterback Michael Vick. With an 8-4 record and top spot in the NFC East, look for the Eagles to be a force in the playoffs.

The Chicago Bears, that’s right Da’ Bears’ are leading the NFC North, although I don’t expect them to do much in the postseason it is a historic year for Da’ Bears’ and will set up the stage for another deep run next year. The Ravens are going to be a threat in the AFC race to the championship and I believe will take a trip to Dallas in February. The Pats and Jets are flying high right now, but when it’s all said and done they’ll be watching the big game on the big screen just like everyone else in America.

As for the NFC champion, the Falcons are my pick to Dallas. In the end, the Falcons will reign as the 2010-2011 Superbowl champions.

Gymnastics: Flipping to higher dimensions with new routines Jackson Wallace Sports Editor

An Olympic sport, an international pastime, gymnastics is a sport that has multiple events and excitement at every corner. To become a better gymnast one has to practice consistently.

The Central gymnasts practice every day before and/ or afterschool at ASI gymnastics located on 377. But these practices aren’t like anything that you would see in football or a basketball practice.

Central shares the gym with Keller, Fossil Ridge and Timber Creek high schools alike. So all four teams are in the same building at once. When asked if this was an advantage or disadvantage for the gymnasts, senior Jordan Kollhoff had this to say “ I don’t think it really matters, we’ve worked out so much together we’re all really a team. Kollhoff got started in gymnastics as just kind of a “spur of the moment” type thing.

But teammates say he’s one of the best there is. “I believe Jordan is our best athlete” said Jared Dyson, Junior. Dyson says he’s “ always been flexible” and “good at flipping”.

To compete in the events such as flipping, spinning, floor, vault and the bars, you have to be flexible and “ you have to be determined” said Nicholas Rodriguez, sophomore. Rodriguez says that determination is one of his key assets when it comes to

gymnastics and that he enjoys the second part of the year espe-

cially because it brings about something special. Gymnastics is an all-year sport and is divided into two sections. Section one, the

beginning of the year is when you do what are called pre-set routines. Meaning the routines have been set up for you and that is what you practice mostly during the first semester of school. The second semester as we have already mentioned is whenever you get to bring your own style and unique characteristics to the table and show off what you’ve got.

“We get to make our own routines next semester,” said Rodriguez. “ It’s a lot more fun than in the beginning of the year, because in the beginning all you’re doing are the preset routines.” Said Dyson. But before making their routines the gymnasts have to make sure they are physically fit. To keep in shape and build up the required muscle needed to perform those routines, they have to do push ups, pull ups, and any other exercise that does not require weight lifting. “ We don’t lift any weights, we use our own body weight.” Said Dyson. What this means is that the gymnasts don’t do any bench-press, squats, leg press, you name it.

It is really all natural. In the end, gymnastics provides a uniqueness into the world of sports. From practicing with other teams, to creating your own routines, gymnastics will forever be a sport that challenges the mind as well as the body.

13: A Central High School musical Amara Thomas and Elba Orellana Staff Writers When December rolls around, most people tend to think about Christmas, cold weather and hot chocolate, but for the theatre kids at Central High School it means it is finally time for the annual musical. This year CHS theater program decided to put together a production of 13 The Musical.

13 is about a Jewish boy named Evan who has just moved from New York to Indiana. He is turning 13, and is planning to have his bar mitzvah but has to decide if he wants to invite the popular kids or his true friends.

13 premiered last Thursday, Dec 9 and ran until Sunday with a packed house nearly every showing.

“Opening night was a little jittery, but we we’re all nervous, so it’s understandable,” said Katrina Adams, senior. Even though the production ran for three days, auditions and rehearsals started back in early October.

The theater program began preparing for this production immediately after thier fall show, “Sideway Stories from Wayside School” wrapped up.

“We have just been rehearsing nonstop since then,” said Kelsey Busboom, senior.

Rehearsals for everyone consisted of practicing for three to four hours and sometimes even on the weekends to learn the specified music, the right keys, choreography as well as blocking and memorizing lines.

“We really just practiced running through our parts a lot, then Mrs. Blann and all of the directors put it all together onstage and decide what need

to be changed or fixed,” said Lorens Portalatin, senior, who played Lucy.

While the actors are the obvious “face” of the play, there are many people who work behind the scenes.

“All jobs in the play are pretty important, because the show wouldn’t run with out them,” said Darcie Grim, freshman. Grim is part of the stage crew as a prop person. The prop people make sure all the props are ready for the play and are onstage at the right times. Grim’s job really impacts show and so does the rest of the stage crew.

One of the main aspects of the show that sets it apart from any other musical Central has put together are the song numbers. With lyrics like “I wanna get up all in your business girl” and “I’m trying to be what you want and I need, but we all have a little more homework to do” the songs range from ones who make people laugh to ones with inspiring messages.

“My favorite song is ‘Bad Bad News’ because it is very funny in how all these boys view the character of Lucy and how shoe stole their best friend Brett. It was also choreographer by the talented Kelsey Busboom and Carlie Threlkheld,” said Jenni Sibley, junior.

“I think it went really well and it was a great experience,” said Grim.

pictures courtesy of CHS publications