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Volume 12 | www.centraljournalism.com | March 2014 Issue

March 2014

22Anticipated 23 20 Movies of 2014 4 6 Keep it Safe 10 8 A Split Second Tragedy 10 I Believe...

A Modern Day In Compliments Renaissance Man 18 In Night Lights Artists of Central In Nothing 20 FEATURED: I Believe Sports Update 14 22 In Words Becoming something In Dreaming 23 In Passionate Music All About Music 26 In Never Giving Up The Fault in Our Stars Xbox One VS PS4 The Death Penalty Minimum Wage

The First Time

Drinking and Driving Texting from Behind the Wheel

Straight Edge: A Brotherhood Theatrically Fierce

starting on page 12

by: Claire Bell

by: Abigail Goodman

Perfectly Pinterest What Do You Value

The Illuminator March 2014

Signing Day

Experiencing A Lifetime Fingerprints

Staff’s Choice The Basics

by: Emily Mitchell

by: Mikayla Streetman by: Erin Mangin

by: Taler Thomas

by: Rachel Murray

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centraljournalism.com 9450 Ray White RD Keller, TX

The Illuminator March 2014

We, the Illuminator, are here to bring the Central community the news they want to know, also we’ll be showcasing art, photography, music, events, and the stories that matter to the Central High School community.

The Team Editor In Chief: Taler Thomas Managing Editor: Bailey Kachtik Staff writers Emily Mitchell Mary Clark Abigail Goodman Alex Tidwell Raygan Janowski Christian Velazquez Erin Mangin Madeleine Worrall Jadyn Fore Claire Bell

Editorial Board Charlea Owen Rachel Murray ADVISER Natalie Brown

Letter from the editor

For this issue of the Illuminator, we decided to go with the theme “I Believe.” As teenagers, adults look down on our thoughts and opinions and disregard them because of our age. They think we can’t possibly stand for anything because we are too young, but it is at this point in our lives when we hold the most passion. It is our right, just as much as theirs, to be heard.

There are so many young adults that harbor so much passion toward their beliefs, and I think it is time for them to be heard.

Love always, your editor, Taler

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ANTICIPATED MOVIES OF 2014

By: Erin Mangin

The Fault in Our Stars June 6 Based off of the best selling novel of the same name by John Green, The Fault in Our Stars tells the sweet and heart-wrenching story of Hazel and Augustus, two teens who fall in love while struggling with cancer.

life.’

‘I’m really excited to see Hazel and Augustus’ relationship come to

-Elle Weiss, sophomore The Hobbit: There and Back Again December 17 In the final movie of The Hobbit trilogy, everyone will finally be able to see if Smaug will be defeated and if the Dwarves will be able to reclaim their mountain. Be prepared for exciting fantasy action and adventure in this finale.

‘I’m really excited for the Battle of Fivearmies.’

-Maggy Hana, junior How to Train Your Dragon 2 June 13 The sequel to the animated hit movie released in 2010, How To Train You Dragon 2 takes place years after the first movie, with both Hiccup and Toothless entering adulthood. The duo gets caught up in a battle to protect the peace between Vikings and dragons.

‘I’m really excited because I saw a sneak peek of it and it looks great.’

-Mikayla Rojas, sophomore Divergent March 21 The first movie based off the best selling book series, Divergent will tell the story of Beatrice Prior, and her struggle to survive when an authoritarian leader seeks to destroy her and maintain control of a divided civilization.

‘I think the book was good so if the movie follows the book it should be great.”

-Haley Lanier, junior The Illuminator March 2014

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 November 21 The first part of the conclusion to The Hunger Games series, Mockingjay picks up where Catching Fire left off, and Katniss Everdeen begins a powerful rebellion against the cruel reign of the Capitol.

‘I’m going to see the midnight premier when its out. I know I’ll be tired but it’s worth it.’

-Anissa Garett, Freshman

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The Illuminator March 2014

“THE FAULT IN OUR STARS” BOOK REVIEW

By: Rachel Murray

The Fault in Our Stars, based on John Green’s bestselling novel of the same name is scheduled to be released on June 6. The romantic drama about a young girl with cancer who meets a boy at a cancer kid support group has “TFIOS” fans super excited to see their favorite book turn into a movie.

The young girl and boy, Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters, are just two teenagers where their love takes them on a crazy journey through sickness, wishes and sadness.

Shailene Woodley plays the part for Hazel, and Ansel Elgort is casted for the part of Augustus or “Gus.”

Hazel is diagnosed with stage 4 thyroid cancer, which she has had since she was 13. Hazel

has already finished high school early, and is just starting to pursue a college education when her parents force her to attend the cancer support group.

Hazel’s mother pushes her to make more friends, which is where she meets Augustus, who eventually becomes the love of her life. Hazel has already “wasted” her wish from the Make a Wish Foundation on Disneyland, but Augustus still has his left. Its what he wishes for that surprises everyone inside and outside of the novel.

The tagline for the movie is “One Sick Love Story.” Some people are disturbed by the tagline saying that it is as if it is a cancer joke or pun. Green states on his tumblr page backing up the tagline saying “I like the tagline because it says, literally, the sick can also have love stories. Love and

joy and romance are not just things reserved for the well.

Fans are already in love with Green and his book, and can’t wait to see what the movie will turn out like. If you’re into dramatic love stories or young adult fiction, reading the book before you watch the movie is a great idea. If you’re not into reading, you’ll have to wait until June 6 to see what critics say will be an award-winning movie this summer.

Xbox one vs ps4

By: Claire Bell, Staff Writer

X-Box One and PS4, two entertainment hubs and video game consoles with many similarities causing so much debate all over the world of which overpowers the other. They both now offer Blu-ray disc flexibility but unfortunately have no backward compatibility, meaning that neither system can play games originally designed for older game consoles.

To review each device, let’s start with the console to first release in the U.S., the PS4.

It came out on November 15, 2013 and at the end of 2013 ended up selling 4.2 million. It offers a quieter operating and unparalleled power which basically means that it now has 10 times the processing power. However, it now has music limitations and an online fee along with it. Matthew Perez says that when he plays his PlayStation it’s because “it’s fast, has better graphics, and has not seen it ever glitch out.”

Now to the Xbox. Xbox was first open

to the U.S. public on November 22, 2013 and man- aged to sell 3 million by the end of 2013. 1.2 million less than the PS4. It has voice control features, unlike the PS4 which was a rather disappointment to PlayStation fans, and is an all-in-one console meaning you can connect your cable or satellite single to the Xbox and handle TV Programming.

