Central High School 9450 Ray White Rd. Keller, TX 76244
May 31, 2011
Centraljournalism.com
Volume 8 Issue 8
The class of 2011 give their final goodbyes
Seniors give their last thoughts on high school and give advice to future classes. Life after high school is revealed for one Central student page 3
News
Central High School Zone Newspaper
STAAR to be administered in lieu of TAKS Katie Homans Staff Writer The state of Texas will begin implementing the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). The Texas Board of Education plans on removing the TAKS in lieu of the assessment that they believe will more accurately judge a student’s academic progress. In an effort to make the transition less abrupt, the freshman class of 2015 will be the first class to take the STAAR. Every subsequent year, another grade level will be take the STARR. The classes of 2014 and 2013 will continue taking the TAKS tests throughout high school. "This test is supposedly more vigorous than the TAKS test and it will show the students' college readiness," said assistant principal
Scott Goodwin. The test is going to be set up to where each of the four core class tests will receive a raw score and the combination of all four are required to meet an estimated base score of 210. If students do not meet this base score then they are required to retake the test in addition to the tests of that year until the base score is met. Although the test will still assess students, the medium used may change. “There is a possibility of the test becoming an online test instead of being a test on paper,” said Goodwin. This would allow for less cheating opportunities to occur, and it would cut down the process of grading. "STAAR will not be graded the same as TAKS, the numbers are not the same in the
EOC or end of course exam," said Nika Davis, dean of instruction. Each grade takes the on level exam and not just a summary of what has been previously taught. The class of 2015 will be taking the exams for English I, Biology, Algebra I and World Geography their freshmen year. Questions have been raised about whether eighth graders who take Algebra I will take the test or if they have to wait and take the test in ninth grade. "Right now the tests taken will be predetermined based off of grades," said Davis. "But with the concerns about eighth graders taking algebra one, the tests might be given by classes instead." Unlike the TAKS test where the minimum standard of 2100 determined if you passed or not and a 2200 told college readiness, the new
Student interns with Surgeon General Aliza Etkind Editor-in-Chief
Samiha Azam, senior, will attend an internship with the Surgeon General, Dr. Regina Benjamin, in Washington D.C. this summer. Azam was awarded this opportunity after a nationwide search via the Central chapter of the Health Occupations Association. She was one of six students chosen for this honor. "There was an application process," said Azam. "I had to have two letters of recommendation from health science teachers, a cover letter, a resume [and answer] five short answers." Monica Haverkamp and Kelley Kirby, health science teachers and HOSA sponsors, provided the letters of recommendation that Azam needed for her application. All of her paperwork was due March 1. "They let me know at the beginning of April," said Azam. When Azam found out that she had indeed
received the internship, she "was in a bit of a shock." "I didn't think it was real," said Azam. "I was surprised [because] they picked six people, and I didn't even think I would get it. I'm just a regular HOSA member. I'm not even an officer." She had expected the internship spots to be reserved for the HOSA national president and others of similar rank. Azam's internship will begin July 11 and last until July 15. "I'll be following and shadowing the staff and surgeon general," said Azam. "I will be doing conference calls. I will be doing a research project and a call for action." Every year, Dr. Benjamin focuses her attention on a specific topic. This year it is nutrition and obesity. Azam will be writing a "call for action" on the Surgeon General's chosen topic. Last month, Azam was able to get a small taste of what her week in Washington will be like.
"The Medical Reserve invited me to go [to a luncheon with the Surgeon General] because they were holding a convention," said Azam. The convention was a three day affair. Azam was able to attend for one day, meeting Dr. Benjamin as well as. "[Dr. Benjamin] was really nice," said Azam. "She met with everyone, even though she was really busy." Although Azam's internship is only for a week, her plans on serving in the health occupations will go far beyond that. In the fall, Azam will begin her post secondary education at Southern Methodist University with intention to major in psychology. "I'll be on the pre-health track," said Azam. After obtaining her bachelor's degree, Azam wants to attend medical school to be become a physician. Her top medical school choices are University of Texas, Southwestern University and John Hopkins Medical School.
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standards of the STAAR allow you to show college readiness if you simply pass the test. Students also have the opportunity to retake the tests if they did not receive the score that they wanted. "The tests will be more challenging then the TAKS tests," said Kyle Huston, history teacher. "So students will need to apply themselves more in class and not depend on their test score to determine passing." The STAAR score and the class grade will be averaged together in order to pass the class. "The tests will be moved to the beginning of May," said Huston, "STAAR will probably collide with the AP tests and most likely throw the whole school into chaos."
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 receive one copy free. The Zone is a member of the Interscholastic League Press Corps (ILPC) and ASNE/KRT Campus Newspaper Service.
Adviser
Editor-in-Chief
Managing Editor
News/Opinion Editor
Natalie Brown
Ale Valeriano Aliza Etkind
TRE, district policies still pending
Ashtyn Gillie
Hayley Bupp
Sports Editor
Graphic Designer
Shelby Yancey Staff Writer
Online Director Creative Director
Some changes next year such as the seven period day are guaranteed. Pending Tax Ratification Election (TRE), many things are still unknown. For example, it is a possibility that all regular education bus services may be canceled, leaving only special education students to receive free busing to school. One thing yet to be decided is the start times for next year. "Start times impact our budget and with the pending [TRE], we will not know our official start times until after the election on June 18,"
said Karin Holacka, area superintendent. Some controversy exists with in the community over the possible tax increase. "Due to the administration's ineptness at managing their budget, they have decided the only way to proceed is a tax increase," wrote James Copeland in a letter to the editor of the Keller Citizen. "KISD needs to figure out how to live within its means... just like we all do in the real world.” Superintendent James Veitenheimer disagrees with Copeland. "You and I are living in a district, and we're paying taxes in a district that is about as efficient as it can get," said Veitenheimer at a
"brown bag" luncheon. "When the state of Texas tells you that you're one of 40 districts in the entire to earn a five star rating from the controller because you're efficient...that's a nice award. There are over a thousand districts in Texas, so to be one of those 40, I'll take that any old day.” Also at the luncheon Veitenheimer discussed how the TRE is the board's solution to the problem created by the state. The TRE vote will take place on June 18. Early voting is from June 6 through June 14.