Although, it has a so far weak game library and requires a Xbox subscription. Micahla Powell loves her Xbox because she believes “PlayStation controllers are confusing because they use shapes instead of letters.”

With the huge Xbox vs. PS debate, there are still PC and Nintendo gamers just sitting back and watching the chaos unravel. “It’s not the system, it’s the game that matters.” said gamer, John Bower.

The only way that the huge debate will ever end is as soon they come out with a new console to argue over.

Playstation 4: 50% Xbox One: 36% Other: 14% 5

CURRENTLY IN THE WORLD DEath penal ty :By: Bailey Kachtik

The Illuminator March 2014

Graphic Source: http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org

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Hangings and beheadings are something very familiar in the history of the world. As this is part of our history it is still in effect today, except now it is through that of lethal injection.

Many states still use capital punishment while others have deviated to sentencing life in prison.

Texas is one of these states that have kept the death penalty over the years, and was in the top three states of most sentences, with nine people put on death row in 2013. Three of these sentences occurred right here in Dallas County. According to Ned Walpin, research associate for Frontline, there are three procedures unique to Texas that must be reached to sentence murderers to death.

First the judges who are appointed to these cases must have a record of being tough on convicted criminals.

Because of this there has been accusations that this causes the appointed judges to be of less value than their counterparts in other states. Second there is not a public defender therefor when these cases go to trial there is no one who

can be hired on behalf of the defendant leaving them with a publicly provided lawyer. Third they do not allow jurors to mitigate evidence. This means that mental illness and age are not put in. These are all reasons that Texas is up there in the pack with the most executions. Between 1976 and 1998 there were 167 people sentenced to death while the next ranked state was at only 60. 32 of the 50 states have a death penalty while 18 have abolished this practice all together. Along with this the average murder rate for 2012, and most of the years beforehand, puts the states without the death penalty with a lower rate than the states that have it.

There are also people who are granted clemency, usually due to humanitarian reasons. Things such as doubt about a defendant’s guilt or judgments of the governor then they will be called into question. Since 1976 there have been 2 clemencies offered in Texas, while in Illinois there have been 187. Most of the time these important clemencies spare the life of an inmate on death row to save the life of the man or woman.

Whether the death penalty is something people approve or disprove the fact remains that it is still around. The theme of capital punishment is something that has always been a part of history and will most likely continue. This being Texas it will indeed be here for some time to come.

The Illuminator March 2014

Politics & Economics

By: Abby Goodman Graphic Source: http://mwwuamerica.blogspot.com

For five years now, President Barack Obama has called for an increase in the minimum wage in the United States and recently it has gotten strong reactions by citizens and federal executives. On January 28, 2014, Obama gave the State of the Union address, in which he told Congress and American’s his plans for the next year. “Americans overwhelmingly agree that no one who works full time should ever have to raise a family in poverty,” Obama said. Obama is now trying to raise the federal minimum

wage from $7.25 to $10.10.

On the supportive side, the White House said, “This action will cover workers who are performing services who are getting paid less than 10.10 an hour.” Fast food is supportive of the possible change, with Rep. Eddie Johnson saying, “They feel it’s worthy to get wages up, to get money in circulation so employees can live a decent life.”

However, not everyone is supporting the possible change. Joseph Sabia, an economist at San Diego State University, said during a presentation in Washington, “There’s never a good time to raise the minimum wage. But times of economic uncertainty and recession are the worst times.” The overall concern is that as you raise the minimum wage, the unemployment rate will rise because the more you pay someone, the more skills they must have.

This argument is not a done deal, yet.

Minimum praise for minimum wage By: Madeleine Worrall, Opinion Writer Graphic Source: http://texasleftist.blogspot.com The proposal that President Obama presented to Congress will not change anything unless people learn to just save their money-which they could’ve been doing with $7.25 as their income. Once the minimum wage is increased to $10.10 an hour, everything else will go up in price dramatically.

Gas prices will be insane and other businesses will raise their prices, as they should. If the stores and gas stations didn’t raise their prices, they would all

go out of business.

Why? For the obvious reason that minimum wage is always going to be the MINIMUM wage.

Let’s say the prices don’t go up, then all the product will be gone so fast and there will be no money circulating and employers won’t have money to pay their employees, then employees will get laid off. Then it won’t matter what the minimum wage is, people won’t have jobs.

No jobs, no money.

What do you think?

“I think it’s a good idea but I think there will be negative effects as well.”

-Kim Ganley, Sophomore “Raising minimum wage will help teenagers with financial needs.”

-TJ Tauaalo, Senior “It

will give people more money.”

-Trisha Golden, Freshman

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Keep it Safe Alex Tidwell, Opinion Writer

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, in 2008, Texas was ranked third highest among teen pregnancy rates (ages 15-19) in the U.S, including the District of Columbia. Furthermore, among the 45 states with reported HIV, Texas was considered home to the third highest number of individuals alive with HIV. (24,699 residents) With Texas lagging behind in personal health and safety, one would only assume safe sex education programs to be on the rise. However, the truth couldn’t be farther.

Abstinence only programs are crushing the youth of today. With a melting pot full of cultures and ideas, it’s easy to follow what’s familiar. I only hope you read this with both health and hygiene in mind.

In states where comprehensive sexuality education is taught, students were not reported “more likely to have sex or acquire a Sexually Transmitted Infection.” To continue, Advocates for Youth put out a statement in 2008 reporting students with some form of comprehensive sexual ed were significantly less likely to be involved in pregnancy. States

The Illuminator March 2014

Salon Di Amici 5411 Basswood Blvd.

Contact: (817) 656-0089 Salondiamici@gmail.com

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like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts hold the USA’s lowest teen pregnancy rates whilst maintaining an extensive sex ed curriculum; so with all fingers pointing towards safe sex education, what is holding us back?

In 2006, Texas was granted 4.78 million dollars in Community-Based Abstinence funds. In the following year, Texas received an additional 2.7 million. While the state of Texas doesn’t require health to be taught, any form of sexual education that is taught must fit the ‘abstinence only’ model. Also, information about contraceptives cannot be provided.

By law, it is required that sexual activity outside of marriage be categorized as “physically and psychologically harmful,” as well as emphasize marriage as the only appropriate platform for sex. Whilst remaining pious with ridged guidelines, schools cannot provide access to GLBTQ resources for gay youth. The only problem is that Abstinence only information has been seen as: “ineffective on reducing teen pregnancy, delaying sexual initiation, or reducing STI’s.”