Jackson Wallace Christine Mounce
Brandon Nowell Cecilia Reyes
Photographers Staff Writers Cecilia Reyes Esteban Reyes
Feature/ Entertainment Editor Elba Orellana
Katie Homans Amara Thomas Alex McCauley Ashley Walker Kelli Cook Sam Meadows Katrina Rodriguez Shelby Yancey
Opinion News
Central High School Zone Newspaper
An explanation of rising gas prices
Jackson Wallace Staff Writer
If there is one thing on the minds of most Texans and even most Americans it is the issue of gas prices on the rise again. According to “Gasbuddy.com” the price for a gallon of gas has not been this high since the summer of 2008 where it reached $3.90 per gallon. But that record was only in Texas, the national average for the Summer of 2008 was $4.12. Leaving many gas consumers with a lot less cash in their wallets. Many feel that gas prices will again cross that 4.00 mark and for students that could spell some bad news. “ I work part time at home depot and the high gas price money is wasting my hard earned money that I could be using on paint balling or other fun things,” said Mario Macias, senior. Being in high school and in the work
force usually equals minimum wage. Making only the minimum wage (7.25) and paying for gas which is a staggering 3.89 gallon, can make a Huge impact on your money clip. The price for a gallon of gas is over half of what the high school student is making at minimum wage. But why are gas prices so high? “ There are several reasons,” said Mr. Gene Hayward. “One of the major reasons is that there is an increase in the demand for oil around the world, there bye an increase in gasoline,” said Hayward. “ More countries are in the demand for oil such as India, China, Brazil and a lot more of developing countries on the rise.” There are other reasons, of course, as to why the price for a gallon of gasoline is increasing. “Another reason is the Depreciating value of the dollar, basically our the value of our dollar
is going down,” said Hayward. Around the world our dollar is meaning less and less to people. It is not worth as much anymore and that is hurting us. The more dollars we have to use to buy oil. The less amount of dollars we have back in the states. “Our production of oil is flat, we are not producing enough oil to keep up with our means.” said Hayward. “ We only produce about 2% of the world’s oil.”said Hayward. So only producing a mere 2 percent of the world’s oil isn’t going to get the country very far. Which means the United States has to buy from other countries and that could be costly. “In the trading market there is some manipulation by oil companies,” said Hayward. “The oil producing companies are artificially raising prices. But even so this only accounts for
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a very small percent of the rise in gas prices, yes it has some effect but none to the amount that most people think,” said Hayward. The raising of gas prices might also have something to do with the political instability in the Middle East.” All these countries such as Egypt, Libya, Saudi Arabia as well as several countries in that area, have no stability or structure of government. But again that accounts for a very small percentage of gas prices,” said Hayward. No matter the reason(s), gas prices are high and show no sign of decreasing majorly anytime soon. For students that is bad news. Being on a minimum income limits what they can do with the leftover money they have after buying gasoline. “ For students the more you have to pay for gas, to me the less you can save for college and that is very important,” said Hayward.
People watching: An urban anthropology
Amara Thomas Staff Writer
It was a Saturday afternoon and I was at Whole Foods. Sitting in the eating area eating my favorite Whole Foods dish, soy nuggets covered in a sweet sauce with a Sweet Leaf tea. The weather was perfect that day, sunny with a tolerable amount of wind. As I ate my soy nuggets, I engaged in one of my favorite activities, People watching. People watching is very simple and amusing. People watching is an activity that one must engage when in a peaceful state of mind. Once you have reached that peaceful mind state, you must find the perfect people watching location. You can start by finding a public location, which typically have a variety of people from all walks of life can be found. Perfect people watching locations can be Starbucks, public libraries, Whole Foods, Barnes & Nobles, and malls. Now, find the most comfortable seating area in a location that will expose you to a large amount of people. After this is done, observe you’re surrounding and pick a person of interest. For example,
on that Saturday at Whole Foods I saw a man who was wearing khaki pants, a beige polo shirt, and a pair of Keens. I decided to make him my person of interest; he was looking at plants in the outdoors department of Whole Foods. He looked a lot like Larry David, from Curb Your Enthusiasm. He wore a confused facial expression as he kept glancing at his phone and back to the parking lot. I assumed he was waiting for someone, his wife or a friend. Maybe he was just unstable or unaware of his surroundings. He glanced at his phone for the seventh time and his facial expression changed from confused to angry. With his shoulders hunched he walked out of the outdoor department of Whole Foods and walked back to his Volvo, at a quite fast past. He slammed the door and drove out of the parking lot. People watching like any other hobby requires dedication and practice. You must learn the rules before you begin. Once you’re engaged in people watching there are certain things you are not allowed to do. Do not tell people of your people watching hobby when in a professional environment.
Say you are in an interview and the interviewer asks you, “What are your hobbies?” If you reply, “I enjoy people watching,” the interviewer may have two reactions. They may be appalled and even confused and may draw incorrect conclusions about you. However, if you are lucky they may engage in people watching as well and you will definitely be hired, but this is very unlikely. Second rule of people watching is you must not expose yourself. If your person of interest realizes that you’re watching them, you have been exposed. They assume that you are staring and staring is rude. They may also change their original actions due to the presence of a stranger. For example, I was at Wal-Mart. As walk through the aisle searching for the cookies my Dad requested, I pick a target. Middle – aged man, who is cruising down the aisles of Wal-Mart. He has a hop to his walk and music pours out of his over-sized headphones. I had never seen anyone listen to music while shopping for groceries, but when I glance into his cart I only saw beer and a couple of snacks. Fascinating, maybe he is going to a party,
but at two in the afternoon, this is very unlikely. Lost in thought, it isn’t in until I come back to reality that I realize I have been exposed. Looking right at me is the man with the over-sized headphones. Awkwardness filled the air and I made a quick getaway. I had been exposed. He had every right to give me a look of disgust. I should be ashamed for breaking one of the most important rules of people watching; never be exposed. Now you may be asking, why waste five minutes of my life and observe a disturbed man or a middle aged man. The main reason why I engage in people watching is because of my fascination of people. Each person on this earth has a life story that could fill the pages of numerous amounts books. I feel that just the simplicity of watching a person’s actions for a quick second can give you a sudden look into that life story. That one life story is greater than any independent film or television show. Those who following understand and appreciate my reasoning, I highly recommend the leisure pursuit of People Watching and wish you good luck.
it pierces my finger. A single drop of bright red blood oozes out. I try to get the blood drop on the little blue strip. I miss. I try again. I miss again. “One more time, you can do this Christine. Concentrate.” I mentally push away the blackness and blurriness taking over. I finally get it. 5.4.3.2.1. Beep The moment of truth. I grip the meter with all my strength, attempting to hold it steady as I watch for the final number.
“19. Damn.” I call for my mom, my voice now too weak to barely make a sound. “Mom...” No response. I struggle to get out of my bed. Rolling on to the floor, hitting my head and everything else on the way down. I scramble to get up and pull myself to the door. I battle my shaky limbs to open the door and collapse on the other side. The black overcomes me and... nothing. I passed out. Not 30 minutes later my mom walk up the stairs to find her only daughter passed out and unconscious at the top. My blood sugar dropped too low in the middle of the night. I had accidentally guessed
the wrong amount of carbs in the lasagna I had for dinner and dosed too much insulin. I’ve had Type 1 Diabetes for 12 years, and this scene has only played out once. I’ve gone low many, many times, but only that low once. It was most definitely the scariest moment of my life. Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that affects the pancreas and insulin production. It can affect what I eat and when. I have to count carbs and check my blood sugar. Diabetes has been the most difficult thing I have ever had to deal with and something I wouldn’t wish upon anyone else.