Along with unwanted pregnancies and STI’s, Texas has an astonishing poverty rate as well. According to the U.S Census Bureau, ¼ of Texas youth (minors) lived underneath the poverty line, in 2007. With poverty comes disadvantages, many of which including income inequality, unemployment, and the inability to protect one’s sexual health.

In Texas, most families seen under the poverty line are of minority races; 29% of Texas’ poverty stricken are made up of black citizens and a third of families shackled by poverty are of Latino descent.

Among urban areas, both ignorance and incorrect reproductive ideals exist. So much so, that shocking percentages breed within this environment. In 2007, “blacks/Hispanics” accounted for 87% of all new HIV infections for teens across America. In 2008, it was found that chlamydia rates amongst women of color (ages 15-19) were nearly 7 times higher than that of white women. So is this the fate we are bound to? Is reproductive and sexual health only of concern for the wealthy? What can we do to keep all citizens safe, and the spread of disease at a low? Inform and educate.

Exposing youth to contraceptives and born rights health is only beneficiary.

With Texas taking a conservative stance, it is difficult to filter right winged lessons out of our health curriculum. But, does religion belong in government? Doesn’t American youth have the right to be presented with an accurate progressive education?

While our parents and guardians raise us with the beliefs they hold dear, it is necessary to view sexual education as progressive rather than destructive. We are not promoting sex, more so the belief that knowledge is power. This is a health issue, not a political one; our young people deserve a say.

The Illuminator March 2014

My First Kiss

TJ Jeter, Senior “It wasn’t good at all. She didn’t know what she was doing.”

Christina Ramirez, Junior “I was at a party and his friend said, ‘did you kiss her yet’? He said, ‘no’ and then he did. Whoo.”

Kali Green, Senior “The guy had a pimple on his lip, so it was a bad experience. I felt it, it was really gross.”

As a little kid, kissing another human being on the lips was a great way to catch cooties. When we grew older, we started to open up to the idea and started to anticipate the day when we would finally touch lips with a special someone. A first kiss can be quite nerve-racking. They all range from super embarrassing to fireworks in the background perfect, but regardless of the quality, it will always be a life changing experience and something you will look back on for the rest of your life.

Mason Saupp, Junior “It happened in the seventh grade, and in the middle of the hallway. My face got really red and I started freaking out. It was weird and awkward.”

Joey Cox, Junior “My first kiss was pretty good. It was exhilarating.”

Alexus Canada, Freshman “It was just a peck. It was good except he was shorter than me, so it was awkward.”

Not all first kisses are absolutely perfect, and its not something to stress over if you haven’t had yours yet. When the time is right, it’ll happen. Whether it be the most embarrassing thing or the sweetest moment, it will always be something that you will most likely never forget for as long as you live.

Charlea Owen, Editorial Board

Room S009 $85

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Split SECOND Tragedy Drunk driving leads to the death of four people and two seriously injured students at Central.

The Illuminator March 2014

By: Mary Clark, Charlea Owen, Raygan Janowski, Staff Writers

If you were to ask your friends and family members if they had ever driven under the influence, how many of them do you think would admit it? Most people try to shrug it off by saying, “Oh, I was just buzzed!” or “I’d only had a few sips!” but the reality is that driving under the influence is driving with ANY amount of alcohol in your system. Buzzed driving is drunk driving - even if most people don’t think so. Driving Under the Influence, or DUI, is a very common mistake that teenagers make.

Not only do a lot of teenagers end up driving drunk at least once in their lives, but most of those teens believe that if they can drive drunk and get away with it. This is how so many people end up seriously injured or even killed - whether it be the drunk driver themselves or innocent people who end up in a wreck.

Driving under the influence is a serious problem that a lot of teens don’t believe is “that big of a deal” when in reality, it caused one of the biggest events in 2013 to affect students at Keller ISD schools.

One week after school let out for the summer last year, a little over six months ago on June 15, 2013, there was an accident on Burleson Retta Road in Burleson, Texas.

Late that Saturday night, 24-year-old Breanna Mitchell’s SUV broke down on the side of the road and two women, 42-year-old Hollie Boyles and her daughter Shelby Boyles who was 21 years old, came out of their home to help her and a 43-year-old youth pastor, Brian Jennings, pulled up in a white pick-up truck to help the three women.

The three of them were helping Mitchell with her SUV when a red Ford F-350 with 8 teenage occupants, ages ranging from 15 to 19 years old, came speeding down Burleson Retta Road and crashed into the four pedestrians. All four of the people standing beside the broken down SUV were killed and the speeding truck flipped, causing two boys in the bed of the truck, Sergio Molina and

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Soliman Mohmand, to be severely injured when they were thrown from the wreck.

Sergio Molina attended Central High School and actively played soccer after school.

Molina, who at the time of the accident was

“You always think that you’re not the one that its gonna happen to, until it happens.”

15-years-old and is now 16, was thrown into a ditch by the force of the crash and was in comatose for several months. When he woke, he was completely paralyzed and communicated only by blinking his eyes. He had finished his freshman year at CHS before the crash and would have been a sophomore this year if he had returned to school.

Soliman Mohmand, currently attends Fossil Ridge High School, had fractured both clavicles, his neck, vertebrae, broken his sternum and a bone above his eye, and he had a laceration on both his hip and leg after flying out of the truck and hitting the ground. “I don’t remember actually flying out of the car, I don’t even remember getting out of the parkway.” says Mohmand. He was then careflighted to John Peter Smith (JPS) Hospital and says he remembers nothing from being transported to JPS or from being in the hospital at all.

Before the accident, Mohmand was an active football player. “I always played football.

There was never a moment after school that I did not have a football in my hands, it was my passion. But since the accident, I’ve lost my strive and love for the sport, but I don’t want to quit because I feel as if I’m going to regret it.” He says.

It took a total of four months to recover from the injuries he received in the ac-

cident. Speaking about his recovery, Mohmand says, “I hated absolutely every moment. I would wake up crying because I turned my neck when I was sleeping. I couldn’t walk up the stairs without someone helping me. I couldn’t even take a shower alone.”

“It’s been a hard seven months, it affects me a lot emotionally. It’s something I can’t stop thinking about and never will.” Mohmand says, “I wish everything that day was different.”

“Life seems like it’s all fun and games and partying, but the moment you get behind the wheel intoxicated your life may take a turning point. It’s hard waking up a week later knowing that four people died and your best friend is paralyzed and you could’ve done something about it. Like, call a taxi or have a designated driver. But we are kids, so we didn’t think anything through, leading us to the worst moment of our lives. It was tragic for us, and the people around us.”

One week after the accident, Jack Manna, Logan Dierking, Sean Garcia, and Layne Garcia organized a soccer tournament fundraiser for Sergio and Soliman in Arcadia Park in Fort Worth to help pay for some of their medical bills. Manna explains, “We wanted to give back to our friends. They’ve always been there for us so we decided to be there for them when they were in their time of need. Whenever I saw my friends that were in the hospital I thought, you know, they need help. If they helped us whenever we needed help we should give back to them.”

Admission to the tournament was $10 per person and 10 teams showed up to participate in the tournament. With tons of support, they successfully raised around $3,000. “It was really touching that people would do that for us. It was heartwarming for me and my family that me and Sergio’s friend would do that for us.” Mohmand says.

Michael Lane, 17, and a student at Central, has released two songs that he

The Illuminator March 2014

DRUNK DRIVING OPINION Rachel Murray, Opinion Writer

The four who died in the crash include Hollie and Shelby Boyles, Breanna Mitchell and Brian Jennings.

Vehicles involved in the wreck.

All photos are courtesy of CNN.

It is said that one person is killed every half-hour due to drunk driving. In just the state of Texas, about 4,200 people were killed from car accidents involving drunk driving in the year of 2012. So what’s my opinion on drunk driving? Don’t do it. We hear stories all the time about drunk drivers getting into accidents, sometimes even killing people, but the stories keep coming. What’s it going to take to make it stop? The problem is that everyone thinks that they are safe to drive, until they are the ones on breaking news, in jail, and charged with DUI or even with murder. They think, “What’re a couple of drinks going to do,” until the person has lost track of the amount they’ve drank, putting their lives and other lives on the line the minute they sit behind the wheel and start their car.

If you have any doubt that you or someone is too drunk to drive, just don’t risk it. Call a cab, or a friend. A simple call could save your life. Think about the cost of medical bills these days. Think about all the feelings and guilt you would have if you hurt or killed an innocent person. Think about the anger you would have if some careless drunk killed someone you love. Think before you drink, and make a game plan of how you will get home safely. Don’t let one stupid decision ruin the rest of your life. You never think that you could be the one everyone hates for being so careless, until it happens. Prevent it before you’re too drunk to tell time. My opinion is simple. Just don’t drink and drive.

Continued: Split second tragedy personally wrote and recorded about the accident.

Although he was not involved in the wreck, he was a close friend to Molina. The songs, titled “Stay” and “Impressions”, both talk about Lane’s views on the accident itself and the court case. In “Stay”, Molina is featured briefly several times throughout the music video including a segment at the end with Lane sitting beside him in the hospital and speaking to him. Michael told us, “Basically what had happened was, a lot of people had stopped talking about him, and I made that video and dedicated it to him so

that people could see how he’s doing good, he’s around, and trying to get better.”

The driver of the truck responsible for the car wreck, 16-year-old Ethan Couch, was sentenced to a decade of probation on December 10, 2013. He was driving 30 miles over the initial speed limit and had a blood alcohol count of .24 - three times the legal amount for adults.

“Because of what happened he will have to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. With every tragedy comes a lesson and an example.

Maybe sometime in the future he will be motivation not to drink and drive.” says junior Haleigh Shields, Couch’s girlfriend, “Drinking and driving is not okay no matter how you slice it, but we all make mistakes. It happens. Just don’t do it. Never ever do it. A lot of people were hurt in that car wreck and it changed everyone’s life. You always think that you’re not the one that its gonna happen to, until it happens.”

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I Believe IN Compliments

The Illuminator March 2014

Claire Bell Opinion Writer

You probably don’t remember every single compliment or insult you’ve ever gotten, but you could admit that some have stuck. Whether the memory makes or breaks you, the point is that whatever they said meant something to you even if it meant nothing to them. I believe that any comment on one’s being can change the way they go through their daily life.

Many times I have my friends ask me why I don’t wear makeup. Others could even say it’s “abnormal” for high school girl to avoid it, although they didn’t mean any harm, it stung a bit. They get confused whenever I feel offended since it seems to them like somewhat of a compliment. It’s okay that they don’t know every time I hear it, it changes the way I look in the mirror. I worry constantly about what people might possibly think of me and whether they might ask questions and they have.

The trauma all started in the fifth grade.

I was the first girl in the school to start wearing makeup. Over summer break, I went to a birthday party where my mom put some makeup on me and it made me feel beautiful. I had decided afterwards, that I wanted to start wearing makeup regularly.

Shortly after, I found out it was a decision that still haunts me to this day.

It ached and ached for every time someone demanded that I only wore the makeup to cover up my hideous face. They even said that I was a horrible person for wearing makeup.

“You’re too scared to show how ugly you are under all that makeup.” “She just doesn’t want any of us to turn to stone when she takes it off.” It all built up like a balloon until the day I popped.

It must have been an average day until that moment. I’m not sure what set me off. It was nothing extraordinary, just the daily torture I was use to. But somehow it got to me and I found myself washing away the makeup with my own tears in the girls’ bathroom. I scrubbed at my face until it was sore but for some I felt like it would never come off. The meltdown seemed to never end.

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THE STATS aks lly pe a u s u girl of a m e e t e 9. elf-es at ag The s

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46% o f 9 to 11 yea somet r old imes o s said r very they w often ere on a diet.

Throughout the years, I dragged with me the memories of all the insults that I lived through. My natural face looks back at the boulder chained to my ankle that tugs away at my self esteem. I walked past the years that slowly seemed to get better. I don’t know when, who, or why, but in one single moment, my body seemed to disintegrate the locks that had trapped me for so long.

A true friend of mine gave me a piece of folded up paper with big and artistically written words that read: “Claire, you have a beautiful soul.” It had been years since my whole fiasco with the makeup and I had gotten plenty of little compliments on my hair or eyes but this was something that made me feel suddenly happy again. I was completely at peace again.

The piece of paper still hangs on my bedroom door. Every once and while, I pass by it with a smile and no memories of all the negative words that before lingered in my mind. What others say can either haunt you or get you through your tough days. It all depends on how you balance it out. With every good comment it breaks away a million other bad ones. There are too many fantastic things in my life now to ever worry about the past.