You’d think it would be easier to live, but no
Christine Mounce Online Director
Shaky. Dizzy. Wavering. I shakily reach for the little black case on my nightstand. “Almost, not yet.” I couldn’t reach. Almost, but no. I try again. I reach wavering, shaking. I can’t see straight. Everything is spinning and blurring together. “Yes.” I got it. I pathetically pull the little black case to me on the bed. Frantically, I struggle to open the zipper. Finally, I tug the case open. I cock back the needle and wince as
Opinion
Central High School Zone Newspaper
Positive regrets conclude high school Hayley Bupp News/Opinions Editor
The end of our senior year is the time that we take to look back upon these past four years. What do we look upon? Happy memories, new friendships, favorite teachers, favorite weekends, etc. But I’m going to jump into a whole new perspective; I am going to focus not necessarily on the positive things of high school life, but on the regrets. Regret can be a strong word. Does it mean that one wants to tear apart the present and relive the past, in an effort to fix all current problems? Maybe. Or possibly it just means that we know our mistakes and how to fix them in the future. Either way, whether we have a positive or negative outlook, we all have regrets. Maybe you snapped back to a teacher once, maybe you stuttered with your speech because you forgot to practice or maybe you broke a friendship with
harsh actions. Maybe you cheated on a test. One of my earliest regrets occurred in my freshman year. I first witnessed what I also hope is many other students’ regrets. A biology test was what we faced and internal groaning was held throughout all of us. So when a girl found the answer key sitting on the podium, we checked to make sure that the sub was no where to be found. Then almost every person in the class, excluding me, ran up and began to frantically write the answers on the hands, desks, arms. Needless to say, the girl “earned” a 98 while I was stuck with a (well deserved) “C”. Now, you probably thought I was to ramble aimlessly about how the girl and the class should be regretful of their deeds, but I am not. I am regretful. An innocent bystander is no longer innocent if she does not report a crime. And that is exactly what I did. A let about 20 people get away with cheating, without one response. Go ahead and chalk it up to “peer pres-
sure” and a “social normality,” but I know the truth. I had a choice, just the same as they did. I am just as much to blame over the situation. So, from now on, I promise to not compromise my morality for anyone else’s benefit. My second regret is my friendships. This year, I have made so many new friends (you know who you are!) that I hope to never lose. So why is that a regret? Because it was not until my senior year, even late into it, that I made these friends. As an underclassman, I had a problem leaving my social bubble. My sister and I stayed so close that I hardly stepped out of the perimeter of her own friendships, much less my own. Thankfully, I began to join clubs and other extracurriculars and I began to draw a whole new circle of acquaintances. The funny thing about meeting new people, is that you begin to see yourself in a new light. I suddenly realized that I was not just the quiet shell people believed me to be, and I finally
Volume 8 Issue 8 Page 4
believed that I had much to offer as a friend. Honestly, I let that shell become me for the beginning of my high school years. Not completely, as outside of school I was my normal, opinionated, passionate self, but inside of school I could see the way people saw me. Why should I cover myself up just for some preconceived notion? I shouldn’t, it is as simple as that. And to this day, I still struggle to let go completely, but now is better than ever and if my friends are any proof, I am well on my way to a loving, happy life. Do not think that regrets are a negative thing. I believe that it is healthy to look back upon past mistakes and alter current behaviors and actions to fit a new goal. Mistakes are only a learning experience. So if knowledge is power than mistakes equates to power as well; power for a happy future.
An anticlimactic high school experience Aliza Etkind Editor-in-chief
I thought high school would give me all my answers, satisfy all my wants and desires while simultaneously giving me the hope and courage I would need to lead the rest of my life. I had seen the movies, the television shows, read all the books. My four year stint at Central would consist of drama and romance, lockers slamming in faces, rebellion, skipping school, passing notes in class, boring teachers and practically any other cliche from 80's brat pack movies I could think of. And in the movies, no matter what kind of shenanigans our heroes got into, all of their conflicts were resolved at graduation, like that one symbolic ceremony could make up for all the failed tests, every discipline referral, broken heart and late night study session where absolutely no studying took place. My parents and older sister and anybody
else who felt like putting in their two cents told me to enjoy high school while it lasted, that it passes like a fleeting snap in a quick little blur. That advice accompanied with my preconceived ideas led me to believe high school would be little more than a long crazy night I would only half remember in the morning. High school proved quickly that it was nothing like I thought it would be. First of all, we had no lockers. All those scenes of bullies shoving small, underdog freshmen into floor length metal storage devices quickly evaporated. Secret admirers couldn't slip anonymous notes to their crushes. Cell phones replaced hand written notes. I was too much of a rule follower to skip school or break the rules. And any drama I found myself in was either immature and needless or sad and depressing. And it didn't pass in a blur. Every semester
felt like a year. Winter break felt like months. And the summers spanned infinitely. Maybe in ten years, I'll long for my high school days, and mourn the fact that it flew by too quickly. From where I'm standing right now, though, my senior year couldn't have come fast enough. Don't get me wrong; it's not like I wanted high school come and go. But at the same time, I'm not going to say that it's been the best four years I've ever experienced or will ever experience. It's been long. I've worked hard, studied hard, only to have weary adults look upon me as nothing more than an immature high school kid. I'm looking forward to becoming an adult, shedding the last of my childish skin for a more grown up facade. I'm ambivalent about life after high school, but far from apathetic. Half of the time I'm afraid that I'll miss my family, be debilitated from homesickness while the other half I'm so
excited that I want to leave and never look back. I'm scared that I don't know what I want to do with my life, that the dreams I have realized will never be accomplished. At the same time, I can't wait to burst out of my shell, to fly, to be afraid to fall and be okay with that. If there's anything high school has given me, it's the want to escape, to grow up and spread my wings. If high school had met all my expectations and more, would I still want to move on? Or would I want my life to be an eternal senior year? At any rate, it's over now. All that's left is graduation. But what's after that? Oh, boy... We'll see. Thank you, Central High School. I tip my hat off to you. Thank you for giving me a marvelous, safe anti-climatic high school experience.
been given, I want to give back to people who aren’t as fortunate as I am. Last but not least, I want to stay humble and be content with simple pleasures like every sweet sunrise, falling gold sunsets, and polite smiles. I want to always appreciate things made from the heart instead of checkbook. I have taken bits and pieces from my teacher’s characteristics to build my ideal self. Coach sledges genuinely caring attitude. Coach Schuelkes sheer and tender kindness. Mrs. Natalie browns take-the-shirt-off-her-back
loveliness. Mrs. Blank’s vivaciousness. Coach Buster’s always-there-smile and Mrs. Tunnell’s graceful sophistication. These attributes will hopefully always be the patchwork of my soul because the beauty of these people influences me to be my better self. Most of all, I want to live a beautifully artistic life.