The Illuminator March 2014

Art by Jean Paek

I Believe IN Night lights

Abigail Goodman Opinion Writer

Most things in this world are terrifying. Murder, cynicism, thievery, heartbreak – all of these things are scary, but we have accepted them as normal occurrences in our society. These things, in addition to the monsters from our own head, haunt us in nightmares and those moments right before we go to sleep. No matter how terrified we are though, it is socially unacceptable to have a night light – we accept manslaughter, but not adults with night lights.

When I was younger, I always had a night light – the tiny light kept me safe from shadows. (I loved the one that put stars on the ceiling, especially, since I wasn’t allowed to actually sleep outside.) But the moment my fear changed from shadows to tangible things; my night light

was taken away. I didn’t understand why – I mean; I was raised all my life with a light in the darkness, but whenever my fears became dangerous, my light was taken away.

Around 6th grade was when it stopped being acceptable for me to have a night light, and around this time, my inner demons started to emerge. My friends started losing their night lights and they took their fear out on me. The verbal and physical blows from them started hate for myself, creeping into every corner of my mind, and monsters of the mind feed off darkness – and as previously stated, I had lost my night light. They kept on growing and growing until I found it again, but monsters only shrink, they don’t disappear.

I’m sure there’s a giant metaphor

for depression being darkness and the night light being hope, but honestly – I just don’t like being judged for a having a night light, especially when we accept murder as a thing that happens. I believe in night lights. It’s just a little light in a very dark world, only allowed for kids when adults need them most.

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I Believe in Nothing Emily Mitchell Opinion Writer

I don’t believe in anything. And I believe that that’s okay. I’ve spent the past few hours struggling to find what I believe in, what I base my life on but all I’ve got to show is a whole lot of half-finished halfhearted columns about things I don’t truly believe in.

At first I was a little sad when I realized that I was struggling so much because the answer I was searching for so desperately did not exist. I felt like it was wrong not to really believe in anything but not long after that I realized an even bigger

truth: that its okay not to believe in anything.

I’m 16 years old and while I’d like to think I know everything, I in fact know very little about life. I’m not even a quarter of the way through. I have plenty of nights ahead of me to lie awake and figure it all out but here and now is not the time for that.

I’m sure if I wanted to I could make myself believe in something I don’t fully believe in. You have to really know who you are to know what you believe in and although I do know who I am that could change com-

pletely in the next five years or even the next five months.

Life is crazy and life is fast and sometimes I feel like it’s passing me by but in reality it’s only just begun and thousands of miles lay ahead of me and maybe one day, many years from now, when I’m at a party or at home reading or at my wedding or even in my last moments I will suddenly know what I believe in, but right here right now I don’t and that’s okay.

I Believe in Words Mikayla Streetman contributing writer

I believe that words are the most powerful tool a human can make. Words are the basic core of our world. Everything you have ever seen, written, said, or heard are all made up of just 26 seemingly worthless letters. But when they come together in a certain way to make the world stop for a second, they can be the one thing that brings people together or tears them apart. Power and emotion would be nothing if words could not be said with them. An understanding greater than we can fathom comes through words. We take them for granted until we are brought back to a sense of reality where we understand that words are precious. Think about not being able to use them. No more “Hello”. No more

“Goodbye”, no more “I love you” and no more “I’m sorry”. None. A world without words is a world that isn’t personal. Think about it.

Everything someone says is interpreted by those around them. Comedians skate

Comedians skate a fine line between harsh realism and an overdramatic point of view in order to bring the other side of a story to light. Taking peoples laughs and turning them into thoughts.

Poets pour their heart out on stage just to get something off their chest, to spread an idea, a feeling, a thought.

Actors portray in order to explain.

Explain big ideas. Things that seen impossible or even simply to make you think just a bit harder about something you’ve never

been exposed to.

People use words to let others know their feelings; whether they are angry, sad, frustrated or happy. They use words.

Without words, speeches that changed history would have never been spoken. Never would have been uttered from the lips of our heroes to pierce the hearts and minds of people who listened. We would be an empty slate.

Everything you say means something to someone and it will have an effect on them and whatever their reaction, just remember, it started from a single word.

The Illuminator March 2014

What do you Believe iN? “I believe in gay rights and feminism.”

-Anabelle Meneses, Grade 10 “I don’t know what I believe in.”

Travis Hammer, Junior

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“I believe in the 8 hour rule.”

-Willy Lin, Grade 9

“I believe in the freedom of expression.”

-Katherine Kalinkos, Grade 10

The Illuminator March 2014

I Believe In Dreaming Erin Mangin opinion writer

Sometimes I like to think that I exist on two different planes of reality. One is just everyday life, like getting up in the morning, going to school and doing homework. While in the other, I am a valiant knight caught up in an epic battle to slay a gruesome beast. One swing of the monster’s venomous tail gives the victim self-doubt and anxiousness. On some days I get hit by the creature’s tail a lot, while on others I come out unscathed.

But for the most part, I am very content with my life. I have a great relationship with my parents and I am lucky to have fantastic and supportive friends. However, last summer I hit a road bump that made my personal monster one of the most powerful things in my life.

My parents divorced. It wasn’t really a big surprise, I always knew deep down that it would happen someday. Anyone could tell that they simply didn’t love each other

. and both of them did not deserve to stay together in a relationship where they were unhappy. But for me, it was like one of my greatest nightmares had come true. I could no longer come home and have movie nights with both my Mom and Dad, we could never take our annual trip to Mexico and build a huge sand castle together again, and I would have to go without seeing my Dad for weeks and my Mom for days.

Without my Dad’s paycheck, we lost our home and we had to get a smaller one in an unfamiliar place. I felt that if I dreamed hard enough, I would wake up in the morning and find both my Mom and Dad at the kitchen table.

I was the most vulnerable I had ever been in my entire life, and my beast saw it as a perfect moment to strike. I spent more time in my dreamed up reality than my real one, and I could never land a blow on the monster, I would just keep being hit with

“I believe everyone can make an impact on everyone else.”

-Angela Filipelli, Grade 10 “I believe in the power of friendship.”

-Ivan Hurtado, Grade 10

its tail.

I lost nearly all confidence in myself and became more anxious than I ever had before. I reached a period of not caring about anything. I forgot about reality and spent my time in worlds dreamed up from denial with dragons and I reached a period of not caring about anything. I forgot about reality and spent my time in worlds dreamed up from denial with dragons and magic and adventure, and somehow it made me feel better. I escaped into my head and healed myself. And once I allowed myself into reality again, both my Mom and Dad helped me get better too.

Maybe all that time I spent away helped me realize that things get better, and there are always people who will love you unconditionally. Every now and then I still battle the beast, but if fantasy has taught me anything, it’s that the good guy always wins

“I believe in eating dessert first.”

Nicole Emery, Senior

“I believe in putting on makeup before school.” Brittany Williams, Freshman

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FASHION

Artists of Central bY: cLAIRE bell, Staff Writer

A talent show was held at Central High School on January 24, 2014 and although there were some amazing performances, there are many other gifted students that don’t get the chance to showcase their passion. Sadly, painting a masterpiece isn’t very entertaining on stage but we should never forget the variety of talented artists at Central.

Two humbled artists, Stephanie Nguyen and Jean Paek share their story of how art has influenced them throughout their life. Nguyen has been interested in art ever since she was little, like most kids, and felt she was very talented at the time.

“I mostly do acrylic paintings of people.

It’s a challenge to paint real people and it’s fun to see how it turns out and how much it resemble the person you’re trying to draw.” Stephanie Nguyen only plans on pursuing art as a hobby and possible

college course in the future but it will received a 4 in the show! In fact, Paek’s continue to be in her life. “Everyone should freshman year she was selected to go to have a hobby. I have art because it is very a state wide art competition. soothing and relaxing so it seems like an Everyday, people walk pass art important thing to keep in life.”

by Stephanie Nguyen, Jean Peak and many

Like Nguyen, Jean Paek loved other gifted artists. Some admire the work art even since she was little and became and some simply walk by. Either way, their serious with it around 8th grade. She message is shown underneath a thin glass started art as just a hobby but it soon case hoping for a passing glance to come blossomed into a talent “Watercolor and around the corner and realize all the care colored pencils and my favorite types of that is put into each stroke of the hand. art tools to work with because I like to All of these humbled artists deserve to use fine tip pencils and brushes like that. be appreciated of their hard work. This They just work with me best.” Same as just proves that you don’t have to put on Stephanie Nguyen, Paek plans on keepa show in order to be recognized of your ing art as a side hobby while she focuses passionate gift and that goes for all types on her career. “Art is a way to spread a of talent in Central’s student body. hidden message to the world and shows

the mysterious side of the artist. It’s very important and because of that should be important to others too.”

Nguyen and Paek both participated in a art show called V.A.S.E. (Visual Arts Scholastic Events) and both got similar outstanding praise from their artworks.

In V.A.S.E. each artist is allowed a certain amount of time to talk about their artwork one on one with the judges. They later give the art a rating from 1 to 4 with 1 being the lowest and 4 being the highest. If you Jean Paek, Senior receive a 4 your art is shown in another separate gallery afterwards. Both artists

The Illuminator March 2014

Stephanie Nguyen, Senior

Jean Paek, Senior

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GADGET

Perfectly Pinterest bY: rACHel Murray, Editorial board

Wake up. School. Soccer. Work.

More soccer. Church. Homework. Sleep. Repeat.

Carrington Elliot, a senior at CHS is dedicated to all of these things, and on top of that, she still manages time into her busy schedule for her family and friends. How does she manage her amazing rank and GPA while trying to stay focused with everything? Elliot does everything with determination and passion, making her a great role model for students at CHS.

“My family and friends mean the world to me, because they are always there for me. Soccer is important to me because it gives me a focus and it makes me feel like I am a part of something,” said Elliot.

So what is it that makes Elliot so interesting? Some of her friends might describe her as “Pinterest,” because she is able to wear anything and make it look great, or you might hear a teacher describe her as “intelligent,”

Theatrically Fierce By: Erin Mangin, Staff Writer Vivid expressions dance across Ashley Gilbertson’s face as she passionately explains how acting has become one of the most influential things in her life.

“My interest in theater began in about seventh grade,” she said, squinting her brown eyes inquiringly at the distance in front of her in thought.

“They posted a sign up sheet for the school musical and I figured, ‘Eh? Why not?’”

She illustrates her speech by making choppy gestures by moving her hands quickly

The Illuminator

March 2014

but outside of her school and soccer life she has another side that makes her much more interesting than she already is. Apart from school she loves spending time with family and friends. When she has time for herself, she enjoys taking pictures, especially pictures of nature.

“I love Carrington Elliot because she is Pinterest,” said Brittany Ratliff, junior.

With all the hard work Elliot puts into school and sports, she has big plans for her future. After high school she plans on going to Texas A&M University to major in communications. With her amazing grades and rank, teachers have no doubt in their minds that she will succeed in college and in her future career and life.

“I love Carrington because she’s such a great inspiration during soccer or outside of it. She’s a wonderful role model and has great words of wisdom,” said Aspen Smith, sophomore.

Apart from school and soccer and her focus on school, Elliot is passionate about much more. She is passionate about her religion and relationship with god, as she attends church and youth groups and even hosts a bible study every Monday for the Lady Charger Soccer members. She plans on going to third

world countries to help children and people in need. Going on many mission trips is a dream of hers that she can’t wait to make come true.

“My faith is the most important thing to me because it gives me hope and joy,” said Elliot.

Staying dedicated to school, sports, work, church, friends, and family can be hard to do all at once, but Elliot juggles it all and so much more. She stays determined on her dreams of succeeding and will always be passionate about religion, helping others, and being a perfect role model for others.

“One of my biggest passions is serving others in need. I hope to go on many mission trips in my future. I really believe that one person can make a difference,” said Elliot.

from left to right, almost as if she’s practicing acting even now.

“I enjoy the creative process {of theater} and I love becoming a character through the acting process.” She said.

Gilbertson has preformed as a lead role in a student directed play titled “Why Torture is Wrong and the People Who Love Them” and has made and provided various props for other theater productions. One of her inspirations is the actor Misha Collins.

“Not only for his acting work but also because he is a good person. He does a lot of charity work and he’s just a generally kind person and pretty selfless as well.” Gilbertson said, running her hand from her chin to her neck.

Like many other theater students, she has to find a way to balance her homework with practicing her acting skills. “I tend to keep a schedule,” she said.

One of Gilbertson’s favorite hobbies is reading. “{Reading} gives me different perspectives, so when I do work with acting I can recall those experiences I gain with reading and I’m able to infuse that with my work,” She said. “Statistics say that 90% of acting is rejection and I feel like that makes people who want to act not as interested. But if you have perseverance and put in effort with what you do, you have potential.”