Life will cement who I am
Cecilia Reyes Staff Writer
I haven’t a notion in the world as to who I am concretely or who I’ll become in the next five years but as of the 18 years I’ve resided on this planet and indulged in the “free” public school system… I know what I want. First and foremost, I want beautiful relationships. Friendships that flaunt outright silliness and that compliment each other like the silver moon in the blue sky. Relationships that let
you recognize how their eyes obviously change for you when they’re happy. Relationships that is stronger than the muscles that hold our bodies up and appreciate the simple things in life. Second, I want to pay it forward. I want to help. I have been heavily blessed to collect the rudiments of the working class “American dream.” I have been endowed with to overloving, hard working, and totally awesome parents and I could never express how genuinely grateful I am with words. For everything I’ve
Opinion
Central High School Zone Newspaper
Volume 8 Issue 8 Page 5
Harry Potter nerd and proud of it Ashtyn Gillie Managing Editor
Of all the labels people have placed on me over the years, nerd is probably the one I am proudest to bear. I feel like nerds are people who care deeply about things that they enjoy, such as Star Wars or physics, or in my case, Harry Potter. I have been reading Harry Potter since I was seven years old, and have loved the series long past the time that my peers decided reading was something to be avoided as opposed to enjoyed. Harry Potter has followed me throughout the stages of my life, and with the end of the Potter age approaching in July, I have yet again found that his story coincides with mine. The beauty of Harry Potter, at least for those my age, is that we have been able to grow up with him, almost as though he were our best
friend. We see what Harry sees, we feel what Harry feels. I was one of those weird kids who preferred reading to almost anything else, and therefore I spent countless hours reading and rereading the series. Reading for a true reader is more that just deciphering words on a page; words can create an entire universe right in front of your eyes. This was the case with Hogwarts, and now, when I reread the series, those pages fill me with the same sense of comfort and nostalgia that you might feel when looking back at pictures of your best friend in elementary school, or remembering days you spent at your grandmother's house as a child. Harry has always had a deep connection to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and I can honestly say I have as well. I have experienced the loss of many people
that I love over my lifetime. Grief is a hard emotion for children to comprehend, as I can attest to. But whenever I dive into the pages of The Order of the Phoenix or The Deathly Hallows, I find someone who understands how I feel, and there are many times when I have cried with Harry. JK Rowling's unfailing ability to know what is happening in my life, and to guide me through it, is what has made me dedicated to this series for the past 11 years of my life. Some may call me strange for being so attached to a fictional boy wizard, for being able to identify with him so closely. It's just a children's story, how can someone who is legally an adult relate to this fantasy world? But the magic in this series isn't literal; it isn't in the charms Harry casts or the potions he brews, but in the fact that he shows us how important it is to care,
how even though sometimes it would be easier, or even more acceptable to feel or care about nothing, the best things in life are worth fighting for, whether it is the friends and family you love, or the right to enjoy the things that bring you happiness, even if it's a children's book. As I enter into a new phase in my life, where I will encounter many more feelings of heartache, and many people will tell me to grow up, to shed my immaturity and be the mature adult that society demands of you, I will remember this lesson, and I hope I never lose my childish sense of excitement for things I love and enjoy, for as Dumbledore says, "Youth cannot know how age thinks and feels. But old men are guilty if they forget what it was to be young."
Life is a lesson learned by trial and error Katrina Rodriguez Staff Writer
It's my fault... It's my fault... It's my fault... Crouched in the back of my closet. Hiding. Listening. Waiting. I hear his footsteps. He is outside my door. "Don't hide from me!" he yells. "Where the hell are you!" "Don't cry,"I say to myself, "He will hear you." "You ungrateful wretch of a daughter! When I get my hands on you I swear I'm going to..." His words start to fade, and the blackness starts to eat away as I drift into another dream once again. I never want to see my dad like this. My ten year old mind doesn't understand. So I hide. "Katrina!" My mom shouts. "She is home! I'm safe! He won't do anything to me while she is here!"I say to myself with childish naivety. I quietly, but quickly, emerge from my safe haven. I go into the bathroom and quickly wash my tear stained face. Daddy doesn't like it when I don't wash my face. I must listen to what Daddy tells me. It's my fault... It's my fault... It's my fault... I find Mommy in the kitchen. She is tired, but you can't tell by her appearance. I rush to jump on her to give her a hug, being very careful of her inflating stomach that is holding my baby sister. She catches me and asks, "How was your day, Kat?" I freeze. I notice a shadow in the kitchen doorway. It's him. His eyes tell me all I need to say. “I was a bad girl," I say. Mommy looks at me and then finds his eyes with her own. She knows he didn't take his
medication today. "You better not have hurt her." Mommy says with her eyes both hard and filled with sympathy. He never does. Never will. She then hugs me and asks if I found a better hiding spot this week. I nod and then help her with dinner. Never questioning. Never complaining. Never interfering. “I'm so sorry Kat, you don't understand. It will never hurt y..." My dad is apologizing again. He knows just about as much as what I do about what's happening. I know nothing. My dad has manic depression and mania, the active form of bipolar disorder. When he was first diagnosed when I was seven, he refused to take medication for it. He still says, to this day, that it makes him feel sick. He says it doesn't work, but I beg to differ. I am my dad's scapegoat. For whatever reason it is that he started being haunted by these demons, it seems like I am the only logical explanation as to why it began in the first place. My dad, the man who is supposed to be my hero, my protector, is now fighting to keep me safe from the only person who can cause true harm to me. Himself. Every day is a battle. It's my fault... It's my fault... It's my fault... Eleven years have passed since his diagnosis. Some days are hard. I end up with my feelings crushed, my esteem put down and my opinions of my father eroding to shambles. Other days it's as if he isn't sick. We talk about boys and politics. About the stock market and sports.
About how I have a gift for writing and how proud of me he is. How he can't wait for my upcoming graduation. He is my dad and I love him, but unfortunately the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. During the spring of 2008, my freshman year, I was diagnosed with manic depression. I started taking Prozac shortly after my diagnosis. After six months of medication, my mom canceled my prescription and started giving me St. John's Wort, a natural mood stabilizer. This always seems to be efficient, but I am always careful to never overstep my limits. Ever since my diagnosis, I have always questioned my own stability and I find myself becoming more and more paranoid about how I react to everything around me. Why am I the way I am? What if I'm like my father? What if I hurt myself? The what-ifs always race through my head. They are always there, but I have to either push through or live in my fear. "Katrina!" my dad yells from the room. Should I hide? What's wrong? I can't hear his footsteps! “Do you know where your mom hid the remote?" He says with a calm face. Today is a good day, at least for now. I hand him the remote and he turns on the game. The Spurs are up by three. I sit down next to him. Bottle of pills and water in hand. "Looks like we are slipping," I point out. "Yeah, we aren't going to go into the next round," he says. I start to feel the tingling up my spine, the sign of the genetic monster that lingers within me. Quickly fumbling with the cap. Hurry up! Faster! Don't let it come out! Don't let it engulf
me!
The beast inside is ripping through. Taking all of what I am, and trying to make it it's own. There, 300mg down 600mg to go. I shakily pop the pills in my mouth and with a big swig of water, I resume watching the game as if nothing happened. The monster goes back into hiding. Waiting for the day I am caught off guard, lurking in the shadows. My dad is looking at me now like the super hero who failed. He knows I am the way I am because of him. He knows how much pain I've gone through living in the same house as him. He knows that, because of him I will always be on medication, dependent forever. He knows he has been the cause of everything. The reason why for four years I've had to question my own stability, for the sake of other people's and my own safety. "I'm so sorry Kat, I..." His words start to fade as it did when I used to dream. I don't want to hear what he has to say. I don't want to listen to his apology, because in the end, it will never be enough to fix what was done. It's my fault... It's my fault... It's my fault... I live day-by-day, hiding my sickness from the world. Everyone believes what I never fail to project, which is the idea that I am okay. What the people around me fail to realize is underneath the smiles, I will always be that little girl hiding in the back of her closet. Hiding. Listening. Waiting. I pop the remaining 300mg into my mouth. I hear his footsteps. But I will never let him hear me. I will never let my dad see me like this. My 18-year-old mind finally understands.
Feature
Central High School Zone Newspaper
Volume 8 Issue 8 Page 6
Senior travels far; obtain opportunities in New York Amara Thomas Staff Writer The 2010 -2011 school year is coming to a close and for seniors it means that their beloved high school years are coming to an end and it’s time to began a new chapter of their lives. While many seniors will be heading off to colleges in Texas, such as the University of Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, or the University Of North Texas, one Central student is taking a very nontraditional path after high school. “[New York] is where I want to be, that’s where my heart is,” said Chloe Eldridge, senior. Eldridge will be moving to New York City to attend the City University of New York. CUNY is the public university system of New York City that has 11 institutions that are dispersed throughout the five boroughs. Eldridge will be attending a CUNY institution located in Harlem called the City College of New York, majoring in civil engineering. “[Civil Engineering] is not something that everyone goes for, it’s an engineering position that’s difficult and two of my strong points; math with a creative aspect,” said Eldridge. With a degree
in civil engineering Eldridge wants to be able to aid in architectural projects or working with New York City. What Eldridge is looking forward most about CUNY is being educated where her quantum hero is employed. “My favorite Quantum theorist is Michio Kaku and he teaches at City College of New York, so to go to school where an idol of mine teaches is just kind of crazy to me,” said Eldridge. Like any other college student Eldridge has been searching for job that could support her needs. Searching has leaded her to wanting a career in the nanny business. “I babysit all the time; it’s not a big transition,” said Eldridge. As a nanny Eldridge can receive free boarding, which will eliminate having to pay rent every month. Through her searching Eldridge has come across a position as a nanny for wealthy family living in Greenwich Village, while it is not official at the moment she is hoping that it will work out. She is planning to jump into the nanny business at the beginning of July. Fortunately, Eldridge is not a stranger to the Big Apple. “Last summer, I had an internship at Amy’s bread in New York. I had a seven hour shift,” said Elbridge. Due to her summer
experience in the big city, Eldridge has a knack for getting around, but is a little uneasy when it comes to buses. “I’m kind of worried about the buses because there are so many of them. I have only ridden a bus once and that was with my aunt and she knows the system,” said Eldridge. With family and friends living in the city, Eldridge will be able to receive unlimited support. “My aunt lives in Williamsburg, so if all fails I can move in with my aunt,” said Eldridge. According to Eldridge the city offers so much to its dwellers. She is ready to embrace the culture that thrives in New York; with the Summer Stage in Central Park, crazy hot dogs with unimaginable toppings, and to attend what she calls “spare” of the moment concerts. There is always going to be good music, because everyone’s trying to be the best and get the most light,” said Eldridge. While the city may offer some much to Eldridge, there is one thing she will miss when living in New York, which is her nine year old brother. “I’m worried about my brother,” said Eldridge. She dislikes the fact that she will not be there to witness the rest of his adolescent years, but is optimistic to the possibility of him visiting in the near future.
Summer Fun Ashley Walker Staff Writer With summer fast approaching, teenagers are looking for cheap ways to entertain themselves. You don’t have to spend a bunch of money to have a good time. Here are a few places that are fun, but also won’t break the bank.
According to grapevinetexasusa.com, it is a 8,000 acre recreational lake, center for boating, fishing, camping, and picnic facilities. You could have fun in the sun, and all it costs is the gas it takes to get there!
1. Twisted Root Burger Co.- Twisted Root Burger Co, with locations in Dallas and Roanoke, was featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” hosted by Guy Fieri. According to the Dallas Morning News, “The basic Angus burger was a juicy, messy delight…. a comfort food favorite.” Along with hamburgers, they have hotdogs and milkshakes.
4. Fort Worth Zoo- The Zoo located in Fort Worth, is open for the summer weekdays 10-5 and weekends 10-6. For adults 13 and up, admission is $12. Wednesdays are half price. It’s open all year, so you can enjoy the animals anytime you want! They also have an exhibit, Dinosaurs Unleashed, featuring dinosaurs that once roamed our earth. It goes on through July 10. “There were all sorts of animals there,” said Kayley Schaffner, freshman. “I had the most fun seeing the monkeys and elephants.”
2. Movies 8- Movies 8 in North Richland Hills features up-to-date movies at a discounted price. They have “Reel Family Time” every Monday, 75 cents per person for parties of three or more. They also have “Discount Tuesdays” where you can get your movies tickets at a discounted price. The movies are always fun, but it’s more fun if you have money left over!
5. Brunswick Zone Watauga- The bowling center in Watauga is the place to go for fun in bowling, billards, and arcade games. On Bowlbrunswick.com, you can sign up for a bowling pass that gives you one free game every day this summer (June, July, August) for students 18 and under. You can also sign up for the Bonus Zone, which emails you coupons immediately.
3. Grapevine Lake- Grapevine Lake is only a short drive away, and you can do everything from swimming or camping, to just laying on the shore with your friends.