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Modern dAY renaissance man By: Alex Tidwell, Staff Writer Core teachers have a habit of being overlooked, but when it comes to Mr. Robert Dittrich, English teacher, the truth is anything but. With seven years of teaching and decades of life experience under his belt, he has mastered the ability to connect with students beyond the status quo. “He’s a great teacher, and is very helpful in knowing how to get the point across,” said Tevin Strange, senior. Stressing encouragement rather than denunciation, Dittrich believes in bettering the individual in order for a brighter outcome.

“If you can polish the best parts of people, that’s a good day.”

Dittrich’s take on teaching exemplifies true practice of preach. Moving quickly from topic to topic acts as a way of keeping the kids interested whilst still keeping academic integrity in the classroom. In order to hook the students, lessons must speak to their thoughts and feelings as well as cater to their needs. With free writes, intensive lectures, and good vibes present in every lesson, Dittrich shines through as a mentor to all who seek it.

But who exactly is the man behind the

curtain? The thirty-something year old pundit is native to the countryside just southwest of Austin. Rooting from a small town environment, Dittrich knew there were bigger opportunities waiting for him just around the corner.

“The whole time in high school I just remember everyone thinking about what they were doing once they got out.” Though a rebel and self-proclaimed ‘prankster’, Mr. Dittrich participated in band alongside other musical projects whilst growing up, proving himself to be a true appreciator of music.

Reaching borderline prodigy status, Dittrich learned to play the mandolin and piano all before reaching age six. Through band membership, he mastered the saxophone, clarinet, and flute as well as the guitar. His favorite genres include “loud, gnarly punk rock and heavy metal,” however he still acknowledges the brilliance in all sorts of music.

Along with a love for hot jams, Dittrich shares an affinity for reading, collecting records, hunting, fishing, and astronomy. But what is it about him that leaves students so captivated? The depth within Dittrich mirrors

that of scholarly men.

As a fellow fan of prose and poetry, it’s no surprise that Dittrich is a writer himself. Having been published by his university opened up his passions for literature.

But what pushed him to pursue a career in teaching? “I think it’s because I hated high school so much. The idea of improving other people’s lives was appealing to me.” Right brain dominant and full of flare, he has assumed a position that the average English teacher only dreams of attaining.

“He explains things thoroughly. He’s knowledgeable, which helps us,” said Christian Velazquez, senior. Dittrich is both fully dedicated to being an educator as well as an adviser. From making original lesson plans to promoting acute thought, he proves daily just how much being a positive influence can shape the world around you.

“He always makes sure you get the details of the story, and that everyone understands,” said Anthony Nguygen, senior.

As a man of faith and logic, much has been accomplished in his life, most of which few have the opportunity of experiencing.

Teacher Feature Spotlight The Illuminator March 2014

Name: mr. Robert Dittrich Teaching: Senior Level eNGLISH iNTERESTS: Collecting Vinyl, Spending time with his family, Reading, wRITING, Hunting, AND studying Astrology.

Ask Him about: The Masonry, philosophy, and all things English.

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The Illuminator March 2014

tHE sTRAIGHT eDGE: a BROTHERHOOD bY: alex Tidwell, Staff Writer In youth, experience is everything. From the ages of 12 to 17 not only is your personality being formed, but your convictions as well. High school is no stranger to house parties, wild weekends, and turn up tweets, but when does healthy fun take a turn to the chaotic? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2012, 14.8 percent of high school senior used a prescription drug nonmedicinally. Adderall and Vicodin have served as the pharmaceutical drug of choice for teenagers across America. What was once a means of casual fun for some sheds light on the bitter reality of addiction. So with a generation of escapism rising, a counteracting movement is bound to stand it’s ground: Straight Edge.

The Straight Edge movement has existed since the late 1970s, however its popularity grew tremendously in the early 80s. Minor Threat coined the term with their first single ‘Straight Edge’ in 1983. But what exactly is Edge? “It’s a front so people can judge you right away.” (Sarah Monigold, Senior) What’s the difference in claiming Edge vs. living a sober life? The earliest era of Edge promoted aspects of the punk scene: individualism, a disdain for authority, living in the present, and a love for hard music. Despite having similar core beliefs, an Edge approach to life promotes ‘clear mindedness,’ something next to unheard of for the rockers living in the D.C area at the time. While in its early stages both subcultures shared venues, a chaotic clash of cultures led to the scenes eventually separating.

Among Edge lives subgroups: XVX (Vegan Edge), Hardline (Militant Edge), and Bent Edge.

(A more tolerant version of the lifestyle that ultimately dies out in the late 90s.) Since its birth, The Straight Edge culture has lived through three main eras, the first of which being “Youth Crew.” Youth Crew began in the mid-eighties and flourished while being

“Straight Edge isn’t about being self-righteous or anything like that. It’s keeping my own body clean of chemicals found in drugs and alcohol. It’s a personal lifestyle choice, the same way that being a vegan is a lifestyle choice.”

Brendan Hobgood, senior pioneered by bands such as Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of Today, Judge, and Chain Of Strength. Youth Crew stressed vegetarianism and pushed animal rights as well as veganism.

After peaking in the early nineties, “Hardline Straight Edge” became the new norm.

Militant Edge was all about outward pride, and it’s outspokenness gained both respect and negative attention from the media. The Hardline scene’s willingness for violence and intense conservatism allowed Militant Edge to be misinterpreted as ‘gang-like’ by the police force. Supporting intolerance of homosexuality and abortion, Edge culture split in a subdivision during the late 90s between Hardline and Krishna Consciousness. The last and current era of The Straight Edge can be described as “SXE

Tolerant.” This breed of Edge began during the new millennium and has continued to branch throughout the community. “It really is about the music. It’s great something can come out of a scene associated with drugs and alcohol, and surprise everyone,” said Darcie Grim, senior. Tolerant Edge is more independent in the sense that living clean is more important than only surrounding yourself with other members of the brotherhood.

Aside from increasingly progressive ideas, The Straight Edge saw a change musically as well. What was once Youth Crew Revival took a leap towards Metalcore and Posicore. Bands like Champion, Embrace Today, Have Heart, and Throwdown all came out of the Tolerant Edge scene.