Having fun this summer doesn’t mean you should spend all your money.Whatever your plans for the summer, you could save a little money along the way.
Entertainment
Central High School Zone Newspaper
Volume 8 Issue 8 Page 8
Summer blockbusters
Shakespeare?
Kelli Cook Staff Writer
Shelby Yancey Staff Writer
Summer time is a great time to be going to the movies with friends. Directors and Producers wait till the summer months to put out their good movies, because of the increase in viewer availability. Fright Night, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2, Green Lantern, XMen: First Class, Captain America: The First Avenger and The Help. Fright Night comes out August 19. It is a movie about a popular teen boy, who thinks he has it all, even when it comes to insulting his lifelong nerdy friend, who notices that kids in their classes are starting to disappear. Coincidently this begins when a mysterious new man moves in next door. He decides to investigate when he notices strange and unusual behavior surrounding the man. This movie stars Anton Yelchin as the main character, his nerdy friend Christopher Mintz-Plasse, the neighbor Colin Farrell and in addition David Tennant. Transformers: Dark of the Moon comes out July 1. This is the third installment to the Transformers series. Sam Witwicky, played by Shia LaBeouf, his Autobot friends and the NEST team of soldiers run by Lt. Colonel Lennox, played by Josh Duhamel, and Robert
Epps, played by Tyrese Gibson, are called in to help fix a problem caused by the governments withholding of information about past relations with the Cybertronian race. This information was discovered on the first landing of the moon by Neil Armstrong. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 is coming out July 15. This movie is the final installment in the Harry Potter series and brings the ongoing conflicts to a conclusion. Harry Potter, played by Daniel Radcliffe, Hermione Granger, played by Emma Watson, and Ronald Weasley, played by Rupert Grint, all prepare for the final battle against Voldemort, played by Ralph Fiennes, with the help of their friends and the Order of the Phoenix. Voldemort has the help of his loyal Death Eaters including Severus Snape, played by Alan Rickman, Bellatrix Lestrange, played by Helena Bonham Carter, and Draco Malfoy, played by Tom Felton. Green Lantern is premiering June 17. The movie follows the life of an ordinary guy, played by Ryan Reynolds, who gets swept up into the intergalactic Green Lantern Corporation when one of their own, played by Temuera Morrison, crash lands on Earth after following the ring to the destined one. Hal Jordan, Reynolds, once a pilot is now involved in
something much bigger, he is a Green Lantern who is the hope of the galaxy. X-Men: First Class will be coming to theaters June 3. This is a prequel to the very first X-Men movie focusing how Charles Xavier, played by James McAvoy, and Erik Lensherr or Magneto, played by Michael Fassbender, brought together other Mutants and made the very first X-Men group and the School for Gifted Students, or better known as Mutants. This movie shows how the younger mutants learn to control their powers and to interact with others. Captain America: The First Avenger will be in theaters July 22. This movie is focused on a young man who wants to make it in the army, but is shot down because of his size, played by Chris Evans. However when the government builds a machine to turn men into "Super Soldiers" he is the first applicant to the experiment. After the experiment being a success Steve Rogers turns into Captain America and is now a super hero set on protecting America and her ideals. The Help is coming to theaters August 12. It is a story about girl from Jackson, Mississippi, played by Emma Stone, who works for a newspaper the Jackson Journal. When she finds a cause that she wants to write about, she finds that finding people brave enough to talk to her is much more harder than she first thought. This movie is based off the sensational novel by Kathryn Stockett, The Help. With all the new movies coming out this summer, everyone will be sure to find something they find interesting.
No, this is not an article about how Stephanie Meyer is the next William Shakespeare, because honestly, she writes like a twelve year old holding a thesaurus. This is, however, how the public response to Twilight is much like the Shakespearian play, Twelfth Night. In the play, a girl named Viola is looking for a job after a shipwreck in a foreign place. Sadly, the man to get a job from favors male employees, so Viola disguises herself as a man to get the job as a servant to Duke Orsino. The Duke gives Viola the job of wooing the girl who does not care for him, Olivia. Because Viola is secretly a woman, she knows exactly what to say so that Olivia will be wooed. However, instead of falling in love with the Duke, Olivia falls for Viola, whom she believes to be a very sentimental man. The Shakespearian play ends in a comedic style, but for the full synopsis, read the book. With Twilight, Stephanie Meyer (who is a woman), writes a novel about a man that woos a woman. The thing is, the man, the fictitious man, woos real women across the country. So Edward Cullen, knows how to woo a girl, right? But why? Because he is made up by a woman. But not by just Stephanie Meyer, by the
readers themselves too. Think about it, did the author ever vividly describe his appearance, or did the reader imagine most of his attractiveness. What’s more, he is what every woman wants right? Wonder why? Because Stephanie Meyer knows what every woman wants; because she is a woman. So the hype of Twilight is dying out, but the idea stayed the same from the 1500’s, that women know what women want. But ladies, what kind of message are we sending to men? That they aren’t good enough in less they are immortal? They aren’t even good enough if they are werewolves, and come on, how many werewolves are out there? Like honestly, why does anyone want to give to opposite sex unrealistic standards? Or rather, immortal standards? If the new thing for guys were a mermaid, most of us girls would be done for, (minus the girls on the swim team). It’s just unfair to compare real men to fiction, because fiction has to be impossibly perfect. So for all of those Twilight love stuck women, just remember, Edward is a woman, just like Viola.
Entertainment
Central High School Zone Newspaper
Volume 8 Issue 8 Page 9
Adelaine sings of hope; inspires with music Hayley Bupp News/ Opinion Editor With a mic cord wrapped in her fingers, Stormy Pina takes the stage. Donny Bayless and Wayne Davis start an ethereal riff on their guitars. Zach Sebree adds in a resounding drum beat, along with Matt Hannum’s rhythmic bass. Florescent lights flash to the beat. The chemistry is undeniable. Between the simultaneous movements to the beat, the crowd’s excited screams, and the smiles on the band’s faces, it is obvious that the group’s presence on stage has an impact. These five people have come together to create something beautiful and inspirational, and now they are ready to share this passion with the world. Armed with a mission to bring a positive influence in music, Adelaine’s music has a powerful message that relates to every listener. “We try to put 100 percent of what we’re doing into our music,” said Donny Bayless, one of the guitarists for the Houston-based band, Adelaine. “Using our music to make a positive effect,” is one of the best parts about being in a band, Bayless said. This positive goal is obvious in the music and lyrics of Adelaine. To make this happen the band features the talents of Stormy Pina, lyrics and vocals; Zach Sebree, drums; Donny Bayless, guitar; Wayne Davis, guitar; and Matt Hannum, bass. “The meaning behind [the name, Adelaine] is, ‘God is just,’ in Hebrew, and ‘The Noble One,’ in German,” Sebree said. These meanings are the root behind the heart and essence of the band. Adelaine was founded by Sebree and Bayless as they worked at a Target. Davis and Hannum were added soon after. The band went on a search for a singer, and “stalked” down Pina from Myspace. “We stole her,” Sebree explained jokingly, from the band, Thea. This band was a three-year stint in which “it all started” for Pina’s musical career. Pina was an invaluable addition to the band, as she writes the lyrics, while the rest of the band writes the music. “Sometimes I’ll come up with something or an idea first, then we will all get together and go about it,” Bayless said. A song usually begins with the music being written first. Pina will then add in the lyrics to fit to the music. The song writing process can take “anywhere from one hour to three months,” Pina said. The song “Take Heart” was a fast one, that
according to Davis, “just clicked” with the band and came together quickly and smoothly. “Wayne wrote the riff, everyone got on their stuff and it was awesome,” Sebree explained. Although the music usually comes first, every song is different. “Usually I like to go off the music and write to it,” Pina said. “Sometimes I will write things on the side... And then I will pull ideas from it.”
Photo courtesy of Maggie Molhoek What remains the same for every song is the passion put into it. “Stormy writes about a lot of life experiences. A lot of things that people go through. Hard things that you go through, that we go through everyday,” Bayless said. An example of this is “Crying Out” which takes sadness and heartache and faces it head-on. “Everything is positive we want to get across,” Hannum continued. “We hope it will
help the [fans] out.” One of the first songs the band wrote together, “Forgive, Can’t Forget” is a song that is no longer played live. This is one of the few songs that is not a favorite because it does not fit in the positivity the band wants to uphold. “It was an angry song,” Pina explained. “I don’t really write angry songs a lot because I’m feeling it over and over again.” The band recently released their first EP, Take Heart. This six-track album is full of the band’s message. The lyrics in each song are meant to be uplifting and encouraging. Sebree describes it as a “very inspirational album.” Adelaine released the Take Heart album on March 4, 2011. You can also get the album at live events in hardcopy or on the band’s merchandise web-store. This album was produced by Paul Leavitt, who has also produced All Time Low and We Are The In Crowd. “Being able to record with him was a really good experience for us,” Bayless said. “He gave us a lot of creative freedom.” Because the band is young, and they have “only been out of high school for a couple years,” Pina said, their music is very relatable to high school students. “When you’re in high school you start to ask yourself questions. Who do I want to be? What do I believe in? Where am I going?” Pina said. “And we’re still asking ourselves those questions, everyday.” Motivation and passion is relevant in every word. Even though sometimes “you may feel lost,” Pina said, “stay positive because there’s a lot of people that want to bring you down.” A great example of the mission to bring
positivity to music can be seen in the song “New Hope,” which is a song from the Take Heart album and also happens to be Wayne’s favorite song to play live. “Don’t you dare let them hold you down,” the lyrics state, “Your dreams are worth fighting for, striving for.” Adelaine wants to turn the “hard stuff” that everyone must endure into something “positive.” Change these negativities into a “passion for music, passion for people,” is inspiration for the message the band wants to send, Hannum said. “Keep your head up, and make sure you’re not afraid to follow your dreams whatever they may be,” Hannum said. “Be able to be confident with your choices. We all make mistakes, it’s part of life.” This is the attitude that the band wants their fans to pick up. Pina chooses her lyrics from life experiences. “I like to pick the hard stuff and format that in a positive way,” she said. Some of these lyrics come from her inspirations from “Jesus and [her] family.” Another example of inspiring lyrics are in the song, “Take Heart” which is also Adelaine’s first single. “Pickup your armor and fight, lay down your guns and knives,” Pina sings. “Your heart is your weapon, it’s time to make our move.” These down-to-earth topics are what really draw the music and it’s listeners together. “I like the good feeling I get when someone comes up to me after a show and a certain song that they heard and they knew exactly what I was saying,” Pina said. “Connections that we make with people that actually really enjoy our music; that’s what we live for.” “If someone says ‘Hey, you guys made my night,’ that makes us feel good.’ Hannum added. “It is awesome to get to hear that [our music] makes [the fans] feel good.” Along with the relationships with fans, the band also enjoys the experience of touring together. “Being with your best friends, locked in a van,” Bayless said. “It’s one of the best feelings in the world.” The unique experiences of touring; “traveling, meeting new people, seeing new places” are also some of the band’s favorite things, said Davis. “It’s so exciting,” Bayless added. “You never know what’s going to happen.” Adelaine played live in Central’s own gymnasium on May 17, at the Yearbook Distribution Party.
Opinion
Central High School Zone Newspaper
Volume 8 Issue 8 Page 10
Good, bad, ugly, senior year Ale Valoriano Editor in Chief Keller, Texas has been my home and my safe haven for the last seven years. It’s where I met my best friend in a bathroom, found out I was horrible at math, and was chosen to be in charge of 14 people. High school has allowed me to experience the best of times and the worst of times. It has kept me busy and let me have fun, it has taught me much of what I need to know, but not everything. I have broken down all the moments that have happened to me in two categories. The best and the worst of times. The best times: Getting accepted into UT. Having Vampire Diaries Thursdays. Seeing my mom’s hair grow out. Pestering my fifteen-year-old brother. Jamming to the CD “Sunny Side Up.” Double dates with Carol and Matt at Chili’s. Going to the wa-
ter gardens with Anthony for his birthday. Frozen yogurt with Ashtyn Gillie. Loving Gabe Supporta with Caitlin Bailey. Being a creep with Derek Phanekham after lunch. Getting a 100 on one of my pre-cal tests. Mrs. Brown being my adviser for four years. Randomly talking in British accents. Following Gossip Boy on facebook, aka Jake. Making cookies with Esteban. My sister throwing a vampire party for me. Playing monster with the kids. Playing Nazi Zombies with my brother Eric. Gossiping with my sister, Rosa (Topo) Blackdeer. Going to concerts. Watching I am Number Four at midnight. Eating rocky road ice cream with my family. Finding out I won two scholarships. Jonas concert with Ashtyn Gillie. All the fishes Ashtyn and I made for Mr. Teel. College visit to Austin. Graduating on June fourth.