Symbolism is laced within the culture as well, the most popular being an “X.” The “X” can be traced back to Teen Idles’ west coast tour in 1980. Being that the band members were under aged, black X’s made their début on the back of their hands in order to play alcohol-serving venues. Teen Idles also released the album ‘Minor Disturbance’ which displayed the ‘X’ on the cover. Since then, the ‘X’ has blown up as a form of Straight Edge identification, as well as shovels, baseball bats, and hockey sticks.

While it is true that some treat Edge as a passing trend rather than a commitment, it is anything but. Breaking Edge is considered a big deal amongst the community; however, a person’s mistakes do not define them. “And I know that people change and we go through different stages in life, and I’m not here to criticize, but the reason I scream is a feeling inside.” – H20

ng

hi t e om s s ’ e? t u a l va Wh u o y

“Love.”

“Loyalty.”

“Happiness.”

“Dance.”

-Olivia Munoz, -Emily Hoskins, -Ashley Howell, -Monica Cooper, sophomore senior sophomore junior

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Sports update

Staff Writers: Christian Velazquez & Madeleine Worrall

Carly Straight

diving into the 400 free relay The girls team finished fifth overall at the state meet in February. The Medley Relay of Georgia Brown, Madison Strait, Lauren Williams, Kayla Epting and Carly Straight placed third and Madison placed third in the 200 Individual Medley.

Daniel ArEND and Coach Padilla

celebratE their victory over keller On Friday, March 21, CFC defeated Northwest 1-0, sending them into the playoffs. They will take on Arlington Martin in the first round.

Brady Dunn

The Illuminator March 2014

throws a curveball against Flower Mound Varsity baseball sits with a record of 6 wins, 12 losses, and 1 tie, with nine games left in the season. They take on Northwest at home April 1.

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The Illuminator March 2014

“I’m taking my talent to”: Signing Day On swimming scholarships, Lauren Williams, Madison Straight and Georgia Brown also signed. Williams signed to Missouri State, Straight signed to Kansas University and Brown signed to New Mexico State.

On February 5 many Charger athletes were a part of national signing day. Austin Cutting, Hunter Morrow, TJ Tauaalo, Matt McQuillan and Ethan Davidson were all awarded football scholarships, Cutting and Morrow signed to the Air Force Academy. Tauaalo signed to the University of North Texas. McQuillan signed to West Texas A&M and Ethan Davidson signed to Harding Simmons.

Jordyn Givens signed to Illinois on a gymnastics scholarship.

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Fingerprints erin mangin, Opinion writer

People are like fingerprints. Everyone is built like a complex pattern of weaving and curving grooves, each interesting and profoundly different. However, at the center of our pattern lies one thing we all have in common: the fear of being alone. When people can’t find friends who accept them for who they are, they forcefully alter their pattern to fit in.

Sometimes we like to deny that we do indeed change our looks and interests in order to find friends, but we all do, no matter how noticeable or not.

Sometimes it’s a large-scale change, such as changing our clothing or our in-

terests in general, while more commonly they are small, such as changing your opinion on a topic to agree with that of a friend’s.

A lot of people see this as a negative thing that must be avoided in order to be an individual, but it’s just part of growing up and finding your own identity.

In high school, we all have an idea of what is socially ‘weird’ and what is socially ‘normal’ based on the people we choose to hang out with. One group may think that one thing is stupid or weird, while another group may love it.

If you really think about it, your friends at school might just be one of the

largest influences in your life.

So instead of feeling bad about changing yourself or looking down at people who do, just keep in mind what you are at the core. Life is going to influence you if you like it not, and it’s okay to change your looks, interests and hobbies as long as your heart and personality remains intact. Because when it all comes down to it, that’s all that really matters.

W By: Bhat’ s Lef aile y Ka cht ik, Ed t a itor nd W hat’s Next

The Illuminator March 2014

Today

The second edition of the Illuminator is distributed.

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April 2-4

Prom tickets on sale so buy them.

May 5-9

AP testing will begin and be brutal as always.

May 10

Prom is happening so have fun and be safe.

The Illuminator March 2014

Experiencing a Lifetime Alex Tidwell, Opinion writer

I believe in experience. I believe in broken-down apologies and crumbs left in the butter dish.

I believe in smudged eyeliner, coffee stained rough drafts, sleepless nights and crooked teeth. I believe in sloppy apologies, tearful insiders, and dirty sneakers.

The only certainty in life is imperfection, so you might as well own it and embrace the ‘faults’ you see within rather than live as your own oppressor.

Life is too precious to be spent upset over the shape of your thighs or the wrinkles that hug your eyelids. Picturing yourself as a work of art, rather than a bruised peach, makes the act of loving one’s self a lot less challenging. There is an alluring kind of ingenuity in viewing your demons as necessary compo-

nents to your mosaic. Don’t apologize for laughing at the ‘wrong’ times; snort with gratitude as you feel warmth build in your belly. Allow yourself Fridays of solitude accompanied only by the sweatpants on your frame and Bon Iver albums. Embrace passion; revel in the fact that even in your lowest moments, your heart is beating steadfast and strong. You are alive and there is nothing shameful in feeling; what is yin without yang, or infinite light without savage despondency? Fantasy.

People build their lives around expectation and are surprised when confronted with disappointment. Instead of chasing stationary cars, lose the shoes and feel the squish of sand beneath your toes. You were born as sweet as pineapple; don’t become

the bitter grapefruit.

More than anything, it is imperative to learn to love yourself.

You are the only you that you have, and sometimes it takes three in the morning, alone in New York City to realize that; each heartbreak and triumph is another lesson learned. Wisdom and patience comes with every winter, so acknowledge the dead oak trees and lose yourself in thoughts of warm July. Take a walk in the rain; reach the epiphany that we are all inter-connected and life is the most powerful balancing act you will experience. Remember the color of his eyes long after he’s faded; remember them for what they were: crystal blue and beautiful. There is a purpose, and that purpose is you.

Adrian Jones, Senior: “I plan on going to college and getting a degree in interior design and hopefully owning my own firm some day because I love decorating and infusing color with cool stuff.”

Dominic Ross, Senior: “I plan on going to college because I believe I need a higher education.”

May 31 Charles Francks, Senior: “I’ve always wanted to go into the Air Force to become a mechanic because it’s a stable job “ Graduation! Let’s get the heck out of here.

Hannah Cullis, Senior: “I’m going to Lordes University in Ohio because I got a scholarship for playing Lacrosse.”

Ellen Torman, Senior: “Next year I’m going to West Texas A&M University and I’m going to major in nursing because I love the idea of meeting people and saving lives. I’ve always had a big passion for nursing.”

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