The worst of times: Hayward’s graphs, getting a seventy five on my mouse trap project. Staying at five feet tall, no growth spurt for me. Stressing over eight issues of the Zone. UT getting my SAT scores late. Your face made by Esteban. Anthony finding out I’m a horrible swimmer. Over-sized tote bags. Green Lantern previews. Being late every A day. Climbing 40 million flights of stairs every day. Brittany Spears going on tour. Not wearing enough dresses. Procrastinating on some assignments. Scared of leaving my home. Editing stories. UT tuition. No soda in my house. Being slapped in the face by backpacks while going up the stairs. Stressing over prom. Almost crashing into Sonic. Carol taking two months to make me cookies. Justin Bieber fans. Waiting in line for my cap and gown. Falling in the hallway. Breaking my phone two times this year. Losing my Ipod
for two days. Realizing that I might gain the freshman fifteen. Not being able to eat pasta every day. Not being able to cook. Finding out I’m giving my to Isabel. Having to deal with sassiness (you know who you are). Dealing with smelly people. Expensive french fries at lunch. Finally the worst part for me was noticing how fast time goes by. One second I’m seventeen and the next my mom is welcoming me into the adult world. Fear that I might not have enough time to finish everything I want to, but like I once read “Do not fear death, but rather the unlived life. You don’t have to live forever. You just have to live,” and hopefully this works out for me.
Opinion
Central High School Zone Newspaper
Volume 8 Issue 8 Page 11
Hallway drama frustrates student Sam Meadows Staff Writer So I am supposed to talk about some topic or something about myself that I want to leave as my last tribute to the newspaper. Well, I couldn’t really think about anything about myself that I wanted to share so I have decided to talk about a topic that causes me pain, in a way. And I am going to apologize now if this comes across as harsh but well it is very frustrating having to deal with this re-occurring issue. Walking down the hallway in the passing periods with 3,000 other people all trying to get to a different place can be very chaotic and annoying. People don’t seem to know where
they are going or how to walk. Do we not learn how to walk at two (at least)? I would’ve assumed that 14-18 year olds would know how to walk, but then again teenagers now a days can’t drive correctly so I guess that I shouldn’t be surprised. Well, off of this tangent. For those that do know how to drive correctly, and this might be more than is realized, it is known that you drive on the right because this is correct etiquette. This etiquette is true for walking also, I know this is a novelty concept that is terribly difficult to grasp. When you are walking you stay on the right, especially when there are multiple people going in either direction. This helps to eliminate confusion. Another thing, if you were to stop in the
middle of the road while driving someone would run into you and wreck your car. The same concept occurs while walking, you stop then people will hit you people are trying to get to class and if you stop nobody cares and they will just keep on walking and run into you/push you out of the way if you don’t get out of the way quickly enough. One thing that is very, very frustrating is when people don’t walk correctly in the hallways and then they get mad when people do end up running into them. If you are going to stop then you can’t get mad if someone pushes you, you have set yourself up for it. If you are walking with a group of people and you are all walking slowly then do not take
up the entire width of the hall because then nobody else can get around you. You may not care about being late to class but others do, so either walk faster or leave room for people to get around you in both directions. One last rant, a lot of people meet up with friends and boyfriends/girlfriends in the halls. I don’t have a problem with this; by all means go for who really cares. What I do have a problem with is when couple meets up in the middle of a walkway and then they end up making out. No one wants to watch you swapping spit so either find some out of the way alcove (there are a lot around campus) or make out not at school.
9/11 Changes perspective Jackson Wallace Staff Writer September 11, 2011 will mark the tenth anniversary of the worst attack on American soil. Nearly ten years ago terrorists fueled by Osama Bin Laden, flew two 747 aircraft into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York city. America was blind-sided and sucker punched in the gut. Citizens in New York City either scrambled like fire ants in a rainstorm, or watched shocked in horror at what had just taken place, and how the United States would change forever. I’ll never forget that day. I may have only been 8 years old but I remember everything as
though it was yesterday. The very same morning of 9/11 was the very same morning my dad left on a plane to New York City for a business meeting. For about 2 minutes, I thought my dad was dead. I thought my dad, the man who taught me how to throw a ball, the man who taught me how to swim, the man who taught me everything I knew was dead. For an entire 2 minutes my world was upside down, for 2 minutes, I thought my life was over. Then the phone rang. It was my dad. He called, said he was all right and that he had already landed before the attack. I have never felt such joy, I had not experienced such a turn of emotion in my life. I had gone from feeling my life was over,
to jumping off the walls excited. Then I felt a rage, I felt a fire in my heart like nothing I have ever felt before. I was angry I was all kinds of pissed off. That somebody had just tried to kill my dad, that somebody had just taken American lives. Then I heard the name Osama Bin Laden. Osama Bin Laden was the leader of the terrorist organization responsible for the attacks on 9/11. He had eluded American forces for ten years. He has hidden in several countries around the world and continued to conspire against the Eagle’s homeland. On May, 1, 2011 Bin Laden was tracked down and killed in his own compound. As soon as I got word of Bin Laden’s death, I felt the same
joy as hearing my dad was alive. I guess that seems kind of unusual, taking joy in another human being’s death. But then again, it’s not unusual because he wasn’t a human being. He was a monster and personally I couldn’t be happier knowing that his body ( what’s left of it) is rotting in the ocean. I personally want to thank everyone in the Armed Forces. Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Special Forces alike. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service to our country, and as long as that flag is still flying, we will never back down from a fight. And we will never, ever quit!
High school in between the lines Shelby Yancey Staff Writer High school is that strange point in life when childhood comes to a close, adulthood begins and you learn who you really are. Sure, what clique you fit into isn't who you are for the rest of your life, but you find some piece of your personality, what you're really made of. My high school career wasn't perfect, it might be the most imperfect story ever told. It started out with a shy freshman, and ended with a stronger senior. By stronger, I don't mean physically stronger, I mean I am not
afraid like I was before. I still don't like public speaking or heights, but I am not afraid to fail, not afraid to express myself, not afraid of what other people think. It didn't happen overnight, this social bravery, it took most of the four years. Somewhere between getting food and insults hurled at me freshmen year and sitting by myself, and somewhere between every embarrassing class speech. Somewhere between learning to write and how much I love it, and somewhere between being stepped on and ignored by the people I thought were my friends. Somewhere in between then and now I found some strange strength to be myself,
some strength to overcome. Here are a few things I found between it all: 1.) Don't ever let anyone else tell you you're someone or something you're not. In fact, don't lie to yourself either. 2.) Don't be afraid to express yourself, because a failure to do so is cheating yourself. If people don't like you because of it, that's their problem. 3.) Never give up, whether it's for academic purposes or just for yourself, don't stop trying. 4.) Your friends aren’t always the people you would expect, in fact, some of the best friends you may ever have are the most
unlikely people. By the end of the story I am without a doubt a different person from the beginning. Sure, it wasn’t easy to get where I am, but what good story doesn’t have its imperfections? The story of Cinderella didn’t end well just because the beginning was pleasant, but because she didn’t have it easy to begin with and ended up on top. Looking back, I feel like Cinderella; as thought by magic, I’m a different person in the end. What’s more, graduation isn’t the end of the story; it’s just the next chapter in my life.